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Women’s Posture
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SPRING SNEEZING BEGONE Seasonal Allergy Help
Planting For Profit Growing a Cash Crop In your Backyard
MAY 2010
| West Michigan Edition | www.NaturalWestMichigan.com natural awakenings
May 2010
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contents 8
5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs
10 globalbriefs
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13 inspiration
14 consciouseating 18 fitbody
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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
13 THE POWER OF HALF
by Hannah Salwen
14 BYRON CENTER
PUBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATES MICHIGAN WEEK
20 healthykids
22 featurearticle
HEEL HANGOVER by Katy Bowman
32 calendar
advertising & submissions How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email: Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for space reservation is the 12th of each month prior to publication.
News Briefs & article submissions Email articles to: Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for articles is the 5th of the month prior to publication. Submit News Briefs online at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for news briefs is the 12th of the month prior to publication.
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
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with Local Fare on the Lunch Menu
18 CURE FOR HIGH
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20 COMMON SENSE
DEFENSES AGAINST SEASONAL ALLERGIES Tips to Help Children
Breathe Easier
by Bevin Wallace
22 A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO
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FINANCIAL HEALTH It Starts with Trusting Your Intuition 20
by Lisa Marshall
26 PLANTING FOR PROFIT How to Grow a Cash Crop
in Your Backyard
by Sharon Pisacreta
22
32 WOMEN’S POSTURE by Andrew Schafer, DC
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contact us Publishers Kyle & Amy Hass Editors MaryAnn Lawrence S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Marketing Stephanie Harding
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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.
others, daughters, sisters, aunts and grandmothers everywhere continue to quietly go about the business of consistently caring for what’s important in the world, electing to nurture that which lasts. This month Natural Awakenings pays tribute to women of all ages, recognizing the selfless mothering that supports and forwards the well-being of families, communities and nations. It’s why we celebrate Mother’s Day, established in 1914, on the second Sunday of May each year, a special time just for you. We all know that a healthy, happy Mom makes for a happy, healthy home. Our annual Women’s Wellness issue is here to support you and all the women in your life in making healthful, life-affirming choices from a holistic perspective, including the choice to be financially strong (page 22). We all deserve to live lives of vitality, pleasure and confidence. This month’s tips even include the way to ensure we have healthy, happy feet, one of life’s often overlooked necessities for standing tall (page 18). I have been fortunate to have two great mothers in my life. My mom has taught me love, loyalty, the importance of family and good values; she continues to give me more than I could ever ask for and truly is my best friend. My step-mom came into my life when I was age 3. With her guidance I’ve learned how to be a financially smart and self-sufficient, confident, strong woman. Best of all, she believes in me; I love how she cheers me on in realizing that I can achieve anything I set out to do. To both Moms, I offer a heartfelt thank-you, especially poignant in that I was a handful as a youngster and won’t even attempt to describe the challenges I presented as a teen. I rejoice that, like all good mothers, they hung in there through the tough times and that we now have a great relationship. So many women (and men) have been there for us as pillars to hold to in life’s rough patches. Any time is the right time to acknowledge how they have blessed us and continue to support, teach and bring out the best in us while embracing us just as we are. In this regenerative month of May it’s a good time to celebrate being a woman as we wish all mothers a joyous and well-deserved Mother’s Day. Please join in recognizing all of the women who have made a difference in your own life. In celebration of good women everywhere,
Amy Natural Awakenings on 100% recycledEdition Michigan 4is printedWest newsprint with soy based ink.
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newsbriefs Pilgrim Spirit Tour
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t takes a special kind of faith to make the journey to the Tibetan city of Lhasa, where tradition brings people worldwide to pray and make offerings of yak butter and money at the temples there. With prayer wheels in hand, they chant as they walk and, upon arrival, prostrate themselves before the Buddha in an act of surrender and reverence. Both Tibet and Yunnan are among the few places in the world where one can be steeped in the ancient mysteries that guided life for thousands of years. Next spring, be guided by Pilgrim Spirit Tours as you discover the ancient traditions nestled in these still remote areas of China. Travel as pilgrims with our Chinese and Tibetan guides as we discover and immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds and beliefs of cultures that remain colorful, unique and largely undiscovered. The cost of the 18-day pilgrimage is $4960, excluding international airfare. Contact Barbara Lee at Extended Grace, 616-502-2078 or barbaralee13@gmail.com. Extended Grace. 616-502-2078. See ad page 39
Grand Opening Massage Special
Writing Workshop Encourages Good, Long Look
Writer Ray Bradbury credits his breakthrough as a writer to “a long look at the green apple trees and the old house I was born in and the house next door where lived my grandparents.” Disability rights activists and writers Mike Ervin and Rahnee Patrick will lead “Green Apple Trees and Old Houses: A Writing Retreat for People with Disabilities and Their Allies” May 21-23 at The Leaven Center in Lyons. Beginning and experienced writers are invited to take a long, reflective look at their own lives in search of their personal “green apple trees and old houses” – the people, places, things and events that make us inspired, frightened, motivated, daunted, defiant, angry, joyous or grieved. Participants will discover how to recognize and capture the significant twists and turns of their lives and express them in writing. Poets, playwrights, fiction and nonfiction writers are welcome. Cost for the weekend is $190. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. To register, contact Karen Bota at The Leaven Center, 989-855-2606. Leaven.org. See ad page 39
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rand Rapids Center for the Healing Arts has a new name and new location – but not too far. The new space is just two doors down, at 3160-C Breton Avenue SE in Grand Rapids. To celebrate, Price is offering $20/hour massages; there is a minimum of three hours, but no limit. The offer must be used weekly or bi-weekly, says Price. “I am very much looking forward to the new space,” says Price, “as it will allow me to expand far beyond massage. The new space features a group room, as well as a very quiet space for massage and energy work.” Ama Deus and Kundalini Reiki treatments will now be available in addition to the extensive massage menu already in place, she says. Upcoming events include Laughter Yoga workshops and clubs, a series of Kundalini awakening workshops, transformational meditational training, Ama Deus attunements, and training for massage therapists and others. A small gift shop will occupy the space as well. Anne plans for this to be a welcoming destination in the area, “filled with a wonderful healing energy and brimming with love and laughter.” Contact Anne Price at Grand Rapids Center for the Healing Arts, 616-648-7011 or at Price.Anne.R@gmail.com. See ad page 29
Open House and Ribbon Cutting
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ome celebrate the ribbon cutting and open house of the newly expanded and renovated Holistic Care Approach facility on May 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. Meet new Medical Director Dr. Laura Tinning and other practitioners. Experience chair massage, tours, refreshments and samplings of the many services provided. Holistic Care Approach is located at 3368 Beltline Court, in Grand Rapids, 616-361-9221. See ad page 28.
616.328.5716
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Participant in Park Upgrade Program natural awakenings
May 2010
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First Herb & Spice Festival
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topian Marketplace, located at 8832 Water Street in Montague, hosts its first Herb and Spice Fest June 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate the love of herbs and spices in this beautiful award-winning garden. There will be displays, demonstrations, talks and tasty cafe treats. Enjoy a garden tour and then relax on the spacious new deck to enjoy the musical compositions of local guitarist and composer Don Spezia who will debut his new composition, “Utopian Gardens.” Visit the booths and demos featuring natural dyeing with herbs and other botanicals, aromatherapy and herbal tea talks, fair trade and local foods information, and featuring Brittanie’s Thyme Organic Body Care Products and The Western Michigan Herb Society. Sample many delectable recipes from Utopian’s fantastic Café along with herb and lavender specialties from Cherry Point in Shelby. Enter to win a gift basket and indulge in a soothing chair massage or a creative henna tattoo. Learn about organic gardening and seed-saving. There will be many gardening products, seeds and herb and vegetable plants available, along with bulk dried herbs and spices, including 150 varieties of Seed Savers heirloom vegetable, herb and flower seeds. UtopianMarketplace.com. 231-894-9530. See ad page 32
Fair Trade Day Celebration
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lobal Gifts will host a celebration to mark World Fair Trade Day May 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 2055 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Global Gifts is a Fair Trade non-profit gift shop dedicated to the relief of world hunger. Stop by to browse through the beautiful shop and register to win door prizes while enjoying some free samples of fair trade products. The store offers an array of items from gifted artisans such as sculptors, jewelers, potters and textile weavers from all over the developing world. The store seeks to improve the lives of these small producers, farmers and artisans. Fair trade ensures good working conditions and fair prices under safe conditions. Fair Trade is sustainable commerce that helps transform the status of women and empower small producers. Call 616-245-2225 or visit GlobalGiftsGR.com. See ad page 21
Rain Barrels on a Roll
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ustainable living specialist David Smith of GoGreen Step, a local producer of rain barrels, will tour green fairs, community gardens and farmers markets throughout Michigan this Spring to spread the word about the many benefits of using rain barrels at home. His first stop is the Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity ReStore Green Fair May 13-15 in Holland. GoGreen Step creates attractive rain barrels by giving used food grade barrels a new life. The transformation is complete with a deep clean, durable fixtures and a long lasting paint finish in multiple colors to enhance your home and garden. Smith says the benefits of using residential rain barrels include healthy plants, improved municipal rain water management and healthy rivers and lakes. “Why pay for city water, when you can catch your own?” says Smith. GoGreen Step is located at 1128 Ottawa Beach Road, in Holland. GoGreenStep.com. 616-283-3104.
Spring: Time to Cultivate, Time to Grow
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oin Jamie and Justin Allison May 14-16 for a transformational weekend of yoga. Jamie is committed to educating and empowering her students through the enlightened teachings of Anusara® Yoga and Rajanaka® Tantra. She received her certification in Anusara® Yoga in 1999 and brings to her teaching the wisdom she has gained from her years of study, practice and desire to deepen her investment in yoga and in life. Jamie has been studying closely with John Friend, founder of Anusara® Yoga, since 1994 and with Dr.Douglas Brooks, world-renowned scholar of Rajanaka® Tantra, since 1998. “Together we’ll delve into the Universal Principles of Alignment™ in a way that makes them accessible for everyone,” say the couple. The Principles offer a methodology for being ready to receive, cultivate and grow the potential of every moment, on and off the yoga mat. From the Heart Yoga Center is located at 714-C Wealthy Street SE, in Grand Rapids. Schedule and pricing information at 616-336-9642 and FromtheHeartYoga.com. See ad page 16
FKPA 10-002
Bakers, Caterers, Chefs, Cooks, Entrepreneurs
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“ Grow Your Food Business With Us!” Robin Cunningham Robin@facilitykitchens.com Phone: 616-301-4212 www.facilitykitchens.com 501 Ottawa, Lowell, MI 49331
Great Lakes, Great Midwives! Family Fun Festival
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oin Friends of Michigan Midwives for the Great Lakes, Great Midwives! Family Fun Festival Saturday May 15 at Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 1711 Walker Avenue, in Grand Rapids. A donation of $10/family or $5/person is recommended. A pancake breakfast starts off the festival at 8 a.m. followed by the Family Festival and Art Show at 10 a.m. The day’s festivities also include live music, sing-along, storytelling, drum circle, henna tattoos, Bellies, Birth and Beyond Art Show, kid’s games and crafts, face painting, a silent auction, raffle prizes and more. Don’t miss the Orgasmic Birth film screening at 6 p.m.
MNA Opens Door for Membership
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aturopaths, students in training for natural healing and natural health practitioners are invited to join the Michigan Naturopaths Association. Membership is free through November. The organization offers professional development, networking, legislative protection, conference development, continuing education, health news and more. MichiganNaturopathsAssociation.net. 734-769-7794.
Brand New Commercial Rental Kitchens Opening Soon
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n Michigan’s tough economy we must keep our dreams alive, be creative, follow our passions, and as the song goes, “gonna try with a little help from my friends”; Facility Kitchens endeavors to be that friend. Are you passionate about food? Whether you need a test kitchen to develop your
menus, teach gourmet cooking classes, bring your gatherings of fresh produce from Lowell’s Farmers Market for canning, bake pastries to sell at the market, cook for a banquet you are catering, or produce a specialty/signature food item and package it for a local grocery or coffee shop, they provide the facility to do your dream; Facility Kitchens is the place. Commercial Rental Kitchens are moving into the construction phase of development. For more information and to contact Robin, please visit www.facilitykitchens.com or robin@facilitykitchens.com. Visit often for the latest developments. See ad(s) pages 6 & 21
Health by Nature has a New Office
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ealth by Nature, LLC has opened a new office in downtown Holland at 222 South River Ave., Suite 207. Health by Nature provides holistic health counseling, nutrition counseling and custom herbal remedies. Consultations are available in the downtown office, in your home or by phone. Contact Karen Green at 616-566-0349. See ad page 35
Kudos
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he Yoga Studio congratulates longtime teacher Kat McKinney for completing an Associate of Applied Science degree, summa cum laude, at Baker College of Muskegon to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). She will take the National PTA Exam early this summer to become fully licensed. Kat says that she has found that her physical therapy and yoga studies complement each other well and she looks forward to continuing to teach yoga in addition to working as a PTA. The Yoga Studio is delighted to have Kat as part of our staff. The Yoga Studio is located at 955 Cherry SE, in Grand Rapids. 616 776-0836. See ad page 16
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May 2010
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healthbriefs
Acupuncture Relieves Depression During Pregnancy
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new study presented at this year’s Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting showed that acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment for depression during pregnancy. This is especially good news because expectant women are naturally reluctant to take medications and understand that the use of antidepressants during gestation poses risks for the developing fetus. About 10 percent of pregnant women meet criteria for major depression and almost 20 percent report increased symptoms of depression during pregnancy. The eight-week study involved 150 participants, in which half received depressionspecific acupuncture treatments. See page 37 for a local Acupuncturist.
Allergy Prevention Tips
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hen pollen counts and other allergy risks are high, these prevention tips can help. Avoid using lipstick, perfume or any scented product that may irritate eyes; get plenty of rest, when the body replenishes natural cortisone, its own antiinflammatory; avoid iced beverages and instead drink lots of warm liquids to stimulate nasal cilia, especially hot green tea, because it’s high in antioxidants that can help reduce allergy symptoms; blow the nose gently, so as not to force mucus into healthy sinuses and ear canals; and keep a sweater or jacket handy to avoid getting chilled, which can contribute to allergy flare-ups.
More Kudos for Nuts and Mediterranean Diet
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ccording to a report in The Journal of the American Medical Association, a Mediterranean diet, with an additional daily serving of mixed nuts, can be helpful in managing some metabolic disorders in older adults. Research focused on metabolic syndrome, a set of metabolic disorders such as abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and high blood glucose levels, all of which increase the risk of chronic disease.
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Source: Dr. Murray Grossan, consulting physician, department of otolaryngology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
Cruciferous Veggies Help With Cystic Fibrosis
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cientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Health System discovered that a dietary antioxidant found in vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower helps protect cells from damage caused by chemicals generated during the body’s inflammatory response to infection and injury. The finding has implications for inflammation-based disorders including cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart disease and neurodegeneration.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Exercising Benefits Expectant Mothers and Babies
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ontrary to more conservative customs, exercising up to the end of pregnancy has no harmful effect on the weight or size of the baby, suggests new research from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology. On the contrary, formerly sedentary women who began an exercise program that continued throughout their pregnancy gave birth to babies of a healthier birth weight, while maintaining a healthier weight themselves. Source: fecyt.es
Got Zinc?
Aromatherapy Spices Kitchen Duty
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regano, allspice and garlic have multiple uses in any kitchen; now, research published in the Journal of Food Science reveals that when they are used as essential oils (commonly known as aromatherapy oils) they also serve as powerful natural barriers against harmful bacteria. Investigating the effectiveness of these oils by testing lab samples, the
scientists discovered that oregano oil consistently inhibited the growth of E. coli, salmonella and listeria; garlic was most effective against listeria; and allspice displayed antimicrobial action against E. coli and salmonella. A separate study by the same researchers showed that cinnamon also offered protection against all three types of bacteria. Many essential oils are safe to use in the kitchen as flavoring agents, but because of their potency, they should be used with care. To learn more about the uses and safety of essential oils, consult with a qualified aromatherapist. Source: Institute of Food Technologists
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hen it comes to healing, boosting immunity and keeping our DNA intact, zinc is a star. A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology reports that it may be the basis for future therapies for fighting infection, because the mineral supports healthy immune function by increasing activation of specific immune cells (T cells) capable of destroying viruses and bacteria. Zinc supplementation, for instance, has been shown to significantly reduce the duration and severity of childhood diarrhea and to lower the incidence and severity of respiratory infections. Furthermore, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, zinc is essential for people of all ages because it protects against oxidative stress and helps repair DNA. The institute also reports that zinc deficiency is common in the United States, especially among the elderly, due to their lower absorption of the mineral and often inadequate diet. A well-balanced diet that includes pumpkin seeds, chick peas, almonds, eggs, chicken, turkey, beef and shellfish such as oysters can supply zinc. Taking a daily multivitamin containing about eight milligrams of zinc also ensures that our needs are met. Additional sources: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and DietBites.com
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that works for all.
Fat Country
America Moves to Overturn Obesity Epidemic The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States during the past 20 years (cdc.gov/obesity/ data/trends.html). In 2008, only one state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20 percent. Thirty-two states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25 percent. Awareness of the vital need to counter this trend along with the wide range of associated health risks is on the rise thanks to educational efforts on many fronts. Here are some of the Jamie Oliver latest. This February, First Lady Michelle Obama launched her national “Let’s Move” anti-obesity campaign to end what she calls “the epidemic of childhood obesity” in a single generation. Her campaign is set to engage children, parents, governors, mayors, educators, school nutrition leaders and food manufacturers. In March and April, ABC-TV created a stir with Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, a special series covering a case study bent on changing eating habits in the Huntington, West Virginia, metropolitan area. The tri-state region was labeled the unhealthiest place in the country in 2006, based on health habits and U.S. government statistics. Oliver has succeeded in transforming the school lunch system in Britain for the better; now he’s taking on America. “One thing I learned here in the States is that once you get in people’s homes, there’s a yearning for information and help,” says Oliver. “It’s as consistent as clockwork.” He says he’s never worked with a family of four that live on junk food that don’t end up spending less eating fresh. In his experience, “they save an average $100$150 a week.” Now, Hunter Lussi, 15, the world’s youngest certified Olympic-distance triathlete, is challenging Americans to train this summer to establish a new record for the largest group ever to participate in a triathlon. He’s challenging Americans young and old to complete the equivalent of his first triathlon (at age 6) by attempting, as individuals or in a relay team, a 500-yard swim/paddle/float, 10-mile bike/spin/roll and 2.5-mile run/ walk/roll this coming Labor Day and every Labor Day. “If I can go from being a chubby kid to where I am now, anyone can do this,” says Lussi. Sign up at AmericasTriForHealth.com.
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Shopping Tip
Decline Unnecessary Receipts Shoppers need to be wary of receipts that come on thermal imaging paper, the kind of coated paper that faxes used to arrive on and some cash registers still routinely spit out. Many of these types of receipts are laced with bisphenol A (BPA), the estrogen-mimicking chemical present in many hard plastic bottles and metal-based food and beverage cans since the 1960s. The amount the receipts carry isn’t trivial. “When people talk about polycarbonate bottles, they talk about nanogram quantities of BPA [leaching out],” says John C. Warner, co-founder of the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Industry. “The average cash register receipt that uses the BPA technology will have 60 to 100 milligrams of free BPA.” (This means it’s not bound into a polymer, as in polycarbonates, he explains, but is just loose molecules ready for uptake.) In Warner’s opinion, when it comes to BPA in the urban environment, “the biggest exposure will be these cash register receipts.” Once on the fingers, BPA can be transferred to foods. A 2010 Food and Drug Administration update supports U.S. industry’s actions to stop producing BPA-containing baby bottles and feeding cups and to find alternatives for infant formula cans. The best bet for now is to minimize acceptance of such receipts, keep them out of kids’ hands and wash hands after touching one. Store them in a separate, zipped plastic bag away from the kitchen and not in a wallet. According to Grist.org, such receipts are non-recyclable; check with the local municipality for exceptions.
Dolphin Friends
Call for More Humane Treatment New research reveals that many modern dolphin brains are significantly larger than our own and second in mass to the human brain when corrected for body size. “Dolphins are sophisticated, self-aware, highly intelligent beings with individual personalities, autonomy and an inner life,” said Lori Marino, an Emory University neuroscientist at a recent American Association for the Advancement of Science conference. Marino and other experts are concerned by, among other things, the growing industry of capturing and confining dolphins, and then having them perform in marine parks or to swim with tourists at resorts. The approach is misinformed and needs to be reconsidered, she says, as “Dolphins are vulnerable to tremendous suffering and psychological trauma.” An earlier study indicated that dolphins’ selfawareness is similar to that in higher primates and elephants. The recent Oscar-winning documentary, The Cove, addresses the extremes human disregard for dolphin populations can reach if left unchecked. Take Action by petitioning leaders in the U.S. and Japan to protect the world’s dolphins at TheCoveMovie.com.
Assisted Living
Cleaning for a Reason Helps Cancer Patients for Free The Cleaning for a Reason Foundation is a nonprofit agency that offers free professional housecleaning and maid services to women currently undergoing treatment for any form of cancer. Since 2007, the Texas-based group has been connecting cancer patients in all 50 United States and in Canada with hundreds of bonded and insured services that offer free cleaning to qualified applicants. Women seeking household cleaning help can sign up online, backed by a faxed note from their physician. Participating services can help two patients at a time with four monthly cleanings. Two to three dozen new agency partners are being added each month as word gets out and demand for the service grows. Visit CleaningForAReason.org.
Elder Moment
National Senior Health & Fitness Day An estimated 100,000 older adults will participate in local fitness activities throughout the country on May 26 as part of the 17th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. Senior centers, health clubs, hospitals, parks and recreation departments, and retirement communities will host some 1,000 events. Typical programs include small group exercise demonstrations, walking tours and health fairs. Nationally, the initiative is orchestrated by Mature Market Resource Center, an information clearinghouse for older adult programs.
Wilderness Vigil
Americans Benefit from Elders’ Conservation Efforts Great Old Broads for Wilderness, a nonprofit, public lands organization based in Durango, Colorado, leverages the voices and activism of elders to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. The
group’s forte is raising public awareness of the importance of wilderness and alerting the public to inappropriate development and management decisions affecting it. When its members talk with the conviction of life experience, people tend to listen, says Veronica Egan, executive director since 1992. Established in 1989 on the 25th anniversary of the federal Wilderness Act, these old broads are on a mission to preserve public lands, the places they love to hike, for their grandchildren. Broads in 22 local chapters, or Broadbands, in 18 states join with other environmental groups to preserve national forests, grasslands, monuments and parks. Most of the land they monitor is in the American West, with its vast roadless areas. The most common impacts are on archaeological sites and riparian lands that contain irreplaceable biological diversity. The women are vigilant about monitoring, documenting and reporting unauthorized activities. Wally White, a county commissioner of La Plata, Colorado, considers Egan’s work “unsurpassed.” She reminds him of the tradition of Native Americans, who have always relied on elders for guidance and leadership. For more information visit
GreatOldBroads.org. natural awakenings
May 2010
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globalbriefs Healing Network
Christian Spirituality and Medicine
www.ecotrekfitness.com
A recent annual International Christian Medical Conference welcomed 400 doctors and other medical professionals from 30 countries who all believe in praying for their sick patients—with their permission, of course. They also believe that divine healing should be provable, which is why several presented their supporting medical data. “Despite the advancement of medicine, many people are still suffering from diseases… so many incurable and fatal diseases,” observes Rev. Dr. Vitality Fishbert, a physician from the Republic of Moldova, who now practices in New York City. “But there is one way where every kind of disease can be healed… that is when you meet the Almighty God. He can heal any kind of diseases that cannot be cured with science and medicines.” Source: ASSIST News Service
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Perfect Storm
More Corporations are Catering to Green Moms Thanks to the blogosphere, interactive group websites and online social media, women are becoming increasingly educated about how to avoid what may be harmful to their families as well as how to lessen their family’s negative impact on the environment in which they live. They are vocal about their need for sustainable products at affordable prices, and companies are responding to meet the demand. “Green sensibilities are trickling down to the general market,” observes Wendy Goldman Scherer, a partner at the Social Studies Group, commenting on the group’s new report, Green Mom Eco-cosm. The researchers concluded that while loyalty to classic brands remains, more moms are sacrificing brand preference for environmental considerations. Find the full report at SocialStudiesGroup.com.
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inspiration
The Power of Half by Hannah Salwen
Fourteen-year-old Hannah Salwen’s awakening to the urgent need for social justice led to a unanimous family decision to dramatically change the focus of all of their lives. They sold their huge historic house, moved into a more modest home and gave half of the sale price to charity. In The Power of Half, co-authored with her father, Hannah describes how the project connected her family and lays out how others can undertake their own project (of any size). Hannah’s work inspires us all to take another look at our own relationships and our ability to make a difference in the world.
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s the British philosopher Edmund Burke said, “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” I know exactly what he was talking about. Before our family Power of Half project, I kept telling myself that no matter how hard I tried or how much money I gave to causes, I would never be able to fully solve any of the world’s big problems. When I worked at Café 458, the Atlanta restaurant for homeless men and women, I saw dozens of people come in looking depressed and lonely. I didn’t see them as individuals, but instead as a group called “the homeless.”
One day, I heard two homeless men talking about a college basketball game that I had watched with my dad the night before. I snapped to the realization that these are people, and not just some anonymous group. How stupid and rude I had been to see them as different from me. Having that epiphany was a big step for me. In that split second of comprehension, I switched to seeing people in need as individuals; the problem of homelessness and hunger seemed smaller and I felt like I could make more of a difference. I also started believing that I could help because I was aware of their problem on a personal level. I believe that no matter how little you have, it’s worth parting with half of something in order to make a difference. Sometimes giving time is better than giving away money or clothes. The point is not as much about personal sacrifice as it is realizing how much you have available to give in time, talent and treasure to improve someone else’s life. Excerpted from “Hannah’s Take” in The Power of Half: One Family’s Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back,” by Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen, © 2010. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Find more information on creating your own project via the family’s CD, blog and study guide; visit ThePowerOfHalf.com.
natural awakenings
May 2010
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consciouseating
Byron Center Public Schools Celebrates Michigan Week
with Local Fare on the Lunch Menu
by Julie Hurley
I
t doesn’t sound like your typical school hot lunch fare: a Michigan cherry burger on a wholegrain bun, roasted asparagus, mixed fruit shortcake on an Awrey’s Biscuit and Peterson Farms apple slices, but it is what Byron Center Public Schools (BCPS) will be serving up to its students during Michigan Week, held May 17-21. These are just a few of the spotlighted local items on the BCPS hot lunch menu, which coincides with the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Detroit during the same week. Although the Kent County school already features as many locally sourced items as budget and time allow, this is the first year that they are publicly highlighting and featuring them for all to see. Susan Meyer, Food Services Director for BCPS for the past 10 years, said that the school lunch program gets a worse rap than what they deserve. “The West Michigan Food Services Director’s Group, which meets every month, began talking about this last fall,” she said. “We wanted to market our programs in a better light than what we had been receiving. We wanted to get out there and show everyone that we’re using local products as much as possible.” The marketing committee from this group began working with Gordon Food Service to come up with products for the schools to choose from. They gave each district a template from which they could choose some or all items to feature on their menu. “Close to 100 districts across the state, with a lot from west and northern Michigan, have chosen to participate in the
program,” said Meyer. “It’s a good showing for the first year and it’s something we’re going to build upon for future years.” Although the menu sounds basic enough, it’s not an easy thing to pull off in an oftentimes underequipped school kitchen. “Take our fresh Michigan asparagus for example,” said Meyer. “Because many of our schools don’t have actual ovens, we’ll have to roast it in our central kitchen and then truck it out to each school. We have to time it correctly and not cook it too far ahead of time and risk it getting soggy. We want the kids to like it.” Meyer, who has trained in culinary arts and has owned her own wedding and catering business, firmly believes in cooking foods in a healthful manner and preferably from scratch. “No matter how badly we want to make food from scratch, it’s not financially possible,” said Meyer. “The lunch budget is all on it’s own. We don’t take from the general fund. Each year we have to make that budget and also try to make money to buy updated equipment when we can.” Based on the national average for producing a lunch, BCPS and other public schools across the nation gets reimbursed up to $2.68 for free or reduced priced lunches served, which includes labor. Districts also receive $.25 per full-priced meal served to help offset food and labor costs. Catch the Vision Enterprises—We Deliver Wellness “It’s not an easy thing to just buy Join Us For An Exciting Presentation! natural foods, considering our financial restraints,” said Meyer. “The labor and time involved in the food prep drives the prices Live Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. up even more. Not only that, but we don’t Longer At Free Spirit Worship Center even have an oven in many of the school 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 120 & Make Your N. of The Sixth Street Bridge kitchens to cook raw, fresh foods, including Healthier at Mason St. Home chicken. We’d also have to cut back on the Grand Rapids, MI 49503 & lunch choices at each school.” (Plenty of parking) This could be a big deal, especially Environment Get Out of Debt at the high school, where there are over 20 Safer RSVP TODAY! & lunch choices for the students. 616 791791-8818 Secure Your “Our high school is one of the best 1 800 947947-8412 Financial Future high schools around; no one could complain about that,” said Meyer. “The kids can choose themartins@wedeliverwellness.com from veggie burgers, grab-n-go salads, madeto-order and sub sandwiches, among many
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others. The salad bar even has enough protein on it to forego a hot item like chicken nuggets.” BCPS hasn’t raised prices of its lunches in four years, and depending on the budget the school may have to revisit the subject in the near future. If parents asked for more made-from-scratch and non-processed foods with the understanding that the cost would be higher for lunch, Meyer could take it to the BCPS Board of Education and raise prices with the School Board’s approval. With the recent spotlight shown upon the school lunch by television programs like Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, many people are starting to take a closer look at the school hot lunch, including our nation’s decision-makers. The Healthy School Meals Act of 2010 (H.R. 4870) will “help schools offer plant-based vegetarian options if they choose to do so. It directs the USDA to conduct a pilot program to determine what healthful plant-based protein products children like and are easy to prepare for school breakfasts and lunches. Based on the findings of this pilot, the USDA is directed to then add such products to the commodities list, thus reducing significantly their cost.” (http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/legislative/hsma.cfm) Research has shown that introducing just one low-fat plant-based meal a week can begin to correct a child’s poor nutrition. Since 2050 students take hot lunch each day at BCPS, this could make a significant difference in the health of the community. Luckily BCPS is ahead of the curve. There’s a full salad bar at every school, including all elementary schools and it’s been a non-carbonated beverage school for the past seven years. It’s also one of only two schools in Kent County that does not have a contract with Coca-Cola. Even so, more changes do need to be made and she believes that everyone can begin to work in a more positive direction with what they already have. “We need to teach kids to make healthy choices. Portion control is one of the big things many don’t teach. It’s simple: calories in, calories out,” said Meyer. “I believe in moderation. In leading by example, I try to help others understand that the food in people’s lives makes a difference. “ A married mother of two young children, Julie Hurley is a freelance writer with a strong interest in natural living; visit her blog at ourlunchbox.blogspot.com. She is also the Grand Rapids Healthy Food Examiner for Examiner.com. Visit her page at: tinyurl.com/ healthyfoodexaminer. natural awakenings
May 2010
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ew research suggests that, for those prone to contracting it, dowager’s hump (hyperkyphosis) “is not a fait accompli,” advises Dr. Gail Greendale, a physician who specializes in women’s health with an interest in alternative and complementary therapies. Results of a pilot study she led at the University of California, Los Angeles, showed that elderly participants who practiced yoga for six months saw their upper spine curvature lowered by about 5 percent, compared to those who did not. Those with greater spinal flexibility at the start showed a 6 percent improvement. More than 100 otherwise healthy individuals with indicators of moderate hyperkyphosis participated. The study group was 81 percent female, with an average age of 75 years. During the six-month study period, the yoga group also showed significant relief from upper back pain, were less likely to report early wakening or insomnia and needed less time to stand up from a chair. Many members of the control group experienced increases in the curvature of their spines during the same period. Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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fitbody When researchers at the Institute for Aging Research recently analyzed foot exami-
CURE FOR
nation data from 3,300 older
HIGH HEEL
HANGOVER by Katy Bowman
men and women, they found that 64 percent of the women who reported heel and ankle pain regularly wore pumps or high heels at some time in the past. They found no significant link between foot pain and
W
ould we keep wearing a hat that gave us a headache or a belt that fractured our ribs? The answer is, probably not. Yet, most of us wear shoes that have multiple negative impacts on the health of our entire body. Studies in leading scientific journals show that these reverberating effects start with painful and deformed feet and can migrate up to impaired bone density and a weakened pelvic floor.
the types of shoes men wear. Source: Arthritis Care and Research
According to The Journal of Gerontology, for example, a study examining senior populations showed that a history of wearing ill-fitting and highheeled footwear was specifically associated with poor balance, hammer toes, bunions and foot pain. Once thought to be genetic or age-related, researchers are now beginning to look at the impact that shoes have on the body.
Identifying the Culprits The most detrimental part of the shoe to overall body structure seems to be heel height, which both increases tension in the plantar fascia (the thick connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot) and alters the position of the knees and lower back. The higher the heel, the tighter the muscles and fascia in the arch become, until walking feels painful. A heel of any height also projects one’s body mass forward, increasing the pressure on the front of the foot, which can lead to soreness there and increase the risk for bunions. Other harmful footwear characteristics also need to be evaluated. The narrow toe spaces of many fash18
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ion favorites not only limit the foot’s natural range of motion, they diminish the strength of the toes. Weakened foot and toe muscles, resulting from years of cramping toes into a too-small space, provide insufficient strength for proper balancing and, according to the American Journal of Epidemiology, the situation can even increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
designers are offering colorful, fun and sexy options these days in sandals, ballet flats and other stylish looks. It’s also important to minimize the use of sandals or flip-flops that require the toes to grip onto the shoe when walking. The toe-gripping habit can lead to hammer toes, a problem that can be easily corrected with new footwear choices and diligent practice of foot exercises. The same is true for bunions, as long as we also correct our walking patterns. As a final note, remember that while a high-heeled or pointy-toed shoe may make us feel sexy, a limping or stiff gait looks far less attractive than a youthful, powerful stride.
Taking a Healthy Stride Forward A lifetime of excessive shoe wearing and poor shoe choices means we need to make foot fitness a priority. It is possible to undo much footwear damage if we modify our habits. Try making the most of these foot exercises and shoe selection tips:
Katy Bowman, a biomechanics scientist, holds a master’s degree in kinesiology and is director of the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, CA. She is the creator of the Aligned and Well™ DVD series of gentle corrective exercise prescriptions, including Fix Your Feet (AlignedAndWell.com). Learn more at KatySays.com.
Foot Stretch Stand with your hands on a wall or a chair. Put one leg back behind the torso and tuck these toes under, in order to stretch the muscles in the toes and feet. Cramping is normal, so take a break when needed, and then return to the stretch. Work up to holding the tucked position for a minute, repeating on each foot two to three times daily.
Toe Spreading Everyone’s toes should be able to spread apart from each other, just as we can spread our fingers. Practice toe spreading every day to increase strength and flexibility in the feet, as well as circulation and nerve health. For faster results, slip toe spacers between the toes (available at local nail salons and drug stores) or wear toe alignment socks (e.g., MyHappyFeetColors.com) while watching TV or sleeping.
Shoe Closet Makeover The second part of our foot makeover occurs at the shoe store when we select a flat or negative-heeled shoe (with the heel lower than the ball of the foot). Also make sure the width of the shoe fits well. A woman should always be able to spread her toes comfortably inside a shoe, paying close attention to the big and pinkie toes. Fortunately, more shoe
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May 2010
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healthykids
Common Sense Defenses Against Seasonal Allergies Tips to Help Children Breathe Easier by Bevin Wallace
F
or one in seven U.S. children, spring brings the start of seasonal allergies that can last through the fall. Seasonal allergies such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis occur when an airborne allergen comes into contact with nasal membranes, triggering the release of inflammatory histamines. The result can be sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, coughing and runny nose. While not life threatening, these symptoms tend to interrupt a youngster’s sleep, weaken concentration and keep him or her from participating fully in play and school. Over-the-counter allergy medications can bring relief, but like other conventional drugs, they are not without drawbacks. “I don’t think decongestants and antihistamines are appropriate for kids, period,” states Randall Neustaedter, a doctor of Oriental medicine and a homeopathic pediatrician. “They tend to make kids tired, and they don’t really address the problem. They’re like putting a Band-Aid on the symptoms. It’s more important to build up immune system function, which these medications do not do.” Long-term use of antihistamines also has been linked to depression, anxiety and impaired thinking. A better approach is to gently and naturally reduce a child’s contact with allergic substances while boosting the immune system. Here’s how.
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Steps for Prevention 1. Clean inside air.
Install a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes pollen and dust from indoor air, and keep it running in the child’s bedroom 24 hours a day. The portable models work fine in smaller rooms and cost less than $100. On windy days and while the child is sleeping, keep the windows shut. If possible; remove old carpeting and cover air vents with filters; vacuum frequently when children are not in the room; avoid using ceiling fans; and wash all bedding and stuffed animals once a week.
2. Keep the nose clean.
It might take some getting used to, but rinsing the sinuses with a warm saline solution (salt water) is an excellent, age-old, natural remedy that helps reduce contact with pollen and lessens allergy symptoms. Sinus rinse kits are available in stores and online for about $15. A cleansing device of Indian origin called the neti pot is another affordable alternative.
3. Provide a low-inflammation diet.
Many children who have food sensitivities don’t know it. Foods such as dairy and wheat can promote the formation of mucus and inflammation that create an imbalance in immune system function, advises Neustaedter. Consider limiting these foods before and during allergy season. He also suggests using nutritional supplements to build up the small-intestine lining, which helps balance immune system function. For example, glutamine is an amino acid linked to improved intestinal-lining maintenance. Also add more antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory foods such as nuts, fish, grapes, oranges, apples and tomatoes to family meals. Because they fight free-radical cell damage (which interferes with the immune system), antioxidants can help boost immunity.
4. Try natural medicines.
When allergy symptoms flare up, Neustaedter recommends trying Chinese herbal formulas with Xanthium, which relieves symptoms by acting like an antihistamine. Recent studies also attest to the helpfulness of rosemary, which is deemed safe, even for children. The idea is to deliver “the most help with the least intervention,” Neustaedter says. Always consult an experienced herbalist or holistic doctor before giving any herbs to children; some can be toxic if taken improperly.
5. Consider allergy-soothing teas.
Warm liquids soothe the throat and nasal passages, and there are several teas created specifically for allergy sufferers. Natural tea sweeteners include honey and stevia.
Other Factors While a genetic predisposition is often a factor, recent studies also suggest that oversensitivity to allergens might be linked to antibiotic overuse, which might explain why allergies have been on the rise for the past 40 years. “Antibiotics kill off not only disease-causing bacteria, but also health-promoting bacteria,” explains Gary B. Huffnagle, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan. In his new book, The Holistic Baby Guide, Neustaedter also cites research that links allergies to vaccines. “Some researchers think that vaccination of children tends to create an imbalance in the immune responses, making children more prone to allergic responses,” he notes. The most common hay fever triggers are plant pollens. Flower pollen is usually carried by bees, so it isn’t windblown and rarely gets into people’s noses. More than 1,000 varieties of grass grow in North America, but only Kentucky bluegrass and a few others produce allergic pollen. The most prolific culprits are weeds such as ragweed, sagebrush and thistle. Trees with the highest pollen counts include oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, box elder and mountain cedar.
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A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO
FINANCIAL
HEALTH It Starts with Trusting Your Intuition
by Lisa Marshall
O
ne midnight, serving behind the counter of a Dunkin’ Donuts, Jen Smith could see the future—and it terrified her. She was working the graveyard shift at a job she hated, living in a cramped apartment and knew nothing about entrepreneurship or investment strategies. When a homeless woman clad in rags wandered in for a warm cup of coffee, Smith shivered. “The only thing standing between her and me was one paycheck and that counter,” recalls Smith, 45, of Fort Collins, Colorado. “I
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“A wealthy woman absolutely has money, but she also has happiness, courage, balance and harmony. A wealthy woman is generous, clean, wise and therefore, beautiful. It’s my wish that you will carry these eight qualities within you wherever you go and that they will serve as your guideposts to make sure you are always walking toward wealth, rather than walking away from it.” ~ Suze Orman
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realized that I was in a vulnerable spot, with no backup plan.” Fast forward two decades to today; Smith now boasts a $2 million net worth and the financial independence to work only when she wants to. When you ask for her secret, she makes little mention of how to create a winning stock portfolio. Instead, she says, her decisions about how to earn and how to spend have come from a deeper, more esoteric source. Says Smith: “I asked myself: ‘What is it that I love to do?’” Then she went to work investing in herself and a succession of six small businesses, starting with $1,500 per bootstrap operation. Initially, she earned her way working with animals while investing her dollars with an eye toward environmental stewardship. In 2007, she founded a personal finance blog, MillionaireMommyNextDoor.com. Along the way, she discovered that, “Mindfully identifying what truly makes you tick, and then aligning your decisions with your own personal values, is key to financial well-being.” Smith is among a growing number of women looking beyond the traditional world of personal finance to summon emotions, spirituality, intuition and personal values in the pursuit of economic abundance. Many books, blogs and magazines, too, have begun to explore the unlikely intersection of right-brain, inner voice consciousness and personal finance. “Our culture has always been very much focused on facts and research, but people are starting to realize we can’t just continue to rely solely on what we have relied on before, because it doesn’t work,” remarks Lynn Robinson, a Massachusetts-based “business intuitive” who advises executives on how to use their intuition to make better business decisions. “We are all looking for a deeper knowledge base, and that means looking within.”
marked the first time in U. S. history that women comprised more than half (50.3 percent) of the workforce. Fiftyseven percent of all current college students are women, according to the American Council on Education. Thirtyeight percent of all working wives earn as much or more than their husbands, as of the 2009 Shriver Report. Nearly 16 percent of wives are the sole family breadwinners. Meanwhile, women continue to do the bulk of the housework (97 minutes per day for married women, versus 29 minutes per day for married men, according to a 2009 study by Vanderbilt University). Despite these employment trends, women still make roughly 80 percent of what men do for the same work. Complicating the situation, when it comes to making financial decisions, many females still tend to be fearful, naïve and disempowered, according to financial health guru Suze Orman. “Women have been thrust into an entirely new relationship with money that is profoundly different than anything we have ever encountered before… Yet when it comes to navigating the financial ramifications of this new world, they are using old maps that don’t get them where they want to go,” writes Orman, in Women and Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny. Orman notes that only 12 percent of women feel confident about retire-
First Steps to Solvency Understand the Underlying Emotions Few heard in high school economics class that our relationship with money is intricately intertwined with emotion, comments Julie Murphy Casserly, a Chicago-based certified financial planner. Some of us are spenders, whipping out the credit card at the mall to ease some inner pain. Some are givers, picking up the tab at group events in an effort to feed a need to be liked. Others—perhaps those who grew up in poverty—are hoarders, holding on so tightly to their money that they cease to enjoy it or
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Setting the Stage The shift comes at a time when, according to national statistics, women are facing unprecedented financial responsibility. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2010
ment and many continue to either leave their financial decisions in the hands of a male or ignore them altogether. This may be due to feeling embarrassed about their lack of knowledge, or a sheer lack of time. New female graduates are facing a brutal job market; many laid-off women find themselves in a mid-career job search and widows and divorceés are facing retirement with a smaller-thanexpected nest egg. All these women want to know, “How can I confidently embrace my new role in the evolving economy in a way that leads to financial independence?”
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TEN STEPS TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS Set a goal: Ask yourself what financial independence means to you and determine your “enough” point. If you’ve already reached it and continue to work long hours to buy more stuff, it may be time to re-evaluate your priorities. Keep good records: Balance your checkbook every month and use that account only for ready cash and bills (the rest goes into savings). Create a bill file and pay them on time. Knowing how much money is coming in and out is critical to relieving anxiety and will save on fees and fines. Save: Every woman needs a safety net in the form of her own savings account. Remember that on average, half of all marriages end in divorce, women tend to outlive their husbands and other relationships often end. Ultimately, you should have living expenses for six to eight months saved. Put something in the account each month, even if it means making a lower payment on a household credit card. Get out of debt: Pay off the highest interest rate credit card first; once it’s at a zero balance, shift all that money to another one. To avoid racking up debt again, envision what you would do if you didn’t have that monthly payment and put a picture depicting it on your refrigerator or stick a Post-it note describing it on your credit card as a reminder. Spend thoughtfully: Consider money spent as “life energy.” Every time you spend, ask yourself: Is it worth the life energy (or time spent working) it will take to earn this amount back? Open a retirement account early: As with savings, many women tend to leave the couple’s retirement account up to their husband, but you need
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West Michigan Edition
your own. Start today by socking away a reasonable portion of your income each month. Depending on the investments you choose and what the market does in coming decades, that could amount to a nice nest egg by retirement age. Invest wisely: Be prudent, but not too prudent. If you’re young, invest the bulk of your retirement in stocks, which tend to outperform bonds. If you are closer to retirement, shift to stable-value funds. Consider joining or starting an investment club. These meet regularly, pool $25 to $100 per member per month, discuss investment strategies and collectively choose stocks to invest in as a group. Of the 8,600 clubs in the United States, about one-quarter are womenonly, according to the nonprofit Better Investing. Learn more at BetterInvesting. org or ChicksLayingNestEggs.com. Think in thirds: Think of your money in three segments: “past, present and future.” Spend some of it paying for the past (getting out of debt), use some to treat yourself in the present (to keep yourself from feeling deprived) and invest some for the future. Show gratitude: It is interesting what begins to happen when you start to say “Thank-you,” to people, observes financial advisor and work-
NaturalWestMichigan.com
shop leader Rosemary Williams. Your employees work harder. Your banker might waive a fee or make a courtesy call to let you know an overdraft is pending. More importantly, it forces you to take stock of what you do have right now—and appreciate it. Trust your instincts: If it doesn’t feel right, whether it’s an investment or a new business partnership, don’t do it. If it does feel right, do your homework first before making a decision. Sources: Your Money or Your Life, by Vicki Robin, Women and Money, by Suze Orman, and Rosemary Williams, author of The Women’s Book of Money & Spiritual Vision
make it grow via sound investments. Recognizing which type we are, and when our emotions are sabotaging good financial decisions, is an important first step to attracting wealth. A tip for spenders and givers, who both tend to end up carrying debt, is to cut up credit cards and start using cash. “There is no emotional connection with sliding a debit or credit card, but when you physically hand over $200 in cash, you feel that,” says Casserly.
Create a Life Map With her Dunkin’ Donuts job behind her and a blank slate ahead, Smith took a serious self-inventory. When she concluded that she wanted to work with animals, she called a kennel and agreed to groom dogs a few hours each day in exchange for an education in dog training. Within a few years, she owned a lucrative dog training and boarding business. “Our lives are the stories we narrate for ourselves,” she says. “If we don’t like the story our life has become, we can tell our self a better one… and act on it.” Smith recommends making a “Treasure Map to a Rich Life” out of poster board as a visual reminder of what’s important to us (e.g., travel, family, a career in a specific field). When life circumstances derail those aspirations, which often happens, we can take a reminder peek. Say our leading aspiration is getting out of debt. Imagine what the day would look, feel and taste like absent that nagging credit card bill. Would we start saving for a son or daughter to go to college or quit that second job? Write it all down and post the intention in full view. “Surround yourself with all the things you are trying to create,” advises Casserly. “Persistently replace any shame, blame and guilt with dreams and desires.”
Earn with Our Spirit in Mind As Rosemary Williams, founder of Women’s Perspective (WomensPerspective.org), puts it: “Spirituality and money come together easily when we realize that we cannot live a satisfactory life when we don’t engage our own
For the first time, half of all U.S. workers are women, and that changes everything. Not just for women, but also for spouses, families, bosses, coworkers and society. This is a permanent
day to listen for the answer, which can come when we least expect it. “I often find that when a woman asks these questions, it primes the pump, and when she is walking the dog or doing the laundry, she may hear an inner voice speaking,” Robinson says. “Pay attention.”
Spend According to Personal Values
change in our culture that’s To Washington-based writer Vicki affecting nearly every aspect of our lives—how we work and play and care for one another. ~ The Shriver Report
spirits or when we operate against our soul’s purpose.” No one would argue that we all tend to do our best work when we choose jobs we are passionate about, and that when we invest in things contrary to our beliefs, they are never as satisfying. “Part of what the chaos of the current economy is bringing up for people is the question, ‘What am I here to do and what calling do I have?’” says Robinson, noting that the root of the word enthusiasm is entheos, or “God within,” in Greek. “Try to figure out what it is that enthuses you,” she counsels, “and then ask, ‘How can I make a living at this?’ at least part of the time.”
Trust Gut Wisdom Whether deciding in which stock to invest or whether to trust a potential business partner, the power of intuition cannot be understated, advises Robinson. Some view a gut instinct as the subconscious synthesis of past knowledge that rises to the surface when our brain needs it. Others see it as a manifestation of a Higher Power. Either way, it’s worth listening to, as a critical adjunct. A good way to start each day is with a 10-minute prayer/meditation, asking that inner voice to provide three ways to help advance our financial health, and staying alert the rest of the
Robin, author of The New York Times best seller, Your Money or Your Life, financial independence is as much about spending less as making more. “It’s not about going out and getting a financial advisor or turning over your savings to the stock market. It’s about living within your means, saving money and getting out of debt,” she observes. “Every financial decision you make is a chance to say ‘What are my values, really, and how does this serve them?’” Robin recommends viewing money as “life energy” and assigning value as such to each purchase we make. Is that high-end haircut and coloring really worth the stress or time away from family for what it costs? What is worth that much to us? Once we start aligning our spending with that inner conversation, we will inevitably spend less, which results in less debt, more savings and ultimately, more freedom, she says. Smith agrees. With the money she made working with animals, she invested first in real estate, and then in stocks. When she acknowledged her four-bedroom, three-bath home didn’t jive with her Earth-conscious values, she downsized. She still drives a 12-year-old car, frequents Craigslist and sticks with a frugal but gratifying “values-based budget.” The payoff for her, her husband and her young daughter has been huge. “We spend very little on housing or transportation, but we buy organic food. We travel when we want to, we homeschool our daughter and we spend as much time as we want together,” she smiles. “Probably the biggest thing this has all bought us is time.” Lisa Marshall is a freelance writer who lives in Lyons, Colorado. Contact her at LisaMarshall08@gmail.com.
natural awakenings
May 2010
25
PLANTING FOR PROFIT
How to Grow a Cash Crop in Your Backyard by Sharon Pisacreta
A
s anyone who has a green thumb can attest, gardening produces more than loose-leaf lettuce and zucchini squash. Studies show that gardening lowers stress, provides cardiovascular exercise, and even helps keep one mentally sharp. But if your suburban lot is large enough, you can also grow a respectable cash crop. Due to the rise of consumers who call themselves locavores (people who strive to eat food produced within a 100 mile radius) suburban ‘farming’ is now a reality. Consider taking advantage of the growing interest in local organic food. This summer rather than persuade friends and neighbors to take just one more bag of garden tomatoes, try selling your fruits and vegetables to a waiting and eager public. Getting Started: First decide how much of your property is available for planting. According to John Tullock, the author of Pay Dirt, suburban farmers should estimate how much salable crop they can get per square foot, what the demand for that crop will be, and what its market value is. If you only have a quarter of an acre, you may want to concentrate on crops that give a high yield in a limited space, such as carrots or radishes. Outline a crop plan, noting which species you wish to plant, estimated dates for planting and harvesting, and how you intend to rotate or repeat crops for maximum yield. Also research the space requirements for each cultivar. For example, a sweet corn plant needs one square yard of space to grow in, and may not be profitable for most micro-farmers. Squash, on the other hand, produces three pounds of fruit per square foot. Start small. Choose a crop you enjoy working with, and have had success growing in the past. That first cash crop should be one that is always popular. A recent survey of 500 market growers revealed that the most profitable crops (in descending order) are tomatoes, cut flowers, sweet corn, melons, peppers/eggplant, onions/garlic, basil, squash and potatoes. To insure the highest quality crop, don’t forget the basics. Your micro-farm will require 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily, and a rich, fertile soil. Have the soil tested at a local extension service, and go organic
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when fertilizing and composting. Some communities offer free compost to local growers. Farmers Markets: To meet the demand for regionally grown, organic food, almost every city or town holds a weekly farmers market from May through October. Visit www.foodshed.net/farmersmarkets for a detailed listing of farmers markets in west Michigan. Often there are no fees to participate, and you will have direct contact with the consumer. Weekly interaction with customers lets you know which crops are most in demand, and which ones are too costly to grow. If you discover too many vendors are selling lettuce, try growing something a little different in the greens category such as arugula or parsley. There’s a lot of competition at these greenmarkets, so offer only your best fruits and vegetables. Your stand should be as clean and attractive as possible. Trademark your farm by naming it, and put an eye-catching sign by your table. It is also advisable to display an additional sign or chalkboard announcing that week’s crop and prices. To learn more about selling at farmers markets, check out www.growingformarket.com/. CSA: Joining a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) organization is another way to guarantee a market for your crop. CSA growers offer a number of ‘shares’ of their product, which can include a crate of vegetables, fruit or flowers to consumers who have paid a subscription to CSA. Consumers are then entitled to select a box or basket of seasonal produce on a weekly basis throughout the growing season. And because subscriptions are prepaid, the grower is assured of payment for their crops early in the season. If you are interested in joining a CSA in your area, visit www.localharvest.org/csa/. The Farmer’s Garden: People who wish to sell, buy, donate or trade their fresh produce may place a free classified ad in The Farmer’s Garden. Organized to help people distribute surplus backyard fruits and vegetables, The Farmer’s Garden serves as a source for everyone from food pantries to locavores. To look for local availability of surplus produce, simply type in your zip code. Visit www.thefarmersgarden.com to register.
Other Local Venues: Farmers markets are not your only direct marketing options with the public. Craft fairs and special events are also good venues to set up a booth. And while zoning laws are not likely to permit you to sell in front of your home, look into setting up a temporary table in the parking lot of a local store, or even a vacant lot. Make certain however that you are not violating any city ordinances first. In addition to directly selling to the public, consider other outlets close to home. Talk to the owners of specialty supermarkets or the chefs of local restaurants about supplying them with organic herbs or vegetables. Flowers: Cut flowers are also a profitable cash crop. Floral product sales in the U.S. are over $12 billion annually, according to the Center for Micro Eco-Farming Movement. A number of businesses require a steady supply of fresh cut flowers: caterers, wedding and event planners, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, grocery stores, etc. Don’t overlook local florists. Although florists get the bulk of their stock shipped in, try offering uncommon, vintage or exotic flowers they may not normally carry. In addition, sunflowers, zinnias and mixed bouquets are perennial favorites at farmers markets. While the demand for cut flowers is great, keep in mind that assembling the bouquets can be very time intensive. Some growers combine other products with their flowers. Missouri eco-farmer Nancy Hayes sells handmade greeting cards containing wildflower seeds from her backyard. Remember that customers are very particular about flowers, so offer only your best blooms. A recent business article called micro-farming a significant growth industry in the U.S. And with a little planning, you too can turn your backyard garden into an organic and sustainable mini-farm. Not only will your family eat the surplus for dinner, you’ll finally be able to cash in on that green thumb. 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
May 2010
27
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Serenity by Robert Duncan Wyoming’s wide-open spaces lassoed Robert Duncan’s imagination as a boy and never let go. Though he grew up in the suburbs of Salt Lake City, he spent cherished summers on his grandparents’ ranch, where his grandmother gifted him with his first set of oil paints. Today, his light-filled canvases portray the rural scenes and simpler way of life of the American West. Realistic and respectful of nature, indigenous cultures and the pioneer spirit that still permeate parts of the West, Duncan’s art gives visual testament to the quiet peace and beauty of rural living. “We all need nature in our lives,” Duncan believes. “The family farm is disappearing at an alarming rate. “I want my grandchildren to be able to walk through a field and hear a meadowlark’s song,” he says. He sees his paintings as a call to think about the things that touch our lives. “We don’t all have to live on a farm, but to pass by and see the cows grazing, or just to know that there are wild places being kept wild makes our lives better.” Robert Duncan’s art is held in private collections worldwide. View his portfolio at RobertDuncanStudios.com. natural awakenings
May 2010
29
Top Green Eating Tips Indulge in the Big O
Organic food is grown and/or processed in ways that support healthy people and a healthy planet. If you can’t find or afford organic options for everything, recognize that some nonorganic produce contains more pesticides than others. The Environmental Working Group offers their Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides as a free, downloadable guide and iPhone application that identifies the fruits and veggies with the most and least pesticides. Visit FoodNews.org/walletguide.php.
Feast on Fair Trade fare
Don’t follow the pack
Look for unpackaged or minimally packaged foods; experiment with bringing your own containers and buying in bulk, or pick brands that use bio-based plastic packing. Recycle or reuse any packaging you do end up with.
Compost the leftovers
Composting eases the burden on the landfill, contributes to productive soil and keeps the kitchen wastebasket odor-free. Apartment dwellers can do it, too. A useful introduction for indoor composters can be found at JourneyToForever.org/compost_indoor.html.
Fair Trade-certified food ensures a proper wage and working conditions for those who harvest and handle it. It’s also greener for the environment. Fair Trade certification is currently available in the United States for coffee, tea, herbs, cocoa, chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice and vanilla.
Grow your own
Go local
Eat it raw
Local, seasonal food cuts back on transportation, uses less packaging, is fresher and tastier and comes in more varieties. It also supports small local growers. Good sources of local foods include farmers’ markets or community supported agriculture (CSA) groups.
Raise mini-crops in a raised garden bed, greenhouse or window box. Even urbanites can get a lot of good eats from not much space. Visit VeganOrganic.net and search for the exact phrase, “windowsill gardening,” for an introductory article. Many people advocate the benefits of eating raw foods. Besides the possible health advantages, preparing raw food consumes less energy, and because raw food is usually fresh, it is more likely to be locally grown. Primary source: PlanetGreen.Discovery.com
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NaturalAwakeningsMag.com natural awakenings May 2010 31
Posture in Women
or in someone who drives a lot.
Excessive Curvature in the Lower Back
Excessive curvature in the low back may result from pregnancy, sleeping position, or wearing high heels. Lumbar hyperlordosis gives By Andrew Schafer, DC the appearance that one is “sticking their rear out”. There is often a weakness in the abdominal muscles and tightness in the low back Why is posture important? muscles. Pain is usually felt in the low back just above the waistIn childhood many of us had to listen to our mothers repeat the line. The weight of the unborn child during pregnancy will pull the well-worn phrase, “stand up straight.” However few of us were woman’s belly forward, creating this imbalance in weight distribuever interested in learning why good posture was so important. tion. Deliveries resulting in C-sections will create further weakness Now as adults, we can better appreciate that poor posture in the abdominal muscles, compounding this affect. Pinched nerves, produces pain, poor health, and a body language that reveals a compressed “facet” joints in the back of the spine and spasm of the timidity or lack of self-confidence. low back muscles all add to the pain that often results. Wearing high Posture and Pain heels and sleeping in a prone position, (i.e. “on your stomach”) will Most commonly poor posture causes back pain, neck pain, and put your spine into this position as well, resulting in a similar effect. headaches. Slouching puts the vertebrae in misalignment. This Interestingly, while high heels create poor posture in the low back, misalignment, which can irritate spinal nerves by pinching, stretch- it often reduces slouching in the upper back. ing or chafing, sends pain signals to the brain. Poor posture causes Any of these pain patterns can put any woman or man into an entire segments of spine to be misaligned, thus causing large areas unpleasant mood. Slouching can also shorten the pectoral muscles of the spine to signal pain. and make the thoracic cavity smaller. This can cause you to breathe The single most common sign of poor posture is the forward shallower, which can cause you to feel more agitated and more head. Rather than ears lined up directly over the shoulders, the head tired. Incidentally, this also causes your heart to work harder, thus protrudes forward, and the vertebrae follow, creating misalignment contributing to heart disease. The stress on the nerves, muscles and and pain in the neck. If the head (typically weighing about 10lbs) ligaments all contribute to the overall feeling of fatigue. were to come one inch forward from its correct position over the How to determine good posture shoulders, 20 lbs of force is required to hold it upright. Stressed Stand with your back against a wall with the heels about 2-3 neck muscles at the base of the skull have to work harder resulting inches away from the wall. Be honest with yourself and stand as in tension headaches and neck pain. you normally would. There should only be a small space behind How Occupation Affects Posture the head and behind the low back. The shoulders should not be Many women have desk jobs involving the use of computers. more than 3 inches from the wall. The head should be upright When the computer monitor is not in its correct location at eye with the chin tucked in and the eyes looking forward. You should level and close to the front of the desk, an individual will slouch feel a slight squeeze in between the shoulder blades, drawing down and the head will shift forward in order to see the monitor. the scapulae together slightly. The knees should be slightly bent Using a pullout tray to hold the keyboard and mouse is also impor- and not “locked out”. tant. If the keyboard and mouse are on top of the desk, the woman When women have good posture, they rest on their bones has to elevate the shoulders to use them. Constantly holding the rather than the ligaments and muscles. They expend less energy shoulders up strains the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, to maintain good posture. They simply look better and feel better. causing pain usually felt in the shoulder and upper back area. It’s well worth the effort and the reward of avoiding back pain, neck pain, headaches, and fatigue. Excessive Curvatures in the Upper Back Elderly women often display an excessive curvature in their upper Schafer Chiropractic and Healing Spa is located at 1801 Breton back and shoulders. Referred to as thoracic hyperkyphosis, the SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49506. 616-301-3000 or GRChiroSpa.com. slouch produces a rather unattractive “dowagers hump” on the See ad page 7. upper back. This is also seen frequently in office type occupations,
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calendarofevents
We are looking for volunteers to help families with a newborn. Get started by attending our free training. Call 616-447-9788 or angie@momsbloom.org for Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar more information.
events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.
SATURDAY, MAY 1
Marvelous Empowerment- 7:00pm. Join guest workshop presenter Robin Marvel for Mind, Body & Spirit Fun for the whole family. On 5/5 AromaDivine - Aromatherapy for the Divine Being in us all. On 5/12 Marvelous Meditation. $15 adults, $5 for kids per session. For more information visit www.TheCopticCenter.org.
Learn to Ride your Bike Clinic- 10:00am-12:00pm. Gymco teachers have a 80% success rate teaching your child how to ride a bike. Members $20 / Nonmembers $25. Gymco 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids.
Women: Understanding Women’s Hormones7:00-8:30pm. Offered by Ginny Hayataka. The first in a series to help women learn more about their bodies and how to support health naturally. $5 for copying expenses. For location & details: 616-8228084 or ginny@all-wayshealthyconnection.com
Grand Re-Opening- 10:00am-1:00pm. Come Celebrate with us and sample our massages, foot detoxes, natural health consultations, food and drink. 360 massage and holistic care, 1514 Wealth St SE Suite 218, Grand Rapids. 360massage.com
Living with an Open Heart- 2:00- 4:00pm. Open your heart to love, joy and vibrant health in this workshop with Susan Duesbery. Explores imagery, breathing, yoga postures and meditation. $30. Expressions of Grace Yoga 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. Raw Yoga with Michele and Mimi Asana to Fuel the Rasa –3:00-5:00pm. Enjoy a vibrant and grounding Yoga practice followed by an intro to fast & delicious live foods for everyday. $40 per person. To register, call 616-458-2541 or go to www.sevayoga.net.
SUNDAY, MAY 2
We Care about Mother Earth-Art Exhibit- 1:00pm4:00pm. Featuring the multimedia work of artists from SW Michigan. Opens May 2 at the Parish Church of Christ the King,. Exhibit hours: Wednesdays 6pm-8pm & Sundays 12pm-2pm until May 26. Free. Visit parishchurch.org for more info. 6928 Texas Drive. Kalamazoo. Concert featuring Rachel Davis, May Erlewine & Seth Bernard- 5:30pm. Opening performance by Ashley McTavish, singer, songwriter and home birthing Mama. Silent Auction. Local libations available from Shorts Brewery & various wineries. Fundraiser to support the legislation efforts of Friends of Michigan Midwives. City Opera House in downtown Traverse City. For info contact Melissa at 231-421-1506.
TUESDAY, MAY 4
Sex and Hormones: Sizzle or Fizzle- Presented by Dr. Jerrold Weinberg Held at Therma-Scan (Located in the Wells-Fargo Building) 34100 Woodward, Birmingham. RSVP at 248-758-9100.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5
Mini-Course: Muscle Testing- 9:00am-5:00pm. Learn this amazing skill and take charge of your own health. Cost is $89 or $499 for series Call Herbs etc for more information. Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636. 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. Celebrate What’s Right With The World- 7:009:00pm. May 12 & 19. Kristen Hartnagel will present a series of workshops designed to help you shape your reality. A hands-on series to provide you with real paradigm shifters - tools and experiences to enrich your toolbox. Love offering requested. Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada.
Women’s Midlife Re~Enchantment Three Week Support Group- 6:00-8:30pm. May 10, 17 & 24. Based on the time tested, highly successful Four Gateways To Midlife Re~enchantment ProcessTM. $40 for all 3 weeks. Facilitated by Dinah of Awakened Potentials For Women. Call to Pre-register Open Mind, 39 Courtland St NE, Rockford. 616-863-8868.
TUESDAY, MAY 11
Conversation with God Study Group- 6:30pm. Written by Neale Donald Walsch, these Books have transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. $10. Indigos and Mystics Book Exchange and More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
The Grand Rapids Men’s Spiritual Roundtable6:30-8:30pm. May 11 & 25. Facilitated by Ray FarEcoTreck Fitness- 6:15-7:30am. Special Early rell. An ongoing bi-monthly men’s group. Free Will Morning Workout Session. $12 drop-in rate per Offering Appreciated. Nature’s Spiritual Connecperson or use $2 off coupon found in this issue. tions, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204. Waterfront Sports Park, Ruddiman Drive & 1st St., North Muskegon. 616-291-2851.
FRIDAY, MAY 7
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12
Advanced Reiki Training Class-9:00am-5:00pm. EcoTreck North Muskegon Series- 6:15- 7:30pm. Learn advanced techniques to enhance your Reiki and SPECIAL WEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION. $12 to further your personal healing. Pre-requisite: Reiki I/ drop-in rate per person. More info at ecotrekfitness. II. Reiki Master/Teacher Jan Atwood, 801 Broadway com. Call 616-291-2851 to pre-register. Goodrich Ave NW, Ste 436 Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144. Park, 100 N. Lake St., Whitehall (next to the marina) 1963 to 2033 Banned Jesus Gospels Discussion Group- 6:30-8:30pm. This is a discussion group Astrology Course- 9:00am-5:00pm. Look to the that will cover many topics, bible to health issues stars for keys to health and well-being. Cost is $178. to aliens... led by David Mac. $10. This will be an Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, ongoing monthly group. Nature’s Spiritual ConnecMt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636. tions, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204. Celebrate World Fair Trade with Global Fast Track to Health Talk- 6:30pm. & May 26. Gifts- 10:00am-6:00pm. Support Fair Trade and Listen to Dr. Michael Morea speak about how to experience our beautiful gift shop. Door prizes & add years to your life and life to your years. This free samples of fair trade products. Global Gifts is talk will save you time, energy and money and help located at 2055 28th St SE, (Between Burton and you to realize optimal health. Morea Chiropractic, Kalamazoo) in Grand Rapids. 616-245-2225. 388 North 3rd Avenue, Fruitport. 231-865-7474.
SATURDAY, MAY 8
Your Story and Mine: A Community of Hope Guided Meditation, Prayer and Healing Circle Exhibit Opening- 1:30pm. In conjunction with the - 7:00-8:00 pm. Relax to guided meditation, and reopening of the exhibit Your Story and Mine: A Com- ceive energy healing from local healers while church munity of Hope, the Library will present an exhibit discussion with curator Martha Bloomfield of the Michigan Historical Museum and local homeless advocate Richa. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids.
SUNDAY, MAY 9
Astrology Course- 9:00am-5:00pm. Look to the stars for keys to health and well-being. Cost is $178. Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636. Eckankar-10:00-11:00am. Join the monthly Eckankar Worship Service, “Creative Ability is Survival,” and experience the Light and Sound of God. Motel 6 Meeting Room, US 131 at 76th St, Grand Rapids. 616-752-8460. Extended Grace- Interfaith/Mystic Community Gathering 1:00pm Potluck 1:30 Integral Worship embracing the God beyond, between and within. 233 Washington, Suite 208, Grand Haven. 616-502-2078.
MONDAY, MAY 10
Do you like helping mothers and babies? -MomsBloom offers free support to postpartum families.
natural awakenings
May 2010
33
chaplains pray over your prayer requests. Donation. Unity Church on the Lakeshore, 41 So. Washington, Douglas. 269-857-8226. Women: Menstrual Difficulties & Fertility- 7:008:30pm. Offered by Ginny Hayataka. Second in a series helping women support their bodies naturally. $5 covers copy cost. For location & details: 616-8228084 or ginny@all-wayshealthyconnection.com
THURSDAY, MAY 13
Intuitive Message Circle- 6:30pm. & 5/27. All levels of experiences are welcome. Come network with others and enjoy a safe place to experience intuitive messages. $5. Indigos and Mystics Book Exchange and More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
FRIDAY, MAY 14
C.A.R.E. Intensive Begins- May 14-17. This 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. Weekend Yoga Workshop- May 14-17. Join Jamie and Justin Allison for a transformational weekend of yoga. From the Heart Yoga Center 714-C Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids. Schedule and pricing information at 616-336-9642 and FromtheHeartYoga.com. Fire of Transformation Practice- 6:30-8:30pm. This challenging practice is an invitation to light your inner fire, transform and reshape your practice. $18. Taught by Mimi Ray. Expressions of Grace Yoga 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids.
SATURDAY, MAY 15
Great Lakes,Great Midwives- 8:00am-8:00pm. Family Fun Festival in Grand Rapids at Unity Church of Practical Christianity. $10 donation per family, $5 per individual, with good will donations for the pancake breakfast and the movie screening. Visit friendsofmichiganmidwives.org for more info. 1711 Walker Ave. NW Grand Rapids.
that will cover many topics, bible to health issues to aliens...led by David Mac. $10. This will be an ongoing monthly group. Nature’s Spiritual Connections, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.
energy? Why do I crave sweets? Why can’t I lose weight? Why do I feel depressed? Free. Peak Performance Chiropractic 4150 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Suite #4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888 to reserve your seat.
Secrets of Your Hands Revealed with Jewel Sheldon- 1:00pm. Meanings of lines & signs on the palm will be presented in an in-depth workshop. Palmistry clues us in to career aptitudes, health tendencies and much more. $40. Indigos and Mystics Book Exchange and More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
Lakeshore Holistic Health Network Group Meeting- 6:30pm. Networking for holistic health providers. Get to know one another and provide referrals when appropriate. Offers members support in running a small business. For those that are not current members, call Karen at 616-738-6096 for membership information. 222 South River Ave., Holland.
Women’s Mindfulness Retreat- 2:30-6:30pm. An afternoon renewing, refocusing and cultivating your divine feminine energy. This afternoon retreat will include Laughter Yoga, vision board creation and guided mindfulness meditation. Facilitated by Jane Donnelly, RYT and Dr. Crystal Frazee, PT. Contact Crystal Frazee for more info: crystal. frazee@gmail.com. Center of Unlimited Possibilities, Spring Lake.
Natural Remedies for Anxiety & Depression6:30pm-7:30pm. Free Tuesday night classes at the Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636.
Community Group Meditation: facilitated by Danielle Alandt- 6:00-8:00pm. An ongoing monthly group. Free Will Offering Appreciated. Nature’s Spiritual Connections, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.
YIN Circles- 6:30pm. This is a bi-monthly group is for women who want to strengthen their own femininity in all aspects of their lives. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
MONDAY, MAY 17
Healthy Eating Shouldn’t Cost You an Arm and a Leg- Food budget strategies that help avoid high cost of illness. Anne M.A. Sergeant PhD of www. NourishMD.com. Contact Nourishing Ways of West Michigan. Grand Rapids. 616-309-9147.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
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. Indigos and Mystics Book Exchange and More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
Women: Hysterectomy & Menopause- 7:008:30pm. Offered by Ginny Hayataka. Fourth in a series helping women support their bodies naturally. $5 covers copy cost. For location & details: 616-8228084 or ginny@all-wayshealthyconnection.com
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.
THURSDAY, MAY 20
Women: Thyroid Health- 7:00-8:30pm. Offered by Ginny Hayataka. Third in a series helping women support their bodies naturally. $5 covers copy cost. For location & details: 616-822-8084 or ginny@ all-wayshealthyconnection.com
TUESDAY, MAY 18
Leaven Spring Spruce-up Day - 9:00am. Come and help us prepare the Lodge and the Leaven land for summer and fall! Come when you can; leave when you must. We’ll provide a BBQ supper when the work is done. No cost. Please RSVP. The Leaven Center, Lyons. 989-855-2606.
Open House & Ribbon Cutting- 4:00pm-7:00pm. Come celebrate the newly expanded and renovated Holistic Care Approach facility. Meet new Medical Director Dr. Laura Tinning and other practitioners. Experience chair massage, tours, refreshments and samplings of the many services provided. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Court, Grand Rapids. 616-361-9221.
1963 to 2033 Banned Jesus Gospels Discussion Group- 11:00am-1:00pm. This is a discussion group
Reduce Toxins and Lose Weight, through Cleansing- 6:00pm. Why am I tired and often need more
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. Reiki Share Group-5:30-7:30pm. For those trained in Reiki to share experiences and Reiki with each other. Jan Atwood, Reiki Master/Teacher, 801 Broadway Ave NW, Ste 436, Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144. Women’s Empowerment through Kundalini Awakening- 7:00-8:30 pm. Introductory lecture to a journey for women looking to revitalize and repurpose their lives. Lecture will also be offered on 4/23. Call for more information. Anne Price Massage Center for the Healing Arts, 3160-C Breton Ave SE Grand Rapids. 616-648-7011 or aprice@annepricemassage.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 21
Green Apple Trees and Old Houses: A Writing Retreat for People with Disabilities and Their Al-
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
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NaturalWestMichigan.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26
lies- May 21-23. Beginning and experienced writers are invited to take a long, reflective look at their own lives. $190. To register, contact Karen Bota at The Leaven Center, 989-855-2606. www.Leaven.org
ancient tools of yoga, breath, affirmation and sound to enhance your mood. With Carol Hendershot & Sue Dilsworth, PhD, RYT. $75. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids.
Women’s Weekend Nature Retreat – May 2123rd. Arrive between 6pm & 8pm on 21st. End at 3pm on the 23rd. Rejuvenate, Reconnect, & Relax in nature. Facilitated by Dinah of Awakened Potentials For Women. Enchanted Lake, 35 Miles NE of Grand Rapids. $150-Lodging included & each woman is responsible for one meal. 616-754-9672.
Women’s Empowerment through Kundalini Awakening- 4:00-5:30 pm. Introductory lecture to a journey for women looking to revitalize and repurpose their lives. Lecture will also be offered on 4/20. Call for more information. Anne Price Massage Center for the Healing Arts, 3160-C Breton Ave SE Grand Rapids. 616-648-7011 or aprice@ annepricemassage.com
Tools Practice Nights- 6:30pm. For those looking to do a little bit of practicing and are looking for a comfortable safe place to take your tools for a spin. $5. Indigos and Mystics Book Exchange and More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
MONDAY, MAY 24
FRIDAY, MAY 28
EcoTreck Fitness- 6:15-7:30am. Special Early Morning Workout Session. $12 drop-in rate per person or use $2 off coupon found in this issue. Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve Trail, SE Corner of Lake Ave & Whitehall Rd./Causeway, across from Rite Aid, North Muskegon. 616-291-2851. Going Upside Down & Loving It...Headstands6:30-8:30pm. Inversions are some of the most beneficial postures of yoga. Add spark to your practice and surprise yourself how easy it is. $20. With Carol Hendershot. Expressions of Grace Yoga 5270 Northland Dr. NE Grand Rapids. Green Apple Trees and Old Houses: A Writing Retreat for People with Disabilities and Their Allies - 7:00pm-1:00pm 5/23. Disability rights activists and writers Mike Ervin and Rahnee Patrick will lead participants in taking a long, reflective look at their own lives. Beginning and experienced writers invited. $190. The Leaven Center, Lyons. 989-855-2606.
SATURDAY, MAY 22
Women’s Expo at East West Karate- Seminars/ categories: self defense, financial, reflexology, chiropractic, massage, health & wellness. This is a free event. Call 616-532-1193 for details. Grand Rapids. Awakening Consciousness with author Robin Marvel- 12:00pm. This is a class for those parents who wish assistance on how to help their children use their abilities to reach balance in conscious awakening $20. Indigos and Mystics Book Exchange and More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. Folias Music & Tango- 2:00pm. Join the husband and wife team of Carmen Maret and Andrew Bergeron will perform a concert of tango music. Come listen, or dance the afternoon away. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids.
SUNDAY, MAY 23
Yoga to Manage Your Mood- 9:00am-5:00pm. Full day workshop of strategies to help alleviate depression, anxiety and chronically held tension. Applies
EcoTreck North Muskegon Series- 6:15- 7:30pm. SPECIAL WEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION. $12 drop-in rate per person. More info at ecotrekfitness.com. Call 616-291-2851 to pre-register. Covell Park, Colby to Thompson, Whitehall, Right hand side of Thompson, the “fishing” park.
Muskegon County Right to Life- Meets every 4th 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.
Pirate Party- 6:30-9:30pm. Members $20 / Nonmembers $25. Walk the plank, Swing from the rope, and become a pirate for an evening at Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids.
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.
SATURDAY, MAY 29
TUESDAY, MAY 25
Alternative Approaches to Preventing and Relieving symptoms of Hyperactivity & Attention Deficit Disorder- 6:00pm. Educating you about the potential benefits of alternative health care treatments and how they can alleviate and, in some cases, eliminate the problem behavior. Free. Peak Performance Chiropractic 4150 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Suite #4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888 to reserve your seat. YIN Circles- 6:30pm. This is a bi-monthly group is for women who want to strengthen their own femininity in all aspects of their lives. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. CranioSacral Study Group- 7:00-9:00 pm. Prerequisite: Upledger CST I. $5. Facilitated by Ellen Costantino. Contact Jamilah Tuuk for details at jjfmassage@yahoo.com or 616-340-0543. Lower level classroom at Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids. Spiritual Wellness– 7:00-8:30pm. Every 4th Tuesday. A new start to the year with Coptic Minster Denise Iwaniw’s latest year long workshop, “Spiritual Wellness”. Denise brings an evening of spiritual well being and food for the soul covering a various topics each month. $15. The Coptic Center 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.
Lunch and Learn- 11:45am. We’ll buy lunch at the Jazzy Café while you listen to a 40 minute presentation on the 5 things you can do right now to be the healthiest you’ve ever been. by Dr. Michael Morea. Sign up today, seating is limited. Call Morea Chiropractic, 388 North 3rd Avenue, Fruitport. 231-865-7474. Consistency in the Face of Change- 4:00-6:00pm. An ongoing monthly Therapeutic Detox Practice/Program. $15. Reach into our box of ‘tools’ and step aside, breathe, ground ourselves, and then face the change at hand in a more healthy way. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.
THURSDAY, JUNE 3
Finally, A Health Plan That Puts Your Health in Your Hands! – 7:00-9:00pm. Integrity will help you find holistic providers, offer discounts to save you money, provide education seminars and offer holistic case management to help you with your health concerns. Everyone is welcome to hear about this groundbreaking grassroots idea! Holiday Inn Gateway Center, Flint. Contact: Theresa CallardMoore 877-780-2129.
SATURDAY, JUNE 5
Herb and Spice Fest- 11:00am-3:00pm. Celebrate 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, fair trade and much more. Live music. Utopian Marketplace, 8832 Water St, Montague. 231-894-9530.
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
May 2010
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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 May 2010 Special- Receive an initial consultation in our downtown Holland office for 50% off. Health by Nature, LLC, 222 South River Ave., suite 207, Holland. 616-566-0349 or karen@yourhealthbynature.com
Sunday Awakening – 9:00-9:45am. Chanting, to meditation, and beyond. Free. Christ Community Church, 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. 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 Sunday Service– 10:00am. Presenting uplifting and vibrant spiritual messages in warm and accepting atmosphere. Your ministry grades 1-12 & nursery. Office@Unity-ChurchofPeace.org. Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Dr, Ada. 616-682-7812. Mindfulness Meditation & Dharma Discussion4:30-5:00pm.Discussion. Based on the writings of a Buddhist teacher. Meditation-5:00-6:00pm. Two 20min periods of sitting & 10min of walking. FreeDonations accepted. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836. Beyond Basics Ashanga Practice- 5:30-6:45pm. This intermediate class is rooted in Astanga. Creatively linking breath and movement in a meditative flow. This cultivates stability in the body and mind. Cascade Yoga Studio 5060 Cascade Road Suite G. Grand Rapids 616-464-1610. 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-theart 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. Back to Basics: Early Bird Class- 7:30am. This class integrates the whole body by attending to basics alignment and deepening awareness of the breath. $12 walk in cost. Cascade Yoga Studio 5060 Cascade Road Suite G. Grand Rapids. 616464-1610. 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. Stress-Free Yoga class with Warren Mosley- 6:007:15pm. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave. Muskegon. www.MuskegonYoga.com Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiv-
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erYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. Laughter Yoga with Coptic Teacher Cheryl Oliver- 6:30pm. Learn to “laugh for no reason” and get a great work out too. Wear comfortable clothing & bring a mat or pillow for optional floor exercises. Love Offering. TheCopticCenter.org. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339. Earth Institute:Voluntary Simplicity- 7:309:00pm. 4/19-6/7. This course explores the concept of simplicity as a religious practice or a philosophy of life. $25.00 course book is required. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. 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. Meditation & Yoga Philosophy- 7:30pm. Six week program ~ Learn simple techniques with a certified instructor and deepen your knowledge of yoga philosophy. $50 for complete program or walk-in fee of $10 per class. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.
Tuesday Early Bird Vinyasa Yoga-5:45am. Vinyasa is a physically challenging practice. Prior experience is required. Heat is 82-85 degrees. $12 walk-in cost Cascade Yoga Studio 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616 464-1610. 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. Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Barbara Badolati- 5:306:45pm. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave. Muskegon. www.MuskegonYoga.com Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class- 6:00-7:00pm. Reconnect with your ability to move, regardless of age. Visit BodyWorkbyJudith. com. Manistee. 231-510-5800. Immunity Boost Yoga- 6:00pm. Become an active participant in the management of your own health and well being as we combine Breath and Movement in a purposeful sequence. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.
Wednesday 50% Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-theart 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. Intro to Ashtanga for Beginners/Intermediates10:00am. Stacy takes you step by step through the series beginning with sun salutations and moving on to standing poses, seated poses, inversions and backbends. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289. Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar - 10:30am Gentle, 6:00pm Moderate/Vigorous and 7:30pm
NaturalWestMichigan.com
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. Immunity Boost Yoga- 6:00pm. Become an active participant in the management of your own health and well being as we combine Breath and Movement in a purposeful sequence. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289. General Anxiety Support Group – 7:00-8:30pm. General Anxiety Support Group is open to individuals who have any kind of anxiety problem as well as their friends & family members. Anxiety Resource Center, 312 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614. Shambala Meditation Group– 7:30pm. Sitting and Walking meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Free. Beginners welcome. Instruction provided. Sacred Space, 58 E.Beltline, Grand Rapids. 616-452-2115.
Thursday Gentle Yoga class with Peter Violino- 9:009:45am. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave. Muskegon. www.MuskegonYoga.com Yoga/Pilates at Noon- 12:00pm. Lunch-time classes focus on postural muscles. Enjoy the benefits these classes offer to help finish out your day feeling strong, centered, energized, and focused. $12 walk in cost. Cascade Yoga Studio 5060 Cascade Road Suite G. Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610. 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 616-4513051. Grand Rapids. The Intuitive Message Circle- 6:30pm. 4/1, 4/15, 4/29. Come connect with others in a safe environment for a chance to experience your own intuitive abilities. All levels of experience welcome. $5. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. 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 Exploration & Restoration Fridays- 5:30pm hike followed by 7:00pm yoga. Come and explore the nature preserves of Saugatuck and put up your feet afterwards for a wonderfully relaxing restorative yoga practice. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289. Yoga-Intermediate – 9:00am. Learn the basics. Holding poses longer and moving deeper into your practice and awareness of the core. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849. Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class9:30-10:30am. In ATM lessons, students engage in precisely structured movement explorations that involve thinking, sensing, moving and imagining.
$40/5 week series. Contact Body Work by Judith, 121 E Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-510-5800.
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. Sweetwater Local Foods Market - Winter Hours: Saturdays from 9am-1pm. We will be open every other Saturday from January till May beginning 1/9/10. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, Harvey St. 1/2 Mile South of Lakes Mall. Exit US 31 at Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon. Pranayama/Conscious Breathing- 7:30am. Discover the power of your breath. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289. Kids Yoga Class with Barbara Badolati- 1:302:00pm. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave. Muskegon. www.MuskegonYoga.com Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:0010:15am & 10:30-11:45am Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.
classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES – For sale in Birmingham/ Huntsville AL, Boulder CO, Morris County NJ, and Southwest VA. Call for details 239-530-1377.
FOR SALE
Retail Business: Call 616-447-8298. 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. More land available. Call 616-443-8446.
WHY BUY? RENT TO OWN!
$1,250 Ionic Detox Foot Bath Only $49/Mo. $1,500 Water Ionizer $39.95/Mo. Ozone Generator $29.95/Mo. Handheld Laser $29.95/ Mo. 239-649-0077 www.BeWellU.com
OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunity for Culinary Professionals + Enthusiasts to Pursue Your Passion & Business Dreams. Commercial Rental Kitchens to open June 2010. Facility Kitchens provide 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. To discuss how you can get started contact Robin at 616-301-4212 or robin@facilitykitchens.com
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.
ACUPUNCTURE
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
SAMIR RAJANI, MD
DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
Medical Acupuncturist mmpc Internal Medicine 890 S. Washington, Ste. 130 Holland: 616-396-1907 www.mmpc.com Medical acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many chronic conditions, including pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Samir Rajani, MD is certified in medical acupuncture and practices at mmpc Internal Medicine.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTITIONER
HARMONY ‘N HEALTH Mary De Lange, CCT., CMT. 1003 Maryland Av., N.E. Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 www.harmonynhealth.net
OUT of the BLUE inc. Nancy Despres RN, MBE 351 Cummings NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-453-4215 www.OutofTheBlueInc.net
Out of the Blue help others find alternative ways for achieving optimal health through the use of homeopathy, enzyme therapy, nutritional supplements and hair mineral analysis.
BODYWORK
Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holistic approach colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloat, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 34.
THE BODY CENTER-HOLLAND Marcella Clark, CMMT, CCHT 650 Riley Street , Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-834-2596
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.
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 18.
TRICIA E. GOSLING Holistic Care Approach 3368 Beltline Ct NE 616-481-9074
BOOKSTORE INDIGO’S AND MYSTIC’S BOOK EXCHANGE & MORE
Dr. Ronson Dykstra & Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.
4485 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids 616-447-8298 www.Iambemore.com Featuring used books and new books based on personal growth, spirituality, music, handcrafted book accessories and other gift items. There are also book groups, classes & seminars held monthly. See ad pages 23.
Offering an advanced client-centered dimension of colonics: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 16 years of experience. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions.
natural awakenings
May 2010
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COUNSELING
MATRIX ENERGETICS
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.
HOLISTIC COUNSELING SERVICES Deborah Jandle, L.M.S.W 346 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids 616-862-3296 www.DeborahJandle.com
Providing services that emphasize balance in mind, body and spirit in order to improve problems related to mental health, family issues or addictions. Insurance accepted, including Priority Health.
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
Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement. Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, LowDose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia. See ad page 2.
ENERGY HEALING 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.
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ESSENTIAL OILS BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILS
Clara Vander Zouwen 616-698-6148 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com Offering Be Young therapeutic essential oils, MASAJI whole food drink, Organic meal replacement shakes, Mineral make-up. Services: Ionic detoxing foot baths, Physical and Emotional balancing, biofeedback readings. See ad page 9.
HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER THE WELLNESS FORUM
Sue Scharf, Director 830 Forest Hill Ave., Grand Rapids 616-942-7907 www.WellnessForum.com Educational programs for personal health improvement Workplace wellness programs - Wellness Forum Foundation focused on school nutrition and children’s health - National conferences.
HEALTH FOOD STORES
Dr. Kevin P. Flood DDS 4990 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids 616-974-4990 www.FloodTheDentist.com
AMA DEUS®
Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com Matrix Energetics is a system used to heal, transform and create new possibilities in your life. Using principles of quantum physics and subtle energy Matrix Energetics helps you to shift into a more balanced state. See ad page 15.
AFFORDABLE NUTRITION
Joel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner 7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison 616-667-1346 Certified Nutritional Consultant – member AANC, MI-CNHP, NPA. Nutritional counseling, weight loss, sports nutrition, senior discounts. Available for seminars/ lectures. Select high quality vitamins and supplements.
HEALTH HUTT
Grand Haven - 616-846-3026 Muskegon - 231-739-1568 North Muskegon - 231-744-0852 www.HealthHutt.net
NaturalWestMichigan.com
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
1013 S. Washington, Holland 616-394-5250 www.NaturesMarketHolland.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 12.
UTOPIAN MARKETPLACE 8832 Water St., Montague 231-894-9530 www.UtopianMarketplace.com
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides a personalized shopping experience. We have a large selection of gluten-free foods, clothing, jewelry, herbs, supplements, local foods, gifts and more. Open Mic events every month. See ad, page 32.
HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTERS THE HEALING CENTER
352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Licensed Physician Assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals. Private consultations. Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional release, iridology, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 39.
HOMEOPATHY BOB HUTTINGA
352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com A Physician assistant since 1976, specializing in naturopathic and homeopathic care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. See ad, page 39.
KINESIOLOGY WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com
Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist, and a Certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner. Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 15.
RETREAT CENTER
MASSAGE THE BODY CENTER-HOLLAND
The Team 650 Riley Street, Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-834-2596 Our Massage Team offers several techniques and modalities. From Ahh-Shiatsu, a firm Sports Massage, Detox, Hot Stone, Rossiter-Joint Mobility, Reiki Healing, to using Oils and Aromatherapy to nurture. See ad pages 18 & 28.
Lyons, Michigan 989-855-2606 www.leaven.org A place of beauty on the banks of the Grand River where you can find rest and nourishment for your body and spirit. Offering workshops, retreats, and rental space year-round.
SKIN CARE TRACY’S FACES DAY SPA HOLISTIC SKIN CARE
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
THE LEAVEN CENTER
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.
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 BARBARA LEE, INTERFAITH PRACTITIONER
barbaralee13@gmail.com 616-502-2078 www.barbaralee@vpweb.com Pilgrim Spirit Tours is offering a Tibet/Yunnan/Minority Cultures Pilgrimage May 2012. Tour details and prices available upon request. Also offering Reiki, Spiritual Care, Life Passage Ceremonies, Integral Workshops.
WOMENS RETREATS & GROUPS AWAKENED POTENTIALS FOR WOMEN
Daina (DINAH) Puodziunas Enchanted Lake ~ 35 miles NE of Grand Rapids 616-754-9672 www.Awakenedpotentials.com www.Midlifefairygodmothers.com Providing everything a woman needs to nurture her true spirit and re-enchant her soul since 1988. Solitude In Nature & Women’s Wisdom Retreats at Enchanted Lake. Local Midlife Re~Enchantment, Groups, phone coaching & tele-classes.
TIP... For an exfoliating moisturizer: Make a plain yogurt and organic honey mask – leave on for 20 minutes and rinse. Great for moisturizing, hydrating, and brightening. Tracy Morales Tracy Faces Day Spa See ad page 28. natural awakenings
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com