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Ageless Living How to Stay Forever Young
YOGA ENTERS the Medical Mainstream Research Proves Its Health Benefits
GREEN STADIUMS Major League Sports Lead the Way
The Adventure of Couchsurfing Stay with Locals and Make New Friends
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contents 6 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 12 globalbriefs 1 5 ecotip 10 1 5 actionalert 1 8 teacherprofiles 22 naturalpet 28 greenliving 33 inspiration 12 34 wisewords 36 healingways 40 fitbody 42 calendar 45 naturaldirectory 47 classifieds
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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
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.
22 EYE HEALTH FOR DOGS 10 Foods to Keep Canine Vision Sharp by Audi Donamor
24 AGELESS BEING
Staying Vibrant in Mind, Body and Spirit by Kathleen Barnes
27 I AM TOO OLD
You’re Never Too Old When You Stay Positive by Bob Huttinga PA-C
28 GREENING
Major Leagues Sport More Sustainable Stadiums by Avery Mack
33 THE ADVENTURE
OF COUCHSURFING Stay with Locals and Make New Friends by Lisa Rosinky
34 ALEXANDRA PAUL
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
Her Kind Lifestyle Honors All Living Things
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AMERICA’S GAMES
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. Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.
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ON VEGAN ACTIVISM
33
by Gerry Strauss
36 CHOOSE HAPPINESS
Four Tips to Flip the Joy Switch by Linda Joy
40 YOGA ENTERS THE
MEDICAL MAINSTREAM Research Proves its Health Benefits
by Meredith Montgomery
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letterfrompublisher
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Publishers Kyle & Amy Hass Assistant Publisher Amanda Grasmeyer Editors S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Design & Production Interactive Media Design Scott Carvey Printer Stafford Media Solutions Natural Awakenings 484 Sunmeadow Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Phone: 616-656-9232 Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com
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Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (12 issues) to the above address. © 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY Natural Awakenings is locally owned and operated.
Photo: Allyson Regan
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ow summertime flies when you’re living a life of which you used to dream, which is what Kyle and I have been privileged to do for the past seven years publishing this magazine. Many readers have expressed sadness that we are now making plans to sell our magazine and will no longer be at the helm of this particular ship when we eventually do. It’s been a lovely and satisfying ride because of you and we are everlastingly grateful for it all. For many years now we’ve also cherished the idea of living our next dream—making our home in Alaska, in simpler terms, living more at one with nature. It calls to our souls and we both feel it’s time we started forward movement in that direction. We plan on taking our time to make sure we find the perfect someone fit to take over captaining Natural Awakenings of West Michigan, knowing it will be a blessing for all. We plan to help make it a seamless transition so you don’t miss a single issue. September’s theme of Agelessness hits home for many of us. In Kathleen Barnes’ feature article, “Ageless Being”, Dr. Christiane Northrup advises that we not tell our age, or even count birthdays for that matter, so let’s just say I celebrated a milestone this year, yet I’ve never felt more vital. I am doing things now that I never even considered doing in my 20s. I feel alive and healthier than ever, loving my life. Age truly is a state of mind and I plan on never feeling old. At the beginning of the year I decided that each year going forward I would try one new thing that I’ve never done before. I’ve already far exceeded my goal this year: I learned to wind surf, ran my first 5K, went zip lining in Costa Rica and even started ninja training. I may never compete on TV’s America Ninja Warrior, but I am going to make sure that if the opportunity arises I’ll be ready to try. I am having the time of my life learning new skills. My next adventure is to learn how to kite surf. Imagine what Alaska will bring... Won’t you join me in opening your arms wide to your own journey of a lifetime? Try stepping out of your comfort zone in a fresh way this month. You never know what you can do until you try, and you just might amaze yourself. To a life worth living!
Amy Hass, Publisher Never Glossy. Always Green. Natural Awakenings practices environmental sustainability by printing on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink. This choice avoids the toxic chemicals and high energy costs of producing shiny, coated paper that is hard to recycle.
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September 2015
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newsbriefs Community Quiet Day & Labyrinth Walk
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ave you ever wished you could step out of the everyday routine, the rush, the busyness, the ever present world of technology? Come experience the out of the ordinary beauty of a time set apart at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on September 12 from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for the Community Quiet Day & Labyrinth Walk. Come and go as your schedule permits and explore spiritual practices such as walking meditation or Centering Prayer. Enjoy refreshments throughout the day as you examine displays, books and hands-on ways to deepen your inner life. A simple lunch is available from noon to 1:00 P.M. A suggested donation of $5 helps with expenses. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, give yourself the healing gifts that time and silence can bring. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 1006 Third St. in downtown Muskegon. For more information, call Linda Reynolds at 231-744-0377, or email LindaReynolds21@ comcast.net.
New Practitioners and Retreat
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olistic Care Approach is delighted to extend a warm welcome to Chris Wheeler and Mary Johnson, co-founders of 1Breath4All. They have been practicing Spiritual Healing, Energy and Breath Work, in addition to coordinating workshops,
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classes and retreats since 2009. The focus of their work is to illuminate our spiritual nature through archetypes, breath, healing and the human vibrational system. In addition, Wheeler and Johnson can also help groups organize an event or retreat, offering services such as content and development, logistics, registration, food service and getting a speaker for groups. 1Breath4All will be joining the HCA family, nestled in the Energy Center of their newly expanded lower level. Here they will offer healing services and host events, such as their upcoming book club meeting on September 15. Stay tuned for more upcoming workshops and classes from 1Breath4All! For more information about 1Breath4All, or to register for one of their events, call 616-882-3152 or 616644-2513, email 1Breath4All@gmail.com or visit HolisticCareApproach.com. See ad, page 9.
Experience Trauma Sensitive Yoga
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rauma sensitive yoga is often beneficial for people living with complex trauma and/or PTSD - and the practice is focused on invitational cues, rather than alignment cues. For many yoga teachers, the shift in languaging and class structure is a completely new experience. The Body Mind Being Project, in partnership with Lululemon Athletica, will offer a donation-based demonstration trauma sensitive yoga class on September 20, from 11:00 A.M. to noon, at Lululemon in Breton Village, Grand Rapids. The class will be led by Deanie Pettengill, RYT. Deanie was recently certified in trauma sensitive yoga by the Mindful Yoga Therapy for Veterans program. Donations provide free trauma sensitive yoga classes to area veterans. For more information, email Info@ MakingPeopleWhole.org or visit MakingPeopleWhole.org.
Regional Conference for Holistic Nurses
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he American Holistic Nurses Association will be holding a regional conference, entitled Holistic Self-Care: Your Secret Power for Enhancing Patient Care, on September, 25 in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Attendees will learn about self-care and why it is essential quality patient care. The focus will be on the interrelationship of mind, body and spirit self-care for nurses and self-care practices that can easily be incorporated into daily life. The American Holistic Nurses Association’s Education Provider Committee is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission (ANCC) on Accreditation. For more information, call Kaylee Ferguson at 800-278-2462, email Communications@ahna.org or visit ahna.org/cne.
Serendipite Organiques is Back
A
fter closing her brick and mortar shop in March and taking a short hiatus, Teri Kelley has reintroduced Serendipite Organiques as an online store. Find many of the same product lines plus some new ones. Products include head-to-toe body care from Face Naturals, 8-free nail color from la couleur couture, best seller, all-over face and body moisturizer Boditonic, Organic Matter Hair Care, Bubble & Bee Lemongrass Rosemary Shower Gel (the same cleanser you may have experienced when washing your hands at The Green Well and Grove restaurants), aTobiko Organic Dog, Qēt Botanicals, and newcomer, Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques. All lines are made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, and are free of toxic chemicals like parabens, SLES/SLS, Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives, Triclosan, Toluene, Propylene Glycol, PEG’s, and phthalates, to name a few. Kelley is excited to have her online store where people can peruse items at their leisure, day or night, but also knows people may prefer the one-on-one attention she provided when they visited her at the brick and mortar location. “It sometimes is tough to have that great personalized customer service experience while shopping online. If a person is not quite sure what they would like to purchase, I encourage them to contact me. If they want a recommendation based on their particular skin type or have any questions at all, I want to be there for them,” says Kelley. Shop Serendipite online by visiting mkt.com/ serendipite-organiques. For more information, call 616719-0610, or email teri@serendipiteorganiques.com! See ad, page 45.
Spirit Space Labyrinth
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pirit Space is excited and grateful to announce the completion of their labyrinth. The beautiful, five circuit labyrinth is made of all natural products. Come meander and meditate in the serene wooded environment of this sacred land. A labyrinth is a unicursal creation. Its single pathway in becomes the only way out and the journey is one of faith. Walking a labyrinth is to dance your way into your own heart. Reaching the center, one may choose to release things that are not serving for highest good. Walking back out, one brings a renewed and rekindled spirit back with them. For centuries labyrinths have provided the space for meditation, prayer and self-reflection. Spirit Space is located at 3493 Blue Star Hwy. in Saugatuck. For more information, call 616-836-1555. See ad, page 13.
New LED Panel
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educe the signs of aging, specifically the reduction or periorbital wrinkles, the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck and the appearance of sun damaged skin with Lakeshore Natural Skin Care’s new LED panel. This new unit has a custom LED panel consisting of four powerful LED wavelengths of high intensity light that Daphne Myers, ND, are proven to be effective at reducing CNC, HSCP, RMT, LMT the signs of aging. The renewed skin and outward appearance comes from cellular level changes, offering the same treatment performed at the dermatologist office but at a much more affordable price. For more information, call at 231-557-3619 or visit LakeshoreNaturalSkinCare.com. See ads, pages 29 & 47.
40% Off Spa Services
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njoy 40% off your first Spa Service at Grand Rapids Natural Health (GRNH). GRNH strives to create health and wellness in all aspects of their clients’ lives. They believe that what you put on your skin is a big part of overall health. For this reason, GRNH is excited to now offer facials and sugaring hair removal to their services. GRNH esthetician, Janelle Goltz uses clean, food grade, organic products and will be offering 40% off your first spa service now through the end of September. For more information, call at 616-264-6556 or visit GRNaturalHealth.com/Spa-Services. See ad, page 33. natural awakenings
September 2015
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newsbriefs Become a Health Conscious Consumer
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egister to win $150 worth of free organic foods at MolecularMiracle.GPDB.com. Molecular Miracle ReJuvenation helps all people, young and old, learn about and understand true principles and practices that foster healthy dietary lifestyles and eradicate disease; to eliminate the distribution of foods made with harmful ingredients, including genetically modified organisms (GMO) by giving consumers better alternatives; providing all consumers with access to “clean” foods at the lowest possible prices, including free home delivery.
Zero Balancing. In practice sessions, students experience both how to perform Zero Balancing and how Zero Balancing feels to receive. Learn the basicZero Balancing protocol, the theory and principles of Zero Balancing, how to distinguish body energy and body structure through touch, the skill of using energy as a working tool and more. For those interested in learning about what Zero Balancing is, join Linda Squires, D.C. on September 10 at 7:00 P.M. for an Introductory Talk about Zero Balancing at Holistic Care Approach in Grand Rapids. For more information or to register, call 1-800-9871368, email LindaSquiresDC@gmail.com or ZBHA@ ZeroBalancing.com. See ad, page 23.
Register online at MolecularMiracle.com/Groceries or visit The Molecular Miracle ReJuvenation Kiosk in Rivertown Crossings Mall in Grandville. See ad, page 8.
Zero Balancing I
J
oin Instructor Jim McCormick on November 12-15 at Holistic Care Approach for the course Zero Balancing I. This is the first course of the Core Zero Balancing curriculum and introduces the intellectual and practical framework of the art Jim McCormick and science of Zero Balancing. Instructors provide a detailed study guide, clear presentations and demonstrations of
The True Cost
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ashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries, but apparel is rarely included in sustainability conversations or assessments. The True Cost is a film that documents social and ecological impacts of what we wear. It shows the stories of people who make the clothing we buy and how our choices fuel a vicious system of waste and injustice. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the
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human and environmental consequences have increased dramatically. The True Cost breaks new ground on an issue we all need to recognize. A recent Newsweek article references it as “The Environmental Crisis in Your Closet”. Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is an unprecedented portrayal that takes us on an eye opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes. View the trailer on Clothing Matters’ website (below). If you’re among those who care to know more about how our choices affect and can improve personal, social and ecological well-being, Clothing Matters will offer $10 credit to anyone who views and writes a review of the full documentary film and shares it on their personal Facebook page, the Clothing Matters Facebook page and as a comment on the Clothing Matters blog, which can be found at ClothingMatters.net. Watch the film at TrueCostMovie.com or on Netflix. For more information on Clothing Matters, call 616-742-2818, email Info@ClothingMatters.net or visit ClothingMatters.net. See ad, page 39.
Correction to Last Month’s Community Spotlight
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lease note the following correction to last month’s Community Spotlight for Out of the Blue Inc. on pages 32 and 33. We had an incorrect email address along with Facebook name. To Nancy Despres contact Nancy Despres by email, email NancyLDespres@gmail. com. To find Out of the Blue Inc. on Facebook, search for Out of the Blue Inc. We apologize for any inconvenience this error has caused. For more information on Out of the Blue Inc., call 616-453-4215 or visit NancyDespres.com.
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September 2015
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healthbriefs
Sad Music Can Lift Our Mood
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study from Free University, in Berlin, has determined that listening to sad music may actually lift our mood. The researchers conducted a survey of 772 people, 44 percent of which were musicians, asking each subject about their emotional responses after listening to sad music. While 76 percent felt nostalgic, more than 57 percent of the respondents indicated peacefulness, more than 51 percent felt tenderness, almost 39 percent had feelings of wonder and 37 percent experienced a sense of transcendence. Fewer than half—45 percent—said they experienced sadness when listening to the morose melodies. The researchers pointed out that people often tend to listen to sad music as a source of consolation, and the music often provides a means for improving moods and emotions.
Support Groups Keep Artery Patients Mobile
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esearch published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has determined that when peripheral artery disease patients engage in behavioral support groups that encourage exercise, they realize increased mobility. The researchers from Northwestern University followed 194 patients for a year, testing subjects at six months and again at 12 months. The patients were divided into two groups; one attended weekly intervention group meetings, while the control group attended weekly lectures. After six months, the researchers found that only 6.3 percent of those that attended the support group meetings experienced mobility loss, compared to 26.5 percent of those that didn’t attend the meetings. After one year, the support group attendees again showed positive results. The control group had 18.5 percent loss in mobility, while only 5.2 percent of the support group attendees did.
Smog Increases Stroke Risk
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esearch from Germany has found that the high particulate numbers in smoggy areas increase the risk of stroke. The Heinz Nixdorf Recall study followed more than 4,400 people between the ages of 45 and 74 years old. The researchers began the study in 2000. They compared stroke and heart attacks to air pollution particulate matter (PM) levels of PM10 (particle sizes of 10 micrometers or less) and PM2.5 (2.5 micrometers or less). The study found that stroke incidence was more than two-and-a-half times higher among people with long-term exposure to PM10, while stroke incidence increased by more than three times among people with long-term exposure to PM2.5 smog. 10
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Chamomile Tea Helps Us Live Longer
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n a study of 1,677 Mexican-American men and women over the age of 65 from the Southwestern U.S., researchers have found that drinking chamomile tea decreases the risk of earlier mortality by an average of 29 percent. Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch followed the study population for seven years. Among those tested, 14 percent drank chamomile tea regularly. These were primarily women, and those women that drank chamomile tea experienced a 33 percent reduced mortality during the study period. The small group of men that drank the chamomile tea regularly did not register a significant difference in mortality. Chamomile also has a long history of use in folk medicine and is primarily used to settle digestion and calm the mind. It is a leading natural herbal tea in many countries and contains no caffeine. While various species may be used, chamomile tea is traditionally made by infusing the flowers of either German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) or Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) into hot water. In Spanish-speaking regions, chamomile tea is often referred to as manzanilla tea—consumed in Mexico and other Spanish cultures for centuries.
Daily Exercise Adds Five Years to Life
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esearch published this year in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has determined that just 30 minutes of exercise, six days a week, can result in a reduced risk of early death by 40 percent, regardless of the intensity of the exercise. The researchers followed nearly 15,000 men born between 1923 and 1932. The men’s exercise and sedentary levels were measured along with the number of deaths that occurred during two 12-year study periods. In the second 12-year period, the researchers followed almost 6,000 of the surviving men. The researchers compared those men that were sedentary with those that exercised either moderately or intensely and found that moderate to intense exercise increased their average lifespan by five years. This improvement was comparable to the difference between smoking and non-smoking, according to the researchers. The data comes from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, in Oslo. The scientists’ finding confirms that public health practices for elderly men should include efforts to increase physical activity, along with efforts to reduce smoking.
Muscle-Building Supplements Linked to Testicular Cancer
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ew research published in the British Journal of Cancer has found that taking muscle-building supplements can increase the risk of testicular cancer by up to 65 percent. The study monitored 356 cancer patients and 513 control subjects, all from Connecticut and Massachusetts. The case-control study was conducted by researchers from the Yale School of Public Health and the Harvard School of Public Health, and tested for testicular germ cell cancer. About 90 percent of testicular cancers originate from germ cells. The researchers found the subjects that used multiple musclebuilding supplements and those that began using the supplements when they were younger had the greatest risk of developing cancer.
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GREEN TEA, APPLES AND COCOA PROTECT AGAINST CANCER AND ARTERIAL PLAQUE
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esearch published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research has found a new mechanism that may provide the key to why some foods are particularly healthy. The researchers found that epigallocatechin gallates, a class of polyphenols contained in green tea, apples, cocoa and other herbs and foods, blocks vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, which is implicated in the buildup of plaque in the arteries, as well as cancer growth. Blocking VEGF helps prevent angiogenesis—when tumors form new blood vessels that help them grow. The researchers, from the Institute of Food Research, in Norwich, in the United Kingdom, tested the polyphenols, as well as human cells, in the laboratory. natural awakenings
September 2015
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Bottomless Well
De-Salting Water Could Help Drought-Stricken Areas A team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Jain Irrigation Systems has devised a method of turning brackish water into drinking water using renewable energy. This solar-powered machine is able to pull salt out of water and disinfect it with ultraviolet rays, making it suitable for both irrigation and drinking. Electrodialysis works by passing a stream of water between two electrodes with opposite charges. Because the salt dissolved in water consists of positive and negative ions, the electrodes pull the ions out of the water, leaving fresher water at the center of the flow. A series of membranes separate the freshwater stream from increasingly salty ones. The photovoltaic-powered electrodialysis reversal system recently won the top $140,000 Desal Prize from the U.S. Department of Interior. “This technology has the potential to bring agriculture to vast barren lands using brackish water,” says Richard Restuccia, Jain’s vice president of landscape solutions. The prize was developed to supply catalytic funding to capture and support innovative ideas and new technologies that could have a significant impact on resolving global water demand. Among 13 desalination projects under consideration along the California coast, the Carlsbad Desalination Project will be the largest in the Western Hemisphere once it is completed in the fall. Source: EcoWatch.com
Embracing Invasives Rethinking the Balance of Nature
Environmental journalist Fred Pearce, author of the new book, The New Wild: Why Invasive Species Will Be Nature’s Salvation, traveled across six continents and ecosystems from remote Pacific islands to the United Kingdom and the Great Lakes to reveal some outdated scientific ideas about invasive species and the balance of nature. Pearce argues that mainstream environmentalists are correct that we need a rewilding of the Earth, but they are wrong if they believe it can be achieved by reengineering ecosystems. He thinks that humans have changed the planet too much, and nature never goes backward. But a growing group of scientists is taking a fresh look at how species interact in the wild. According to these new ecologists, we should applaud the dynamism of alien species and the new ecosystems they create. In an era of climate change and widespread ecological damage, it’s crucial that we find ways to help nature regenerate. Embracing this new ecology, Pearce proposes, is our best chance, maintaining, “To be an environmentalist in the 21st century means celebrating nature’s wildness and capacity for change.” Source: Earthtalk.org
You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old. ~George Burns 12
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Secular Socialization
Today’s Young Adults Are the Least Religious Ever Researchers led by San Diego State University Psychology Professor Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., found that millennials are the least religious generation of the last six decades, and possibly in the nation’s history. They analyzed data from 11.2 million respondents from four nationally representative surveys of U.S. adolescents ages 13 to 18 taken between 1966 and 2014. Results published in the journal PLOS One conclude that recent adolescents are less likely to say that religion is important in their lives, report less approval of religious organizations and find themselves feeling less spiritual and spending less time praying or meditating. “Unlike previous studies, ours is able to show that millennials’ lower religious involvement is due to cultural change, not to their being young and unsettled,” says Twenge, who is also the author of Generation Me. “Millennial adolescents are less religious than Boomers and GenXers were at the same ages,” she notes. “We also looked at younger ages than the previous studies. More of today’s adolescents are abandoning religion before they reach adulthood, with an increasing number not raised with religion at all.”
An Interfaith Worship and Spiritual Enrichment Center
Sunday Worship: 10:30am Wednesday Discussion & Meditation: 6:30pm Pastor Sherry Petro-Surdel 3493 Blue Star Highway Saugatuck, MI. 49453 616-836-1555 www.Spirit-Space.org
Check Us Out:
Source: San Diego State University
Spring Cleaning
Connecticut Initiates Mattress Recycling Connecticut has introduced the nation’s first-ever mattress recycling program to get old beds off the curb and into the renewable waste stream via Park City Green, a cavernous warehouse in Bridgeport where mattresses go to die and get reborn. One of only two mattress recycling facilities in the state, it employs workers that manually break down bedding parts, separating the materials into giant piles of foam, mounds of cotton and tall stacks of metal springs. All this gets shipped off to junk dealers to be recycled and reclaimed for later use in the metal industry or as backing for carpets. The city had been paying hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to pick up mattresses on trash day and break them apart for disposal, but that figure is expected to drop to zero and create jobs at the same time. Connecticut’s program is voluntary, so municipalities don’t have to participate. But because it’s already being paid for by consumers and the mattress industry, state officials expect the program to grow. Already, more than 60 Connecticut communities are participating.
NaturallyWestMI
Fossil Free
China Tests Hydrogen-Powered Mass Transit China has started testing the world’s first hydrogen-powered tram. Although hydrogen fuel cells have been around for a while and are currently being used and tested in a variety of vehicles, including buses, the country is the first to master the technology for trams. Hydrogen is extremely abundant and can be extracted from a variety of sources, both renewable and non-renewable. Hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles produce zero emissions, only water. One tank lasts for about 60 miles and takes three minutes to refuel. See the vehicle in action at Tinyurl.com/ChineseHydrogenTrain. natural awakenings
September 2015
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“Sick and Tired” of Feeling “Sick and Tired” Explore the benefits of
Young Living Essential Oils n Grown from NON-GMO seeds n Grown in organic soils n Cultivated with natural fertilizers n Watered by melting snows from
nearby mountains n Distilled by gentle, custom-
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Never Any
globalbriefs Supreme Hope
Online Summer of Peace Program Continues Designed by The Shift Network as “the largest virtual peace event on the planet,” a free, online three-month global movement program, The Summer of Peace, continues through September 21. It promises to inspire participants by teaching ways to heal conflicts within oneself, in relationships and in the world using peace, instead of conflict, as the new baseline. Featured thought leaders include Deepak Chopra, Ervin Laszlo, Grandmother Agnes Pilgrim, Karen Armstrong, Lisa Garr and Congressman Tim Ryan, plus messages from the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Jane Goodall. Programs include The Subtle Activism Summit: Inner Dimensions of Peace Building from September 8 to 10, and 11 Ways to Transform Your World from September 11 to 21, concluding on the United Nations International Day of Peace. “You’ll discover more personal ease, joy and well-being with techniques to connect more profoundly to the deep peace within yourself and the latest in the science of compassion,” says Garr, host of The Aware Show and Being Aware and bestselling author of Becoming Aware. She also attests that participants will find the best practices for citizen engagement and conscious activism to help accelerate the shift to a world of peace. For more information or to register, visit SummerOfPeace.net.
3 Adulteration 3 Additives 3 Synthetics 3 Pesticides
United in Utah
Parliament of World Religions Gathering
For People AND Pets! Available through local, Independent Distributors
Income Opportunities Also Available! www.youngliving.org/naturalhealth4U Ad sponsored by Marilyn York (Young Living Independent Member #489656)
The 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions, regarded by organizers as the oldest, largest and most inclusive gathering of all faiths and traditions, will be held from October 15 to 19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, in Salt Lake City. International spiritual leaders will come together to share wisdom and best practices in dealing with critical global issues, especially climate change and care for creation; income inequality and wasteful consumption; and war, violence and hate speech. Leading speakers include the Dalai Lama, Karen Armstrong, Tariq Ramadan, Mairead Maguire, Jim Wallis, Oscar Arias Sanchez, Eboo Patel, Vandana Shiva and Michael Bernard Beckwith. Attendees can also participate in a Women’s Assembly and Program Initiative; training in dialogue, interfaith activism, fundraising and organizing; musical performances and film showings; breakout sessions; and networking opportunities. Cost: $200 to $550, based on date of registration. Discounts and housing options are available for families, groups, organizations and students, along with scholarship and sponsorship opportunities. For more information or to register, email 2015@ParliamentOfReligions.org or visit ParliamentOfReligions.org.
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
ecotip
actionalert Happy Eco-Birthday!
Parties that Celebrate Life and the Planet The most memorable birthday parties make us feel good, and going green makes them feel even better.
Youngsters Location matters. Consider a park or beach as a setting to promote exercise and time outdoors. Children’s museums and wildlife centers frequently host kids’ birthday parties. Other “experience parties”, as suggested at Tinyurl.com/GreenChildPartyTips, include pottery making, tie-dyeing organic T-shirts or touring a local fire station. Forgo traditional trappings. Rather than using paper materials, consider decorating an old sheet as a festive tablecloth, utilize recycled computer or other repurposed paper to print custom placemats, and personalize cloth napkins found at estate sales or made from old clothes with guest names written with fabric pens for a unique and reusable party favor. Find details on these and other tips at Tinyurl. com/PBS-Green-Party-Ideas. Sustainable gifts. PlanToys makes its toys from rubberwood, a sustainable byproduct of latex harvesting, and non-formaldehyde glues. For preteens, gift a subscription to the National Wildlife Federation’s Ranger Rick magazine or a birdhouse or bird feeder. Make a maestro. Presenting a gift card for introductory music lessons can launch a young musician. A recent study by the National Association for Music Education notes that early exposure to music develops language, reading, math and memorization skills; improves hand-eye coordination; builds confidence and a sense of achievement; and promotes social interaction and teamwork when performing with others. Or, give tickets to introduce a child to classical, pops or jazz concert-going.
Adults Healthy drinks and eats. Serve or bring organic, locally made beer and wine and pure fruit juices. Have the party catered by a health food restaurant or store, or order organic takeout. Do-good gifts. Antique and consignment shops are filled with items rich in culture and history. Museums, art centers and specialty gift shops offer fair trade creations handmade by overseas workers that all purchases assist. Family ties. Work beforehand with a partner or family member of the birthday celebrant to showcase family photos at the party and spark sharing of nostalgic stories among guests.
Dark Act
Protect Truth and Transparency in GMO Food Labeling On July 23, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of H.R. 1599, known by supporters as the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act and dubbed the “Deny Americans the Right to Know (DARK) Act” by opponents. The bill removes the requirement that foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMO) be labeled as such, preventing consumers from the right to know whether or not the foods they purchase contain potentially harmful ingredients. If it becomes law, H.R. 1599 will preempt state labeling requirements, including the pioneering Vermont GMO labeling law scheduled to take effect next year. First, a companion bill will have to clear the Senate. No date is set yet for this and the time to let our senators know that we want to protect truth and transparency on food labels and encourage them to oppose the DARK Act starts now. Make the people’s voice heard by contacting local state senators, call 202-224-3121 and visit Tinyurl.com/ ContactYourSenatorToday.
Subtle Energies & D-Rose Institute of Urevia® Healing Usui Reiki Classes ~ Karuna® Reiki Classes ~ Urevia® Practitioner Level One Sept 26 & 27
Sept 12 & 13
Sept 19, 20 & Oct 17, 18
We offer certified and professionally accredited education for healing practitioners, holistic practitioners and health-care professionals. The classes offer education that adds to a practitioner’s skill set, which creates service diversity and improves one’s market value. Serving SW Michigan: Centrally located between Battle Creek, Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids.
reikiconnect.com
269-671-4455
reiki-ureviaclasses.com natural awakenings
September 2015
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Masters of
a g o Y tes and iP la hi ia C
T
yoga
with a
view Practice Yoga Overlooking Versluis Lake
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KIDS YOGA
www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com 5270 Northland Drive NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-8580
New Students
Love e v o L
e f i L r u o Y Your Life
Celebrating Our 15 Year Anniversary! West Michigan Edition
BABY WEARING BARRE
FERTILITY YOGA
One Month of Unlimited Yoga & Tai Chi Classes for $49!
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PRENATAL YOGA
616.336.YOGA | FromTheHeartYoga.com
NaturalWestMichigan.com
renewmamastudio.com | (616) 443-3995
New Yoga Session Starts In September! Come & Rediscover YOURSELF!
New Student Special
2 Weeks Yoga Unlimited Only $29 Ave, Suite M. Grandville 5570 Wilson 616.745.0310 www.PeaceLabYoga.com
New & Returning* Students get 10% off!
Y OGA **** EDUCATION **** WELLNESS (*= haven’t t aken classes at JHYH in 6 months)
with C hitrad ev i Ca ra dedios
Kripalu Group/Pvt Yoga Yoga of 12 Step Recovery Multi-‐Dimensional Approach WholeLife Private Consulting & Group Classes (Life, Relationships, Spiritual etc.) • Transformative & Educational Programs • Reiki Treatments For More Info : WWW.URHOMEYOGA.COM email: info@urhomeyoga.com (616) 780-3604 583 Ada Dr., Ste 203, Ada, MI 49301 • • •
Pelvic Floor Training September 12 & 13 Research based, proven pilates inspired fitness program developed by an MD. Register Today...Space is Limited to 30 People
29 West 8th, Street, Suite 200 Downtown Holland 616.394.4303 Info@LakeshorePilates.com LakeshorePilates.com
$55 for 1 month unlimited yoga (some restrictions apply)
208 W 18th Street Holland, MI 49424 616-392-7580 info@miBodhiTree.com www.miBodhiTree.com
CALL 616.656.9232 to be a part of this exclusive directory!
Yoga Boosts Brain Gray Matter
R
esearch from the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center at Duke University Medical Center has found that a regular hatha yoga practice increases gray matter within the brain, reversing the loss found among those with chronic pain. The research ers tested seven hatha yoga meditation practitioners and seven non-practitioners. Each of the subjects underwent tests for depression, anxiety, moods and cognition levels, along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. The scientists found that the brains of the yoga meditation practitioners contained significantly greater gray matter by volume in key brain regions, including the frontal, temporal and occipital cortices, plus the cerebellum and the hippocampus, compared to the non-yoga subjects. The yoga meditation practitioners also had more gray area in the prefrontal cortex regions that are involved in decision-making, reward/consequence, control and coordination.
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natural awakenings
September 2015
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natural awakenings
celebrates
and invites you to learn more about these teachers and centers committed to the wellbeing of our community.
Deborah Cioffi
Lakeshore Yoga Center
Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio
LakeshoreYoga.com
C
arey Burns, CYI, CMT, LMT, is the owner of Lakeshore Yoga Center in Grand Haven. Burns loves to share in the celebration of life through spirituality and an out-of-thebox approach to movement, playfulness and wonder. She loves all forms and practices of yoga and never teaches the same class twice! Her mission is to be here now, to love and extend peace to all and to inspire others to live authentically with an open heart.
Chitradevi Caradedios
D
eborah Cioffi (ERYT) is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. Specializing in Vinyasa Flow, Cioffi’s thoughtful, light-hearted yet precise and accessible style raises students’ practices to the next level. Her passion and excitement for learning and incorporating yoga into all aspects of her life creates an enthusiasm that exudes through her teachings. Cioffi’s instruction aims to nourish the mind, body and heart through breath awareness, strong alignment and philosophy.
White River Yoga
URHomeYoga.com
C
WhiteRiverYoga.com
hitradevi’s yoga journey began over 15 years ago. Her teaching style promotes yoga’s transformative power to live more fully and easefully. In her classes, yoga is for every BODY. She meets her students and clients where they are at and helps them see that wherever that is, is perfect. She is an Experienced 500- Hour Professional Level Yoga Teacher specializing in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Yoga of 12-Step Recovery.
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MIBodhiTree.com
Mitch Coleman
Journey Home Yoga
West Michigan Edition
M
itch Coleman has been teaching yoga since 2005. He opened White River Yoga in Montague in 2007. Coleman received his 200-hr. training at Kripalu, and his 500-hr. at Yogasana, in Koh Samui, Thailand. His yoga is in the Hatha/Kripalu style, with some Ashtanga thrown in. Coleman likes to keep the atmosphere light and fun, so expect to smile, laugh and work hard. White River Yoga offers classes for all levels, seven days a week.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Hearts Journey Wellness Center
HeartsJourneyWellness.com.
YOGA MONTH
Carey Burns
Dr. Sue Dilsworth
D
r. Sue Dilsworth is a clinical psychologist, yoga teacher and yoga therapist. Based on extensive research, Dilsworth incorporates yoga and gong meditations as effective selfcare strategies for managing moods, overcoming illness and healing past wounds. The Center also offers a variety of yoga classes including hot, vinyasa, restorative and chair to honor each individual’s level of practice. Come visit Heart’s Journey Wellness Center – a place of personal growth, compassion and healing energy. Namaste.
Jane Donnelly On The Path Yoga hagoyoga.com
J
ane Donnelly has been practicing, teaching and studying yoga and meditation since 2001. Donnelly is also certified in Level One Thai Massage and is a Reiki Master. Donnelly’s desire is to help people discover what they are capable of in the practice of yoga. She enjoys watching students find a mind-body connection through movement and attention to their breath. Students will discover breath, relaxation and meditation in Donnelly’s classes at On The Path Yoga.
Amanda Holbert Renew Mama Studio
RenewMamaStudio.com
A
manda Holbert founded Renew Mama Studio, a yoga & wellness studio, in 2012 with the belief that all women deserve to be empowered, inspired
and nurtured. Holbert’s mission as a yoga teacher is to help mamas find their voice and to support them along their journey. She teaches Prenatal Yoga, Mom and Baby Yoga, Kids Yoga and Barre (baby-wearing friendly). She believes in creating space for mothers to come and having a strong community of support.
Chandra Jennings Lakeshore Yoga Center
CrescentMoonYogaOutsideLines@ gmail.com
A
n avid distance runner, Chandra Jennings came to yoga for pain and injury management. Preparing for her first marathon caused “runner’s knee”, which left her unable to even climb stairs. Jennings began a regime of hot power yoga that helped heal both her knee and spirit. She became a teacher to offer classes to those looking for healing on their own mats. Jennings provides power/hot, children’s, chair and nidra yoga classes emphasizing both anatomy and mindfulness.
Joy Jonker
Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio MIBodhiTree.com
J
oy Jonker, a student of 10 years, has completed the RYT 200 hour certification. Her background is in the Anusara method of yoga. She is an active, “mature” yogi who enjoys the great outdoors of Michigan. Jonker is eager to share what she calls her “spiritual dance”; yoga that enhances the mind and allows the body the freedom to move in new directions. She is also certified in Wisdom Warriors, a practice for the yogi practitioners who are willing to try something playful and challenging.
Jamie Kozlowicz Cascade Yoga Studio
EOGandCYSYoga.com
J
amie Kozlowicz’s love for fitness led her to yoga. She embraced the opportunity to take the Prairie Yoga teacher training in 2008 at Cascade Yoga Studio. Kozlowicz has also completed a 300 hour teacher training with Theresa Murphy. The classes she offers usually center around breath-lead movement with an emphasis on alignment. Kozlowicz’s hope for students upon leaving a class lead by her is that they feel more clear, connected, aligned and alive.
Behnje Masson
From the Heart Yoga & Tai Chi Center FromTheHeartYoga.com 616-336-YOGA
B
ehnje Masson is an E-RYT 500 Certified Hatha Yoga teacher with over 18 years of teaching experience. She founded From the Heart Yoga and Tai Chi Center in 2000. She began her study of Anusara Yoga with John Friend in 1997, receiving her certification in 2004, and served on the National Certification Board for Anusara Yoga for 8+ years. Masson continues to study with the top teachers in the field of yoga.
Kat McKinney The Yoga Studio
GRYoga.com 616-776-0836
K
at McKinney is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and owner of The Yoga Studio, the original home for yoga in Grand Rapids. She took the helm at The Yoga Studio this past January after several years of operating the studio with founder Carolyn Heines. Providing quality instruction that makes yoga accessible to people of all abilities is McKinney’s passion. If she isn’t practicing or teaching, McKinney is probably reading (about yoga).
Melanie McQuown PeaceLab Yoga
Melanie@PeaceLabYoga.com
M
elanie McQuown (ERYT 200/ RYT 500) is a teacher’s teacher who leads dynamic classes, informative workshops and individualized instruction. McQuown has been practicing yoga for almost 17 years and teaching for over 10. For her, the mat is a place for experimentation and wonderment. She is also the Program Director for the 200 Hour PeaceLab Yoga Teacher Training, whose aim is to provide the communities in and around West Michigan with world-class yoga instructors.
natural awakenings
September 2015
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Charlie Meyers
Lakeshore Yoga Center
LakeshoreYoga.com
80
-year-old Charlie Meyers, RYT received his certification through Jonny Kest Center for Yoga. He has also completed advanced teacher training at White Lotus Foundation with Tracy Rich and Ganga White. He studied with Pam Fenton for over 10 years as well as many other influential teachers such as Anna Forest, Dharma Mittra, Paul Grilley and Ravi Singh. His specialty is Ashtanga Yoga, where he excels at bringing the art and science of yoga together.
Sandy Parker On the Path Yoga
Sandy@ OnThePathYoga.com
O
wner of On The Path Yoga, Sandy Parker has a BS in Health Education with over 25 years of experience as a health and movement educator. Besides certification in yoga and personal training, she is a Restorative Exercise Specialist™. Her yoga classes emphasize finding strength, balance, steadiness and ease in postures through the practice of breath, focus and alignment. Parker’s specialty workshops reflect her education and experience as a woman, mom and aging adult.
Rick Powell
From the Heart Yoga & Tai Chi Center FromTheHeartYoga.com 616-336-YOGA
R
ick Powell has studied Tai-Chi Jeung and Tai Chi Praying Mantis Kung Fu with Lee Hoa Yen since 1984. In
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West Michigan Edition
1987, Powell was accepted as an “In door” Disciple of Sifu Lee Hoa Yen. In 1990, Sifu Lee granted Powell the permission to teach this system. In 2008, Powell received his certification in Anusara Yoga. He is currently an E-RYT 500 Certified and continues to study with the top teachers in the field of yoga.
Mimi Ray
Expressions of Grace Yoga EOGandCYSYoga. com
M
imi Ray’s teaching reflects a lifelong love of yoga and extensive training, particularly in Anusara and alignment based hatha yoga. For her, yoga represents a coming home again, to know one’s Self and maintain balance in a hectic world. Her special passions are seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, working with both new students and nourishing teachers. Ray is the founder and director of The Art of Teaching Yoga, 200hr RYS Yoga Teacher Training School at Expressions of Grace Yoga.
Linda Siewert On The Path Yoga
Linda.Siewert@gmail.com
L
inda Siewert has over 20 years of teaching experience in yoga and fitness. As the Area Director and Management Trainer of Fitness Factory, a national fitness program, she organized and taught classes throughout the Lansing area including Michigan State University. She began her yoga training with Kay Winters in East Lansing and continued her training with YogaFit. Siewert’s classes are lively, fun and light-hearted. She is honored to share her love of yoga with everyone at On The Path Yoga.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Jaclyn Szelong On The Path Yoga
Szelongj@gmail.com
J
aclyn Szelong has been practicing different styles of yoga at various studios around Ann Arbor and West Michigan. Szelong holds a Bachelor’s of Health Science degree and received her yoga teacher training with Michele Fife and specializes in teaching the Ashtanga Series at On The Path Yoga. Szelong describes yoga as “not just a fuel for the body, but food for the soul.” Her classes dive deep into the subtle body and facilitate a deeper sense of self-awareness and inner strength.
Melanie Wolters Lakeshore Yoga Center
MelanieMasterson@ymail.com
M
elanie Wolters was visiting Michigan in the summers from Texas when she discovered her favorite yoga studio, Lakeshore Yoga where she now teaches. She studied, practiced and taught yoga in Houston, Texas for about ten years before moving to Michigan. She believes that teaching yoga is more than just teaching poses. Teaching yoga is about helping people to discover their inner light and to experience themselves healthy and whole.
communityspotlight by Julie Reynolds
Ruth Small
I
n this day and age, it is not an easy task for people to change work habits, food preferences, customs and other areas that have become the American norm. Life moves faster and faster every day it seems, and people struggle just to keep up. Fast food restaurants line the streets of towns, and long hours are spent working in stationary positions on electronic devices, and this is all leading to health problems nationwide. People exercise less and lead more sedentary lives. It is too easy to pick up dinner on the way home after a full day of work. For many, cooking a meal means putting something frozen and processed into the microwave for five minutes. Fortunately, not everyone leads this lifestyle. Some people know differently, and some are there to help others down a different pathway - a pathway to live more balanced and healthy lifestyles. In a quiet, wooded setting in Kalamazoo, Michigan, there are people doing just that. The Sambodh Society, a non-profit organization, owns and operates the Bodhananda Vedic Institute (BVI) School of Ayurveda. The school offers a course in natural medicine that embraces a holistic philosophy that originated in India. The study of Ayurveda, as described on their website, is a holistic science based upon Vedic wisdom, emphasizing healthy dietary practices to both obtain and maintain a balanced lifestyle. This state licensed Ayurveda certification program offers a curriculum in holistic natural health integrating the body, mind and spirit. Ruth Small, a former English professor at Western Michigan University, is the Administrative Director of the BVI School of Ayurveda and co-founder of
The Sambodh Society. In addition to her experience in curriculum, administrative skills and teaching, she has also traveled to India over 20 times, immersing herself in Indian culture. Her first visit occurred when she was 29 years old, and she has come to fully embrace India’s philosophy and methods of natural healing, which have been practiced for over 5,000 years. Since her early 30s, Small wanted to study in a school like the one she has recently helped to create. It is her belief that Americans can benefit greatly from these teachings, especially when it comes to nutrition and dietary habits. Small states, “The first line of preventing disease and imbalance is the food we consume.” She is eager to help advance the study of Ayurveda and its practices in this country - particularly in Michigan. For those who yearn to learn more about natural healing processes or who already work in a profession of healing, this may be a wonderful opportunity to enroll in a licensed program in Michigan. Other Ayurveda schools exist around the country, but this is a big deal for Kalamazoo, and many people have been waiting for this to happen. Small says, “Its principles and practices can add to a variety of professions as well as benefit one’s self and family members. Many students who enroll in the year-long program already have college degrees; and many of our students work as massage therapists, yoga instructors or in medical professions.” The course is a 12-month, weekend program that is quite intensive, requiring 200 classroom hours and 300 hours of independent study, leading to an Ayurvedic Consultant Certificate.
Discounts for early enrollment and scholarships are sometimes available as well as a variety of payment plans. For someone who may just be interested in single topics of study, the institute also offers “stand-alone” courses from time to time, as well. The faculty consists of highly qualified instructors who love to teach their passion and feel it is important for them to pass along their knowledge to others who are interested in learning as well as help bring about healthy changes for people in this country. The website offers more detailed information about the instructors and their qualifications. “My goal is to educate others to help themselves. We are training individuals not only for their own sake but also through their professions to have an impact on the broader community,” Small explains. Instructors give students insights into the foundation of Ayurveda, nutrition and how to live holistically and in balance with one’s environment. Small notes, “Ayurvedic principles can be applied cross-culturally. There is a deep and vast interconnection between all systems of the body, plant-life and our Earthly habitat.” The BVI School of Ayurveda is located at The Sambodh Society, Inc., 6363 N. 24th St., Kalamazoo. For more information on Ayurveda or enrollment information, visit AyurvedaMichigan.org. Ruth Small can be contacted through email at indiank47@gmail.com. See ad, page 47. Julie Reynolds is a contributing writer and has a background in advertising, teaching, writing and real estate. She can be contacted at ReynJ36@gmail.com.
natural awakenings
September 2015
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naturalpet
EYE HEALTH FOR DOGS 10 Foods to Keep Canine Vision Sharp by Audi Donamor
K
ey colorful foods, packed with nutrients, protect against eye problems ranging from progressive retinal atrophy and uveitis to cataracts and glaucoma. Here are 10 foods that are highly regarded in helping prevent and defend against vision problems. Their eye-worthy nutrients include anthocyanins, beta-carotene, carotenoids, glutathione, lycopene, omega-3 essential fatty acids, phytonutrients—and the special partnership of lutein and zeaxanthin, sometimes referred to as “sunscreen for the eyes”. An easy way to serve these power-packed foods is as a mash. Simply combine a few cups of fruits and vegetables in a food processor with a half-cup of filtered water and blend as a raw pet meal topper. For a cooked topper, chop the fruits and vegetables and place in a medium sized sauce pan with the filtered water and a couple tablespoons of first-pressed olive oil. Simmer gently, cool and serve. Maybe top it all off with a fish or egg. Blueberries contain two eye-healthy carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin. They also deliver anthocyanins, eye-nourishing phytonutrients known to support night vision, according to a study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. University of Oklahoma research suggests that flavonoids like the rutin, resveratrol and quercetin in blueberries may help prevent retinal atrophy. Their selenium and zinc components also support vision, according to a study from the National Eye Institute. Eating blueberries has even been associated with the reduction of eye fatigue, according to The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Broccoli’s anti-cancer benefits are well known, but it’s also recognized as one of the best vegetables for eye health. A good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, it’s also packed with beta-carotene. Don’t leave the leaves behind, because they contain even more beta-carotene than the stems and florets. Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found that broccoli and broccoli sprouts protect the retina from free radical damage, which may be due to a compound called sulphoraphane that boosts the body’s defense against free radicals.
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Carrots come in 100 varieties, from deep purple and white to brilliant orange. Each is a storehouse of nutrient power, providing vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamins C, D, E and K, and riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, copper and iodine. The adage that carrots are good for the eyes is true. They even contain lycopene and lutein, phytonutrients that protect from UVB radiation and free radical damage. Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, haddock and sardines are rich in omega-3s, especially EPA and DHA, which are widely known to be important to cellular health. DHA makes up 30 percent of the fatty acids that comprise the retina. The particularly high levels of omega3s in sardines add further protection to retinal health, according to researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Eggs are rich in cysteine and sulphur, two components of glutathione. Cataract Health News reports that sulphurcontaining compounds have been found to protect eyes from cataract formation. Egg yolks contain lutein, and a University of Massachusetts study has found that eating an egg a day raised levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the blood; at the same time, blood serum lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations remained stable. Garlic. Researchers at the University of Oregon suggest that sulphur-rich garlic is important for the production of glutathione, a protein that acts as an antioxidant for the eye’s lens, and can be instrumental in the prevention of some visual problems. Kale is an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin. The American Optometric Association says these special antioxidants act like “internal sunglasses.” Add betacarotene to the mix and kale serves as a preferred foil to oxidative stress. Pumpkin’s orange color is a sure sign that it’s packed with carotenoids like beta-carotene, which help neutralize free radicals. Its lutein and zeaxanthin generally promote eye health and further protect against retinal degeneration. Even pumpkin seeds carry several benefits, including omega-3s, zinc and phytosterols to enhance a dog’s immune response. Sweet potatoes are loaded with both beta-carotene and anthocyanins, the latter high in antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Tomatoes are famous for their lycopene, a carotenoid and phytonutrient found in red produce. This powerful antioxidant helps protect against sun damage and retinal degeneration and has been well documented as effective in cancer Make vision Proand diet part of prevention. cessed tomato products contain higher annual exams levels of lycopene by a local vet. than the raw fruit.
Ladies Night Out Join Us on October 15, 2015 from 6:30-9:00pm Come and get Pampered! Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeurves and refreshments. Shop for bags, jewelry, make-up and more. Experience massage, acupuncture, spinal evaluations and much more!
RSVP to 269-366-4146 AlignedCare.net
Audi Donamor regularly contributes to Animal Wellness Magazine (Animal WellnessMagazine.com), from which this was adapted and used with permission. natural awakenings
September 2015
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AGELESS BEING Staying Vibrant in Mind, Body and Spirit by Kathleen Barnes
Agelessness: Engaging in and experiencing life without fear of falling, failing or falling apart.
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n a nutshell, that’s the philosophy of visionary women’s health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup, of Yarmouth, Maine, as explored in her latest book, Goddesses Never Age. “We’re long overdue for a paradigm shift about how we feel about growing older,” says Northrup. “You can change your future by adopting a new, ageless attitude that will help you flourish physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We don’t have to buy into modern medicine’s promotion of the idea of the pathology of aging.” One of Northrup’s primary admonitions: “Don’t tell anyone how old you are. Another birthday means nothing.”
Maintain a Sound Mind
Our Western society fosters a belief system that we will become decrepit, frail 24
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and mentally feeble at a certain age. “When my mother turned 50, her mailbox suddenly filled with ads for adult diapers, walkers and long-term care insurance,” Northrup quips. The point is well taken. Think vibrant, healthy, gorgeous and yes, sexy Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp, Chris Rock and Brooke Shields—all 50 or older—as the targets of ads for Depend. We’re living and working longer, and many of us are feeling, looking and staying young longer. So is 60 the new 40? Yes, say State University of New York at Stony Brook researchers, and further note that we’re generally leading longer and healthier lives. Centenarians are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. In the 2010 census, 53,364 people had surpassed their 100th year, an increase
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of 40 percent over the 1980 census, and more than 80 percent of them are women. The National Institute on Aging projects that this number could increase tenfold or more by 2050. What we think of as “old” has changed. Many baby boomers refuse to buy into the mythology of aging, bristle at being called senior citizens and especially dislike being called elderly. Their position is backed by science. Stem cell biologist Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., author of Biology of Belief and currently a visiting professor at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, in Auckland, is best known for promoting the concept that DNA can be changed by belief, for good or ill. Lipton explains that we all have billions of stem cells designed to repair or replace damaged—and aging—tissues and organs. “[These cells] are profoundly influenced by our thoughts and perceptions about the environment,” Lipton explains. “Hence our beliefs about aging can either interfere with or enhance stem cell function, causing our physiological regeneration or decline.” “Yes, we are destined to grow older, but decrepitude and what we call aging is an optional state,” Northrup adds. “Our genes, nutrition and environment are under our control far more than we may have thought.” More, she says, “Words are powerful. Don’t talk yourself into believing your brain is turning to mush just because you are over 40.”
Take Control of the Body
“Manage the four horsemen of the aging apocalypse,” encourages nutrition and longevity expert Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., a Los Angeles board-certified nutritionist and author of The Most Effective Ways to Live Longer. He says the aging process, including disease, loss of physical or mental function and the general breakdown of systems, is caused by one or more of four factors: oxidative damage (literally rusty cells); inflammation; glycation (excess sugar, metabolic syndrome); and stress. “Collectively, they damage cells and DNA, wear down organs and systems, deeply damage the vascular pathways that deliver blood and oxygen to the entire body, and even shrink brain size,” explains Bowden.
While it may seem like a tall order to make lifestyle changes that vanquish these four horsemen, Bowden says they can be broken into manageable elements by employing an arsenal of healthful weapons: whole foods, nutrients, stress-reduction techniques, exercise, detoxification and relationship improvement. “All of these actually do double duty, battling more than one of the four processes that can effectively shorten your life,” he reports, based on his 25 years of study.
Oxidative Damage
Consider what rust does to metal. That’s what free radical oxygen molecules do to cells. Over time, they damage them and cause aging from within. “Oxidative damage plays a major role in virtually every degenerative disease of aging, from Alzheimer’s to cancer to heart disease and diabetes, even immune dysfunction,” says Bowden. His recommended key to destroying free radicals is a diet rich in antioxidants, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, nuts, grassfed meats and organic dairy products. Avoid environmental free radicals that show up in toxic chemicals by eating as much organic food as possible and avidly avoiding residues of the poisonous pesticides and herbicides sprayed on crops eaten by people and livestock.
Inflammation
Long-term inflammation is a silent killer because it operates beneath the radar, often unnoticed, damaging blood vessel walls. Like oxidative damage, inflammation is a factor in all the degenerative diseases associated with aging, says Bowden. His suggestion: First, get a Creactive protein (CRP) test to determine the levels of inflammation in our body. A CRP level over 3 milligrams/liter indicates a high risk of a heart attack. Antiinflammatory foods like onions, garlic, leafy greens, tomatoes, beans, nuts and seeds have all been widely scientifically proven to reduce chronic inflammation.
Glycation
This is the result of excessive sugar that glues itself to protein or fat molecules, leaving a sticky mess that creates advanced glycation end (AGE) products that damage all body systems and are
Compute Your Real Age Lifestyle choices can make our bodies older, or younger, than our number of orbits around the sun, according to Michael Roizen, a doctor of internal medicine and author of This is Your Do-Over: The 7 Secrets of Losing Weight, Living Longer, and Getting a Second Chance at the Life You Want. “Seventy percent of aging is in the simple things you do or don’t do,” he maintains. Here are a few sobering examples: n An unresolved major life stressor, such as a divorce, being sued, the death of a close relative or other traumatic events, can add up to 32 years to chronological age. Managing the stress adds a relatively insignificant two years. n Swap out saturated fats (cheese and meat) for monounsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts and avocados). Subtract 2.5 years from chronological age. n Get up out of the chair every 15 minutes and also take a 10-minute walk every two hours. Subtract 2.1 years from chronological age. n Have close friends. Subtract 2.1 years from chronological age. Take the Real Age test at ShareCare.com/RealAge.
acknowledged culprits in the dreaded diseases associated with aging. Bowden’s basic answer is to minimize intake of sugar and simple carbs; anything made with white flour or white rice. Also avoid fried dishes and any foods cooked at high temperatures that actually skip the glycation production in the body and deliver harmful AGEs directly from the food. He advises taking 1,000 mg of carnosine (available in health food stores) daily to prevent glycation.
Stress
The long-term effects of physical, mental or emotional stress are tremendously damaging to the human physiology. Sustained exposure to the stress hormone cortisol can shrink parts of the brain, damage blood vessels, increase blood sugar levels, heart rate and blood pressure and contribute to chronic inflammation, according to wellestablished science recorded in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Bowden warns, “Stress management is not a luxury.” In its many forms, including prayer, meditation and breathing exercises, it should be part of any agelessness program. Deep, restful sleep is as vital a component as ending toxic relationships, having a nurturing circle of friends and doing familiar, gentle exercise such as yoga or tai chi. Overall, Bowden adds, “Rather than thinking of such endeavors as antiaging, I strive to embody the concept of age independence. I admire former Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, who resigned from the court when he reached age 90 because he wanted to play more tennis.” Bowden recommends embracing the concept of “squaring the curve”, meaning that instead of anticipating and experiencing a long downhill slope of poor health leading to death, “I look at a long plateau of health, with a steep drop-off at the end.” Wellness guru Dr. Michael Roizen, chair of the Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute, contends that although our chronological age can’t be changed, “Your ‘real age’ [calculated from data he collected from 60 million people] is the result of a wide variety of factors that are within your control. Dietary choices alone can make you
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13 years younger or older than your actual age.” Roizen adds uncontrolled portion sizes, tobacco use and physical inactivity to the list of lifeshortening lifestyle options.
Align with Spirit
“If you don’t have some kind of spiritual foundation, literally, God help you,” says Northrup. “God isn’t confined to a book or a church, mosque or synagogue. Divinity is the creative loving, vital flow of life force that we’re all part of and connected to. Our bodies are exquisite expressions meant to embody, not deny our spirits.” Touch, pleasure and sex can be part of it, too. Individuals that have the most fulfilling sex lives live the longest, according to researchers conducting
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the University of California, Riverside’s Longevity Project. “Pleasure comes in infinite forms,” says Northrup. “It can mean the exquisite taste of a pear or the sound of an angelic symphony, the kiss of sun on skin, the laughter of a child, spending time with friends or creating a pastel landscape. When you experience pleasure, God comes through and you become aware of your divine nature. You’ll find that joy comes in ways that are unique to you.” Connection with the natural world is an essential element of agelessness, says Northrup. “The human body evolved to walk on the Earth, drinking its water, breathing its air and basking in its sunlight.” The bottom line
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is, “Agelessness is all about vitality. Taking all the right supplements and pills, or getting the right procedure isn’t the prescription for anti-aging,” says this renowned physician. “It’s ageless living that brings back a sense of vibrancy and youthfulness.” We could live to be well over 100 years old and, as Northrup likes to paraphrase Abraham Hicks, of The Law of Attraction fame, “Wouldn’t you rather have your life end something like this: ‘Happy-healthy, happy-healthy, happy-healthy, dead.’ Isn’t that a lot better than suffering sickness, decrepitude and frailty for years?”
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they will one day be a prized antique. Whenever thoughts of, “I am too old”, “at my age”, or some other derogatory statement about age come to mind, stop and think. Are those thoughts really true or are they just following the negative programming from the media, the government and family? While some people are literally worn out in their forties and fifties, that is mostly from the effects of toxins, high carbohydrate diets, lack of exercise, and injuries. These things are unfortunate, but in most cases are totally preventable. It’s important to take no medication unless absolutely necessary. By definition, medications are all toxic. Sometimes medications are necessary, but remember natural substances cannot be by Bob Huttinga PA-C patented as prescription medicine. Long term use of these chemicals can cause people to age prematurely just like other naw is over 80 years old, is a neurosurhe statement, “I am too old” is a toxic substances such as tobacco, alcogeon and still works doing complicated self-fulfilling prophecy often said. hol, coffee and acidic foods. surgeries. Amelia Barr was fifty-three Dr. Bennett used to say, “It is not Learn to manage stress as that is before she wrote a book. After that she your age, it is your mileage”. We are a huge factor in physical aging. Mediwrote over eighty, all of which had a large programmed by our culture to think tation is a fabulous way to reverse circulation. Billy Graham, an evangelist, that when we get old we are worthstress and improve the body from the is still active in his ministry in his 90’s. less. People dream of the day they can inside out. Many past Presidents and members of retire and do nothing, and for a while Most of all, monitor self-talk. Stay congress, in their 70s and 80s, continue that works, but then many of them get away from self-talk about age and getbored. Many begin to have illnesses and to be productive in their positions. It’s not ting old or dying and instead plan to be uncommon for people to work and/or health issues, but what they need is to vibrant and active regardless of age. stay busy and productive. While they volunteer in the older years. Eventually our bodies will fail, but People over 60 years old have over may not want to continue in their curwe should plan to die around the age 60 years of a wealth of knowledge and rent occupations, they still should to do of 100 in perfect health, which is very experience that can be highly beneficial something different that they enjoy. possible if we plan accordingly. to younger people in the work force. There are many examples of people who not only continued to work These people are not washed up, but seaBob Huttinga PA-C and his wife soned veterans with lots of knowledge, into their seventies and eighties, but Barb own The Healing Center in experience and understanding. Therefore, who started new careers at those ages. Lakeview. For more information, those who are younger should expect to Colonel Sanders started KFC after he call 989-352-6500 or visit live and work until they are 90 years old, turned 65 and was active in business TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. taking care of their bodies and knowing into his late 80s. Dr. Fields from SagiSee ad, page 36.
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greenliving
GREENING AMERICA’S GAMES Major Leagues Sport More Sustainable Stadiums by Avery Mack
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raditional sports stadiums and arenas generate a huge carbon footprint. Multiple sources concur that during a single football game, a 78,000-seat stadium can consume 65,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, and discarded cardboard, plastic and paper; in-stadium food and beverage containers; and tailgating debris that includes cans and bottles leave behind a mountain of waste. A dozen years ago, the pioneering Philadelphia Eagles enlisted the help of the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to begin a persistent push to their goal of going green. Today, the NRDC
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publishes the Greening Advisor guidebooks on green operating practices for all professional teams in Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer, plus the U.S. Tennis Association, and has expanded to include college sports.
Food
Stadium food has always been part of the fan experience, but it’s possible to eat sensibly and well with options like the roasted turkey sandwich at AT&T Park,
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in San Francisco, where concessionaires source locally and compost leftovers. Veggie burgers, vegan cheesesteaks and sushi have also found their way onto game-day menus to add a change of pace for fans, says Julianne Soviero, author of Unleash Your True Athletic Potential. The growing interest shown by the sports industry in composting offers enormous potential benefits, and not a moment too soon, says Allen Hershkowitz, Ph.D., co-founder of the Green Sports Alliance and director of the NRDC Sports Project. Using recyclable containers counts—New York City’s venerable Yankee Stadium reduced its trash load by 40 percent by switching to biodegradable cups and service ware. PepsiCo supported the upgrade by exchanging its conventional plastic bottle for a bio-based version made from agricultural waste.
Lights
At New York’s Oncenter War Memorial Arena, the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch pro team skates under LED lights. “They make the arena brighter. It’s easier to see the puck,” says defenseman Joey Mormina. “The fun light show that follows goals adds energy for the crowd and players.” LED lighting provides improved clarity in TV transmissions and sports action photos and doesn’t create soft spots on the ice, like traditional lights. “Utica and Binghamton teams
switched to LED after playing in our arena,” comments Jim Sarosy, chief operating officer for the Crunch.
Water
“The Crunch is the first pro hockey team to skate on recycled rainwater,” Sarosy adds. “It’s collected from the roof, stored in three central reservoirs in the basement and pumped into the Zamboni machine for resurfacing the ice.” The practice also diverts rainwater from overworked sewer systems. The first pro football stadium to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, the San Francisco 49ers Levi’s Stadium features a 27,000-square-foot rooftop garden to help control water runoff. Home to the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Kings, the Staples Center has swapped out 178 flush urinals for waterless models, reducing annual water usage by 7 million gallons. Like the Eagles, the Florida Marlins pro baseball team, in Miami, now uses 50 percent less water via low-flow plumbing fixtures. Also, the stadium’s upgraded landscape design lessens outdoor irrigation needs by 60 percent. The University of Georgia likes keeping its grass green, but hates wasteful water dispensers. Its football field is now watered via an underground irrigation system that saves a million gallons a year. Soil moisture sensors indicate when watering is needed.
More Creative Practices
Lincoln Financial Field, home to the Philadelphia Eagles, now boasts more than 11,000 solar panels and 14 wind turbines that combined, generate more than four times the energy used for all home games in a season. The staff uses green cleaning products and has increased recycling more than 200 percent since 2010. Most creatively, the carbon costs of team travel are offset via mitigation by financing tree plantings in their home state and purchasing seedlings for a wildlife refuge in Louisiana. The Seattle Mariners Safeco Field’s new scoreboard uses 90 percent less power than its predecessor and the Arizona Cardinals pro football team provides bags for tailgating fans to use for recycling. Five NBA arenas have achieved LEED certification—Phillips Arena (Atlanta Hawks), Toyota Center (Houston Rockets), American Airlines Arena (Miami Heat), Amway Center (Orlando Magic) and Rose Garden (Portland Trail Blazers). The goal of a cleaner, healthier planet is achievable with systemic shifts like these as more pro and collegiate sports teams score green points. Connect with our freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.
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communityspotlight
Lakeshore Natural Skin Care by Amanda Grasmeyer
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aphne Myers, ND, CNC, HSCP, RMT, LMT has no shortage of postnominal letters and certainly no shortage of passion to continue to learn and expand what she is able to do. Owner of Lakeshore Natural Skin Care in Zeeland, Myers offers advanced holistic skin care, or what she refers to as, “skin care with a purpose.” Lakeshore Natural Skin care has been in business for seven and a half years now, but the path to what it is began long before that. Myers admits she initially didn’t even know what a Naturopathic Doctor was until she took a job at the Trinity School of Natural Health. As an employee, she was encouraged to take the programs they offered and learn what her employer was teaching its students. Myers remarks, “It was so fascinating to me. It opened up a whole new world for me. Learning about these complimentary therapies was so interesting.” After becoming a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Myers knew of the many directions she could take her career path, but one direction in particular drew her in - the nutrition part of it, so she then also became a Certified Nutrition Consultant (CNC). Myers notes, “If you’re not putting good, healthy nutrition in your body, no matter what else you do to get healthy, you’re wasting your time.” A continuous seeker of new knowledge, Myers then became a Licensed Esthetician with the idea to combine this with her trainings as an ND and CNC and become a Holistic Skin Care Practitioner (HSCP). She opened Lakeshore Natural Skin Care, where she found a happy home for her
career. Myers adds, “That was a huge turning point for me, to go from just having jobs that I didn’t really like to this wonderful skin care career where I love what I do. I never feel like I’m coming to ‘work’.” Since opening Lakeshore Natural Skin Care, Myers has also added Reiki Master Teacher (RMT) and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) to her repertoire, as her business is an ever-evolving practice. Myers says, “I think what excites me the most is that there’s always something to learn. There are so many plants and herbs and there’s so much we can do with them. I love being able to create and offer new services.” Myers says her most popular facial is likely the Ultimate Facial, which can be customized to whoever is on the table. She explains, “Every time you come to see me, you’re presenting a different face – especially in Michigan with four seasons. As your skin changes, it needs different protocols.” Her facials can be viewed as feeding the face with nutrients. Because Lakeshore Natural Skin Care uses all natural and organic products, Myers is eliminating putting any further toxins and/or chemicals into her clients’ systems. She points out, “If you put it on your skin, it’s going to get into your bloodstream, and we’re already bombarded with toxins. I would say the biggest benefit of my services is you can still see results without putting toxic chemicals in your body. You’re eliminating that whole potential there to do more harm.” In addition to taking care of skin topically, Myers enthusiastically emphasizes that what a person eats and his/her lifestyle has a huge impact on the health of his/her skin. For example, she says, “Simple carbs are going to create a spike in insulin, and when that happens it creates a chain reaction of other hormones, including acne-producing hormones that lead to unwanted break-outs. One of things that I really do try to impress upon people is that your lifestyle and nutrition
will have a direct result on the health of your skin. It’s not just external things that affect the skin, but internal things have just as much of an effect.” She goes on with the reminder that skin is an organ, just like the internal organs, and it needs to be treated with the same care. When people think about treating their bodies from the inside out, it is often medicine that comes to mind first. However, even treating from the inside out revolves around the way nature intended it to be and can take a holistic approach. Myers is excited that people are becoming more aware and self-educated and questioning more, and she thinks they should continue in that way. She acknowledges, “We need to take ownership of our health and look out for ourselves.” Myers speaks of conventional healing methods and says, “I’d like to see less negative talk about alternative/complimentary health and more talk about how we can integrate the two. I think there’s room for both, and there’s a time and a place for both. If we can do something naturally, why not do that first?” In addition to treating the body physically, Myers’ services often improve a person’s mental and emotional health. She says, “For a large majority of people, if they don’t feel good about how they look, it affects their confidence. Everyone that comes in has some unique feature that’s beautiful. I think we need to change our mindset and stop the negative self-talk. We’ll feel better about ourselves. Having that inner confidence makes all the difference.” Myers is proud to do what she does at Lakeshore Natural Skin Care - she’s proud to help people find the results they want through advanced holistic skin care. She hopes to continue on this path she’s so much enjoyed thus far for many years to come. For more information on Lakeshore Natural Skin Care, call 231-557-3619, email LakeshoreNaturalSkinCare@yahoo.com, visit LakeshoreNaturalSkinCare.com or find Lakeshore Natural Skin Care on Facebook. See ad, page 31. Amanda Grasmeyer is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings Magazine. You can contact her at MandiGrasmeyer@gmail.com.
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The Hidden Deficiency Having the proper amount of iodine in our system at all times is critical to overall health, yet the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that iodine deficiency is increasing drastically in light of an increasingly anemic national diet of unpronounceable additives and secret, unlabeled ingredients. This deficit now affects nearly three-quarters of the population.
Causes of Iodine Deficiency
Radiation
Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation
Low-Sodium Diets
Overuse of zero-nutrient salt substitutes in foods leads to iodine depletion
Iodized Table Salt
Iodized salt may slowly lose its iodine content by exposure to air
Bromine
A toxic chemical found in baked goods overrides iodine's ability to aid thyroid
Iodine-Depleted Soil Poor farming techniques have led to declined levels of iodine in soil
A Growing Epidemic Symptoms range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and skin and hair problems. This lack of essential iodine can also cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers; and in children, intellectual disability, deafness, attention deficient and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University and the French National Academy of Medicine.
What to Do The easy solution is taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage to rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the whole body.
inspiration
The Adventure of Couchsurfing
Stay with Locals and Make New Friends by Lisa Rosinky
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people’s faith and trust in aniel Sperry, a “couchsurfer” one another and create in his late 50s, decided a meaningful connecfew years ago to quit his day tions across cultures. job and make a living by performing It’s easy to become cello music and reciting poetry in liva member by creating a ing rooms across the country. “I didn’t profile as a host and/ know it would become a catalyst for or a traveler, which bringing communities of local people includes verified together,” he says, identification. Guests but his first gig, a don’t need to reciprocate by “little shotgun shack” hosting or leaving gifts, alin Elko, Nevada, though lasting friendships became more than a are a common result. once in a lifetime experiHosts and guests are enence. Years later, his Elko host couraged to leave honest remains a close friend and hosts reviews for each other, a regular (and lucrative) stop which helps ensure on his cross-country tours. As a traveler, offer ongoing safety and good Not only does creating connections with strangers an ethnic meal, good behavior all around. Meanwhile, nonmake us happier—as Uni- story or how to say members also are versity of Chicago social sciwelcome to explore entists have proven—it leads hello in a different to fun travel stories. If we language. As a host, couchsurfing events in their city. Fun opportuchoose to see the world via nities to make new conthe decade-old organization be open to what nections include weekly at Couchsurfing.com, we guests can teach. language exchanges, might find ourselves sleepskill swaps, outdoor ing on a sailboat in the Irish Keep a travel log activities and potlucks. Sea; meeting backpackers and guestbook to “For me, it’s by solar-powered light in a undeniably about the cave in Petra, Jordan; sharing record memories. community, the kind of a room with a pet bird that falls asleep listening to sappy love songs on the radio; person it tends to attract,” says Joseph Abrahamson, a couchsurfer in his midor jamming to old-time banjo and fiddle 20s. “A room full of couchsurfers is full tunes in a North Carolina kitchen. of stories and listening and sharing and The global community of couchsurfers, now 10 million strong, consid- trust. It changes a person in a positive way… people that travel like this for ers strangers “friends you haven’t met long enough can no longer survive with yet.” They currently are hosting and closed minds.” organizing more than half-a-million events in more than 200,000 cities worldwide this year. The aim is to make Lisa Rosinky is a freelance writer travel easier and more affordable, build in Boston.
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wisewords
Alexandra Paul on Vegan Activism Her Kind Lifestyle Honors All Living Things by Gerry Strauss
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beats the heart of a true soldier for animal rights and population stabilization. At 52 years young, she is extremely fit and knowledgeable about the vegan lifestyle that got her there. photo by Denice Duff
t may seem odd that one of the most intensely dedicated public activists is also known for starring in one of TV’s most superficial shows of the 1990s, but Alexandra Paul overturns stereotypes. Behind that signature Baywatch onepiece that kept David Hasselhoff on his toes
What is your philosophy of life? Be kind. Being kind
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is different from being nice. I spent my teens and 20s anxious to be nice, and all it gave me was a boatload of acquaintances and an inauthentic self. Nice aims to be popular. Kindness is about doing the right thing: justice, fairness, patience, respect. Kindness is at the heart of why I’m a vegan, and why I’ve been arrested 16 times for civil disobedience supporting peace, equal rights and the environment. Being kind to myself inspires me to exercise and live healthfully.
How has activism forged your identity and inspired others?
I’ve been an activist since I was 7, when I wrote to President Nixon asking him to stop pollution. As a dedicated citizen, my mom boycotted companies that acted against her ethics. Growing up with such a role model, trying to make the world better came naturally. Walking my talk is a challenge I face daily as I choose what to buy, what to eat and how to be, and I also think it is the most effective way to encourage change in others.
What drives your commitment to a vegan diet?
I became a vegetarian when I was 14, after reading Frances Moore Lappé’s Diet for a Small Planet, which taught me how eating meat was destructive to the planet. A couple of years later, I did a book report on Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation and learned the ethical reasons against eating animals. I stopped using cosmetics tested on animals when I was a teen and stopped wearing leather, wool and silk in my 20s. I finally gave up eating dairy in my late 40s, and I wish I’d done it earlier. Although I did it to benefit animals, being vegan has enriched my life and changed the way I look at the world. The only way there will be enough food and water for Earth’s expected 10 billion people in 35 years is if humankind stops raising animals for food, so my veganism is helping the planet, as well as my own health.
Which other aspects of your diet and lifestyle do you credit for looking and feeling vital? My husband Ian and I go to bed early and generally get up with the sun. I’ve never consumed coffee, soda or alcohol, only water and protein shakes. I believe being a vegetarian, and now a vegan, has given me tons of energy. I also prioritize making time for my workout routine, and that helps me feel good every day. I didn’t always have this serenity with my lifestyle and health. For a dozen years, until my late 20s, I struggled with bulimia. Becoming vegan improved my relationship with food, aligning my diet with my values,
and I have never been more at peace with myself.
Why do you enjoy working out? For me, being active is fun—not only because I feel good moving my body, but because I am also outside with friends, reading on a stationary bike or listening to favorite podcasts while stretching. Six days a week, I do an hour of cardio; either swimming or the stationary bike. Every other day I practice yoga for at least 45 minutes to ensure that my back stays pain-free. Once a week, I go hiking for two hours with friends, chatting the whole time, which all makes
it worth getting up at 4:30 a.m. I walk whenever I’m on a conference call, either outside or at my tread desk, a simple treadmill under a standing desk; I’m walking on it when I’m reading or answering emails, too. It’s the best present I ever gave myself. Like everyone, sometimes I don’t particularly feel like working out, but all these factors make it easier to start, and once I start, I’m always glad to be exercising. Gerry Strauss is a freelance writer in Hamilton, NJ. Connect at GerryStrauss@aol.com.
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September 2015
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healingways
Choose Happiness Four Tips to Flip the Joy Switch by Linda Joy
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recent Harris Interactive poll indicates that only one in three Americans are happy. Success, education and increases in annual household income create only marginally more happiness. So what will it take to go the distance? Inspiration for a Woman’s Soul: Choosing Happiness endeavors to discover just that. Its collection of intimate stories from more than two dozen women reveals telling insights— most profoundly, that happiness is a choice that anyone can make, regardless of their history or circumstances. Four tips from contributors to the book
Be Grateful Now
show how we all can rise up out of our troubles to the other side, shining.
Let Go of ‘Supposed To’
Family, friends and society exert pressure on us to achieve certain goals or impose their definition of success. When our soul doesn’t fit the mold, exciting things can happen. Happiness strategist Kristi Ling seemed to have it all: a high-powered job in Hollywood, significant income and the envy of all her friends—but her success felt empty. She writes from her home in Los Angeles, “Each morning I’d get up thinking about who I needed to please, and then prepare myself to exist for another day. I looked
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and felt exhausted just about all the time. The worst part was that I thought I was doing everything right!” After a middle-of-the-night epiphany, Ling left her job and set out to discover what her heart wanted. She began following a completely different life path as a coach and healer, in which success means manifesting joy. While we’re striving to change our life or wishing things could have been different, we often forget to pay attention to what we have right now. Boni Lonnsburry, a conscious creation expert and founder/CEO of Inner Art, Inc., in Boulder, Colorado, writes about the morning she decided to choose happiness, despite the enormous challenges she was facing, including divorce, foreclosure, bankruptcy and possible homelessness. “I thought to myself, ‘Yes, my life could be better, but it also could be a hell of a lot worse. I’m healthy and smart—why, I even have some wisdom. Why am I focusing on how terrible everything is?’” Using the power of her choice to be happy right now, Lonnsburry not only found joy amidst the adversity, but created love and success beyond her wildest dreams.
Let Love In
We all want to feel loved, but when we’re afraid of getting hurt, we put
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up barriers to protect ourselves, even against the love we want. Certified Relationship Coach Stacey Martino, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, writes, “From the first day we met, I’d been waiting for [my boyfriend] Paul to end our relationship. I begged him for another chance—not for our relationship, but to be my authentic self—to figure out who I am and show up in our relationship as the real me.” Fourteen years later, Martino and her boyfriend, now husband, are still exploring the depths of their love for one another. For them, the choice to be vulnerable was the gateway to happiness.
Look Inward Instead of to Others
If we can’t own our pain, how can we create our joy? Choosing happiness means taking full responsibility for our state of mind, with no excuses. Lisa Marie Rosati, of Kings Park, New York, who today helps other women catalyze their own transformation, writes: “I didn’t want to accept what was going on inside [me], so I looked outside for a way to make things better. I depended on intimate relationships to complete me, and on friends and acquaintances for entertainment. My self-esteem floated on incoming compliments and I absolutely never wanted to spend a minute alone with my own thoughts, lest they erode whatever happiness I possessed at the moment. I was exhausted, frustrated and quite frankly, pissed off.” It took a flash of insight to set Rosati free of her patterns of blame—and then realizing she could create her own fulfillment was all it took to catapult her into a place of empowerment. Look out, world! As Los Angeles happiness expert and Positive Psychology Coach Lisa Cypers Kamen says, “Happiness is an inside job.” Joy, love and inspired living are ours for the taking—all we must do is choose. Linda Joy is the heart of Inspired Living Publishing and Aspire magazine. Inspiration for a Woman’s Soul: Choosing Happiness is her third in a series of bestselling anthologies. Next up is Inspiration for a Woman’s Soul: Cultivating Joy. Learn more at InspiredLivingPublishing.com. natural awakenings
September 2015
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Passage Meditation by Mandi Merritt
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knath Easwaran was a spiritual teacher, an author and a translator and interpreter of Indian literature. While he passed away at the age of 88 in 1999, his legacy lives on at the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation where he presented his eight-point program of passage meditation. A simple, MerriamWebster definition of meditation is, “the act or process of spending time in quiet thought,” but meditation is much more than that. It is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply acknowledge its content. The term “meditation” refers to a broad variety of practices, but in 1978, Easwaran developed what would be officially titled in 2005 as Passage Meditation. In a simple explanation, Passage Meditation is exactly what it sounds like – meditation on a specific passage. However, Easwaran breaks this process down into eight steps as laid out below:
1. Meditation on a Passage: Easwaran acknowledges that most people have what he called “grasshopper minds”, meaning their attention and energy are continuously dispersed between numerous foci. Therefore, he encouraged people to use one inspira-
tional passage for meditation every day to help slow down the furious, fragmented activity of the mind in order to gain control over it. He said, “The slow, sustained concentration on the passage drives it deep into our minds. Whatever we drive deep into consciousness, that we become.” This concept was inspired by Buddha, who once said, “All that we are is a result of what we have thought.” Easwaran found it important for individuals to meditate on their chosen passage for a half hour each morning, as early as convenient in a clean, well-ventilated and reasonably austere room or area of a room used only for meditation and spiritual reading. He encouraged them to sit in a straightbacked chair or on the floor with their heads, neck and spinal column erect in a straight line with gently closed eyes. After preparation, individuals are then to go slowly through their chosen inspirational passage, not necessarily following any ideas or thinking about the passage, but letting the passage speak to them. Each passage can be used time and time again, as the words used in every day meditation are driven deep into the consciousness of individuals , eventually becoming an integral part of their personality and then constantly expressed in what they do, say and think.
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2. Repetition of a Mantram: Easwaran defined a mantram as, “a powerful, spiritual formula which, when repeated silently in the mind, has the capacity to transform consciousness. Religious traditions are notorious for having one or more mantrams. For example, among the many others, Catholics use Hail Mary or Ave Maria, Jews may use Barukh attah Adonai, Muslims repeat the name of Allah or Allahu acbar, Buddhists repeat Om mani padme hum, referring to the “jewel in the heart” and Hindus use Rama Rama. It’s important to select a mantram that appeals personally to the individual practicing Passage Meditation and for that individual to repeat the mantram any chance he/she gets, whether angry, afraid, nervous, resentful or any other emotional situation that may approach.
3. Slowing Down: Easwaran also experienced the fast pace of life that so many live and knew that slowing down the pace of life could work wonders. He encouraged individuals to have their meditation as early as possible in the day, not rushing through breakfast and allowing for enough time to get to work without haste. When an individual catches his/herself rushing, this is when he/she should repeat the mantram to slow down. It’s essential, in this step, to not confuse slowness with sloth, which breeds procrastination and general inefficiency as opposed to giving space for the very best an individual is capable of.
4. One-Pointed Attention: As the very name of Passage Meditation alludes to this on the level of meditation, Easwaran once suggested, “Everything we do should be worthy of our fullest attention. This is making the
mind one-pointed, which means utilizing all its resources.
5. Training the Senses: Obedient senses lead to freedom, so the training of the senses to be clear and strong is imperative. Easwaran encouraged the exercising of discriminating restraint over the food eaten, the books read, the movies seen, the music listened to, the places frequented and so on. An interruption of the senses or an over-stimulation of them can greatly deter the benefit of Passage Meditation.
6. Putting Others First: Easwaran highly encouraged putting others first, and noted, “Dwelling on oneself always constricts consciousness. To the extent that we put the welfare of others first, we break out of the prison of our own separateness.”
7. Spiritual Fellowship: In addition to putting others first, individuals must also utilize the support and companionship of others with a similar goal.
8. Spiritual Reading: Last, Easwaran strongly encouraged the cultivation of a universal outlook
by, “steeping ourselves in the spiritual awareness of the mystics of all religions, countries and epochs.” He suggested that just before bedtime, after evening meditation, people should do such reading because the thoughts they fall asleep in are with them throughout the night. Again, while Easwaran himself is gone, Passage Meditation lives on, and by following the eight steps outlined above a deeper connection with oneself can be made. For more information, visit Easwaran. org. An introductory to Passage Meditation will be held Thursday, September 24, 7-8pm at Unity of Grand Rapids 1711 Walker NW. Interested adults welcome. Passage Meditation classes are available on Thursdays at 7pm at Unity of Grand Rapids. For more information, contact Marsha Grice at 616-636-4023. Love offerings are accepted. Mandi Merritt is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings Magazine. You can contact her at Mandi.Merritt@ hotmail.com.
For those new to Passage Meditation and in need of a passage to focus on, Easwaran recommends the following Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.
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September 2015
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fitbody
September is National Yoga Month
Yoga Enters the Medical Mainstream Research Proves its Health Benefits by Meredith Montgomery
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fter practicing internal medicine for 10 years in Boston, Dr. Timothy McCall became a full-time writer, exploring the health benefits of yoga. As the medical editor of Yoga Journal and the author of Yoga
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as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing, he says, “In the late 90s, the conveyor belt of patient care continued to speed up and I got frustrated. There was less time to form relationships with patients, which is
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essential to providing quality care without excessive tests and drugs.” Initially, McCall found that most of the documented research on yoga was from India, and notes it was low in quality from a Western perspective (though it is now excellent). In the West, the first notable scientific yoga article was published in 1973 in The Lancet on combining yoga and biofeedback to manage hypertension. According to the International Journal of Yoga, the surge in yoga’s popularity here finally gained academic interest in 2007, and there are now more than 2,000 yoga titles in the National Institutes of Health PubMed.gov database, with 200 added annually. Initially, yoga teacher and economist Rajan Narayanan, Ph.D., founded the nonprofit Life in Yoga Foundation and Institute to offer free teacher training. Within a couple of years, the foundation’s focus shifted to integrating yoga into the mainstream healthcare system. “We realized that to make a real difference, we needed to teach doctors about yoga and its scientifically proven effects,” he says. Medical providers can earn credits to keep their licenses current by attending courses by Life in Yoga, the only yoga institution independently certified by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.
Currently, even if physicians don’t practice yoga, it’s likely that many of their patients do. “You now see it everywhere from major medical centers to mainstream advertising,” says McCall, who notes an increase in doctors, nurses and therapists attending the Yoga as Medicine seminars he and his wife Eliana teach internationally and from their Simply Yoga Institute studio, in Summit, New Jersey.
Mounting Evidence
health benefits on a moAny physical lecular level. exercise done Cultural with breath Challenges awareness “For yoga to be effective, becomes yoga; a regular practice must be implemented, which anything done is challenging in a culture where people can’t sit for without the without an electronic breath is just a long device. It’s more than physical practice. just popping pills,” says Narayanan. McCall says, “Even if people can commit to just a few minutes of yoga practice a day, if they keep it up the benefits can be enormous.” “There are no sales reps telling doctors to use yoga therapy like there are for pharmaceuticals,” remarks Narayanan, and until yoga is funded by health insurance, it will be challenging to gain full acceptance in mainstream medicine. Another barrier is certification standards. The International Association of Yoga Therapists (iayt.org) and the Council for Yoga Accreditation International (cyai.org) are both beginning to offer certifications for therapy training programs and therapists. Narayanan is hopeful that certification could lead to yoga being covered by insurance. Medical school curricula have started shifting to embrace complementary approaches to wellness, with many textbooks now including information on mind/body therapies. The Principles and Practices of Yoga in Healthcare, co-edited by Sat Bir Khalsa, Lorenzo Cohen, McCall and Shirley Telles and due out in 2016, is the first professional-level, medical textbook on yoga therapy. “Yoga has been
~Rajan Narayaran
“Yoga may help prevent diseases across the board because the root cause of 70 to 90 percent of all disorders is stress,” says Narayanan. Yoga increases the body’s ability to successfully respond to stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the heart and lowers blood pressure. That in turn suppresses sympathetic activity, reducing the amount of stress hormones in the body. Studies collected on PubMed. gov demonstrate that yoga has been found to help manage hypertension, osteoporosis, body weight, physical fitness, anxiety, depression, diabetes, reproductive functions and pregnancy, among other issues. Studies at California’s Preventive Medicine Research Institute have tracked amelioration of heart disease. A growing body of research is validating yoga’s benefits for cancer patients, including at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A small study at Norway’s University of Oslo suggests that yoga even alters gene expression, indicating it may induce
proven to treat many conditions, yet yoga teachers don’t treat conditions, we treat individuals,” says McCall. “Yoga therapy is not a one-size-fits-all prescription because different bodies and minds, with different abilities and weaknesses, require individualized approaches.” While medical research is working to grant yoga more legitimacy among doctors, policymakers and the public, McCall says, “I believe these studies are systematically underestimating how powerful yoga can be. Science may tell us that it decreases systolic blood pressure and cortisol secretion and increases lung capacity and serotonin levels, but that doesn’t begin to capture the totality of what yoga is.” Meredith Montgomery, a registered yoga teacher, publishes Natural Awakenings of Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).
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calendarofevents
$ave Time & Energy! Please call in advance to ensure that the event you’re interested in is still available.
Visit NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Denotes an event sponsored by Natural Awakenings Magazine West Michigan.
In honor of National Yoga Month, shaded listings denote yoga related events. ALL MONTH LONG 30 Days of Peace National Yoga Month
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 World Suicide Prevention Day
Free Robotics and Coding Camps- Sylvan Learning of Muskegon is proud to offer free robotics and coding classes to scout troops, classrooms, church youth groups, sports clubs and more! Join us at our center or we will come to you for a 2 hour class at no charge. Call 231-799-0613 for more details. $50 Cranial Sacral Treatments- For the month of September, enjoy one hour Cranial Sacral Treatments with Nichole for just $50 (reg. $70) at 360 Massage and Holistic Care. 616-242-0034. 1514 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids. 40% Off Spa Services- Enjoy 40% off your first spa service at Grand Rapids Natural Health for the month of September. Call 616-264-6556 for more information. Grand Rapids. Sun-Damage-Correction Facial Special- Receive 3 Sun-Damage-Correction facials for $200 at Lakeshore Natural Skin Care (a savings of $25). Mention Natural Awakenings Magazine and receive an additional $10 off during the month of September. 231-557-3619. 10500 Chicago Drive, Zeeland.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7-8pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation, and energy healing from Healing in America-Trained Healers. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Ct., NE, Grand Rapids.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Labor Day TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Free Yoga Classes- The Yoga Studio will be offering free classes September 8-12. Visit GRYoga. com for more information. 959 Lake Dr. Ste. 206, Grand Rapids. Stress-Busters Introduction- 5:30-7pm. Learn how to counteract the effects of stress with simple techniques. This class is a sequel to a series of classes designed to help you bring lightness of spirit, serenity and fun into your daily life. Free. RSVP to 231-670-0179. Angel Touch Chiropractic, 4265 Grand Haven Rd., Muskegon. Outdoor Group Workout- 6:15-7:30pm. Join EcoTrek Fitness for an outdoor group workout with Kyle Schultz at the Asylem Lake Preserve in Kalamazoo. $10 drop-in rate, RSVP by emailing SignUp@EcoTrekFitness.com.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Drumming Circle- 7pm. Join Spirit Space in a blessing of the nations on their beautiful, sacred grounds. Join together in a drumming circle or walk the labyrinth. All are welcome. Call 616-836-1555 or visit Spirit-Space.org for more information. Saugatuck.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
market place, cooking demonstration, children’s activities, a special program for teenagers and more. Held at the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids. GRVegfest.com. Grandville Healing Arts & Intuitive Fair- 11am5pm. Outdoor vendors covering a wide range of topics in the healing arts & spiritual guidance fields. Indoor presentations on topics such as baking for food allergies, the benefits of bees and acupuncture! Held at Alternative Care Solution Wellness Center in Grandville. GrandvilleHealingArtIntuitiveFair. Weebly.com.
Pelvic Floor Training- September 12-13. Join Lakeshore Pilates for a PFilates™ training, a unique strength and conditioning program that uses 10 exercises to engage the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles. Call 616-343-4303 or email Info@ LakeshorePilates.com. Holland.
Jazz in the Sanctuary- 3pm. Paul Johnston will perform his own compositions & arrangements of popular jazz standards. Robin Connell will accompany him as vocalist. More information at FountainStreet.org. Grand Rapids.
Feeding Our Souls with Silence- 10am-3pm. Come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Muskegon for the Community Quiet Day & Labyrinth. Come and go as your day allows and find peace in the sacred silence. Donation of $5 is a suggestion only. Call or email Linda Reynolds, 231-744-0377 or LindaReynolds21@comcast.net to learn more.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Karuna® Reiki Classes-10am-5pm, September 1213. Offered by Subtle Energies & D’ Rose Institute serving S.W. Michigan. All classes are certified. To register, call 269-671-4455 or visit ReikiConnect. com or Reiki-UreviaClasses.com. Hickory Corners.
Outdoor Workout Group- 6:15-7:30pm. Join EcoTrek Fitness for an outdoor group workout with Kylie Schultz at the West Lake Nature Preserve in Portage. $10 drop-in rate, RSVP by emailing SignUp@EcoTrekFitness.com.
Spark Your Spiritual Ascension- 10am-6pm. Join The Coptic Center for the Coptic Lecture Series, “Spark Your Spiritual Ascension: You Make a Difference”. Pre-register at 616-531-1339 or visit TheCopticCenter.org for more information. Stress-Busters Introduction- 10:30-noon. Learn how to counteract the effects of stress with simple techniques. This class is a sequel to a series of classes designed to help you bring lightness of spirit, serenity and fun into your daily life. Free. RSVP to 231-670-0179. Angel Touch Chiropractic, 4265 Grand Haven Rd., Muskegon. Bija Yoga Prenatal Program- noon-1:15pm. Expectant and new mothers, have a pain-free pregnancy and natural birth by learning better breathing, alignment and movements that create space and health during pregnancy and beyond. Take a FREE sample class for Yoga Month in September! OnThePathYoga.com, Spring Lake.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 National Grandparents Day Grand Rapids Vegfest- 11am-5pm. The first annual VegFest in Grand Rapids! Presentations by top experts in the health field, a vegan food court, a cruelty free
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Foraging for Medicinal and Edible Plants- 6pm. Join Rachel Potter for a relaxing and educational walk around East Grand Rapids and Reeds Lake. Sponsored by the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library, call 616-784-2007 to pre-register. East Grand Rapids.
Book Club- 7-8:30pm. Join 1Breath4All at Holistic Care Approach for their first book club group on The Untethered Soul, The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singe. HolisticCareApproach.com. 3368 Beltline Ct., Grand Rapids.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Reiki Share- 6-8pm. Check out what Reiki is all about and have a mini session done. Open to those that know Reiki and those that don’t. Donations welcome. Call 616-443-4225 to register. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Healing Circle- 7-8pm. Following a group meditation from 6-7pm, join Spirit Space in a Healing Energy Circle at 7pm to promote wellness for ourselves and others. Come for all or part of the gathering. Call 616-836-1555 for more information. All healing modalities are welcome. Spirit-Space. org. Saugatuck.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Wellness Nights: Be Busy and Balanced- 6-9pm. Discover how to find healthy balance in your busy lifestyle. Learn about stress reduction tools, receive health advice, healthy lunch options and exercise tips, all while enjoying complimentary food, drinks
and chair massages. Grand Rapids Natural Health, 638 Fulton St. W Ste. B, Grand Rapids.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Autumnal Equinox
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 International Coastal Cleanup Day
Ancestral Clearing/Emotional Release Class10am-2pm. Learn how to identify and release limiting beliefs and patterns, including ancestral “baggage claim”, so you can live a life of freedom, fulfillment and happiness. Essential oils are incorporated too for a more powerful release. RSVP by Sept. 15 by calling Ilka, 616-259-7509.
Urevia Practitioner Level One- 10am-5pm, September 19-20. Learn basic metaphysical principles, chakra assessment, how to give a healing, and how to use Urevia as a tool to improve every day experiences, health, and well-being. $290, lunch provided. To register, call 269-671-4455 or visit ReikiConnect.com or Reiki-UreviaClasses.com. Hickory Corners. Herbs & More Seminar- 11am-4pm. Learn about herbs and their medicinal properties, how to set up your herb tool box and how to make tinctures. $15/person or $20 for two. Call 616-443-4225 to register. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Learn the Ropes: A ReX Method™ Workshop1-3pm. Wake up your inner monkey and learn how to hang! Learn proper shoulder engagement and slowly develop the ability to hang from your arms and hips, and come to a supported full inversion using a yoga rope wall. Pre-registration required at OnThePathYoga.com. Spring Lake.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Trauma Sensitive Yoga Class-11am-noon. Join The Body Mind Being Project at Lululemon in Breton Village in Grand Rapids for a donation-based demonstration trauma sensitive yoga class. Visit MakingPeopleWhole.org for more information. Greg Tamblyn in Concert- 6:30pm. Come join our celebration of comedy and music with Greg Tamblyn. The multi-award-winning singer songwriter promises an evening full of music, ranging from deeply spiritual to outrageously funny. To order tickets, call 616-682-7812 or UnityCSG.org. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr. SE, Ada.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 International Day of Peace World Alzheimer’s Day Essential Oil Workshop- 6-8pm. Learn and understand essential oils, how they work and how to use them with therapeutic grade oils. Workshop fee is $25. Call 616-443-4225 to register. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Outdoor Group Workout- 6:15-7:30pm. Join EcoTrek Fitness for an outdoor group workout with Hanna Jones at the Rosy Mound Natural Area, 14035 Lakeshore Ave. in Grand Haven. $10 drop-in rate, RSVP by emailing SignUp@ EcoTrekFitness.com.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Creating Local Herb Remedies- 6pm. Join Rachel Potter as she demonstrates creating salves and teas that will help you nourish and heal your body and keep it healthy this coming winter. Sponsored by the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library, call 616-784-2007 to pre-register. East Grand Rapids.
Hormone Happy Hour- 5pm. Ask our Pharmacist and Women’s Health Specialist, Mary Heim, your questions about hormones and aging well in this open forum for women only, 1st time attendees please. Keystone Pharmacy, 4021 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids. Breast Thermography Presentation- 7-8pm. Learn about the benefits of breast thermography, why thermography works, how to find a good clinic and more. Understand how thermography is important for your breast health call 616-724-6368 or email AdvancedThermalImaging@hotmail.com to sign up. 20% off pins will be given to everyone. 6835 Hanna Lake Ave. Caledonia.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
American Holistic Nurses Association Regional Conference– 9am-5pm. Join us for “Holistic Self Care Your Secret Power for Enhancing Patient Care”, a regional conference for holistic nurses focusing on how self-care enhances patient care. 6 hours CNE. $70. Register at ahna.org/cne or 800-278-2462. Wayne Center, Fort Wayne, IN. Healing Development Workshop- 5-8pm Friday, 9am-5:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Learn the foundation for energy healing work - whether on yourself, or in a practice, including the human energy system, the use of the creative mind, the nature of healing and practical application. For more info or to register call 269-908-1016. 3368 Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Usui Reiki I & II- 10am-5pm, September 26-27. Learn basic metaphysical principles, chakra assessment, how to give a healing, and how to use Reiki as a tool to improve every day experiences, health, and well-being. $225, lunch provided. To register, call 269-671-4455 or visit ReikiConnect.com or Reiki-UreviaClasses.com. Hickory Corners. Fall Harvest Celebration- 11am-6pm. Free Angel Message Circle at 1pm with Joan Cranmore. Outdoor vendors with varied and unusual gifts. Talented practitioners to offer readings or healings. Choices Unlimited Center, Inc., 8887 Gull Rd., Richland. 269-629-5507.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 World Heart Day WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Women’s Health and Fitness Day
savethedate Save The Date Events
Must be submitted online each month at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Events priced $80 or above require a corresponding display ad. There is a $40 charge per listing, up to 50 words. If you are a current advertiser, distribution site or non-profit you just use this listing in place of two of your free listings.
savethedate October 2
Posipalooza - 7-9pm. Enjoy singer/songwriters with inspirational messages for all and a variety of musical styles all on one stage. Featuring Daniel Nahmod, Sloan Wainwright, Sue Riley and Glen Roethel. Contact Office@UnityCSG.org for more information, or visit UnityCSG.org. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr. SE, Ada.
October 15
Ladies Night Out - 6:30-9pm. Come Get Pampered at Aligned Care Chiropractic in Portage. Relax, get a massage, try acupuncture and other great services or shop for bags, jewelry, quilts and more. Enjoy free foods and drinks. Visit AlignedCare.net for directions. Call 366-4146 for more information. Please RSVP.
October 17-18
Ayurvedic Science of Herbs - 9am-7pm, October 17-18. This weekend Ayurveda course is offered by the BVI School of Ayurveda. For information, visit AyurvedaMichigan.org. Now accepting applications. To apply, contact Ayurveda@Sambodhsociety.us. 6363 North 24th St., Kalamazoo. Urevia Practitioner Level One- 10am-5pm, October 17-18. Learn basic metaphysical principles, chakra assessment, how to give a healing, and how to use Urevia as a tool to improve every day experiences, health, and well-being. $290.00, lunch provided. To register, call 269-671-4455 or visit ReikiConnect.com or Reiki-UreviaClasses. com. Hickory Corners.
savethedate November 12-15
Zero Balancing I - Join Jim McCormick for Zero Balancing I at Holistic Care Approach in Grand Rapids. This is the first course of the Core Zero Balancing curriculum and introduces the intellectual and practical framework of the art and science of Zero Balancing. To register, email ZBHA@ZeroBalancing.com.
Outdoor Group Workout- 6:15-7:30pm. Join EcoTrek Fitness at Spring Valley Park in Kalamazoo for an outdoor group workout with Kyle Schultz. $10 drop-in rate. RSVP by emailing SignUp@EcoTrekFitness.com.
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Together We Can Make A Difference
ongoingevents Note: Visit 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.
Sunday Spirit Space Sunday Worship- 10:30am. Spirit Space is an interfaith, non-denominational gathering place for worship and spiritual enrichment. Join us for inspiring messages called Reasonings. Visit Spirit-Space.org or call 616-836-1555 for more information. Saugatuck. Community Yoga Class- 4-5pm. $5 donation goes towards the Charity of the Month. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St., Holland. Visit MiBodhitree.com for more information. Coptic Center Sunday Experience- 6pm. Visit The Center Of Personal Transformation In Consciousness for an ongoing experience of dynamic presenters of spiritual and metaphysical thought. Love Offering Donation. Call 616-531-1339 or visit TheCopticCenter.org for more information. Grand Rapids.
Monday JOIN US! How does your product, service or project support our local or global community?
Be a part of our special Working Together October Issue To advertise or participate in our next issue, call
616-656-9232 44
West Michigan Edition
Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman - 6:15-7:30pm. All levels. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. The Practice of A Course in Miracles - 7-8:30pm. Learn “Miracle-Mindedness”. Got joy? This is how to have it. (Hint: You already do.) All are welcome. Free. Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids. 616-458-5095.
Tuesday Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 7:459am & 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.
Wednesday $20 off BioMeridian Assessments- Food allergies, environmental allergies, organ function and real food menus and shopping lists for families that are healthy and kid-approved. Visit IntegrativeNutritionalTherapies.com or 616-365-9176. Grand Rapids. Healthy Lifestyle/Weight loss Clinic- 5:30-7pm. Enroll now for our new 13-week Healthy Lifestyle/ Weight loss program where you receive education and personal coaching weekly to help you achieve your goals. Space is limited. Call 616-443-4225 to register. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Meditation at Spirit Space- 6-7pm. Join together for meditation that begins and ends with live, native flute music. Join us for the full hour or any portion of the meeting. Call 616-836-1555 or visit Spirit-Space.org for more information. Saugatuck. Creation’s Lessons for Living- 7pm. 2nd Wed of month. Creation desires to help us grow, mature, evolve. Connect with Creation’s wisdom through the teachings and ceremonies of the shamanic Sweet Medicine SunDance Path. Donation. Call 616-8564957 for more information. Join me in learning to walk in beauty. NE Grand Rapids. Spiritual Healing Clinic- 7-9pm. Seeking healing, clarity, joy and freedom in your life? Call Pastor at Healing Ways, 269-303-3523 to reserve your appointment time. Clinic appointments are on a donation basis. WaysToHealing.com. 6363 North 24th St., Kalamazoo.
Thursday Plainfield Charter Township Farmer’s Marketnoon-6pm, June 4-October 29. Experience community. Taste the farm. All food assistance programs accepted. Market held at Frontline Community Church, 4411 Plainfield Ave., Grand Rapids. Healthy Lifestyle/Weight Loss Clinic- 5:30-7pm. Enroll now for our new 13-week Healthy Lifestyle/ Weight loss program where you receive education and personal coaching weekly to help you achieve your goals. Space is limited. Call 616-443-4225 to register. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. Snacks and Sutras- 7pm, September 17-November 19. A chat group exploring the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Excellent for those new to yoga or those desiring a more in-depth practice. For more information and to preregister, visit OnThePathYoga.com. Spring Lake.
Saturday Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman 9-10:15am & 10:30-11:45am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for info. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio. Montague. 231-740-6662. Sweetwater Local Foods Market- 9am-1pm. Hackley Health at the Lakes building on Harvey Street. We are inside if the weather is bad. We are a double up bucks and bridge card market. Hesperia. 231-861-2234.
thenaturaldirectory
COLON HYDROTHERAPY
...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 GRAND WELLNESS
Vikki Nestico, R.Ac. Located at Renewal Skin Spa 6080 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids 616-940-1177 GrandWellness.net
At Grand Wellness, we focus on a holistic approach to wellness, promoting healing through acupuncture, herbal therapy and lifestyle modifications. Call to set up a free consultation to discuss how Chinese medicine can help your specific health concerns. See ad page 27.
BIO ENERGETIC SYNCHRONIZATION TECHNIQUE BRAIN & BODY BALANCING Spark of Life Studio 959 Lake Dr. SE, Ste. 201, Grand Rapids 616-516-1479 SparkOfLifeStudio.com
Living organisms strive to be in balance but everyday stress is preventing us from feeling our best. Let us restore balance to your brain and body and thus maximize your overall wellbeing as well as your body’s innate healing capacity.
BODYWORK A SENSE OF FLOW
Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 ASenseOfFlow.com Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic, Hot Stone & Matrix Massage. Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix E n e rg e t i c s P r a c t i t i o n e r, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, and a Certified Reflexologist. See ad page 12.
BRAIN HEALTH
HARMONY ’N HEALTH Mary De Lange, CCT. LMT. 1003 Maryland Ave, N.E., Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 HarmonyNHealth.net
Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holistic approach, colonics relieves constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloat, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 38.
BETHESDA HEALTH AND WELLNESS, LLC Susie Daubenspeck 616-594-9005 sldaubenspeck@gmail.com NexalinTechnology.com
Certified technician in Nexalin Technology, a medication-free t r e a t m e n t f o r a n x i e t y, depression and insomnia. The hypothalamus and mid-brain area are gently stimulated, supporting brain function resets. Treatments in your home or Holland office. Find us on Facebook and LinkedIn at Susie Daubenspeck. See ad page 27.
TRICIA E. GOSLING
Holistic Energy Therapies 616-481-9074 HolisticEnergyTherapies.net Offering an advanced clientcentered dimension of colonics since 1996: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions. I-ACT certified Instructor.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 DynamicChiro.com
NEW LISTING...
Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.
SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPA Dr. Andrew Schafer 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids 616-301-3000 GRChiroSpa.com
COSMETICS SERENDIPITE ORGANIQUES Teri Kelley 616-719-0610 teri@serendipiteorganiques.com mkt.com/serendipite-organiques
Your online source for organic, non-GMO makeup and body care! Offering several lines, you’ll find everything you need to cleanse and beautify your body head-to-toe. Serendipite also carries a 100% organic dog care line!
ENERGY HEALING
Tr e a t i n g m u s c u l o s k e l e t a l conditions, but specializing in b ac k p a in , n ec k p a in , an d headaches. Also offering physical therapy, massage therapy, and postural awareness. Most insurance accepted. Breton Village area. See ad pages 6 & 30.
MATRIX ENERGETICS
Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 ASenseOfFlow.com Matrix Energetics is a system used to heal, transform and create new possibilities in your life. Using the principles of quantum physics and subtle e n e rg y d u r i n g a M a t r i x Energetics session we are able to enter into different realties and download new possibilities for your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual selves. See ad page 12.
616.656.9232 NaturalWestMichigan.com
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September 2015
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HEALING SERVICES
ESSENTIAL OILS
THE REMEDY HOUSE
BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILS Clara VanderZouwen Independent Sharing Partner 616-481-8587 BeYoungTH.com/claravz
Be Young Total Health essential oils have undergone the 13 step E.O.B.B.D. evaluation by third party experts who are professionally trained for evaluating essential oils for purity, quality, and therapeutic value. Learn online, through free classes, or one on one from me, how you can use these gifts of nature to benefit your family and even your pets! See ad page 26.
YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS Marilyn York Independent Distributor 1-877-436-2299, ext. 2 YoungLiving.org/naturalhealth4u
Become an Independent Distributor. Discover the high potency of therapeutically authentic Essential Oils from Young Living. Enhance your own health, as well as others who seek holistic wellness options. Free Training. See ad page 14.
FITNESS & NUTRITION MISSY HACKER FITNESS MelissAHacker@gmail.com Facebook.com/MissyCoates MissyHackerFitness.com
A fitness and nutrition coach, making your health and fitness a priority. Plans for people of all ages and fitness levels. Offering many free options, as well as cost effective solutions. Contact Missy to see how to achieve your optimal level of health & fitness.
HAKOMI THERAPY KEN PORTER CST, CHT 3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE Ste. 107 Grand Rapids 616-262-3848 BodyAndSoulGR.com
Jodi Jenks Natural Health Practitioner, Reiki Master 616-443-4225 TheRemedyHouse.org Certified in bodywork, lymphatic drainage, raindrop therapy, CranioSacral, reflexology, iridology, natural health consultations including a zyto bio-communication scan. Emotional clearing with essential oils and energy work, Reiki, Energy Touch. See ad page 22.
West Michigan Edition
BOB HUTTINGA PA-C
332 S. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview 989-352-6500 TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com A Certified PA since 1976, Bob Huttinga practices both Traditional and Homeopathic care. He finds the cause and the homeopathy remedy. We accept most insurance, except Priority Health, Blue Care Network or Medicaid. See ad, page 36.
HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER
THE WELLNESS FORUM
616-430-2291 WellnessForum.com
Educational programs for personal health improvement - Wo r k p l a c e w e l l n e s s programs - Wellness Forum Foundation focused on school nutrition and children’s health - National conferences.
HEALTH / WELLNESS CENTER THE HEALING CENTER
Bob Huttinga PA-C & Rev. Barbara Huttinga 332 S. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview 989-352-6500 TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners and Retail Health Store. Natural Health Consultations, Classes, Oils, H e r b s , H o m e o p a t h y, Hypnosis, Foods, Candles, Crystals, Books, CD’s, Massage, Reflexology, Emotional Clearing, Raindrop Therapy, Foot Detox, DOT/CDL Health Cards for truck drivers. See ad in page 36.
HOLISTIC HEALTH HEALING WAYS
Pastor & Casey Brian Kalamazoo & Portage 269-221-1961 WaysToHealing.com
Hakomi Therapy can truly change your life. It’s a mindfulnessbased, experiential therapy for transforming the unconscious patterns that keep you from the love, joy, and fulfillment you deserve. Offered with exquisite care and attentiveness.
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HOMEOPATHY
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Massage Therapy, Energy Healing, Spiritual Counsel, Healing Services for Groups and more. We fully support you in experiencing Healing in all aspects of your life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual...
HYPNOTHERAPY HYPNOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES OF GRAND RAPIDS LLC Linda D Knight, CHt, Stacey PreFontaine, CClHt Certified Medical Support Hypnotherapist 1345 Monroe NW, Suite 201 Grand Rapids 616-550-3231 HypnotistLinda.wordpress.com
Hypnotherapy services for Smoking Cessation, Weight Management, Pain Management, Personal and Professional Growth, and much more. Also offering Stress Management services for individuals, couples, families, and the workplace with certified Stress Reduction Specialists. See ad, page 38.
KINESIOLOGY A SENSE OF FLOW
Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 ASenseOfFlow.com Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix E n e rg e t i c s P r a c t i t i o n e r, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing P r a c t i t i o n e r, C e r t i f i e d Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner and Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 12.
MASSAGE THERAPY DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY Jaci Timmermans, MT 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 DynamicChiro.com
I offer Swedish massage with Integrated Te c h n i q u e s , c h o s e n specifically to your unique body. Relieve those tired and sore muscles and rejuvenate! Call for ongoing monthly specials and discounts.
HARMONY ‘N HEALTH
Mary De Lange, CCT., LMT. 1003 Maryland Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 HarmonyNHealth.net Over 24 years of professional experience and trained in a complete range of modalities. Whether you are seeking relaxation, renewal, or treatment for a specific condition, Mary will help find an approach that is helpful for you. See ad page 38.
SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPA
Sheri Beth Schafer, LMT Ayurvedic Bodyworker, Reiki Master 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids 616-301-3000
We have multiple certified massage therapists offering relaxation, prenatal, deep tissue massage and medical massage. We also offer Reiki, chakra balancing and Ayurvedic bodywork. Breton Village area. GRChiroSpa. com. See ads, pages 6 & 30.
MIDWIFERY FULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERY SERVICE, INC. Patrice Bobier CPM Hesperia: 231-861-2234 FullCircleMidwifery.com
In private practice since 1982 specializing in homebirth. Over 1450 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. Free initial consultations including Prenatal check up.
SALON SERVICES CJ’S STUDIO SALON 5286 Plainfield Ave, NE Grand Rapids 616-364-9191 CjsStudioSalon.com
An award winning Hair Stylist with 30 years Advanced Education, that uses and sells Organic Hair Care Products as well as uses a professional line of Organic Hair Color. Ionic Detox Foot Baths also available.
SCHOOL / EDUCATION BVI SCHOOL OF AYURVEDA Ruth Small, Ph.D., Director 269-381-4946 Ayurveda@SambodhSociety.us AyurvedaMichigan.org
SCHOOL OF AYURVEDA. State licensed. Certificate program for healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, yoga teachers, wellness educators, massage therapists, holistic health specialists, chiropractors, dieticians and those seeking to learn Self-Health-Care. Instructors highly qualified (B.A.M.S.).
INSTITUTE OF SANATIVE ARTS
0-11279 Tallmadge Woods Dr., Grand Rapids 616-791-0472 Info@SanativeTranquility.com SanativeTranquility.com State licensed school for massage and bodywork. Offering high quality, affordable massage certification courses as well as NCBTMB continuing education courses for the experienced therapist. Located conveniently to Grand Rapids, Standale, Walker and Allendale.
classifieds To place a Classified Listing: Email listing to Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. $1.00 per word; must be pre-paid.
FOR RENT Massage Room for Rent - Grand Rapids Natural Health, an all inclusive health and wellness center, is looking for a part time Massage Therapist to join our growing team. We pride ourselves in offering all of our client’s needs for their health goals, under one roof. We are looking for a massage therapist with a passion for the health and wellness field and a passion for working in a group environment to rent space. Please contact Kelly if interested at KHassberger@ GRNaturalHealth.com or 616-540-0723. Office Space Available – In a professional health care office building in Kentwood. Approx. 125 square feet office with private entrance and all utilities included. Located on Kalamazoo Ave. near 131, M6 and the East Beltline with excellent visablility, parking and signage. Please call 616-827-2350 for further details.
OPPORTUNITIES
NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION
Massage or Natural Health Practitioners wanted- 360 Massage and Holistic Care is looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Must be licensed in massage or natural health field and have own clientele or be willing to build a clientele. Contact info@360Massage. com or 616-242-0034 for more information.
Educational Programs Offered: Natural Health Program - Four Years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program - One Year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program - Six Months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 2.
Medical, Health, Fitness, Individuals Instead of spending years and millions of dollars to build your own store/ business, why not leverage the power and capabilities of infrastructure and logistics, it’s advertising and marketing prowess; without all the headaches and hassles of inventory management, order processing and fulfillment and customer service. Worth More than a McDonald Franchise! Customers save up to 50%, Free Shipping, Save Time & Money. Will not interfere with your current business? MolecularMiracle.com/ HealthMerchant or call 616-745-0510.
503 East Broadway St. Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info
SKIN CARE LAKESHORE NATURAL SKIN CARE 10500 Chicago Drive Holland Twp/Zeeland 231-557-3619 LakeshoreNaturalSkinCare.com
Specializing in advanced, customized skin care using all-natural, organic skin care products from Elina Organics. Facials, Back Facials, Foot Facials, Hand Facials, Tummy Facials, and “Beautiful Legs” services. Needle-Free Mesotherapy, TriPolarRF, DermaLaser, LED, Microdermabrasion, Peels, Body Wraps, Body Scrubs, Brow Shaping, Aromatherapy, Signature Scent, Hair Restoration, Bamboo Massage, RainDrop, Air Compression Lymph Drainage Massage, Acupressure, Reiki, Infrared and Ionic Cleanses, Ear Candling, and more! See ad page 29.
West Michigan Natural Awakenings Magazine- Start a career you can be passionate about. Publish your own Natural Awakenings Magazine. Home based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. Call 616-656-9232 or visit http://NaturalWestMichigan.com/naturalawakenings-is-for-sale/
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September 2015
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