September 2012 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS by Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Express Yourself

FREE

Ways to Explore Community Arts

Help Kids Learn How to

Manage

Money

What is YOGA?

Locals Explain

Celebrate Mobile/Baldwin

YOGA WEEK

FREE Local Events & Classes

SEPTEMBER 2012 | Mobile/Baldwin Edition | www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

mobile/baldwin

yoga week

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September 16-22, 2012

community yoga event September 16

3:00-5:00pm

Cathedral Square

Celebrate Yoga Week with informational booths by local yoga studios, raffle prizes and free food from Sunflower Cafe. Participate in (or observe) a beginner-friendly group practice from 3:30-4:30pm. A class and activities for 5-8 year olds will take place simultaneously. 8 and up can practice with parents. No experience necessary. Bring your own mat or towel, water and a canned good for the Food Bank, or a donation to the Dana Goudie Memorial Scholarship Fund. Rain site: Space 301.

free yoga classes all week September 16 - 22 The following studios invite new students to try yoga classes for free during Yoga Week with the donation of nonperishable food items for the Bay Area Food Bank or a donation to the Dana Goudie Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Mobile

Quiet Mind Massage &Yoga Studio Synergy Yoga and Pilates Kula Yoga Community Nadia Jenkins Yoga Sculpt Yoga and Fitness

251-990-9552

Lower Baldwin

Eastern Shore

Mind and Motion Yoga Integrated Fitness Nadia Jenkins Yoga Kula Yoga Community Pneuma Yoga/Movement Studio

The Yoga Center Trinity Yoga

A full schedule of September yoga events is available at Tinyurl.com/YogaWeek.

MobileBaldwinYoga@gmail.com Tinyurl.com/YogaWeek

contents 15

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more 5 newsbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 9 businessspotlight growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. 10 localfeature 15 fitbody 10 16 globalbriefs 10 WHAT IS YOGA? Locals Share Their 19 ecotip Yoga Experiences by Meredith Montgomery 20 feature 25 healthykids 14 MOBILE/BALDWIN 27 inspiration YOGA WEEK Celebrate With Free Yoga 20 29 calendar Classes and Events

32 classifieds

33 naturaldirectory

15 INJURY-FREE YOGA Proven Approaches for Safe Practice by Lynda Bassett

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 251-990-9552 or email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month prior to the month of publication. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar events and ongoing classes online at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

20 EXPLORING OUR CREATIVE SIDE

Engaging in Community Arts Brings Unexpected Rewards by Judith Fertig

25 25 MAKING

ALLOWANCES Learning to Manage Money at a Young Age by Sharon Lechter

27 PEACE MAIL

Spreading Good Will on Earth Through Art by April Thompson

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September 2012

letterfrompublisher For the last month, the phrase, “When Mays goes back to preschool ...” has become a mantra. Anything that did not have an immediate deadline was added to the long list of things to do when my 3 year old was no longer at home everyday. Initially the list consisted of things such as get my car serviced, sort through my inbox and update the website. Lately lifestyle changes have been added, as if September is the new January, and I feel the need to make back-toschool resolutions. Our summer has somewhat resembled the holiday season with a whirlwind of trips to see family and friends, a lenient regard for bedtime and a tendency to overindulge during mealtimes. My husband Josh, a teacher, was able to stay home with Mays on many days. However, “daddy daycare” shares a wall with my home office, and the temptation to leave work early was often too overwhelming to resist. With the return of regulated schedules, I welcome an opportunity to get back to work while also making time for elements of balance. Topping the list of my September resolutions is to revitalize my yoga practice, which became sporadic over the summer. In celebration of National Yoga Month, I have set an intention to practice yoga everyday this month, in hopes that a habit will form and I can surpass my 30 day goal. This intention was partly motivated by the conversations I had with local yoga students in my research for What is Yoga?, page 10. Highlights of their personal yoga journeys ranged from warm stories of camaraderie with classmates to inspirational accounts of the therapeutic benefits of yoga from students with multiple sclerosis. I’ve also been inspired by the many local teachers that have helped in the planning of the second annual Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week (see page 14). We were all humbled by the experience of last year’s kick-off event when more than 150 individuals practiced together in Cathedral Square, far exceeding our expectations. It was breathtaking to see so many students, of so many experience levels coming together for a public practice, in a community where just 3 years ago, only a couple yoga studios existed. Second on my list of intentions for the fall is to return to art making. I was a painter before I became a publisher, yet I picked up a paintbrush last month for the first time in 2 1/2 years. I immediately remembered why, since childhood, art has played such an important role in my life. The creative process can become quite meditative, similar to the sense of moving meditation during yoga class. But unlike yoga, painting results in a tangible end product. It may not always be framable, but that painting will forever be a visual reflection of that moment in my life. Coincidentally, creativity is the other half of our theme in Natural Awakenings this month. Peace Mail, page 27, features an artist that uses his talent to spread the message of peace in a unique way; Exploring Our Creative Side, page 20, explores the many benefits of creative expression in a group setting; and on page 23, we put together some local resources for community art outlets. What are your intentions for the fall season? Why not take advantage of all the free yoga events and classes this month, and experience this ancient practice for yourself? Or, awaken your creative side by digging out some art supplies or joining a community arts group. Wherever this new season takes you, may it be both peaceful and vibrant. Namaste,

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

contact us Publisher/Editor Meredith Montgomery Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Assistant Editor Gabrielle Wyant-Perillo Editor@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Contributors Martin Miron Josh Montgomery Anne Wilson Michael Wilson Design and Production Meredith Montgomery Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin P.O. Box 725, Fairhope, AL 36533 Phone: 251-990-9552 Fax: 251-281-2375

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. © 2012 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. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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newsbriefs

New Prana Health and Wellness Holds Workshop

The Little Gym Offering Preschool Enrichment Program The Little Gym of the Eastern Shore is excited to introduce their new WonderKids Club, an educational enrichment program for children ages 3 and 4. This unique program is offered from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Tuesdays, for 4-year-olds and Wednesdays, for 3-year-olds. Teacher Robin Gibson and WonderKids Club Each WonderKids Club combines a Funny Bugs or Giggle Worms gymnastics class, with active learning and instructor-led immersive play. The week’s learning unit and theme are reinforced while children learn from manipulative play with items such as puzzles, pattern blocks, play dough and Duplo blocks, to name a few. Children enjoy stories, finger plays, songs, art, counting, imaginative play and lots of active movement opportunities. Julie Riley, Program Director and Assistant Gym Director, says, “For the kids, the Club offers interactive learning, structured play and exploration of their innate sense of wonder. For parents, WonderKids Club provides three hours of much-needed grownup time and the confidence that their children are happy and growing in a safe, structured, nurturing environment.” The WonderKids Club is offered as a one-day standalone preschool opportunity, with discounts available for those who commit to the full season (August through May). The Little Gym also offers a full schedule of classes and activities for children aged 4 months to 12 years. Programs include parent/child classes, gymnastics, sports skills, karate, birthday bashes, camps and Parent Survival Nights. Location: 22530 Hwy. 98, in the Publix Shopping Center, Fairhope. For more information, call 251-928-3387 or visit TLGEasternShoreAl.com. See ad, page 28.

Elderberries are Focus of Festival The fourth annual Elderberry Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 7 and 8, at the Fairhope Museum of History. Informational and educational demonstrations illustrate ways that elderberries, a lowland weed prevalent everywhere in Baldwin County, can be used. Friday night features the Elderberry Dance, with music from the old-time band Kracker Dan’s Minstrels and the crowning of Queen Ellie Elderberry II. Saturday’s festivities include a demonstration of old-time farm engines and equipment from the South Alabama Antique Tractor and Engine Club. “The festival has the flavor of an old-fashioned county fair,” says Donnie Barrett, Fairhope Museum of History director. “We will be teaching people how to identify, pick and cook with the common elderberry. And just like a county fair, the festival will include a contest where participants can earn ribbons for their best elderberry pies, juices, breads, jams and jellies.” This year, elderberries are thriving and can be found in places where they have not been previously seen, such as in the bayfront parks and in the gullies of downtown Fairhope.

2011 Elderberry Festival

Becky Ardrey, LMT, recently opened Prana Health and Wellness, in Fairhope, to offer a wide variety of wellness modalities. She specializes in therapeutic massage, integrated with energy therapies, to help clients meet their wellness goals. Playing With Prana, an educational workshop on energy awareness, will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m., September 29, for $25. To explain what energy therapy is, Ardrey says, “If you find that you are feeling sluggish or just not feeling yourself, chances are it is an energetic imbalance in your body. I use simple, non-invasive techniques to realign your energetic flow and restore balance.” During September, free wellness evaluations will be given to individuals that are interested in massage and/or energy therapy. Using postural and energetic assessments and taking into consideration lifestyle habits, Ardrey will determine an individualized treatment plan for each client. Other September specials include one-hour back-toschool massages for $50 and head, neck and shoulder sessions for $20. Location: 811 Fairhope Ave. For more information, call 251-4559359, visit PranaHealthAndWellness. com or Facebook: Prana Health and Wellness. See ad, page 19.

Entry is free. Location: 24 N. Section St., Fairhope. For more information, stop by the museum or call 251-929-1471. natural awakenings

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September 2012

newsbriefs New Reiki Center of Fairhope Opens Reiki Center of Fairhope recently opened to share the healing therapy that has become recognized on a more mainstream level since Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Mehmet Oz have mentioned the tremendous health benefits it provides. Owner Julie Brent says, “I want to share Reiki and give people an opportunity to give it a try, so they can learn for themselves what it has to offer.” Reiki (pronouned RAY-KEY) is said to reduce stress, balance energies in the body, relieve pain, promote personal awareness and foster natural self-healing. The center offers a weekly Reiki Exchange for individuals to stop by and experience Reiki at no charge. During September, exchanges will take place on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and will begin with a short introductory talk about the therapy. Monthly workshops are available for those that want to learn to practice Reiki. A variety of energy healing modalities from different practitioners are offered as private sessions at the center, and workshops on Quantum-Touch, Polarity, Earth-Heart Reiki and others are regularly scheduled. Location: 20730 Hwy. 181, Ste. B, Fairhope. For more information, call 251-281-8811 or visit ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com for a complete list of offerings and an online booking system. See ad, page 26.

Youth Exploring Mindful Movement and Nutrition Integrated Fitness, in Fairhope, is offering a class for fourth through sixth grade students, Youth Exploring Mindful Movement and Nutrition, from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, from September 25 through October 25. The class will be taught by owner Lynette Staggers, RYT, Amanda Barfield, RYT, and Gina Holcombe. Their mission is to inspire and empower children to discover their own unique gifts and reach optimal health by providing them with a safe environment to explore and express themselves. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to introduce a mindfulness-based approach to exercise and nutrition, designed to cultivate awareness through yoga and Pilates. The exercises and information taught will guide the children in making lifestyle changes that last a lifetime.” Classes will be taught in a playful, creative and fun manner in a noncompetitive environment. Benefits include improved focus, strength, flexibility, postural awareness, self-confidence and a positive body image. The nutrition component will consist of developing mindful eating habits, with particular attention to breakfast and snacks. Staggers says, “We live in a fast paced world. Mindful exercise can help counter the daily pressure and stress that children experience on a daily basis so that they can navigate life's challenges with more ease.” Integrated Fitness offers a full schedule of yoga and Pilates classes for all ages, as well as personal training services. Location: 456 Morphy Ave., Fairhope. For more information, call 251-554-4121 or 251-401-7166 or visit IntegratedFitness-Fairhope.com. See ad, page 12. 6

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

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Off the Vine Organic Produce Comes to Alabama Off the Vine (OTV) Organic Produce is now serving Mobile and the Eastern Shore, providing weekly boxes of locally grown, organic produce to its customers. Three box options are available: Mixed Organic Box (seasonal vegetables and fruit), Organic Fruit Box and Organic Juicing Box. Boxes are intended to serve two adults their weekly produce needs, and orders can be placed week-by-week. Based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, OTV has been serving customers for 10 years. Co-owner Shana Wolf says, “We love what we do. Cooking at home is the most cost-effective way to eat organic food, and it’s better for you. By choosing organic produce, you give yourself the highest nutritional content and the cleanest fruits and vegetables available.” OTV produce is free of pesticides, fillers, chemicals and preservatives. The weekly produce selection is posted every Friday at noon on the website and by email. Orders should be placed by midnight each Sunday to receive boxes on the following Wednesday. Orders can be picked up in Mobile or Fairhope, or delivered to the customer’s home. For more information, call 850-3742181, email Support@OffTheVine. org or visit OffTheVine.org. See ad, page 15.

Ninth Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest The John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest will take place October 4 through 6, with walking and boat trips to favorite birding spots such as Bon Secour, Weeks Bay, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island and Bayou La Batre. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Wildlife Biologist Roger Clay will be the keynote speaker for the Friday night dinner at 5 Rivers’ Delta Hall. Clay has been a guide coordinator and popular tour guide for BirdFest from the beginning, and will speak about the great variety of birding options along the Alabama Gulf Coast. A free, family-friendly Bird and ConserBird & Conservation Expo 2011 vation Expo takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 6, on the grounds of Faulkner State College, in Fairhope, featuring live raptors and other birds, snake demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids of all ages, touch tanks, vendors and exhibits from the DCNR. All BirdFest trips and evening events require advanced registration. This year, those that register online will have access to additional pontoon boat trips and kayak/canoe tours from 5 Rivers Delta Safaris that are not listed in the brochure. BirdFest “nest keeper” Fran Morley says, “We’re hearing from old friends from all over the country who have attended BirdFest in years past and are making plans to come again this year. The Gulf Coast is the perfect place to be during the fall migration.” For more information and registration, call 251-625-0814 or visit AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com. See ad, page 27.

Call for Cover Art and Photography Natural Awakenings magazine is extending a call for cover art and photography and accepting submissions online via a dedicated webpage. The monthly healthy living, franchised publication, available free in more than 80 cities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, is known for eye-catching covers that feature original works by artists from around the world. The covers reflect monthly editorial themes, and a variety of selections are distributed to all franchise publishers so they can choose which cover they want to run. “This is an exciting opportunity for artists and photographers to be featured on one of our covers and reach a huge new audience, because our readership exceeds 3.6 million,” says founder and CEO Sharon Bruckman. Selected artists that grant permission to use their work are featured in a one-third page cover artist/photographer bio that introduces the artist and includes their website and contact information. For more information, including a list of monthly themes, submission terms and format requirements, visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/covers.

Health and Wellness Workshop Tracey Winter Glover will lead a Yoga of Health and Wellness workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 13, at Quiet Mind Massage and Yoga Studio, in Mobile. The workshop will include sessions on mindfulness, nutrition, self-healing, meditation, hatha yoga, pranayama and the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda. As a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor, vegan chef and wellness and nutrition coach, Glover will interweave ancient teachings of health and wellness with the most modern nutrition science. “In a broad sense, ‘yoga’ means the union of all things, and we will explore wellness from this perspective. True health is not merely the absence of disease or illness, but a state of physical, mental and spiritual well being or unity,” Glover explains. The workshop will explore mindfulness, self-healing and inherent wellbeing. Participants will be encouraged to look closely at unhealthy habits that sabotage their health and learn how to replace them with healthy alternatives. The all-day event includes a 75-minute all-levels yoga practice and an ayurvedic vegan lunch, designed for illness prevention and recovery. Location: 2065 Old Shell Rd., Mobile. Cost is $110, or $100 before Sept. 30. Reservations required by Oct. 11. For more information, call 251-510-2418 or email Tracey@ShantiWarrior.com. See ad, page 34.

natural awakenings

September 2012

newsbriefs Mobile Arts Council Hosts Art Throwdown

About the Cover In celebration of Yoga Month and the second annual Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week, Natural Awakenings teamed up with Fairhope photographer Erin Creel for a sunrise photo shoot in Point Clear. Yoga student, Jamie Ullock, and teachers Nancy Bolton Beck, RYT and Cynthia Galas are featured on the cover. Gracing the pages of this month's yoga-focused feature, pages 10-13, are additional photos from the shoot, featuring Wayne Kent, RYT; Billie Reinhart, RYT and Bridget Tate. "Erin is a delight and quite a talent," says Beck of the photographer. "It was so lovely to be on the bay at the rise of the sun with fellow yogis dedicated to seeing the rise of yoga in our beloved communities." Ullock reflects, "It was so peaceful and serene to be out that early on the water doing what I love so much. I am definitely inspired to take my yoga practice outside more." Creel specializes in wedding and portrait photography. For more information, visit ErinCreelPhotography.com.

Art Works: The Throwdown, a Mobile Arts Council (MAC) fall fundraiser, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., September 27, in Mobile. Borrowing concepts from the Food Network's hugely successful shows, Iron Chef and Chopped, The Throwdown features five artists that will each be given a box with preselected items, a shared supply closet and 90 minutes to create five new works of art. The art will be auctioned in a live bidding process the same evening. There will also be a silent auction, live music by the Suzies, food from Carrabba's Italian Grill, beer, wine and Red Roosters, the MAC signature cocktail. Art Works is MAC’s largest annual fundraiser and all proceeds support the organization’s mission of bringing people and art together. Location: 318 Dauphin St., Mobile. Tickets are $30 and available at ArtWorksThrowDown.BrownPaperTickets.com. For more information, call 251432-9796 or visit MobileArts.org.

Orange Beach Marina Pioneers Fish Recycling Program A newly launched fish recycling program, sponsored in part by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC), is repurposing fish parts left behind after charter boat crews clean customers’ catch. Zeke’s Landing Marina, in Orange Beach, is working with Protein Products, Inc. (PPI) to turn the fish waste into pet food. “Traditionally, the fish carcasses have gone inside two garbage bags and then a daily dump trash receptacle,” says Tom Steber, general manager of Zeke’s. “Now, we place the carcasses into a refrigerated trailer. When it’s almost full, arrangements are made for the trailer to be picked up at night. It’s carried off, along with the smell.” PPI picks up the trailer and takes it to a manufacturing plant in Sunflower, Mississippi, where the fish are recycled into pet food products. The marina saves around $500 a week because it no longer uses large garbage bags, and it keeps about 60,000 pounds of fish out of landfills each week. For more information, contact Miller at 251-438-5690 or Christian@Auburn.edu.

NEWS TO SHARE? Send submissions for news briefs to Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com or call 251-990-9552.

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

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businesssnapshot The Original Alabama Yoga Studio

Alabama Festival of Flavor The Alabama Festival of Flavor will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., October 20, at Heritage Park in Foley, to promote and celebrate the state’s local foods. By providing a diverse range of interactive and educational, epicurean experiences that include notable culinary personalities and institutions, the festival showcases the state's unique culture and rich history. Visitors will enjoy a farmers’ market, local chef competition, beer and wine tasting, a cupcake cook-off and a history of food and culture display. Educational seminars guide visitors through the process of planting a garden and cooking a meal using Alabama produce. Artisans, crafters and retailers will offer unique and natural products, and live music and children’s activities will be ongoing. By focusing regional attention on Alabama's cultural depth and breadth, the festival offers businesses a rare opportunity to reach the public directly.

In 1972, Carolyn Hall watched the “first lady of yoga,” Lilias Folan, execute sun salutations at the University of Alabama. “I was taken on a new path!” she recalls. A self-described Iyengar devotee with a splash of kundalini, Hall shared yoga in fitness centers, churches, schools and community centers for the next 20 years. In 1992, she opened The Yoga Center, in Gulf Shores, the first yoga studio in Alabama. Hall says, “My theory was ‘build it and they will come.’ Besides, think how much gas I saved!” It took four years to get a signed permit and to put the word “yoga” on the building. In 1996, Yoga Alliance awarded Hall with a "grandmothered-in” teaching certification. Since then, an eclectic blend of Yoga Center teachers have earned their Yoga Alliance teaching certifications. The studio offers regular morning and evening classes, including Vinyasa flow yoga classes, Tai chi, Thai massage and flash mob meditation, with free classes for new students from September 17 to 22, in celebration of Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week (TinyURL. com/YogaWeek). “We are an eclectic blend of teachers, philosophies and styles,” says Hall. “We invite everyone to experience our lineage of yoga pioneers of Alabama.” Location: 103 W. Canal Rd., Gulf Shores. For more information call 251-975-8687 or 251-609-6999, or email KAKeane47@gmail.com. See ad, page 12.

Carolyn Hall

A CENTER FOR HEALING ... A CENTER FOR LEARNING

Vendors may apply through Oct. 1. Location: Corner of Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 98, Foley. For more information, call 251943-3291, visit SouthBaldwinChamber. com/MajorEvents or Facebook Alabama Festival of Flavor.

Holistic Consultation Energy Work Color Therapy Essential Oils Flower Essences Qi Gong Chartres Labyrinth

Permaculture Design Passive and Active Solar Rainwater Collection Humanure Composting Greywater Recycling Shiitake Cultivation Biodynamics

Middle Earth Healing and Learning Center Citronelle, AL 251-866-7204

MidEarthHealing@yahoo.com * www.middleearthhealing.com

Explore your true Self and Discover your Inner Light with MARI by Rosie The greatest good we can do for others is not just to share our light with them, but to reveal theirs.

MARI utilizes colours and symbols to reveal where you are today—mentally, physically, emotionally and sprirutally. This amazing tool reveals your intuition and true feelings. If you have life choices to make, MARI is an effective way to see what your heart really desires.

Available at Rosie Bluum in Fairhope • 251-517-5326 • www.MARIbyRosie.com

Serving sushi made with organic, locally-grown vegetables...

Come TASTE the difference. Baldwin County Veggies from Mae Grace Farm New Gluten-Free Menu $5.00 Martini Specials Monday-Thursday 1410 US HYW 98 Ste J, in Daphne • 251-621-1906 • www.SamuraiJ.com natural awakenings

September 2012

What is Yoga? Photos courtesy of Erin Creel Photography

by Meredith Montgomery

teacher, and her chiropractor to try yoga. “Oh no, I can’t do yoga. I’m not in good enough shape anymore,” Graf responded. She appreciated the artistry of yoga and believed that it would be beneficial, but at 75, she feared she could not handle it physically. Graf eventually took their advice and tried a class at Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center, in Mobile. She recalls, “It was strenuous, but I felt like I could do it.” Rita Durant is the yoga teacher that Graf has connected most with, “Rita’s classes just click with me and I can feel my body opening up. She brings in a spiritual aspect and has a focus for each class.” Graf is a retired Sister of Mercy and volunteers three days a week at Mercy Life, a ministry of Mercy Medical. Like many people that spend a significant amount of time sitting at a desk, Graf felt tension in her neck and shoulders and suffered from back pain. Since beginning to practice yoga eight months ago, she’s noticed decreased aches and pains and has lowered the amount of medication she takes to treat her discomfort.

Yoga Is

hat is yoga? In honor of National Yoga Month and Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week (see page 14), Natural Awakenings asked local yogis why they practice yoga and what effect it has had on their lives.

Yoga Is

Wellness

While heading to his first chiropractic appointment three years ago, Wayne Kent discovered Yoga Birds, in Fairhope. He recalls, “My wife and I went in and spoke with Melanie [Buffett] and she invited us to class. I decided to try it and I haven’t missed a week since.” Kent is an aircraft mechanic and had been looking for an outlet to get back in shape. “After that first yoga class I said, ‘This is it. This makes sense to me and I’m sticking with it.’” A year later, Kent began the certification process to become a yoga teacher. He now 10

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

leads a Foundations of Yoga class, the very same class that got him hooked three years ago. At 47, Kent is in the best health of his life. He began going to a chiropractor the same week he started doing yoga and says, “I had a noticeable S curve in my spine and now it’s straight. I know the chiropractic adjustments have helped me, but I don’t think I’d be as far along without yoga.” He’s also noticed that his eating habits have changed, possibly because of the detoxifying effect of yoga. “I no longer crave what I used to; I want fresher, greener stuff.” After struggling with the pain of a knee injury for years, Sister Marilyn Graf was encouraged by her niece, who is a yoga

a Community

The sense of kinship felt at Trinity Yoga is one of the highlights of a regular yoga practice for a group in Foley. Retired English teacher Kathryn Horner, 68, watches yoga DVDs and is able to practice poses on her own, but she believes that nothing can match the experience of doing yoga at the studio twice a week. “We are such a tight knit group, and we really care about each other. We laugh together and we play together,” she says. When Horner tried yoga seven years ago, she found it to be beneficial almost immediately. With scoliosis, Horner’s severe curve of the spine makes yoga extremely challenging. “It’s difficult to sit upright, but I’ve learned how to use blankets as props to modify poses in class. My practice has taught me to look through my mind’s eye and see myself sitting tall with a straight spine—it makes me smile.” She laughs as she recalls her first experience in savasana (a relaxation pose that

“I tried yoga because I have Parkinson’s disease. Yoga forces me to improve my balance, quiet my tremors and stretch my rigid muscles. Overall my physical ability and flexibility are improved, my confidence is way up, and I feel much more centered and peaceful after a class.” ~Jayne Godfrey, Spanish Fort

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ends every yoga class), “I’m so hyper, and I thought I was being very quiet, but I just kept moving around, which was not very conducive to the relaxation of those around me. The teacher very calmly and quietly placed a towel gently over my face. I got the message and it helped me calm down.” Horner now finds savasana easy to do. “It’s wonderful. So peaceful and so relaxing. You wouldn’t think that particular experience would be so refreshing and revitalizing, but it is.” Barbara Warthen, 61, says, “I love yoga itself, but the sense of family at Trinity makes it so much more. As you do yoga together, like when you worship together, there’s a bond that exists between you and those practicing alongside of you.” Warthen’s husband is the only male in the group and the couple has been doing yoga for eight years. The early morning classes require that they awake at 5:40 a.m. “We get up because we love it. And afterwards, we’re so happy that we did. It makes our day,” she says. Warthen works as an administrative assistant for the city of Foley’s marketing department and has noticed her yoga practice becoming a part of her day-to-day life. “It takes a lot of discipline, but I’m able to focus better and calm my mind. I find myself standing a certain way or subconsciously doing breathing techniques from class. In the middle of the night, I’ll use relaxing poses or breathing to help me fall back asleep.” When traveling, the Warthens often stop at a rest area to get out and do some stretches. “People look at us funny, but the stretching really helps.” Both Warthen and Horner know very few people that do yoga outside of their group at Trinity Yoga, but appreciate that it’s becoming more widespread. Horner points out, “One of my sewing magazines had an article about yoga for sewers! And my niece is in training to become a Bikram (hot yoga) instructor. People don’t look at me as strangely when I tell them I do yoga now, but it’s so important to my life that it wouldn’t matter if they did.”

Yoga Is

an Escape

class. There is so much noise and activity with kids around all day—it feels so good to sit and breathe.” Cain started practicing yoga for the physical exercise, but she quickly learned that it offers so much more. She now refers to yoga as her therapy. Cain’s role as Mom makes it hard to attend class as much as she would like, but she is grateful for the moments she does have to practice. “It can be easy to get discouraged when practicing at home, but if you stick with it, it’s great— even if you can only get in 15 minutes of practice here and there.” Fairhope resident Bridget Tate committed to her yoga practice at a Bikram studio while living in Seattle. Similarly to Cain, yoga was an escape for her—an escape from corporate politics. She recalls, “I was working for Microsoft at the time. Bikram allowed me to not think at all, because the teacher told us exactly what to do each moment, and I was able to suspend all thought from the work day. It became a moving meditation for me that was also physically very challenging. The heat brought me into a type of survival mode which then kept me totally present.” That intensity was what Tate craved at the time, but her practice has since evolved. Now a student at Yoga Birds and Kula Yoga Community, Tate has discovered that while yoga keeps her in shape, the experience of a regular practice leads to subtle shifts that bring more harmony to her life. “Yoga is a very personal experience, and I have struggled with dealing with my own expectations about how I think my practice should look. Yoga reminds me to detach and let go of these types of expectations, both on and off the mat. But it’s very difficult to do.” A common misconception about yoga that both Cain and Tate acknowledge is that one must be flexible and strong before attending class. Cain says, “I’m not terribly flexible, but as long as I continue to practice, I can get the same benefits as the person next to me; even if they are wrapping

For many, yoga is an escape from the stresses of everyday living. Alyson Cain practices at Quiet Mind Massage and Yoga Studio, in Mobile, and has two young children. What she loves most about yoga is how it provides a little bit of peace in her life. “I enjoy the silences and quietness in natural awakenings

September 2012

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“Yoga compliments my religious beliefs. I believe in being open to the spirit in all the ways that God can talk to me. Yoga assists me in getting in touch with my inner core—who I am, body, mind and spirit. And that’s the part of us that God breathes His Spirit into. Christianity is all about following Christ; all of these things help us to get in touch with who we are and who we're meant to be.”

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A common misconception about yoga is that it is a religion. Does the practice of yoga conflict with Christianity and other religions? Natural Awakenings asked some local yogis how their yoga practice affects their own religious paths.

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“Yoga has been especially helpful in managing my fibromyalgia symptoms and has helped me gain muscle strength. Unlike a pill or surgery, yoga is slow medicine and must be done consistently to have effect. As an added benefit, yoga has improved my figure (at 50!).” ~Jane Mooney, Fairhope their legs around their head and I’m down in child’s pose. Once you figure out how not to be intimidated by the person next to you, it’s so much easier.” From a similar perspective, Tate says, “No one in the room is really going to be looking at you. The single most important thing to keep in mind is to just get in the door and the rest will take care of itself. Just get on a mat; somewhere, anywhere.”

Yoga Is

Therapeutic

In 2000, Weezer Lucassen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). She taught physical education for 25 years and played league tennis until 2002. As her disease became more debilitative, she predominantly relied on swimming and pool exercises for physical fitness, but had read about the benefits of yoga for MS patients. She discovered that chair yoga classes were offered at her church, Fairhope United Methodist. The classes were taught by Billie Reinhart, who eventually received a grant from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation to offer a free Chair Yoga for MS series. The class features classic yoga poses adapted for people with disabilities caused by MS. Lucassen’s neurologist and MS specialist are both supportive of her yoga practice and regularly promote the class to their other patients. “From doing yoga one hour a week, I’ve noticed improved relaxation, balance, core strength and leg strength,” Lucassen says. Lucassen explains that yoga is ideal for MS patients because it is low impact and can be modified to meet each individual student at their own ability level. For example, Annette Young is confined to a wheelchair and had been searching for a form of exercise that she could do. While at a support group, she heard about the class from Lucassen. Young now travels from Mobile to Fairhope each week to attend class. “Even though I have just started the class, the stretching has been wonderful for me. I like the way you just go at your own pace—with MS it does no good to push myself, anyway,” Young says. “Yoga is gentle, yet the easy stretching allows me

to start reaching a little further each time. When others in the class are standing or are down on the floor, Billie shows me a different move that I can do while in the wheelchair. It feels so good to finally find something that I can do!” Young admits that she knew nothing about yoga before starting the class. “I thought it was a meditating thing. I didn’t know about the wonderful stretching and breathing techniques which have helped so much with the pain from MS, as well as the many problems that come with being in a wheelchair all the time,” she says. Young appreciates the good exercise and calming effects of yoga, and recognizes her improved range of motion and posture. “Everyone does what they can do,” says Lucassen. “Just by getting out of the house, just by being there, everyone at class is winning.” The class also provides a social outlet for the students. Lucassen continues, “It’s nice to feel included, to have a group that understands what I’m going through. I can call these people if I want advice or social interaction, and they understand where I’m coming from.”

Yoga Is

Challenging

Four years ago, at the age of 56, Dr. William Case started attending yoga classes to increase flexibility, improve posture and relieve back pain. “I soon found many other benefits, and I guess that’s why I’ve kept it up. It’s helped with my strength, concentration and stress relief. It helps physically, mentally and spiritually—it’s yoga!” He practices with Kula Yoga Community and at Quiet Mind Massage and Yoga Studio. From a medical perspective as a gastroenterologist, Case believes yoga’s health benefits compliment traditional Western medicine. “Of course! Anything that improves your strength, stamina, posture, flexibility and sense of well-being is beneficial.” While Case appreciates the sense of calm and transcendence experienced during savasana, he believes a common misconception of the practice is that the peacefulness of yoga means it is easy to do. “I think many people imagine yoga as medi-

tation—sitting quietly in lotus position, eyes closed and relaxed. They obviously have not experienced the quad burning of Chair pose or the humbling awkwardness of Eagle pose. But you don’t have to be young and fit to try it. Yoga can be helpful for anyone.” Regardless of the intensity of a single pose, Case also points out that a major challenge in yoga is determining how hard to push yourself. “For me, balancing poses are the hardest, but the bigger challenge is finding the balance between pushing myself to do a little more or to go a little further, while at the same time accepting and respecting the limitations of my body. I can't correct years of bad posture in a few minutes or a few months, but I can always try to improve... and that's what it's all about!"

Yoga Is

a Practice

Ron Barrett attends class at Synergy Yoga and Pilates and is an event planner who has been devoted to yoga for almost nine years. He appreciates the challenge of yoga, saying, “It never gets easy, only better and better.” Yoga is not just a class for Barrett, it’s a part of his daily life. Every day, at work he takes time alone so that he can practice Half Moon (a standing balance pose) and Pigeon (a deep hip stretch). “I’m instantly a changed person,” he says of the routine. “Saying that yoga has changed my life sounds like a hard-sell act, but it truly has! I find myself going deeply into yoga breaths without even thinking about it. At any point when work gets stressful, I’ve learned to engage my body and mind with simple yogic principles and it seems to work every time,” says Barrett. “We don’t ‘do’ yoga we ‘practice’ yoga,” says Kent. “We're a country that wants instant gratification, but to get the benefit of something like yoga, you have to do it over and over again. It has to become part of your lifestyle to become beneficial.” The analytical side of Kent enjoys figuring things out and putting the whole picture together. He has explored many facets of yoga since his first stop into Yoga Birds three years ago. In addition to studying the physical practice of yoga, he’s studied the texts that accompany this ancient practice and traveled to India to experience the culture of yoga’s birthplace. In this fascinating and always challenging process, Kent is sure of one thing, “This ancient practice is very well thought through—the early yogis definitely knew what they were doing.”

natural awakenings

September 2012

Celebrate Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week With Free Yoga

n recognition of National Yoga Month, more than 20 local yoga instructors and studio owners have teamed up to offer free yoga classes and events throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties. During the second annual Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week, September 16 through 22, 10 local studios will be offering unlimited, free yoga classes to individuals that have not previously taken class at their studios. Last year, more than 150 people

participated in the kick-off celebration for the inaugural Yoga Week and the group is anticipating an even larger turnout for this year’s event. To kick off Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week, a community gathering and yoga practice will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., September 16, in Cathedral Square, in downtown Mobile. Attendees will have the opportunity to get to know area yoga teachers by visiting their informational booths. A

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60-minute, beginner-friendly yoga practice will begin at 3:30 p.m. and everyone is invited to participate or observe. No experience is necessary and participants should bring their own mat or towel and water. Healthy snacks and tea will be provided by Sunflower Cafe. Parents are encouraged to bring their children ages 5 and up. A children’s yoga class and mindful activities will be led for 5- to 8-year-olds while the group yoga practice is taking place. Youth ages 8 and older are welcome to participate alongside parents in the main group class. During the kick-off event and throughout Yoga Week, yoga instructors encourage participants to take part in seva (the yogic concept of selfless service) by bringing nonperishable food items to free classes and events. Donations will be collected by yoga teachers and studios for the Bay Area Food Bank. Contributions will also be collected for the Dana Goudie Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last year, participating studios collected 247 pounds of food during Yoga Week, providing approximately 190 meals to families and individuals in need along the Gulf Coast. For more information, call 251-990-9552, visit Tinyurl.com/YogaWeek, or Facebook Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week. See ad, page 2.

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Between 15 and 20 million Americans practice yoga, spending an estimated $5.7 billion annually on classes and accessories. National Yoga Month, in September, reminds us to always make personal safety a guiding principle during practice sessions. Experts advise the following guidelines for practicing injury-free yoga.

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ike any kind of movement, yoga involves some risk,” says Devarshi Steven Hartman, dean of the Kripalu School of Yoga, headquartered in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. “The level of risk depends on the individual’s age, physical condition, limitations, emotional state, previous injuries, strength, time of day, awareness, type of movement and how much weight bearing is taking place.” It’s not uncommon for both seasoned athletes and yoga neophytes to push too hard in the beginning. Dr. Loren Fishman, medical director at Manhattan Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, says, “The three leading causes of injury are an overenthusiastic student, improper alignment and poor teaching.” Many aspirants feel they have to master a pose right away; thus, a “Type

A” person may have the most potential for injury, observes Sadie Nardini, New York City-based founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga and host of Cable TV’s Viera Living’s daily yoga show, Rock Your Yoga. Some instructors may have a vigorous Type A attitude, as well. “Keep looking if you feel pushed,” she advises. Choosing a style is less important than choosing the instructor best suited to the student’s needs. “Finding the right teacher,” says Nardini, “is kind of like dating. Keep looking until you find your match.”

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Montgomery, a board member of the Yoga Health Foundation and publisher of Natural Awakenings’ Mobile/Baldwin edition. Read the instructor’s biography to verify his or her professional training, certification and level of experience. YogaAlliance. org maintains a well-respected registry of instructors that have been certified as registered yoga teachers (RYT). Analyze the class level. Consider the name of the class, plus the level of advancement. New students may want to begin with a gentle, restorative or yintype class. To reduce any risk, “Sign up for classes that are one level lower than where you are,” advises Fishman. Ask how many students are allowed in the class; a smaller size means more one-onone attention. Speak out. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Fishman emphasizes; get to the class early, introduce yourself to the teacher and perhaps audit various classes. Good instructors always ask students about their health and fitness history. Look for special needs groups. “You can get really specific in choosing the right yoga class, whether it focuses on back care or other therapeutic yoga,” notes Nardini. Exercise caution. Certain areas of the body, like the back, neck and limbs, are particularly prone to injury, counsels Hartman. “Twisting and contorting poses can cause undue pressure,” so take things slowly and stop if pain occurs. Practice correct alignment. Experts agree that proper alignment is key to injuryfree yoga. “There’s a lot to proper alignment; it’s integral to being a yoga teacher,” says Fishman. A good one will walk the room to make sure everyone has the correct form, keeping the vertebrae more or less in line, even in a twisting pose. Seek modifying options. Instructors must teach modifications in poses to accommodate the individual, often using props such as blocks and straps. Learn to breathe. Proper breathing cannot be overemphasized. “Kripalu’s

Yoga is renowned for increasing physical flexibility, balance and range of motion, while decreasing stress. Yet, as with any form of exercise, injuries may result from improper practice. teaching methodology, for example, emphasizes coordinating movement with breath because it is one of the leading ways to prevent injury,” Hartman says. Go with a teacher that understands anatomy. A teacher with such a background knows not only how muscles move, but also how they move together. Experts in yoga understand kinesiology—the natural synergies and limits to muscle and joint movement, according to Fishman. Nardini further emphasizes the importance of teaching transitions between poses. Consider prior injuries. “People think of yoga as a healing practice. That does not [necessarily] mean it will help heal a previous injury,” says Nardini. “It’s possible you can make it even worse.” Those with previous injuries, plus elderly individuals and expectant mothers, must take extra safety precautions. Remember that yoga is not about competition. “Don’t be afraid to take a time out,” says Fishman. “Or go into a child’s or modified child’s pose if you need to.” In the end, “Yoga is about increasing awareness of the body. A well-schooled yoga teacher intends to create individual, empowering experiences,” concludes Hartman. Lynda Bassett is a freelance writer based near Boston, MA. Connect at LyndaBassett.com.

Free Yoga Classes and Events! September 16-22, 2012

Visit tinyurl.com/YogaWeek and see page 14 for details. 16

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

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globalbriefs

Can Parents Teach Peace?

No GMOs

Stop Monsanto’s Attacks on Safe Food Laws Beyond continuing its well-documented opposition to genetically modified (GMO) labeling laws in order to protect its corporate interests, Monsanto has recently launched aggressive backdoor attacks on organic and non-GMO farmers and consumers. The corporation’s rider attached to the U.S. House of Representatives’ 2013 Agriculture Appropriations Bill would allow planting of new genetically engineered (GE) crops— even when courts rule that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved them illegally. Now, Monsanto has slipped an even more dangerous provision, HR 872, into the house version of the Farm Bill. This so-called Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act would stop the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from reviewing new and expanded uses of pesticides (often caused by the introduction of herbicide-resistant GMO crops) and require the USDA to approve GE crops easier and faster. Most GMO crops have been genetically engineered to withstand spraying with herbicides whose toxic ingredients remain in the plants and then enter the environment and food chain. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine links GMO foods with adverse health effects, and the President’s Cancer Panel Report advises against choosing foods grown with pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. Join with millions of other concerned consumers and national organizations, such as the Organic Consumers Association, Center for Food Safety, United Farm Workers, American Public Health Association, Sierra Club, Rainforest Action Network and Institute for Responsible Technology, to safeguard our food supply and environment. Tell Congress to remove Monsanto’s toxic provisions. Take action to protect citizens’ food at Tinyurl.com/StopMonsantoNow.

Noodle Doodle Creativity on Tap

Creativity is often perceived as an unpredictable event, the product of an unexpected “Aha!” moment. But a pair of Michigan psychologists, Mareike Wieth, of Albion College, and Rose Zacks, of Michigan State University, decided to research the concept. They discovered that problems requiring a flash of illumination to solve are best approached during the time of day when thinkers are not actually at what they feel is their peak. Reporting their findings in the journal Thinking and Reasoning, they assigned 428 students to fill out a questionnaire with 19 questions, including, “What time would you get up if you were entirely free to plan your day?” and “How much do you depend upon an alarm clock?” Participants were categorized as morning, evening or neutral types and randomly assigned to a morning or afternoon testing session. Some problems were analytic in nature, others were inspiration-based. While the more logical type of problem solving showed no statistical difference, morning people scored higher on the insight-demanding challenges in the late afternoon, and vice versa. Wieth and Zacks believe the results depend upon an inhibitory process that suppresses distracting information. It is thought that this system performs less efficiently when individuals are less alert, allowing random thoughts to enter the decision-making process, resulting in more creative thinking.

A recent study suggests they can. Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, and the University of Illinois system studied more than 5,500 students at 37 middle schools, focusing on this age group because aggressive behavior tends to escalate during the transition from childhood to adolescence. The researchers found that violent behavior in general increased throughout the three years of middle school, especially among girls. The good news is that children whose parents actively advocate peaceful conflict resolution acted less aggressively, even if they attended more violent schools.

Why Laptops Should be Renamed... and Relocated The portable computers that serve as our business and communication “lifelines” may actually be thwarting unborn lives. Researchers suggest that laptop computer (LTC) users should avoid putting the devices directly on their laps, especially for extended periods of time. Recent research reported in the journal Fertility and Sterility examined semen samples from 29 healthy male donors that used an LTC on their laps, near their testes. The scientists found that LTCs connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi resulted in decreased sperm motility and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. A separate study, published in the journal Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health, noted that electromagnetic fields produced by LTCs likely induce currents within the body and can expose developing fetuses in pregnant women to unsafe levels. The researchers concluded that, “[An individual’s] ‘laptop’ is paradoxically an improper site for the use of an LTC, which consequently should be renamed to not induce customers towards an improper use.”

natural awakenings

September 2012

ecotip Upcycle It

Repurpose Just About Anything Repurposing possessions saves money by reducing consumption and helps the environment by taking pressure off landfills. Common strategies include using old newspapers for stuffing or wrapping and used tin cans to collect cooking grease. Author Jeff Yeager, in his book, Don’t Throw That Away, expounds on such everyday “upcycling”. His tips include using a banana peel to shine Chicken coop made from shoes, sprinkling crumbled eggshells in the garden as fertilizer and natural pest control, and stuffing dryer lint discarded scrap lumber. inside empty toilet paper rolls for fireplace kindling. Instead of merely recycling plastic mesh bags, nest a few together and use them as a kitchen sink scrub pad. Fill empty plastic bottles with water and freeze them to make the refrigerator more energy-efficient, and also to serve as dripless ice cubes for the family picnic cooler. Before discarding old carpet, salvage the best sections to use in smaller spaces, like a bathroom, closet, car floor or pet house. Instead of buying new shelf liners, consider used gift-wrapping paper for kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Scrap lumber, tile and stones can be made into mosaic art designs. A cat scratching post exemplifies another multisource (carpet and wood) upcycling project. While about 90 percent of U.S. households now have curbside recycling available, the amount of trash each American produces keeps growing. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average citizen currently generates about 4.5 pounds of trash a day, totaling 600 times their body weight over a lifetime unless they seriously practice the three R’s of reduce, reuse and recycle.

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Exploring Our Creative Side Engaging in Community Arts Brings Unexpected Rewards by Judith Fertig

“Turning, moving, spinning, dresses swirling, music beating, eyes in contact with a partner, then another, then another, then another, and the fiddle turns a corner, the phrase repeats, the dance repeats. You smile. Your body smiles.” ~ Doug Plummer, photographer and contra dancer, Seattle, Washington and expectations of reciprocity.” It also noted, “Through the arts of ethnic traditions—such as classical Indian dance, Jamaican steel drums or Japanese raku ceramics—participants develop and maintain their cultural heritage and communicate their cultural identity to outsiders.”

hree years ago, Janine Joslin, a savvy business executive, set her sights on becoming a Dazzler, and today is a proud member of the Leawood, Kansas, chapter of community tap-dancing troupes. “I love to dance and perform, and I felt that had been missing from my own life,” she says. After a friend suggested it, Joslin showed up for her first practice ready to go, wearing tights and tap shoes. Potential Dazzlers must prove they’ve learned the routines before being selected to perform for the public. Luckily, says Joslin, “I’m a quick study,” and soon took her place in this 50-and-up women’s group that likes to routinely Shuffle Off to Buffalo at area retirement facilities, church halls and special events. Learning the stop-and-go, Broadway-style routines such as Steppin’ Out and Millie is more of a mental challenge than aerobic exercise, comments Joslin. “The main thing is it exercises your brain.” Performing for appreciative groups is a great feeling, she notes, and helps make the twice-weekly practices worthwhile. Just 20

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

being around inspiring women has helped Joslin look at aging differently. She’s now applying her business skills to set up her troupe’s first website. Joslin’s experience proves what many dancers, artists, writers, actors and musicians know: Active, hands-on, group participation in the arts is beneficial on many levels.

National Trend

In a recent study commissioned by the Wallace Foundation, Gifts of the Muse: Reframing the Debate About the Benefits of the Arts, the researchers found that, “People that engage in arts in a group setting develop a sense of community as they exchange favors (such as meeting to learn lines or loaning painting supplies); identify themselves with a cast, music ensemble or choral group; and develop a sense of trust

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Gateway Experiences

Most art disciplines can be experienced at any age. No previous training or ability is required, just a curious spirit and willingness to participate and learn. Fun options range from a painting party, in which participants set up an easel and paint a canvas at Uncork’d Art, in Washington, D.C. (UncorkdArt.com), to African drumming at DrumRise, in Decatur, Georgia (DrumRise. net). “A drumming class is a great way to reduce stress, have fun, relax and reenergize, all at the same time; it has even been shown to positively affect your immune system,” say co-founders Amy Jackson and Colleen Caffrey. Such activities allow us to dabble and explore amidst the power of a group and maximize the joy of artful endeavors, which many prefer to the cost of individual lessons. One of the most accessible community arts is choral music, as it requires no special equipment. Singing in a group can

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also become a community tradition that gathers people of all ages and lifestyles in fellowship and celebration. Since 1882, singing Handel’s Messiah has become an annual highlight for a Swedish wheat-farming community in South-Central Kansas. For three months before Palm Sunday, 200 farmers, homemakers, college students and business owners from the Lindsborg area gather twice weekly to rehearse the three-hour piece (Bethanylb.edu/Oratorio_History.html). Becky Anderson, the owner of Lindsborg’s Swedish Country Inn, who has sung for 41 years, points to a particularly thrilling moment during each performance. “There is just this exhilaration as the audience jumps to their feet yelling, ‘Brava, Brava.’ Golly, that’s fun.” Chicagoans maintain a similar holiday tradition. For 35 years, free Do-ItYourself Messiah concerts have provided a community-funded uplift (imfChicago. org). Thousands of audience members lend their voices to thrilling performances of this masterpiece, led by a world-class conductor and soloists and backed by an all-volunteer orchestra of local professionals and amateur musicians. Storytelling is yet another community performing art that requires no special equipment. The National Storytelling Network (StoryNet.org) advances the art of storytelling through a national conference and local storytelling guilds. The Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild, in Pennsylvania, meets once a month at a local coffee house (LVStorytellers.org). Members include professional and amateur storytellers, poets, actors and newcomers that love to practice—or just listen to—this ancient art. Strong community and cultural identity is forged on other stages, as well. The Community Actors Theatre, in San Diego, California’s, Oak Park, performs many plays

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Mobile / Baldwin Edition

written by local playwrights exploring themes in black culture (CommunityActorsTheatre.com). For Calvin Manson, a local poet and playwright who teaches acting workshops, the nonprofit venue feels like a mom-and-pop outfit. “They have the raw talent that could be developed into something wonderful. People don’t just learn to be actors and playwrights. They learn to work together, to commit to a common struggle. When they leave, they know how to work with people, to be team players.” Sometimes, a life change can open the door to a creative outlet. As a newly single 30-something, photographer Doug Plummer says that when he fell in with the Seattle contra dance scene in the mid-1980s, “It became my primary social life.” Derived from New England folk dance, two lines of dancers face each other and move to the rhythms of fiddle music. “Since 2003, anytime I’m in New England, I try to stay over on a Monday and catch the Nelson [New Hampshire] dance,” says Plummer. Likening it to participating in the slow-food and similar local movements, he says, “I feel like I’m entering into a mode of slow-dancing.” At the weekly Nelson gatherings, “The dancers will drift in; singles, couples and families with kids,” he relates. “Someone puts out the fiddle case for the $2 admission. Whoever volunteered to bring baked goods sets them out. Harvey shows up with his fiddle, sits on the fold-up chair on the stage. Bob sits at the piano. ‘Line up for a contra,’ barks Don, in a clipped, Yankee accent. ‘First dance is Monymusk.’ Then everyone just joins in.”

Auditioning for the Role of a Lifetime

The next level of volunteer arts participation may involve an audition and a greater commitment. At the same time, these pursuits offer prime opportunities to expand artistic skills and join in something bigger than one’s self. Since 1873, the Cincinnati, Ohio, May Festival has served as a shining example of community showmanship (May Festival.com). Chorus auditions are held in September, rehearsals begin in January and concerts routinely sell out by May. Music critic Nancy Malitz comments, “It’s that special, tiny sliver of the year when everybody stretches. When hundreds of amateur singers accelerate the tempo by devoting every night to rehearsal and every day to thoughts of the concerts to come… when audiences look their finest, clap their loudest.” Lawrence Coleman, a chorus member for 15 years, has found that singing and networking with other May Festival vocalists has paid off in surprising ways. “I’ve recorded and had other singing engagements and opportunities, all because I’ve been connected to the chorus and the people in it,” he says. Coleman also sings with the rhythm and blues gospel group Fo Mo Brothers, performing at area churches and the Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion. Coleman remarks, “I have friends in the chorus from very different walks of life. We come together for the single purpose of making great music. People of differing backgrounds and schools of thought can do more than coexist. It’s confirmed for me that we can learn to celebrate our differences when we have a common goal.” Even those that don’t feel inherently artistic can find

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“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” ~ Pablo Picasso venturing into an art form unexpectedly rewarding. Channeling an inner Elizabeth Bennett or Mr. Darcy is commonplace in Bay Area English Regency Society waltzes and “longways” dances, in Palo Alto, California (baers.org). Alan Winston, a computer systems administrator and veteran dance caller, observes that these patterned dances appeal to math-science-logic-computer types. “It’s a great place for people that live in their heads to get out and be social,” he says. Appropriately, the dances all feature choreography from Jane Austen’s era. Depending on the theme of the dance—like the sophisticated Cyprians Ball or spirited Return of the Regiments Ball—the ambience may be elegant or rowdy, explains Winston. Dances are taught beforehand to music such as George Washington’s Favourite Cotillion, an 1808 tune performed by musicians playing a clarinet, piano and recorder. Many wear period costumes, while others come in jeans. Winston is usually bedecked in a wine-colored waistcoat with tails that he found on eBay. Plein air painters forsake the indoors to take their paints, easels and canvases outside. Plein-Air Painters of America regularly paint in groups in the fresh air and then hold an exhibition; annual workshops help teach techniques (p-a-p-a.com). At the recent seventh annual Florida’s Forgotten Coast event, in the state’s Panhandle, billed as America’s Great Plein Air Paint-Out, featured artists set up alongside amateurs eager to learn more (PleinAirfl.com). Whatever one’s newly discovered or longtime treasure, individuals engaging in a group arts activity forge strong social bonds, keep ethnic arts traditions alive, learn new things in new ways and experience joyous personal growth. … All while creating something wonderful. Judith Fertig regularly contribtes to Natural Awakenings. She’s an award-winning cookbook author at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle. blogspot.com.

Discover the Arts Locally!

ommunity arts groups are readily accessible via the Internet. Also, check the calendar sections of local magazines and newspapers and tune into word of mouth. Here is a sampling of what’s out there in Lower Alabama.

COMMUNITY THEATERS

Community theater groups are often looking for new faces to put on stage and to involve as volunteers behind the scenes. Visit individual websites for audition guidelines and volunteer opportunities. Foley Star Players, Foley 251-970-2203 FoleyStarPlayers@gmail.com FoleyStarPlayers.com Jitterbug Theatre Productions, Fairhope 251-751-2935 JitterbugTheatre.com Theater 98, Fairhope 251-928-4366 Theater98.org

DANCE

Fairhope’s Cabaret Dances, Fairhope 251-928-2835 Cabaret Dances are held twice a month, at the Nix Center, for seniors and their guests to “trip the light fantastic” to the big band sounds of various musical groups.

DRUM CIRCLES

Drum circles provide a casual and social outlet for individuals of all ages to join together in a shared rhythm. Contact individual groups for details. AL Gulf Coast Drum Circle, Gulf Shores Tim Delaney: 251-213-0116 TimDelaney22@yahoo.com Facebook: Alabama Gulf Coast Drum Circle Fairhope Drum Circle, Fairhope Jo Owen: 251-929-2115 MomaJo90@att.net

STRINGED INSTRUMENT GROUPS

Deep South Dulcimer Association, Mobile James Quint: 334-661-4481 The Jubilee Pickers, Fairhope Stan Hodgin: 334-990-8895 StanAndAna@aol.com Jam ‘n Folks, Summerdale and Fairhope Mary Anne Cieutat: 334-988-8300

VISUAL ARTS

Bay Rivers Art Guild, Daphne 251-621-0659 BayRiverArtGuild@bellsouth.net BragArt.org This organization provides opportunities for artistic and educational growth to match the changing interests and needs of the community. Workshops, adult classes and after school programs are offered. Fairhope Artist Gallery, Fairhope 251-990-8763 FairhopeArtistGallery.BlogSpot.com Forty local artists display their work in this ever-changing gallery, and classes and workshops are open to the public. The Garage at Point Clear, Point Clear 251-928-3474, BillHarrisonArtist@facebook.com TheGarageAtPointClear.com Gulf Coast artists share this space to create and display their work. Workshops provide training for emerging artists and the sharing of techniques and ideas with established artists.

WRITING GROUPS

Writers groups facilitate the development of writing and creative skills while also providing support for those wanting to publish and/or promote their work. Contact individual groups for details. Baldwin Writer’s Group, Daphne Steven@BaldwinWritersGroup.com BaldwinWritersGroup.com Fairhope Writers’ Group, Fairhope FairhopeWriters@gmail.com Facebook: The Fairhope Writers’ Group Gulf Coast Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, Mobile Info@gccrwa.com Gccrwa.com.

Instrumentation for the following groups includes mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, mandolins, guitars, violins, viola, recorders, krumhorns, penny whistles, Mobile Writer’s Guild, Mobile accordion and percussion as required. MobileWritersGuild@gmail.com natural awakenings September 2012 Contact individual groups for details. MobileWritersGuild.com

healthykids

Making Allowances Learning to Manage Money at a Young Age by Sharon Lechter

Instituting an allowance plan that works best for each child is a sound way to start teaching the value of money, budgeting and saving.

y the time a child is 5 or 6, he or she should be able to understand how an allowance works and the reasons for receiving it. When deciding to pay a child an allowance, the family should first talk together about how he or she will be using the money. Is the plan to save it or spend it? Will a parent need to approve any purchases? Learning to consistently put away a portion in a savings account and perhaps gift another portion to charity become valuable life lessons. Many parents adopt the “three piggy bank” method to teach these lessons. My 20 years of experience working with parents and teens has shaped a practical framework of four proven strategies to help a family wisely communicate this mutual commitment and set parameters, including a policy as to the amount and frequency of payment. Allowance decisions can differ from one child to the next in the same family. Personal responsibility: There should be no financial reward for things that children need to do for their own health and development, such as responsibly heading to bed on time after brushing their teeth. One father shared that he had to pay his son to brush his teeth every morning and night, so who was in charge?

Family or social responsibility: Tasks that contribute to the family or social environment should not result in financial reward, such as washing the dishes or reading to a younger sibling. One mother, after explaining the plan to her children and consistently applying it, saw their attitude transform in just a couple of weeks. Instead of fighting, the three kids now work together each night to clean up after dinner without arguing. Paying for completion of specific tasks: Determine and agree to guidelines that include the general tasks or duties that are expected, the performance of which will result in earning the specified allowance. By defining what is over and above personal, family or social responsibility, parents encourage and reward children for their extra efforts. Those same kids agreeably cleaning up after meals may also be thinking of extra chores around the house to earn

With an entitlement mindset, a child simply expects to be paid each week. With an entrepreneur’s mindset, a child finds ways to create value and earn money through applied creativity. their allowances. Encouraging a child’s entrepreneurial spirit: Inspire children to think of creative ways to earn money and watch in pleased amazement at how creative they become when they really want something. One 12-year-old now has a business collecting cans from all of his neighbors and is earning $100 every other week. He was able to buy the faster skateboard he wanted and even justified it as a business expense, because he could collect the cans more quickly with it. Providing structure and enabling communication in a family’s approach to allowances is critical to ensuring that children learn good money habits that will serve them well for life. It’s a mutually constructive way to teach principles related to the importance of saving, spending less than they earn and consistently giving back to their community. The answer to the question of whether or not to pay a child an allowance and under what conditions rests with the parents. The greater and more vital question is what mindset do they want to create and nurture within their children: a sense of entitlement or an entrepreneurial spirit? The foundational choice is theirs. Sharon Lechter is CEO of Pay Your Family First, creator of the ThriveTime for Teens life and money reality board game and coauthor of Outwitting the Devil, Three Feet from Gold and Rich Dad Poor Dad. Learn more at SharonLechter.com.

natural awakenings

September 2012

FAIRHOPE

FOLEY THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Charlene Rester, RN, LMT Located inside Align Chiropractic 117 W Orange Avenue 251-952-5555

BECKY ARDREY, LMT Prana Health and Wellness 811 Fairhope Ave. 251-455-9359 PranaHealthAndWellness.com See ad, page 19.

MOBILE

EASTERN SHORE MASSAGE James Horechny, LMT 811 Fairhope Avenue 251-458-8477 JamesHorechny@yahoo.com MOONSTONE MASSAGE Therapeutic Massage and Energy Work 17048 Scenic 98 251-517-5383 ROSIE BLUUM 6A Bancroft Street 251-517-5626, RosieBluum.com See ad, page 21.

BELLA SUNDRIES WELLNESS STUDIO 6576 Airport Boulevard, Building C 251-458-8884 Bella.Sundries.Massage@gmail.com BellaSundries.Webs.com ELEMENTS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE 6920 Airport Boulevard, Suite. 111 251-342-6415 TouchOfElements.com/Mobile Mobile@TouchOfElements.com

KRISTIN M. ANLAGE, LMT 319 Pinehill Drive 251-753-6513 KristinAnlage@att.net

MONTROSE JEN ADAMS, LMT 22787 US 98 at Parker Road Building D, Suite 5 251-616-4201 JenAdamsLMT.MassageTherapy.com JenAdams.Massage@gmail.com.

ROBERTSDALE HEALING ACRES Massage, Reflexology, Colonics, Reiki 22355 Price Grubbs Road 251-423-1863 See ad on page 16.

This logo indentifies businesses that offer discounts to Natural Awakenings Network (NAN) Discount Cardholders. Visit Tinyurl.com/NANCard for details.

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For individual self-care and therapists. Only $29.95. Free demonstration with appointment.

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Mobile / Baldwin Edition

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inspiration Fresh. Organic. Local.

PEACE

MAIL Spreading Good

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Weekly subscriptions of Organic Produce, Herbs & Cut Flowers

Will on Earth Through Art by April Thompson

Honor World Peace Day, September 21 While many people write to the artist requesting boxes for themselves, others order them for loved ones. Requests vary widely, from a death row inmate that asked for a box for his daughter and a mom that wanted to give one to her son, a leukemia sufferer whose daily highlight was a trip to the family mailbox. The brightly painted boxes also have helped reconcile feuding friends and family members, serving as a peace offering from one to the other. It all helps to bring feelings of greater peace and understanding to the human race, one person at a time. More than 100 schools across the United States have adopted the project, with students creating their own versions of the peace box in the classroom. School-sponsored peace boxes reach patients in hospitals and military personnel overseas and have been used in interschool box exchanges to support anti-bullying campaigns. It would be difficult to find a group that couldn’t benefit from such fresh inspiration.

Do you have your NAN Discount Card yet?

Order yours today for only $20! Tinyurl.com/NANCard Enjoy fall migration on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast

9th annual

John L. Borom

Alabama Coastal

BirdFest October 4-6, 2012

photos by Jeff Johnston

ainter Franck de Las Mercedes, of New York City, has combined a pair of hopeful concepts—world peace and free art for all—in a quickly broadening art initiative inspired by an “Aha!” moment at the local post office. “I had always painted on the boxes I shipped my paintings in,” relates the native Nicaraguan. “One day, a postal clerk commented that my boxes were like works of art. I thought about how I had prompted the worker to pause in her everyday routine and wondered, ‘What if I shared my painting on the outside of a box, rather than the inside, and what if it carried a message of peace?’” Since that pivotal 2006 encounter, the artist has sent more than 10,600 abstractly painted, pre-paid boxes, labeled with messages like, “Handle with Care: Contains Peace,” to individuals in 70 countries, as part of his Priority Boxes Art Project. Each empty box is symbolically “full” of meaning, engaging the thought of the recipient as well as the sender, plus the interpretation of all those handling it throughout its postal journey. De Las Mercedes hopes that his painted-message boxes will stimulate new ways of communicating through art. He maintains, “We shouldn’t have to wait for world leaders to take a stand or create peace; it can begin through interpersonal dialogue.”

Guided Walking & Boat Tours Dinners Speakers Annual Bird & Conservation Expo True Southern Hospitality

To request a box, make a donation or start a local peace art project, visit fdlmStudio.com/PriorityBoxes.html. April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

AlabamaCoastalBirdfest.com

251-625-0814

natural awakenings

September 2012

COMING IN OCTOBER

Caring for the health of people and the planet. Participate in a better future with Natural Awakenings’ special Environment edition. You can see the wonderful impact The Little Gym can have on your child when you join us for a FREE introductory class. Call or schedule your free class online. The Little Gym of the Eastern Shore www.tlgeasternshoreal.com 251-928-3387 101 Fly Creek Ave., Ste. 328, Fairhope (Publix Shopping Center)

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naturalawakeningssept_Layout 1 8/9/12 11:08 PM Page 1

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Free Yoga Classes and Events! September 16-22, 2012

Visit tinyurl.com/YogaWeek and see page 14 for details. 28

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calendarofevents

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Go to HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com to submit entries. Mark Your Calendar events are $40.

Essential Oil Workshop – 9am-11am. Healing Oils of the Bible. Join us as we continue learning about the essential oils and their benefits. Free. Pete Allen Room at the Westminster Village, 500 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort. Judith Wilson: 251-656-6696.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

More free yoga classes and events online! Visit tinyurl.com/YogaWeek and see page 14 for details.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Now Accepting Fall CSA Segment Memberships – 8am. Mae Grace Farm is now accepting memberships for the fall CSA segment. Shares include organically grown produce and herbs. Honey and organic breads (courtesy of Manna Bakery) can also be ordered along with shares. $20-$40. Loxley/Fairhope pickup/delivery. For details check Facebook or MaeGraceFarm.com. Bhakti Caravan Kirtan & Dinner Party – 6-9pm. Celebrate the first day of National Yoga Month with this fun event! Bhakti Caravan brings the yoga of sound through high frequency vibrations and the yoga of food with high prana, fresh blessed food. Enjoy a night of kirtan and share a vegetarian meal with friends and yogis. $25/dinner. $15/kirtan. Plantation Antiques Gallery, Mobile. SwanRiverYoga.com. Gulf Shores Meditation Flash Mob – 6-6:15pm. All are welcome to this monthly meditation on the public beach. Meets rain or shine with a nearby pavilion serving as the rain site. Lifeguard chair number 1, Gulf Place Public Beach, Gulf Shores. 251-609-6999. Facebook.com/MedMobGCA.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 MaxMOMS of South Alabama – 11:30am-12:45pm. Guest Dr. Gaie Feuerstein, chiropractor and certified GAPS practitioner will discuss diet and detox for behavioral and learning disabilities, including autism. MaxMOMS' monthly purpose is encouraging Learning, Leading and Maintaining maximized lives through the 5 Essentials. Childcare available. All welcome. Free. Mars Hill Cafe, Mobile. Facebook: MaxMOMS Mobile or JenniferBucknell@gmail.com. I Am Movie Presentation – 7pm. I Am, a non-fiction film, posing two practical questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better? This is a life-affirming film that challenges our preconceptions about human behavior and celebrates the human spirit. Donation $10. 1230 Montlimar Dr, Mobile. 251-343-0777.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Hurricane Run 5K and Fun Run – 8:10am. Certified course, out and back on paved road. Preregister at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope by noon, Sept 6 or day of race until 7:40. 5 year age groups. Tech shirts early. Great party. $23 Day of race. Dauphin Island at Sea Lab. 251-4737223. PCPacers.org. Quantum-Touch Level I Workshop – 9:30am5:30pm. Quantum-Touch works deep in the cellular level by raising your energy, this allows the innate healing intelligence of our body to activate. Beginners welcome. CEs for nurses and MTs available. $35/prepaid or $400/at the door. Reiki Center of Fairhope, 20730 Hwy 181 #B, Fairhope. 251281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@gmail.com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com.

Essential Oil Workshop – 10am-12pm. It's never too late to begin learning about essential oils and their health benefits. Listen as others share personal testimonies and best of all you get a chance to experience therapeutic grade essential oils. Free. Center for Spiritual Living, 1230 Montlimar Dr, Mobile. Judith Wilson: 251-656-6696 or Sue Sides: 251-232-2292.

Yoga for Newbies – 2-4:30pm. Join Amanda Brenner and Kula Yoga teacher trainees in this educational workshop to learn the basics of postures, breathwork and meditation through practice and discussion. Modifications for all abilities. Food donations go to Bay Area Food Bank. Suggested donation $20 or 5 canned goods. Center for Spiritual Living, Mobile. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Meatless Meals! Plant-Based Cooking Class – 1-3pm. Learn the fundamentals of plant-based nutrition and healthy delicious meal planning for the whole family. In this class we'll be making (and eating) a plant-based mac n' cheese and a tofu pot pie. Cost includes light lunch, recipes and hand-outs. $25/per person or $45/two. Virginia's, Mobile. 251-510-2418. ThePureVegan.com. Tracey@ThePureVegan.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 The Practice of Meditation Class – 6-8pm., Wednesdays, Sept 12-Oct 17. CA course on mindfulness meditation taught by Dr. Zemula Camphor Bjork. Learn to quiet the mind, along with the science and history of meditation. $99. USA Campus. Registration: 251-405-9928.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Massage Therapy and Physical Therapy CE Class – Sept 14-15. Learn gentle, non-invasive techniques utilizing the SacroWedgy for “self care” or rehab. 5650 Old Pascagoula Rd, Mobile. 800-737-9295. SacroWedgy.com. Sunset Yoga on the Bluff – 6-7pm. This event is by donation for charity every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month overlooking the bay during Sunset. Bring your own mat and a friend. Beginner friendly classes. Melanie Buffett will raise money for The Haven. Donation. Fairhope. 251-379-4493. ThriveFairhope.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week Kick-off Event – 3-5pm. Celebrate Yoga Month with the Mobile/Baldwin community! Meet local yoga teachers, learn about yoga and participate in a 60 min all-levels group practice at 3:30pm. There will be a supervised kids yoga area, so bring the whole family. Bring your own mat or towel and a water bottle. Free with nonperishable food donation for the Food Bank. Cathedral Square, downtown Mobile. Rain site: Space 301. 251-9909552. TinyURL.com/YogaWeek.

International Peace Day Yoga Celebration! – 121:15pm. Celebrate International Peace Day with 108 Sun Salutations followed by a guided relaxation and guided meditation. Anyone is welcome to sit in meditation or lay down during the yoga practice. Please call to reserve a space but drop-ins welcome! Donation contributions for River Dog Rescue. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy & Yoga Studio, Mobile. 251-476-6463. Yoga@QuietMindMassageTherapy.com. QuietMindMassageTherapy.com. Facebook: Quiet Mind Massage and Yoga.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Usui Reiki Level I & II Certivication with Julie E. Brent – 9:30am-5:30pm. Reiki (ray-key), a technique for stress reduction/relaxation, promotes healing based on the idea that 'life force energy' flows through us and live with complete health. Learn to use the life force energy to enable healing. $299/prepaid or $330/at the door. Reiki Center of Fairhope, 20730 Hwy 181 #B, Fairhope. 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@ gmail.com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com. Yoga Week Free Class – 9:30am. Pneuma will be offering a free yoga class to existing and new students in honor of Mobile/Baldwin Yoga Week. Bring a canned good as your seva donation to be given to local pantries. Seva donation only. 1901 Main St, Daphne. 251-4586506. Pneuma-Yoga-Movement.com. Yoga for Chakras – 1-5pm. Learn the basics of the energetic subtle body through a combination of gentle flowing postures, breathwork, meditation and discussion. Topics include the seven main chakras, characteristics of the chakras, symptoms of imbalance and procedure for balance. Modifications for all abilities. Suggested donation $40. Center for Spiritual Living, Mobile. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Global Mala Yoga for Peace Celebration – 9:3011:30am. Gentle/restorative yoga, meditation and 108 "Om" Chant. Open House 11:30am-12:30pm. Donations accepted for Dana Goudie Memorial Scholarship Fund. Come celebrate with studios across the globe and Yoga for Peace. Free/donations accepted. Quiet Mind Yoga Studio Midtown Mobile. 251 476-6463. Yoga@ QuietMindMassageTherapy.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 National Women’s Health and Fitness Day – 12:15pm and 6pm. Join Sculpt Yoga and Fitness with local artist Tracy Host and share artistic approach to yoga and wellness. In observance of National Women's Health and Fitness Day, free admission with donations to Penelope's House. RSVP required. Accepted donations include: monetary, women's/ children's clothing, care pages, toys, etc. Sculpt Yoga and Fitness, 101 North Conception St, Downtown Mobile. 251-525-7079. SculptMobile@yahoo.com. SculptYogaAndFitness.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Sunset Yoga on the Bluff – 6-7pm. Charity yoga every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month overlooking the bay during Sunset. Bring your own mat and a friend. Beginner friendly classes. Cindi Galas will be teaching for Ecumenical Ministries of Fairhope. Donation. Fairhope. 251-379-4493. ThriveFairhope.com.

natural awakenings

September 2012

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 The Yoga of Drishti – 11:15am-12:45pm. Experienced beginners and up. Learn to use the power of drishti (focus) to cultivate a higher level of attention conscious awareness on and off the mat. Includes movement based flow sequences, a spectrum of balance poses and guided meditation. Pay What You Can. Space 301, Downtown Mobile. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org. Playing with Prana – 1-3pm. Come gain a new awareness of energy using simple techniques. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the importance of energy and how it affects us. Limited space is available. $25. 811 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope. 251-455-9359. PranaHealthAndWellness.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Full Moon Yoga on the Beach – 6-8pm. All levels yoga class. Begin as the sun sets and enjoy savasana under the light of the moon to conclude National Yoga Month. The practice will last 60 mins. Participants are invited to stay and celebrate the full moon. Bring chairs, food and drinks to enjoy afterwards. Meet at the nearby pavilion in the event of rain. Free. Lifeguard chair number 1, Gulf Shores Public Beach. 251-609-5541.

“Time for Yoga” under Full Moon – 7-8:30pm. Salute the full moon, overlooking Mobile Bay. This worldwide community yoga practice in observance of National Yoga Month is 7-8:15pm with meditation 8:15-8:30pm. Bring your mat and a friend. Location and rain date info online. Free. Fairhope Pier. 251-3794493. ThriveFairhope.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 Alabama Coastal BirdFest – 7am-9pm. Oct 4-6. Come welcome the fall migration with expertly guided trips on foot and by boat to prime spots on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail; evening dinner/ speaker events; free Expo. Trips and evening events require advance registration. Costs vary. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. 251-625-0814. AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 Bird & Conservation Expo – 9am-4pm. Free, fun family day with hands-on activities for all ages; live raptors, live snakes; sea creature touch tanks, exhibits, vendors, artists, birdhouse build, giveaways and more. 251-625-0814. AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com. AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com/freeevents.htm.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 SAVE THE DATE!

Cheap Chic Boutique

9am-5pm, October 12; 9am-2pm, October 13 Cheap Chic Boutique is a fundraiser featuring new, nearly new and vintage clothing, shoes and purses galore. Sizes petite to plus. Visit our website to register for the non-advertised sale. St. Mary Parish, 1450 Old Shell Rd, Mobile. Like us on FB: Our Sisters' Closet. 251.423.2001. OurSistersCloset.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

Alabama Festival of Flavor – 9am-8pm. The festival celebrates local foods to individuals and businesses throughout the state and Southeast. Food, music, arts and crafts, kids activities, vendors and information. Open to public. Free. Heritage Park, Intersection of Hwy 98 and 59, Foley. SouthBaldwinChamber.com.

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

ongoingevents All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication and adhere to guidelines. Go to HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com to submit entries.

sunday Discounts on Supplements – Every Sunday get 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods, 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope. 251-9280644. Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread – Inspirational quotes. We all need a little inspiration from time to time. ShantiWarrior.com/DailyBread. Center for Spiritual Living Service – 10am. Make every step, every choice, every word, a conscious one. Center for Spiritual Living, 1230 Montlimar, Mobile. Rev. Sherrie Quander: 251-343-0777. CenterForSpiritualLiving-Mobile.org. Sunday Service – 10:30am. Explore a spiritual pathway with Mobile Unitarian Universalists, 6345 Old Shell Rd, Mobile. UUFM.org. Sunday Service – 10:30am. Questioning, understanding and growing together spiritually as we enjoy the adventure of life. Center for Joyful Living, 60 N Ann St, Mobile. 251-391-6960. Sunday Worth-ship Celebration – 10:30am. Find, strengthen and celebrate a connection with Divine Spirit. Donation. One mile north of US Hwy 104. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 US Hwy 98, Montrose. 251-990-8934. UnityEasternShore.org. Sunday Worship – 11am. Celebrate Spirit in this special and sacred space. Between Hillcrest and Knollwood. Unity Mobile, 5859 Cottage Hill, Mobile. 251-661-1788. Align & Flow Yoga w/Amanda Barfield – 4-5:15pm. Alignment based flow class for beginners to seasoned yogis. Opportunity to make the transition from the weekend to the work week one of fluidity and ease. Come together to breathe, play, laugh & move. $5/1st time, $10/preregister, $15/drop in. Integrated Fitness, Fairhope. 251-554-4121. IntegratedFitnessFairhope.com. Open Table: A Community of Faith Worship Service (United Church of Christ) – 5pm. Weekly progressive Christian worship. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1050 Azalea Rd, Mobile. 251-545-1011. Ellen.OpenTable@gmail.com. OpenTableUCC.org.

monday 10% Discount – Monday appointments receive 10% discount. 251-609-1251. Alive@AliveWithAdwiti. com. AliveWithAdwiti.com. Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 9-10:15am. Also on Wed. All levels. Every class includes asana (poses), pranayama (breathwork) and mindfulness or meditation techniques. Props and mats provided. $10. The Yoga Center at A Balanced Body Studio, 103 W Canal Dr, Gulf Shores. 251-975-8687, 251-609-6999. KAKeane47@gmail.com. Yoga in the Yurt – 9-10am. No experience necessary. Increase flexibility, strength and balance

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through the gentle stretching and poses of yoga. Instructor Rosie Denton has practiced and taught yoga for many years. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and a pillow. Pay what you can (suggested $7-$12). Middle Earth Healing and Learning Center, Citronelle. 251-866-7204. MidEarthHealing@yahoo.com. MiddleEarthHealing.com. Power Yoga with Lynette – 9:15-10:15am. Blends Pilates and yoga (primarily Pilates) and traditional strength training exercises with emphasis on the core. May include the use of stability balls, light weights or resistance bands. Promotes mind-bodybreath connection focusing on quality movements. $5/1st time. $10/preregister. $15/drop-in. Integrated Fitness-Fairhope. 251-554-4121. IntegratedFitnessFairhope.com. Eyes on Living, Baldwin County Low Vision Support Group – 10-11:30am. Third Mon. Anyone who has or knows someone with vision loss or impairment is welcome in the Single Tax room at Fairhope Library. Free. Shelia Tetley: 251-929-2169. Yoga with Dana – 12pm. Take a break in the middle of the day. Join Dana to transform your body, relieve stress and relax your mind. Leave feeling on top of the world and enjoy the magnificence of the day. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net. Outstretched Christ-Centered Yoga Class – 5:45pm. Also at 8:15am on Wed. Each week Pneuma offers two donation-only yoga classes open to the public. Classes are appropriate for all levels and include a Christ-centered devotion. Donation only. 1901 Main St, Daphne. See website for more info Pneuma-Yoga-Movement.com. Align & Flow – 6-7:15pm. Join Amanda Elizabeth Barfield for fun and funky flow! This class is a combination of alignment-based flow yoga, upbeat music, and intermediate level pinnacle poses. Pose variations are available to all levels of practitioners. $5/1st time, $10/preregister, $15/drop in. Integrated Fitness, Fairhope. 251-554-4121. IntegratedFitnessFairhope.com. Relax/Renew/Restore Gentle Chair Yoga – 6-7:15pm. All levels. Every class includes asana (poses), pranayama (breathwork) and mindfulness or meditation techniques. Props and mats provided. $10. The Yoga Center at A Balanced Body Studio, 103 W Canal Dr, Gulf Shores. 251-975-8687, 251609-6999. DavidsGallery1@yahoo.com. La Leche League Enrichment Meeting – 6:30pm. Last Mon. La Leche League provides encouragement, information and support for nursing and expectant mothers. Free. Call for location. 251689-2085. Pranic Healing and Meditation – 6:30pm. Come experience healing for your mind, body and soul. We address specific physical and emotional ailments, followed by the Meditation on Twin Hearts. Let us take the stress off and balance your aura. Classes also available. CEU's -LMTs and Nurses. $10 donation. Mobile. Deana: 251-454-0959.

tuesday Kick Your Yoga Butt – 6:30-7:45am. Also on Thurs. All levels. Every class includes asana (poses), pranayama (breathwork) and mindfulness or meditation techniques. Props and mats provided. $10. The Yoga Center at A Balanced Body Studio, 103 W Canal Dr, Gulf Shores. 251-550-8209. Rise and Shine Yoga – 6:30-7:45am. Tues and Thurs. Start the day with an invigorating Hatha Yoga practice. Class includes a mixture of flow yoga, Pranayama, restorative and meditation. Fellowship, coffee and some of mom's homemade bread follows. $7/drop-in, $50/10 class package, $75/family. Trinity Yoga Studio, Highway 98 East, Foley. 251-987-1147 or 251-609-5541. Tuesday Morning Yoga with Tracey, RYT 200 – 9:30am. Join Tracey for an all-levels 75 min flow yoga class incorporating all the yogic tools at our disposal to quiet and expand our minds, open our hearts, release anxiety and depression, and find the peace, freedom, and wholeness we all crave. $12 (senior and student discounts available). Quiet Mind Massage and Yoga Studio, Mobile. Tracey@ ShantiWarrior.com. Core Barre with Dana – 8:30am. Give yourself the best seat in the house - work your body to a fusion of ballet, Pilates, yoga and classic fitness. Move to fun music and really change your shape. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net. La Leche League Series Meeting – 10:30am. Second Tues. La Leche League provides encouragement, information and support for nursing and expectant mothers. Free. Call for location. 251-689-2085. LA Hikers Meeting – 6-7pm. First Tues. Free and open to the public. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. LAHikerMeetings.Blogspot.com. Energize and Relax Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Tues and Thurs. This class emphasizes flow yoga with Pranayama and some Kundalini. Meditation follows the energizing portion to calm in preparation for the day. $7/drop-in, $50/10 class package, $75/family. Trinity Yoga Studio, Hwy 98 East, Foley. 251-9871147 or 251-609-5541. Positive Parenting Class – 6-8pm. Kids don’t come with a set of instructions. Learn tools and skills to create a happy, healthy family. Free. The Family Center, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Ste 100, Mobile. 251-479-5700. Kids101@comcast.net. Sierra Club Meeting – 6-8pm. First Tues. Open to the public. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. Yoga for Beginners – 6:30pm. Explore foundational poses, breath awareness and meditation step-by-step. Great for novices of all ages and abilities or experienced practitioners who want to get back to basics. Pay What You Can. Daphne Recreation Department. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org. Creative Spark Writing Group – 7-8pm. Love offering encouraged and appreciated. Rosie Bluum, 6 A Bancroft St, Fairhope. 251-517-5626. RosieBluum.com. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. First Tues. For pro-paddlers and those brand new to the sport. Open to the public. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. BayKayaker. Blogspot.com. Spiritual Book Study Group, Mobile – 7-9pm. First and third Tues. Read and discuss spiritual books chosen by the members. Contact Joy: 251-382-4215. CWG_Mobile_Group@yahoo.com.

Spiritual Cinema Group, Mobile – 7-9pm. Second and fourth Tues. View and discuss spiritual movies received from “Spiritual Cinema Circle.” Contact Melissa: 251-452-0393. CWG_Mobile_Group@ yahoo.com.

wednesday Viniyoga with Rhonda – 6:45am. Viniyoga is directed toward healing - a yoga for all ages. Join Rhonda to refresh your breath, awaken your body and renew your spirit. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net. Yoga Abs with Faye – 8:30am. What a great way to jump start the day. Let breath and body move in sync as Faye Mahan weaves a blend of classical yoga flow and poses, with added emphasis on those hard to work abdominal areas. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net. $5 Yoga Flow & Chair Yoga – 9:15am Yoga Flow. 10:30am Chair Yoga. Beginners welcome. Enjoy exercise at any level. Improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Bring your own mat. $5. Fairhope United Methodist Church CLC. 251-379-4493. ThriveFairhope.com. Power Yoga with Lynette – 9:15-10:25am. Experience necessary. Vigorous flow based class. May include inversions such as hand stands or back bends encouraging you to move at your own pace. Offers the opportunity to explore poses with a playful mindset with modification options. $5/1st time. $10/ preregister. $15/drop-in. Integrated Fitness-Fairhope. 251-554-4121. IntegratedFitness-Fairhope.com. Positive Parenting Class – 9:30-11:30am. Kids don’t come with a set of instructions. Get the tools and skills to create a happy, healthy family. Free. The Family Center, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Ste 100, Mobile. 251-479-5700. Kids101@comcast.net. Lunchtime Yoga Yoga with Tracey, RYT 200 – 12-1:15pm. Feed your soul! Take time to breathe and reconnect with inner peace on your lunch break while we flow through an all-levels yoga practice that will increase flexibility and balance, build strength and confidence while stilling the mind. $12 (senior and student discounts available). Quiet

Mind Massage and Yoga Studio, Mobile. Tracey@ ShantiWarrior.com.

Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis – 12-1pm. This chair yoga class is free to participants and funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. You must have MS to participate. Build strength and flexibility while improving balance and circulation. Fairhope. 251379-4493. ThriveFairhope.com. Unusual Film Series – 2pm. Third Wed. Adults only. Thought provoking cutting-edge films shown on big screen in meeting room. Free. Popcorn and drinks included. Foley Public Library. 251-943-7665. FoleyLibrary.org. Eastern Shore MS Support Group – 5:30pm. Second Wed. Eastern Shore MS Support Group meets each month at Ruby Tuesday in Fairhope. Family, friends and caregivers are always welcome. Weezer: 251-928-7606.

Power Flow Yoga with Angela – 5:45pm. Join associate Baptiste Power Vinyasa teacher Angela Cain to revitalize and energize your day. Enjoy the sweet sweat and moving meditation of Power Flow and leave class refreshed and recharged. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

All Levels Yoga – 6-7:15pm. All levels. Every class includes asana (poses), pranayama (breathwork) and mindfulness or meditation techniques. Props and mats provided. $10. The Yoga Center at A Balanced Body Studio, 103 W Canal Dr, Gulf Shores. 251975-8687, 251-609-6999. KAKeane47@gmail.com. Gentle Yoga wth Tracey, RYT 200 – 6-7:15pm. 75 min gentle practice appropriate for all levels, ages, shapes and sizes. We will breathe and move and let go of all the distractions and obstacles that obscure the peace, happiness, love and freedom we all have within. Om Shanti. $12 (senior and student discounts available). Quiet Mind Massage and Yoga Studio, Mobile. Tracey@ShantiWarrior.com. International Association of Near Death Studies (IANDS) – 6-7:30pm. Second Wed. Ongoing discussion and support group affiliated with IANDS. Discussion expands to include intuition, after death communication, consciousness studies and related areas of interest to attendees. Free. West Regional Branch, Mobile Public Library. 251-340-8555.

God is the one Living Spirit which dwells within us all. We invite you to join us as we learn to live life with grace, wisdom, gratitude, and love. Hoping Praise Duality Judging Worship Victimization Fearful Thoughts Unconsciousness Sundays: 9:30am Meditation and 10:00am Service 1230 Montlimar Drive (off Airport) Mobile, Al 36609 251-343-0777 Email: cslmobile09@gmail.com www.centerforspiritualliving-mobile.org facebook.com/centerforspirituallivingmobile

Knowing Gratitude Oneness Acceptance Celebration Personal Responsibility Affirmative Prayer Awakening

Center for Spiritual Living-Mobile It’s like night and day.

natural awakenings

September 2012

Guided Meditation with Rosie Bluum – 7-8pm. Practice guided meditation at Rosie Bluum and experience an inner journey which heals the heart, mind, body and soul. Nurture the spirit. Love offering appreciated. Additional days and times coming. Rosie Bluum, 6 A S Bancroft St, Fairhope. 251-5175626. RosieBluum.com. Reiki Exchange – 7pm. Reiki practitioners and those new to Reiki are invited to attend our weekly "sharing" of Reiki. Short intro to Reiki at 7pm sharp. Free. Reiki Center of Fairhope, 20730 Hwy 181, Fairhope. 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@gmail.com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com.

thursday Group Reformer Class – 5:15pm. Catch the wave of classical fitness and join Adrienne for a Pilates group reformer class. Stand taller, get toned and be both leaner and stronger. Please log onto the website to make reservations. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net. Rosie Bluum Book Club – 7-8pm. First Thurs. Like-minded individuals are seeking growth and expansion through good discussions about challenging topics. For our latest book visit website or visit Rosie Blu to pick up a copy. Mention the club to get a discount. Rosie Bluum, 6A Bancroft St, Fairhope. 251-517-5626. RosieBluum.com.

friday Fab Fifteen Friday – Get an extra 15% off purchases. Back to Health Nutrition and Natural Foods, 1600 N McKenzie, Foley. 251-970-2225. BackToHealthNutrition.com. Yoga with Tracey – 8:30am. Revel in Tracey's refreshing energy as she challenges you with a strong emphasis on alignment and focus while still calming the mind. Sink into the joy and experience the bliss. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net. All Levels Yoga – 9-10:15am. All levels. Every class includes asana (poses), pranayama (breathwork) and mindfulness or meditation techniques. Props and mats provided. $10. The Yoga Center at A Balanced Body Studio, 103 W Canal Dr, Gulf Shores. 251975-8687, 251-609-6999. KAKeane47@gmail.com. Yoga in the Yurt – 9-10am. No experience necessary. Increase your flexibility, strength and balance through the gentle stretching and poses of yoga. Instructor Rosie Denton has practiced and taught yoga for many years. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and a pillow. Pay what you can (suggested $7-$12). Middle Earth Healing and Learning Center, Citronelle. 251-866-7204. MidEarthHealing@yahoo.com. MiddleEarthHealing.com.

saturday Saturday Morning Yoga with Augusta – 7:308:45am. Designed for all levels. The goal is to present movement and mindfulness simultaneously. The movements will challenge you to stay mindful and your mindfulness will allow you to honor your limits without judging yourself. $15 drop-in. $10 students and instructors. Creative Outlet, 66 1/2 S Section St, Fairhope. 251-928-5363. HeartStringsYoga.com.

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

Camp Sculpt – 8:30-9:30am. Join Sculpt Yoga and Fitness for Boot Camp and Cardio Combat style workouts in downtown Mobile. 60 minutes of military and sports drills, cardiovascular challenges and yoga principles for flexibility and core strength. Make yours a body of art. $15 Drop-in (4 and 8 week discount packages available). Sculpt Yoga and Fitness, 101 North Conception St, Downtown Mobile. 251-525-7079. SculptMobile@yahoo.com. SculptYogaAndFitness.com. Silent Meditation with Rosie Bluum – 9-9:30am. Come sit in silence with a group of like-minded people and start your Saturday with tranquility and peace of mind. Gentle meditation music is played in the background. Love offering appreciated. Additional

days and times coming. Rosie Bluum, 6A Bancroft St, Fairhope. 251-517-5626. RosieBluum.com. Pet Reiki – 11am-1pm. Second Sat. Reiki is a great technique for pets that are anxious, have behavioral issues or that have suffered from trauma. House calls are available. Please call for more information and to schedule an appointment. Costs vary. 811 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope. 251-455-9359. Becky@ PranaHealthAndWellness. PranaHealthAnd Wellness.com. Powerful Flow Yoga – 11:15am-12:30pm. Experienced beginners and beyond. Join rotating KulaYoga Community teachers for a challenging vinyasa yoga practice to stimulate your weekend. Space 301, Downtown Mobile. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

classifieds Rates for classifieds start at $20 per month. Listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com for details. Volunteer opportunities are listed for free as space is available.

OPPORTUNITIES BECOME A PUBLISHER! –Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin is for sale! Own one of the Gulf Coast's most exciting businesses. Training provided. See ad on page 14 for details. BRANCH MANAGERS IN MOBILE AND FAIRHOPE – Looking for a healthy job? Work with Off the Vine Produce! Mom-friendly. Work on Wednesdays only. 850-374-2181. GREEN DRINKS ORGANIZER – Mobile Bay Area Green Drinks is a local chapter of an international organization that meets informally at local eateries to discuss, promote and network about local and global green issues. A volunteer leader is needed to organize the chapter's monthly gatherings. Email MobileBayAreaGreenDrinks@ gmail.com for more information. Cheers! JOIN THE GREEN CLEAN TEAM! – Green Clean provides environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning services. If interested in becoming part of our team, please call 251-508-3796 for an interview. LICENSED HAIRSTYLIST NEEDED – Eastern Shore. Call 251-377-0796 for details. SALES PROFESSIONAL FOR HEALTHY AND GREEN LIVING MAGAZINE – Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin has an opportunity for you to generate income through magazine ad sales and healthy living discount card sales. As an independent contractor you’ll have a protected territory and the ability to make your own schedule. Enjoy a generous pay structure, lead generation and participate in ongoing industry training. We have territories in Mobile and Baldwin counties available. Contact Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. THERAPIST AND MEDITATION TEACHERS NEEDED - Therapist should have spiritual and nurturing mind; massage or esthetician expe-

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rience preferred. Teachers needed to lead guided or silent meditations. Info@RosieBluum.com. 251-517-5626.

SERVICES COLOR THERAPY – Learn to use colors in all parts of your life and create changes you desire. Discover how they affect moods, emotions and why you’re drawn to certain colors. Rosie Blu: 251-5175326. RosieBlu.com. MARI ASSESSMENTS – MARI is a comprehensive system using colors and symbols to create a visual snapshot of the self. Reveal your inner voice, find guidance through personal issues and better understand your true self. 251-517-5326 or 251-752-6509. MARIByRosie.com. YOGA WHEN AND WHERE YOU WANT IT! – YogaSource offers classes at your home or business for fitness and relaxation. Single or groups. Props provided. 251-202-YOGA. Kula YogaCommunity.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPS AZALEA CITY CAT COALITION – Volunteers needed in any capacity: transporting cats, trapping and adoption events. Contact Susan Young: 251-648-7582. SusanYoung@ AzaleaCityCats.org. DOG RIVER CLEARWATER REVIVAL STORM DRAIN MARKRE PROJECT– Volunteers needed to educate the public about the storm drain system. Supplies and instructions provided. Work at your convenience. Contact Janet Miller: J46Miller@yahoo.com, 251-654-1827. MERCY MEDICAL Hospice volunteers needed to provide services such as running errands, offering respite breaks for caregivers and clerical assistance. 251-621-4431, Volunteers@MercyMedical.com.

naturaldirectory

ESSENTIAL OILS

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com to request our media kit. Rates begin at $36 a month.

ART FAIRHOPE ARTIST GALLERY

18 South Section Street, Fairhope 251-990-8763 FairhopeArtistGallery.BlogSpot.com Come and be inspired by local affordable art in this uniquely creative atmosphere. Look for “ART” and a golden palette above the door. Open Mon-Sat 10-5. Classes offered.

KATRINA'S ART CLASSES

Serving Mobile and Baldwin Counties 251-554-5704, KatrinaBreeland@gmail.comFacebook.com/StudioGarageArtClasses Beginner's drawing classes for 12 yrs - adults; Art classes for 4 - 11 yrs; Weekly classes in 6-week sessions; Classes are held M - F, 9:30am 12:30pm. Call or email for more details.

BEAUTY B-BUTTERFLY SALON

103A North Bancroft Street, Fairhope 251-990-9934 BButterflySalon.com A certified organic salon offering organic products and services including hair color, perms and shampoo. Keeping you and the Earth beautiful. See ad on page 22.

CHILDBIRTH SERVICES LOTUS DOULA SERVICES

Serving Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast 251-214-2919, LotusDoulas@gmail.com MobileDoula.com Facebook.com/LotusDoula Professional DONA-trained Birth and Postpartum Doula offering natural-minded, holistic services and resources for all stages of pregnancy and parenting.

CHIROPRACTIC BAYSIDE CHIROPRACTIC REHAB AND LASER THERAPY

Dr. Christian Augustin D.C. 8335 Gayfer Road Extension, Ste F, Fairhope 251-990-8388 MyFairhopeChiropractor.com Offering laser therapy as the drug free, noninvasive and painless treatment option for injuries and chronic conditions. See ad on page 21.

CHURCHES CENTER FOR JOYFUL LIVING 60 North Ann Street Mobile, AL 36695 251-391-6960 Questioning, understanding and growing together spiritually as we enjoy life’s adventure. Center for Joyful Living in Mobile. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Sundays at 10am 1230 Montlimar Drive, Mobile 251-343-0777, CMSpiritualCenter.org Rev. S h e r r i e Quander invites you to visit a loving, inclusive spiritual community where we aim to make every step we take, every choice we make, every word we speak a conscious one. See ad page 31.

OPEN TABLE: A COMMUNITY OF FAITH (UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST) 1050 Azalea Road at St Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mobile 251-545-1011, OpenTableUCC.org No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here! Pastor Ellen Sims and the congregation invite you to join them on Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. Childcare provided. See ad on page 19.

JUDITH Z. WILSON, MEM. #759523 Healthy Living With Essential Oils 251-656-6696, AromaLife@bellsouth.net Oil-Testimonials.com/759523 Workshops held the 2nd Saturday of every month, 10 a.m., 1230 Montlimar Drive, Mobile. Join us and learn how essential oils can help you. Call 251-656-6696 for more information.

FOODS AND NUTRITION BURRIS FARM MARKET & BAKERY 3100 Hickory Street Loxley, AL 36551 251-964-6464 Hwy 59 on the way to Gulf Shores. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh baked strawberry shortcake, ice cream and much more. Your first and last stop to the beach, or any other time.

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644, Café: 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café, featuring organic food, free-range meat, vegan options and organic wine. Store open 7 days a week. Serving the public 35 years. See ad on page 35.

MAE GRACE FARM MaeGraceFarm.com MaeGraceFarm@hotmail.com 251-964-5286 Local organic farm operating a 36 week CSA. Shares include produce, herbs and cut flowers. See ad on page 27.

DENTISTRY DR. DAYTON HART, DM

OFF THE VINE ORGANIC PRODUCE

IAOMT Protocol 225 West Laurel Avenue, Foley 251-943-2471, DrDaytonHart.com Free book for new patients: M e rc u r y F re e D e n t i s t r y . Offering ozone; laser (nosuture) gum surgery; testing for compatible materials and cavitycausing bacteria; examine for gum disease and bacteria; laser cavity diagnoses; saliva pH check; oral galvanic

Now serving Mobile and Eastern Shore 850-374-2181 Support@OffTheVine.org OffTheVine.org

screening; no fluoride used. See ad on page 35.

natural awakenings

All organic - all the time! We bring the farmers market to you. Check our list every Friday and place your produce order over the weekend. Pick up or delivery available. See ad, page 15.

September 2012

OLIVELLA

PRANIC HEALING IN MOBILE

The Holiday, Inc. Shopping Center 4513 Old Shell Road, Mobile 251-725-6810 OlivellaMobile.com

Deana Lannie 251-454-0959

More than 50 on-tap gourmet extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. Great gifts for food lovers and those looking for healthier ways to prepare their meals. Come in for a complimentary tasting! See ad on page 16.

Free healing nights and group meditations every Monday. Pranic Healing classes and the advanced technique of Superbrain Yoga.

HEALING ARTS MARQUERITE DILLON, RN, BSN, HCN Holistic Mind-Body Therapy 4313 Momote Drive, Mobile 251-463-1570, Dillon@mobilehypnosis.co MobileHypnosis.co Achieve goals, control cravings and conquer personal challenges with natural and holistic therapy. Individual and group sessions available. Smoking cessation sessions at Synergy Yoga in Mobile.

A Form of Oxygen Therapy Heidi Pritchett, LMT 251-776-4069 Stress, poor circulatlion, headaches, back pain, insomnia, depression, asthma, weight loss? You name it, oxygen heals! Call for a free demonstration. See ad, page 15.

20730 Hwy 181, PO Box 117, Fairhope 251-281-8811 ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com Reiki Workshops and Sessions as well as weekly Reiki Exchange. Learn about the many healing benefits of Reiki. Please call to schedule your appointment. See ad, page 26.

3952 Airport Boulevard, Mobile 251-345-0494, Café: 251-345-0495 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Serving the public 35 years. See ad on page 35.

CHI MACHINE

REIKI CENTER OF FAIRHOPE

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

Comprehensive health food store and organic café, featuring organic food, free-range meat, vegan options and juice bar. Store open 7 days a week.

OXYGEN THERAPY

PHOTOGRAPHERS ERIN CREEL PHOTOGRAPHY 251-928-4192 ErinCreelPhotography.com

Wedding photography and portraits. See cover and pages 10-12.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING MASSAGE

MIDDLE EARTH HEALING AND LEARNING CENTER

BECKY ARDREY, LMT Prana Health and Wellness 811 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope 251-455-9359 Becky@PranaHealthAndWellness.com PranaHealthAndWellness.com

20205 Middle Earth Road, Citronelle 251-866-7204 MiddleEarthHealing.com Middle Earth is an evolving education center, modeling permaculture, sustainable living and the interconnection of the health of the planet and the health of her inhabitants. See ad on page 9.

Therapeutic and rehabilitative massage, integrated with energy therapies, provides optimal conditions to meet your wellness goals. Weekend and evening appointments are available. See ad, pg 19.

JEN ADAMS, LMT 22787 US 98, Building D Suite 5, Montrose, 251-616-4201 JenAdamsLMT.MassageTherapy.com JenAdams.Massage@gmail.com Unique massage technique that is gentle enough for the severest sufferers of pain and deep enough for the most rigorous of athletes. 14 years experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field.

YOGA THE YOGA CENTER

103 W. Canal Dr., Gulf Shores 251-975-8687 or 251-609-6999 KAKeane47@gmail.com or DavidsGallery1@yahoo.com Inventive, fun and funky yoga. Various styles taught for all levels. Informal and inclusive. Group classes, private sessions, Thai massage and meditation flash mob. See ad, page 12.

Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well.

The Pure Vegan Wellness Services {A Shanti Warrior Company}

Health & Wellness Coaching Yoga Group Classes & Private Sessions Plant-Based Cooking Classes, Meal-delivery & Menu Consulting Tracey Winter Glover JD, RYT 200 AFPA Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Learn more at www.ThePureVegan.com tracey@thepurevegan.com • (251) 510-2418 34

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

OrganicProduce OrganicMeats

Holistic Pet Food OrganicWine

Essential Oils

Supplements

AlabamaOrganicMilk

Books

Wheat&Gluten-Free

Bath&BodyProducts GreenCleaningProducts dairy-free BabyProducts Sports Nutrition

Offering full organic lunch menus featuring free-range meats, farm-fresh produce, organic wines and options for special dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free).

Asian Fusion • Mediterranean Italian • Tex-Mex • Thai Pizza • Sandwiches • Pasta • Salads Catering & take-out available. Menus online. Call for specials.

Try our delicious Sunday Brunch in Fairhope from 10:30 am to 2 pm! Located next door to Fairhope Health Foods & inside Virginia’s Health Foods in Mobile.

Fairhope: 251-929-0055

Mon-Sat 10:30am-4pm; Sunday Brunch 10:30am-2pm

Mobile: 251-345-0495

Mon-Sat 10:30am-3pm; Closed Sundays

Visit VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com and follow us on Facebook for Monthly Specials!

Bulk Spices, Herbs & Teas

Wellness begins here.

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Ctr 251-928-0644

3952 Airport Blvd in Mobile 251-345-0494

15% off regular priced supplements every Sunday!

September Specials: 20% off Carlson, MegaFood, Source Naturals and Planetary products! Natural Awakenings Network Cardholders receive 10% off of all store & cafe purchases!

Healthy Teeth= Healthy Body Web Sites | Design | Marketing

Eco-Friendly Marketing Ask us about stylish e-newsletters, recycled paper options and more.

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL:

Free Consultation, Free Exam, Free Bitewing Xrays, Free Nitrous

Integrating art, science and nutrition to create beautiful healthy smiles. The teeth are directly related to various organs, tissues and glands. Dr. Hart believes in the relationship between the health of the mouth and the health of the body. Non-Metal Porcelain Restorations in One Sitting

CALL TODAY AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE.

opteracreative.com info@opteracreative.com 251-960-5438

Dr. Dayton Hart, DMD • 251-943-2471

MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF ORAL MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY

General, Cosmetic and Biological Dentistry

225 W. Laurel Ave • Foley, AL 36535 • DrDaytonHart.com natural awakenings

September 2012

Eat Fresh. Buy Local.

Treat your locavore palate to farm-fresh foods while contributing to a healthier planet and a more prosperous local economy. Support these Mobile/Baldwin businesses! CSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S (COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE) MAE GRACE FARM MaeGraceFarm.com MaeGraceFarm@hotmail.com 251-964-5286

MEAT & SEAFOOD FIDLER FARMS Highway 55 South to Harris Lane Silverhill, Alabama 36576 251-945-5687

RESTAURANTS & CATERING LULU'S AT HOMEPORT Under the bridge in Gulf Shores 251-967-LULU LuLuBuffett.com

Proudly serving fresh local produce, Gulf Wild Red Family-owned grower of grass-finished all natural Snapper and Alabama Wild Shrimp. Local organic farm operating a 36 week CSA. Shares beef, Super Jumbo Green and dry peanuts. include produce, herbs and cut flowers. See ad on THE PURE VEGAN page 27. ThePureVegan.com

PRODUCE & FARMERS MARKETS

WINDMILL MARKET'S PRODUCE CLUB

FALL MARKET ON THE SQUARE

85 North Bancroft Street, Fairhope Info@WindmillMarket.org 251-990-8883

Cathedral Square Downtown Mobile 251-208-1558

Fresh fruits, veggies, milk, cheese, grass-fed beef October 6 to November 17. Local produce (some and more delivered from local farms to your table organic), seafood, flowers, bread, pasta, casseroles, every week! live music and more. Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to noon.

GROCERY STORES FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Tracey@ThePureVegan.com 251-510-2418, Like us on Facebook! Fresh, healthy and delicious plant-based whole foods, with locally sourced ingredients. Specializing in weekly meal deliveries. See ad on page 34.

SAMURAI J SUSHI BAR 1410 US Highway 98, Suite J, Daphne 251-621-1906 SamuraiJ.com Now using locally-grown, organic vegetables

OFF THE VINE ORGANIC PRODUCE from Mae Grace Farm in Loxley. See ad on Now serving Mobile and Eastern Shore 850-374-2181 Support@OffTheVine.org, OffTheVine.org

page 9.

SUNFLOWER CAFE I 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope

All organic - all the time! We bring the farmers 251-929-0055 market to you. Check our list every Friday and place Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com your produce order over the weekend. Pick up or Organic cafe serving lunch and Sunday brunch. Comprehensive health food store featuring local delivery available. See ad, page 15. Local produce, herbs and meats used. Menu products: organic produce, organic milk, meat, online. See ad on page 35. eggs, honey and soap. See ad on page 35.

ORLANDO AND SONS PRODUCE

VIRGINIA'S HEALTH FOODS 3952 Airport Boulevard, Mobile 251-345-0494 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

100 East 20th Avenue SUNFLOWER CAFE II Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 3952 Airport Boulevard, Mobile 251-948-4538, OrlandoAndSons@gmail.com 251-345-0495 We are a family-owned business located in the heart Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

of Gulf Shores. We carry all home-grown Comprehensive health food store featuring local produce and we're open all year round! products: organic produce, organic milk, meat, eggs, honey and soap. See ad on page 35.

THE PRODUCE OUTLET

WESTSIDE GROCERY 85 North Bancroft Street, Fairhope WindmillMarket.org 251-990-8883

2700 Pleasant Valley Road Mobile, Alabama 36606 251-476-5001

Organic cafe and juice bar. Local produce, herbs and meats used. Menu online. See ad on page 35.

SWEET OLIVE BAKERY & JUICE BAR 85 North Bancroft Street, Fairhope SweetOlive.co 251-990-8883

Offering fresh fruits and vegetables, from local European-style, artisan baked goods; freshly Local grocery sells the best produce, meat, cheeses, sources whenever possible, at 30-50 percent below squeezed fruit and veggie juices; coffee; smoothies seafood and sweets that the area has to offer! and more. retail cost.

This logo identifies businesses that are Natural Awakenings Network (NAN) Discount Providers. Visit Tinyurl.com/NANCard to order your card today! 36

Mobile / Baldwin Edition