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December 2012
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am blessed to have such wonderful childhood memories of Christmas. The excitement and anticipation of all the things Christmas brought: time with my family, church activities and yes, what was Santa going to bring. The family traditions we had and the ones we still continue now. I can still remember the smell of my great grandmother’s orange chiffon cake baking in the oven. And who could forget the elf dressed in red that topped my grandmother’s tree every year that we named Tiny Pepper. As I have grown older, the holidays have become more stressful. Trying to cram so many things into a couple of days. The countless hours we spend fighting crowds and waiting in long lines to find that one prefect gift. All of this artificially imposed stress surrounding “the giving season” can exhaust one’s motivation to give at any other time of the year. My Christmas wish this year is that everyone would have a giving heart throughout the whole year instead of just at the holidays. As I thought about the theme for this month, “Awakening Humanity,” it made me realize that we should celebrate everyday and have this sense of generosity everyday; not just during the holidays. Reaching out to those who are in need. Taking some time to volunteer for a local soup kitchen or charity. Listening to someone who is hurting. Reconnecting with friends and spending time with others rather than sending an email. Maybe even sending a greeting card or a letter other than just at Christmas. December’s feature article, “It’s All About We, Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together,” talks about living in oneness and working together. The article reveals we can be more successful if we work together. This has been proven with projects such as urban and community farms. Why not start community groups to help improve your community? Draw upon the experience and expertise of those who live around you in order to make a difference. I feel if our ever-changing world is going to change for the better, we are going to have to work together. My church does an event several times a year called Servolution. This is where one Sunday after church we go out into the community to do service projects. These have varied from painting, yard work, visiting residents in nursing homes, and helping someone move. It’s an excellent model for anyone looking to organize their own service projects. Let’s make 2013 all about working together and serving others, every day, and all year long. Together, we can create the kind of world we want to live in. Blessings to you all.
contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634 New Business Development Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Karen Ormstedt
Natural Awakenings Birmingham 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 NABirmingham.com © 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.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.
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newsbriefs healthbriefs globalbriefs ecotip wisewords naturalpet inspiration calendars resourceguide
Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
16 HOW UNCONDITIONAL
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LOVE HARMONIZES OUR WORLD Marci Shimoff Explores its Transformative Power by Judith Fertig
17 CUTTING THROUGH THE NUTRITION NONSENSE by Steve Dupont, RD, LD
15 advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Contact Us to advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit. 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please. Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.
ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com *All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.
4 Birmingham NABirmingham.com www.NABirmingham.com
20 COLOR LIGHT THERAPY A Full Spectrum Approach to Happiness 21 by Julianne Bien
21 IT’S ALL ABOUT WE Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together by Linda Sechrist
24 A FRESH START by Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D.
26 CRITTER COMPANIONS Alternative Adoptions Fit for Families by Sandra Murphy
27 THE LUMINOUS WEB Why We Are One
by Barbara Brown Taylor
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newsbriefs Come Contra Dance!
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ur goal is to promote traditional dancing to live music. We primarily do contra dances, square dances and waltzes. FOOTMAD dances are at the YWCA in Downtown Birmingham. We have a low admission fee with discounts for members, students and children. At our Saturday night dances a small class session starts at 7:30pm and dancing begins at 8pm. Once the evening begins a caller explains every new dance. He or she walks the dancers through each one to teach the sequence of moves before the music begins and continues to call the moves throughout the dance. Don’t worry about bringing a dance partner. You will find a lot of friendly dancers, but don’t wait for one to ask you to dance. Feel free to ask someone you haven’t met yet. At FOOTMAD men ask women to dance, women ask men to dance, women ask women to dance and men ask men to dance. The only rule is to have fun. Children are welcome at dances. They can join the dancing or just enjoy the music. There is a space at the end of the hall reserved for children to play in. More Info at our website: FootmadBirmingham.org.
In Gratitude...
Addiction Therapy at Hoover Alt MD
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oover Alt MD is promoting its Addiction Recovery Programs. Utilizing a more Complete approach, Hoover Alt MD does not just push a popular medication (for example, Suboxone for opiates), and leave the patient after five minutes—but combines comprehensive care with a patient’s therapy. Dr. Korcz addresses the root causes of the drug use and dependency, and treats or addresses these issues as well. She also provides counseling on alternative coping skills for the patient. The practice treats opiate addiction (pain pills or heroin), cocaine, alcoholism, benzodiazepines (for example, Xanax), and even cigarettes and food compulsions. Medications, herbals and alternative therapies are available. Another feature that really sets them apart, is that their addiction program is not high-cost and cash only. Hoover Alt MD will work with you and bill your insurance for your visits, with your other medical care issues. Of course, they also do provide reasonable cash-pay prices for uninsured patients, and provide them the same top-quality care. Call Hoover Alt MD today for an appointment to start the New Year off right, and free yourself from addictions. Hoover Alt MD, 3421 South Shades Crest Rd, Suite 111, Hoover, AL. 205-733-6676. See ad on page 2 and CRG on page 37.
Crystalline Creative Writing Workshop
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f you are ready to write, the new year is a good time to start—finish that fantasy novel you started 5 years ago; begin a memoir for your grandchildren. What you have to say is as important as the placement of the stars in the sky. You are part of the universe and your thoughts, feeling, words matter. Allow yourself the freedom of expression and you may learn amazing things about yourself that you did not know. Crystalline Creative Writing Workshop is an 8-week program for beginners. This workshop is individualized for each writer’s needs. Weekly exercises will help you begin to shape your work, create your characters, formulate your plot. You will get feedback for each exercise and commentary that helps you get clarity on your vision for your project. Exercises for the workshop will come from the text: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creative Writing, by Dr. Laurie E. Rozakis (inexpensive from Amazon.com.)
It is the many practitioners and businesses who advertise that make Natural Awakenings possible. ● They are providing you with one of the most valuable resources for healthy living in Alabama. ● Through their dedication and commitment we work together for happier, healthier communities. ● Please support these practitioners and businesses who are making a difference. ●
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This is a blended workshop—part online and part in person. Bi-monthly meetings will be held during the 8-week course. The end project will be a critique of 40 pages of your work. Begins in January. Fee is $160. For date, time and meeting place, call Nabella Shunnarah at 205-862-3600 or email nswritingcoach@gmail.com. You can also visit Nabella.org online. Nabella has a Master’s in Education/English and is a local freelance writer working on her own novel and scripts.
Homewood Synergy Centre: Your Passport to Health and Vitality in 2013
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lease join us on Thursday, December 6 from 5-8pm to meet our new team of therapists and check out our Holiday Specials. Available for one night only. Explore that perfect resource for higher vitality, better physical and mental health for yourself and your friends. Come by and talk to these therapists about our one-on-one treatments: -Wilfred Hunt: Hypnotist and Massage Therapist, 205-907-2608 -Rita Feldman: Master Cosmetologist and Skin Care Specialist, 205-837-5858
-Liz Mawhinney: Massage Therapist, Tai chi and Yoga Instructor, 205-540-2438 -Melanie Rosamond: Certified Pilates Instructor, 201-264-2400 -Ron Vant Erve: Massage Therapist and Active Isolated Stretching, 205-413-2130 These specialists, separately and together, can design a personal healing protocol. Our approach is to help you solve your own, individual difficulties. No cookie cutter approach
here. You are unique and we honor your individual needs. You’ve tried other approaches, now come visit our Open House and see how we can help you and your friends. For the Holidays, we will be offering discounted gift certificates, gift baskets and our free Passport, worth $75 on finding the therapists and techniques with which you can resonate. Also available will be original artwork and catering by Silvertron. Homewood Synergy Centre invites you to an introduction to various therapy modalities, on Thursday December 6, 2012 from 5-8pm. If you have questions, please call any of our therapists or better yet, come by and talk to us face-toface. The Synergy Centre is located at 2007 Lancaster Road, Birmingham, AL 35209.
Aligning Your Priorities: Adjustment and Posture Workshop
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s a teacher, it is imperative that we meet our students with the highest integrity and the clearest of communication. We, as educators, have a responsibility to offer our knowledge and expertise in a way that supports and guides students to greater forms of knowledge and awareness within themselves. In a sense, we are nurturers of knowledge and stewards of souls. We are all teachers even if we are only teaching ourselves. In this yoga training clinic, Akasha Ellis will be offering safe, hands-on yoga adjustments that will help teachers feel confident to assist and guide their students into safe and supportive postures. Most of the postures are included in the Ashtanga Primary Standing Series. Posture recommendations by students will also be taught. Each pose will be discussed and practiced with a partner. There will also be discussion time for each posture including modifications. Yoga Students and Teachers are welcome. The workshop
A Great Holiday Gift delivered right to their door, every month. Give the Gift of Natural Health! $
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will be held Sunday, December 2 from 11am-5pm. Cost is $75. For more info, contact Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Contact@BirminghamYoga.com. See CRG on page 38.
Dedicated Practice: 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training and Certification Program begins Jan 2012
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kasha Ellis, co-owner of Birmingham Yoga, lives his practice. He is completely dedicated to sharing the benefits of a yogic lifestyle with others. Whether you are interested in finding or deepening your own practice, or you feel the call to teach, Akasha and the staff at the Birmingham Yoga Teacher Training program are committed to your personal success. Birmingham Yoga Teacher Training is a 200-hour yoga training certification program specifically designed to provide a rich environment for understanding yourself and learning about health through yoga. Within this training you will discover a strong foundation within yourself by acquiring knowledge, utilizing teaching methods, experiencing asana, and consistently applying the principles of the Ashtanga eight-limb path to guide your life. You will have the opportunity to deepen your asana and meditation practice so that it expands into your daily life. This program prepares you to instruct Beginner Level 1 and Level 2 classes in the Ashtanga tradition as well as the Kundalini tradition. Birmingham Yoga Teacher Training program is a Registered School with Yoga Alliance. If you would like to have a little taste of Birmingham Yoga and find out if yoga teacher training is for you, visit them on December 2 at 5:30pm at their Open House. The folks are friendly, the space is cozy, and the event is free. For more info, contact Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Contact@BirminghamYoga.com. See CRG on page 38.
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MoreThanColonics.com
Kirtan: It’s another name for Devotional Singing
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usic is one of those things in life that we really can’t live without. Many of us love to sing but few of us feel that we are good enough to sound good, so we just either hum to ourselves or just don’t sing. If you’re one who would love to belt out a song at the top of your lungs, but are too afraid the windows would break, Kirtan is for you. This call-and-response devotional music will have you singing at the top of your lungs and feeling like you are on top of the world. Experience the profound effect chanting mantra, when connected to the heart center, can deliver into your life. This ancient sacred art can be utilized to restore balance during these shifting times. Science is even now proving that chanting, singing and meditation have beneficial influences in bringing peace to your mind and heart and rejuvenating your nervous system. Join Aykanna at Birmingham Yoga on December 1 from 6-8 pm for a journey into the subtle realms of your inner sanctuary and find your true voice. Cost: $20 in advance and $25 at the door. You can sign up early online on our website. For more info, contact Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Contact@BirminghamYoga.com. See CRG on page 38.
You must not
lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
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December 2012
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Point Your Life if a Healthy Direction. Visit Our New Website Browse the local news, events calendar, resource guide, plus all the wonderful articles that support and inspire a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Now just a click away!
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Winter Solstice Celebration
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he Winter Solstice of 2012 is being celebrated at Birmingham Yoga. The solstice is a time for reflection, resolution and renewal. It’s a time of gift giving, good will and kindness. But most importantly it provides us with rituals to celebrate the balance of light and dark—rituals for welcoming the healing powers of warmth back into our world giving us a common ground, drawing us together as a community. The date of the solstice this year—12/21/12—is a date that has been prophesied for many years. Both the Mayans and the Hopis recognize that we are approaching the end of a world age. However, it’s not that everything will come to an end, but rather a time that is a transition form one World Age to another. How we choose to make this transition becomes the message. It’s one of choice and our moving through with either resistance or acceptance will determine whether the transition will happen with cataclysmic changes or gradual peace and tranquility. Join us as we come together and honor this time. Celebrate through mediation, yoga, energy and sound the returning of light and help to magnify this energy 12/21/12 out into the world. The event will be held Friday, December 21 at Birmingham Yoga from 7-9pm, and is offered by Terri Heiman of Natural Forces Studio and friends. Advance tickets $15 and $20 at the door. Refreshments served. Birmingham Yoga is located at 605 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. Celebrate the season in peace.
Holiday Boutique Sale at Natural Forces Studio
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atural Forces Studio will be having a holiday sale on Friday Dec 7 from 12-4pm and Saturday Dec 8 from 10am-2pm. The studio will be open for you to come in and purchase Crystals, Jewelry and Photo Hangings just in time for the holidays. Hand crafted jewelry made from real crystals; semi precious stones and sterling silver will be amongst the items available. Each piece of the sacred jewelry is unique and one of a kind. Custom orders are available for creating individual pieces with crystals that enhance your own unique qualities. Personal readings for these are available. Crystals from Brazil, Mexico and Arkansas are available to purchase for the home. These crystals can be used to clear a space, add positive energy to the environment and all are good for meditation. The photographic hangings are original artwork taken of Buddhas and Angelic forms from around the country and perfect for any room in your house. Also available are essential oils and gift certificates for energy treatments. Free mini Reiki session with each purchase. For more information, please contact Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog. See ad on page 32 and CRG on page 37.
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For more information please contact Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog. See ad on page 32 and CRG on page 37.
Organo Gold Tasting
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hanks to modern science and cutting-edge technology, Organo Gold and its strategic partners have created 100 percent Organic Ganoderma Lucidum Capsules, Ganoderma Spore Powder, Ganoderma Mycellium Healthy Beverages, Nutraceuticals and Skin Care. Organo Gold is dedicated to maximizing the potential of Ganoderma with research, development and an ever-expanding line of scientifically developed Ganoderma-based products. In Cantonese, “Lingzhi” or “Reishi” is the name for one form of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. It enjoys an honorable place in Asia, where it has been used as a medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years. In China it’s known as the “Miraculous King of Herbs.” If your looking for a healthy drink with a little kick or would like to find out more information about Organo Gold and their products, you can join the Organo Gold representatives each Thursday in December at 7:30pm at the Winfrey Hotel located the Galleria in Hoover, AL for a tasting of their products. To register for the event or to order, call 205-229-4894 or visit FeelingGoodWith.OrganoGold.com. See CRG on page 38.
Reflection of God As I clear and still the pools of my mind I am more able to mirror God’s loving reflection in my existence. Art and Text by Rita Loyd Copyright Š 2012
Rita Loyd is a professional watercolor artist and writer. The message of her work is about the healing power of unconditional self-love. Rita began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. Through this journey, the creative process became her teacher, healer and friend who would guide her to find the true meaning and experience of unconditional self-love. Rita writes about this experience and all that she has learned about unconditional self-love in her new book Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It's important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. You can purchase this book in Huntsville at Ruth's Nutrition or at www.NurturingArt.com, where you can view Rita's artwork and blog.
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healthbriefs
One-Size Meditation Does Not Fit All
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n intriguing study recently posted online by Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, suggests that new meditators are most likely to stick with the practice and reap its healthful benefits if they select methods with which they are most comfortable, rather than those that are most popular. In one of the first studies to compare meditation techniques head-to-head, author Adam Burke, a professor of health education at San Francisco State University and the director of its Institute for Holistic Health Studies, taught 247 participants four popular methods— mantra, mindfulness, Zen and qigong visualization. He asked them to choose which they preferred to practice at home for six weeks before techniques were evaluated. The simpler methods, mantra and mindfulness, each were preferred by 31 percent of study participants. Zen and qigong were selected by about 22 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Burke says the results showed the value of providing people new to meditation simpler and more accessible methods, and also emphasized that no one technique is best for everyone. He hopes to see more comparative meditation studies, especially to determine if particular methods are better at addressing specific health issues such as addiction. “If that’s the case,” he advises, “healthcare professionals would be able to guide patients toward techniques that will be most effective for them. Additional studies are also needed to determine if there is a way to predict which method will be best suited for any particular individual.”
A Wise Man’s Gift for Arthritis Sufferers
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rankincense, an aromatic resin obtained from Boswellia trees native to Africa, is an age-old herbal remedy that may help alleviate the pain of arthritis, according to scientists at Cardiff University, in Wales. “The search for new ways of relieving the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis is a long and difficult one,” says Dr. Emma Blain, who led the research with coinvestigators Professor Vic Duance, from Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences, and Dr. Ahmed Ali, of the Compton Group. The team believes they have been able to demonstrate that treatment with an extract of Boswellia frereana—a rare frankincense species—inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules and helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue that causes the condition. The African Somali people have long used extracts of frankincense as a traditional remedy for arthritis. “Our research achieved the use of innovative chemical extraction techniques to determine the active ingredient in frankincense,” says Ali. “We will now be able to further characterize the chemical entity and compare its success against other anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating the condition.”
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Nutty Way to Help Preserve Cognition
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alnut consumption is associated with better memory scores and cognitive function, according to recent findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. In the Prevención con Dieta Mediterrnáea study, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health, results show that a Mediterranean diet, supplemented with olive oil or one ounce of mixed nuts, half of which are walnuts, is more beneficial than a low-fat diet when it comes to body weight, blood pressure, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. The nutrient-dense walnuts provide antioxidants and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Both are key nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties that help protect brain cells from the oxidative damage associated with cognitive cognitive iti decline. d li
UNITY of
Birmingham
Bookstore & Church 2I¿FH +RXUV Tuesday–Thursday 9:30–4:30 Friday 9:30–3:00
Chaplain Prayer Line 205-251-4365
Silent Unity 24 hrs Prayer Available 1-800-NOW-PRAY
Unity of Birmingham 2803 Highland Ave S Birmingham AL 35205 205-251-3713 UnityBham.org
happy holidays
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6 pm “Unity Youth Ed Christmas Play”, followed by refreshments and a visit from Santa in Beverly Hall
ONGOING G EVENTS
Sunday, Dec. 23 at 11am Sunday Service “Blessings of the Season”, Rev. Terry Ware - guest speaker
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Monday, Dec. 24 at 7pm “Christ in Me” Candlelighting Service, Rev. Terry Ware
t &OFSHZ )FBMJOH TU SE 4VOEBZT immediately following Sunday Service upstairs WEDNESDAYS Noon Prayer Service
December 25 - January 1 Church office closed for the Holidays Sunday, Dec. 30 at 11am Sunday Service
To subscribe to our weekly email blast, click on “CONTACT US” at UnityBham.org or call 205-251-3713.
Sunday, January 6 at 11am, Annual Burning Bowl Service
Shop with a Conscience at Natural Awakenings’ New Webstore
As a leader in green and healthy living, it makes perfect sense for us open a webstore that features items that support sustainability and natural health. You’ll love our easy-to-navigate site. Shop by product categories that include beauty and skin care, home and office, books and music, fitness, clothing, cosmetics, kids and pets. It’s your one-stop eco-friendly and healthy living destination!
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Raisins Yield Pressure Relief
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GROW Your Business Secure this special ad placement! Contact us for more information.
or individuals seeking a natural way to keep slightly elevated blood pressure in check, eating a handful of raisins each day might do the trick. New data presented at the American College of Cardiology 61st Annual Scientific Session suggest that among adults with hypertension or mild increases in blood pressure, routine consumption of raisins may lower readings, especially compared with eating other common snacks. The researchers noted that raisins are packed with potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure, and are also a good source of antioxidant dietary fiber, which may favorably alter the biochemistry of blood vessels, enabling them to be less stiff. The study helps validate some current nutrient recommendations, such as 60 raisins—about a handful, containing one gram of fiber and 212 milligrams of potassium—as being helpful in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three (28 percent) of American adults have prehypertension, defined as a systolic pressure from 120 to 139 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or a diastolic pressure from 80 to 89 mm Hg. Researchers cautioned that their study was small; larger trials are needed.
Giving Begets Happiness at Every Age
“T
o give is better than to receive,” is a maxim that appears to hold true even for the very young. A new study co-authored by three psychologists at Canada’s University of British Columbia observes that giving makes toddlers happier. The study, published in PLOS One, an online journal of the Public Library of Science, found that toddlers younger than 2 were happier when giving treats to others than when receiving them. They were also happier when they gave their own treats away, rather than an identical treat that didn’t belong to them.
256-340-1122
Stop Wasting Food
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t’s time to step up to the plate—but not waste what’s on it. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that about 40 percent of all food in the United States goes uneaten. Each year, we are throwing away the equivalent of $165 billion in discarded food, making it the single largest component of solid waste in America’s landfills and costing the average family of four between $1,350 and $2,275 annually. About two-thirds of household waste consists of spoiled food that’s not used in time; the rest is caused by people cooking or serving too much food. Learn easy steps to reduce food waste via the NRDC free online fact sheet at Tinyurl.com/ StopFoodWaste.
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Smog Begone Dramatic Decline in Los Angeles Air Pollution Legendary late-night TV host Johnny Carson made the thick, automobile-generated smog that covered Los Angeles the butt of jokes for decades, but times have changed. In the past 50 years, California’s Los Angeles Basin has shown a 98 percent decrease in levels of some vehicle-related air pollutants even as area denizens now burn three times as much gasoline and diesel fuel. Between 2002 and 2010 alone, the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) dropped by half, according to a new study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and published in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres. “The reason is simple. Cars are getting cleaner,” says Carsten Warneke, a NOAA-funded scientist with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Primarily emitted from the vehicle tailpipes, VOCs are a key ingredient in formation of ground-level ozone, which at high levels can harm people’s lungs and damage crops and other plants. The magnitude of the drop in VOC levels was surprising, although it doesn’t mean that ozone levels have dropped as steeply, because the air chemistry is complex. Levels of ozone pollution in the basin are down, but don’t yet meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Warneke expects the decrease in VOC emissions by cars to continue, given that engine efficiency continues to improve and older, higher polluting vehicles will be taken off the roads. Source: American Geophysical Union (Tinyurl.com/SmogBegone)
Coming Clean Environmental Hall of Shame From shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste to laundry detergent and window cleaners, hundreds of chemicals of unknown origin and effect can be found everywhere in our daily lives. Some are regulated by government agencies, but many are not; some cleaning products, for example, are not even required to list their ingredients on labels. The research team at the nonprofit consumer watchdog Environmental Working Group has released a new Cleaners Hall of Shame database (Tinyurl.com/CleanerHallOfShame) that ranks more than 2,000 household cleaners by how hazardous their ingredients are and how much information is on their labels. Many products contain ingredients known to cause asthma or are contaminated with carcinogens. Even so-called “green” products aren’t necessarily any better. Many of them boast of ingredients made from plants, rather than petroleum, but there is little or no safety data for some plant-based ingredients. A truly green product poses few risks to health or the environment and transparently informs users of its content.
Bird Brains When the Warm Get Going Global climate change is a real, measurable phenomenon, according to a new study, based on the National Audubon Society’s North American Christmas Bird Count. It found that avian species have taken decades to adjust their ranges northward in response to warming winters. Frank La Sorte, a researcher at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York, and lead author of a study supported by the National Science Foundation, says in the Journal of Animal Ecology that because birds are highly mobile and migrate north and south with the changing seasons, they are better able to shift their ranges than less mobile, non-migrating species, such as amphibians. “It makes sense that species move slower than the rate at which climate is changing,” says La Sorte. “Many of them need to follow a prey base and a type of vegetation, or they need certain kinds of habitat that will create corridors for movement. Species are responding under their own time frame.” The challenge for humans is daunting. “We have to give species the opportunity to respond by providing corridors for movement and longterm maintenance of those corridors,” says La Sorte. “That requires cooperation across political boundaries.” Source: ABC News
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Leaf Relief Urban Trees Act as Crime-Stoppers The city of Baltimore’s high crime rate inspired a gritty TV drama. But a new study (Tinyurl.com/TreeCrimeReport) by the University of Vermont’s Transportation Research Center, in Burlington, found that a 10 percent increase in trees in a given area led to a 12 percent decrease in crime. “It’s really pretty striking how strong this relationship is,” says Austin Troy, lead author of the study, published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning. Researchers examined the correlation in and around Baltimore using aggregated crime data and combining it with high-resolution satellite images to conduct the analysis. The working hypothesis is that because people enjoy spending time in pleasant outdoor spaces, there are more observers present to hinder criminal activity. Also, a well-maintained landscape seems to send a message that someone may be watching. To avoid culture bias, the study considered many socioeconomic factors, including housing, age, income and race of residents, as well as variables such as rural versus city setting and population density. The findings should prove helpful to urban planners.
Tech Revolution Fresh Funds for Innovative Renewable Projects U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu is spearheading a new wave of renewable energy research by recruiting top scientists from the nation’s best research laboratories to staff a new agency called ARPAE, modeled after DARPA, the research and development wing of the Pentagon that invented the Internet. With a surge in funding for renewable energy, courtesy of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, plus grants from the Department of Energy, ARPA-E has made more than 180 investments in basic research projects in renewable energy. One company, Ocean Power Technologies, is installing a 260-ton generator in the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon coast to capture renewable energy from waves. If the generator operates as planned, it will link to the grid and generate enough electricity for 1,000 homes. Other ARPA-E-funded projects are making cheaper batteries, more efficient air conditioners and appliances, experimental algae-based biofuels, carbon sequestration (trapping) technologies and even plants that secrete crude oil. Source: The Atlantic magazine (Tinyurl.com/SilentGreen) 14
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Good News Kwanzaa Celebration Spreads The 46th annual Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1, may be observed by as many as 18 million people this year. Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of black studies, as a celebration to honor the values of ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans working for social progress. The name comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means, “first fruits of the harvest.” Its seven principles are believed to have been key in building strong, productive families and communities in Africa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, a sense of purpose, creativity and faith. Source: InfoPlease.com
Many Tongues Human Rights Day is December 10 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. Now, the office of the high commissioner for human rights has been awarded the Guinness World Record for having collected, translated and disseminated the declaration into more than 380 languages and dialects, from Abkhaz to Zulu, making it the world’s most universal communication. The work sets out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women everywhere are entitled, without distinction. It was drafted by representatives from all regions and legal traditions, and has over time been accepted as a contract between governments and their peoples. Visit Tinyurl.com/UN-Human RightsDeclaration.
ecotip
Coming in January
Green Christmas Holiday Planet Savers Here are some fresh ways to tweak family traditions for a greener holiday this and every year. Incorporate local, sustainable cuisine into the family feast. Ingredients for a traditional holiday dinner can travel up to 30,000 miles. Instead, show support for local community farmers and reduce food transportation miles by choosing a heritage turkey or meatless entrée. Stellar complements may include organic cranberry jelly, mulled apple cider or wine from an area farm, orchard or vineyard. Adopt or recycle the Christmas tree. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as many as 33 million live-cut Christmas trees are purchased each year in North America, and most end up in landfills. Fortunately, Christmas tree adoption services like Central California’s Rent a Living Christmas Tree are popping up across the country, allowing them to go on living. The potted trees can be rented and delivered. If tree adoption services are not yet available locally, make sure to recycle a live holiday tree so it’s turned into landscape mulch for reuse as ground cover to hinder weeds and nourish plantings.
Start the Year Well
Reduce energy costs through efficient cooking. Wait to fire up the oven until the heritage turkey or organic ham is ready to go in; preheating is unnecessary for these slow-roasting items. For baked goods, opt for glass or ceramic pans, which allow cooking time to remain the same while lowering the heat by about 25 degrees. Another energy-saving trick is to place stovetop cookware on the smallest burner possible; more heat will embrace the pan, while less is lost to the surrounding air. A six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner typically wastes more than 40 percent of the energy generated. Crockpots work well for serving other small family dinners during the busy holiday season or anytime; an entire meal requires about 17 cents worth of electricity. At cleanup time, load up the dishwasher fully. One load of dishes scrubbed in a dishwashing machine uses 37 percent less water than washing the same dishes by hand. Send plant-able holiday cards. According to CalRecycle, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States, enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. This year, instead of the usual snail mail, send a bouquet of flowers for the price of a stamp. Recipients can plant a GreenFieldPaper.com grow-a-note holiday card in the ground and see wildflowers bloom. For plant-able holiday cards that can be personalized with a corporate logo, BotanicalPaperworks.com offers card sets and party favors.
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wisewords
How does having a heart that’s open to unconditional love benefit us?
How Unconditional Love Harmonizes Our World
The Institute of HeartMath has discovered that the magnetic field generated by the heart—what’s measured on a magnetometer—is 5,000 times stronger than that of the brain. HeartMath research has also demonstrated that when we’re in a positive emotional state, our hearts beat in a coherent rhythm that causes all the other systems in the body—including the brain, immune system and hormones—to work more efficiently and harmoniously. Their research shows that experiencing this regularly leads to better health, slows the aging process and brings us greater creativity, resilience and happiness.
Marci Shimoff Explores its Transformative Power by Judith Fertig
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self-described “seeker from the get-go,” Marci Shimoff, is an expert at helping others effect greater personal fulfillment and professional success. The noted transformational leader, speaker and author has written two bestselling books on happiness and unconditional love— Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out and Love for No Reason: 7 Steps for Creating a Life of Unconditional Love, and co-authored six bestselling titles in the Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul series.
What is the old way of looking at love, versus the new paradigm shift you propose? We’ve been trained to think of love solely as energy between two people, usually experienced as conditional love—we feel love if the other person agrees with us, treats us a particular way or loves us back. But love is actually the essence of who we are, and when we live in a state of unconditional love, what I call “love for no reason,” we experience our essence that is love, which doesn’t depend on another person, situation or romantic partner. It is the core of every spiritual tradition.
Why do our ways of loving often seem inadequate? We each have a “love set-point,” the upper limit of our ability to give and receive love. We can’t feel more love by trying to change the outside—by relying on others to fill us up—because it will 16
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never work in the long run. We need to raise our love set-point higher; then we experience everything more through the eyes of love.
Do challenging economic times help us grow spiritually? We can use any life challenges to help us grow and find fresh avenues of lasting fulfillment. Success and money don’t guarantee happiness, and I know that from my own wake-up call. In 1998, I had three of my Chicken Soup for the Soul books on The New York Times bestseller list at the same time. One day, I spoke to 8,000 people and autographed 5,432 books and felt like an author rock star. Yet when I returned to my hotel room that night, I burst into tears. All of the success was great, but it still hadn’t made me happy. That’s when I began my intensive study of happiness and love.
Does science support our capacity to daily experience and deepen a love for all things? Science is finding that there is a neurophysiology of love. Studies by researchers in major institutions worldwide show that we can do simple things like breathe more deeply, walk barefoot on earth, listen to uplifting music or practice meditation that will support us in experiencing more unconditional love. These activities create greater heart rhythm coherence and new neural pathways in the brain.
What are the seven doorways to practicing unconditional love revealed by your own research? I’ve interviewed hundreds of people that are living examples of unconditional love. I’ve found seven access points to experiencing more love: safety, being grounded and present; vitality, energy and well-being; unconditional self-love, feeling empowered; openness, being comfortable giving and receiving love; communication, listening and speaking with love; vision, seeing through the eyes of love; and oneness, feeling connected with the greater wholeness of life.
How does one person’s loving larger bless our families, communities and world? The more we experience love, the more we spread love to others. Our feelings are contagious. This idea is beautifully expressed in an ancient Chinese proverb: “When there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. When there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. When there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.” Connect with Marci Shimoff at HappyForNoReason.com. Judith Fertig, of Overland Park, KS, is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Putting Canned Soups in Their Place
Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense by Steve Dupont, RD, LD
In the midst of winter, soup is the ultimate comfort food and health food rolled into one.
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t’s a dark and stormy night, the wind howling, yada yada. You return home from a long day at the factory (making widgets, of course). You’re tired and cold, your family is hungry, and you don’t feel much like cooking. What to do? Simple, just reach into the pantry and pull out a can of soup!
Wrong! Instead, reach into the freezer and pull out a zip-lock bag of homemade soup prepared weeks or even months before, in your own kitchen, with wholesome ingredients of your own choosing, and needless to say, no MSG, chemical additives or preservatives. Put your frozen chunk of soup in a pot on medium-low heat. Maybe pull some crusty Italian bread, naan or tortillas out of the freezer as well, depending on the soup…in mere minutes your bones will be warming and your tummy filling with delicious, wholesome goodness.
Soup is Good For You What, you don’t remember your grandmother telling you this? She was no dummy. Granted, something like a Tuscan Kale Soup is going to be healthier than a Lobster Bisque, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a soup that, if prepared with quality ingredients, is downright “bad for you.” Soup goes hand-in-hand with buying local, seasonal vegetables from farmer’s markets and CSAs like Moore Farms and Friends here in Birmingham (MooreFarmsAndFriends.com). A lot of times, I’ll find myself in unfamiliar territory with a huge bunch of parsnips or something. The solution in this case: Creamy Parsnip Soup. Another soup secret: Every week or two, I like to cook a whole pastured chicken or grass-fed beef roast in the crock pot. I’ll take whatever vegetables I have on hand—which may include some combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash, leeks, onions and garlic, along with some fresh herbs from my garden—throw everything in the crock pot with a quart or two of low-sodium organic broth, drop the meat in, set it and forget it. At least for the next six hours or so. Then I often remove the meat along with woody stems of rosemary or bay leaves, and, using either my stick
The place to which I refer is deep, deep in your pantry, basement and/or emergency shelter and not, I repeat NOT, in a bowl about to be spooned into your yapper…with a couple exceptions. A tornado, hurricane, tsunami or stampede of escaped zoo elephants has just destroyed your home. Dig in! You are camping or lost in the wilderness. Eat up! All the other foodstuffs available to you have been used to feed weary travelers who knocked on your door on a cold, rainy night. Enjoy! Otherwise, there’s just no good reason to eat canned soup, which also includes soups bought in a cup, jar, bag or box. They all stink. Sodium and MSG-laden, nutrient deficient, tasteless garbage. Inferior to even the most hastily prepared homemade soup in every conceivable way. Now, that being said, if you happen to know of a particular canned product that you believe defies the above criticisms, then by all means stock your pantry, basement and/or emergency shelter with a few dozen units of said product. Just in case the “soup” hits the fan.
blender or regular blender, whip the vegetables and rich, savory broth into a creamy soup. Sometimes I’ll reincorporate some chucks of the meat, sometimes not, season with salt and pepper to taste, and presto, I’ve got a delicious homemade soup and a main course meat dish prepared at the same time, with very little effort. The extra soup goes into quartsized freezer bags. When it’s all said and done, I’ve got at least half a dozen quality meals for the price of one dinner out.
Throw a Soup Party My wife and I host an annual party in February called Soup-a-palooza. Invitees are encouraged to bring a soup for all to sample, enjoy and judge as part
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of high-stakes cookoff complete with prizes (duplicate Christmas presents, gift certificates, cookbooks, bottles of wine, etc). It’s become quite a popular event. And aside from bringing our friends together, it’s a fantastic way to sample many different, and often exotic, soups I would never think to prepare myself. Some of the most memorable entries from recent years include: Mexican Posole (or Pozole), last year’s winner, Beer Cheddar, Corn Chowder and Asian Sweet n’ Sour soup, just to name a few. And now, a recipe, one of my personal favorites:
Roasted Pear-Butternut Squash Soup From EatingWell: October/November 2006 6 servings, 1-1/3 cups each Active Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 1-1/4 hours. Ingredients 2 ripe pears, peeled, quartered and cored
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2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch chunks 2 medium tomatoes, cored and quartered 1 large leek, pale green and white parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced and washed thoroughly 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided Freshly ground pepper, to taste 4 cups vegetable broth, or reducedsodium chicken broth, divided 2/3 cup crumbled Bleu, Stilton or Gorgonzola cheese 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives, or scallion greens Preparation Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine pears, squash, tomatoes, leek, garlic, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 40 to 55 minutes. Let cool slightly. Place half the vegetables and 2 cups broth in a blender; puree until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan.
Puree the remaining vegetables and 2 cups broth. Add to the pan with the remaining salt. Cook the soup over medium-low heat, stirring, about 10 minutes. Divide among 6 bowls and garnish with cheese and chives (or scallion greens) as desired. Nutrition per serving: 235 Calories; 10g Fat; 5g Sat; 5g Mono; 11mg Cholesterol; 34g Carbohydrates; 6g Protein; 6g Fiber; 721mg Sodium; 700mg Potassium.
Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. A “true believer” in the power of nutrition, Steve is committed to serving those wishing to enjoy delicious food while reaping its health benefits. Specialties include weight loss, energy balance, supplements, cooking and meal planning. 205-213-7953. SteveDupont.com.
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Color Light Therapy: A Full Spectrum Approach to Happiness by Julianne Bien
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olor is everywhere, visible and invisible. Color qualifies edible fruits and vegetables; protects and attracts wildlife and insects. Colors can cheer and depress, stimulate and tranquilize, provoke and antagonize. Color helps us diagnose physical and emotional illnesses, and treat them, too. Color is energy and is carried in light. The practice of harnessing the benefits of color has been widely recognized in wellness centers and spas worldwide. Ancient religions and philosophies, as well as scientific research, agree that light is one of the fundamental elements of our universe. Yet, light doesn’t just passively exist out there, as a background for the grand scheme of things. Light is interactive. It affects minerals, plants and animals; it determines how they look and helps them get nourishment in a complex food chain. The light beams carry not only heat, but little packets of information as well, delivered in color, which we have just started to understand and use in recent decades. Life as we know it couldn’t exist without the sun’s electromagnetic radiation, and 50% of its emission is the visible spectrum. Color is energy and carried in sunlight, and is basic to all life. Skin is like an antenna that absorbs, processes and distributes the information carried in light for our existence. Sunlight charges our cells for their daily tasks, every move,
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every thought and every action. Indeed, modern science is discovering more and more evidence of a fundamental law that the interaction of matter in the universe “even at the subatomic level” is associated with the energy transmitted in light. Each color of the visible spectrum, red through violet, and every shade and hue inbetween, offers a unique frequency and has its own contribution to influence the energy system which sustains life. For example, red stimulates, increasing circulation and vitality. Green promotes balance and harmony within our energy systems and is therefore ideal for maintaining and strengthening our immune system. Orange can realign the energy flow along the meridian system creating equilibrium and encouraging a state of happiness, and shades of blue can calm us and put us at ease after a stressful day. Violet can disinfect while bathing in pink light can bring a smile to your face. Many emotional and physical disturbances may be preventable through re-balancing the energy in and around the physical body. A generation ago, Dr. Valerie Hunt of UCLA demonstrated how the body’s energetic emissions display chaotic changes before pathological (physical) conditions develop in the tissue of the body. This led to the main postulate of color light therapy: Ailments begin as energetic imbalances, which, if detected early enough, can be dispersed using external, non-invasive energy applications.
The messages conveyed in light represent the purest, most simple, fundamental language in the universe. Colors are more than a rainbow, they are a visual symphony from above. When we learn to fine-tune ourselves to these pure and divine messages, we become privy to a most effective energy-based modality which I’ve coined “color harmonics,” symbolizing a more advanced methodology of color light therapy. Today, the field of energy-based modalities includes use of color light for people who suffer from jetlag, mood disorders and physical discomforts. Color light is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is also being explored for its potential to help people with non-seasonal depression, persistent insomnia and difficulties adapting to shift work. The research has just begun as its usage becomes more widespread and the science behind it better understood. Application of color light has become popular in wellness centers and spas for its anti-aging and rejuvenating benefits experienced. Color light is introduced by way of a penlight illuminator directed at acupuncture points, reflexology zones and throughout the aura. The energies are distributed through the meridian channels and nourish every cell and system of the body. It’s the basis of intracellular communication. Lifetime experiences are stored as memory and imprinted within these energy streams. These imprints are recorded and replayed over and over when a similar resonance is sounded. The healing potential is to dissipate these energy blocks so a person can move forward in life. Color Harmonics is a four-season approach to wellness, beauty and graceful aging during all stages of life. People are more aware of energy-based modalities and their widespread benefits to achieve happiness. We truly have an eternal relationship with living colors in every breath we take. Julianne Bien, Founder of Spectrahue Light & Sound, Developer of the Lumalight Color Therapy System, and author of Golden Light: A Journey with Advanced Colorworks. She presents her theories through speaking engagements, print, TV, and radio media. She will be facilitating a workshop in Birmingham in 2013. For more information visit Spectrahue.com. © October 2012. Julianne Bien.
It’s All About We Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together by Linda Sechrist
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fter decades of studying issues of environmental destruction, poverty and war, Malcolm Hollick, Ph.D., author of The Science of Oneness: A New Worldview for the Twenty-First Century, concluded in 2006 that a better future for humanity requires a more holistic worldview. It must be one that reflects the evidence of both new sciences and established spiritual traditions, all of which point to a deep unity, or Oneness, the grand reality underlying and often belying the superficial testimony of the senses. Hollick concluded, “We become open to the experience of this unity only when we recognize at the deepest intuitive level that we do not exist as separate selves.” The founder of the Findhorn College Foundation, in
Scotland, recognized that while the old worldview has disintegrated, the concrete of a new one has not yet set. He also observed how the acceleration of scientific findings—advancing knowledge and understanding of the universe, as well as the meaning and purpose of life—would continue to influence the general worldview. Within a decade, of the publication of his book, hard scientific evidence across many disciplines—particularly physics and biology—as well as pioneering ideas and anecdotal evidence presented by leading philosophers and authors, affirmed the existence of a reality in which everything is connected and linked in a coherent whole. Such thinking further revealed that evolution has equipped humans with genetic wiring for
co-creation, cooperation and collaboration. Martin A. Nowak, a professor of biology and mathematics at Harvard University and co-author of Super Cooperators: Altruism, Evolution, and Why We Need Each Other to Succeed, explains that most great innovations of life have resulted not from competition, but cooperation, the real “master architect” of evolution. Nowak believes that figuring out how cooperation comes about and breaks down is the key to human survival as a species. Books such as The Bond: Connecting Through the Space Between Us, by Lynne McTaggart, a scientific researcher and award-winning journalist, and The Golden Motorcycle Gang: A Story of Transformation, co-authored by motivational speaker Jack Canfield, are helping individuals to see through the illusions of the old “survival of the fittest” and “I win, you lose” paradigms into one expressed in terms of connectedness and relationships. This new “Me-We” thinking and way of being has been spreading; it now informs everything from enlightened environmental stewardship to economics, as well as health and spiritual well-being.
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Excellence in Academics Enlivened by the Arts – Early Childhood through Grade 8 –
Alabama Waldorf School is a community dedicated to educating responsible world citizens. We combine academic excellence, critical thinking development, and a sense of shared social responsibility. Students learn the skills and values to prepare them for success in high school, college and life. Through a rigorous curriculum of arts and academics, and a teaching approach that honors the individual child, our students learn how to meet life with courage, conviction and compassion for others. Call (205) 592-0541 to schedule a tour. Inquiries about tuition adjustment are welcome.
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How Community Works Canfield emphasizes the valuable lesson of collaboration and cooperation he learned while working for W. Clement Stone, a philanthropist and self-help author: When working together, focus on overlapping goals and interests, and not on differences. In Chicago, Illinois, where the Eat Fresh Eat Local movement sparks successful collaborations, the focus is on food, rather than issues of race, sex or economic disparity. There, hundreds of people are growing food together in communal spaces on city-owned land, privately owned empty lots and rooftops, as well as in school gardens, food forests and urban farm sites. “Self-reliant, community-operated urban farms and the food centers that retail the produce to residents in surrounding neighborhoods—some in the city’s most isolated and impoverished communities—are economic drivers that create jobs,” says Erika Allen, projects manager of Chicago’s Growing Power office. The daughter of national organization founder Will Allen notes that local workshops resemble a cross-section of the world. “Participants from different countries, cultures and economic levels come together for three meals a day, where we connect, share perspectives and learn from one another.” Another successful initiative, Building a Healthier Chicago (BHC), brings together the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Office of the Regional Health Administrator of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Chicago Medical Society and the Institute of Medicine of 22
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Chicago. The BHC agribusiness project develops and maintains a system of more accessible food supply, distribution and markets where people live, work, play, pray and learn. Neighbors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, organized park cleanups with the long-range goal of replacing crime and litter with learning. Now, Riverside Park, once an area of urban blight, has both a college-level field research station and grade school outdoor classroom, offering innovative school, adult and community programs operated by the Urban Ecology Center (UEC). Programs serve 44 schools and have spawned two branches in Washington Park and Menomonee Valley to serve residents in those areas. The UEC’s latest project, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the River Revitalization Foundation, Milwaukee County Parks, private businesses and local landowners, is an arboretum that will protect and restore 40 acres of land for native species and wildlife habitat along the Milwaukee River. “With the creation of the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, southeastern Wisconsin has a new, biologically diverse space for growing future environmental stewards,” says UEC Executive Director Ken Leinbach. He particularly likes creating spaces and resources that give people that wouldn’t normally connect a place to bump into one another.
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College settings are similarly intended to encourage stimulating and expansive dialogue among diverse populations. At Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, recent environmental study grads Dana Rubin and Hannah Blackmer met Frances Moore Lappé when she visited to share the message of her book EcoMind: Chang ing the Way We Think, to Create the World We Want. As a result, the pair embraced the need to shift their view of the world away from looming negatives to focus on creating positive connections and meaningful relationships that recognize life’s interdependence and fuel constructive change. After more research, the duo built a simple website named ConvenientResilience.com and created a blog before commencing a coast-to-coast, 100-day, solutions-oriented journey last summer. They posted nearly 30 “webisodes” of heartfelt interactions with individuals and organizations with stories to tell, like the group at 2100 Lakeside Emergency Men’s Shelter, in Cleveland, Ohio, that is using small-scale, practical and cost-effective solutions to lessen their impact on the environment. “The personal stories we heard affirm what we learned from Frances—that it’s possible to locally solve global problems together,” advise the sojourners, who travel in a grease-powered car. “Learn to think beyond negative thought traps that engender fear,” advises Lappé. “Thinking, ‘There isn’t enough to go around, so I have to grab what I can now,’ for instance, focuses on separateness and lack, which is precisely what got us into the state we are in.”
Starting Within A big-picture, more-whole-systems perspective forms naturally when individuals come together to explore the power
of building intentional coherence. The Art of Hosting (and convening conversations that matter), World Café, Vistar Method for Circles and OpenSpace collaborations leverage technology for the practice of mindfulness to foster deeper connections, authentic conversations and outside-the-box ideas, all contributing to a more enlightened collective intelligence. One’s own new world perspective can even emerge as a result of a dark night of the soul, as Patricia Ariadne, Ph.D., author of Drinking the Dragon, has observed with clients that have undergone a personal metamorphosis as a result of the economic downturn. “Often, the entire process of transformation indicates a spiritual initiation—a renewal or rebirth—that acts as an induction into a level of expanded consciousness and new relationship with Spirit,” remarks Ariadne. “True spiritual progress inevitably leads to a desire to be of greater service to others, to go from ‘Me to We,’ which I believe is our mandate for the 21st century.” Living mindfully can literally change our brains, states Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., in the introduction to A Mindful Nation, by Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan, which reports on the supporting science. “Mindfulness… can improve our capacity for perspective taking and decision making, and enhance our emotional intelligence and our ability to act with clarity and wisdom, alone and in concert with others.” Kabat-Zinn is the founding director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society, at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, in Worcester. “A peaceful revolution is being led by ordinary citizens across our nation,” confirms Ryan. “At the core of it is mindfulness—finding ways to slow the mind, pay attention to the present moment and see how you are connected to others and can work in a spirit of cooperation with get things done.” The inner impulse to recognize the deeper unity of all life and sense the reality of Oneness is bubbling up within individuals, small groups and organizations, and finding expression in writings and teachings, according to
Barbara Marx Hubbard, author of Birth 2012 and Beyond: Humanity’s Great Shift to the Age of Conscious Evolution. Individuals that feel compelled to join with others in expanding their consciousness to help foster systemic change and a culture of a higher order are invited to find a compatible group. Hubbard offers webcast training for Agents of Conscious Evolution (ACE), now 3,000 members strong; Craig Hamilton, founder of Integral Enlightenment, provides an online telecourse called Awakening to an Evolutionary Relationship to Life. “Evolutionaries sense that we are facing a critical moment in the unfolding of our human story and feel called to create pathways to a better future,” says Hamilton. He notes that the 35,000 participants in his most recent introduction to his webcast were interested in where they could find a supportive community of kindred spirits committed to living life on the same level. He states, “We instinctively know that we can accomplish more together.” A partnership with The Shift Network, which empowers a global movement of those intent on creating an evolutionary shift in consciousness, has enabled Hubbard, a featured sage in the documentary Awaken Soul to Soul, and her ACEs to launch a global initiative to mark the inauguration of a sustainable planetary civilization on December 22. Thousands of individuals are now working in collective hubs across the United States to prepare for the Planetary Birth Day celebration. An initial concern for many individuals seeking to experience Oneness is, “What happens to my identity?” Christopher M. Bache, Ph.D., professor emeritus in the department of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State University, in Ohio, reassures us that within the matrix of connectivity, individuality is not suffocated, but paradoxically liberated into deeper forms of self-expression. “While opening to the collective fields that surround us melts the boundaries of the private ego, bringing about the ‘death of self’ noted in spiritual literature, as the ego dies, a deeper form of individuality is born—not an isolated individuality, but one that thrives in subtle give-and-take,” explains the author
The Global Birth Day of a New Humanity December 22, 2012 – Birth2012.com Join the Conscious Evolution ArtOfHosting.org BarbaraMarxHubbard.com ConvenientResilience.com GrowingPower.org NewMomentumfhu.org SmallPlanet.org TheShiftNetwork.com TheWorldCafe.com VistarFoundation.org
of The Living Classroom: Teaching and Collective Consciousness. While the idea of a future in which American and other cultures reflect oneness can seem distant and idealistic, it is already present in South Africa’s Xhosa community in the form of Ubuntu, a worldview which means, “I am what I am because of who we all are.” According to South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, Ubuntu iterates the essence of being human and speaks to the fact that it’s impossible to exist as human beings in isolation. We are people through other people. “We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected, and what you do affects the whole world,” he observes. “When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. For more information and in-depth interviews on It’s All About We, visit ItsAllAboutWe.com.
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A Fresh Start by Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, MD
L
ast month we thought about “Health for the Holidays,” or getting yourself on the path to better health as your Gift to yourself for this holiday season. We discussed things you could start with right away toward the goal of getting your health back on track. This month, I urge you begin to take the next steps toward better health, in preparation for the New Year, and a Fresh, New Start. Quit smoking. One of the most popular of resolutions. A good doctor can help you put down those cigarettes for good. There are a variety of strategies, medications, and alternative techniques for quitting smoking. Nicotine replacement is often successful, with a variety of items like gums, patches, inhalers and even an electronic cigarette which gives the user the look, feel, and habit of smoking. Not every method is for everyone, so make sure you discuss all the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor. And, address the issues that make you smoke in the first place. There are also prescription medications aimed at reducing the addiction and cravings for nicotine. Ask your doctor which is the best method out there for you. Be sure to tell him/her about your medical problems and past success or failure, as a good understanding of your unique issues is key to your achieving freedom from smoking. Consider an alternative like acupuncture or meditation to kick the habit. At Hoover Alt MD, we help people succeed in quitting smoking all the time. Sometimes, a combination of therapies can get the job done, where one or the other has failed in the past. Lose Weight. It’s a source of frustration for so many people. We live in a land
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and culture of excess, and it is hard to turn it down, with temptation staring you in the face. We discussed the risks of too much weight on our bodies a few months ago, and it is more than just looking good…it’s our health at stake. What we all need is accountability. Someone to check out our habits (maybe keep us in line?) and give us the tools to sustain the will to make better choices—not just over the next few weeks, but going on into the future. Sure, the medications work in the short term, but what a weight loss patient really needs is education, and a good, solid plan to keep it off after the meds are gone. Let’s face it, we can’t stay on those pills forever. Diet, exercise, and supportive care to go with the meds are vital. At my practice, we love developing a comprehensive, personalized plan for each patient. Your plan should address your needs and “weaknesses” with weight loss, whether that is snacking at night, stress-eating mid-morning, or soda and sugar overindulgence. As always, discuss any health problems you may have with your doctor to make the best choice. Did you know there are more than just the stimulant-type drugs to help you lose weight? So, even if the last time you tried some weight-loss clinic and ended up with palpitations that scared you, there might be something else that will be the perfect fit.
Control Blood Pressure. A truly worthy goal. People are so busy with work and the daily grind, lately, that sometimes their health is last on the list of priorities. Be sure to get a physical exam, an Electrocardiogram, and perhaps even a stress test. Learn about a more hearthealthy diet, like eating foods lower in fat and salt. For most physicians, your health is our passion. Ask about types of exercise that can help strengthen and condition your heart. Remember to start slowly, especially if you are in lessthan-great shape. Sometimes, blood pressure medications can lead to side effects like fatigue, depression, and even poor performance in the bedroom. If you need medication, talk openly and honestly with your doctor about any concerns, as a simple change of type might fix any problems. Then again, did you know meditation, biofeedback, and other alternative techniques are proven to lower blood pressure and keep hearts healthy? I often suggest an herbal blood pressure support, first, before taking on medications with potential side effects. If advised, taking a baby aspirin (81 mg) has great benefits. Remember, aspirin is derived from tree-bark, so it is “nature-made.” Studies also show that supplements like omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and others can be beneficial for the heart. In closing, think now about what you can do looking forward and making positive changes in the New Year. Your health, your family and friends are all counting on your good decisions now. Seize the day for a fresh start in the New Year. Dr. Elizabeth Campbell Korcz has a growing, innovative practice in Hoover that augments Traditional Family Medicine with Complementary and Alternative medical therapies and practices. She is currently accepting new patients. Hoover Alt MD, 3421 S. Shades Crest Rd, Suite 111, Hoover. Call 205-733-6676 to schedule an appointment today. See ad on page 2 and CRG on page 37.
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naturalpet
Critter Companions
grown horses, bred for pulling carts, not riding. They require the same care as a larger horse and make good therapy animals. An adult mini is about the same size as a standard-sized horse’s newborn foal—about 34 to 38 inches tall at the withers (between the shoulder blades), although some are smaller. “Trained minis are good, gentle interpreters of emotion,” says Veronique Matthews, founder of Hearts & Hooves, a nonprofit equine therapy organization in Austin, Texas. “We visit abused or autistic kindergarten-age children with a ratio of one child, one horse, one handler.” Walking on a handheld leash, a mini can help a child to cope with fear and anxiety.
Alternative Adoptions Fit for Families
Alpaca
by Sandra Murphy
W
hile dogs, cats, fish and birds populate most pet homes, other animals can be just as much fun to own.
Rabbits “Rabbits are social and love routine. Be late with dinner and a bunny will show displeasure by stomping its feet,” says Pamela Hood, founder of Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue, a state-licensed shelter in Foster, Rhode Island. Her four rules for happy, active bunnies are: Find a veterinarian that knows rabbits,
adopt rather than buy, get a bonded pair and spay/neuter them. Since 2000, Sweet Binks has rescued more than 1,700 rabbits as recaptured strays or from shelters meant for dogs and cats. Bunnies can live more than 14 years. “Rabbits eat more than just carrots. Pellets should be timothy hay-based, not alfalfa, for adult rabbits,” explains Hood. “But limit the amount. Hay should be 85 to 90 percent of their diet, because the side-to-side chewing of hay keeps teeth worn down to a livable length and ensures proper digestion.” Rabbits can be litter box-trained and run free if the home is pet-proofed. For example, keep electrical cords out of reach or covered with plastic tubing. A lonely, bored bunny can be destructive, so provide wooden and chemicalfree wicker toys for chewing. Play with them daily, although most shy away from cuddling. Bonded pairs need to be in sight of one another.
Miniature Horses Miniature horses are not to be confused with Shetland ponies. Minis are fully 26
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A few years ago, alpacas were regarded as the next moneymakers when breeding and sales brought high prices for fleece, along with their waste, sold as soil-enriching manure. After the trend peaked, many herds were sold, often to ill-suited owners, and some needed rescuing. Michelle Zumwalt, a job consultant for people with disabilities in Spanish Lake, Missouri, has hosted rescued alpacas for eight years; the number fluctuates, based on new arrivals and adoptions. “There are enough of them to help supply local organic farms with fertilizer,” says Zumwalt. “These gentle creatures feel safest in numbers; when in danger, they will kick or spit.”
Hermit Crabs Hermit crabs are likeable for their social, nonaggressive character, ease in handling and low maintenance. All crabs are born in the ocean, although some species leave the water as adults. Pet crabs in the United States are either Caribbean land crabs or the faster and more agile Ecuadorian crabs, which require access to both salt and fresh water. A 10-gallon fish tank with sand of a consistency suitable for castle building that’s three or four times deeper than the height of the largest crab works well. Crabs can grow to six inches in length and live 10 years or more, although they don’t reproduce in captivity. As colony animals, they’re much happier in a group.
Hermit crabs periodically need to replace the shell they carry on their back. Provide a shell that is 10 to 15 percent larger and watch as the crab tries it on for size. When crabs molt their underside ectoskeleton, they burrow beneath the sand for four to eight weeks; place these crabs in a separate tank. “Because crabs are scavengers, we feed them chicken, turkey, seaweed, scrambled eggs and fish. They love carrots, bell peppers, kiwi and coconut,” says Christine Richards, a maintenance management analyst and hermit crab caregiver in Montgomery Village, Maryland. “Crabs are nocturnal, so use a small flashlight to watch their antics,” she adds. “They love to climb.”
Chinchillas Chinchillas, another night creature, can live up to 20 years. A round body, tiny hands and large ears make them easy to love, remarks Christina Pierce, a federal examiner of financial institutions in Little Rock, Arkansas. “My chin, Gizmo, wants to be where the commotion is and likes to travel,” she laughs. A specialty vet is required for chinchillas, with attention given to their teeth, which grow throughout their life. Give them things to chew on and fresh hay to help file down teeth. Gizmo’s favorite chews are willow twigs, peanuts in the shell, alfalfa sticks and lava blocks. “A twice-daily dust bath keeps his fur clean,” notes Pierce, “plus, it’s fun to watch.” It seems that everyone can find a pet that’s perfect for them. It’s just a matter of thinking outside the litter box. Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
inspiration
The Luminous Web Why We Are One by Barbara Brown Taylor
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~ Chief Seattle, 1855
W
hat I see is an infinite web of relationship, flung across the vastness of space like a luminous net. It is made of energy, not thread. As I look, I can see light moving through it as a pulse moves through veins. What I see “out there” is no different from what I feel inside. There is a living hum that might be coming from my neurons, but might just as well be coming from the furnace of the stars. When I look up at them, there is a small commotion in my bones as the ashes of dead stars that house my marrow rise up like metal filings toward the magnet of their living kin. Where am I in this picture? I am all over the place. I am up there, down here, inside and outside of my skin. How could I ever be alone? I am part of a web that is pure relationship, with energy available to me that has been around since the universe was born. Where is God in this picture? God is all over the place. God is up there, down here, inside and outside of my
skin. God is the web, the energy, the space, the light—not captured in them, as if any one of those concepts was more real than what unites them—but revealed in that singular, vast net of relationship that animates everything that is. It is not enough for me to proclaim that God is responsible for all of this unity. Instead, I want to proclaim that God is the unity—the very energy, the very intelligence, the very elegance and passion that make it all go. This is the God who is not somewhere, but everywhere; the God who may be prayed to in all directions at once. The “I am who I am,” in whom everything else abides. For the moment, we see through a glass darkly. We live in the illusion that we are all separate “I ams.” When the fog finally clears, we shall know that there is only One. Excerpted from The Luminous Web, by Barbara Brown Taylor, with permission of Cowley Publications.
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calendarofevents SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Private Visual Art Tutoring for Youth – Daily throughout Dec 21. One on one tutoring for youth is one of the best ways for serious young artists to exercise their creative and technical muscles. Students are encouraged to create works based on themes or in a series, to think critically about art, investigate by the masters and explore new art mediums. Admission charged. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana, AL 35051. 205-669-0044. From Civil Rights to Jazz and on to Blues – Daily through Dec 22. An image is worth a thousand interpretations. Cassandra Griffen presents a collection of her original black and white images showing an era of civil rights we can identify with. First World Gallery, 1620 Cherry Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35214. 205-791-0656. Holiday Illuminations: Annual Tree Display – 7am-9pm. Families across the state are invited to visit Children’s to see lights, exquisitely designed Christmas trees, holiday décor and a spirit that encompasses this special time of year. Approximately 50 spectacular trees will be designed by individuals, companies and organizations from throughout the Birmingham area as part of the Illuminations tree program held each year in conjunction with the Children’s of Alabama Illuminations Ball. Children’s of Alabama, 1600 7th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-638-9100. Exhibit, Attorney Shores’ Scrapbook: The Life and Times of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Lawyer –9am. The Birmingham Historical Society and the Birmingham Public Library are showcasing the life and times of Birmingham civil rights attorney Arthur Shores in a special exhibit, at the Central Library. The exhibit features a scrapbook of newspaper reports and printed materials, which Shores collected throughout his legal and political career. Birmingham Public Library-Central Branch, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-226-3671. Festival of Trees – 10am-6pm through Dec 24. This year’s “Let It Snow!” exhibit runs in conjunction with the 23rd annual Festival of Trees exhibit. Each year, children from more than 30 local schools create Christmas tree ornaments tied to a theme. These 30 plus trees will spread holiday cheer throughout the Hardin Center’s second floor to all “Let It Snow!” exhibit visitors. Admission charged. Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, 501 Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35901. 256-543-2787. CulturalArts.org. Holiday Faire 2012 – 10am-3pm. Alabama Waldorf School presents their annual craft bazaar and international buffet and bake sale. This
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popular family-friendly event features local vendors, live music, handmade gifts and crafts, pony rides, games, a climbing wall and even a drum circle. 1220 50th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-592-0541. AlabamaWaldorf.org.
the nervous system. Join Aykanna for a journey into the subtle realms of your inner sanctuary. $20/advance, $25 day of. Purchase tickets online. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Free Health Screenings – 10am-2pm, daily through Dec 31. Protect your health with UAB HealthSmart’s free preventive health profile screenings. We check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body fat level, and more and then help you prevent health problems through our free health talks, nutrition and fitness counseling, and group fitness classes/programs. UAB HealthSmart, 301 Twentieth Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-996-2304.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
7th Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar – 10am-5pm. This event is marketed towards the holiday gift shoppers interested in original handmade products, well also shopping at local merchants in the area. Over 40 crafter/artists will be selling their handcrafted wares inside storefronts and empty retails spaces along 41st Street South, the Forest Park Village and at Bottletree. Main Street 155th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35212. 205-595-0562. Mountain Brook Art Association Holiday Show 10am-8pm. The artists of Mountain Brook Art Association invite you to visit a two-week holiday art show at Brookwood Mall. Purchases will support Make A Wish Foundation. Buy your holiday gifts direct from top artists representing cities throughout the metropolitan area. Paintings of all sizes and price ranges. Featured artists appearing daily with on-site demos. Colonial Brookwood Village, 780 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, AL 35209. Jingle Bells, Lots of Elves –10:30-11:30am. Do you have what it takes to be one of Santa’s elves? We’ll put you through the rigorous training regime of the North Pole’s infamous toymakers. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216. 256-444-7833. HooverLibrary.org. Strengthen the Immune System with Akasha – 1-4pm. Join Akasha in a workshop that will balance and strengthen the Immune system. The holiday season is approaching and many of us will enjoy the goodies that come with it and in turn tax our immune system. We will specifically practice a number of Immune building yoga sets and discuss a number of yoga remedies for maintaining health during these winter months. $40/advance, $45 at door. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Kirtan with Aykanna – 6-8pm. Experience the profound effect chanting mantra when connected to the heart center can deliver into your life. This ancient sacred art can be utilized to restore balance during these shifting times. Science is now proving that chanting and meditation has beneficial influence to bring peace to your mind and heart and rejuvenate
Adjustment and Posture Workshop – 11am5pm. Akasha will be offering a safe hands on yoga adjustment workshop that will help teachers feel confident to support and guide their students into safe and supportive postures. Most of the postures covered will be drawn from the Ashtanga Primary Standing Series along with a few recommendations offered by students. Each pose will be discussed and practiced with a partner. Yoga Students and Teachers are welcome. $75. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. West Side Story – 1pm and 6:30pm. The most beloved musical of all time is coming to Birmingham. West Side Story tells the story of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria as they struggle to rise above the hatred and intolerance that surrounds them. Admission charged. Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 800-745-3000. MagicSpace.net. An Afternoon with the Author, Walter Bennet 3-4:30pm. Set in the Deep South in 1962, Walter Bennett’s debut novel, Leaving Tuscaloosa tells the story of two young men whose lives are changed forever over the course of one night. Mr. Bennett, a former lawyer, judge, and law professor now residing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Emmet O’Neal Library is excited to welcome Mr. Bennett home for a reception, book signing, and talk at the library. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1118. Embellishments Holiday Concert –3-4pm. Get in the holiday spirit while enjoying classics that include Bugler’s Holiday, I Wonder As I Wander, Angels We Have Heard on High, Ukrainian Bell Carol Fantasy, Blue Christmas, and more. Admission and parking are free. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565. Embellishments.org. Open House for 200 hour RYT Teacher Training at Birmingham Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn about a free 200-hour yoga training certification program that prepares you to instruct Beginner Level 1 and Level 2 classes in the Ashtanga tradition as well as the Kundalini tradition. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Afro Aerobics (African Dance Fused with Aerobics) – 6:30-4:30pm. This class is a low impact and high energy workout designed to bring wholeness to the body, improve your fitness level, and cardiovascular system. The class is a combination of African Dance and Aerobics full of high energy and fun. $8 per class, and $40 for 6 classes. Bethesda Family Life Center, 1721 Dennison Ave, Birmingham, AL 35211. 205-323-9081.
Animal Ed-venture Classes and Home School – Join the Birmingham Zoo for Animal Ed-Ventures! The Zoo is very excited to announce a brand new lineup of fall classes for a variety of age groups. These classes provide each participant with a oneof-a-kind experience. Prices are dependent on what class is attended. Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-879-0403. BirminghamZoo.com.
First Thursday Fiction Book Group: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain – 10am-12pm. Join us for Hoover Public Library’s First Thursday book discussion group, featuring The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. Sessions are the first Thursday of the month in the Administration level Allen Board Room. One novel is discussed each session. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7820. HooverLibrary.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Beginners Computer Class: My Mouse Has No Tail – 10-11am. Every Tuesday of the month we will offer a real beginners computer class for people who have never used a computer or are not yet comfortable working on one. Adamsville Library, 4825 Main Street, Adamsville, AL 35005. 205-674-3399. Adamsville.lib.al.us. Nook Classes – 6-7pm. Free Nook Classes at Gardendale Public Library. Learn how to use your Nook and how to download Free eBooks from the library. Presented by Barnes and Noble. Gardendale–Martha Moore Public Library, 995 Mt Olive Rd, Gardendale, AL 35071. 205-631-6639. Bob Penny Performs A Child’s Christmas in Wales 6:30pm. Join us as renowned Birmingham actor Bob Penny (Forrest Gump, Sweet Home Alabama and In the Heat of the Night) reads Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Dylan Thomas, one of the greatest poets and storytellers of the twentieth century, captures a child’s-eye view, and an adult’s fond memories, of a magical time of presents, aunts and uncles, the frozen sea, and in the best of circumstances, newly fallen snow. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
Brown Bag Lunch Program: Historic Landmarks of the World – 12-1:30pm. We’ll travel to Istanbul, Turkey, Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as Poland and Germany. Please bring a sack lunch, drinks and dessert provided. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1121. Eolib.org. Briarwood Walk Through Nativity – 6:45pm through Dec 7. The community is invited to join the congregation of Briarwood for its Walk Through Nativity on the church grounds. Over 850 church members participate in this free three night event, featuring thirteen scenes depicting Jesus’ birth and life. A children’s petting zoo and refreshments are also offered at no charge at the walk’s conclusion. Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243. 205-776-5200. Briarwood.org. Monthly Kirtan – 7:30-9pm. Shannon & Jasper. Join us for call and response singing to promote peace, unity and healing. Come and sing your heart out or just get some good vibrations through the heart opening path of bhakti yoga. No singing experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing and feel free to bring a musical instrument, short spiritual reading or cushion to sit on. We will sing bhajans in English and Sanskrit. For more information, please email Shannon.Andrews.s@att.net. Free but donations appreciated. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
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Restorative Reiki Circle – 12-1:15pm. Experience hands of Reiki Energy in restorative yoga poses. Relax, refresh and release stress. No experience necessary. $15 drop in or 4/$50. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog. Charles Buchanan, Author of The Fading Ads of Birmingham Book Signing – 6:30pm. You see them all over downtown Birmingham: age-worn advertisements painted across brick walls, fading more and more as time goes by. Local artist and author Charles Buchanan calls them “ghost signs,” and has spent the last few years digging up the history on these old-time advertisements. Join us as he talks this historical and signs copies of his recently published book Fading Ads of Birmingham. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Holiday Sale – 12-4pm. Crystals, Jewelry and Photo Hangings. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.
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Craft Party – 7pm. This one hour class teaches the basics of interior decorating and shows the students how to make a piece that will complement any space with simple things around the house or at discount stores. During each class the participants will receive handouts and instruction on that days task. All the supplies will be available for students and are included in their fee. Class fee is $30, and there is a $10 discount for early sign up, call 205-567-4668 for details. Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209. HomewoodParks.com. Magical City Choral Society Christmas Concert 7pm. The Magic City Choral Society returns to the center with a free community concert. The choir will warm our spirits with the Sounds of the Season in a one hour concert featuring live piano and over 90 voices. Pell City Center, 25 Williamson Drive, Pell City, AL 35125. 205-338-1974. PellCityCenter.com. Birmingham Ballet Presents The Mutt-Cracker 7:30-9:30pm. The Mutt-cracker, The Nutcracker ballet presented with the charming addition of rescued alumni dogs. The performance benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Admission charged. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-458-8449. Groupsales@Bjcc.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 Holiday Sale – 10am-2pm. Crystals, Jewelry and Photo Hangings. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog. Christmas Open House and Anniversary Party 10:30am-3:30pm. Shop and celebrate at our Christmas Open House and Anniversary Party. City Arts will have a wonderful selection of handmade art and crafts for everyone on your list. City Arts is a new concept boutique combining a gallery, shop, and on-site studios. The boutique presents an eclectic mix of art, handmade arts and crafts, unique clothing and jewelry, all created exclusively by local Birmingham artists. City Arts Boutique, 5528 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35212. 205-9023181. CityArtBoutique.com. Introduction to Plant Taxonomy/Classification 8:30am-4:30pm. Participants will learn about the principles of classification, the use of scientific names, taxonomic hierarchy, the use of keys in plant identification, and methods of plant collection and preservation techniques. $80 for members, $90 for non-members. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3958. BBGardens.org. Gyotaku (Fish Printing) – 1pm. Gyotaku is the ancient Japanese art form of fish printing or rubbing. Fisherman used to record their catches while at sea by putting ink on their fish and then rubbing over it with a piece of paper until the print appears. Join us in the Treehouse as you create your own Gyotaku art
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using realistic plastic fish. This is a perfect holiday gift, or a unique way to decorate wrapping paper. Reservations required. Materials provided. $4 for members, $6 for non members. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham AL, 35206. 205-833-8264. RuffnerMountain.org. British TV Viewing-Doctor Who Fan Club – 2:30pm. The Blue Box Companions of Birmingham is a Doctor Who and British Television fan club located in Birmingham, Alabama. This group meets once a month to watch Doctor Who as well as other British Science Fiction related shows. We discuss Doctor Who, British Television, and Science Fiction in general. Our group is composed of seasoned fans as well as new fans, both young and old. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-877-8665. BBCBham.org. 6th Annual Evening of Art and Blues – 5pm. This holiday season, the Alabama Blues Project presents a unique opportunity for gift shopping and a fun night out with its 6th annual Evening of Art & Blues. The event is the ABP’s annual fundraiser, raising money and awareness for its award-winning after-school and summer Blues Camps. The 2012 Evening of Art and Blues will be held at Hotel Capstone on the campus of The University of Alabama. Evening of Art & Blues features an amazing silent auction that includes paintings, prints, photography, jewelry, pottery, getaway packages and gift baskets. There is something for everyone, right in time for the holiday season. Admission charged. Hotel Capstone, 320 Paul Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. 205-7526263. AlabamaBlues.org.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 Southern Tales at The Gardens – Join Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton with new Songs and Stories. A jolly collection of Holiday stories, songs, and sing-a-longs to warm your heart and jump-start your holiday. Admission of $20 is charged. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3965. BBGardens.org. Red Diamond SuperPOPS!: Holiday Cirque de la Symphonie – 9:30am-8pm. The exceptional cirque artistes of Cirque de la Symphonie amazed us all when they performed with the ASO in the 2011 season. Now they return with a holiday-themed show that will delight the whole family. Aerialists will fly overhead and acrobatic feats will be performed to classical masterpieces and your favorite seasonal tunes. Admission Charged. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229. 205-975-2787. Blue Light Special Art Show – 10am-4pm. Join with us to support ‘Empty Bowls’ a hungerprevention endeavor pairing local potters and local Chefs who will be providing lunch. For a nominal donation of $25, you’ll get hot soup and bread served in handmade bowls, which you keep as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Proceeds go to First Light Women’s Shelter. Admission charged. Cahaba Clayworks and Earthborn Studios, 7575
Parkway Drive, Leeds, AL 35094. 205-702-7055. BlueLightSpecialArtShow.com. Seasons on Saturdays: Winter Evergreen Explorers – 1-3pm. Join us in meeting sticky spruce and friendly firs as we search The Gardens for evergreens. Play games with the pinecones from these trees and enjoy a playlet about Carol cone. Create a miniature evergreen tree and decorate it to carry home some joyful holiday cheer. Includes light snack. Explore a world of winter in The Gardens. Admission is $10 for members, and $12 for non members. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950. Winter Scavenger Hunt – 1-4pm. Enjoy a short walk outside and search for answers to the clues from Ruffner’s Winter Scavenger Hunt. Once you have found all the answers, return your paper to the front desk and claim your prize. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-833-8264. RuffnerMountain.org.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 The A, B, C’s of Medicare – 12pm and 6pm, Dec 11 & 12. Have you been wondering about all the new changes to our Medicare Benefits? Karen Haiflich of Medicare will answer all your questions about the how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. Homewood Public Library, Room 108, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620. Chess Club – 6-7:30pm. Get a lesson from a chess coach and try your skills against other players every Monday. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook) 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205879-0497. Eolib.org. Play: Holiday Inn – 7pm. At an inn which is only open on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer. Admission charged. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-251-0418.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Documentaries After Dark – 6:30pm. From the stage of the renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, this live recording of the most fantastic Christmas ballet ever the enchanting and beautiful Nutcracker is a spectacular holiday treat. Tchaikovsky’s melodious and endlessly ingenious score accompanies this evening of pure delight. For more information, contact Holley Wesley at 205-445-1117 or hwesley@ bham.lib.al.us. Emmet O’Neal Library (Mountain Brook) 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. Jingle Bell Rock Variety Show – 6:30pm. Our talented staff stars in an evening of holiday hilarity. Stick around after the show for Season’s Eatings and Greetings with Santa. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7833. HooverLibrary.org.
Around the World in 30 Instruments – 6:30pm. Join husband and wife duo of Aodh Og O’Tuama, from Cork, Ireland; and Christy Martin, from San Diego, California take us around the world with traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, England, Medieval & Renaissance Europe, the Americas, and India. Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL. 205-226-4081. The Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club – 6:30pm. Join us as we explore Suzanne Collins’ explosive hit The Hunger Games. Follow Katniss Everdeen, as she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. Homewood Public Library Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
Second Thursday Fiction Book Group: Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks –10am-12pm. Join Hoover Public Library’s Second Thursday book discussion group, reviewing Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. Second Thursday book discussions take place in the Administration level Allen Board Room. One novel is discussed each session. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7831. Home for Christmas – 12-1pm. Witness a presentation by Dolores Hydock of “Home for Christmas”, the hilarious story of a Mississippi mother and daughter who head up to Tennessee for Christmas at “the old home place.” Bessemer Library, 400 North 19th Street, Bessemer, Alabama 35020. 205-428-7882. BessemerLibrary.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Trans-Siberian Orchestra – 7:30pm. For the first time ever, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing their acclaimed rock opera, “The Lost Christmas Eve”, a heart-warming story of loss and redemption on a magical Christmas Eve in New York City, live. Admission charged. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Arena and Exhibition Halls, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-745-3000. Trans-Siberian.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Holiday Christmas Cooking with Chef – 10am. Join Chef “E” this holiday for creative and fun cooking around the holiday. The holiday theme will be “Food as a Gift.” There will be interactive games, a featured cooking presentation, a recipe giveaway, and a food tasting of the featured recipe. Advance Registration Required. Smithfield Branch Library, 18th Ave W, Birmingham, AL, 35204. 205-324-8428. BplOnline.org.
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The Seven Threats to Your Family Security – 2pm. Life is complicated enough, protecting your family shouldn’t be. The Asset Protection Law Center presents this program on estate planning. Join lawyer Jay Greene as he explains the best ways to protect your assets and your loved ones. For more info or to register, call Jay Greene at 205-746-2465 or ALassetprotection.com. Homewood Public Library, Room 116, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620. Restorative Reiki Circle – 6:30-8pm. Experience hands of Reiki energy in restorative yoga poses. Relax, refresh and release stress. No experience necessary. $15 drop in or 4/$50. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog. Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class – 8-10pm through December 15. The newest of the smash-hit Nunsense musicals is about street-wise Sister Robert Anne teaching a class the art of cabaret. There will be a break scheduled into the run of the show. Admission is $30. Terrific New Theatre, 2821 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-3280868. TerrificNewTheatre.com.
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Pepper Place Saturday Market – 12pm. Visit our region’s farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market. They grow vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies, tend the bees, and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labors. In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers you can enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233. PepperPlaceMarket.com.
Christmas Bird Count – 8:30am. Jamie Nobles, bird enthusiast from the Birmingham Zoo, will lead the Christmas Bird Count bird watching hike. This hike is open to all levels of birders, from beginners to experienced, and all levels in between. Not only will we identify birds by sight, but we will also learn the common calls of several birds. The hike is a moderate level. Please bring binoculars if able. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-833-8264. RuffnerMountain.org.
The First Annual Reindeer Romp Bar Crawl – 5:30-7:30pm. Join the Ronald McDonald House Young Leadership Board for a Romp around Lakeview starting at Innisfree, heading to Nana Funks and ending at Tin Roof. With drink specials, and no cover charges, this is a crawl to join in on and help the families of the Ronald McDonald House. Admission is $25. Tin Roof,2709 7th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-638-7263. Rmha.org.
Arova Contemporary Ballet Presents “The Snow Queen” – 2:30-4pm, 7:30-9pm. Join the Arova Contemporary Ballet for an exciting and contemporary spin on this classic Hans Christian Andersen tale of good prevailing over evil. Admission is $20, and $10 for students. Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, 800 19th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. Arova.org.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 Southeastern Outings Dayhike at Living River 12pm. The Presbyterian Church organization of Birmingham is developing a new camp on the Cahaba River. The camp, called Living River, will be a retreat where young people will continue to discover the awakening power of an outdoor camping experience and where adults, families, and children can also step away from the demands of their everyday lives. McDonald’s across from the Galleria, 1731 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35244. 205-5292253. SEOutings.org. Wells Fargo ZooLight Safari – 5-9pm. Enjoy a fabulous evening of lights, fun and holiday spirit as Birmingham Zoo comes alive. Experience the new ice skating rink, take a ride on the Holiday Express Train Ride, listen to story time, see animal demonstrations, experience Santa’s Roller Racer Ride, hop aboard the Jingle Bell Carousel, go on the Winter Trail Hayride, and enjoy an expanded holiday light show synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes. Animal Exhibits will be closed during Wells Fargo ZooLight Safari. Admission Charged. Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-879-0409. BirminghamZoo.com.
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Briarwood Annual Community Christmas Festival – 6:30pm. Briarwood presents the 24th Annual Community Christmas Festival. The 100+ voice Adult Choir will be joined by the Briarwood Ballet and the Alabama Philharmonic Orchestra in a musical celebration of the Christmas story. This year’s program, entitled How Great Our Joy!, will include favorites such as “Carol to the King,” “How Far Is It To Bethlehem?” “Love Came Down at Christmas,” the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah and much more. Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243. 205-776-5200. Briarwood.org.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 Crestwood Aglow – 6pm-3am. This December participate in the 3rd Annual Crestwood Aglow event which will shine a light on one of Birmingham’s favorite communities. If you’re a fan of fabulous holiday displays, we ask that a plan of driving or walking of the neighborhood is made during the event. Crestwood North Neighborhood, Birmingham, AL 35212. 205-599-5683.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Grubdown – 4pm. Meet the library pets and join in on feeding, grooming, and playing with the animals. Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL. 205-226-4081.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 2012 Year in Review: Book Club Party – 11am. The North Avondale Library Chapter Chatters Book Club members will celebrate fun memories from this year’s book club meetings and enjoy holiday-themed snacks and music. New members are welcome to join us to select new book titles and plan meetings for 2013. North Avondale Branch Library 501 43rd Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35222. 205592-2082. BpOnline.org. The Better Than Therapy Book Club – 2pm. Join us as we explore Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs. Maisie Dobbs isn’t just any young housemaid. Through her own natural intelligence—and the patronage of her employers—she works her way into college at Cambridge. When World War I breaks out, Maisie goes to the front as a nurse. After the War, Maisie sets up on her own as a private investigator. But her very first assignment, seemingly an ordinary infidelity case, soon reveals a much deeper, darker web of secrets, which will force Maisie to revisit the horrors of the Great War and the love she left behind. Homewood Public Library Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 Crystal & Light Healing Circle – 6:30-8pm. Combine the energy of sacred circles with the energy and vibrations of Reiki and the elemental kingdom. This healing circle offers the body, mind and spirit an energetic clearing that balances and refreshes one into a state of rest and relaxation$15 drop in or 4/$50. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 Winter Solstice – 7-9pm. Celebrate the Winter Solstice through mediation, yoga, energy and sound.
Join us as we honor the returning of light and help to magnify this energy of 12/21/12 out into the world. Offered by Terri A. Heiman of Natural Forces Studio and friends. Advance tickets $15 and $20 at the door. Refreshments served. Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, Inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog. Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony perform A Charlie Brown Christmas – 8pm-12am. Atlanta multiinstrumental misfits Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony play Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, in its entirety. This is an 18 or older show. General admission is $10, At the door is $12. Bottletree Cafe, 3719 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222. 205-533-6288. TheBottleTree.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – 2:30pm. The Alabama Ballet remains one of only 7 companies is the world granted the right to perform this holiday classic by the Balanchine Trust. All performed to Balanchine’s exacting specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. Tickets range from $20 to $55. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229. 205-975-2787. AlabamaBallet.org. Home for the Holidays – 2:30pm. Ring in the holidays with grand style amid favorite carols and Christmas songs performed by the best voices around. Prices range from $20 for rear mezzanine seating to $45 for seating in the prime orchestra. Brock Recital Hall - Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209. 205-322-6737. OperaBirmingham.org.
Savasana & Sound Healing – 6:30-8pm. Savasana is known for the many benefits it offers the yoga student at the end of their practice. It seals in the practice, calms the mind and relaxes the body. In this class we will combine the vibrations of the crystal healing bowls with the many benefits of savasana. The tones produced by crystal bowls are not just heard by the ear, you feel them in your body, with certain tones affecting your energy centers for healing, balancing and deep meditation. Terri Heiman, Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th Street South, inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com/blog.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 Full Cold Moon Hike – 4pm. This is the time of year when winter really starts to fasten its grip on its surroundings. We will hike to the wetlands to enjoy the glow of the moon, star gazing through a telescope and light refreshments, including hot chocolate. Leashed dogs welcome. Reservations required. $5 for members, $7 for non members. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-833-8264. RuffnerMountain.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 Wine and Cheese Hike – 4pm. We will hike to Hawk’s View Overlook and watch the sun set over Birmingham. This is a great opportunity to socialize in the great outdoors while partaking in food, drink, and a spectacular view. Reservations required. Admission is $10 for members, $15 for non members. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-833-8264. RuffnerMountain.org.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 ECT presents Santa’s Underpants –8-10pm. The gifts keep coming with a one night only Christmas night performance of Santa’s Underpants. Your favorite short form games; like The Alphabet Game, Broadway, Four Square and more, with your favorite improv actors but with a special Holiday flair. Admission is $8 online in advance, and $10 at the door. Fifth Avenue Antiques-Theatre Downtown, 2410 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-687-5233. ExtemporaneousTheatre.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 “Servant of the Soul” Exhibit: Works by Birmingham Artist Robert Clifton –10pm-6am. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will present an exhibition of drawings, paintings, and instillations by Birmingham artist Rob Clifton in BCRI’s Vann Gallery. Clifton’s work, which incorporates a variety of mediums, depicts messages from his dreams as well as temporal perceptions. Admission charged. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 Sixteenth Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203.
New Year’s Eve Dance with Free Association – 9pm-12:30am. Join us for a sparkly downtown New Year’s Eve Celebration with the exciting band Free Association with caller Janet Shepherd. Wonderful music, fun and friendly calling, good food and friends. What better way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. 309 23rd St North, Birmingham, AL 35203. FootmadBirmingham.org.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2 The Just the Facts Book Club – 6:30pm. Join us for nationally acclaimed Birmingham attorney Richard Jaffe’s Quest For Justice: Defending the Damned. Jaffe gives excellent insights into the complexities of capital murder cases. He outlines the inherit deficiencies in the system that lead to an inequitable imposition of death penalty Homewood Public Library Boardroom,1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
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ongoingevents sunday T’ai Chi – 9-10am. Together, participants explore traditional temple style T’ai Chi. These classes, taught by Brian Dunagan, are integrated with Qigong (Breath Art, or Chinese Yoga), and standing/ seated guided meditation. T’ai Chi is a wonderful way to express yourself, and is known to increase circulation, lower blood pressure, and improve balance. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South. Free admission. 205-9085405. Birmingham.Shambhala.org. Mindfulness Meditation and Discussion Group 9am. In the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Chairs are provided, or bring your own cushion. Childcare available. Contact Sharron Swain at Dre@uucbham. org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, 4300 Hampton Heights Dr. 205-945-8109. Mysore Yoga – 10:30am–12pm. Brent. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com. Healing Ministry – 12:30-1:30pm, first and third Sunday of each month. The Unity Healing Ministry offers healing through prayer and energy balancing to individuals following Sunday service in our upstairs Healing Center. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-2513713. UnityBham.com. The Appalachian Trail Club of Alabama (ATCA) 2pm, first Sunday of each month. Alabama Outdoors (downstairs), 3054 Independence Dr, Birmingham, AL. Pinhoti@bellsouth.net. Pinhoti.org. Chess: Scholastic Chess Club – 2-5pm. Schoolage players of all skill levels are welcome. Chess coach Michael Ciamarra hosts. Chess, Checkers, Go. Free. Books A Million, Brookwood Village. 205-870-0213. Smoke City Narrators Writers Club – 3-6pm, 3rd Sunday each month. Writers critique group meets at Irondale Public Library, 105 20th Street South, Irondale, AL 35210. 205-951-1415. Details: SCNarrators@yahoo.com. Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance – 4-6:30pm, 4th Sunday of each month (except MayAugust). YWCA downtown, 309 23rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Info: 205-822-0505.
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Course in Miracles Workshop – 5pm. Based on Kenneth Wapnick’s highly acclaimed workshop, “What It Means to Be a Teacher of God.” Free, open to the public, and can be attended at any time. Contact Angela at AcimJulian@gmail.com to receive study material. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-2513713. UnityBham.com. Community Yoga – 5-6:15pm. Lindsey. Open to all levels. A beginners flow Vinyasa Yoga Class based on the Ashtanga System Donation based class. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
monday Ashtanga Flow Yoga, Level 2 –12-1:15pm, except for Dec 24 & 31. Shawn. A flow practice highly influenced by Ashtanga primary series this is a great class to boost your energy during your lunch break. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Heated Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 4:30-5:45pm, except for Dec 24 & 31. Pilar. A strong flowing practice where the body and breath are integrated with music to create a visceral experience of oneness. Room is heated to 80 degrees. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Ashtanga Improv Flow Yoga – 6-7:50pm, except for Dec 24 & 31. Akasha. An exploration of 1st & 2nd series. Students should be familiar with Ashtanga primary series. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-6374228. BirminghamYoga.com. Crunk Fitness – 6-7pm. A combination of basic aerobics movements and funky hip-hop dance moves, broken down so anyone can do it. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. Railroad Park, 17th Street Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933. The Magic City Toastmasters Club – 6:15pm. Trinity Medical Center, 800 Montclair Rd, the 820 Professional Building (Nursing School), Birmingham, AL. ZSupport@TheToastMasters Tornado.com. BAO Bingo – 6pm, doors open; 7pm game starts. First Monday of each month. Cost to play is $15 for five games plus $1 for the bonus game and $1 for an ink dauber. You must be 19 to enter. Birmingham AIDS Outreach, 205, 32nd St S. BirminghamAIDS Outreach.org.
Board Games – The J. Simpkins Gallery hosts Classic Monday each Monday after work, featuring classic board games, classic movies, and refreshments. 1608 Floyd Bradford Rd, Trussville, AL. Admission $5. 205-957-5448. Afro Aerobics (African Dance Fused with Aerobics) – 6:30-7:30pm. A low impact/high energy workout designed to bring wholeness to the body, improve your fitness level, and cardiovascular system. If you want a great way to get in shape then this is the class for you. $8 per class. Bethesda Family Life Center, 1721 Dennison Ave, Birmingham, AL. 205-218-2381. Open House Sitting Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Our usual schedule is mindfulness meditation and instruction from 7-8pm and thought-provoking discussion from 8-8:30pm. Instruction is available free of charge at our Open Houses. You are always welcome to contact a Meditation Instructor about your regular practice and you may even ask to form a working relationship with the instructor of your choice. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205908-5405. Birmingham.Shambhala.org.
tuesday Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama (ACA) – Support group meeting for individuals and/or families on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. ACA office, call for time and details. 205-871-7970. Alzca.org. Yoga for Seniors – 10-11am at Trussville Senior Center, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville, AL. Contact Laura Thornton at YogaByLaura@att.net or 205-854-5683 for current schedule and information. VA Voices Toastmasters – 5-6pm. Birmingham VA Medical Center, Third Floor, 700 19th St South, Birmingham, AL. PGresh@uab.edu. Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 5:30-6:45pm, except for Dec 25. Kerry. This class is great for all levels. In a Kundalini class we will practice an asana or set of asanas using a specific breath in each pose to initiate the energy to move upwards. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Zumba Dance Calorie Burn-Off Sessions – 5:30pm. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance/fitness class where you can easily have fun and burn 500-1000 calories per session. Ages 12-84+ have attended. No dance experience needed. $5 per class. Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL.
The BE FIT Group Experience – 6-7pm. By using just your body weight, this workout routine will help tone muscles, build endurance, and boost metabolism. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. The Hillside at Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-521-9933. The Vulcan Hash House Harriers – 6:15pm. Weekly run. Affectionately known as “A Drinking Club with a Running problem,” Vulcan H3 is a non-competitive running group for people of every athletic ability. Starting at 6:15pm with a 3-5 mile trail somewhere around Birmingham, concluding with general mischief and drinking. VulcanH3.com. Vestavia Toastmasters – 6-7pm, first and third Tuesday of each month. Vestavia Board of Education Building, 1204 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL. 205-937-4099. SpeakWithEase@gmail.com. Ashtanga Yoga, Level 2 – 6-7:30pm. Akasha, except for Dec 25. Level 2 will build on the practice from beginner series, taking the Primary series postures a bit deeper. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Hatha Yoga – 6:30-7:30 pm at Trussville Senior Center, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville, AL. Contact Laura Thornton at YogaByLaura@att.net or 205-854-5683 for current schedule and information. Mysore Yoga – 6:30-8am, except for Dec 25. Brent. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. CRUNK Fitness Hip-Hop Workout Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. It’s the incredibly fun hip-hop dance workout that’s so much fun you don’t realize you’re working out. All Levels. Special $5/class (reg. $10). Membership $19.99/mo. Jamme’s Crunk Fitness Club: Nikki’s Event Center, 1210 Center Point Pkwy, Birmingham, AL. 205-960-7763. CrunkFitness.com. Tuesday Sitting Meditation – 7-8pm. Meditation instruction is available. There are people available at all sittings to answer any questions about developing your practice. All are welcome to drop in or come regularly. There is no fee. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South. Free admission. 205-908-5405.Birmingham. Shambhala.org. Alabama Orchid Society Monthly Meetings – 7:15pm. The Alabama Orchid Society welcomes all visitors and extends an invitation to attend monthly meetings every fourth Tuesday of each month. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Hodges Room, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL. 205-933-8688.
Seniors’ Caregivers Support Group – 8pm. The Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizen Services sponsors support group meetings for caregivers every Tuesday. 2601 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham AL 35205. 205-325-1416.
wednesday Pranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:157:30am, except for Dec 26. Akasha. During this class we will practice an asana set, usually from the Kundalini tradition, to awaken and energize the body. Following will be breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series, and healing chants (mantras) and meditations. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-6374228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Zumba at Railroad Park – 6-7pm. A Latin inspired dance fitness class that blends easy Latin dance moves with aerobic steps. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. Railroad Park, 17th Street Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933. Photography Roundtable – 6-8pm, first Wednesday of each month. This group is not a class; it is a casual but informative venue for amateur to expert level photographers to come together to share their ideas, tips, advice, tricks, and knowledge with each other. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred St. Columbiana, AL. 205-669-0044.
thursday
Wednesday Morning Meditation – 7-7:30am. The Center will be open for meditation. No instruction provided. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-908-5405. Birmingham.Shambhala.org.
Pranayama Yoga – 6-6:30am. Akasha. During this class we use certain healing chants (mantras) Breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series and meditations. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Mysore Yoga – 7:30-9am, except for Dec 26. Akasha. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. Birmingham Yoga.com.
Mysore Yoga – 6:30-8am. Akasha. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Heated Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 9:15-10:30am, except for Dec 26. Pilar. A strong flowing practice where the body and breath are integrated with music to create a visceral experience of oneness. Room is heated to 80 degrees. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Lupus Outreach Group – 10am, second Wednesday of each month. Homewood Public Library, Room 116, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL. Kala485@yahoo.com. Noon Prayer Service – 12-12:30pm. For a midweek spiritual boost, come to the Wednesday weekly noon prayer service and meditation service at Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com. Prenatal Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm, except for Dec 26. Nancy Roberts. A special class for mothers to be. Prenatal class focuses on the gentle needs of a pregnant woman’s body to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and prepare for the miracle of birth. Pranayama (breathwork) and calming meditations are also used to help relieve stress and bond mother to her new baby. A doctor’s waiver is required for all new students. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Mantra/Meditations – 8-9am. Akasha. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Genealogy Workshop – 9am-12pm. This workshop will give you the basics on finding that elusive greatgreat grandpa so you can take him with you to your next family reunion. Pleasant Grove Public Library, 501 Park Rd, Pleasant Grove, AL. Book Discussion Group – 10am-12pm, first Thursday of the month. Just ask at the Fiction Desk for a copy of the current month’s title. Refreshments are provided. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL. 205-444-7820. Earth Fare’s Family Dinner Night – 4-8pm. Every Thursday from 4-8pm kids eat free. One adult meal of $5 or more receives up to 6 free kids meals. The kids can choose their main item (pizza, pasta, sandwich, quesadilla, etc.), and they will always receive fresh fruits and veggies. Parents can choose anything from the hot bar, salad bar, deli case, sushi, pizza or sandwiches. We have a cafe where families can sit and eat, or we can package everything to go. Earth Fare, 3230 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL 35244. 205988-2938. EarthFare.com.
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Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 5-6pm. Akasha. This class is great for all levels. In a Kundalini class we will practice an asana or set of asanas using a specific breath in each pose to initiate the energy to move upwards. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Core Vinyasa, 4 Class Series – 6:35-8:05pm. Melissa Scott. A strong vinyasa flow practice with an emphasis on developing deep core strength. Good for all levels and great follow up from Intro and Ashtanga Series. $48 for series. Drop-ins welcome. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Restorative Yoga – 5:15-6:30pm. Bliss Wood. Restorative Yoga focuses on healing the body and mind by stimulating the parasympathetic (calming) nervous system. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Tuesday Sitting Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Meditation instruction is available. There are people available at all sittings to answer any questions about developing your practice. All are welcome to drop in or come regularly. There is no fee. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South. Free admission. 205-9085405. Birmingham.Shambhala.org.
Yoga at Railroad Park – 6-7pm. For the beginning as well as advanced student. Free. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class. The Meadow at Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933. Ashtanga Yoga, Level 2 – 6-7:30pm. Akasha. Level 2 will build on the practice from beginner series, taking the Primary series postures a bit deeper. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. CLICK! Basic Digital Photography for Adults 6-8:30pm. Students will learn about how camera functions, how to create a correct exposure, how to get the best quality megapixels and how to change white balance and much more. Ages 18+. A new class begins the first Thursday of each month. Call today to sign up. Instructor: Paris Farzad. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred St, Columbiana. 205-669-0044. The Vocalizers Toastmasters Club – 6:15pm, first and third Thursday of each month. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Birmingham, AL. 205-678-4599. Vocalizers.com. CRUNK Fitness Hip-Hop Workout Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. It’s the incredibly fun hip-hop dance workout that’s so much fun you don’t realize you’re working out. All Levels. Special $5/class (reg. $10). Membership $19.99/mo. Jamme’s Crunk Fitness Club: Nikki’s Event Center, 1210 Center Point Pkwy, Birmingham, AL. 205-960-7763. CrunkFitness.com. Hatha Yoga – 6:30-7:30 pm at Trussville Senior Center, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville, AL. Contact Laura Thornton at YogaByLaura@att.net or 205-854-5683 for current schedule and information. Mysore Yoga – 6:35-8:30pm, except for Dec 26. Brent. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
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friday Friday Morning Meditation – 7-7:30am. The Pranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:157:30am. Akasha. During this class we will practice an asana set, usually from the Kundalini tradition, to awaken and energize the body. Following will be breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series, and healing chants (mantras) and meditations. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Friday Morning Meditation – 7-7:30am. The Center will be open for meditation. No instruction provided. Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222. Birmingham.Shambhala.org. Mysore Yoga – 7:30-9am. Akasha. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Ashtanga Flow Yoga, Level 2 –12-1:15pm. Shawn. A flow practice highly influenced by Ashtanga primary series this is a great class to boost your energy during your lunch break. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-6374228. BirminghamYoga.com. Community Ashtanga Flow – 5:30-6:45pm. Christine S.A. Release stress from the week and welcome your weekend with this energizing and relaxing flow class. Class is donation based, suggested donation is $10. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Friday Night P.E. – 6-7pm. A mix of your favorite childhood games such as kickball, dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, and musical chairs to help you burn calories and improve your health. Perfect for groups. Railroad Park, 17th Street Plaza Section B, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL. 205-521-9933.
Bards & Brews: Birmingham, AL Public Library Poetry Slam Series – 6:30-9pm, first Friday of each month. Live music and sign-up at 6:30; call time is 7pm. Check Bards & Brews on Facebook for updated schedule and location.
saturday Pepper Place Saturday Market – 7am-12pm, through Dec 15. Area farming families grow vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies, tend the bees, and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham, AL to sell the fruits of their labors. In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers you can enjoy local musicians, coffee & breakfast. Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, AL. 205-313-4120. Zumba Dance Party – 9am. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance/fitness class where you can easily have fun and burn 500-1000 calories per session. Ages 12-84+ have attended. No dance experience needed. $5 per class. Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood. Downtown Running Club – 10am. Weekly runs on Saturday mornings. Runners meet in front of Paramount Cafe at 200 20th Street North for a social 3 or 6 mile run through the neighborhood streets of downtown, rain or shine. The club is free and open to runners of all speeds. For more info contact Brian Johnson at BemJohnson@gmail.com or search “Downtown Running Club” on Facebook. Meet in front of Paramount Cafe, 200 20th St N, Birmingham, AL. 617-947-0692. Shiva Flow Yoga, Level 2 – 10-11:30am. Lauren. lnspired by the Ashtanga Primary & Secondary Series, this vinyasa flow class is good for experienced beginners and experienced yogis looking for a heatbuilding practice. Room is heated to 80-85 degrees. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Slow Flow Yoga– 12-1:30pm. Jennifer H. A flowing style of yoga that deeply integrates breath, movement, awareness and alignment. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Dr. Who/British TV Fan Club – 2:30-5:30pm, 2nd Saturday each month. The Blue Box Companions meet to view “Dr. Who” videos, as well as other British science fiction and comedies. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620. Details: BBCBham.org. Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance – 7:30pm, 2nd Saturday of each month. YWCA downtown, 309 23rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Info: 205-822-0505.
communityresourceguide CHIROPRACTIC
ENERGY HEALING
CHIROPRACTOR & HERBALIST
REV. TERRI A. HEIMAN, RMT
Dr. Jeanne R. Chabot 2116 Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-2177 ChabotChiropractic.com
Natural Forces Studio, LLC 605 37th Street South Inside Birmingham Yoga Birmingham, AL 35222 516-457-3885 Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com NaturalForcesStudio.com
36 years of Chiropractic experience, certified herbalist and Reiki Master. Dr. Chabot provides physiological therapeutics, conventional Chiropractic adjustments, decompression therapy, as well as gentle adjustments according to your preference and need. Private treatment rooms provided for your comfort. Also available at the clinic:Massage therapy, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, Mediation classes, Personal Training, and Yoga classes. Most insurances accepted.
Reiki Certification Program, Energy Medicine, Vinyasa Krama Yoga. Crystal, Color & Light Therapy. Private sessions, classes and workshops.Walk-in Reiki Clinic.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND GIFTS COLON HYDROTHERAPY HEALING WATERS COLON HYDROTHERAPY
FIREFLY ESSENTIAL OILS AND CRYSTALS Mimi Campbell, B.S., M.A. 334-764-3540 Mimi@FireFlyEssentialOils.com FireFlyEssentialOils.com
Bernadine Birdsong I-ACT & NBCHT Certified Instructor and School 720 23rd St South Birmingham, AL 205-323-7582 MoreThanColonics.com
Essential oil and crystal kits for meditation, blessings, rituals, personal growth work, and gifts. Individuallycrafted blends, unique crystals, and personal consultations. “Enhance Your Inner Glow.”
Detox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics with ionized, microclustered, anti-anti-oxidant, alkaline water. We also offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin. Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, infra red sauna, light therapy, Koreanstyle Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer are also available. Come and experience the difference. Be sure to ask about the QXCI, “the computer that can tell if your are well.” It is a must for anyone who is serious about improving wellness. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.
FAMILY MEDICINE HOOVER ALT MD Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D. 3421 S. Shades Crest, Suite 111 Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-6676 hooveraltmd.com Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Wellness/Natural Medicine, Acupuncture, Weight Loss/ Fitness, Hypnosis, Aromatherapy, Biofeedback, Counseling, Addiction, Botox/ Fillers, Facials. “A different kind of practice, a deeper kind of care."
An individual has not
started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
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GREEN PRODUCTS
Let us give thanks today, as we prepare for the year anew, with faith and hope to see it through.
TONYA HAYES, INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT Celadon Road 256-394-3763 CeladonTHayes@gmail.com MyCeladonRoad.com/THayes Celadon Road markets its organic, eco-friendly and fair-trade products for home, children, kitchen and personal wellness exclusively through its network of Independent Consultants. Call me to schedule a spa party or a consultation to learn more about our products. Become an independent consultant with this young company with a solid background. This is a ground-floor opportunity. Let’s talk.
HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT JOAN SCOTT LOWE Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-939-0071 Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.com HomeopathyForWellness.com Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars ("like heals like"). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!
HYPNOTHERAPY LORRI HELLER, C.HT. 205-862-6888 Birmingham-hypnosis.com Irondale and Pelham locations Providing personalized sessions in hypnotherapy in addition to utilizing other proven methods such as NLP and EFT. You can lose weight, stop smoking and eliminate other bad habits. You can eliminate stress, fears, phobias and limiting beliefs that interfere with your being able to selfmotivate and Achieve Your Goals!
NUTRITION AND GIFTS GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS 1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-6333 3309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002 110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353 Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ORGANO GOLD COFFEE 205-229-4894 FeelingGoodWith.OrganoGold.com Do you or anyone you know drink coffee or tea? Probably so. What if you could drink a healthier coffee or tea? What if told you about a coffee that negates negative caffeine effects, yet gives you all the rich flavor and even more energy than fully-caffeinated coffee? To find out more about the benefits of Organo Gold, or to attend a tasting, please call 205-229-4894, or visit FeelingGoodWith.OrganoGold.com online.
YOGA BIRMINGHAM YOGA STUDIO 605 37th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222 205-637-4228 Contact@BirminghamYoga.com BirminghamYoga.com Serving the community, Birmingham Yoga offers and hosts: ongoing yoga classes in two beautiful studios, 200-hour yoga teacher training accredited with Yoga Alliance, morning meditation, exciting workshops and class series, monthly community kirtan, musical events, and rental space for guest speakers and teachers.
MASSAGE THERAPY INSPIRED MASSAGE THERAPY Nicole Morris, LMT, CMLDT 1915-B Courtney Drive Homewood, AL 35209 205-907-7977 InspiredMassageTherapy.com Healing touch for everyone. Offering traditional therapies such as Swedish and Deep Tissue, and specializing in restorative techniques, including Oncology Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage. Located near CVS and Piggly Wiggly on Hwy 31. Available Monday-Saturday by appointment. Call to ask about out-call appointments and special rates for multi-session packages. AL License #2313
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