December 2014

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

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Opening Up to Miracles

Gabrielle Bernstein on Creating More Happiness

Holiday Fare that Brings Joy to the Table

December 2014

P L A N E T

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contents 8 5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 16 healingways 18 greenliving

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.

12 SACRED ACTIVISM

Love in Action Can Change the World

16 20 consciouseating 22 naturalpet 16 SINGING THE WORLD AWAKE 24 fitbody 26 wisewords 18 TOXIN-FREE BEAUTY SALONS 26 28 calendar Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe 29 classifieds 30 resourceguide 20 HAPPY FEASTING

12

by Judith Fertig

by Tom Kenyon

18

by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

TO ALL

advertising & submissions

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit

by Lane Vail

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

22 PET BED-BUDDIES

Is Sleeping Together Healthy?

22

by Erik J. Martin

24 FIND YOUR

FITNESS STYLE Workouts that Suit Your Personality

by Wendy Worrall Redal

27 OPENING UP

24

TO MIRACLES

Gabrielle Bernstein on Creating More Happiness

by April Thompson

*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.

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December 2014

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letterfrompublisher “If consciousness is higher, life on Earth will change.”

–Tom Kenyon

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634 Co-Publisher, Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Melanie Rankin Natural Awakenings Birmingham 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Facebook.com/nabirmingham © 2014 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.

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We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

I have long subscribed to the belief that humanity as a whole is waking up to a higher vibration of consciousness. I believe that this consciousness is, largely, a collective one. Whenever I encounter what I see as evidence of the collective consciousness of humanity taking even a small step upwards, it receives my full attention.

One such example I have observed in the past year has been the widespread growth of essential oils. Essential oils, which are highly potent, distilled botanical extracts, have been in use for thousands of years, and are even found in the Bible.

But there was something about the past year, 2014, that saw a skyrocketing expansion of interest in essential oils. One major essential oil company, Young Living, reported more than doubling their sales in 2014.

The Young Living sales growth has matched what I have observed in the interest of the people around me in essential oils. Both my sister, Claire, and my partner, Cindy, became essential oil distributors in the past year. Cindy has been holding introductory classes on the uses of essential oils and giving talks to various groups. The response has been tremendous. People are interested in learning about and trying essential oils. When they do try the oils, the results are often extremely positive. Cindy became a believer when she completely eliminated her hot flashes using oils. Other oils have significantly improved her sleep. Now she carries around a whole bag of oils, such as Peace and Calm, Stress Away, Pan Away, Valor, and Thieves, to name a few.

I personally love Lavender. Lavender essential oil smells like nothing else in the world. It is a sweet floral scent that is sharp and potent, like it ought to be a flammable substance, yet deeply relaxing in effect, calming and joyously uplifting all at the same time.

Cindy thinks that the growing popularity of essential oils has to do with people like her getting out there and promoting the education about oils, and she is absolutely correct about that. She believes that if there is any part of the collective consciousness that the oils are tapping into, it is the interest in natural approaches to health and healing that avoid chemicals and toxic substances. She is right about that, too. But there is something else I have sensed in the emergent phenomenon of essential oils that I, myself, believe is happening.

I believe that the consciousness of the plants themselves is communicating with us on a higher level.

After all, the shamans of the Amazon, who use many plant medicines, will tell you that it was the plants themselves that taught them how to heal. I believe that through essential oils, plants are teaching us—all of us—at this time, on the collective consciousness level, how to use their healing gifts.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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newsbriefs

Healing Waters

Reiki & Restorative Master Class

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eady to let go of all that excess holiday energy? Need to take a rest but can’t seem to make yourself do it? Then Reiki and Restorative Yoga is just the class for you. Release the stress and burnout from the busy holiday season.

This master class will guide students through five to seven Restorative Yoga poses for relaxing the body and mind while applying the energy of Reiki to renew the spirit. Essential oils will be offered to further enhance the restorative and healing experience.

Students will be supported with blankets and bolsters while maintaining poses, allowing time in each pose to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system and bring the body’s response system back into equilibrium.

Reiki helps calm the mind, taking the student deeper within. What better way to renew and balance during this busy time?

Come stressed and leave with peace. Instructors: Terri Heiman and Christine Schupp-Avery.

Date: December 27, 3-5pm. Location: Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South.

Cost: $25 early registration by December 21, $30 after. Info: Terri Heiman, 516-457-3885. See listing, page 30.

• • • • • • • • • •

Colon Hydrotherapy Lipo-Ex® Infrared Sauna Computerized Biofeedback BioCleanse Massage Therapy Pain Management Light Therapy VibaBody Slimmer Korean-Style Hip Bath

720 23rd Street South Birmingham, AL 35233

205-323-7582

Bernadine Tillman Birdsong, Owner I-ACT Certified, Colon Hydrotherapy Instructor

MoreThanColonics.com

Renewal of Light: A Winter Solstice Celebration

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irmingham Yoga is retreating into the light with the celebration of the Winter Solstice. The winter solstice is a time of honoring the renewal of light and life. It’s a time of gift giving, good will and kindness.

The solstice provides us with a ritual to celebrate this time with a chance to align our life with the universe.

The energy of the upcoming year is all about moving the spiritual energy of 7’s (2014) into the infinite prosperity of the 8’s (2015). It’s time to get unstuck in the creation of life in the most abundant ways possible.

As we continue to move through this radical shifting energy of the Aquarian Age, light and darkness play an even greater role. Shining your light is of most importance. Who are you not to shine?

Join Terri Heiman and Shannon Andrews as we come together and honor this time. Celebrate through meditation, yoga, crystal energy and sound healing. Honoring the return of light helps to magnify this brightness out into the world.

Date: December 20, 7-9pm. Location: Birmingham Yoga: 605 37th Street South.

205-637-4228. Cost: $20 advance/$25 door. BirminghamYoga.com. See listing, page 31.

A Holistic Approach to Medicine: Acupuncture Chinese Herbs Craniosacral Therapy

Margot Walbert AP, DOM, CST

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Specializes in Issues With INFERTILITY MIGRAINE HEADACHES STRESS and its manifestations PAIN patterns Call Dr. Margot Today for Your Appointment:

205-868-1313 McMinn Clinic

3125 Independence Dr., Suite 108 Homewood, AL 35209 natural awakenings

December 2014

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News to Share?

Do you have a special event in the community?

Are you opening a new office or moving?

Recently become certified in a new modality?

Let us know about it!

newsbriefs Exploring the Psychology of Space: A Five-Day Residential Workshop for Mental Health Professionals

C

huck Whetsell, Ph.D., will be presenting a five-day intensive workshop starting on December 26 at 5pm and continuing through December 31 at noon. Participants will learn the method of Somatic Inquiry, a bodycentered mindfulness meditation. There will be time to practice the technique, as well as meet in small groups to practice utilizing the approach clinically. There will also be daily sessions of Rudolph Laban’s 9-point movement system.

20 Continuing Education Units for Psychologists, Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Physical Chuck Whetsell, Ph.D. Therapists, Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Nurses, and Occupational Therapists will be available.

Chuck Whetsell, Ph.D., and Amanda K. Miller-Fasshauer will lead the workshop.

For more information on cost and location, call Dr. Whetsell at 205-901-6438 or email CWhetsell@PeaceOfNowness.com. See listing, page 31.

Winter Solstice Fire Circle at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

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elp to raise the vibration of love and light on the planet with this spiritual Winter Solstice Fire Circle Ceremony, where we will come together and participate in a powerful healing and Earth blessing.

Join together to celebrate the Earth’s cycles to welcome back the light. The winter solstice is a time to acknowledge the transformation of life. It is a time to rekindle our

News Briefs We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item.

Call 256-340-1122 for additional information, or email Editor@ AlabamaAwakenings.com 6

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relationship with Mother Earth.

As we move from fall into winter we look to the energy of the north to guide us through this shift. The winter is a time of dreaming and the season when we are inspired with ideas for the coming year.

The fire circle will bring us all together and create a space of transformation.

It provides the avenue to let go of the old stuff and transform our dreams into new energy for the highest good.

We will begin at 3pm with a potluck and drum circle with a winter activity for the children. Ceremony to be led by Terri Ann Heiman and staff at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve will begin at 4pm. What to bring: Drums, rattles, water and a snack to share with the community for the pot luck. What to wear: Dress in layers appropriate for the weather.

Date: December 21, 3-6pm. Location: Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Wetlands, 1214 81st St South, Birmingham. Info: Lindsey Darby, 205-833-8264 x12. Cost: $5.

Free for children. Check the Ruffner Mt Facebook page for up to date info.

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Book Study: “The First Christmas” Facilitated by Rev. Charles Perry Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, & 17 6:30-8 pm

Bookstore & Church Office Hours 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 Info@UnityBham.org

In The First Christmas, two of today’s top Jesus scholars, Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan, join forces to show how history has biased our reading of the nativity story as it appears in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. They explore the beginning of the life of Christ, peeling away the sentimentalism that has built up over the last two thousand years around this most well known of all stories to reveal the truth of what the gospels actually say.

They successfully show that the Christmas story, read in its original context, is far richer and more challenging than people imagine.

Books may be purchased from Unity of Birmingham Bookstore or to purchase e-books, make sure you sign up on smile.amazon.com to benefit Unity of Birmingham with your online purchase.

ONGOING WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sundays 9:45am Adult Sunday School 10:45am Youth Ministry in Artie’s Place 11am Sunday Service in the Sanctuary 5pm “Course in Miracles,” Main Lobby Wednesdays Noon Prayer Service Fridays 12 noon Metaphysical Musing with the Reverends (Bring your lunch) 6:45-7:30pm CODA in the Upstairs Lobby 7pm Alcoholics Anonymous

HOLIDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE Saturday, December 6 5-7 pm Unity Art Gallery Artist Reception Wednesday, December 24 7 pm Candlelighting Service Sunday, December 28 11 am Casual Sunday (casual dress, blue jeans, etc) Wednesday, December 31 7 pm Burning Bowl Ceremony Sunday, January 4 11 am White Stone Ceremony

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December 2014

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healthbriefs

Calcium Supplements Raise Risk of Brain Lesions

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Duke University study published in the British Journal of Nutrition this summer found that calcium supplements taken by elderly persons may increase the risk of brain lesions that are identified as hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans.

The researchers studied 227 adults over the age of 60. The patients were assessed for supplemental calcium intake and received brain scans via MRI. Those taking calcium supplements had more lesions of a volume typically associated with hypertension. They noted no dose-dependent relationship between lesion size and the amount of calcium being supplemented. The scientists commented that other studies have found calcium supplementation also associated with greater risk of artery disease.

Hyperintensities are observed in normal aging, plus several neurological, psychiatric and autoimmune disorders that affect the brain. They constitute damage to brain tissue caused by restricted blood flow and have been linked to mild cognitive deficits and disturbances.

Knotweed and Hawthorn Outperform Lovastatin in Trial

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hinese researchers recently discovered that two herbal extracts may treat atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, as well as or more effectively than the pharmaceutical drug Lovastatin.

Sixty-four patients with atherosclerosis of the carotid artery were studied. For six months, half the patients received 20 milligrams of Lovastatin per day, while the other half took an herbal extract combination of Japanese knotweed and hawthorn.

After six months, tests showed artery plaque thickness and inflammation were significantly lessened among both groups.

However, the herbal extract-treated group showed a greater reduction of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, a marker of risk for cardiovascular disease.

Relatively high levels of hs-CRP in otherwise healthy individuals are predictive of heart health crises even when cholesterol levels are within an acceptable range.

People with lower values have less of a risk.

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CELL PHONES AND ROUTER MICROWAVES STRESS PLANTS

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vidence of the effects of wireless technologies on human health continues to be controversial, with agreement on results remaining elusive. Now a new study published in the Journal of Plant Physiology found that humangenerated microwave pollution can potentially be stressful to plants.

Researchers from Romania’s Estonian University of Life Sciences tested three common garden plants—parsley, celery and dill weed. They exposed each to the types of microwave radiation equivalent to those produced by cell phones and wireless routers. Then these radiation-exposed plants were compared with identical plants not exposed to the radiation.

The scientists noted that the irradiated plants had thinner cell walls; smaller chloroplasts (cellular sites of photosynthesis); smaller cell mitochondria (centers of energy production); and greater emission of volatile compounds, particularly monoterpenes and green leaf volatiles, which are protective, life-promoting components of the plants’ essential oils.

The effects were stronger for the type of radiation produced by wireless routers. While essential oil production overall was increased by the frequency of the microwaves produced by cell phones, it was decreased by the frequency emitted by the routers.

Hospice Care Adds Months for Cancer Patients

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esearchers from Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center determined that hospice care significantly increases survival rates among patients with metastatic (stage IV) melanoma, a difficult-to-treat form of cancer that occurs when melanoma cells have spread through the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

The study’s authors followed 862 metastatic melanoma cancer patients. Of these, 523 patients received one to three days of hospice care, 114 patients received four or more days and 225 people received no hospice care through their survival period. Those that received four or more days had an average survival period, which typically dates from the original diagnosis, of 10.2 months, while those that received none averaged 6.1 months. In addition, the end-of-life hospital costs for those receiving the most hospice visits were nearly half of what was incurred by patients not receiving hospice attention.

Hip Fractures Decrease on Weekends and Holy Days

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new study published in the Israel Medical Association Journal found that older adults are more likely to have hip fractures in the wintertime, except during weekends and on religious holidays.

The study’s authors checked the records of 2,050 patients that were at least 65 years old and had suffered a hip fracture. Analyzing the dates of each fracture revealed that significantly more of them occurred during the wintertime; the injuries corresponded directly with lower temperatures and greater rainfall.

Fewer fractures took place on the Sabbath and during weekends in general, as well as on Yom Kippur and other holy days, with the exception of Passover.

Mistletoe Extract Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Patients

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AWAKENING AMERICA

Natural Awakenings Celebrates 20 Years of Conscious Living

Read What People Are Saying About Natural Awakenings Natural Awakenings provides helpful information on natural health and environmental issues with a consistently positive perspective and tone, which is not always easy considering how serious and intimidating some of these topics are. It’s a rarity. ~ Sayer Ji, founder, GreenMedInfo.com

Publications like Natural Awakenings reach many people and I’m so glad to be able to share a voice beyond the propaganda. ~ Melinda Hemmelgarn, Food Sleuth

I have changed so much over the last year finally realizing that life is so much bigger than me. I love this Earth and all the wonders that are a part of it, and your magazine contributes to my appreciation.

~ Theresa Sutton, Connecticut

It is unusual to see your level of writing and consciousness in a free publication. Thanks for a great work. ~ Kaih Khriste’ King, Arizona

study published in the European Journal of Cancer revealed that a mistletoe extract may lengthen life for patients with severe pancreatic cancer. German researchers tested 220 patients with advanced stage pancreatic cancer, an aggressive, often fatal disease. The patients were divided into two groups; one was given up to 10 milligrams of Viscum album (European mistletoe) three times a week for up to 12 months.

Both groups received supportive care throughout the study period.

The average length of survival for those taking the mistletoe extract, 4.8 months, was nearly twice that of the other group, 2.7 months; a survival period typically dates from the original diagnosis. Within a group considered to have a good prognosis, the survival period for those that consumed the extract, averaging 6.6 months, was more than double that of the no-extract group, which averaged 3.2 months.

Natural Awakenings magazine is the only advertising I use for my practice other than word of mouth referrals and it has brought us new patients consistently especially now that we advertise monthly. The quality of the leads is great and we really enjoy helping the holistic-minded patient. The publisher is great to work with and truly wants to see the business succeed. We plan on always advertising with Natural Awakenings and expanding our presence in the magazine.

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~ Cate Vieregger, DDS, Colorado

December 2014

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205-979-5692

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Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense

by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

ERYTHRITOL

Your Secret Holiday Ingredient

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es indeed, soon the visions of sugar-plums will be dancing in our heads (whatever those are), and we will find ourselves captive audience to a veritable smorgasbord of sweet holiday treats. But this year, I urge you to try an experiment. When you make sugar cookies, cakes, icing and other desserts, substitute half the sugar with a erythritol-based product. I recently discovered one called Swerve, which is a 1-to-1 replacement for sugar and even browns the same way, meaning you can use it for candied nuts and nobody will know the difference.

(technically 0.24 calories per gram versus 4 calories per gram in sugar) it will not give the gift of extra pounds on your body the way sugar tends to do.

But that’s not all! While other artificial sweeteners like Splenda and NutraSweet have been shown to kill friendly bacteria in the mouth and GI tract—not to mention promote weight gain—erythritol does not.

In fact, it has even been shown to help prevent cavities. In one study erythritol even outperformed xylitol, another sugar alcohol that has gained a reputation for its anti-cavity action.

What is Erythritol?

Is Erythritol safe?

It’s a sugar alcohol produced by fermenting glucose with a yeast. The glucose source is typically corn—which of course raises the specter of GMOs. Unless a brand specifically states otherwise, you can assume it’s a GMO product, which I do not recommend. For example, Truvia is a sweetener made by Cargill that contains stevia plant extract and erythritol derived from GMO corn.

Swerve, on the other hand, is made from non-GMO corn.

What are the health benefits?

First and foremost, erythritol does not have the same insulin-spiking and blood-sugar-raising effect as real sugar, which is especially important for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

That’s a lot of us, by the way. Next, because it contains almost zero calories

By all legitimate accounts, yes. However, there is a study cited by various “alternative health” websites, which shows that erythritol fed to fruit flies was effective in shortening their life spans. Am I concerned about this? Absolutely not. A meta-analysis of animal studies, in which erythritol was fed in high doses, showed no toxicity whatsoever. Besides, upwards of 90 percent of the substance passes through the human body without being metabolized at all. It is possible the effect on flies has something to do with GMOs, as most GMO corn is designed to produce its own pesticide. All the more reason to select a non-GMO product. Although given I have a fruit fly problem in my kitchen at the moment, I may just leave some erythritol solution out on the counter for those little buggers!

Sugar-Free Candied Pecans

4 Tbsp butter (half a stick) 1 cup Swerve 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp salt 3 cups pecans (or other nuts) Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add Swerve, cinnamon and salt and stir continuously until well combined and the Swerve is completely dissolved.

Take care not to overcook, as the mixture may burn.

Remove from heat and stir in pecans until well coated. Pour the mixture onto prepared pan and spread out to reduce clumping.

Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense is now a podcast, available on iTunes! Visit SteveDupont. com to learn more. Steve may also be reached at 205-213-7953 or steve@ stevedupont.com.

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December 2014

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Sacred Activism Love in Action Can Change the World

by Judith Fertig

Fe, New Mexico, that’s also reflected in his book, The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism. Born in India, educated at England’s Oxford University and in the religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, he now resides in Melbourne, Arkansas, where he’s founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism. The goal of his international travel is to bring concerned people together to proactively face global crises.

Says Harvey, “Sacred activism is a fusion of two of the most powerful fires of the human psyche—the mystic’s passion for God and the activist’s passion for justice.”

Hallmarks of Spiritual Intent

“Sacred activism is the fusion of the mystic’s passion for God with the activist’s passion for justice, creating the burning sacred heart that longs to help, preserve and nurture every living thing.” ~ Andrew Harvey

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he butterfly, a universal symbol of transformation, reminds us that becoming our best selves is an ongoing process. Yet these delicate, fluttering creatures are suffering a decline, especially the vivid orange and black monarch butterflies that depend on milkweed flowers for sustenance during their migration to and from Mexico and Canada.

“When I heard about the monarch butterfly crisis, I also noticed that I had milkweed vines all along my back fence,” says Karen Adler, a Kansas City, Missouri, gardener. “In years past, I would have pulled them out because 12

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they can strangle other plants. But I talked it over with my neighbor and we agreed to let them grow. This year, we had more monarchs than ever.”

These two women might not realize it, but they had engaged in spiritual activism. They became aware of a problem, approached it with compassion, learned about the issue, realized life’s interdependence and committed themselves to positive action for a result that is good for all.

It’s a process that Andrew Harvey first described in a 2005 talk he gave at the Santuario de Guadalupe, in Santa

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The Awakening – Progressing from concerned citizen to spiritual activist is a gradual process. It may begin with an issue to which one feels called. “Our life in the world is a continual call and response,” observes Kabir Helminski, of Santa Cruz, California. He authors and translates books on the Muslim Sufi tradition, which tends to have an open relationship with other religions, and is a core faculty member of the Spiritual Paths Institute, which encourages seekers to find the sacred traditions that speak to them.

“Sometimes events are a waking dream calling for interpretation, and sometimes the heart is directly addressed from within,” says Helminski.

Compassion – Once an event moves us, prayer can be a pathway that opens our hearts to compassion, according to Jagadish Dass, of Granada Hills, California. The healer and teacher wrote The Prayer Project: The 3-Minute, 3 Times a Day Solution for World Change, which encourages involvement with something bigger than ourselves.

Dass maintains that praying for three minutes, three times a day, will help us transmute into expressing a quiet power. “As we take responsibility for our lives, a transformation occurs within,” he says. We begin to inspire others to also take up the cause of working for change and bringing more peace, joy and love to the world.

Likewise, Harvey urges each of us to make a real commitment to daily spiritual practice on the road to

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December 2014

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spiritual activism. He suggests, “Start with a short prayer that aligns you with the pure deep love that is longing to use you as its instrument in the world.” Options include prayers from many of the world’s spiritual traditions shared in Dass’ book; a free download is provided at StewardshipOfTheSoul.com.

Interconnectedness – Just as everything in the universe is connected by the simple act of being, like-minded people can connect to do good in the world. Sacred activists pursuing their own spiritual paths need to work with others, according to Harvey. “They form empowering and encouraging networks of grace—beings of like heart, brought together by passion, skill and serendipity to pool energies, triumphs, griefs, hopes and resources of all kinds. When people of like mind and heart gather together, sometimes miraculously powerful synergy can result.”

Harvey has found that groups of six to 12 people become the most efficient and productive, whether joined together through a profession (such as physicians on medical missions), a passion for animal rights or the environment, or a strong sense of social justice.

Knowledge – Knowledge, both inward- and outwardseeking, is another key to doing good for all. Carla Goldstein, JD, chief external affairs officer at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, in Rhinebeck, New York, and cofounder of its Women’s Leadership Center, used her interest in women’s empowerment issues as a springboard to spiritual activism.

“For the first 20 years of my professional life, I focused on public policy and politics,” she says. “But something was missing in the rhetoric of taking care of each other.”

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“When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.”

Give the most unique gift this year!

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Practicing yoga and meditation and receiving support during a personal health crisis prompted what she terms “an awakening understanding of a gap between personal change and systems change.” Goldstein came to question her own “rugged individualism” versus the interconnectedness she felt when people took care of her. “Can we actually move towards integrating these two ideals?” she asked herself.

Knowledge about issues is readily available from experts and organizations that experts recommend; she observes, “The big question is: What is needed for us to be of help?”

Sometimes listening and understanding can be powerful. Under the auspices of the Omega Women’s Leadership Center, Goldstein invited women on both sides of the reproductive rights issue to meet in 2005. They had been part of the Public Conversations Project in the Boston suburb of Watertown, Massachusetts, begun after medical staff members were killed and wounded at an area women’s health clinic providing abortions in 1994.

“Women from the divided community initially came together to tell their stories,” Goldstein relates. “Over time, they developed a deep love for each other. Nobody changed their positions, but they did change how they interacted with one another.” They experienced a shift from emotional and verbal turbulence to, if not agreement, feelings of peace and understanding. Since then, the project has grown to facilitate such conversations in 38 states and 15 countries (Public Conversations.org).

Positive Action – While many thorny issues take longterm, dedicated efforts to be resolved, others only need smaller individual or collaborative actions for positive outcomes. For Mark Nepo, a New York City poet, philosopher and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Book of Awakening, kindness is the force behind positive action, no matter how modest at first.

“Kindness reveals kinship. It gives us connection to everything greater than us and everything else that is kind in the universe,” he says. “I think it’s powerfully effective, yet it’s such a small thing.”

Nepo is active in Bread for the Journey, an international nonprofit that encourages community grassroots philanthropic projects that generate micro-grants. One involved a small town in northern New Mexico that sought to improve the lives of local teenagers when the town’s elders wanted to open a youth center as a positive alternative to the drug scene. Just before the center was scheduled to open, the project ran out of money for required floodlights, so Bread for the Journey funded them and the center opened. “Within a few years, the whole culture shifted,” reports Nepo. This small contribution made a big difference to the whole community.

Once awakened and nurtured, spiritual activism can become an omnipresent part of our lives. Says Goldstein, “When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.”

Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from Overland Park, KS.

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How Hands Uplift Hearts

by Sandra Murphy

V

olunteering provides rewarding satisfaction and progress for adults and children alike. Seniors stay involved and parents work alongside kids to experience the value of helping others.

Local places of worship often maintain a list of opportunities to serve a community through helping and healing ministries and special projects. The Red Cross is best known for supplying aid in emergency situations, but many needs are year-round (Red Cross.org). A call to city hall can steer willing participants to the right local organization. Here are other examples from around the country to spark loveinspired ideas.

meditation or restorative yoga, work the front desk, read to preschoolers and do fundraising.

People

Environment

Meals on Wheels does much more than deliver lunches to those in need (mowaa.org).

In Austin, Texas, the Healthy Options Program for the Elderly program brings a bag of groceries monthly to clients most nutritionally at risk, plus Groceries to Go volunteers shop for or with clients every two weeks. Minor safety-related home repairs are provided through the Handy Wheels project.

In Seattle, community helpers paint classrooms, install new playground equipment and donate books and supplies at the city’s public schools.

Berkley, California, YMCA volunteers teach classes like mindful

Animals

Homeless dogs in shelters learn leash manners while participating in the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program at South Carolina’s Aiken County Animal Shelter. Leashes and treats are supplied to encourage volunteers to walk dogs at least once a week. It’s healthy exercise for both dogs and humans. To calculate the calorie burn, visit Tinyurl. com/WalkOffCalories. Shelter cats need socialization, too. Visits that include playtime and gentle petting make them more adoptable.

New York Cares has family projects available with no minimum age requirement (NYCares.org). Either on an ongoing or a one-day basis, volunteers improve parks, plant community gardens and refresh public spaces. Trails require refurbishing after bad weather.

Streams and waterways need a good cleanup after floods. Check with the park ranger for more information.

With a little research, volunteers can find the right activity, whatever their location, interest, age or abilities. Another good place to start is VolunteerMatch. org, which is easy to search by zip code and personal interests. A perfect opportunity to help others awaits.

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December 2014

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editorial calendar

2015

healingways

JANUARY

whole systems health plus: energy boosters FEBRUARY

enlightened relationships plus: healing grief MARCH

animal rights

plus: new healthy cuisine APRIL

nature’s wisdom

Photo by Adrienne Koteen

plus: healthy home MAY

breast health

plus: natural birth JUNE

healing addiction

Singing the World Awake

plus: balanced man JULY

food democracy

plus: inspired living AUGUST

parenting with presence plus: creativity SEPTEMBER

by Tom Kenyon Article adapted from the film, Song of the New Earth

agelessness

plus: yoga benefits OCTOBER

working together

plus: natural antidepressants NOVEMBER

true wealth

plus: beauty DECEMBER

prayer & meditation plus: holiday themes

16

Birmingham, AL

W

hen I was a Music and sound tion from every tradition, sometimes for five hours a youngster, I clearly remember are the language day. Without realizing it, reading a book, The Boy and architecture I was changing my neurophysiology.

Who Sang to the World, of the cosmos. Brain research shows although I later learned it that when we experience doesn’t exist. I read it in pure sound without language, the some other realm of consciousness and right side of the brain lights up like that’s what I became. a Christmas tree. I’d worked in brain

I sang to the world, sun, moon, research for about 13 years when, stars and all life. I sang in church and while meditating, I received new inchoirs and later took up guitar and formation about brain geometry that I piano. One day, a visitor to our house said, “You’re going to heal many people recognized as the geometry of consciousness in its relationship to sound in this world with that voice.” and emotion.

When I attended the University

I understood that if I taught this to of North Carolina, I discovered that others, I would observe rapid change neurophysiology could be used as a and improvement in brain function language to explain mystical experiand creativity, which took place when ences. The whole time I was engaged I conducted beta testing at three sites. in scientific training, I was also going One day, I was in California doing a deeper into the mysticism of the East, workshop when these sounds just came the yoga of India, Taoism of China, through me. That’s what spawned my Egyptian alchemy and Tibetan Budcurrent sound work. dhism. I was practicing every medita-

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Sound opens consciousness.

If consciousness is higher, life on Earth will change.

I become like a tuning fork to the information that is coming to me. In shamanism, this is called being the hollow reed. I step out of the way. In terms of brain frequencies, I go into an alpha state, in which I can attend to what I need to do vocally, but for that moment surrender my voice to the energy.

When I work shamanically with drums, animal spirits come through my voice, as do beings from other traditions.

I feel like a doorway, or a chauffeur looking in the back seat to see who I’m driving. I live in two diametrically opposed worlds. I’m logical in how I look at things and am fascinated by brain neurology. Then there’s this other side that’s off the charts.

I never know when the whales are going to appear. As I operate in an altered state, I can see humpbacks psychically approaching until one of them enters my energy field.

Subjectively, I become as large as a whale, at the same time I’m aware of my physical body. I have dual realities, and then the whale sounds emanate through me.

In a visionary experience on my 40th birthday, the question arose, “Will you sing the song of the new Earth?” I believe that we’re not going to survive much longer as a species if we don’t change how we are living, and that’s what my work is about. Many people are having spiritual emergences, yet we don’t, as a culture, have a place to harness its potential. What I do with groups is a type of sound healing, working collectively with the energy of a large gathering. Each person responds in ways unique to them, breathing into some inner emotion and making a sound that matches how it feels inside.

Something happens with people that attend these events. It’s about the transformation and beauty of being able to step into the unknown to commune with a knowledge and intelligence that’ll sing through my voice. Together, we’ll see what will come forward.

A major message I’ve received is that if we are to survive, we must raise the feminine out of the ashes created by millennia of cultural traditions and have the male and female meet together, not one above the other, but in equality, and with that union, create a new world.

The boy who sang to the world has grown up to sing a space that allows people to create their hopes and dreams into existence.

Psychologist and musician Tom Kenyon is trained in Ericksonian medical hypnosis and whole brain learning.

His 25 years of practicing psychotherapy led to the formation of Acoustic Brain Research to scientifically study neuropsychology and psychoacoustics. He teaches Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Egyptian high alchemy and esoteric Christianity. He has authored Brain States, many CDs and the new documentary about his journey, Song of the New Earth (SongOfTheNewEarth.com).

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December 2014

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greenliving

Toxin-Free

BEAUTY SALONS Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe

by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

W

hen clients walk into New York City’s Swing Salon, they may be surprised by what they don’t smell—the range of chemicals usually wafting around hair salons. That’s because the owners have decided to use only natural and organic products.

While many people may assume that all salon hair and body treatments are regulated and safe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to test cosmetic products for safety, due to loopholes in the Toxic Substances Control Act. So, people are being exposed to dangerous toxins through salon products like nail polish, hair color processors and hair straighteners.

Be aware that while labels of overthe-counter body care products are required by law to list ingredients, with the exception of the chemical soup often hidden under the term “fragrance”,

the loophole for salon products is large.

Jamie Silberberger, with the Women’s Voices for the Earth’s National Healthy Nail & Beauty Salon Alliance, reports, “Products sold for professional use in spas and salons are not required to be labeled with ingredients.”

Fortunately, healthy alternatives are available, either by patronizing a green salon or using natural beauty treatments at home.

Hair Straighteners One salon treatment—Brazilian Blowout hair straightening—can continue to expose customers and salon workers to toxic fumes even months after application. It’s among the conventional straightening products that contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.

“Exposure to formaldehyde doesn’t end with the treatment—the fumes are reactivated every time heat is applied to the hair,” says Jennifer Arce, a San Diego,

California, salon worker who became sick after applying a single Brazilian Blowout treatment. “So, when a client who’s had a Brazilian Blowout done elsewhere comes into the salon to get a haircut or color and has her hair blow-dried, flat-ironed, curled or processed under the hood dryer, the fumes that come out of her hair make me and several of my coworkers sick all over again.”

Solution: Avoid chemical hairstraightening treatments. Sign on to the Women’s Voice for the Earth letter campaign petitioning the FDA to remove Brazilian Blowout from U.S. shelves by visiting Tinyurl.com/ BanBrazilianBlowout.

Hair Dyes and Extensions About two-thirds of conventional hair dyes in the U.S. contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical banned for use in such products in Germany, France and Sweden. Exposure to PPD

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can cause allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to death by anaphylactic shock, which happened to a teenager in 2010.

When Spain’s University of Santiago de Compostela researchers conducted a metastudy examining the risk of cancer among hairdressers and related workers, all reported that employees had a higher risk of cancer than the general population.

Hair extensions also warrant attention. Many adhesives used on extensions may contain 1,4 dioxane, listed as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and styrene, a neurotoxin and suspected endocrine disruptor.

Solution: Look for a clean, green salon that uses natural hair color treatments free from synthetic chemicals, ammonia or PPD. Individuals can also order nontoxic organic color kits direct from EcoColors.net.

Nail Polish When getting a manicure or pedicure, beware of the toxic trio of dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.

Used to help nail products hold color, they’re linked to reproductive and development problems, plus dizziness and eye and lung irritation, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Facing pressure from consumer groups and salon workers, some polish companies are now producing so-called “nontoxic” nail polish, although their labels aren’t verifiable. California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control recently tested 25 nail polishes sold to salons, 12 of which claimed to be toluenefree, including

seven said to be free of the toxic trio.

The researchers found toluene in 10 of those, and one or more of the three ingredients in five out of the seven.

Solution: Customers should bring their own safe nail polish and only patronize well-ventilated salons.

Find a Green Salon Many conventional body products like shampoos and massage oils contain a litany of ingredients that add to our chemical exposure. Ask questions to ensure all of a salon’s products are nontoxic or as low in toxicity as possible.

For example, a large network of independently owned “concept salons” across America are connected with the Aveda Corporation (Aveda.com), a national leader in developing hair and body products that are free from the most dangerous ingredients. More than 90 percent of Aveda’s essential oils and 89 percent of its raw herbal ingredients are certified organic.

Also look for members of the Green Spa Network, a nationwide coalition of spas that pledge to be energy efficient and sustainable in all of their practices (GreenSpaNetwork.org).

If a green salon hasn’t yet arrived locally, bring nontoxic products for appointments and ask the stylist to use them. Visit the Skin Deep Database at ewg.org/skindeep to find the least-toxic products for at-home use.

Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist is a freelance writer in Tucson, Arizona.

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December 2014

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consciouseating

HAPPY FEASTING TO ALL

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit

by Lane Vail

T

he holiday season is ripe with an array of spiritual, cultural and family rituals. We celebrate, reflect, give gifts and, of course, feast.

Fortunately, the media also teems with tips on how to avoid high-calorie holiday goodies, says Dr. Michelle May, author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. For our diet-driven culture to resolve its struggle with food, she says we must learn to honor its intrinsic value. Ritualized eating can help; a recent study published in the journal Psychological Science found that engaging in food rituals evokes mindfulness that enhances the enjoyment of eating.

Pause

Hunger, the body’s fuel gauge, manifests in physical symptoms like a growling stomach or low blood sugar, says May, citing a useful analogy. “You wouldn’t drive around and pull into every gas station you see; you’d check your fuel gauge first. Before filling up with food, pause and check your fuel gauge. Am I actually hungry, or is this desire coming from something else?”

May suggests practicing FEASTing: First, focus on physical sensations, thoughts and emotions; perhaps we’re thirsty, rather than hungry, rationalizing that holiday foods are special, or feeling stressed or lonely. Next, explore why the feelings or thoughts are present, and 20

Birmingham, AL

then accept them without judgment.

Strategize ways of satisfying the need and take a small step toward change.

Savor

Complex preparations for a major holiday can provoke anxiety and impatience, and likewise, feelings of longing or disappointment when it’s over. Sarah Ban Breathnach, bestselling author of Simple Abundance and Peace and Plenty, recommends allowing Christmastide to unfold at its own pace and celebrating all of December with a homemade Advent calendar.

Craft a tree-shaped tower of tiny boxes or a garland of burlap mini-bags clipped with clothespins. Place an almond covered in organic dark chocolate in each container and use the treat as a daily mini-meditation.

“Drop into the present moment, fully savor the luxurious, small bite and experience the pleasure of eating,” suggests May. Consider it symbolic of the season’s sweetness.

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Connect

“Food connects us with one another, our heritage and our culture,” says May. Heather Evans, Ph.D., a Queen’s University professor and a holiday culinary history expert in Ontario, Canada, suggests creating a food diary of traditions to reinforce a connection with the past and support a holiday food legacy for the future. Ask grandparents about their childhood culinary memories, peruse family recipe books or discover new dishes that honor everyone’s ethnic heritage. Then create an heirloom holiday cookbook with handwritten recipes arranged alongside favorite photos and stories.

Sync

According to pagan philosophy, sharing seasonal food with loved ones during the winter solstice on December 21 symbolizes the shared trust that warmth and sunlight will return. Eating warm foods provides physical comfort and eating seasonally and locally connects us to the Earth, observes May.

Sync body and spirit with the season by stewing root vegetables, baking breads, sipping hot cider and tea, and nibbling on nuts and dried fruits.

“The repetition of predictable foods is reassuring,” remarks Evans, and it celebrates nature’s transitions.

Play

Stir-Up Sunday is a Victorian amusement filled with fun, mystery and mindfulness, says Ban Breathnach. Some December Sunday, have each family member help stir the batter of a special Christmas cake while stating a personal new year’s intention. Drop a clean coin, bean or trinket into the mix and bake. Serve it with a sprig of holly on Christmas Day, and the person with the piece containing the lucky charm will be rewarded with a prosperous, wholesome and positive new year, according to tradition. Evans remarks, “This is a wonderful ritual for nurturing the health and spirit of the family.”

Give

Boxing Day offers something far more meaningful to celebrate than postholiday sales. Originating as a tradition that thrived during the 19th century,

“December 26 was a chance for landowners and homeowners to give back to household staff and local tradespeople,” says Evans. “It’s a tradition worth reviving to pause, reflect on our own good fortune and contribute to others’ comfort.”

Consider serving a meal at a local soup kitchen, collecting items for a food drive or offering a box of healthy culinary treats to community stewards at a fire station, post office or library. On Christmas Day, says Ban Breathnach, “Our kids have the world lying at their feet.” Boxing Day, she says, provides a natural transition to reach out in charity.

Lane Vail is a freelance writer and blogger at DiscoveringHomemaking.com.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY TOPPERS Creating a repertoire of delicious wintery foods can help evoke health, mindfulness and delight during the holiday season. Dr. Michelle May advises approaching the entire process of eating, including the menu planning, shopping and food preparation, with a spirit of mindfulness, which adds a deeper dimension of pleasure to the experience. “Cake becomes more than just cake,” she says. “It becomes something the family creates and enjoys together.”

Savor these rituals and recipes with loved ones.

Start the new year with a tabula rasa (clean slate) by hosting a New Year’s Eve Good Riddance Tea Party. Gather family and friends over warm ginger tea, spiced apple cider, hot chocolate and festive finger foods. Guests write down on slips of paper any mistakes, disappointments, regrets, hurts or failings they wish to be forgiven or forgotten. One by one, put them into a crackling fireplace or bonfire to symbolize surrendering of the past.

“This ties the heart strings in a comforting bow,” comments author Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Then, inscribe fresh intentions for the year to come and tuck them away in a special place. “This is the most mystical part, because so many prayers get answered,” Ban Breathnach says. Lastly, toast the new year with optimism and joy.

Bake for an hour-and-a-half. Insert a skewer or toothpick to see if it comes out moist, but clean; if not, bake for up to 30 minutes more. (Cover the top if necessary to prevent over-browning.)

After cooling, remove from the tin and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, author of The 80/20 Diet and founder of TheHealthyChef.com.

The Perfect Custard

Memory-Making Christmas Cake

A Revitalizing Ritual for the New Year

Combine the dried fruit, spices, vanilla, orange zest and juice, olive oil and eggs. Mix in the almond flour and walnuts, then spoon the batter into the baking tin.

This nontraditional, healthy Christmas cake is alcohol-, sugar- and gluten-free.

It relies on fruit for sweetness, almond meal for moistness and vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange essences for a perfect mingling of flavors. Prepare the cake with the whole family as a Stir-Up Sunday ritual, and keep it tightly sealed in the refrigerator until Christmas Day. Serve in small portions at room temperature or warmed in the oven and alongside vanilla bean custard or plain yogurt swirled with orange blossom honey.

Yields 20 servings 2½ cups (600 grams) mixed and chopped dried fruit (raisins, prunes, figs, apricots, currants, sultanas and/ or dates) 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla bean extract Zest and juice from 1 organic orange 3 Tbsp olive oil 3 organic free-range eggs 2 cups (200 gm) ground almonds (almond flour) ¼ cup (50 gm) walnuts Preheat the oven to 300° F. Line the sides and base of a 7-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.

Yields 6 servings

A velvety-smooth custard, also called crème anglaise, may be used as a foundation of many desserts. It can be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate, citrus, coffee or pistachio.

Pour this vanilla bean custard over a warm Christmas cake or serve it straight up as eggnog, adding a touch of brandy and dusting of nutmeg.

2 cups milk of choice (organic, almond, coconut, soy or rice) 2 organic free-range eggs 2 tsp vanilla bean extract 2 Tbsp organic maple syrup or 1 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp cornflour or kudzu Pinch nutmeg

Heat milk in a saucepan with vanilla and honey and bring to near boiling, then remove from heat.

Beat eggs and cornflour in a stainless steel mixing bowl until combined.

Pour the hot milk over the eggs and whisk in well.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon.

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December 2014

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Remove from the heat quickly and pour back into the mixing bowl.

naturalpet

Whisk well to slightly cool and smooth it out. If any lumps appear, strain the mixture through a sieve.

Serve hot or cold. To warm up cold custard, put in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water; stir and heat through gently.

NOTE: For an egg-free custard, heat 17 oz almond milk with 2 Tbsp honey or 100 percent maple syrup and 2 tsp vanilla extract until near boiling. Thicken with a slurry made from 2 Tbsp cornflour, arrowroot or kudzu. Finish with a sprinkling of nutmeg.

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, author of The 80/20 Diet and founder of TheHealthyChef.com.

Melody Moonlight’s Magical Monster Loving Potion Yields 4 servings Melody Moonlight’s story, which birthed the potion 32 oz apple juice ½ cup dried holy basil leaf 2 Tbsp dried orange peel 2 Tbsp dried rosemary 1½ Tbsp crushed cardamom 1½ Tbsp dried ginger root 1 Tbsp dried peppermint leaves ½ Tbsp ground nutmeg 1½ cinnamon sticks 13 drops each of essences of chicory flower, beech flower and rose quartz (all available at natural grocers) In a large pot, bring the apple juice to a near boil.

Add all the other ingredients and turn off the heat.

Read Melody Moonlight’s story at Tinyurl.com/LovePotionStory to infuse it all with magic and meaning.

Courtesy of Andy Bottagaro, potion maker at Shine Restaurant & Gathering Place, in Boulder, CO. 22

Birmingham, AL

Pet Bed-Buddies Is Sleeping Together Healthy?

by Erik J. Martin

T

here was a time Staying in close room in the bed if you when Eliska, a don’t wake up.” contact makes it three-pound Prague ratter, would curl up and easier to pick up Make a Good Choice sleep next to owner Krista fleas, ticks or skin “Having your pet sleep in DeAngelis, and most of the time, she and the mites a pet may the bed with you is a perdog enjoyed a peaceful sonal choice,” says hocarry, and can night’s slumber. listic Veterinarian Patrick

Then DeAngelis worsen allergies. Mahaney, of California married, and her husPet Acupuncture & Wellband banned the dog ness, in West Hollywood. ~ Roger Valentine, from the bed for fear of holistic veterinarian By discouraging this unintentionally squashbehavior, “Your pet will ing Eliska in his sleep. After enduring a be less likely to confuse your bed with few sleepless nights of canine whining theirs, and therefore prevent potential and barking, the Salt Lake City couple territory-related problems.” By failing successfully curbed their pet’s protests to discourage it, “You not only face the by simply spraying Eliska with a misting possibility of behavioral problems, you bottle every time she acted up. After could also face adverse effects to your two nights of this routine, the pocketown sleep and health,” he notes. sized pooch was fully trained to sleep

According to results published in by herself in another room. a survey of 300 sleep disorder patients

“I originally thought letting my dog conducted by Dr. John Shepard, then sleep in my bed was a good idea,” says medical director of the Mayo Clinic DeAngelis, a communications director Sleep Disorders Center, in Rochester, at Westminster College. “But I realized Minnesota, nearly 60 percent of the pet that they can keep you up when they owners in the study slept with their pets rustle around, wake you up if they have inside the bedroom. Twenty-two perto go out and sometimes go to the bath- cent of the patients were likely to have

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pets sleeping on the bed with them.

Plus, 53 percent said their sleep was disrupted to some extent every night.

Twenty-one percent and 7 percent of their dogs and cats, respectively, snored.

Yet, a British study of 420 UK cat owners conducted by the nonprofit Cats Protection revealed that 44 percent of respondents (including 51 percent of women polled) said they enjoyed a better night’s sleep with a cat in bed with them than with a human companion.

Benefits listed included an absence of snoring, more space on the bed and soothing purrs.

“The advantages of letting your pet share your bed include companionship, warmth and a sense of security,” advises Mahaney. Among the drawbacks, he notes lack of space for people to sleep, interruption of normal sleep patterns and the pet’s confusion about its expected place to sleep.

Nip Problems in the Bud

To break a pet of a bed-sleeping habit, Mahaney recommends applying persistence, consistency and the following tips:

A pet’s companionship can reduce levels of stress hormones while enabling people to deal with their emotions and stressful situations. ~ American Heart Association journal, Hypertension n Establish a separate area or bed for the pet to sleep. A cat or dog bed can be as simple as a clean, soft blanket placed nearby. n Use positive reinforcement techniques. Offer a tiny training treat, “gooddog” clicker noise or praise when the animal is comfortably resting in its own bed, to reinforce this desirable behavior. n Immediately address any territorial aggression when co-sleeping with a pet, such as growling or nipping. First, authoritatively say, “No!” Then put the pet on the floor or into its own bed and give the command to sit and stay.

n If problematic behavior persists, seek consultation with a veterinary behavior specialist.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

If a family member decides to share a bed with a pet, Mahaney offers the following recommendations: n Let it sleep on top of the covers, instead of under them. n Be aware of the need to remove environmental debris, including fecal material, on its coat before bedtime. n Give the dog an opportunity to void itself within a reasonable timeframe before going to sleep. A typical healthy dog should not have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate or defecate. n Allow a cat the opportunity to exit the bedroom throughout the night to play, eat, drink and use the litter box. Cats are nocturnal animals and are more likely to be active during lights out.

Erik J. Martin regularly contributes to WebVet.com, from which this was adapted.

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fitbody

Find Your Fitness Style

Workouts that Suit Your Personality

by Wendy Worrall Redal

W

hile some people find repetitious workouts boring, others like doing predictable routines at regular locations. Ensuring that our fitness regimen jives with our “fitness personality” is integral to making exercise a consistent part of our lifestyle, a concept that has traction among exercise experts.

Jonathan Niednagel, founder and director of The Brain Type Institute, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and an athletic consultant for professional teams, explains in his book, Your Key to Sports Success, that understanding our inborn brain type can help us to determine which sport is best suited to motivate us. In Suzanne Brue’s book, The 8 Colors of Fitness, she applies principles from the Myers-Briggs person-

ality inventory to help readers develop a personalized exercise program. Susan Davis-Ali, Ph.D., in St. Paul, Minnesota, a professional coach for working women, created a Fitness Interest Profile survey for the Life Time Fitness health club chain. She points to research that suggests people that engage in activities appropriate for their personalities enjoy their workouts more and are likely to stay with them longer.

Identifying our fitness personality can help us find a program that suits our rhythms and interests. Based on composites from growing research, here are six categories that assess and capture the way we may feel about exercise; more than one can apply to any individual.

Disciplined and driven.

This is an image to which many of us may aspire, even though not everyone fits the

mold. These exercisers are self-motivated and goal-oriented. Commitment and consistency go hand-in-hand. They like to use devices to track progress, maintain a training log and/or work with a personal trainer in systematic workouts geared to measure improvement.

Disciplined types are often early risers; starting the day with regular exercise is second nature. Compatible fitness regimens include cardio workouts, interval and weight training, running, swimming and martial arts.

Relishes routine. While these folks are disciplined and driven in some ways, they tend to be more relaxed about regimens. The key to success here is consistency. They like order and familiarity in exercise settings and practice and may enjoy reading or watching a screen during workouts.

Whatever the preferred approach, whether it’s a favorite training video, Wii Fit video game, favorite teacher or memorized Pilates moves, these exercisers like to stick with it, even working out at the same time every day—often first thing in the morning or after work—finding that regularity can be habit-forming.

Conscious contemplative. Reflective individuals enjoy quiet, solo activities like long-distance running, biking, hiking and swimming, that allow opportunities to look inward, often without thinking too much about the physical details. Exercise offers a chance to clear the mind and renew the spirit while strengthening the body. These types naturally gravitate

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to outdoor pursuits, but some indoor practices may also suit them, like yoga, Pilates, tai chi or even karate, which incorporate a strong mind-body component. Workouts are often soothing, rather than intense.

Plays well with others. For many people, exercise is best enjoyed with others, combining the social and fitness benefits of both. Connections and camaraderie get them off the couch, revved up and ready to go. Whether it’s a committed group of friends chatting during water aerobics or a highpowered cardio class that compares notes, motivation comes primarily from the presence—and accountability factor—of others. A lunch-hour class at a nearby studio or gym may be a fun break in the workday. On weekends, consider golf, tennis, dance or a local recreation team.

Compulsive competitor. While the communal aspect is appealing, the greater gratification for this type comes through the thrill and challenge of competition. Trying to win is the great motivator, unlike driven and disciplined types that are happy to push through to their personal best. Team sports are a natural outlet, including soccer, rugby, lacrosse, basketball or swimming, plus disc golf, tennis or racquetball matches and running events.

Avid for adventure. It’s tough for any formal exercise program to keep the attention of adventurers. They crave freshness and spontaneity in fitness venues, activities that engage their interest and animate enthusiasm.

It’s crucial for adventurous types to mix things up and not rely on any one exercise practice. Outdoor endeavors such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, inline skating or mountain biking have appeal. They may gravitate to the variables of Nia, Zumba’s high-energy Latin dance groove, kickboxing, exercise balls or hot yoga. A midday exercise escape can break the work routine. Their key to keeping active is to keep things stimulating.

Wendy Worrall Redal blogs at Gaiam Life (Life.Gaiam.com), from which this was adapted.

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wisewords

Opening Up to Miracles Gabrielle Bernstein on Creating More Happiness

by April Thompson

M

otivational speaker and bestselling author Gabrielle Bernstein knows the gravitational pull of addiction firsthand. Although introduced to spiritual practices from an early age, she turned away from that upbringing in her 20s, pulled instead into a vortex of drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships while running a public relations firm promoting Manhattan nightclubs. After hitting rock bottom at age 25, Bernstein made the unwavering decision to seek spiritual help and change her life.

The entrepreneurial young woman found her groove as a spiritual teacher, introducing millions to new ways of thinking and living through her books, lectures, blogs and videos. Her nononsense approach to spirituality and knack for making practices like meditation and prayer accessible to beginners and cynics have attracted a new generation of seekers. Bernstein’s latest book, Miracles Now:108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow, and Finding Your True Purpose, offers simple, yet powerful tips to short-circuit unhealthy thought patterns and take a shortcut to transformational change.

Why do you reframe a miracle as simply a shift in perception?

Shifting your perception and choosing again is a core principle from A Course in Miracles, a metaphysical text that I study and teach from. When you choose

to reorganize your belief system and align it with a loving, forgiving perspective, rather than a fear-based reality, that’s when miracles can happen.

Some people shift away from a harmful relationship with addictive drugs and alcohol like you did, while others take such unhealthy behaviors to the grave; what makes the difference?

Often when we get caught in unhealthy behavior, we aren’t willing to ask for help. I think the reason I was able to leave those behaviors behind and create a new path was my willingness to live a different way. I was able to witness my life and see that it wasn’t working. It’s an ongoing process; I’ve been on my current path of turning to spiritual principles for many years, but I’m still constantly working to apply them throughout my moment-tomoment experiences.

How does meditation help create radical change?

I think meditation is a key tool for health, happiness and well-being. It can help reorganize the nervous system, lower stress levels, calm the mind and recalibrate energy. It can help us experience more synchronicity in our lives and a greater sense of interconnectedness, as well.

What do you struggle with the most and what personal miracle are you still trying to realize?

I’m in constant conversation with myself over my thoughts and beliefs about judgment and separation. People are programmed by society to believe we are separate and to judge ourselves and others. My practice suggests a reinterpretation of that general belief system in order to perceive things differently. I also try to forgive limiting thoughts I was holding onto; for example, judging myself for not performing well at a lecture.

Talking too much in conversations is a big challenge for me. A practice in my Miracles Now book called WAIT, for “Why am I talking?” reminds me to notice when I’m saying too much, commenting unnecessarily or not supporting the greater good.

How do you think about money, and has that proven helpful in broader terms?

I believe that we have the power to attract healthier relationships in our financial circumstances in the same way that we have the power to attract healthier relationships with people in our lives. Some people think that you can’t both be spiritual and secure financial abundance; I think that’s nonsense. When you start to reorganize your beliefs around your self-worth and capacity to earn, and open up to your intuitive voice and the creative possibilities for earning, then your financial situation can change dramatically. I have lived that principle fully. I was brought up in a poverty mindset, but with a shift in perception, I was able to release my fears of financial insecurity.

Do you have a go-to practice that you reach for first when faced with a difficult situation?

When I’m faced with a complicated situation or feeling powerless, I say a prayer in stillness. Such a practice asks through prayer and listens through meditation.

It’s in that stillness that I can hear the voice of intuition and the voice of forgiveness, and love can come forward.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

natural awakenings

December 2014

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calendarofevents

Calendar A wonderful resource for filling your workshops, seminars and other events.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 37th Annual Christmas Concert – 7:30-9:30pm.

The Birmingham Boys Choir will be presenting its 37th Annual Christmas Concert, featuring the voices of some of the most talented boys in Birmingham.

Free and open to the public. Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Rd, Birmingham.

205-767-9219.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 It’s a Wonderful Life: Behind the Scenes with Dick Segreto, Followed by the Movie – 6-8:30pm.

Classic movie fan Dick Segreto goes behind the scenes of one of America’s most beloved classic movies, followed by a presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life. Free. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd. 205-332-6625.

Alabama Author Jon McClure – 6:30pm. Come meet and hear Alabama author and Hoover resident Jon McClure. His latest book, Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, contains recipes from several Hoover area restaurants. Book signing to follow.

Free. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr. 205-444-7840.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 Crystal Zen Restorative Healing Workshop – 6-8pm. Crystal Zen combines the power of crystals and yoga to heal the body, mind and spirit. Come discover complete and absolute peace through yoga and crystal healing. Led by Terri Heiman and Dylan Royale. $25. 205-262-2012. VillagerYoga.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Two styles available: Calendar of Dated Events: Designed for events on a specific date of the month. 50 words. n

Calendar of Ongoing Events: Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week. 50 words. n

Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you through the process.

We’re here to help!

256-340-1122

Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com 28

Birmingham, AL

6th Annual Artist Market – 9am-3pm. Artists will be offering their one-of-a-kind art for sale. Artwork will include pottery, jewelry, fabric art, paintings, drawings, print making, photography and more.

Free. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred St, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Holiday Faire – 10am-3pm. Celebrate the season with an International Lunch Buffet and Bake Sale, live music, games, a Little Elves Store, Drum Circle with John Scalici, Climbing Wall from Idelwild, and local vendors selling handmade goods, toys, and jewelry. Free. Alabama Waldorf School, 1220 50th St South, Birmingham. 205-592-0541.

Restorative Yoga Hot Stones – 2-4pm. Give your immune system a boost with this special workshop designed to initiate the “relaxation response” in the body. $30. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South.

205-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Understanding Botanical Names – 12:30-4:30pm.

Learn how fascinating, enlightening and humorous botanical names can be. Botanical nomenclature topics to be discussed will be their history, formatting, pronunciation, common prefixes and suffixes, recommended references, and much more. $40-$45.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd. 205-414-3950.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 Healthy Holiday Cooking with Chef “E” – 10:3011:30am. Chef “E” promotes healthy eating and nutrient rich foods that home cooks can incorporate

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Happy Holidays in family meals. A tasting of the featured recipe is provided at the end of the program. Free, registration required. Southside Branch Library, 1814 11th Ave South, Birmingham. 205-933-7776.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 Candlelight Pilates – 6-7:30pm. Explore Pilates in a calming atmosphere designed to de-stress and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. The class flows through the breath and movement of Pilates mat exercises with soft light and a peaceful atmosphere. $20. Embody Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Ste 100. Register: Therese.Laeger@gmail.com.

EmbodyBirmingham.com.

Jingle All the Way: Christmas Songs and Stories with Dolores Hydock & Bobby Horton – 6:30pm.

A jolly evening of favorite stories, songs, and sing-alongs with Dolores Hydock and the music of Bobby Horton. $25. Advance reservations required.

Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd. 205-332-6625.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 Introduction to Botany – 8:30am-4:30pm. This class will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of botany. Alter the classroom portion of this class, we will walk out into The Gardens to explore the physiology and diversity of the plants around us. $80-$90. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd. 205-414-3950.

Reiki 3 Master/Practitioner – 9am-6pm. Reiki 3 deepens your connection to Reiki and opens you up to the full ray of energy. Info: Terri Heiman, 516457-3885. Natural Forces Studio, 605 37th St South, inside Birmingham Yoga. NaturalForcesStudio.com.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike – 9am. Moderately easy hike in DeSoto State Park. We will hike along the beautiful West Fork of Little River. We’ll also hike various other trails in the park and visit Lost Falls. This is one of the most scenic state parks in Alabama. Info: Havis Johnson, 205-834-3544.

Seoutings.org.

Alabama Wildlife Center’s Holiday Craft and Bake Sale – 9am-1:30pm. Holiday-themed crafts and ornaments, handmade jewelry, quilts & throws, unique gifts with a natural theme, bird houses & feeders, homemade jams, jellies, preserves, candies, baked goods, on-site vacuum sealed smoked hams and turkey breasts. Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Rd, Hoover. 205-663-7930.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28

Southeastern Outings Dayhike, Oak Mountain State Park – 1pm. Enjoy a moderate 4-mile walk in the woodlands near Birmingham on a Sunday afternoon. Parts of this hike will be off the color-coded trails. $3 park admission fee. Info: Edd Spencer, 205-317-5868. Seoutings.org.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike at Red Mountain Park – 1pm. Red Mountain Park is a 1,200-acre public recreational park with more than 18 miles of new hiking and biking trails, open fields and picnic areas.

Join us as we explore the park. Info: Joe Myers, 205-988-0741. Seoutings.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31

Documentaries After Dark: Appalachian Photography – 6:30-8pm. Renowned photographer Shelby Lee Adams has devoted 30 years of his life to visiting and making portraits of families living in Appalachia. Free. Emmet O’Neal Library, 50 Oak St, Mountain Brook, AL.

New Year’s Eve Energy & Fire Circle Retreat – Dec 31-Jan 3. Release the energy of 2014 with Good Food, R&R, Yoga, Reiki, Card Readings, Sound Healing, EFT, Fire Ceremony, Intention Setting and Vision Boards at RR Resorts, Dahlonega, GA. Info: Terri Heiman, 516-457-3885. NaturalForcesStudio.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Southeastern Outings Dayhike Along Buck Creek in Helena, AL – 2pm. Come explore the wilder side of Helena with a moderately easy 4-mile hike on a lovely creekside trail. Info: Teresa Smotherman, 205-337-5878. Seoutings.org.

Ruffner Mountain Winter Solstice Fire Circle – 3-6pm. Celebrate with Mother Earth. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Wetlands, 1214 81st St South, Birmingham. Info: Lindsey Darby, 205-8338264 x12. Check the Ruffner Mt Facebook page for up to date info.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 Exploring the Psychology of Space: A Five-Day Residential Workshop for Mental Health Professionals – 5pm, Dec 26 to 12pm, Dec 31. Participants will learn the method of Somatic Inquiry, a bodycentered mindfulness meditation. 20 CEUs. Led

by Chuck Whetsell, Ph.D., and Amanda K. MillerFasshauer. Info: Chuck Whetsell, 205-901-6438 or Cwhetsell@PeaceOfNowness.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 Southeastern Outings Dayhike on the Black Creek Trail in Fultondale – 1pm. Moderately easy four-mile dayhike on a rails-to-trails conversion route on an old railroad right of way. This finely-crushed rock surface trail goes through mostly wooded terrain. No hills. Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680. Seoutings.org.

Reiki & Restorative Master Class – 3-5pm. Release the stress and burn out from the busy holiday season.

This master class will guide students through five to seven Restorative Yoga poses for relaxing the body and mind while applying the energy of Reiki to renew the spirit. $25. 205-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham. 205251-3713. UnityBham.com.

A Course in Miracles – 5-6:30pm. On-going discussion group. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

Sacred Space Art Gallery – 9:30am-3:30pm, Tues-Fri in December. Alabama Artist Joan Watkins’ acrylic paintings. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave. Free. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21

sunday

tuesday

Community Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Retreat from the stress of the holiday season with this 90-min partially-guided group meditation. The intention will be to bring calm and peace to each individual and to the community that surrounds us. Free. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100.

EmbodyBirmingham.com.

Winter Solstice Celebration – 7-9pm. The winter solstice is a time of honoring the renewal of light and life. It’s a time of gift giving, good will and kindness. The solstice ritual celebrates this time with a chance to align our life with the universe. $20. 205-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

ongoing

plan ahead

Manna Market Organic Food Co-op – Pick up, deliveries and co-op store will be on Dec 2 and 16.

Order online. Purchases can be delivered or picked up at one of the convenient locations. Co-op store hours are 1:30-3:30pm at Valley Christian Church, 2600 Cherokee Pl, Mountain Brook. MannaMarket. net. 205-566-2533.

Restorative Yoga with Reiki & Essential Oils – 6:45-8pm. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South.

BirminghamYoga.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 Manifest Your Dreams: A Kundalini Yoga Workshop – 9:30am-12pm. Each of us holds the power to create a life of joy, health and abundance. In this workshop, we will practice a yoga set to jump start your life force and vitality, clearing out old blocks and baggage. $25. 205-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Vision Board Workshop – 12-2pm. Embody will host this annual opportunity for you to put a concrete, artistic form to your New Year’s resolutions.

Magazines and poster boards provided, but you are free to bring your own. Free. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with Info@EmbodyBirmingham.com. Embody Birmingham.com.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

wednesday Happy for the Holidays through Yoga & Nutrition – 6-7:30pm, Wednesdays (Dec 3, 10, 17).

Emilie Maynor explores how yoga and nutrition can help maintain physical and emotional wellness during the holiday season. Each class will incorporate movement to bring stress release and mindful awareness before nutrition discussions. $15/class.

205-262-2012. VillagerYoga.com.

friday Happy for the Holidays through Yoga & Nutrition – 10:30-12pm, Fridays, (Dec 5, 12, 19). Join Nancy Roberts for three classes to help you slow down and release stress. Classes focus on slow movement, intention and allowing the body time and space to relax, stretch and strengthen. $15/class.

205-262-2012. VillagerYoga.com.

HEALTH COOKWARE SALADMASTER sales and service. 256-502-9845.

OFFICE FOR RENT ONE ROOM OFFICE for rent. Adjacent to chiropractic office. Hoover $500. Homewood $400.

Perfect for massage, acupuncture, or other natural healing services. 205-871-1888.

saturday Pepper Place Saturday Market – 7am-12pm, through Dec 13. Pepper Place Market brings the best Alabama growers, food producers and artisans to Birmingham each week. Weekly Musicians and Chef Demonstrations. Free. Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave South, Birmingham. PepperPlaceMarket.com.

natural awakenings

December 2014

29

communityresourceguide ACUPUNCTURE

COUNSELING

ASHLEY LUNDY, LAC

ANDREA MATHEWS, LPC, PHD

Doctor of Oriental Medicine 104 S Chalkville Rd, Ste 105 Trussville, AL 35173 205-661-0054 Alacupuncture.com DocLundy@alacupuncture.com

2112 11th Ave South, Suite 522 Birmingham, AL 35205 205-328-0780 AndreaMathews.com Andrea@AndreaMathews.com

Specializing in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using noninvasive treatment to help treat pain, high blood pressure, fertility issues, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and weight loss. Located inside Eastern Chiropractic. Call today for your appointment. See ad, page 14.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR ANDREA J ROSS

Wholestic Pet Services 205-492-1000 • WholesticPetServices.com Andiross@bellsouth.net WholesticPetServices@gmail.com Animal Communicator, Reiki M a s t e r, A n i m a l M e d i c a l Intuitive, Dog Behaviorist/ Trainer. Natural and alternative healing remedies, aroma therapies, essential oils, herbal remedies, and T-Touch. Natural Flea & Tick Remedies. Creating and living a chemical free environment.

Andrea offers both Transpersonal Therapy and Cognitive Therapy to adults, couples (including alternative relationships), for a variety of issues and diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, histories of physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and supportive therapy for GLBT issues.

EMILY TUCKER LPC, NCC

300 Office Park Dr, Ste 220 Birmingham, AL 35223 205-261-1417 • EmilyTuckerLPC@gmail.com Birmingham-Counseling.com Empathy, compassion and reflection are the foundation of her practice with each client. Specializing in Addictions, relationship issues, trauma recovery, depression and anxiety, wellness coaching.

Call today for your free consultation. Wellness Packages now available; pay once—no hassles. See ad, page 23.

ENERGY HEALING REV. TERRI A. HEIMAN, RMT, RYT

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Natural Forces Studio, LLC Birmingham, AL • 516-457-3885 Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com NaturalForcesStudio.com

HEALING WATERS

Bernadine Birdsong I-ACT & NBCHT Certified Instructor 720 23rd St South, Birmingham, AL 205-323-7582 • MoreThanColonics.com

O ff e r i n g p r i v a t e s e s s i o n s , workshops and classes in Reiki Energy Healing, Angels, Meditation and Yoga. Spiritual Healing Certification Program, Spiritual Development Academy™ at Spiritual-Development-Academy. com. To Your Spirit!

Detox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics with ionized, microclustered, antioxidant, alkaline water. We offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin. Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, light therapy, Korean-style Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer also available. See ad, page 5.

FAMILY MEDICINE BIRMINGHAM INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Dr. Melanie Miller 159 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-2110 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com Facebook.com/Birmingham IntegrativeHealth

Dr. Miller brings a commitment to integrative health to her patients in the greater Birmingham area. Her definition of good health goes beyond freedom from disease.

She strives for both physical and mental well-being. She is a Family Medicine Doctor with interest in adrenal, thyroid, hormone balancing, nutrition, food allergies, weight loss, herbs, supplements and acupuncture. See ad, page 7.

HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT JOAN SCOTT LOWE

Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-1288 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!

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.

PAST LIFE REGRESSION DR. ANN J CLARK

Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word. ~Goran Persson 30

Birmingham, AL

Facebook.com/nabirmingham

3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Suite 213 Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205-637-3599 BirminghamHypnosis.com Explore your past lives or visit the spiritual realm in a Life between Life Regression. Also offering hypnotherapy, advanced energy work and meditation class. Certified in clinical hypnotherapy, Past Life Regression, and Life between Life Regression. Reiki Master.

CONTEMPLATIVE PSYCHOLOGY CHUCK WHETSELL, PH.D.

Transformative Psychology Services 2011 9th Ave South, Suite 200B Birmingham, AL 35205 205-901-6438 • PeaceOfNowness.com CWhetsell@PeaceOfNowness.com

To be

beautiful

YOURSELF

means to be

-Thich Naht Hanh

Using principles of meditation, clients are guided in going more deeply inwards to explore life’s difficulties.

Contacting one’s inner wisdom gives access to strength and purpose, which translates into personal guidelines for going forward in life. Individual and group sessions, including Peace of Nowness groups for working with anxiety.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS BELL LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS 800-333-7995 BellLifestyle.com

Formulated natural health supplements intended for pain control, urinary health, preventive illness, virility, stress relief, weight control and other common conditions. See ad, page 2.

DECEMBER HAPPY FOR THE HOLIDAYS CLASSES: > YOGA & MINDFUL NUTRITION > SLOWING DOWN & FINDING INTENTION

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.

JANUARY SERIES: > 40 DAYS TO FREE > YOGA FOR BEGINNERS > INTRO TO THE SPINE > ALIGNING THE CHAKRAS > BEFORE THE BUMP > YOGA FOR NEW MOMS > YOGA FOR KIDS

Learn more & register at villageryoga.com | 262-2012

EMBODY PRACTICE CENTER 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-637-0299 Info@embodybirmingham.com EmbodyBirmingham.com

Embody Practice Center offers Yoga for all ages, levels, and health conditions.

Classes include All Levels Yoga, monthly Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga, Beginner’s Series, and series specific to injuries (such as neck and shoulders or low back).

EPC also offers Tai-Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Breath/ Feldenkrais® Class, Meditation workshops, and various other community and professional workshops. See ad, page 14.

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natural awakenings

December 2014

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Try Oxygen Scalp

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THERE’S NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT! Unlike other oxygen treatments, which atomize or spray oxygen on the scalp, the Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen System uses therapeutic oxygen under hyperbaric pressure to infuse a special serum of modified anti hair loss serum, and may also add essential vitamins, botanicals, antioxidants and amino acids & peptides into the scalp. Re-hydrated, plumped up scalp in less than an hour will set this treatment apart from any other restorative treatment.

Call to book your appointment today!

Oxford - 256-831-8100

Bham - 205-988-3733 Jacksonville - 256-435-6200

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