Natural Awakenings Boston April 2016

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

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H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Planet-Friendly Lifestyles Making Sustainable Choices Every Day

Troubled

WATERS Our Precious Freshwater Supplies Are Shrinking

Oil Bust It Could Mean Clean-Tech Boom Farm-to-Hospital On-Site Farms Grow Organics for Patients

April 2016 | Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

letterfrompublisher

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s I read this month’s Green Living article, “Troubled Waters, Our Precious Freshwater Supplies Are Shrinking,” by Linda Sechrist, I couldn’t help but consider again today’s disheartening state of affairs in which corporate greed and politics continue to override what is best for society.

This reminds me of scenes in the Star Trek movies in which Spock lays down his life for others based on his logical conclusion, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” In a later episode, when the spaceship crew must choose to save one of their own in exchange for risking their lives and Earth’s potential devastation in the process, the half-human Spock takes the stand that they must take the chance and save their comrade. His logic? It’s the human thing to do. It makes one wonder if the handful of corporate and government so-called leaders that legislate and manipulate policies that negatively affect the rest of us are even half-human.

If you are a regular reader of this magazine, you know that Natural Awakenings’ general philosophy and mission is to maintain a helpful focus and look to alternate constructive solutions even when the news is bad. In that light, I believe that the reality is not nearly as dismal as current issues suggest.

Planet Earth along with the entire universe knows how to take care of itself, harboring the delicate balance and eternal force that keeps it all functioning. Our job as Earth’s collective citizenry is to claim and embrace our right and power to affect positive change en masse in ways aligned with the best interests of life on our home planet.

It works only when we use those powers effectively: When we care enough to do the due diligence to research who gets our votes; when we take the time to let local, state and national politicians know that we care about how they vote and will support them only when they act on behalf of the general welfare, the good of the many; when we align our choices with our highest beliefs, proving it in the purchases we make.

Clear evidence in the power of the people shows up in small and large victories, some of which we highlight this month. Just last month the DARK Act, a bill that would have taken the right away from states to enforce mandatory GMO labeling, was defeated in the U.S. Senate. Another victory came last month as Cambridge joined more than 15 other Massachusetts cities and towns to ban plastic bags at point-of-sale.

There are good and wonderful things happening in our world and when we shift our attention to focus on them, support more of them by living our highest values and have faith that we are all inherently good, miracles can happen.

Here’s to manifesting a miraculous spring!

Maisie Raftery, Publisher

contact us Publisher Maisie Raftery Managing Editor Nancy Somera Proofreader - Randy Kambic Administrative Assistant Allison Roedell Support@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com Contributors Judith Fertig • Karina Gordin Michael Green • John Ivanko Randy Kambic • Linda Kivirist • Susan Andra Lion Avery Mack • Linda Sechrist April Thompson Design & Production Stephen Blancett Zina Cochran Julee Bode Advertising Call 617-906-0232 P.O. Box 1149 Brookline, MA 02446 Phone: 617-906-0232 Fax: 877-907-1406 NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com Maisie@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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newsbriefs healthbriefs globalbriefs inspiration healingways greenliving conciouseating wisewords healthykids petbrief calendarof events

35 classifieds 36 community

resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 617-906-0232 or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editor@ NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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.

14 EVERYDAY

SUSTAINABILITY

Practical Ways We Can Help Out the Planet

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by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

16 OIL BUST COULD

MEAN CLEAN-TECH BOOM

by Michael Green

17 EARTH SONG

Mother Nature’s Rhythms Restore the Soul

by Susan Andra Lion

18 FARM-TO-HOSPITAL On-Site Farms Grow Organics for Patients

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by Judith Fertig

20 TROUBLED WATERS Our Precious Freshwater Supplies Are Shrinking

by Linda Sechrist

22 EDIBLE HEIRLOOMS Old-Fashioned Fruits and Veggies Return to the Table

by Avery Mack

24 MARIE KONDO

22

ON THE JOY OF TIDYING UP

Simplicity Invites Happiness into Our Lives

by April Thompson

26 A GREENER SHADE OF YOUTH

New Generations Put Earth First

by Randy Kambic

NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com natural awakenings

April 2016

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newsbriefs Groton Wellness Welcomes Dr. Daniel Cagua-Koo as Medical Director

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r. Daniel Cagua-Koo, is the new medical director at Groton Wellness.

Cagua-Koo is certified by the Family Medicine Board and specializes in biotoxin illnesses, chronic heavy metal burdens, environmental toxicity and mold, among other issues. He is joined at Groton by Dr. Daniel Cagua-Koo biotoxin specialist Lenore Saulsberry.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Dan and Lenore to our innovative community health and wellness center,” says Groton co-founder Dr. Jean Nordin-Evans. “Their approach in combining traditional medical training with an in-depth knowledge of biotoxins and environmental toxicity will help our patients immensely. As medical director, Dr. Dan will also help to further integrate our practitioners so that patients receive the best care possible.”

Cagua-Koo’s specialization in environmental toxins includes advice regarding products used in the home, lifestyle analysis and medical tests as needed. He offers a free, 15-minute phone consultation to new patients and will be the featured speaker at a free practitioner’s breakfast on April 19. To register, visit the calendar of events at GrotonWellness.com.

Groton Wellness is the first holistic center of its kind in the United States, with professionals in preventative and functional medicine and dental care. It has had great success treating such chronic health issues as Lyme disease, hormonal imbalance and internal toxicity.

Location: Groton Wellness, Mill Run Plaza, 493-495 Main St., Groton. For more information, call 978-449-9919 or visit GrotonWellness.com. See ad on back page and Resource Guide on page 37.

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newsbriefs Fourth Annual Celebration of Reiki Conference in Brookline

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he fourth annual Celebration of Reiki conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., April 10, at the Brookline Holiday Inn. The event brings the reiki community together to learn, connect and collaborate, and features reiki practitioners, teachers and students from a variety of lineages.

The theme of this year’s conference is Rooted in Our Past – Vision for Our Future. Participants from throughout New England and beyond will be on hand to enjoy and learn from the day’s programming and featured speakers. The conference site is convenient to both public transportation and cars, with free street parking on Sundays.

Cost: $90 with an optional $15 lunch. Location: 1200 Beacon St., Brookline. To learn more, call 617-244-8856 or visit CelebrationOfReiki.org.

Free Talk on Bruno Groening Spiritual Healing Method

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he Bruno Groening Circle of Friends is presenting a free lecture by Dr. Wolfgang Vogelsberger, a chronic pain specialist from Germany, on an approach to spiritual healing. The talk will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., April 14, at the Boston Center for Adult Education.

The presentation is based on the work of Bruno Groening, who was known in Germany for his extraordinary healing successes. He attracted wide public atBruno Groening tention in 1949, after a man announced that his son had been healed of muscular dystrophy through Groening’s help. Today, more than 80,000 people worldwide are reported to be practicing these teachings through the Bruno Groening Circle of Friends.

Vogelsberger will present Groening’s approach to spiritual healing and share documented, current reports of severe, chronic and reportedly incurable diseases that were healed through these methods. Attendees will be shown how to access and use healing energy for themselves.

Cost: Free, and donations accepted. Location: 122 Arlington St., Boston. For more information, call 413-531-6677 or visit Bruno-Groening.org/english. natural awakenings

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newsbriefs Studio Audience Members Wanted for Cooking Show

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ebra Stark, founder of Debra’s Natural Gourmet, in West Concord, is looking for studio audience members for her Eat Well Be Happy cooking show. The program is produced and recorded in Stark’s home kitchen in Acton with the crew from the kitchen at Debra’s Natural Gourmet.

“We shoot four shows from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then the TV crew, cooks and guests all sit down to feast on the food that was made for those shows,” says Stark. “The audience members will not be on camera, so they get to relax and just enjoy. The $150 fee will go to their favorite nonprofits, and the camaraderie and laughs are free.”

Eat Well Be Happy airs nationwide and streams on any device at DebrasNaturalGoumet.com. “It brings back the pleasures of the table and focuses on fresh, local, organic, easyto-make dishes that are always non-GMO,” says Stark. “The food is to die for, the laughs are contagious and people will go home happy, healthier and wanting to cook up a storm.”

Cost: $150, donated to a nonprofit. Location: Debra Stark’s home in Acton. For more information, call 978-371-7573 or visit DebrasNaturalGourmet.com.

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newsbriefs Volunteer Host Families Needed for Fresh Air Fund this Summer

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ach summer, thousands of inner-city children visit suburban, rural and small-town communities across 13 states and Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program. Fresh Air children are boys Fresh Air children Zion and and girls ages 6 to 18 years old Brandon were hosted by Donna and Frederick Gordon while that live in New York City. exploring Great Barrington.

Children on first-time visits are 6 to 12 years old and stay for one or two weeks. Children that are re-invited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and enjoy extended trips. More than 65 percent of all children are reinvited to stay with their host families, year after year. The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.

To learn about hosting a Fresh Air child this summer, contact Lelia Bruun at 413-429-7546 or visit FreshAir.org.

Anti-Aging and Hormonal Restoration Workshop

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olistic Nurse Practitioner Irina Serebryakova, of Johnson Compounding, will host the workshop AntiAging and Hormonal Restoration, from 7 to 9 p.m., April 12, at its location in Waltham.

Learn from Serebryakova as she unlocks the mysteries of looking and feeling younger which include easy-toimplement food, mineral, hormonal and nutritional tips on how to feel wonderful and age gracefully.

Johnson Compounding is Massachusetts’ first and only sterile and non-sterile compounding pharmacy accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board.

It also features a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies, and has a naturopathic doctor on staff to consult with customers about alternative approaches to their health care.

Location: 577 Main St., Waltham. Seating is limited so call to reserve a spot at 781-893-3870. For more information, visit NaturalCompounder.com. See ads on pages 23 and 25, and Resource Guide on page 37. natural awakenings

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Dr. Iveta Iontcheva-Barehmi DMD, MS, D.Sc. Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is an accomplished dentist and specialist in Periodontics and Implants. She has a firm belief that our bodies are very intelligent. All the body organs and systems are interconnected and related to each other (the teeth and the mouth are part of and related to the whole body).

Our bodies are perfect self-sustainable systems, capable of self-healing and self-regeneration.

Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi has expertise in the areas of Biological, Physiological Dentistry and Integrative Periodontal Medicine and Implants, Lasers and Energy Medicine.

Miracle Bite Tabs™ (MBT) Miracle Bite Tabs™ (MBT) and and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) are used to treat Dental Distress Syndrome. Your teeth and jaws are an extension of your brain and spinal cord. Any imbalances caused by improper alignment of the jaw can play a major role in pain syndromes and chronic diseases.

Head and Neck Pain Management Scenar, a non-invasive treatment device, is the only real time biofeedback device that will find what is wrong with your body and stimulate self-healing through electro stimulation and “conversation” with the control systems of the body (CNS Integrative Periodontal Medicine-Periodontal Spa The majority of the dental and periodontal procedures in Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi’s office are laser assisted. She has Biolase MD, the most versatile laser, which can be utilized to work with the gums and the teeth, implants and root canals. The discomfort is minimal to none and the healing is speededup. The procedures are often combined with a low level laser and Scenar, which give additional boost to the healing and removing discomfort.

Vitamin C electrophoreses is a unique method used in Europe to prevent recession, boost collagen synthesis, support and increase the blood circulation leading to firming the gingiva and discontinuing the signs of aging and bleeding. It is part of the integrative protocol for treatment and prophylaxes of periodontitis.

Zirconia Solution to Titanium Implant If you are allergic or sensitive to other metals Bio-ceramic (zirconia) implants might be an option for you. Dr. IontchevaBarehmi is certified to place zirconia implants, you don’t need to travel to Europe anymore.

Ozone Treatment Ozone is a powerful oxidizer and kills effectively bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.

Oxygen ozone therapy can be applied as an adjunctive therapy in treatment of periodontitis (periodontal disease), in arresting and reversing carious lesions in initial stage, reversal of initial pulp inflammation in deep carious lesions, treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. The methods applied are efficacious with no toxicity or side effects.

Perio-Protect Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is certified to use the Perio-protect methodone of the best prophylactic methods for periodontal disease, and subsequently for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some other conditions.

Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry Your amalgam fillings contain not only poisonous mercury but they cause cracks in your tooth structure and can lead to tooth loss. Defective amalgam fillings are removed safely following the IAOMT protocol, Including spa treatments for detoxification and the newest form of noninjectable Vitamin C with comparable absorption.

Anxiety and dental phobias are rarely experienced in the Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi’ s practice.

Meditation, breathing techniques, homeopathy, EFT technique, hypnotherapy are all used, so you can be comfortable and love coming to your dentist.

To schedule your comprehensive exam and share the excitement of a healthy smile call:

617-868-1516

Vitamin C gum rejuvenation 1842 Beacon St. Suite 305, Just like skin, gums can be Brookline MA rejuvenated for health and youth. www.bostondentalwellness.com

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newsbriefs Free Online Fibromyalgia Summit for Patients and Caregivers

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uschelle Khanna, LCSW, is offering a free online Fibromyalgia Summit with more than 30 speakers and downloadable resources to aid in healing and recovery, perfect for both healers and those healing. The free interview series, which begins May 12 through 14, includes interviews from some of the top specialists in fibromyalgia healing. It also includes interviews from individuals that have healed, lifestyle experts and more.

“Too many people suffer endlessly with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Often they have a very difficult time being diagnosed or even getting validation that they are not well,” says Khanna. “This online event will give you the tools and inspiration to heal from within.”

Khanna says she was inspired to develop this summit upon her own recovery from Lyme disease. “I understand the connection between undiagnosed infections and chronic pain and I want to share the tools that helped me heal,” she says.

Early registration for the Fibromyalgia Summit has begun.

Opportunities to purchase the Summit for reference along with a host of downloadable healthy living resources from experts around the world are also available. The Summit will feature a comprehensive Wellness Bundle and an action plan to begin healing today.

Cost: Free from May12-14 or for purchase now at an early-bird price of $59 including comprehensive Wellness Bundle. For more information, visit FibromyalgiaSummit.com or Ruschelle.com. See ad on page 9.

Spring Specials at New Organic Hair Salon in Westford

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li Bourgault, owner of A Healing Vibration Wellness Center and Emporium, in Westford, has opened the Charlë Rose Hair Spa at the center. Spring specials at the spa through June include a free $20 gift card with the purchase of $100 gift card, and a complimentary brow wax with any color service.

“Charlë Rose brings high quality organic color, perms and retail to the Westford community,” says Bourgault. “It is my goal to make responsible beauty choices easy, affordable and luxurious, and we’re currently carrying products from OWAY, O&M and KeraGreen.”

A Healing Vibration also features massage therapy, shamanic healing, reiki, infrared Himalayan salt saunas, workshops, metaphysical retail and other offerings.

Location: 69 Broadway St., Westford. To learn more about services and make an appointment, call 978-577-6386 or visit AHealingVibration.com. See ad on page 28.

kudos

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ffective March 31, the city of Cambridge bans single-use plastic bags.

Retail establishments such as grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies, restaurants, liquor stores, and other retailers must comply with this new ordinance.

All checkout bags must be compostable, recycled paper or reusable. Shoppers that don’t provide their own bags will be charged a minimum $0.10/bag at the point of sale.

The purpose of this Ordinance is to reduce the use of disposable checkout bags by retail establishments to protect the marine environment, advance solid waste reduction, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect waterways. This Ordinance seeks to reduce the number of plastic and paper bags that are being burned, used, discarded and littered, and to promote the use of reusable checkout bags.

For more information, visit CambridgeMA.gov.

natural awakenings

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healthbriefs

Tai Chi Eases Effects of Chronic Disease

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review of research from the University of British Columbia tested the effects of tai chi exercise upon people with four chronic diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, osteoarthritis and cancer. Dr. Yi-Wen Chen and his team analyzed 33 studies of more than 1,500 people that participated in tai chi.

The research also tested the effects of the practice on general health, including walking speed, muscle strength, speed in standing up from a sitting position, quality of life, symptoms of depression and knee strength. The heart disease patients among the subjects showed a reduction in depression symptoms, and all shared a reduction of muscle stiffness and pain, increased speeds in both walking and standing from a sitting position and improved well-being.

“Given the fact that many middle-aged and older persons have more than one chronic condition, it’s important to examine the benefits of treatment/exercise interventions across several co-existing conditions,” says Chen.

Kiwis Boost Heart Health

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multi-center study from the University of Salamanca, in Spain, has found that consuming even one kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) per week will significantly boost cardiovascular health. The researchers tested 1,469 healthy people throughout Spain. The volunteers were given dietary questionnaires and underwent testing for cholesterol lipids and inflammatory markers for heart disease.

The researchers determined that those that ate at least one kiwi fruit per week had significantly lower triglycerides and fibrinogen (a marker for inflammation), and higher HDL-cholesterol levels. Higher levels of HDL-cholesterol are associated with reduced incidence of atherosclerosis.

The researchers concluded: “Consumption of at least one kiwi a week is associated with lower plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and improved plasma lipid profile in the context of a normal diet and regular exercise.”

Nature’s Colors Aid Focus and Accuracy

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esearchers from the University of Melbourne determined that taking a quick break and looking at natural colors can significantly increase attention, focus and job performance. The researchers tested 150 university students that were randomly selected to view one of two city scenes consisting of a building with and without a flowering meadow green roof.

The two views were experienced as micro-breaks, a 30-second period that can be taken every 40 minutes. Both groups were tested before and after viewing the scene for sustained attention spans, along with a performance test upon completing a task. Subjects that looked at the scene with the verdant roof had significantly longer attention spans and fewer errors in doing their tasks.

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The ‘Dirty Dozen’ of CancerCausing Chemicals

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cientists at the Environmental Working Group published a list of the 12 chemicals that have been most prevalently linked to cancer in numerous research studies. The list encompasses bisphenol A, atrazine, organophosphate pesticides, dibutyl phthalate, lead, mercury, per- or polyfluorochemicals (PFC), phthalates, diethlyhexyl phthalate, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, triclosan and nonylphenol.

The scientists suggest that consumers can reduce their exposure to each of these chemicals by avoiding plastics marked with “PC” (polycarbonates) or the recycling number 7 mark, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics in food packaging, PFC-treated wrappers on food and other products, lead paints, mercury-laden seafoods, phthalates-containing fragrances and plastics, foam products made before 2005, foreign antibacterial soaps, and detergents and paints with nonylphenol. Other proactive measures include drinking only filtered water when in agricultural areas and purchasing organic foods.

The researchers contend, “Given

that we live in a sea of chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposures to ones we know are bad actors.”

Never above you.

Never below you.

Always beside you. ~Walter Winchell

globalbriefs Working Worms

They Can Safely Biodegrade Plastic Waste

DARK Act Defeated Senate Vote Reflects Citizen Demands

The Deny Americans the Right to Know, or DARK Act, was defeated in the U.S. Senate in March, representing a major victory for consumers.

The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) spearheaded the largescale citizen opposition to a bill that would have outlawed all state-level labeling laws of genetically modified (GMO) food ingredients nationwide; it was intended to keep consumers in the dark about the genetically engineered content of their food.

Scott Faber, EWG senior vice president for government affairs, says, “Consumers have made their voices heard to their elected representatives in the Senate and they said clearly, ‘We want the right to know more about our food.’ We remain hopeful that congressional leaders can craft a national mandatory compromise that works for consumers and the food industry.”

The development is evidence that the EWG Just Label It campaign is on the right track, and the group plans to support the recently introduced Biotechnology Food Labeling Uniformity Act targeting a national mandatory standard for GMO labeling. Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives for Consumers Union, explains, “This bill finds a way to set a national standard and avoid a patchwork of state labeling laws, while still giving consumers the information they want and deserve about what’s in their food.”

Mealworms can safely and effectively biodegrade certain types of plastic waste, according to groundbreaking new research from Stanford University and China’s Beihang University. In two newly released companion studies, researchers reveal that microorganisms living in the mealworm’s gut effectively break down Styrofoam and plastic into biodegraded fragments that look similar to tiny rabbit droppings.

Plastic waste takes notoriously long to biodegrade; a single water bottle is estimated to take 450 years to break down in a landfill. Due to poor waste management, plastic waste often ends up in the environment, and research reveals that 90 percent of all seabirds and up to 25 percent of fish sold in markets have plastic waste in their stomachs.

Worms that dined regularly on plastic appeared to be as healthy as their non-plastic-eating companions, and researchers believe that the waste they produce could be safely repurposed in agriculture. Further research is needed before the worms can be widely deployed. It’s possible that worms could also biodegrade polypropylene, used in textiles, bioplastics and microbeads.

Source: Discovery.com

Free Park-ing National Parks Announce Fee-Free Days The National Park Service turns 100 years young in 2016 and is offering free admission on special days. Next up are April 16 to 24, National Park Week; August 25 to 28, its birthday celebration; September 24, National Public Lands Day; and November 11, Veterans Day. They invite everyone to come out and play.

Sources: Natural News, Environmental Working Group natural awakenings

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EVERYDAY SUSTAINABILITY Practical Ways We Can Help Out the Planet

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

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or many Americans, living more sustainably has become a natural part of their daily routine as they consistently recycle, eat healthy and use energy more efficiently. It’s just what they normally do every day.

Every one of them had to start somewhere, growing their efforts over time to the point that nearly every activity yields better results for themselves, their family, their community and the planet. It might begin with the way we eat and eventually expand to encompass the way we work.

New American Way

“The sustainability movement is large and growing in the U.S.,” says Todd Larsen, with Green America, a grassroots nonprofit organization harnessing economic forces to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. “Half a million people turned out in New York City to march for action on climate change. People also are working in their local communities to oppose fracking and pollution, and to support 14

green building and clean energy. Many businesses now include sustainability as a core business practice, including the 3,000 certified members of Green America’s Green Business Network.”

This month, Natural Awakenings profiles the experiences of representative individuals from around the country that are helping to both make the world more sustainable and their own lives richer and more meaningful. From growing and cooking family food and line-drying laundry to powering their business with renewable energy, their approaches are as varied as the places they call home.

First Steps

“Many people start with something small at home, particularly if they’re concerned about the impacts on their family’s health,” says Larsen. “More Americans are approaching sustainability first through food. It’s relatively easy to change spending habits to incorporate more organic, fair trade and non-GMO [genetically modified] foods, and with the growth of farmers’ markets nationwide, people are

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

able to buy local more easily.”

A focus on food quality is how Wendy Brown and her husband and five children launched their eco-journey just outside of Portland, Maine. “We started thinking about where our food came from, how it was grown and raised and what we could do to ensure that it was better,” says Brown. “What we don’t grow or forage ourselves, we try to purchase from local farmers.” Living more simply during the past decade has helped the family cut debt and become more financially stable.

“Our entry point to sustainable living was to grow tomatoes on the steps of an apartment that Kelly and I once called home years ago,” echoes Erik Knutzen, who, with his wife Kelly Coyne, have transformed their 960-square-foot Los Angeles bungalow into an oasis where they grow food, keep chickens and bees, brew, bake and house their bikes.

Gabriele Marewski’s journey also started with what she ate. “I became a vegetarian at 14, after reading Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Moore Lappé,” says Marewski, who in 1999 turned an avocado orchard in Homestead, Florida, into Paradise Farms. “Forty-seven years later, I’m still a strict vegetarian. I believe it’s the single most important statement we can make about saving the planet.”

Marewski’s five-acre farm showcases certified organic micro greens, edible flowers, oyster mushrooms and a variety of tropical fruits marketed to Miamiarea chefs. Her farm also offers Dinner in Paradise farm-to-table experiences to raise funds for local nonprofits providing food for underprivileged city residents, and bed-and-breakfast lodging.

Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology offers a free online course, Sustainability in Everyday Life, based on five themes: energy, climate change, food, chemicals and globalization.

“People can make a difference by making responsible choices in their everyday life,” says Anna Nyström Claesson, one of the three original teachers.

Consume Less

“Every step toward sustainability is important and in the right direction,” explains Gina Miresse, with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), which will again host the world’s largest energy fair in June in Custer, Wisconsin.

“It’s easy to start at home by adopting one new practice and sticking with it until it becomes a habit; then add a second practice and so on. This keeps people from getting overwhelmed.”

We might, for example, switch to non-toxic home cleaning products when current products are used up. “There’s no need to throw everything in the trash and replace it all immediately—that would partially defeat the purpose of sustainability,” says Miresse.

Green America, which suggests green alternatives to many products in online publications at GreenAmerica. org, recommends a congruent strategy.

“We see people first change the way they purchase their food, move to reduce their purchases overall and green those they make, and then make their home more energy-efficient,” remarks Larsen. “Next, they consider walking and biking more.”

Pamela Dixon explains, “On a dayto-day basis, it’s really about the products we use, like transferring to eco-friendly cleaners and yard maintenance, recycling electronic devices, paying bills electronically and receiving statements via email.” She and her husband, David Anderson, own Dave’s BrewFarm, in rural Wilson, Wisconsin, where they grow herbs, hops, raspberries and apples on 35 acres.

“A 20-kilowatt wind generator supplies our electricity, and we use geothermal for heating and cooling,” adds Dixon. Due to career opportunities involving teaching principles of sustainability, the Wisconsin couple is in the process of selling the BrewFarm to move to La Crosse. “At our new home, we’re replacing the windows and appliances with more energy-efficient ones. We also chose our neighborhood so we can walk or bike to local grocery co-ops.

We prefer to repair things when they break rather than buying something new, recycle everything the city will accept, compost food scraps and buy clothes at secondhand stores.”

When the MREA Energy Fair began 27 years ago, the majority of attendees were interested in learning about first steps, such as recycling, relates Miresse.

Today, sustainability basics ranging from fuel savings to water conservation are familiar, and they’re focused on revitalizing local economies. “Folks are now

considering more ambitious practices such as sourcing food directly from local farmers, producing their own solar energy and incorporating energy storage, driving an electric vehicle or switching to more socially responsible investing.”

The fair’s 250 workshops provide tools to help in taking their next steps on the journey to sustainability.

Knutzen and Coyne’s passion has evolved from growing food into a larger DIY mode. “Cooking from scratch is something I prefer to do,” comments Knutzen. “I even grind my own flour.”

Library books provide his primary source of inspiration.

The Brown family likely echoes the thoughts of many American families.

“We have many dreams, but the stark reality is that we live in a world that requires money,” says Wendy Brown.

An electric car or solar electric system, for example, is a large investment.

“The biggest barriers were mental blocks because we ‘gave up’ previous lifestyle norms,” she says. “Most people we know have a clothes dryer and can’t imagine living without one. Line-drying is just part of the bigger issue of time management for us, because living sustainably and doing things by hand takes longer.”

Each Day Counts

“The biggest and most positive impact I have comes from my general non-waste philosophy,” advises Brown. “I try to reuse something rather than throwing it away. I’ve made underwear out of old camisoles and pajama pants from old flannel sheets. I reuse elastic from wornout clothing. My travel beverage cup is a sauce jar with a reusable canning lid drilled with a hole for a reusable straw.

Such examples show how we live every day.”

Marewski’s love of travel doesn’t interfere with her sustainability quest.

“When I travel, I like to walk or bicycle across countries,” she says. “It gives me a closer connection to the land and spontaneous contact with interesting people. I’m building a tiny home on wheels that’ll be completely self-sufficient, with solar, composting toilet and water catchment to reduce my footprint even further.”

“Last August, I started a tenuretrack position in the school of business

at Viterbo University,” says Dixon, who emphasizes how students can pursue sustainability in business and life. “I teach systems thinking, complex systems change and globally responsible leadership, all of which have a sustainability component.” She’s also faculty advisor to Enactus, a student organization focused on social entrepreneurship and making a positive impact on the community.

“The best part of how we live is when my daughters make everyday eco-minded choices without even realizing it,” observes Brown. “I can see how remarkable it is, because I have the perspective of having lived differently. But for them, it’s just the way things are done. I think in that way, I’ve succeeded.”

Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko’s ecojourney is captured in their books, ECOpreneuring, Farmstead Chef, Homemade for Sale, Rural Renaissance and Soil Sisters. Every day, they eat from their organic gardens surrounding their farm powered by the wind and sun.

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April 2016

15

Oil Bust Could Mean Clean-Tech Boom

by Michael Green

T

he current fluctuation in gas and oil prices has caused a flurry of responses in the global economy, ranging from skepticism to fear of another global recession. The most recent oil market plummet has been a missed opportunity to lay the groundwork to move our economy away from fossil fuels.

Over the past two years, the world has seen historic drops in the price of crude oil, going from roughly $105 a barrel in June of 2014 to the current $32 a barrel. On February 23, Saudi Arabia’s oil minister pledged to continue their blistering pace of production. Other OPEC members Venezuela, Algeria and Iran have followed suit. As production continues to increase globally, the recent flooding of the market is seen as an attempt by OPEC members to regain lost market shares from newer sources of oil in Europe, Canada and the U.S. Newer projects like the Canadian Tar Sands and fracking in the United States cannot compete at such low costs.

Low crude oil prices have resulted in decreased costs in complementary markets, such as transportation. And directly tied markets, such as energy production, have all seized the opportunity to lower their own costs. Yet even as companies have started to use cheap oil as an advantage, the global economy has not begun to grow as it has historically done in the past. Growth has been tepid at best.

Instead investors and banks are starting to pull their money from the fossil fuel industry. The result has been thou16

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sands of jobs lost in the U.S. alone with a third of our oil producers, 175 companies, becoming more than likely candidates for bankruptcy. G20 countries currently spend $88 billion a year in further fossil fuel exploration. But under current market conditions these projects may be put on hold, or in many cases, become stranded assets if firms go bankrupt.

Questions around future demand also pose a major challenge for the industry. As countries across the globe continue to develop rapidly, they increasingly become more energy intensive. However, energy intensity does not always equate to an increase in fossil fuel demand. Global investment into solar PV, hydro, geothermal and wind capacity continue to grow at an accelerating pace. Growing demand for clean power has sparked innovation and driven down costs. The future of global energy investment points to renewables, not fossil fuel growth.

The two main concerns for the global economy moving forward as we transition away from fossil fuels are protecting once-fossil fuel dependent industries, and building new energy capacity. We need to start with a plan that avoids high levels of unemployment post-transition. Consideration of future power sources must be of major concern. While current technologies are growing, they need to be scaled and deployed at five times the current rate to fuel global demand.

On February 4, the Obama administration proposed a per barrel tax on oil to help pay for federal transportation costs. While this proposal has no chance of being passed into law by the current congress, it opens an interesting doorway to take advantage of current oil market trends to support a transition toward renewable energy. In some sense this is the perfect opportunity to establish a carbon price.

Carbon pricing is being attempted in Chinese, European and Canadian markets, among others, expected to cover almost 70 percent of global emissions by mid-century.

Another tactic to support the transition to renewable energy would be to make the carbon price revenue neutral.

Such a policy would return all revenue collected back to households and businesses through rebates and tax breaks.

This has been successfully implemented in British Columbia where fuel consumption has declined in almost an exact relationship to the increase in costs. As the economy reduces carbon intensity, it becomes less dependent and susceptible to the price fluctuations in the oil market. Similar legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by both Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

As current oil prices continue to drop, banks and investment groups are turning their backs on what once seemed to be a safe bet. This lack of access to capital is sending waves through the oil exploration market, leading to elimination of jobs and abandoned projects. At the same time, oil producers are seeing control slip from their fingers. Demand is shifting to energy sources that do not depend on liquid fuels.

As carbon markets are being put in place globally, it is only a matter of time until the United States is forced to follow those who are taking the lead.

Michael Green is the executive director of the Climate Action Business Association, in Boston. For more information, visit cabaus.org.

inspiration

Earth Song

Mother Nature’s Rhythms Restore the Soul

by Susan Andra Lion

M

other Earth’s gentle hand is the secure cushion that warms us on long nights and sings comforting messages through endless days, protecting us even when things seem amiss. Take in her lovely presence. Embrace her consistent wisdom. Know that her dreams are ours and ours hers, connected by timely, comforting songs.

It’s time to step away from the manicured lawns, concrete walks and well-planned gardens. An open door beckons us to the sparkling air out there to listen to the grasses breathe and murmur. Prairie grasses roll on and on through curvaceous hills and flat-edged fields, undeterred by human attempts to control their rippling arpeggios. We are asked to just listen. Be alone with the music of the grasses and be in harmony with the hum of the universe.

Mother Earth’s apron is laden with flowers; simple, ever-present reminders that we are loved. She tempts us to take some time off, shed our shoes and settle into the lyrical realms of her strong body.

The trees reach to the depths of the earth, deep into the mystery of lavender waters, and simultaneously throw their arms to the heavens, connecting all things living. The wind hears the prevailing songs that weave in and out of these lovely courtiers of the forest. In listening to their unerring stories, we let their siren songs sigh into our soul.

It’s time to play in Earth’s garden and see her for who she is—today. Don’t hesitate. Go, play, linger, breathe and be one with the present moment.

Adapted from Just Imagine Trees, a coloring book for all ages,

by Susan Andra Lion. natural awakenings

April 2016

17

Perk Up Your Numbers

healingways

Get a boost from Natural Awakenings

Farm-to-Hospital On-Site Farms Grow Organics for Patients

by Judith Fertig

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ost people would agree with the results of a 2011 study by the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Typical hospital food is full of the dietary fat, sodium, calories, cholesterol and sugar that contribute to the medical problems that land many in the hospital in the first place. The study’s dietitians further found that some hospitals house up to five fastfood outlets.

Because studies from institutions such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the University of Maryland show that a poor diet contributes to a host of illnesses and longer recovery time after surgery—all of which increase healthcare costs—it befits hospitals to embrace healthier eating. Now, a dozen pioneering hospitals have their own on-site farms and others are partnering with local farms, embracing new ways to help us eat healthier, especially those that most need to heal.

“In a paradigm shift, hospitals are realizing the value of producing fresh, local, organic food for their patients,” says Mark Smallwood, executive director of the nonprofit Rodale Institute, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It recently partnered with St. Luke’s University Hospital, in nearby Bethlehem, to help support operations of the hospital’s 10-acre organic farm that yields 30 varieties of vegetables and fruits served in hospital meals to support patient recovery. New mothers are sent home with baskets of fresh produce

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to help instill healthy eating habits.

“Organic fruits and vegetables offer many advantages over conventionally grown foods,” says Dr. Bonnie Coyle, director of community health for St. Luke’s University Health Network. She cites the higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants as contributing to a reduced incidence of heart disease and some cancers and a lowered risk for other common conditions such as allergies, and hyperactivity in children.

Hospital farms also benefit the environment and facilitate other healing ways. Saint Joseph Mercy Health System Ann Arbor’s hospital farm, created in 2010 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is a winwin-win solution. “We can model the connection between food and health to our patients, visitors, staff and community,” says hospital spokesperson Laura Blodgett. Their Health Care Without Harm pledge commits the hospital to providing local, nutritious and sustainable food.

The farm repurposed some of the hospital’s 340-acre campus, eliminating considerable lawn mowing and chemicals. Today, its organic produce also supplies an on-site farmers’ market.

Most recently, collaboration with a rehab hospital treating traumatic brain injuries resulted in a solar-heated greenhouse to continually produce organic food using raised beds and a Ferris-wheel-style planting system that enables patients

to experience gardening as agritherapy.

“Patients love the hands-on healing of tending the garden,” says Blodgett.

Another innovative hospital is Watertown Regional Medical Center, in rural Wisconsin. Its farm, located behind the 90-bed hospital, raises 60 pesticide-free crops a year, including vegetables, herbs and even edible flowers. “We believe that food is medicine,” says Executive Chef Justin Johnson. He also serves his healthier fare to the public via special dinners in the hospital’s café, celebrating spring and fall harvests.

In Arcata, California, Mad River Community Hospital’s designated farmer, Isaiah Webb, tills six plots and two greenhouses to supply organic carrots, beets, tomatoes, basil, potatoes, sweet corn, artichokes, squash, pumpkins, lettuce, blueberries, apples and strawberries to patients and guests. An in-house work/share program encourages hospital employees to volunteer gardening time for a share of the produce.

A three-way partnership of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Fletcher Allen Health Care and Central Vermont

BMC’s Rooftop Garden Fills Prescription for Nutritional Food

W

hen an overwhelming number of patients told their Boston Medical Center physicians that they were having trouble affording nutritional food for their families, BMC opened the doors to the Preventative Food Pantry in 2001.

Today the pantry supplies over 50,000 pounds of food per month to more than 1,800 families in the Boston area community. Donated by a number of different organizations, the Greater Boston Food Bank provides the majority of the food with 12,000 pounds of food each week, while a garden on the hospital’s rooftop, run by the Boston Natural Area Network, supplies the Food Pantry with fresh produce.

To access the service, BMC patients must obtain a referral through

Medical Center, all in the Burlington area, combines community supported agriculture (CSA) and physicians’ prescriptions for healthier eating. Diane Imrie, director of nutrition services at Fletcher Allen, comments, “If we want to have a ‘well’ community, they have to be well fed.” Paid student farmers from 15 to 21 years old grow and harvest eight acres of fruits and vegetables for selected doctorrecommended patients in the 12-weekgrowing season program. Patients gain an appreciation of healthy eating that remains with them, thus decreasing their need for acute medical care.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farm-to-institution programs like these both provide healthy food to hospital patients and help develop sustainable regional food systems. We all benefit from such healing ripples in the healthcare pond.

Judith Fertig is the author of award-winning cookbooks, including The Gardener and the Grill; she blogs at Alfresco FoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS. a screening process performed by their BMC primary care physician which includes an individual’s special nutritional needs and the number of people in their household. Every time a patient visits the food pantry, a note is made in their medical record. “This is a way for providers to see when a patient has visited or not,” said Latchman Hiralall, food pantry manager.

“It’s not just about giving out food; the pantry is a part of their medical care here at BMC.” BMC’s Demonstration Kitchen accompanies the Food Pantry and educates patients about how to cook nutritional meals at home. Tracey Burg, a registered dietician and nurse, provides tips on how to cook healthy recipes and runs classes for people with diabetic, cardiac and hypertension issues, as well as pregnant women and those fighting obesity.

To learn more about the Food Pantry and Demonstration Kitchen, visit bmc.org/nutritionresourcecenter/ foodpantry.htm.

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April 2016

19

Water is the foundation of life.

greenliving

TROUBLED

WATERS Our Precious Freshwater Supplies Are Shrinking

by Linda Sechrist

V

irtually all water, atmospheric water vapor and soil moisture presently gracing the Earth has been perpetually recycled through billions of years of evaporation, condensation and precipitation. As all living things are composed of mostly water and thus a part of this cycle, we may be drinking the same water that a Tyrannosaurus Rex splashed in 68 million years ago, along with what was poured into Cleopatra’s bath.

Perhaps this mythological sense of water’s endlessness or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration images from outer space of a blue planet nearly three-quarters covered by water makes us complacent. Yet only 2.5 percent of Earth’s water is not salt water and of sufficient quality to be consumable by humans, plants and animals.

Vulnerable to the demands of humanity’s unprecedented population explosion, careless development and toxic pollution and other contamination, we must reexamine this precious resource. Sandra Postel, founder of the Global Water Policy Project, who has studied freshwater issues for more than

30 years, says, “Communities, farmers and corporations are asking what we really need the water for, whether we can meet that need with less, and how water can be better managed [through] ingenuity and ecological intelligence, rather than big pumps, pipelines, dams and canals.”

Seeking to reclaim lost ground in the protection of our water and wetland resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the 2015 Clean Water Rule. The new regulations are needed to restore the strength to the 1972 Clean Water Act that has been weakened by the courts and previous administrations.

Notably, within hours of activating the regulation, the EPA was served with lawsuits from corporate polluters, and within weeks, more than 20 state attorneys general filed suit against it. Today the legal battle continues over whether the new regulation will be allowed to stay in force or not.

“Every day, local, state and federal governments are granting permission to industries to pollute, deforest, degrade and despoil our environments, result-

Clean drinking water is rapidly being depleted all around the world.

20

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ing in serious effects on our planet and our bodies,” says Maya K. van Rossum, a Delaware Riverkeeper and head of the four-state Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

Under van Rossum’s leadership the network has created a national initiative called For the Generations advocating for the passage of constitutional protection for environmental rights at both the state and federal levels. It was inspired by a legal victory secured by van Rossum and her organization in 2013 in a case titled Robinson Township, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, et al. vs. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which used Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Environmental Rights Amendment to strike down significant portions of a profracking piece of legislation as unconstitutional. Until this legal victory, Pennsylvania’s constitutional environmental rights amendment was dismissed as a mere statement of policy rather than a true legal protection.

“Each individual process of fracking uses on the order of 5 million gallons of freshwater water mixed with chemicals for drilling and fracking operations, introducing highly contaminated wastewater into our environment,” explains van Rossum. “Every frack increases the chances of carcinogenic chemical leakage into the soil and water sources.” In the pioneering Pennsylvania case, the court’s ruling made clear that the environmental rights of citizens aren’t granted by law, but are inherent and rights that cannot be removed, annulled or overturned by government or law.

“Even more significant, the court stated that these environmental rights belong to present generations living on Earth today and to future generations,” enthuses van Rossum. She also cites that although America’s Declaration of Independence includes several inalienable rights, our federal constitution and those of 48 states fail to provide protection for three basic needs required to enjoy them—the right to pure water, clean air and healthy environments.

Van Rossum’s audiences are shocked to learn that clean water isn’t enforced as a human right. Threatened by myriad environmental, political, economic and social forces, and contamination from carcinogenic pesticides, toxic herbicides, chemical warfare and rocket fuel research materials plus heavy metals like mercury and lead, an era of clean water scarcity already exists in parts of our own country and much of the world. Episodic tragedies like the 2015 Gold King Mine wastewater spill near Silverton, Colorado, and Flint, Michigan’s current leadlaced drinking water crisis raise public awareness.

“The technologies and know-how exist to increase the productivity of every liter of water,” says Postel. “But citizens must first understand the issues and insist on policies, laws and institutions that promote the sustainable use and safety of clean water.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

Freshwater Needs Spur Fresh Thinking United Nations World Water Development Report Tinyurl.com/UNWaterReport

An Important Message about Drinking Water from Simpson Spring

“A

lthough water is not a living thing by virtue of various definitions, it can be considered ‘life giving’, and therefore should be the most transparent thing we possess. It is a gift from Mother Nature, and as a society, we are exploiting it.

My husband and I were so saddened when we heard about the Flint, Michigan crisis. I found myself asking, ‘How can this happen?’ over and over again. It doesn’t make sense to me. Our spring goes through rigid testing on a regular basis. As owners of a spring, we are required to immediately report any problems to all the regulatory agencies. We’d be required to make a public announcement immediately, taking out an ad in the local newspaper among other requirements. There would be no ‘sweeping it under the rug’ so to say. So I cannot understand why our government and other big corporations are not held to these same standards.

There needs to be more over-

sight and transparency of our water supplies. If someone did not have the foresight to protect and preserve the beautiful spring we own back in the 1800s, it would be run over from corporate greed. We are trying to hold on to a business that should be revered and held as a sanctimonious place. Instead, the big box water companies have treated water as a commodity and put it in a cheap plastic bottle that is probably ruining the water they are putting in it. (Notice, I did not say spring water. It is more common to find municipal ‘tap’ water actually filling the bottles you buy at the supermarket.)

These recent crises should be a wake up call. There is a real need to research our water supply and protect it. It is the best gift we have, and without it, we simply cannot live.”

Christine Bertarelli, co-owner Simpson Spring, Easton, MA, SimpsonSpring.com.

Food & Water Watch on Corporate Takeover of Water Tinyurl.com/CorporateWaterTakeover Public Citizen on How to Protect Our Public Right to Clean Water Tinyurl.com/WhyOpposeWater Privatization U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Roster of Contaminated Water Cleanup Sites epa.gov/superfund Clean Water Rule Call to Action epa.gov/cleanwaterrule

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April 2016

21

consciouseating

Edible Heirlooms Old-Fashioned Fruits and Veggies Return to the Table

by Avery Mack

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f the 7,500 varieties of apples in the world, 2,500 are grown in the U.S., but only 100 commercially. As of the 1990s, 70 percent were Red Delicious; more recently they’re being replaced with Gala, Granny Smith and Fuji types from taller, thinner trees that can be planted more compactly for easier harvesting, yet are more sensitive to disease and require trellis supports.

Mass-produced fruits and vegetables have been modified over the years to make them look appealing and ship well, while sacrificing taste. Consumers in search of health-enhancing nutrients and robust flavor can find them by instead connecting with the past through food and flowers.

“Heirloom seeds have remained intact and unexposed to commercial pesticides,” says Jere Gettle, owner of Baker Creek Seed Company, in Mansfield, Missouri. “They’re reliable—plants grown now will be the same next year; not so with hybrids.” This cleaner, tastier alternative to the status quo

22

is typically packed with more good vitamins than good looks. Heirloom produce often also delivers a unique regional flavor, such as Vidalia onions or Hatch chile peppers.

Exemplary Fruits

Fine restaurants like to feature Yellow Wonder wild strawberries because they taste like cream. The fragrant Baron von Solemacher strawberry, an antique German Alpine variety, is small and sweet, red and full of flavor; it’s been around since the Stone Age. For pies and preserves, pair them with Victorian rhubarb, which dates back to 1856.

Eat only the rhubarb stalks; the leaves contain poisonous oxalic acid.

Aunt Molly’s ground cherry (husk tomato) hails from Poland. “It’s sweet, with a hint of tart, like pineapple-apricot,” says Gettle. “The Amish and Germans use them in pies. Their high pectin content makes them good for preserves.

Heirlooms send people in search of old recipes and they end up creating their own variations. It’s food as history.”

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Valuable Vegetables

Trending this year are purple veggies like the brilliantly colored Pusa Jamuni radish. Pair it with bright pink Pusa Gulabi radishes, high in carotenoids and anthocyanins, atop a stunning salad with Amsterdam prickly-seeded spinach’s arrow-shaped leaves, a variety once grown by Thomas Jefferson. Add a fennellike flavor with Pink Plume celery.

Brighten salsas using the Buena Mulata hot pepper, a deep violet that ripens to a sweet red. Serve with pink pleated Mushroom Basket tomatoes or Lucid Gems, with their black/orange peel and striking yellow/orange flesh.

Purple tomatillos are sweeter than green varieties and can be eaten right off the plant.

“Purple sweet potatoes are found in Hawaii, but aren’t common on the mainland,” explains Gettle. “Molokai Purple sweet potatoes keep their deep purple color even when cooked, and are much higher in antioxidants than the orange variety.” To be novel, serve the Albino beet. Baker Creek’s customers use it raw in salads, roasted or fried and don’t let the greens go to waste.

Monique Prince, a clinical social worker in Chester, New Hampshire, grows heirloom organic radishes, greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and pumpkins in eight raised beds.

She received Ganisisikuk pole beans (seventh-generation seeds) and Abnaki cranberry runner beans from a Native American client. Rather than eat the bounty, she’s accumulating the seeds to save the varieties.

Herbs

Thai basil loves summer heat. Make batches of pesto, then freeze it in ice cube trays for later. Christina Major, a

Sustainability, ensuring the future of life on Earth, is an infinite game, the endless expression of generosity on behalf of all. ~Paul Hawken

nutritionist in Trevorton, Pennsylvania, grows heirloom herbs that include borage, with its edible flowers, and marshmallow, which is a decongestant when added to tea. Her 300-squarefoot garden supplies summer veggies such as scarlet runner beans, more than 50 kinds of perennial herbs for year-round use and heirloom raspberries, gooseberries and blackberries “that are eaten as fast as they’re picked,” she says.

Heirloom enthusiasts like to exchange seeds to try new varieties. “From December to March, traders swap seeds and plot their gardens,” says Major. “I got 20 kinds of tomatoes by connecting with other traders on Facebook.”

Flowers

Of 400,000 flowering plants in the world, 20 percent are in danger of extinction. “Instead of marigolds and petunias, consider old-fashioned annuals. Trying new things is fun,” says Gettle. Four O’clocks, familiar to many Midwesterners, come in several colors and are easily cultivated from their abundant seeds. The succulent Ice plant, with its white-pink flowers, looks like it was dipped in sugar; its edible leaves taste like spinach. Black Swan’s burgundy poppies have a frill-like edge, while Mother of Pearl poppies offer subtle watercolors.

“Save seeds, share with neighbors and pass them on to the kids,” advises Gettle. “They’re evidence of our culture.”

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com. natural awakenings

April 2016

23

wisewords

Marie Kondo on the Joy of Tidying Up

Simplicity Invites Happiness into Our Lives

by April Thompson

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photo by Ichigo Natsuno

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apanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo helps us discover happiness through tidiness. Already perusing home and lifestyle magazines by age 5, she spent her childhood “tidying” up her surroundings rather than playing with toys.

The organizing system Kondo went on to develop, the KonMari method, defies most long-held rules of organizing, such as installing clever storage solutions to accommodate stuff or decluttering one area at a time. Her New York Times bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has been published in 30 countries, demonstrating that her methods speak to universal desires, including a hunger for order and simplicity. She’s now released a companion book, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up.

Kondo’s principles, including verti-

cally stacking clothing and using special folding methods for socks, can seem quirky, yet her approach gets results. Kondo claims a nearly zero percent “clutter relapse” rate among clients because they’ve become surrounded only by things they love.

How can we begin to get and stay organized?

It’s not about a set of rules, but acquiring the right mindset for becoming a tidy person. Think in concrete terms, so that you can picture what it would be like to live in a clutter-free space. Start by identifying your bigger goal. Ask yourself why you want this, repeating the question to get to the root of the answer. As you explore the reasons behind your ideal lifestyle, you’ll realize that the ultimate reason is to be happy.

Then you are ready to begin.

I recommend cleaning out and

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

organizing your entire space in one go-around. When completed, the change is so profound that it inspires a strong aversion to your previously cluttered state. The key is to make the change so sudden that you experience a complete change of heart. By discarding the easy things first, you can gradually hone your decision-making skills, including knowing who else can use what you don’t need. I recommend starting with clothes, then move to books, documents, miscellaneous items and finally anything with sentimental value.

Is it important to touch every single object in the decision process?

At one point in my life, I was virtually a “disposal unit”, constantly on the lookout for superfluous things.

One day, I realized that I had been so focused on what to discard that I had forgotten to cherish the things I loved.

Through this experience, I concluded that the best way to choose what to keep is to actually hold each item. As

you do, ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” When you touch something, your body reacts, and its response to each item is different.

The process of assessing how you feel about the things you own—identifying those that have fulfilled their purpose, expressing your gratitude and bidding them farewell and good wishes for their onward journey—is a rite of passage to a new life.

Must keepsakes be included?

Mementoes are reminders of a time that gave us joy, yet truly precious memories will never vanish, even if you discard the associated objects. By handling each sentimental item, you process your past. The space we live in should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.

What do you recommend for organizing what remains after a purge?

The secret to maintaining an uncluttered room is to pursue simplicity in storage, so that you can see at a glance what you have. My storage rules are simple: Store all items of the same type in one place and don’t scatter storage space.

How does this process change us and our relationship to things?

Through it, you identify both what you love and need in your home and in your life. People have told me that decluttering has helped them achieve lifelong dreams, such as launching their own business; in other cases, it has helped them let go of negative attachments and unhappy relationships.

Despite a drastic reduction in belongings, no one has ever regretted it, even those that ended up with a fifth of their earlier possessions. It’s a continuing strong reminder that they have been living all this time with things they didn’t need.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

natural awakenings

April 2016

25

healthykids

A GREENER SHADE OF YOUTH New Generations Put Earth First

by Randy Kambic

Every generation gets a chance to change the world. ~Paul David Hewson (Bono)

B

aby boomers inspired in their youth by Earth Day are now supporting a new generation’s enthusiasm for sustainability through educational and employment opportunities. A 2015 Nature Conservancy survey of 602 teens from 13 to 18 years old revealed that roughly 76 percent strongly believe that issues like climate change can be solved if action is taken now; they also hold that safeguarding important lands and waters should be a priority, regardless of ancillary benefits or the economy.

This represents an increase in awareness since a 2010 Yale University Project on Climate Change Communication survey of 517 youths 13 to 17 years old showed that just 54 percent believed global warming was even happening.

Launched as Teens for Safe Cosmetics in 2005 and renamed Teens Turning Green two years later, today’s expanded Turning Green (TG) nonprofit of Marin County, California, also informs and inspires college and graduate students to live and advocate for an eco-lifestyle (TurningGreen.org).

TG’s first 30-day Project Green

26

Challenge (PGC) in 2011 involved 2,600 students nationwide and internationally; last fall’s annual edition drew 4,000 students. “We’ve seen tremendous increases in sustainability offices and curriculums at universities nationwide,” notes Judi Shils, founder and executive director. “They have set an intention.”

Reilly Reynolds, a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, hopes to take up urban farming and eventually own a farm-to-table organic restaurant. The PGC finalist and TG student advisory board member says, “I strive to lead an environmentally friendly and socially responsible life, but there is always room for improvement.”

Another PGC 2015 finalist, Matt Gal, a senior at the University of Arkansas, also aspires to be an organic farmer.

He wants “to grow and give away as much fresh and organic food as possible to people who need it most.”

The TG ProjectGreenU.org site features eco-friendly products, plus green advice geared for college students. It also operates a Conscience College Road Tour, leadership pro-

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

gram, and organic non-GMO school lunch programs in Marin County and Sausalito schools via its Conscious Kitchen and Eco Top Chef programs.

Milwaukee’s 13th annual Sustainability Summit and Exposition (SustainabilitySummit.us), from April 13 to 15, will admit local students for free. “We’ll address trends and potential careers in energy engineering, environmental health and water quality technology, sustainability and renewable energy,” says Summit Chair George Stone, a Milwaukee Area Technical College natural sciences instructor.

Bradley Blaeser, founder and coowner of The Green Team of Wisconsin, Inc., which provides eco-friendly landscaping and gardening services, helped start the Sustainable Enterprise Association of Milwaukee. As a social worker at the nonprofit Neighborhood House of Milwaukee in the late 90s, he helped young people in schools and community centers learn how to build their own aquaponics system, plus other gardening skills.

“We hit the marks as far as science guidelines,” he recalls. “Kids would see the entire seed-to-harvest cycle through after-school and summer camps. Teachers also embraced nature a little more and saw how they could infuse it in curriculums.” He notes that two young men that subsequently graduated from local colleges currently work for Neighborhood House and Growing Power.

More recently, he’s worked with two local organizations, Next Door Foundation and Operation Dream, to teach youngsters agricultural skills and find recruits for related job training internships and employment. Green Team landscape technician Darius Smith, 25, of Milwaukee, will become a crew leader this spring. “You get a good feeling installing plants,” he says.

“We’re a team, working in sync.”

For the 13th year, the Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey (njagfairs. com) has selected a youth ambassador—Rebecca Carmeli-Peslak, 16, of Millstone Township, near Princeton—to visit 2016 fairs to promote agri-tourism and encourage youngsters to pursue agricultural careers.

“It’s important for kids to know where food comes from,” says Carmeli-

Peslak, who is also in her second year as a local 4-H Club health and fitness ambassador, visiting Monmouth County libraries to speak on healthy eating and exercise. She’s training selected peers to speak in other counties; the club’s latest Look to You award recognizes her mentoring prowess. She says, “I want to be a large animal vet and own a farm.”

“Young people are becoming well informed about environmental issues by traditional and social media,” observes Shils. “There’s exponential growth in their taking a stand and becoming more active.”

Randy Kambic is an Estero, FL, freelance editor and writer who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

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petbrief

Nicholas Dodman Speaks about Separation Anxiety in Dogs

O

n April 13, the Cold Noses Foundation and Nine Zero Hotel, in Boston, will present world-famous animal behaviorist, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, speaking about separation anxiety in dogs. The talk is aimed to help dog owners understand the reasons and possible solutions for separation anxiety, which is reported to affect about 20 percent of American dogs.

Dodman, who has been featured on Animal Planet and Dateline, among other media outlets, has written numerous books on animal behavior. His talk is part of a new monthly lecture series presented by Cold Noses Foundation, an organization that seeks to prevent animal suffering around the world by funding life-saving veterinary care, outreach and emergency relief programs.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at the door or online at Eventbrite.com/e/ separation-anxiety-unsticking-the-velcro-dog-tickets-21790285330.

Cost: $12-$15 per person (donation).

Location: Nine Zero Hotel, 90 Tremont St., Boston. For more information, call 508-494-9303 or visit ColdNoses Foundation.org.

Life isn’t about finding yourself.

Life is about creating yourself. ~George Bernard Shaw

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Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

Why Not ADOPT a Pet? CitySide Subaru proudly supports our local Animal Shelter & Rescue Groups!

CitySideSubaru.com • 617-826-5000 ANDOVER

BOSTON/WORCESTER

GDRNE.com

(508) 625-0332 BrokenTailRescue.org

Great Dog Rescue

BEVERLY

Broken Tail Rescue

Friends of Beverly

DEDHAM

BOSTON

(781) 326-0729 ARLBoston.org

FriendsOfBeverlyAnimals.org

Animal Rescue League of Boston (617) 426-9170 ARLBoston.org

MSPCA-Angell (617) 522-7400 MSPCA.org

Animal Rescue League of Boston

EAST BROOKFIELD

Second Chance Animal Shelter (508) 867-5525 SecondChanceAnimals.org

ESSEX

PAWS New England

Sweet Paws Rescue

Survivor Tails Animal Rescue

FALL RIVER

PAWSNewEngland.com (617) 383-PETS SurvivorTails.org

UnderdogResQ

SweetPawsRescue.org

Forever Paws Animal Shelter (508) 677-9154 ForeverPaws.com

UnderdogResQ.org

GLOUCESTER

BRADFORD

(978) 283-6055 CapeAnnAnimalAid.org

One Tail at a Time

OneTailAtATime.com

BRIGHTON

Ellen M. Gifford Shelter (617) 787-8872 GiffordCatShelter.org

BROOKLINE

Calliope Rescue, Inc. CalliopeRescue.org

Cape Ann Animal Aid

HOPKINTON

Baypath Humane Society (508) 435-6938 BayPathHumane.org

LOWELL

Lowell Humane Society (978) 452-7781 LowellHumaneSociety.org

MARBLEHEAD

Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals

(781) 631-8664 Marblehead-Animal-Shelter.org

MEDFORD

Kitty Connection

(781) 393-9995 KittyConnection.net

MELROSE

Melrose Humane Society

REVERE

Animal Umbrella

(617) 731-7267 AnimalUmbrella.org

SALEM

Northeast Animal Shelter (978) 745-9888 NortheastAnimalShelter.org

SALISBURY

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society

MelroseHumaneSociety.org

(978) 462-0760 MRFRS.org

MILTON

STERLING

Milton Animal League, Inc. (617) 698-0413 MiltonAnimalLeague.org

NATICK

Sterling Animal Shelter SterlingShelter.org

SUDBURY

Buddy Dog Humane Society, Inc

All Dog Rescue

(617) 507-9193 AllDogRescue.org

(978) 443-6990 BuddyDogHS.com

NORTH BILLERICA Billerica Cat Care Coalition

BillericaCatCareCoalition.org

NORTH ATTLEBORO North Attleboro Animal Shelter NAShelter.org

Save A Dog, Inc (978) 443-7282 SaveADog.org

WALTHAM

Cat Connection of Waltham (781) 899-4610 TheCatConnection.org

WOBURN

QUINCY

Quincy Animal Shelter (617) 376-1349 QuincyAnimalShelter.org

House Rabbit Network (781) 431-1211 RabbitNetwork.org

What Are You Waiting For? natural awakenings

April 2016

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Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

calendarofevents All Calendar events for the May issue must be received by April 10th and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries. For extended event descriptions and additional listings, visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Reiki Shoden Level I Class – 9am-5:30pm.

Learn reiki to fulfill your heart’s desire to heal yourself and to help others heal themselves. Manifest body-mind wellness and experience a life of contentment. $150. Northeast Reiki Center, 61 Nicholas Rd, Ste B2, Framingham. 508-808-5696.

NortheastReikiCenter.org.

markyourcalendar Fourth Annual Celebration of Reiki Conference

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Free Intro to Reiki – 10am-12pm. Learn about the hands-on healing art reiki. Reiki is used for stressreduction and relaxation, helps relieve pain and facilitates overall well-being and healing. Free. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Massachusetts Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. Pre-registration required: 781648-9334, ArlingtonReiki.com.

Free Preview Session for the Lightworker 101: Exploration Series – 2-2:45pm. Are you a Lightworker? Come and preview the Lightworker 101: Exploration Series. Free. Harvard Square Shiatsu, 12 Arrow St, Ste 108, Cambridge. More info & to register: Kelly@KellyBuckowski.com. Kelly Buckowski.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Joyful Like Buddha: A Course on Happiness – 7-9pm. Learn how mindfulness and positive psychology can help you live with more naturally arising joy and peace of mind. Class includes private and group coaching. $395. Take the Leap Coaching, 1025 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington. 617-6403813. KimChilds.com.

Just Breathe: Somato-Respiratory Integration Workshop – 7:30-8:30pm. Learn breathing exercises to help release tension and calm your mind. Somato-Respiratory Integration (SRI) helps enhance your chiropractic care as well as free up energy in your body. $20. Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 383 Elliot St, Ste 250, Newton.

Please RSVP: 617-964-3332, WellAdjusted.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

Run Plaza, 493 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919.

GrotonWellness.com.

Natural Solutions for Executive Function Struggles and ADHD – 6:30-8:30pm. A drug-free approach to cognitive health. Dr. Ross discusses a researched and effective method for achieving brain wellness and executive function success. Free.

Burlington Public Library, 22 Sears St, Burlington.

781-444-9115. AdvancedNeurotherapy.com.

Fertility Awareness Method: A Natural Approach to Fertility – 6:30-9:30pm. With Krystina Friedlander. Learn tools for tracking natural ways to address reproductive needs, signs of fertility, guidelines for achieving optimal outcomes and herbs for the reproductive system. $25. Boston School of Herbal Studies, 12 Pelham Terrace, Arlington. 781-646-6319. BostonHerbalStudies.com.

Fatigue & Adrenals – 7-8pm. Learn the symptoms and causes of adrenal fatigue and how to create a roadmap to healing the adrenals and returning to vibrant energy. $15. Golden Pond, 50 W Main St, Hopkinton. 508-625-1807. RSVP: imhealth. leadpages.co/adrenal-fatigue.

Spiritual Connection – 7-8:30pm. Discussion topic: “Healing Power of the Mind.” Please join us, The Center for Spiritual Living Greater Boston, second floor sanctuary at First Church. Love offering.

First Unitarian Church, 66 Marlborough St, Second Fl, Boston. 617-947-2743. CSLBoston.org.

Online Prenatal Yoga Training – Thursdays, Apr 7-May 5. 6pm. This program assists yoga instructors, doulas, labor and delivery nurses and prenatal massage therapists to empower pregnant women through this journey. If you are ready to expand your practice and become known for your expertise in prenatal yoga, or you just want to know how to serve pregnant women as an expert, then this program is for you. Calls on Thursdays. $199.

PrenatalYogaTraining.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

Meditation as Medicine – 6:30-8pm. With Grace Ramsey Coolidge, Heart and Energy-Based Psychotherapist. 3-wk advanced mediation session that teaches how to directly tune into your own energy body, auric field, cellular memory and chakra system. Tap into the root issues of illness, distress or disease. Meets on Thursdays. Pre-requisite: Guided Meditation. $50. Groton Wellness, Mill

Fertility Awareness Method Workshop – 9am12pm. Two-session workshop, second session May 14. Learn how to chart your fertility signs and use the information for conception and/or natural birth control. Partners welcome. Both sessions required. $110/person or couple. The Democracy Center, 45 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge. 617-899-7624.

ACFertilityAwareness.com.

BaGua Zhang or Select Acupressure Self-Massage Workshop – Apr 8-10. Become a Certified U.S. Health Preservation Association (HPA) Tai Chi, Qigong, and Medical Qigong Instructor with Grand Master Jiang, the Founder and President of the U.S. HPA. Call for pricing. Eastover Estate and Retreat, 430 East St, Lenox. 866-264-5139.

Eastover.com.

Join reiki practitioners, teachers and students from a variety of lineages to examine the theme: Rooted in Our Past, Vision for Our Future. Participants will come from the New England region and beyond to enjoy and learn from the rich conference programming and exceptional speakers.

Sunday, April 10 • 8am-5:30pm $90. Brookline Holiday Inn 1200 Beacon St, Brookline.

More info & to register: Info@CelebrationOfReiki.org or CelebrationOfReiki.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12 Hypnosis for Weight Management Seminar – 5:30-8pm. Release yourself from the prison of excess fat and start to feel good again with a healthy, attractive, fit body. Enjoy a group hypnosis session.

Donation, benefit event. The Healing Center at Our Weeping Angel Foundation, 190 Old Derby St, Ste 100, Hingham. 781-340-2146. Hypnosis.ws.

Lyme Disease: Natural, Effective Approaches – 6-7pm. Lyme disease is ever changing, manifesting itself differently in each individual. Left untreated, it can become chronic and debilitating.

Join Lead Herbalist, Kenyon Keily, as he discusses how important it is to use herbs to minimize Lyme disease’s spirochetes and their accompanying, varied symptoms in each individual. Free. Groton Wellness, Mill Run Plaza, 493 Main St, Groton.

978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com.

Anti-Aging and Hormonal Restoration Lecture – 7-9pm. Join Irina Serebryakova, Holistic Nurse Practitioner, as she unlocks the mysteries of looking and feeling younger. Learn easy-to-implement food, mineral, hormonal and nutritional tips on how to feel wonderful as you journey through your life. Free. Johnson Compounding & Wellness, 577 Main St, Waltham. 617-460-2135.

Trigger Point Release Seminar – 7:30-8:30pm.

Discover why gentle touch is so effective in reducing pain and tension in the body and learn techniques to effectively do this at home. Bring a partner as it requires another person to do it. Free.

Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 383 Elliot St, Ste 250, Newton. Space limited; register: 617-964-3332. WellAdjusted.com.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 Separation Anxiety: Unsticking the Velcro Dog – 6:30-9pm. A lecture given by world-renowned animal behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman. He will also answer your questions on this prevalent issue. $15. Nine Zero Hotel, 90 Tremont St, Boston. 508494-9303. ColdNosesFoundation.org.

The Incredible Dr. You Workshop – 7:308:30pm. This first of two workshops will break down the basics of Network Spinal Analysis, the method of chiropractic used at Newton Chiropractic. Get more out of your adjustments and enlighten yourself on just how incredible your body is at healing itself. Free. Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 383 Elliot St, Ste 250, Newton.

RSVP: 617-964-3332. WellAdjusted.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

markyourcalendar Survival Skills for Life from Survivor’s Trish Hegarty An evening of inspiration as Trish Hegarty, Needham’s own Survivor, encourages us with tales of her life from one of eight siblings, through college sports, to marriage and single motherhood to CBS’s oldest contestant on Survivor.

Thurs., April 14 • 6:30-8:30pm $25/person, $40/2 people.

Westwoods Center, Meditation Hall, 590 Gay St, Westwood. 425-205-1692.

LyceumLive.com.

markyourcalendar Healing on the Spiritual Path through the Teachings of Bruno Groening: Medically-Verified

Church, 66 Marlborough St, Second Fl, Boston.

617-947-2743. CSLBoston.org.

Journey Through the Tarot – Thursdays, Apr 14May 19. 7-9pm. With Jennifer Badot. During this 6-wk course, learn about symbolism and meanings of the 78 cards of the tarot. Also, learn several spreads for readings for yourself and others. $150.

TS Center for Spiritual Studies, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 981-648-0101. TarotBlessings.com.

Magical Mead Making with WrenTek – 7-9pm.

What is meade? Meade vs. mead? What do you need to make meade? How do you make meade?

Making mead vs. making magical meade. $35.

A Healing Vibration, 69 Broadway St, Westford.

978-850-4164. AHealingVibration.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 The Power of Kindness – Apr 15-17. A weekend exploration into the essence of kindness. During this enriching retreat, we will cultivate kindness through meditation, contemplation and sharing. $340-$400. Karme Choling Meditation Retreat Center, 369 Patneaude Ln, Barnet. 802-633-2384.

KarmeCholing.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 Patriot’s Day Events – Apr 16-18. Many events, most free, to celebrate Patriot’s Day. For listing of events & times: Boston-Discovery-Guide.com/ Patriots-Day-Schedule.

Anger Management Level I Class – 9am-5pm.

Learn a variety of skills to stop the impulsive reaction and stay cool, calm and in control during stressful relationship, family and workplace situations. $100. Northeast Reiki Center, 61 Nicholas Rd, Ste B-2, Framingham. 508-808-5696.

NortheastReikiCenter.org.

Reiki Share – 3:30-6pm. Join reiki Master Katie Brockway. Open to anyone who has at least taken Reiki 1. Partner up and trade for 1 hr of reiki each.

Also includes some meditation, grounding and discussion. Get feedback, practice taking risks, network with other practitioners and receive energy work. $25. Skin To Soul, 800 W Cummings Ave, Ste 3950, Woburn. Register: 781-435-0587.

SkinToSoul.com.

A higher power exists and it can heal. Bruno Groening (1906-1959) had a precise, intuitive understanding of this healing force and showed people how to reconnect with it to become healthy. Healings, even of so-called incurable diseases, still occur today. Wolfgang Vogelsberger, M.D., of The Bruno Groening Circle of Friends, will speak about spiritual healing, and present medically-verified healings.

Attendees can also connect to this healing power in a simple way during the lecture.

Thurs., April 14 • 7-8:30pm Free, donations accepted.

Boston Center for Adult Education (Ballroom), 122 Arlington St, Boston. 617-909-1857.

Bruno.Groening.Boston@gmail.com.

Bruno-Groening.org/English.

Spiritual Connection – 7-8:30pm. Discussion topic: “One Global Family.” Please join us, The Center for Spiritual Living Greater Boston, second floor sanctuary at First Church. First Unitarian

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If we are ever to halt climate change and conserve land, water and other resources, not to mention reduce animal suffering, we must celebrate Earth Day every day—at every meal. ~Ingrid Newkirk

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

markyourcalendar 11th Annual Healthy Living Expo and Conference Experience Interactive, educational exhibits, demonstrations and presentations. Visit with Healthy Living magazine and over 60 vendors. Featuring 20+ presenters: Kerry Ann McCarthy, Paulette Gloria Harwood, Allison Lux Nuovo, Rebecca Coffey, Kaile Dutton, Michelle Levangie, Katharine Gilpin, Jodi St. Onge, Anne Deidre, Allison Barnes, Joanne Gerber, Katie Malloy Ramaci, Ellie Bassick Trovato, Betsy Powell-Pelrine, Michele Lazcano, Ann Finnie, Ian L. Rubinstein, Barbara Barker and Laura Joseph.

Sun., April 17 • 10am-6pm Hotel 1620 at Plymouth Harbour 180 Water St, Plymouth.

Contact Candita Mamet: 508-615-9805 (text) or MMamet@verizon.net.

MyHealthyLivingExpo.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 18 120th Boston Marathon – 9am. Watch over 36,000 elite runners from around the world compete. Course covers 26 miles from Hopkinton to Boston ending in Copley Square. Free. BAA.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 Sacred Connections with Brighid Murphy – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn how to create an opening for our guides. Explore several methods for receiving information. Practice how to ask questions and receive answers. $75. A Healing Vibration, 69 Broadway St, Westford. 978-850-4164. AHealing Vibration.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 Siddha Group Healing – 6:30-8:30pm. With Seth Monk. Siddha Healing combines sacred geometry with crystal mandalas, energy channeling and intuitive guidance. It’s a powerful technique not often found in the West. $20. A Healing Vibration, 69 Broadway St, Westford. 978-850-4164. AHealingVibration.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Natural Confidence: A Two-Week Meditation Retreat – Apr 21-May 4. Alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation with time for talks, study and a short work period daily. Silence and functional speech observed. Meals served oryoki-style, from the Zen monastic tradition. Participants may attend at minimum 1 wk. $1,020$1,470. Karme Choling Meditation Retreat Center, 369 Patneaude Ln, Barnet. 802-633-2384.

KarmeCholing.com.

Spiritual Connection – 7-8:30pm. Discussion topic: “The Universe Is the Body of God.” Please join us, The Center for Spiritual Living Greater Boston, second floor sanctuary at First Church.

Love offering. At First Unitarian Church, 66 Marlborough St, Second Fl, Boston. 617-947-2743.

CSLBoston.org.

Magical Home with Beth Washington – 7-9pm.

Leave class with an herbal protection charm to place in your own home and a little magical boost for your home cleaning supplies. $35. A Healing Vibration, 69 Broadway St, Westford. 978-8504164. AHealingVibration.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

markyourcalendar Fast Track to Success Do you want to be more, do more and have more?

Unlock the power of your mind and multiply your personal effectiveness in this dynamic seminar. Come prepared to learn: to clarify your goals and dreams, the mental foundation of success, about your paradigms, mental programming, strategies to achieve your goals, the biology and neuroscience of achievement. It’s time to turn your goals and dreams into reality!

Don’t miss this powerful event.

Sat., April 23 • 8:30am-12pm Free parking. $91. Westin Waltham Hotel, 70 Third Ave, Waltham. 617-820-4755.

FastTrackToSuccess.Eventbrite.com.

How Nutrition Can and Will Help You Maintain Your Memory – 10:30am-12:30pm. Dr. Thomas Shea will explain why people become more forgetful as they age and what can be done about it, including how nutrition can and will help maintain the brain. Free. Johnson Compounding & Wellness, 577 Main St, Waltham. 781-8933870. NaturalCompounder.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 25

FRIDAY, APRIL 29

markyourcalendar

markyourcalendar

Real Love with Sharon Salzberg

Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving Beginner Weekend Seminar with Charles Muir

Using core mindfulness, loving kindness and other meditation techniques, Sharon Salzberg will guide participants through the process of shedding layers of habit to find a truer meaning of love for themselves, their loved ones and those they don’t know, but with whom they share this planet.

Come discover the ancient secrets of female and male sexual ecstasy. Learn to use sexual energy for increased intimacy, spiritual connection, pleasure, harmony and freedom. Tantra Master Charles Muir and Leah Alchin teach 22 Tantra techniques for healing, renewal and transformation in this powerful weekend immersion for singles and couples. No explicit sexual activity or nudity takes place in class. No prior knowledge or experience necessary.

Mon., April 25 • 7pm $69. Newton South High School 140 Brandeis Rd, Newton.

617-559-6999. More info & to register: NewtonCommunityEd.org.

April 29 – May 1

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 Japan Festival Boston – 10am-5pm. Features entertainment, Japanese athletes and singers, food vendors, raffle and booths with arts and crafts. Boston Common near Beacon St & Charles St corner.

JapanFestivalBoston.org.

21-Day Cleanse – 6:30-7:30pm. Join Irina Serebryakova, Holistic Nurse Practitioner, and learn about the 21-day purification cleanse and how it can lead to improved weight loss, sleep patterns, hormone function, overall health and reduce allergies, headaches, joint and muscle pain. $25. Groton Wellness, Mill Run Plaza, 493 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com.

Better World Meditation – 6:30-8:30pm. Techniques from the yogic tradition will be taught including: breath control, chanting and mindfulness.

Learn the physical, mental and spiritual/philosophical benefits of meditation. $10. TS Center for Spiritual Studies, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 617699-0636. BetterWorldMeditation.com.

Easy Solutions to Stress-Caused Health Problems – 7:30-8:30pm. Workshop will focus on identifying the different types of stress, their effects on the body and mind and teaching useful tools that anyone can draw from anytime and anywhere during times of stress. Free. Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 383 Elliot St, Ste 250, Newton.

RSVP: 617-964-3332. WellAdjusted.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27

Learn Reiki to Care for Yourself & Others – 9am-6:30pm. Down-to-Earth monthly Reiki Level 1 Training classes. Learn reiki meditations for connecting to your inner self, how to practice handson healing of self and others, the reiki principles, history and more. CEUs for nurses and LMTs. $150. Brenner Reiki Healing, 324 Central St, Newton. 617-244-8856. BrennerReikiHealing.org.

What is Ayurveda and Why Should I Care? – 6-7:30pm. A holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle achieved through balancing the mind, body, senses and the soul. Join ayurveda expert, Damian Hagglund, as he delves into how this “science of longevity” can elongate your life and help you maintain your metabolism. Includes an acupressure hand tool set as well as a laminated acupressure hand/foot chart. $25. Marlo Marketing, 38 Chauncy St, 3rd Fl, Boston. 617-375-9700.

Group Transformation Healing – 4-6pm. Powerful, relaxing energy healing on a group level.

Shift physical, emotional, karmic issues, release blocks, clear chakras. $35/advance, $50/door if space available. The Healing Center, 259 Massachusetts Ave, Top Fl, Arlington. 617-943-6980.

Pre-register: InsightfulTransformation.com.

There is nothing on this Earth more to be prized than true friendship. ~Thomas Aquinas

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Spiritual Connection – 7-8:30pm. Discussion Topic: “A World that Prospers.” Please join us, The Center for Spiritual Living Greater Boston, second floor sanctuary at First Church. Love offering. First Unitarian Church, 66 Marlborough St, Second Fl, Boston. 617-947-2743. CSLBoston.org.

Natural Solutions for Executive Function Struggles and ADHD – 7-9pm. A drug-free approach to cognitive health. Dr. Ross discusses a researched and effective method for achieving brain wellness and executive function success. Free. Dover Town Library, 56 Dedham St, Dover. 781-444-9115.

AdvancedNeurotherapy.com.

$525/person. Arlington Masonic Temple, 19 Academy St, Arlington.

888-682-6872 x 107 SourceTantra.com/beg.

Culinary Nutrition Immersion – Apr 29-May 1. With our Culinary Nutrition Chef Collaborative. Price varies, please call. Eastover Estate and Retreat, 430 East St, Lenox. 866-264-5139.

Eastover.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 Spring Open House – 11am-3pm. Meet practitioners, enjoy mini-spa and medical services, hear lectures, sample food from our café and shop at our specialty vendor booths. This is a family-friendly event with a bounce house, entertainment and more.

Free. Groton Wellness, Mill Run Plaza, 493 Main St, Groton. 978-449-9919. GrotonWellness.com.

Planting an Herbal Garden – 1-4pm. With Natalie DeNormandie, Landscape Architect. Learn key factors in creating a successful herbal garden, information on garden planning with an ecological perspective, soil, applying permaculture principles and planting herbal companions. $25. Boston School of Herbal Studies, 45 B Trapelo Rd, Lincoln. 781-646-6319. BostonHerbalStudies.com.

savethedate Free Fibromyalgia Summit Online Over 30 speakers and downloadable resources to aid in healing and recovery. Includes interviews from some of the top specialists in Fibromyalgia healing. Early registration for the Summit is open now. There are also opportunities to purchase the Summit for reference along with a host of downloadable healthy living resources from experts around the world. The Summit will feature a comprehensive Wellness Bundle and an action plan to begin healing today.

May 12-14 • 12-8pm Free. FibromyalgiaSummit.com.

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ongoingcalendar All Calendar events for the May issue must be received by April 10th and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries. For extended event descriptions and additional listings, visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com.

daily Qunicy Market History Tour – 11am, daily; 6pm, Wed; 2pm, Sat. Learn about Qunicy Market’s central and ever-evolving role in Boston’s history. Meet guide by Pulse Café on South Market St. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S Market Building, Boston.

617-523-1300. FaneuilHallMarketplace.com.

Kids’ Karate – 3-8pm, Mon-Thurs & 9am1:30pm, Sat. Designed to help students build self-confidence and self-awareness while learning and improving in this traditional martial art. $130. SSOMA, 1100 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Fl, Arlington. 781-641-0262. SarahsSchool.com.

The Emotional Detox – 8-9:30pm. Try a DIY approach to EFT. Teach yourself to tap. Leave behind anxiety and gain clarity and confidence when you tap along with pre-written scripts. $97. Virtual Ecourse. 270-592-0377. ChooseBigChange.com.

sunday Food Addicts in Recovery – 8-9:30am. Are you or someone you know struggling with food? There is a solution. Weekly meetings for a 12-step program for food addiction. Free. Veteran’s Hospital, West Roxbury Campus, Barsamian Auditorium, 3rd Fl, 1400 VFW Pkwy, West Roxbury. 617-610-3748.

FoodAddicts.org.

Free Community Reiki Circle – 9-11:30am. 1st Sun. Join reiki practitioners who share experiences and collectively create a sacred healing space.

Learn about reiki and receive a reiki session.

Open to all. Free. Northeast Reiki Center, 61 Nicholas Rd, Ste B2, Framingham. 508-808-5696.

NortheastReikiCenter.org.

Perfect Voice as Spiritual Path and Tool for Emotional Healing – 9am-12:30pm. 4th Sun. Experience real vocal freedom by learning most important aspects of vocal technique on a foundation of spiritual grace and ego surrender. Guaranteed improvement for beginners and those with vocal problems. $60. 16 Magoun Ave, Medford. 857-9983677. BarryMiracle.wordpress.com.

Reiki Clinic at Especially for Pets – 10am-1pm.

1st & 3rd Sun. Bring your animal in to experience the subtle yet powerful healing energy for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues with Michelle Remeny of Source Reiki. Pre-registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome based on availability.

Sessions for multiple pets available. $15/15 min.

Especially for Pets, 44 Main St, Rte 27, Wayland.

781-209-0033. EspeciallyForPets.com.

SoWa Vintage Market – 10am-4pm. Designers, collectors, appreciators of the beautiful and unusual love this market. A cool, urban, vintage flea market featuring fresh vintage and designer

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finds every week. Free. SoWa Vintage Market, 450 Harrison Ave, Boston. SoWaVintageMarket.com.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 3:30-4:30pm. A martial art, combat sport and a self-defense system. Learn techniques that not only increase their physical fitness, but also challenge the mind. $100. SSOMA, 1100 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Fl, Arlington. 781641-0262. SarahsSchool.com.

monday Active Stretching for EveryBODY – 7:308:30am. Also Wed, 6:30-7:30pm & Thurs, 9:30am10:30am. EveryBODY from elite athletes to couch potatoes welcome. See “classes” on website. $12/ drop-in, $100/10 classes with Budget Stretcher Card. STAR Tech Healing and Learning Center, 14 Nason St, Ste 202, Maynard. 978-897-0110.

StarTechHealing.com.

Simply Grace Radio: Just Breathe – 10am.

A meditative experience and opportunity to be still, grateful, and to set heart-centered intentions for the week. Free. Online radio. 413-267-0333.

SimplyGrace.me.

Anxiety and Panic Support Group – 6:30pm. 1st Mon. People who have been through, or are going through, a similar circumstance can empathize with you and keep you from feeling alone.

Free. Washington St, Newton. 617-849-3198.

UCanBFearFree.com.

MGH’s Smart Meditation Program – Thru Apr 25. 7-7:45pm. Learn ways to reduce the stress response by eliciting the relaxation response through mindful self-care practices like meditation, gentle yoga and more. $40/4 wks, $15/drop-in. Chrysalis Meditation Center, 28 Church St, Winchester. 781729-2000. InsideTheChrysalis.com.

Let’s Laugh Today Laughter Yoga – 7-8pm. 4th Mon. Any age and any level of physical ability can enjoy this unique exercise of laughter and clapping combined with gentle breathing that brings oxygen to the body’s cells. Free. Unitarian Church of Sharon, 4 N Main St, Sharon. 508-660-2223.

LetsLaughToday.com.

Teen Karate – 7-8pm. Every 2 wks on Mon & Wed. Also Sat, 12:30-1:30pm. A traditional Shotokan karate class for teens ages 13-18. Curriculum covers the 3 aspects of Shotokan karate. Build self-confidence, self-awareness and long-lasting friendships. All levels welcome. $130. SSOMA, 1100 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Fl, Arlington. 781641-0262. SarahsSchool.com.

Nia-Somatic Fitness Classes – 7:30-8:30pm.

Nia technique is a blend of dance martial arts and healing arts set to music to fit your personal experience. All levels welcome. Discount cards available. $15. Om Namo Center, 21 Belmont St, Cambridge. 617-620-7654. OmNamoCenter.com.

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

tuesday Noon Concerts on the Freedom Trail – 12:15pm.

Stop by to hear a 30-40-min concert. Performers vary each week and perform a wide variety of music ranging from jazz to folk, medieval to modern. $3 suggested donation. King’s Chapel, 64 Beacon St, Boston. 617-227-2155. Kings-Chapel.org.

Organic Macrobiotic Plant-Based Cooking Classes – 6-9pm. 1st & 2nd Tues. Also 1st & 2nd Fri. Learn how to cook organic macrobiotic healing meals and enjoy a 5-course dinner with like-minded souls, recipes and handouts. Beautiful oceanfront-set kitchen to savor the flavors. $80.

25 Surfside Rd, Scituate. 781-626-0000. Register: PauletteGloriaHarwood.com.

Anxiety and Panic Support Group – 6:30pm.

1st Tues. Designed to offer a place where people with common interests and experience can meet. You are not alone in your experience, and knowledge is the key to living a symptom-free life. Free. Washington St, Newton. 617-849-3198.

UCanBFearFree.com.

Pathworking with the Tarot and The Tree of Life – 7-9pm. Tarot is a book of knowledge that maps out the powers of your consciousness.

Unlock the power within you through the process of meditative pathworkings. $37/wk.

Thought Alchemy’s Transformation Center, 161 Agricultural Ave, Rehoboth. 774-991-0574.

HealingThroughSpirit.com.

Mindful Healing with Lara Wilson – 7:308:30pm. Awaken with simple qigong exercises that promote healing. Transition with easy breathing exercises that can get you through the day.

Relax with mindful meditation to reduce stress and anxiety. Discover a positive path through illness. $10 donation. Chrysalis Meditation Center, 28 Church St, Winchester. 781-729-2000.

InsideTheChrysalis.com.

wednesday Come Back to Love Mastery Circle – 12-1pm. 3rd Wed. Learn how tantra practices positively impact you spiritually and sexually. Create fulfilling, deep, healthy and loving relationships with yourself and others. $47/month. Monthly teleclass online. 508380-9254. ComeBackToLove.com.

Free Tour of Symphony Hall – 4pm select Wed. Also 2pm select Sat. Join volunteers on a behindthe-scenes tour and hear about the hall and the history and traditions of the famed musicians and conductors. Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston. For available dates & times: 617-638-9390. BSO.org.

Museum of Fine Arts Free Wednesdays – 6-9pm. An opportunity to sketch from live models

and/or from objects in their collections. A drawing instructor provides insights on drawing technique and the artist-model relationship as it informs the creation of artwork. MFA, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston. 617-267-9300. MFA.org.

Fundamentals of Meditation Course – Thru May 4. 7pm. A 5-wk course introducing information and techniques for a basic meditation practice. Can be followed by mantra meditation course and other ongoing courses. Free. Advaita Meditation Center, 28 Worcester Ln, Waltham. 781-647-0020. More info: AdvaitaMeditation.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery – 7-8:30pm. 12-step program for food addiction. There is a solution.

Weekly meetings open to anyone. Free. Fidelity Place, 25 Medford St, Arlington. 617-610-3748.

FoodAddicts.org.

Open Meditation Evenings – 7-8:30pm. Come to meditate and take part in a discussion. Beginners and experienced meditators welcome. Instruction given to those who need it. Refreshments provided.

Suggested donation $10. Advaita Meditation Center, 28 Worcester Ln, Waltham. 781-647-0020.

AdvaitaMeditation.org.

Pathworking with The Tree of Life – 7-9pm.

Combine the power of hypnotic trance-journeying and the knowledge of the Tree of Life. Transform your faulty subconscious patterns and conscious thinking. $37/wk. Thought Alchemy’s Transformation Center, 161 Agricultural Ave, Rehoboth. 774-991-0574.

HealingThroughSpirit.com.

Public Open Night at the Observatory – 8:30pm, Spring/Summer; 7:30pm, Fall/Winter. A chance to come observe the night sky through telescopes and binoculars and see things you otherwise might not get to see. Held most Wed evenings throughout the year, weather permitting. Free. Coit Observatory at Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave, Boston. 617-353-2630. BU.edu.

thursday Free Night at the ICA – 5-9pm. The Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave, Boston.

ICABoston.org.

Adult Shotokan – 7-8pm. Also Sat, 7:45-9am.

For ages 18+. Curriculum covers the 3 aspects of Shotokan karate, kala (forms), kumite (sparring) and kihon (basics). Classes consist of traditional Japanese training which helps mind, body and soul. All levels welcome. $100. SSOMA, 1100 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Fl, Arlington. 781-6410262. SarahsSchool.com.

SRR Thursday Night 4.06 Miler – 7:15-8:15pm.

It may be raining. It may be hot or cold. The SRR Thursday night run will happen every week, no matter what. Free. Casey’s Bar, 171 Broadway, Somerville. SRR.org/Events/Thursday-Night-Race.

The Healing Beyond Cancer Free Workshop – 7:30-9pm. 2nd Thurs. A diagnosis of cancer can unleash a flood of fear and anxiety. Discover how the interactions of beliefs and feelings have profound effects on your health. You will shift from dis-ease to ease. Free. Roots and Wings Healing Arts, 317 N Main St, Natick. 978-3697733. TheHealingBeyondCancer.com.

Observatory Night – 7:30-9:30pm. 3rd Thurs.

A non-technical lecture and telescopic observing

from the observatory roof if weather permits. Free.

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge. 617-495-7461. CFA. Harvard.edu.

classifieds

friday

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Health Lecture Series – 10am. 1st Fri. An informative discussion for parents and caregivers on a variety of parent- and child-related topics such as nutrition, behavior, community resources and more. Held in the Old Country Buffet, Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617-926-4968.

Watertown-Mall.com.

START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsmag.com/MyMagazine.

Simply Grace Radio: Blessing Circle – 10am. A universal, global, gratitude experience intended to awaken grace, honor sacred experience and offer blessings for the journey. Free. Online radio. 413267-0333. SimplyGrace.me.

Blood Pressure Screenings – 10am-12pm. 1st Fri. Free blood pressure screenings in front of the Old Country Buffet. Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617-926-4968. Watertown-Mall.com.

Second Fridays – 5-8pm. Free with admission at the MIT Museum on the 2nd Fri each month.

Mingle with friends in the unique galleries and see some of the latest research coming out of MIT. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge.

617-253-5927. MIT.edu/Museum.

saturday Adult Shotokan – 7:45-9am. Focuses on the 3 main aspects of Shotokan karate: kata (forms), kihon (basics) and kumite (sparring). Traditional Japanese training to help the mind, body and soul. All levels welcome. For adults 18+. $100. SSOMA, 1100 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Fl, Arlington. 781-6410262. SarahsSchool.com.

The Marketplace at Simpson Spring – 10am2pm. Includes farmers, bakers, artisans and local entrepreneurs. Stop in to browse or take in our featured entertainment, local authors, educational seminars and lecturers. 719 Washington St, South Easton. SimpsonSpringMarketplace.com.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS ACIM TALKS – Talks based on A Course in Miracles streaming live every Monday night with ongoing access if you can’t listen live. Hosted by Marianne Williamson. Marianne.com.

QI-KAYAKING BEYOND FORM – Destress on the water and go where the breeze takes you in the Berkshires. With Greg DiLisio and Johnny Snyder. Various dates. 413-8543049. MyCenteredHeart.com/Schedule. Register: Eastover.com/Retreats-Workshops.html.

NATURAL AWAKENINGS SINGLES READY TO MEET THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE? – Dip into our pool of conscious, awake singles and meet someone that you would have never met without us! Free to join. NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com.

SELF-STUDY A COURSE IN MIRACLES – A unique, universal, self-study spiritual thought system that teaches that the way to love and inner peace is through forgiveness. ACIM.org.

Let’s Laugh Today Laughter Yoga – 11am12pm. 2nd Sat. Any age and any level of physical ability can enjoy this unique exercise of laughter and clapping combined with gently breathing that brings more oxygen to the body’s cells. This oxygen boost gives enhanced vitality, energy and a feeling of well-being. Free. Walpole Library, 143 School St, Walpole. 508-660-2223. LetsLaughToday.com.

Teen Karate – 12:30-1:30pm. Focuses on the three main aspects of Shotokan karate: kata (forms), kihon (basics) and kumite (sparring). Build selfconfidence, self-awareness and long lasting friendships. All levels welcome. For teens 13-18. $130. SSOMA 1100 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Fl, Arlington. 781-641-0262. SarahsSchool.com.

Neutrality Night with Stephen Dupre – 8-9:30pm.

4th Sat. Online seminar. Have some fun and learn simple techniques to get neutral to experience real-time energy shifts. First 10 registrants will get issues addressed on the call. Free. 401-405-1669.

Register & more info: ThePowerOfNeutrality.com.

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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com to request our media kit.

ACTIVE ISOLATED STRETCHING THE A.I.S. INSTITUTE

103 Morse St, Watertown 1-844-AIS-Today TheAISInstitute.com

BRAIN TRAINING ADVANCED NEUROTHERAPY, PC Jolene Ross, PhD 781-444-9115 RetrainYourBain.com

Specializing in Neurotherapy, an effective, drug-free treatment for: attention, behavior, emotional, and executive function problems, autistic spectrum, anxiety, depression, postconcussion, peak performance and more. See ad, page 7.

Specializing in Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) that works with the body’s natural physiological makeup to bolster flexibility, improve circulation and increase the elasticity of muscle joints and fascia. See ad, page 11.

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APPLIED KINESIOLOGY CENTRAL SQUARE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Kristine Jelstrup, CMFT, CBK, LMT 126 Prospect St, Ste 5, Cambridge, 02139 617-833-3407 Kristine@CentralSquareHealthAnd Wellness.com CentralSquareHealthAndWellness.com Achieve optimal health physically, emotionally, nutritionally.

Kristine uses a form of muscle response testing to identify and clear nervous system interference, facilitating optimal health.

See ad, page 15.

BACK PAIN COUNSELING

BRAINCORE NEUROFEEDBACK 132 Central St, Ste 205A, Foxboro 844-272-4666 BrainCore.Dianne@gmail.com

We offer state-ofthe-art brain training technology. Drug-free, non-invasive treatment. Emphasis on quality care with flexible payment options. Scholarships available. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

CHIROPRACTIC

BRIAN SEAN REID

Life Coach, Personal/Professional Development 401-402-0819 Brian@BrianSeanReid.com BrianSeanReid.com Get the support and tools you need to connect with your true nature, get in line with your personal HorsePower and transport your life and/or business toward what matters to you. Brian’s down-to-Earth and effective nononsense approach has created a shift for many local and international entrepreneurs, coaches and facilitators through his 1-1 trainings, webinars, seminars and speeches. See ad, page 8.

MONEY & $UCCESS COACHING Virtual Coaching & Workshops 207-592-0377 Tam@ChooseBigChange.com

Tired of being sad, stressed and broke and ready for a rich, rewarding life? Learn #The MoneyFix for personal power and bigger paydays.

NEWTON CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTRE Julie Burke, DC 617-964-3332 Info@WellAdjusted.com

MICHELE LOWENTHAL 781 413-7055 BackPainCounseling.com

Mind-body mental health counselor specializing in eliminating chronic pain.

Repressed emotions create pain.

No exercise or medication needed. Based on Dr. John Sarno’s work. Skype sessions available.

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COACHING

Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

We are an integrative holistic center, with a caring team of Network Spinal Analysis chiropractors, massage therapists, Shiatsu and Reiki practitioners and a Wellness Coach. See ad, page 7.

SHAWNA PELTON

813-966-0164 Healing@ShawnaPelton.com ShawnaPelton.com As a Transformational Coach and Metaphysical Healer, I help people clear energy blocks so to overcome doubts and fears, and evolve their Souls highest potential. See ad, page 25.

TAKE THE LEAP COACHING

Kim Childs 1025 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02476 617-640-3813 Kim@KimChilds.com KimChilds.com Need help clarifying and manifesting your desires? Asking “What’s next?” or “What do I really, really want?” Kim is a certified life and career coach specializing in Positive Psychology, creativity, and spiritual living to help clients create more joyful and fulfilling lives. Consultations are free via phone/Skype or in person.

WELLING COACHING Karen Welling 617-623-3703 Karen@KWelling.com KWelling.com

Coaching for artists, athletes, and everyone else with Karen Welling, musician and former competitive athlete. Together we’ll bolster your strengths and eliminate obstacles. Free initial consultation. See ad, page 24.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY INTERNAL WELLNESS CENTER

Liz Marcano-Pucillo 140 Wood Rd, Ste 305, Braintree, MA 02184 781-228-6915 Liz@InternalWellnessCtr.com InternalWellnessCtr.com Receive professional colon hydrotherapy by a national board-certified therapist using the Angel of Water system. The most comfortable and private system in the industry. See ad, page 24.

COMPOUNDING & WELLNESS PHARMACY JOHNSON COMPOUNDING AND WELLNESS

Stephen Bernardi 577 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452 781-893-3870 • Fax: 781-899-1172 Steve@NaturalCompounder.com NaturalCompounder.com JCW is the only sterile and non-sterile PCABaccredited pharmacy in Massachusetts. In addition to our compounding service, we offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products, homeopathic remedies and home health care equipment. See ads, pages 23 and 25.

ENERGY HEALING

DENTIST

DIVINE METHODS

DR. IVETA IONTCHEVA-BAREHMI DMD, MS, D.SC.

Darlene-Marie Slagle Info@DivineMethods.com DivineMethods.com

1842 Beacon St, Ste 305, Brookline, MA 617-868-1516 BostonDentalWellness.com Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is an accomplished dentist and specialist in Periodontics and Implants with a holistic approach to medicine and dentistry. To schedule your comprehensive exam and share the excitement of a healthy smile, call: 617-868-1516. See ad, page 10.

Divine Methods in Spirituality promotes the mind-body connection through energy healing, using the Melchizedek Method, Usui Reiki and the EFT technique.

HERBAL STUDIES

GROTON WELLNESS – FAMILY DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS, MEDICAL, SPA, CAFÉ

THE BOSTON SCHOOL OF HERBAL STUDIES

493-495 Main St (Off Rte 119) Groton, MA 01450 978-449-9919 GrotonWellness.com

12 Pelham Terrace, Arlington, MA 781-646-6319 BostonHerbalStudies.com

Groton Wellness is a vibrant center for health and healing consisting of Holistic Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, an Integrative Medical Practice, a pampering and detoxifying Therapeutic Spa, and a clean food, farm-to-table Café—all working together to provide exceptional community health care. We also offer exciting talks, cleanses, classes and events, many of which are free to the community. Groton Wellness uses IV Therapy, Nutrition Management, Herbal Medicine, Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing, EAV Testing, Integrative Chiropractic, Acupuncture and many other Holistic Therapies to treat patients from head-to-toe. We have enormous success treating chronic health issues such as Lyme disease, cancer, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, mold, internal toxicity and more. See ad on back page.

NEWTON DENTAL WELLNESS 93 Union St, Ste 408 Newton Center, MA 617-244-4997 NewtonDW.com

We offer two Herbal Apprenticeship Programs, Advanced Training, Aromatherapy Certification and a series of Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon classes. Please visit our website. See ad, page 6.

COMMONWEALTH CENTER FOR HOLISTIC HERBALISM Katja Swift & Ryn Midura 25 Saint Mary’s Court, Brookline, MA 617-750-5274 CommonWealthHerbs.com

Personalized, comprehensive consultations with experienced herbalists. Whether it’s the flu or a chronic illness, or simply to build greater vitality, herbal medicine can help. See ad, page 35.

HORMONE BALANCING

We are the healing dentist. We take a holistic approach to general and pediatric dentistry.

We make it easy to see a dentist. New patients receive free comprehensive exam and full set of X-rays. Blog at TheHealingDentist.info.

BELLA NATURAL HEALTH Dawna Jones, MD, FACOG 99 Longwater Cir, Ste 100 Norwell, MA 02061 781-829-0930 BellaNaturalHealth.com

Board-certified MD in gynecology and integrative medicine.

Hormone balancing, nutrition and detoxification are keys to optimal health. See ad, page 8.

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HYPNOTHERAPY THOUGHT ALCHEMY

Rose Siple, Certified Hypnotherapist 774-991-0574 Info@ThoughtAlchemy.guru Transform yourself and achieve your goals through the transformative healing process of hypnotherapy. Aren’t you tired of talking about it and thinking about it? We specialize in Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis for weight loss. Call today. See ad on page 17.

INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY MEDICAL CARE MASH MAIN ST ANIMAL SERVICES OF HOPKINTON Margo Roman, DVM 72 W Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-4077 MASHVet.com

A full-service integrative veterinary clinic offering caring and healthful options and modalities like acupuncture, functional nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbs, ozone therapy, surgery and dentistry. See ad, page 28.

INTEGRATIVE/FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE 4 BETTER HEALTH, INC

Dr. Patti Zub & Lisa Vasile, NP 85 Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-625-1807 4BetterHealth.biz

We have the pieces to your health puzzle 4 vibrant living.

Comprehensive Functional Medicine. Specializing in GI disorders, thyroid, auto-immune, fatigue and reversing chronic conditions.

MASSAGE NEWTON CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTRE 383 Elliot St, Ste 250 617-964-3332 WellAdjusted.com

Deep-tissue, medical, sports, Swedish and therapeutic massage, shiatsu, Reiki & HydroMassage in a full-service Wellness Center also featuring chiropractic, acupuncture, Facial Rejuvenation, Facelift Acupuncture and detox footbath. See ad, page 7.

KUMAR CONSCIOUS HEALTH Meenakshi Kumar, MD Info@KumarConsciousHealth.com KumarConsciousHealth.com

Functional medicine practice offering Telemedicine appointments in addition to in-office appointments. In addition, services include Reiki, nutritional counseling, allergy testing and treatment for all ages. See ad on page 27.

MIND-BODY MEDICINE BODYMIND RESOURCING

Alison Shaw APRN, LMT, CEH 109 Massachusetts Ave Lexington, MA 02420 781-646-0686 Alison@BodymindResourcing.org An innovative blend of body-centered counseling, integrative bodywork and energy medicine to uncover and release body-mind patterns that limit your life and health. See ad, page 28.

BOSTON BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE 1371 Beacon St, Ste 304-305 Brookline, MA 02446 617-232-2435 Ext 0 BostonBMed.com

Boston Behavioral Medicine promotes a holistic view of health using integrative mindbody psychotherapy, stress management, and nutritional services, and strives for the balance of mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being.

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Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com

PETER HOWE

508-838-1101 Info@PeterHoweHealer.com PeterHoweHealer.com Over 35 years as an alternative health practitioner and neuromuscular therapist. Helps clients identify and eliminate chronic and acute pain, digestive disorders, Lyme and myriad other health disorders. See ad, page 13.

MUSIC AND SPIRITUALITY SINGING AS SPIRITUAL PATH Barry Harris 857-998-3677 BarryMH2002@yahoo.com

Perfect your singing voice as spiritual path and for emotional healing. Barry studied with Judy Oas, world-famous teacher written up in Opera News for her miraculous results restoring damaged voices, by teaching detailed technique on foundation of spiritual grace/surrender. Free introductory lesson.

NATURAL VISION IMPROVEMENT REE COLEMAN, YOUR BETTER VISION GURU

Ree Coleman, Your Better Vision Guru Serving Greater Boston and New England 617-838-0928 Ree@BetterVision.guru BetterVision.guru In 10 visits I can completely change your relationship with your eyes. Learn techniques to improve your vision and how not to age your eyes with Computer Vision Syndrome through techniques, awareness, diet and relaxation.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE KERI LAYTON, ND

Winchester Natural Health Associates 10 Converse Pl, Winchester, MA 01890 781-721-4585 Naturopathic Medicine since 2006. Dr. Layton provide safe, effective complementary and alternative natural therapies to achieve vibrant health in people of all ages.

GARY KRACOFF, RPH & NMD

WELLNESS CENTER

SHAMBHALA MEDITAION

Johnson Compounding and Wellness 781-893-3870 Gary@NaturalCompounder.com

KARMÊ CHÖLING

Dr. Gary Kracoff provides guidance and in-depth consultative services to find the “why” to what is happening physically and mentally, working with individuals to restore balance in the body. Specializes in customizing medications to meet individualized needs of patients, and he suggests nutritional supplements, natural products and homeopathic remedies to aid in faster healing and recovery See ads, pages 23 and 25.

A HEALING VIBRATION

Shambhala Meditation Center Barnet, VT 802-633-2384 Registration@KarmeCholing.org KarmeCholing.org

Ali Bourgault 978-850-4164 Ali@AHealingVibration.com

Nestled in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Karmê Chöling offers contemplative programs to inspire wisdom and compassion in our everyday lives.

BODY & BRAIN HEALTH CENTER

SPRING WATER

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING

SIMPSON SPRING MARKETPLACE

THE CLEAN BEDROOM

444 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02481 781-431-6167 • 866-380-5892 TheCleanBedroom.com

The Clean Bedroom is an organic and all-natural mattress and bedding resource with seven showrooms, including its Wellesley location.

Through its showrooms and website, eco-minded shoppers gain insights to create a healthier sleep environment. See ad on page 3.

REIKI BRENNER REIKI HEALING

719 Washington St, South Easton 508-238-4472 SimpsonSpring.com

Simpson Spring is the oldest independent bottling plant in the United States, providing pure spring water and old-fashioned, hand-mixed soda in a variety of favors, classic and new. Complimentary tours of historic museum, see the Spring, Visit the Alpacas, and fill up with crisp spring water at self-serve stations; bring your own containers. Saturday Marketplace educates, entertains and offers 30 food and artisan vendors. See ad, page 21.

METROWEST THERMAL IMAGING

Providing you with reiki healing sessions, Reiki meditation, and Reiki training to support you in reaching your goals of mind-body-spirit wellness and wholeness. .

325 Broadway, Arlington MA 02474 781-648-9642 BodyNBrain.com/Arlington 1773 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA 02140 617-354-9642 BodyNBrain.com/Cambridge 235 Harvard Ave Brookline, MA 02446 617-264-4851 BodyNBrain.com/Brookline

A Holistic Health Center which incorporates yoga, meditation, tai chi, energy work and workshops for spiritual growth. Body, mind and spirit training for all levels. See ad, page 17.

YOGA CECILE RAYNOR

THERMOGRAPHY

324 Central St, Newton 02466 617-244-8856 Elise@BrennerReikiHealing.org BrennerReikiHealing.org

Massage, organic hair salon, Himalayan salt saunas, siddha kundalini healings, meditation, yoga, workshop, coaching, readings, metaphysical retail and more. See ad, page 28.

Susan Shaw Saari, Lic.Ac., CCT, MEd, MAOM, Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM) 781-899-2121 Sue@Thpclinic.com MyThermography.com

Certified Alexander Technique Teacher; Certified Thai Yoga Therapist 33A Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02445 617-359-7841 OffTheMatYogaBlog.com

A clinical imaging technique that records thermal patterns of the body to help diagnose and monitor pain or pathology in any part of the body. See ad, page 19.

Your yoga can release or create tension depending on the quality of your daily movements. Learn to let your postural mechanism work for you and notice excess body tension ease away on-and-off the mat.

List your services in the Community Resource Guide.

Contact us at

617-906-0232 • Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com natural awakenings

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