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Rituals Around the World DECEMBER 2009

Silence is

MINDFULNESS

Healing

Golden

Awakening Consciousness |

Greater Cincinnati

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letterfromeditor At a very difficult time in my life, an important person taught me how to practice mindfulness meditation. She taught me to be still, to experience the present moment, to watch my thoughts and emotions as they arise in each moment, and to not judge myself for experiencing them. To just be aware of them. And to face them with courage, to be present with them. And over time, mindfulness changed me, in ways that are hard to express in words. It opened me up to life as an adventure, where previously life often felt empty, lacking in meaning, purpose, and logical sense. It gave me the courage to walk closer to my fears, to my hurts, giving me the impetus I needed to walk toward true, lasting healing of my heart and mind. It helped me to see that my thoughts don’t always tell the truth. That sometimes (many times), my thoughts are rooted in fear. That I shouldn’t always believe them. That in order to dwell in peace, I must distinguish between when my mind is telling me the truth and when it’s telling me subtle yet clever lies. In order to set myself free from the torment of my mind, I had to become familiar with it. I had to get to know it, to become aware of its ways. When I first embarked on this journey with mindfulness, I likened what I was finding to old-time cartoons, where the main character finds himself (or herself) in a series of situations with a devil on one shoulder, an angel on the other. I began to find myself in these situations all the time, confronted with thoughts that kept me stuck, that made me feel awful about myself, that filled me with doubt, anger, jealousy, judgment—you name it. Through a continual, moment-by-moment practice of mindfulness, I realized that my greatest adversary is within me. I also saw that I had the power to choose whether to believe the devil or whether to see the angel behind it. In order to find this truth for myself, I had to let go of my desire for understanding. (Not an easy feat, let me tell you! It was a conscious decision, and still is a moment-by-moment decision.) I had to allow myself to accept whatever emotions surfaced and to explore them without asking, “Why?!” To focus on asking, “What?” And, in the midst of my nagging desire to understand, to allow myself to be content with simply noticing what was happening inside me. I had to consciously remember that healing is a process and a journey, even with mindfulness. In all honesty, when I first heard the word mindfulness, I did a sort of combination cringe/snicker. Mindfulness seemed nothing more than a new-fangled term to describe something that anyone submerged in the daily grind of a typical American Life has no use (or time) for. I thought of monks meditating, of Zen rock gardens, of syrupy-happy-yet-unrealistic thoughts and a million other things that didn’t apply to me. It’s interesting how our perceptions of something change when we get to know it. In this issue, we devote the following pages to sharing with you what we’ve found to be a great catalyst for growth—personally, communally, and spiritually. Our Community Spotlight features our very own Dr. Richard Sears, clinical psychologist, director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness and Meditation at Union Institute and University, core faculty member at the university, and author of Natural Awakenings’ Wise Words blog (wisewords.nacincin. com). If you like what you read in the article, feel free to connect with Dr. Sears online! With warm thoughts, Kristin

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nacincin.com BLOGS Main: Blog.nacincin.com WiseWords.nacincin.com Inspiration.nacincin.com Video.nacincin.com We give 10% of our profits to Local Charities. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally at more than 500 locations, with 80,000 local readers, and is supported solely by our advertisers. Please call or email 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. ©2009 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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inside this issue PG. 8

Mindfulness as Clinical Practice: Dr. Richard Sears

healthbriefs 6

by Kristin DeMint

Silence is Golden

inspiration 11

by Janet Luhrs

Radically Clear Skin Glow from the Inside Out

consciouseating 12

by Lisa Marshall PG. 16

healingways 14

Healing Rituals Around the World

Death in the Sweat Lodge

Sniffle Patrol

by Debra Bokur

healthykids 16

by Gary Matthews

Easy Tips to Keep Kids Healthy This Winter

naturalpet 18

by Dr. Lauri Grossman

Three Dog Night

wisewords 19

Should Fido and Fluffy Share Our Bed?

by George Costa

fitbody 24

A Conversation with Peter Rodger Filmmaker, Author and Spiritual Seeker

by Brett Campion

localcalendar 25 localresources 30

Community Spotlight

Awakening Consciousness

Bring on the Beat!

by Barbara Amrhein PG. 19

by Joan McCutcheon

How to advertise - January deadline is December 7th To advertise locally, in multiple markets or nationally with Natural Awakenings, or request a media kit, please contact us at 513-259-3090 or email Publisher@nacincin.com. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

EDITORIAL submissions - February deadline is January 1st Email articles and story ideas to: Editor@nacincin.com Email News Briefs and Calendar Events to: Calendar@nacincin.com

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December 2009

Green Computer Consulting Services

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atural Awakenings is now launching a new Video Blog. Among the first videos available on the blog will be the debut of Verria Kelly’s Blog Talk Radio show; filmed, produced and edited by 7/79 Ltd. Verria is a certified health and wellness coach, who launched her new show in November this year. Why a Video Blog? Natural Awakenings is about connecting and meeting each other where it counts — making valuable and earnest connections with each other, learning and helping each other to grow and succeed in healthy ways. Sometimes this connection is our beloved written word, at other times images or videos communicate more effectively. The Video Blog is a way to see our community and advertisers alive and in action. We delight in your participation and feedback. Visit the Video Blog at: Video.nacincin.com Natural Awakenings has an array of multi-media services available. To communicate with your audience, please contact Publisher@nacincin.com or call 513-259-3090. For video production services to communicate with your audience, contact 7/79 Ltd. (See CRG listing on page 31) For information about Verria’s upcoming Blog Talk Radio shows, visit GoodHealthCoach.com/radio.html (Also see ad on page 5 and CRG listing on page 30)

Recycle Your Christmas Tree!

amilton County residents who wish to recycle their Christmas trees and dispose of them in an environment friendly way will need to take to a county yard waste drop off this year. The city of Cincinnati, who has collected and recycled Christmas trees for the past 20 years, discontinued separate yard waste collection in August, 2009. On January 2 and 9, from 12 to 3 p.m., Hamilton County residents can dispose of their Christmas trees in an environmentally responsible manner at the following locations: • Cincinnati Public Services, 3320 Millcreek Rd, Cincinnati • Bzak Landscaping, 3295 Turpin Lane (off Rt. 32), Anderson Township • Kuliga Park, 6717 Bridgetown Road, Green Township • Rumpke Landfill, Struble Road and Colerain Avenue, Colerain Township For more information, call 513-591-6000 or visit Cincinnati-OH.gov

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Annual Winter Bird Count

n Saturday, December 12, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. everyone is invited to join the Winter Bird Count. This annual census of the birds living in the parks will take place in most of the 21 parks of the Hamilton County Park District. Park District staff and volunteers will be available to lead groups. The count goes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a grand tally of all of the birds seen, with refreshments provided at 4:15 p.m. At the tally, birders will also share their experiences, comments and any unusual sightings. The public is invited to attend the grand tally whether or not they have counted birds that day. Bird counters will have a chance to win door prizes. Bring binoculars if you have them. Deadline to register is December 10. For more information and to register, visit GreatParks.org

Home Care by Black Stone Hires New Director of Clinical Services

ome Care by Black Stone, a leading provider of in-home caregiving services, has hired Sharon Rachford as the new Director of Clinical Services. Rachford will operate out of the Cincinnati office, where she will supervise, manage and oversee all of the skilled nursing services for Black Stone’s Medicare/Medicaid division. Rachford brings over 20 years of nursing experience, including a stint as Clinical Administrator with MJ Nursing before Black Stone purchased the company. She has served in various nursing capacities at St. Luke Hospital from Oncology to Hospice to the Endoscopy department. Rachford is licensed in both the states of Kentucky and Ohio. “Having Sharon join our team as the new Director of Clinical Services is almost like a homecoming for all of us. Sharon is a perfect fit because of her years with MJ Nursing. She understands the unique aspects of home care and will be a tremendous asset to Black Stone and our clients,” said David Tramontana, President and CEO, Black Stone Healthcare.

Holiday Concerts at UC

C College-Conservatory of Music’s annual Feast of Carols inaugurates greater Cincinnati’s December holiday season with festive choral favorites performed by CCM’s fabulous choirs – Chamber Choir, Chorale, University Men’s and Women’s Choruses and Cincinnati Children’s Choir as well as guest choirs – the Hillsboro High School Symphonic Chorus, SCPA Chorale, and Winton Woods High School Chorus. Come and bring your family and friends on December 5 (at 5.m.) or December 6 (at 2 and 5 p.m.) to enjoy this “Feast” in the Corbett Auditorium at the University of Cincinnati. Experience the CCM Concert Orchestra and Choruses grand finale, featuring over 300 voices of combined choirs. On December 13, at 7 p.m. the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, CCC Touring Choir, Bel Canto Choir will perform at the Winter Concert. This show includes a holiday repertoire representing many countries and traditions. Admission for each concert is $10 and $5 for students with ID. The concerts are free for UC students. Call 513-556-4183 for tickets. For more information, visit CCM.UC.edu

For more information, visit BlackStoneHC.com

The Passage of Issue 7 Saves Our Library

he Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County thanks the residents of Hamilton County for their overwhelming support of the Library. “I am truly humbled by and deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support that was shown by the people in this community for our library system,” says William J. Moran, Levy Chairman. With the passage of Issue 7, the library will be able to continue providing much needed services to the children, seniors, families and communities across Hamilton County. Issue 7 will allow the Library to keep neighborhood branches open, presenting programs, providing computer access for workers and residents, and purchasing new books and materials that people need. Visit online at CincinnatiLibrary.org

December 2009

healthbriefs http://nacincin.com

Coping with Grief Over the Holidays

• • • • • • • • •

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oliday celebrations, traditionally memorable for their joys and happiness, can be tough emotional sledding for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Experts counsel that acknowledging the fact that the holidays won’t be the same without the deceased is a first step toward being at peace with the activities unfolding around us. Then, we need to decide what we can handle and how much responsibility we are willing to assume; this might mean letting others do the shopping or cooking. Getting enough rest is crucial; if we need time alone, we should honor that need. It can help to create new traditions that include the deceased in a loving way. We might light a candle, display a photo or revisit photo albums of good times, thus including the life of our loved one in our conversations and celebrations. We could even hang a stocking in the name of the beloved for family and friends to stuff with notes, thereby sharing their feelings with us. Holidays are not about “shoulds,” but about what’s comfortable and best for our family and us. If this is the first holiday without a loved one and celebrating seems impossible, we can instead celebrate winter, by engaging in a physical nature activity. Whatever we do, we can know that grieving is a necessary and healthy process and that healing is possible. Adapted from GriefAndRenewal.com, Griefnet.org and HospiceFoundation.org.

A HEALTHY GLOW candles made from soy are an easy alternative to expensive beeswax candles for revelers who have learned to shun passé petroleumbased paraffin for a glowingly earth-friendly holiday home. Both beeswax and soy candles are nontoxic and produce less soot than old-style candles; they also burn longer and clean up more easily in the event of spillage. Source: Soya.be

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Artist Kay Kemp can’t remember a time when she was not making art. She loves to play with paint and paper as she explores a variety of subjects. Her primary means of expression is mixed media collage and painting in acrylic. This month’s cover piece, “Earth Prayer: Radiance,” is acrylic painted on wood and was created to honor the connection of all things. It is intended to inspire respect and appreciation for our responsibility to one another as well as our environment. The Shaman figure appears frequently in Kay’s work and is a symbolic healing force. Along with creating her art, Kay guides others in finding their true voices for self-expression. She is founder of Wild Heart Art in Houston, Texas. Kay conducts workshops throughout Texas and special retreats in other countries. Her programs lead participatns to exprience their own creativity in new ways as they open to the joy and healing creativity brings.

To contact the artist, email Kay@WildHeartArt.com. For information about the programs offered at Wild Heart Art, visit WildHeartArt.com.

December 2009

communityspotlight

Mindfulness as Clinical Practice

Dr. Richard Sears

by Kristin demint

ot many people can say they’ve been a bodyguard for the Dalai Lama—but Dr. Richard Sears

can.

He jokes about his “15 minutes of fame”—but you can tell the experience deeply influenced his life. “Although I was there to serve, I learned so much from him,” says Sears. “Not only from the words he spoke, but also from the peaceful presence that surrounded him.” Dr. Sears is a quiet man, an observant man. He’s peaceful and contented. His presence is like quiet waters; it’s soothing and restorative. He listens, and he smiles. Dr. Sears is everything you might want in a psychologist. In fact, you likely won’t want to walk out his door. He’s

just got that quiet insight, the patient wisdom that helps you see yourself more clearly. He’s a mirror like everyone else, albeit one of the clearest mirrors you’ll find. And he’s worked hard to get to this place. His journey into the mind began as a teenager with martial arts. “I wanted to help people, to protect them from wrongdoing. The more I looked into martial arts, the more I realized that there are so many mental aspects to it,” he explains. Much of the information he gathered came from his teacher, Stephen Hayes, who wrote books about the mind’s importance in martial arts training. “At first,” Sears explains, “I was still just into the protection aspect. But I was fascinated by how the mind works—I

Greater Cincinnati Edition / nacincin.com

couldn’t ignore it.” So he began studying with his teacher’s meditation teacher, Dr. Clark Jikai Choffy.

Turning Practice into Profession As an adult, Dr. Sears owned and operated a martial arts and meditation school. What he noticed, though, was that people who came to him weren’t interested much in the specifics of the practices, but in their practicality. “People would come to handle emotional issues and such that I didn’t feel equipped to handle,” Sears confesses. So he went back to school to get a PsyD—a doctorate in clinical psychology. “I’ve got the best of both worlds,” Sears says, contentedly. “The latest scientific findings plus the long tradition of meditation techniques and philosophies. Now is really an amazing time in psychology, because a lot of research about the brain and science is coming out that supports historical practices like meditation.” And Dr. Sears is on the cusp of that research—he just launched the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation (CCMM), the only center of its kind, at Union Institute & University, where he’s also a core faculty member and private psychotherapy practitioner. “The reason we started the center is because there’s so much new research constantly coming out about incorporating mindfulness into clinical work,” Sears explains. “One of our goals for the CCMM is to collect and summarize the new research as it’s coming out. It’s a place for researchers, therapists, and others to come together and compare notes and share research projects. It’s also a place where the usefulness of mindfulness can be made known to the public through summarizing the research findings, making resources available on our Web site, as well as providing mindfulness groups, workshops/seminars, and so on.”

What Mindfulness Is All About “Mindfulness can be thought of as a type of exposure therapy,” Sears explains. “Usually when we’re anxious or stressed we try to avoid what’s causing it, which keeps us in a pattern of avoiding all the

time. But by turning toward it [which is what you do with mindfulness], the anxiety at first goes up, but then goes back down, if you stay with it.” “Practicing mindfulness is about exercising your attention and your awareness in the same way that you exercise your muscles,” he continues. “By practicing regularly, you start training your awareness. It’s also about learning to manage your emotions in a healthy way. Usually when emotions come up that we don’t like, we try to push them away, and they grow stronger. Mindfulness is about staying with the emotions as they rise and fall. It’s about watching the patterns we fall into so that we can make more conscious choices about how we respond.” “You could think of formal meditation practice as sort of an exercise to get you ready for the rest of your life,” says Sears. “The mind does wander—that’s what it’s designed to do. And the wandering could be a sign of creativity— that’s a good thing. But where we get into trouble is when we wander out of habit and too often miss what’s happening all around us right now. The goal of mindfulness is not to have a motionless mind—it’s to notice where your mind is wandering and bring it back, to learn to pay more attention to the present moment.” Everyone has a choice, Sears explains. “You can consciously investigate and form who you are, or you can fall

into old patterns. This is why the investigation is so helpful to do in therapy—to have someone help you watch how your mind works, how your emotions influence your behavior, and to help you make choices about how to act instead of following habits that aren’t helpful.” Sears is careful to add that mindfulness is a journey. “Sometimes we confuse enlightenment with some sort of holiness or perfection,” he explains. “But you don’t want to fool yourself into thinking you’re some kind of perfect person. Mindfulness isn’t about perfection; it’s about becoming more real, more aware. I find that mindfulness really helps me be present with what’s happening. When all these exciting things are happening in my life personally and professionally, it’s easy to start looking for the next big thing. When I’m holding my baby, gazing into her eyes, I find myself fully engaged in the moment. Mindfulness brings a sort of richness to everything you do.” Dr. Richard Sears is a licensed, boardcertified psychologist in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation (www.myunion.edu/ccmm), core faculty for the PsyD Program at Union Institute & University, and author of Natural Awakenings’ Wise Words blog (wisewords.nacincin.com). He has been studying and teaching martial arts and meditation for 25 years.

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SILENCE IS

GOLDEN by Janet Luhrs

ere’s the big idea: Noise is bad for you. During my career as a pioneer in the simplicity movement, I have taken note of numerous studies that link unwanted sound to increased levels of stress. Even lowlevel noise has been associated with increased aggression and other mental health problems, as well as poor sleep, high blood pressure and heart disease. A few of the reporting organizations include Cornell University, the Acoustical Society of America and the World Health Organization. The following tips for increasing moments of silence in daily life will help us all feel better and live healthier: n Start each day with silence. Before running headlong into another day, do something relaxing for 12 minutes upon waking. It may be meditating, stretching or reading inspirational literature. According to the National Institutes of Health, our cortisol levels (“the stress hormone” produced by the adrenal glands) are highest between 6 and 8 o’clock in the morning, when we first get out of bed. Most people have coffee and turn on the news. That’s the worst thing we can do. Studies have shown that only 12 minutes of quiet in the morning can bring down the stress-hormone levels, and get you off to a better start that will last all day.

n Eat at a table, without watching television or reading. Mindful eating helps us to enjoy our food more, prevents overeating because we are tuned into our body’s satiety signals, and allows the body to metabolize food more efficiently. n Try driving in silence. Because there is so much noise that we can’t control, find small ways to create silence that you can control. The car is a wonderful place to get in touch with your thoughts and just be with yourself. Silence is rejuvenating. n Create a silence retreat at home. Set aside an evening at home with no talking. Turn the phone ringer off and don’t answer it; turn off the television. Don’t run any extra machines. Try to have the family do this together, or trade nights with a partner in taking the kids out to dinner and a movie. n Practice silent exercise. Exer-

cise without iPod, magazines or video. If possible, exercise outdoors. Silence helps us pay attention to everything the body is doing—breathing, muscle function and posture. Silence helps us listen to the helpful signals our body is giving—to slow down, go faster or straighten up. Janet Luhrs is the international bestselling author of The Simple Living Guide and guides people toward simpler, more enjoyable lives through her Simplicity Series Seminars, at SimpleLiving.com.

Silence, Meditation and Prayer MOYE SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER Beth Fritsch, Director 1000 St. Anne Dr, Melbourne, KY. 859-441-0700 x 327 cdpkentucky.org Retreat Center welcoming day and overnight groups/individuals. Reflect, relax, pray. Enjoy our beautiful chapel, nature trails, fitness room, delicious meals, and private bedrooms with fresh linens.

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December 2009

consciouseating

RADICALLY

CLEAR SKIN

Glow from the Inside Out by Lisa Marshall

Forget the needle, scalpel and expensive potions. Whether it’s wrinkles, pimples, dryness or irritation that is giving you trouble, health experts say the true path to clear, youthful-looking skin runs straight through the grocery aisle.

“F

or too many years, the idea that nutrition could have a significant influence on the skin was dismissed, but that has changed,” says Alan Logan, a Westchester, New York-based naturopathic doctor and coauthor of The Clear Skin Diet. “Whether the issue is aging or acne, many recent studies indicate that nutrition really does matter.” Sue Van Raes, a holistic nutritionist from Boulder, Colorado, points out that because the body tends to prioritize other organs, such as the heart, when doling out nutrients, the skin is the first to show signs of distress when diet is poor: “It’s a critical barometer of our health.” The older we get, the harder it is for our skin to soak up nutrients, making a skinfriendly diet even more critical as we age. “If someone comes to me for aesthetic reasons, the first thing I am going to say is, ‘Tell me about your diet,’” remarks Amy Newburger, a Scarsdale, New York, dermatologist. Here’s a quick and easy look at what to eat and not eat to achieve that desired youthful glow:

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Wrinkle-free with vitamin C: Vitamin C and other antioxidants, such as vitamins E and A, play a crucial role in neutralizing free-radicals associated with sun, wind and environmental toxin exposure, which age cells and lead to wrinkled skin. Vitamin C is particularly important for building plump, moist collagen. Newburger says, “If you aren’t getting enough C, the collagen is not well able to hold water and looks wrinkly.” Those who spend lots of time outdoors playing or working amid the harsh elements need it most. This counsel is backed by research, including a study of 4,025 women published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007, in which researchers found higher vitamin C intake associated with a significantly lower likelihood of wrinkles. So, don’t forget to eat lots of leafy greens and consider chugging a glass of orange juice after playing outside in the sun. Tomatoes and green tea: Two other nutrients that have earned considerable attention from skin researchers recently include lycopene, from tomatoes, and polyphenols, which are omnipresent in green tea. In 2008, British researchers from the University of Newcastle found that volunteers who took five tablespoons of tomato paste daily for 12 weeks, and were then exposed to UVA light, had 33 percent more protection against sunburn than the control group; they also had higher levels of pro-collagen, a molecule that gives skin elasticity. While much of the research on green tea has involved topical applications, some animal studies suggest that ingesting green tea also may help protect skin against sun damage. Stay tuned for more research.

Good fats: We’ve all heard how we should eat more fatty fish, such as salmon, and/or add a fish oil supplement to our diet. In addition to having antioxidant properties and hydrating skin cells, essential fatty acids such as omega 3—commonly found in fish, olive oil, flax seeds and walnuts—help create a protective layer that shields against environmental stresses and holds in moisture, Van Raes advises. Logan adds that these essential fatty acids can also quell inflammation, which can swell tiny red capillaries on the skin’s surface and prompt red patches, or hasten wrinkles by first stretching, then shrinking, the skin. Too, omega 3 consumption is believed to reduce excess sebum production in pores, which can aggravate acne. Essential fatty acids also are good hormone regulators, moderating the breakouts that can occur in premenstrual women. Research in a 2007 issue of The Journal of Clinical Nutrition even found that higher intake of linoleic acid, found in fatty fish, may be associated with reduced risk of age-related dryness and thinning of the skin. Stay hydrated: Drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day plumps skin cells, leading to a smoother look. Cut carbs: Experts say a diet of highly refined carbohydrates (think white bread and spaghetti) is often the culprit for an array of skin problems: It spikes the blood sugar, leading to increased insulin production, which in turn throws the balance of testosterone and estrogen out of whack and disrupts the delicate balance of oils in the skin, making it too dry or too oily. Hormone imbalances also can fuel acne. For instance, Van Raes observes, a woman with excess testosterone might experience breakouts along her jaw line. One 2007 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 43 acne patients who went on a diet low in processed grains for 12 weeks decreased their pimples by nearly twice as much as the control group. Another report that same year, in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that those who ate more refined carbs had more wrinkles and skin atrophy, a culprit in sagging skin. Consider allergies: Logan and Van Raes both note that skin problems, such as itchy rashes, often can result from food sensitivities. For instance, when gluten-sensitive people eat wheat, their body becomes flooded with inflammatory chemicals, called cytokines, which can swell skin and promote acne, redness and wrinkling. According to a 2006 research review, gluten-sensitivity has been linked with 21 chronic skin disorders, from psoriasis to hair loss. Meanwhile, two recent studies by Harvard researchers showed a significant link between milk consumption and acne in teens. Logan recommends eliminating the suspicious food (be it milk or wheat) for three months and then, slowly reintroducing it. This can help reveal if it, indeed, is a culprit that needs to be replaced with a skin-healthy option.

If every day is an awakening, you will never grow old. You will just keep growing. ~ Gail Sheehy

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Lisa Marshall is a freelance writer in Estes Park, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

December 2009

healingways

HEALING RITUALS AROUND THE WORLD Many of today’s healing rituals draw from the tried-and-true wisdom of our ancestors. by Debra Bokur

rom acupressure massage, Ayurvedic facials and Shiatsu to hot stone massage, seaweed treatments and the use of herbs and botanical oils, many of today’s healing rituals share a vital component. Each has a firm foundation in an ancient, respected healing modality that’s recently made its way back into our collective awareness. Thanks to migrating populations and the efforts of world explorers, a glorious overlapping of regions and practices has occurred. Along the way, these traditions

have gained renewed respect in today’s forward-thinking wellness communities.

Native American Wisdom As recently as the mid-1800s, nearly 80 percent of all medicine in Europe and the United States was derived from native plants. Native American populations have a long history of tapping into the healing world of botanicals, awarding great respect to plants and recognizing the life force within them as integral to healing. Cleansing sweat lodge ceremonies, for example, as well as the use of such natural elements as sage, clay, willow, agave cactus and honey, have become staples in spas throughout Mexico and the West. Recently, another tradition has been rediscovered: burden baskets. These small, woven baskets are used in an adaptation of an Apache custom, in which they provide a physical receptacle for worries, concerns and mental burdens. Today, guests symbolically place their cares and burdens in the basket. The therapist then removes it from the room and empties it, leaving each guest free to garner the maximum healing benefit from their therapy.

Caribbean, Coastal Mexico, West Indies and South America Healing traditions within every part of the world share common elements. In tropical locations, local fruit crops of papaya, mango and coconut provide an

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abundance of natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients for facials and body treatments. On islands throughout the Caribbean and other coastal areas, seaweed, sea water, volcanic mud, sea salt and marine algae provide the same detoxifying and exfoliating benefits today as they did centuries ago. Mayan-themed rituals available along Mexico’s east coast include meditation in the shadows of area ruins and seaside purification rituals. During one intense ritual, guests are blindfolded and guided through a series of experiences that involve and awaken every sense. Further south, in the Amazon region of Venezuela, shamanism revolves around the practice of calling upon the spirits of native plants during healing rituals—a respected method that has helped to maintain and restore human health for centuries. Indigenous peoples in this rainforest environment believe that demonstrating proper respect for each plant is essential to the healing process. This respect ranges from asking the plant’s permission before removing it from its source and thanking it for bestowing its healing powers, to guarding against overharvesting and acknowledging that the plant’s spirit is every bit as important as its chemical components.

Hawaii In Hawai’i (native spelling), kahunas— traditional healers and holy men—have provided a solid basis for modern island spa treatments. Centuries-old lomilomi massage, with its long, stroking movements, helps stimulate and drain lymphatic glands, while easing the sore muscles of countless visitors. Honey, popular in facials and moisturizing body treatments, has long been recognized for its topical healing properties. It was used in numerous healing rituals throughout ancient Greece and Rome; Cleopatra was said to use honey in her royal bath water.

India Today, increasing numbers of people are accessing India’s 5,000-year-old medical system of Ayurveda and the centuries-old practice of yoga. Modern studies of the healing qualities of

harmonic sound also have resulted in the production of soothing Eastern and other soundtracks for various traditions of massage as well as the use of Tibetan singing bowls during massage and energy treatments. The use of gemstones to balance emotions and realign energy patterns, too, has gained popularity. Gemstone therapy has roots in many cultures, including Greek, Egyptian and Judaic societies. It was in India, however, that their spiritual and healing powers were most recognized, with mentions in the Vedic scriptures. Gemstones have been shown to emit specific vibrational frequencies that many believe capable of affecting the body’s own frequencies, functions and well-being.

Africa and Australia From Africa, the practice of rhythmic drumming to induce a meditative state is still used by shamans as a way to enter the spirit world, where questions

may be answered and individuals can progress along their healing journey. Aboriginal medicine men in Australia also use drumming, repetitive percussive music and crystals to gain insight into dreams, which they believe are mediums for important messages—including messages of healing.

Asia Asian cultures understand the health benefits of meditation practice. Today’s moving meditative methods include Tai chi and qigong, as well as the tradition of Japanese flower arrangement known as ikebana. Once restricted to Japanese male nobility, today, the inspiring and calming ritual of ikebana can be practiced by everyone. The practice makes use of found objects, such as rocks, branches, feathers and other offerings from nature, often with

Death in the Sweat Lodge By Gary Matthews

In October there was a news story about three people who died in a sweat lodge in Arizona. A large number of people were in the lodge, and no one yet knows exactly what caused the deaths. What we do know was that following the event was something of a media frenzy. Ceremonies like the sweat lodge have been handed down to us from ancient times. They fulfill a need for our souls; they initiate us into our own power and selfrealization. Our souls are called to powerful initiations over and over again, and it’s our job to discern the proper pathways for us. One time, someone I know was curious about the sweat lodge and wanted to know whether she should go to one. I said that for me, curiosity is not a good enough reason to venture into this rite. It has to be a soul calling. Last week I got an e-mail from my good friend David Starbear; he and I have sat in sweat lodges together many times. David was concerned that the general public may have been scared and misinformed by the way this tragedy was reported. We both love the sweat lodge ceremony and the powerful transformation it makes available to participants. We also know that it’s extremely important to enter into any ceremony like a sweat in a humble way. A sweat is a powerful ceremony

the addition of fresh flowers or greenery. Through contemplation and meditation, the practitioner seeks to create a harmonious arrangement of the gathered components. Japanese tea ceremonies are another time-honored ritual with multiple health benefits. Today, the antioxidant properties found in tea are well known. The practice of slowing down and taking time for introspection at a regular interval each day also works to reduce stress and create an oasis in the midst of a busy schedule. Participating in healing rituals and therapies from around the world provides ways for us to reconnect with our past. They remind us of what our ancestors knew so well—that body, mind and spirit cannot be separated. True health embodies the whole person. Debra Bokur is the travel and wellness editor at HealingLifestyles.com and a regular contributor to Fit Yoga and Global Traveler. Connect at NextPlaneMedia.com.

that leaves little room for lack of focus or lack of consciousness; it’s not like a ride at King’s Island. However, just because the ceremony is powerful doesn’t mean that we have to be afraid. There’s a difference between fear and respect. So how do we deal with the feelings that have come up around the country about sweat lodges and other rituals intended to facilitate self-healing? In David’s e-mail, he talked about what those of us who facilitate ceremonies and rituals can do: “We must embrace and honor the fear and confusion that is presented through the eyes of our brothers and sisters. Greet it with arms open and extended, greet it with gratitude for the observation, and meet it with sincere, accepting Namaste,” he said. “These very frightened faces are the ones that [we facilitators] have agreed through sacred contract to guide across the conduit of consciousness into higherdimensional existence. For those who have awakened to this calling, the report in Arizona becomes a portal of divine importance. We must exhibit love, compassion and support.” Sweat lodges are not designed to physically kill anyone. They are strong transformational tools that we must enter into with our eyes as well as our hearts wide open. I believe this openness helps not only the individual participants but also our whole world. It’s wise and courageous to see the tragedy as an opportunity for the general public to go toward fear and misunderstanding.

December 2009

healthykids

Sniffle Patrol Easy Tips to Keep Kids Healthy This Winter by Dr. Lauri Grossman

ccording to the National Institutes of Health, children can get six to 10 colds a year, but with the Food and Drug Administration’s recent warnings about the safety of over-the-counter cold medicines for children, many parents are looking for new ways to find relief. Here is a rundown of some of safest and most effective alternatives.

them to eat lightly. This allows their body to concentrate on healing, rather than on digesting a three-course meal. Choose foods wisely; some of the best natural medicines are found at home in the kitchen cabinet:

Prevention

n Ginger, onions and garlic warm the body and boost the immune system.

Colds, like most illnesses, tend to affect children whose immune systems are weak; the best defense is to take steps to support the body’s natural defenses. Having children eat well, drink plenty of water, exercise and get ample rest helps keep their immune systems strong. A recommended diet includes whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. Good basics work together to keep kids healthy and active.

Treatment Recommended Foods ~ If a child comes down with a cold, encourage

n Steamed vegetables and soups fortify the body with minerals. n Miso and chicken soup, herbal teas and water flush away toxins and keep the respiratory tract moist.

n Hot water with lemon and honey soothes the throat and chest and thins mucous. n Mint tea and peppermint candies help with tickling coughs.

Foods to Avoid ~ Sugar depresses the immune system and keeps white blood cells from being able to fight infection, so it is to be avoided. Although many people drink orange juice for its vitamin C content, 100 percent fruit juices are also high in sugar. Switching to water or teas or diluting juices is a good idea. Milk encourages the buildup of

mucous, so it’s best to avoid dairy during the healing process. Pass on the milk or switch kids to soy or rice-based milks for the duration of a cold.

Herbal Remedies Medical doctor James Balch, co-author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, and naturopathic doctor Mark Stengler are leading natural health experts. They recommend the following herbs to counter a cold: Echinacea ~ This popular herb enhances immune function. The dose for a 150-pound adult is 500 milligrams, or 2 to 4 milliliters of tincture, four times a day. For children, give a proportional amount, based on the child’s weight. Lomatium ~ Given in the same dose as echinacea, lomatium also has antiviral properties. Elderberry ~ Used for centuries,

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elderberry syrups are still popular in Europe for fighting the common cold and boosting the immune function. (Elderberry is also one of the best herbal remedies for the flu.)

Homeopathy Evaluating a child’s symptoms at the onset of a cold offers clues for remedies that can speed up the healing process and lessen the severity of symptoms. Give the child two or three pellets of the appropriate remedy (as noted below) that matches his or her symptoms in a 30C potency, four times a day. Stop when improvement becomes noticeable and begin again only if symptoms return. If there is no improvement within 24 hours, select a different remedy and/or consult with a professional homeopath. Aconitum ~ Aconitum is useful during the first 24 hours of a cold. It is indicated when there is a sudden onset of fever and restlessness after exposure to cold winds or cold weather. Pulsatilla ~ Pulsatilla is called for when nasal congestion is thick and when symptoms become worse at night, when lying down or in rooms that are warm. It is the remedy to use if children become weepy when ill and want to be held. Allium cepa ~ Allium is a helpful remedy when a child’s nose runs like a dripping faucet. He or she may also be sneezing and experiencing watery eyes. Gelsemium ~ If drowsiness is the most noticeable problem, then Gelsemium may be what is needed. Symptoms include overwhelming fatigue and exhausting bouts of sneezing. Natrum muriaticum ~ This remedy is most helpful when colds are accompanied by thick, clear nasal, discharge, chapped lips and cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Hydrotherapy Water cures are used throughout much of the world, especially in European spas. These soothing therapies do wonders for kids with coughs and colds, often providing relief within minutes. Hot baths, showers and breathing in steam imbued with lavender oil can soothe coughs and help children fall asleep. Adding eucalyptus or peppermint can relieve congestion. Finally, remember the age-old tradition moms have used for centuries; for sore throats, gargle with salt water. Natural remedies can be a source of great comfort when used wisely. They have a long tradition of being well tolerated by children and should help keep kids up and about this winter. Even if a child gets a sniffle or two, chances are they can soon be back in the swing of life. Note: Consult with a physician if a child’s symptoms don’t improve within a few days of treatment and always before treating an infant.

Lauri Grossman is a doctor of chiropractic and a certified classical homeopath registered by the North American Society of Homeopaths. More at HomeopathyCafe.com.

December 2009

naturalpet

THREE DOG NIGHT Should Fido and Fluffy Share our Bed?

fer from anxiety. Clingy, needy Fluffys or Fidos should not share bed space, because nightly cuddling fuels a pet’s codependence. A dog that suffers separation anxiety needs a little practice in feeling secure. Nighttime is a great time for a rehearsal. Sleeping with cats is also a twosided coin. According to Dr. Lynne Seibert, a behaviorist at the Veterinary Specialty Center in Lynnwood, Washington, the most common problem is that cats may not sleep at night. Seibert observes that cats are home sleeping all day, which leaves them ready to party all night. She recommends supplying cats with more daytime stimulation and engaging them in a play session before bed. A positive outlook on animal bed companions, offered by Dr. Roger Valentine, a holistic veterinarian in Santa Monica, California, sheds light on why pet owners often experience lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fewer minor health problems and better psychological well-being. “It’s a comfort to

by George Costa

iving pets bed privileges is an age-old issue, with convincing arguments on both sides. The history of the pros and cons are evident in The International Encyclopedia of Dogs, which reports that in pre-Aztec Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintl, now known as the Mexican hairless breed, was a pet and a bed warmer. Today, an American Pet Products Association survey indicates that nearly half of all dogs, 46 percent, at least sometimes sleep in the owner’s or a child’s bed. Cats fare even better, with 79 percent sleeping with their people when they’re in the mood. When he worked as medical director of the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, Dr. John W. Shepard, Jr. discovered that a significant percentage of his haggard patients slept with their animals. After surveying to see how much the pets disturbed their sleep, he declared that about half the pet sleepers asserted that their animal woke them more than once a night.

On the other hand, pet owners who desire to sleep with their fourlegged companions will be delighted with a survey of veterinary behaviorists, who concluded that as long as a pet is a good sleeping companion, it’s fine to count sheep with them. Dr. Marsha Reich, a vet with a private animal behavior practice in Maryland, agrees. “Unless a dog growls when you roll over, I don’t have a problem with a dog in the bed.” How To Be Your Dog’s Best Friend, the dog obedience manual by the Monks of New Skete, disagrees, advising that a dog should sleep on the floor, rather than in a person’s bed. Dog behavior specialists, such as Dr. Ian Dunbar and British behaviorist John Rogerson, side with the monks’ opinion, pointing out that if a bossy dog thinks the bed is his and he’s sharing his space, it’s the symptom of an unhealthy relationship. Other concerns about sleeping with furry friends focus on pets that suf-

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Nearly half of all dogs, 46 percent, at least sometimes sleep in the owner’s or a child’s bed. Cats fare even better, with 79 percent sleeping with their people when they’re in the mood. Source: American Pet Products Association, 2009 have a pet with you,” observes Valentine, also pointing out that, “Sleeping with your pet can reduce stress and put you in a relaxed frame of mind for more restful sleep.” There may never be a clear verdict on such a personal issue as accepting a pet as a bedmate. Should one ever be officially rendered, it likely won’t influence those who not only love their pets, but care for them as if they were children.

wisewords

people are of our own creation, not

WiseWords.nacincin.com God’s.

A Conversation with Peter Rodger Filmmaker, Author and Spiritual Seeker by Brett Campion

rustrated with religious turmoil, fanaticism and fundamentalism, filmmaker Peter Rodger set out on a global quest to understand why the concept of God has become so politicized. In his stunningly beautiful, justreleased documentary, Oh My God, an intriguing assortment of celebrities and ordinary people around the world share their perspectives and individual understanding “If we of God.

man, or did man create God? Asking “What is?” instead of “Who is?” leads us to look at God from the outside in, rather than from the inside out, and helps quench preconceptions.

Did you find a common theme in the answers you received?

Yes, so much commonality emerged from all can open over the world—“God is everything”… “God is our hearts to the Creator”… “God is the tolerance and What inspired you the energy that binds us peace that every to undertake this all together”—that at one religion and epic documentary? point, I thought I didn’t spiritual practice have a film at all. Then I I was fed up with the irrateaches, then we realized that the problem tional, schoolyard menis how man uses the God might have a chance tality that permeates this concept to control others world—I call it the “My at a good future.” by creating politicized God Is Greater than Your ‘clubs,’ or religions, that God,” syndrome. What we are expected to join. And some of is this entity that goes by the name of these clubs dictate that if you don’t God, which causes so much friction, abide by the club’s laws, you are going violence and pain? I decided to travel to Hell when you die. When I recogthe world and ask people from all walks nized the role man has played in the of life what they think about God. question of God, I realized I had a film.

Most of us personalize God in some form or another. Why did you ask, “What is God?”, rather than, “Who is God?” I wanted to look at God as an objective concept. Humanizing the concept by referring to God as “Who” already puts that concept into the image of man, and the objectivity is lost. Did God create

What personal spiritual insights grew as a result of your journey? I realized that we all have a responsibility to live our lives with tolerance and understanding for one another. When we learn about other cultures and come to appreciate our shared humanity, we realize that the only barriers among

You believe that children are natural vessels of Godliness. Why is that, and what can we learn from them? I think children are enlightened—look into a child’s eyes and you see absolute grace. I love the truth of children, their generosity of spirit. They mingle with one another with no worries about skin color or where they come from. They absorb into themselves this amazing environment that Earth gives us, and then project it out in a beautiful, untainted, spiritual manner. As we grow older, we often lose the spiritual essence that is innate within children. They love life and laughter, and are nonjudgmental.

What do you hope people will take away after watching your film? I would like people who see the film to come away feeling that they have experienced an amazing journey, seeing places they would never normally see, hearing music and words that inspire them. I’d like them to be ambassadors for the discussion the film creates. No ‘club’ is better than another club, and every human being on the planet experiences the same basic desires and feelings. There is far more that unites us than divides us. If we can open our hearts to the tolerance and peace that every religion and spiritual practice preaches, then we might have a chance at a good future.

How do you now answer your primary question, “What is God?” I believe that all of us, collectively, are what we refer to as God. God is the energy that binds us together. God is everyone’s inner consciousness. So, if true godliness is within us all, our collective energy is what drives the Universe. To locate a screening of Oh My God, visit omgmovie.com. Also learn more about Peter Rodger’s upcoming books (the story of the film’s production, and a photographic essay with interviewee quotes) and a CD based on the movie’s soundtrack.

December 2009

Awakening Consciousness

Bold New Visions for Us, the Earth and the Universe by Barbara amrhein

“Identify yourself with the whole of mankind. Everyone who wills can hear the inner voice. It is within everyone.” ~ Mohandas Gandhi

n our emerging global community, the digital age has propelled us, with ever-increasing velocity, towards a world that seems at once limitless and all-encompassing, yet infinitely smaller and more fragile than previously imagined. Events that a few decades ago may have aroused a nation’s compassion or concern—drought in Asia, nuclear power plants in Russia and Europe, political upheavals in Africa—now have a recognized potential to affect every world citizen, both physically and spiritually. Today, as we text and Twitter, blog and link in to Facebook, MySpace, Badoo, Bebo and dozens of other social networking websites, we create instant communications that span continents, cross cultural barriers and bridge political divides. We awaken consciousness and forge connections. Such connections are becoming the warp and weft of a universal fabric, weaving us all together. Now, inspired organizations are deftly exploring, encouraging and researching the global awakening that accompanies them. One of the better-known is the Fetzer Institute (Fetzer. org), in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A privately operating foundation, the institute is on a course to foster awareness of the power of love and forgiveness in the emerging global community, through research, education and service programs. This mission, according to Fetzer’s website, “rests on our conviction that efforts to address the world’s critical issues

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must go beyond political, social and economic strategies to their psychological and spiritual roots.” In late 2000, the Fetzer Institute supported an initiative investigating the current character of group and collective consciousness, the Collective Wisdom Initiative (CollectiveWisdomInitiative.org). The website is a dynamic clearinghouse for information, insight and individuals, all linked within the emerging field of collective wisdom. The organization’s motto, “Together, We Can Know More,” sums up its credo that to succeed, the quest requires a partnership between scientific processes and wisdom traditions. Robert Kenney, Ph.D., a Fetzer Institute fellow and faculty member of the California Institute of Integral Studies, discusses his vision of collective consciousness: “By coming together in groups to consciously generate collective wisdom, we believe we have the potential to heal conflicts that seem impossible to heal; embrace with compassion, polarities and paradoxes that tear the fabric of our psyches and communities; and cultivate our capacities to love and forgive in groups splintered and polarized.” He explains that as people come together as artists, educators, mystics, practical idealists, scholars, activists and especially, pragmatists, we bring forward some of our own light, seeking to do together what is not possible alone.

Heeding Our Inner Voice The Global Oneness Project (GlobalOnenessProject.org), a nonprofit organization that produces films and Web-based multimedia featuring scores of world thinkers and visionaries, is exploring how the radically simple notion of interconnectedness can best be lived in an increasingly complex world. Since 2006, the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers have circled the globe, gathering and telling stories of creative, courageous people who believe that we bear responsibility for each other and Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee our shared world. Founder and Director Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, a producer, director, composer, musician and practicing Sufi, is the son of renowned Sufi teacher and author Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee. While working on the film One: The Movie, in 2005, Vaughan-Lee the younger says he was struck by the response to the film’s focus on unity. “People from all walks of life and backgrounds were telling me they wanted to see more of this. So we developed the Global Oneness Project to explore how people around the world were applying a unitive consciousness to practical problems within their local and global communities.” One of the project’s online interviews, among several

“We always divide the world into little pieces, and we think that this camera, for instance, [the journalist’s camera or some other inanimate object] is isolated from the wholeness. It is isolated because it has no consciousness. But if you go into the deep consciousness, there is no separateness. There can’t be.” ~ Vera Kohn, community leader, psychologist and Zen teacher highlighted here, shares the perspective of Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa, a Zulu sangoma (traditional healer) from South Africa. “We must awaken the Mother Mind within each human being,” advises Mutwa, author of several books on African mythology and spiritual beliefs and well-known for his work in nature conservation. “Every human being has two minds: the Mother Mind and the Warrior Mind,” Mutwa continues. The Warrior Mind looks at things logically and says, “Two plus two is four.”

Where to Explore Global Unity Global Coherence Initiative (GLCoherence.org) – A science-based initiative uniting millions of people in heart-focused care and intention to shift global consciousness from instability and discord to balance, cooperation and enduring peace. Global MindShift (Global-MindShift.org) – Online discussions describe humanity’s evolutionary journey and the creation of global community. Global Oneness Project (GlobalOnenessProject. org) – This nonprofit produces films and Web-based multimedia featuring world thinkers and visionaries and explores how the radically simple notion of interconnectedness can best be lived in an increasingly complex world. Karma Tube (KarmaTube.org) – Short, “do something,” videos suggest simple actions that every viewer can take. Their motto: “Be the change.” Peace One Day (PeaceOneDay.org) – The organizing catalyst behind the United Nations’ adoption of September 21 as an annual Peace Day promotes global ceasefire and nonviolence. The nonprofit is working to introduce 3 billion people to Peace Day by 2012. Project Happiness (ProjectHappiness.org) – Youthbased initiative offers online and school projects designed to inspire and empower individuals to create greater happiness within themselves and in the world. Endorsed by the Dalai Lama. The Vision Project (VisionProject.org) – This nonprofit initiative produces documentary material and educational programs to encourage understanding and awareness about a broad range of social issues, with a particular focus on younger generations. World of Good (WorldOfGood.com) – eBay’s online marketplace convenes thousands of eco-positive buyers and sellers. Independent verifications assess the positive impact that every product offered has on people and the planet.

December 2009

But the Mother Mind does not think in a straight line; rather, it thinks sideways and upwards and downwards. “We must awaken the Mother Mind within us. We must feel what is going on in the world,” he urges. “We mustn’t just listen to newspapers. “It is said by our Zulu people that women think with their pelvic area, where children grow and are born. We must think that way,” explains Mutwa. “I must no longer look at a tree [and see simply a tree], I must see a living entity like me. I must no longer look at a stone as just a stone, but I must see the future lying dormant in that stone.” Bob Randall, another Global Oneness participant, is a Yankunytjatjara elder and a traditional owner of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia. Randall is one of the Stolen Generation of the Aboriginal people, taken from his family at age seven. Throughout his life, he has worked as a teacher and leader for Aboriginal land rights, education, community development and cultural awareness. He expresses the awakened consciousness of oneness simply: “The land owns us.” “Life is the binding and the connecting way, the oneness—if you’re alive, you’re connected to everything else that is alive,” Randall avers. “Our [Aboriginal] relationship to the land is different Bob Randall from the English [nonAboriginal] way—the land owns us. The land grows all of us up. No human is older than the land itself.” Thus, he observes, Aborigines have a caring, unconditional love and responsibility for the land. “You feel good when you’re in that space—you feel like you’re living with family,” is how he expresses this intimate relationship. Randall’s expansive smile and contented, warm radiance accompany his words. “When you include everything that is alive in that space—and that is a huge space—it is a beautiful way of being. It doesn’t push anyone out, but brings everybody in. And this completeness of being who you are, where you are, is a beautiful feeling.”

Listening with the Heart Bringing everyone in represents the life work of Ibtisam Mahameed, a Palestinian peaceworker on the board of Middleway, a non-governmental organization (NGO) promoting compassion and nonviolence. A Muslim, Mahameed embodies interfaith respect and understanding in her bid for global oneness, encouraging Palestinian, Jewish, Druze and Christian women to learn about each other’s religions and cultures. She asks us all to learn the language of mutual love. “First,” advises Mahameed, “we have to learn about all the principles found in the world. As a Muslim, Arab, Palestinian woman, I know my principles. But I don’t know yours.

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In order for me to understand your principles, I should ask you about them, and understand what they are.” Next, we need to learn mutual respect from each other, urges Mahameed. We need to know how to listen, not with our ears, but with our hearts. “I should tell you that I want to give you my hand, not to betray you, Ibtisam Mahameed but to say you are welcome in my home. I shall like to visit you at your home, to hear more from you and to hear more about the world. This is what I call the ‘language of mutual love in the world.’”

One Mind, or Electronic Membrane This universal language already speaks intuitively to thousands, though skeptics may dismiss the concept as a gossamer New Age theory. If, indeed, such global connectivity exists, can it be scientifically proven? The research of Dean Radin, Ph.D., a laboratory scientist and author in the field of parapsychology, may provide some preliminary answers. Radin discusses the possibility of a global mind and whether that global mind could “wake up.” He suggests that, with the Internet, humans may be approaching a system sophisticated enough to carry the electronic membrane, or “brain,” of a global self-awareness. Radin’s Global Consciousness Project has tested the relationship between mind and matter to determine whether collective human attention corresponds to a change in the physical environment. Intriguingly, it does. (More at http:// globalonenessproject.org/videos/deanradinclip8.) “We have six billion or so people in the world… and there is already some experimental evidence suggesting that there is something like a global mind reaction to large-scale world events,” remarks Radin. The Global Consciousness Project has empirical markers for 200 major events [including the televised Dean Radin, Ph.D. courtroom verdict of the O.J. Simpson murder trial and 9-11 attacks] that have attracted attention around the world. “We find changes in the physical environment as a result of that attention—changes that, by any conventional theory, shouldn’t be there,” says Radin. “And yet, they are there.”

At this point, scientists haven’t concluded that a global mind exists, but if evidence is suggesting that something strange is going on—“then maybe the mind of Gaia is waking up,” Radin reasons. “Or, maybe… there has always been a giant mind, but we weren’t quite clever enough, until just now, to begin to get an inkling that maybe that was what was going on.”

“As a species, for the last 35,000 years, we’ve been pulling back from nature. We’ve been differentiating ourselves and cultivating our capacity to stand apart from nature, to know or empower our uniqueness as hunter-gatherers, as farmers, as industrialists. But now… we’re beginning to see that the world is a living, integrated system. We need to turn from separatism to communion [in] an extraordinary transition in the life of our planet.” ~ Duane Elgin, activist

Shifting Societal Structures American spiritual teacher, activist and artist angel Kyodo williams believes a shared collective consciousness—and conscience—can benefit all of humanity. This founder of the new Center for Urban Peace and author of Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace, reminds us that societies can change on a massive scale. She speaks of how we can replace the view of separation: “That view can be shifted [exchanged] as no longer the acceptable way in which we do things, in the same way that we no longer accept slavery. That was an economic choice— how will I get my cotton picked if I don’t have slaves, that’s just impossible, I can’t give that up. Well, we’ve had changes in society that said, you will have to find another way. We have to make the structures of society unwilling to bear separation as a way of approaching things, individualism as a way of approaching things.” That united commitment is crucial. “We are participants in a process that will always be larger than angel Kyodo williams

our imagination or our best sciences can fully explain,” advises Mary Evelyn Tucker, a senior lecturer and senior scholar at Yale University. “‘Can we evolve fast enough?’ is a critical question.”

Summoning Spirituality Tucker, who is active in Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, as well as its Divinity School and department of religious studies, has authored many books, including Worldly Wonder: Religions Enter Their Ecological Phase. She focuses on the vital role of spirituality in her Global Oneness interview and is prominently featured in a newly released film, A Thousand Suns, which PBS will broadcast in early 2010. “I do sense that the possibility for human evolution, human consciousness, is absolutely at hand,” says Tucker. “These alternative ways of being that have grown in the periphery of our societies and other societies around Mary Evelyn Tucker the world are coming into the center, are being valued: ecological economics, green politics, alternative technologies, sustainable farming and food. All these suggest that this evolution is very much in progress. If we have a reverence and respect for moving it forward with deep spiritual strength and grounding, I think we can do it.” Sufi teacher, dreamworker and author Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D., concurs with Tucker’s emphasis on the importance of calling upon spiritual grace (visit http://globalonenessproject.org/videos/lvlclip4). He writes and lectures extensively on the emerging global consciousness of oneness and our individual spiritual responsibility during this time of transition. The world is going through a time of crisis, and during any time of crisis, there is the possibility for transformation, Vaughan-Lee the elder asserts. The good news is that, “Many people around the world are committed to this work of oneness on financial, ecological and cultural levels,” he explains. “There are many, many fields in which humanity is coming together in new ways… “But what I have found lacking in a lot of approaches is that they think we have to do it all ourselves. And I think we need the help of God. I think we can participate; I think we can be attentive, receptive, for when the Divine comes. Can we do it ourselves? No. Can we wake up the world? No. But we can be ready, waiting and prepared.” Story Source: For more information and video interviews, visit GlobalOnenessProject.org. Barbara Amrhein is an editor with Natural Awakenings magazines.

December 2009

fitbody

BRING ON THE

BEAT! Workout music pumps up motivation, while building fitness.

by Joan McCutcheon

ho can keep their feet still orous exercise) or calming (helpful for and their body-motor idling Pilates, yoga and cool-down sessions). while listening to SteppenKarageorghis concluded that music wolf’s Born to Be Wild? Or, for postis “an often untapped source of both Boomers, AC/DC’s T.N.T.? As Sonny and motivation and inspiration for sport and Cher sang succinctly in The Beat Goes exercise participants.” On, “Drums keep pounding a rhythm to Karageorghis further emphasized my brain.” Music is, indeed, the magic the importance of synchronizing music that can boost our heart rate, with activities. He advised, energy levels and mood—it’s “The melody “For a piece of music to truly a perfect workout buddy. and harmony inspire the listener, it must During the late 1990s, have strong rhythmic qualiof the music ties that match the activity noted sport and exercise should promote at hand, and also a tempo psychologist Dr. Costas Karageorghis conducted stud- a positive mood that matches the predicted ies to determine if listening state; that is, they heart rate.” In addition, “The to music aided the physical melody and harmony of the should energize music should promote a posiperformance of athletes. the listener and tive mood state; that is, they His research revealed that it could reduce our perception increase vigor.” should energize the listener of effort and divert fatigue; and increase vigor.” positively affect mood and motivation; One of the largest music-exercise enhance the acquisition of motor skills; matchmakers in the world is Power and be either stimulating (useful for vig- Music, a leading source for fitness pro-

Greater Cincinnati Edition / nacincin.com

fessionals and the public. Its website, WorkoutMusic.com, offers thousands of compilations from a music library that encompasses most musical genres. Exercisers can create their own playlist via MP3 downloads or buy ready-made CDs appropriate for each activity and suited to their preferred style of music. National fitness guru Tracey Staehle is partial to upbeat, popular Top 40 tunes when she’s walking outdoors or on her treadmill. “I like songs that are happy and have a great beat to keep me going,” advises Staehle, whose exercise DVDs include the bestseller, Walking Strong, and her new Walking Stronger. Some of her current favorites are Rihanna’s Please Don’t Stop the Music and Usher’s Yeah!—which she says are a great help in moving uphill. “I like songs that have a beat I can focus on,” she explains. “That way, it helps keep the workout fun and pushes me to work harder.” Much commercial dance music and numerous pop-rock songs bounce along at 120 to 140 beats per minute, a rate that coincides with the average person’s heart rate during a routine workout or fitness walking. These lists of suggested tunes all fall within that range. They’re a ready-made, fun way to listen for the magic beat that helps us get a move on.

Classic Rock & Disco

Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen Dancing Queen – ABBA Feelin’ Alright – Joe Cocker Help Me, Rhonda – Beach Boys Listen to the Music – Doobie Brothers Love Gets Me Every Time – Shania Twain Turn the Beat Around – Gloria Estefan

Tracey Staehle’s Personal Playlist All Summer Long – Kid Rock Bad Girls – Donna Summer Don’t Change – INXS Fire Burning – Sean Kingston Love Story – Taylor Swift Pocketful of Sunshine – Natasha Bedingfield So What – Pink

Sources: Dr. Costas Karageorghis, Brunel University, UK; WorkoutMusic.com, FitByTracey.com

calendarofevents

[

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

These listings are subject to change; please call ahead to verify. All Calendar Listings are $12 ea. per month. Advertisers get up to 5 free listings per mo. and distribution points 1 free listings per mo. Calendar events must be received by the 1st of the month prior to the month of publication and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@nacincin.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Fundamentals of Red Cross Instructor Training – 8:30am-1pm. Course covers American Red Cross history, structure, policies, procedures and activities and develops skills to teach with quality and consistency to diverse populations. Mandatory for any Red Cross instructor course. Free. American Red Cross Cincinnati Area Chapter. 720 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-792-4000 Inventing & Patents – 7-8:45pm. Inventors’ Council of Cincinnati. Free. Main Library, Huenefeld Tower Room. 800 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-369-6900

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Thinking Outside the LunchBox – 12:30-1:30pm. Bring lunch and friend for engaging discussion and presentation. Free. Xavier University Women’s Center. 1415 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH. 513-745-3940

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Holiday Music – 7pm. Enjoy a delightful live performance of festive holiday music by the St. Ursula Academy Vocal Ensemble (SUAVE). Free. FarbachWerner Nature Preserve Ellenwood Nature Barn. 3455 Poole Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 Grape-Vine Friday – 5-8pm. Travel from store to store for a holiday wine tasting. With choral music and special holiday treats. Free. Twelfth & Vine Streets, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, OH. 513-7449344 AEQAI.com Anniversary Party: “Talk & Quaff” - 5:30-8pm. Meet artists, writers, curators and gallerists, and learn of the future vision of the journal. Wine, hors d’œuvres, music (Gavin Richardson) provided. Brief speech at 7pm by Daniel Brown. $15. Weston Art Gallery, Aronoff Center for the Arts. 650 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH. aeqai.com

]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training. 2 day training and certification taught by Patrick Murphy Welage, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. $250 (before Nov. 15) / $295.World Peace Yoga & Motion Studio. 268 Ludlow Ave, Clifton, OH. 513-300-9643 Genealogy & History – 10am. Genealogy & Local History Department Tour & Orientation. Free. Main Library. 800 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH. 513369-6900 The Story of Ruth Lyons – 2pm. Join author Michael Banks as he discusses the life and career of local broadcaster and philanthropist Ruth Lyons. Mr. Banks will talk about his new book, “Before Oprah: Ruth Lyons, The Woman Who Created Talk TV.” Books will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the program. Free. Cheviot Branch Library. 3711 Robb Ave, Cincinnati, OH. 513-369-6015 Feast of Carols – 5pm. UC College-Conservatory of Music’s annual holiday music performance. $10/$5 students/Free UC students. Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati, OH. 513-556-4183

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training. See December 5. Let Me have Your Tension For The Holidays – 11am. A participatory program on the power of laughing to bring joy to your holiday season. With Betty Finney, Laughter Therapist. New Thought Unity Center, Classroom B. 1401 E. McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH. RSVP 513-231-6275 BellyLaugh@ me.com Blue Oven Bread – 1pm. Local farmers Mark and Sara Frommeyer of Blue Oven Bread are bringing their cherished wood-fired specialty holiday breads to Park + Vine. Park + Vine. 1109 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-721-7275 Feast of Carols – 2pm, 5pm. See December 5.

Holiday Cards – 7-8:30pm.With Shannon Hogan. Learn rubber stamp techniques and make your own holiday cards at the same time. Registration required. Free. Anderson Branch Library. 7450 State Rd, Cincinnati, OH. RSVP 513-369-6030 Yeast Diet – 7-8pm. Learn about Candida/Yeast, one of the most misdiagnosed infections, ranging from cancer to fibromyalgia, arthritis to diabetes. With Tracy Dozier LMT/Herbal Consultant. 10. Go Beyond Medicine. 51 Cavalier Dr, STE 220, Florence, KY. 859-586-0111 GoBeyondMEdicine.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy – 12-1:30pm. Come get the scoop on Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement. With Ron Ferguson, Jungle Jim’s Pharmacist. Free. Go Beyond Medicine. 51 Cavalier Dr, STE 220, Florence, KY. 859-586-0111 GoBeyondMEdicine.com The Story of Ruth Lyons – 6:30pm. See Dec 5. Monfort Heights Branch Library. 3825 West Fork Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-369-4472

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 Thinking Outside the LunchBox – 12:30-1:30pm. See Dec 2.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 Nature Stories: The Mitten – 10:30am. The naturalist will be on hand to share their love of nature and reading with a heart-warming story of The Mitten by Jan Brett. Free. Sharon Woods Sharon Centre. 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH. GreatParks.org Toolbox – 9pm. Original sketch comedy and improvisations. $3. Gallagher Student Center Studio Theater, Xavier University. Cincinnati, OH. 513-745-3576

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 Nature Stories: The Mitten – 10:30am. See Dec 10. Caroling – 6-8pm. Make your holiday shopping more fun by visiting locally owned stores in the Gateway Quarter while listening to a variety of local choirs perform traditional and perhaps not-so traditional holiday carols. Free. Various shops at Twelfth & Vine St, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, OH. 513-744-9344 Holiday Music – 7pm. Enjoy live performances of festive holiday music by Cincinnati Dulcimer

www.catherineofsiena.net In our course Women Writing, Changing Lives we create safe “virtual” writing communities where women can tap into their deep stories with other women from around the world. Sign up and/or find out more at: www.catherineofsiena.net/about/india.asp

December 2009

Society and the Colerain High School Chamber Orchestra. Free. Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve Ellenwood Nature Barn. 3455 Poole Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Toolbox – 9pm. See December 10.

Your Awareness For Self-Healing – 7pm. With simple energy techniques called Reiki. With J. Little. $40, RESV $10. Springdale, OH. 513-648-9183 MyReiki@rocketmail.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

Winter Bird Count – 8am-5:30pm. Everyone is invited to join this annual census of the birds living in the parks. Beginners are welcome! Register online by Dec 10. Free. All Parks. GreatParks.org

Cinema Tuesday – 10:30am. Watch a new release, enjoy light refreshments and enter the raffle to check out the featured movie after the program! Free. Harrison Branch Library. 10398 New Haven Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-369-4442

Appalachian Culture Series – 9:30am-1pm. Student Services Center, Room E101. Series celebrates contributions of Appalachian culture. Free. Gateway Community and Technical College Edgewood Campus. 790 Thomas Moore Parkway, Edgewood, KY. 859-442-1179 How to Manage Stress – 12:30-1:30pm. Learn about techniques for handling the ravages of stress in your life. Free. Gateways to Healing. 3239 Jefferson Ave, Cincinnati, OH. 513-321-3317

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday, December 12 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Preschool Story Time – 10am. Free. Winton Woods Winton Centre. 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

$125, RESV $50. Springdale, OH

Storytelling Guild – 7:30pm. The Greater Cincinnati Storytelling Guild will be spinnin’ some festive winter stories to spice up the season. Free. Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve Ellenwood Nature Barn. 3455 Poole Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

513-648-9183 MyReiki@rocketmail.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Winter Folklore Walk – 2pm. Join the naturalist for a walk outside and listen to some seasonal folklore as we hike through the park. Free. Sharon Woods Sharon Centre. 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH. GreatParks.org Winter Concert – 7pm. With the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, CCC Touring Choir and Bel Canto. $10/$5 students/Free UC students. Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati, OH. 513-556-4183

Healthy Holiday Potluck Hike – 10am-12pm. Hike and potluck. Bring a healthy dish to share. Participants will vote on their favorites for a prize. Register online by Dec 13. Free. Free. Winton Woods. 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

With J. Little. Lecture, attunement & practice.

WeCanLiveUnited.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

Senior Laughing Club – 10am. Enjoy breathing, stretching and laughing exercises. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Free. Greenhills Branch Library. 7 Endicott St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-369-4441

Reiki I Certification

United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Nutrition 101 – 7-8pm. With Esly Caldwell III, CAc. Free. Go Beyond Medicine. 51 Cavalier Dr, STE 220, Florence, KY. 859-586-0111 GoBeyondMEdicine.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 Caroling – 6-8pm. See December 11.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Children’s Health – 12:30-1:30pm. Learn how to keep you children healthy in an unhealthy environment. Free. Gateways to Healing. 3239 Jefferson Ave, Cincinnati, OH. 513-321-3317 Family Hot Chocolate Hike – 1pm. We will mix up

Hungry? Homeless? Need Help? In Greater Cincinnati dial

211

Greater Cincinnati Edition / nacincin.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Tae Kwon Do 12-1pm (Mon, Wed), 6-7pm (Mon) 7:30-8:30pm (Wed), 4:15-6:10pm (Tues, Fri) 9:30-10:30am (Sat) 7623 Old 3C Hwy, Maineville, OH. Acquire Self Discipline, Self Esteem, and Concentration while training in the Traditional Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do. $85/month. Private Lessons are also available. Contact: Claudia Barrett 513-683-6860

our own hot chocolate to enjoy as we walk the inner loop of the Shaker Trace Trail. Bring a mug. Free. Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center. 9001 Mt. Hope Rd, Harrison, OH. GreatParks.org Holiday Crafts – 1-4pm. Come and make a fun and easy craft to help decorate your house for the season. Free. Sharon Woods Sharon Centre. 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH. GreatParks.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 Star Garland Class – 11am-3pm. Make a long star garland from from old holiday or other greeting cards. Ages 6 to adult. Free. Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve Ellenwood Nature Barn. 3455 Poole Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org Steppin’ Towards The Solstice – 2pm. 2.6-mile or 5.2-mile hike. Free. Glenwood Gardens Gatehouse. 10405 Springfield Pike Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks. org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

New Year’s Noisemakers! – 1-4pm. Come in to make a recycled noisemaker to celebrate the arrival of 2010. Free. Sharon Woods Sharon Centre. 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH. GreatParks.org Winter Animals – 2pm. Learn how various animals survive during the winter during today’s program. Free. Woodland Mound Seasongood Nature Center. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks. org Fine Line – 9pm-1am. Rock music. Presented by The Wine Cellar. Free. The Wine Cellar. 1101 St. Gregory St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-241-9009

JNatural oin our team! Awakenings is looking for an advertising salesperson.

This is a commission-based position, with great earning potential for the right person. Must be outgoing and must enjoy working one-on-one with area businesses. Must have a genuine desire to help others succeed. Send your resume to

Publisher@nacincin.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27

New Year’s Noisemakers! – 1-4pm. See Dec 26.

ongoingcalendar

Kid-Friendly Bird Feeders – 2pm. Hike and craft. Free. Winton Woods Winton Centre. 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

Northern Kentucky. All skill levels are welcome. Helmets and lights required. Free. Reser Bicycle Outfitters. 648 Monmouth St, Newport, KY. 859261-6187

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 Trailside Scavenger Hunt – 1-3pm. Nature scavenger challenge. Complete some easy questions as you walk along the trail and win prize. Free. FarbachWerner Nature Preserve Nature’s Niche. 3455 Poole Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

Laugh at Lunch – 12-12:45pm. Laughter yoga is a fun, new exercise anyone can do. Pack a lunch and feed both body and soul. Free. The Scout House at Harry Whiting Brown Community Center. 34 Village Sq, Cincinnati, OH. 513-771-0333

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29

Chewing Color – 5-9pm. Oct 2 – May 2, 2010. Exhibit by artist Marilyn Minter. Free admission on Mondays. Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH. 513-345-8400

Trailside Scavenger Hunt – 1-3pm. See Dec 28. Hot Chocolate – 2pm. Enjoy some free hot chocolate after a 2 mile hike. Free. Winton Woods Winton Centre. 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org Life Makeover 101 – 6-7:30pm. Discover the New You! Identify where you are right now, where you want to be and develop steps to get there. With Kim Holmes, Life Coach. $20. Go Beyond Medicine. 51 Cavalier Dr, STE 220, Florence, KY. 859-586-0111 GoBeyondMEdicine.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 Trailside Scavenger Hunt – 1-3pm. See Dec 28.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

Family New Year’s Eve – 6-9pm. Celebrate the New Year with this traditional family event! With Jordan, the Magician. Balloon sculptures, face painting, crafts, activities, snacks and special ball drop at 9 pm. Register online by Dec 28. $5. Woodland Mound. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH. GreatParks.org

planahead

Standard Definition – 5-9pm. Oct 2 – Jan 24, 2010. Exhibit by artist C. Spencer Yeh. Free admission on Mondays. Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH. 513-345-8400 Yoga – 5:30-6:20pm. For people affected by cancer. Free. The Wellness Community. 4918 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-791-4060 NIA – 6pm. Joyful movement and music adaptable to any fitness level! With Trish Freeman. yogahOMe Bellevue. 715 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue, KY. 513-3735661 trish@nia-swohnky.com Sustainable Living Potluck – 6:30-10pm. Informal group meeting discussing ways of decreasing our collective and individual “ecological footprints”. Free. Gaia Foundation. 8987 Cotillion Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-521-9321 In Haus Comedy Night – 7-9pm. Every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Listen, laugh and have a great cup of coffee as local comedians share their talent with us. Free. Bean Haus. 640 Main St, Covington, KY. 859-431-BEAN Meditation & Guided Imagery – 7pm. First Monday of every month. With Mary Ellen Moore. Free. Synergy Holistic Health Center. 7413 US Hwy 42 Ste 3, Florence, KY. 859-525-5000

Yoga Class – 7:30-8:45pm. Phoenix’s classes create the space for the cultivation of a healthy body alignment, the flow of energy in the body and a more peaceful and open heart. Open to new and experienced students. $11 - $13. Kula Center. 110 East 8th St, Newport KY. 859-652-4174 PhoenixWilson@mac.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5

Boundaries – 5:30-7:30pm. Opening Reception. Artists combine objects in unusual ways, pushing perceived edges of self and formation of identity. Exhibit continues through March 12, 2010. Fitton Center for Creative Arts. 101 S. Monument Ave, Hamilton, OH. 513863-8873

Boot Camp – 6:30-7pm. Sponsored by Significant Healing Holistic Practice featuring Pounds and Inches Weight Loss Center. With Nationally Recognized Personal Trainer, Angi Kaht. $5 per week. Significant Healing Holistic Practice. 157 Lloyd Ave, Florence, KY. 859-282-0022 SignificantHealing.com Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. For people affected by cancer. Free. The Wellness Community, Room 310. 1717 Dixie Highway Suite 160, Ft. Wright, KY. 513-791-4060 Yoga Kripalu – 6:30pm. With Marquetta Gunderson. $60/6 wks. Synergy Holistic Health Center. 7413 US Hwy 42 Ste 3, Florence, KY. 859-5255000 Music Lessons – 7-8pm. Keyboard. Group lessons. Ages 8 and up. Free. The Frank Duveneck Arts & Cultural Center . 1232 Greenup St, Covington, KY. RSVP 859-491-3942 Weight Loss Education Night – 7-8pm. Through Dec. Learn how whole food supplements can promote weight loss and improve overall health. Free. Hebron Chiropractic. 2030 Northside Dr, Hebron, KY. 859-372-0888

Community Yoga Classes – 9am-10am. Bring a mat and drop in. No yoga experience necessary. Free. Richwood Presbyterian Church. 1070 Richwood Rd, Boone County, KY. 859-485-1238 Metaphysics and Astrology – 10am-12pm. Call for information and direction. $15. Northern Kentucky. 859-640-0077 Preschool Story Time with Miss Gail – 10:3011am. Get ready for finger puppet fun, as well as other pleasant surprises with Miss Gail. Free. Blue Manatee Bookstore. 3054 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-731-2665

End of Holiday Show Plant Sale – 10am. Friends of Krohn sale, 8:30 a.m.; public sale starts 10 a.m. Krohn Conservatory. 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-421-5707

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

A Course in Miracles - 6:30-7:30pm. Join Rev Pat and Rev Jack Barker as they guide you through A Course in Miracles. Free. Beacon Of Life Spiritual Center. Celebration Hall. 5701 Murray Ave, Cincinnati, OH. 513-218-2128

Walnut Hills Walking Club – 10-11am. Take steps to being healthy and join The Walnut Hills Walking Club! Free. Bush Recreation Center. 2640 Kemper Ln, Cincinnati, OH. 513-585-9872

Yoga at Dunham Rec. Center – 11:30am-12:30pm. For people affected by cancer. Free. Dunham Recreation Center. 4356 Dunham Lane (of Guerley Road), Cincinnati, OH. 513-791-4060

Children’s Morning Story Time and Activities – 10:30-11am. New, popular and obscure favorites read with matching activity to help get involved in story. Free. Barnes & Noble Fields-Ertel. 9891 Waterstone Blvd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-683-5599

Fiber Arts – 4:30-6pm. Learn to crochet and knit. Ages teens and up. Free. The Frank Duveneck Arts & Cultural Center . 1232 Greenup St, Covington, KY. 859-491-3942

Energy Yoga – 6pm. Relax, stretch, meditate and breathe! Presented by: Esly Caldwell III, CAc. $12. Go Beyond Medicine. 51 Cavalier Dr, STE 220, Florence, KY. 859-586-0111 GoBeyondMEdicine.com Reser Road Ride – 6pm. Fantastic road ride through

Hiking Club – 5-6pm. Easy to Moderate Trail. All hikes start and finish at the Treehouse in Mt. Airy Forest. Come prepared with water, hiking shoes and walking sticks (optional). Free. Mt. Airy Forest. 5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH. CincinnatiParks.com

December 2009

Dick & the Roadmasters Original Blues Jam – 6pm-12am. Blues Music. All ages. Free. Mahogany’s Coffee House and Bar. 3715 Winston Ave, Covington, KY. 859-261-1029 Herpetology Programs at Rowe Woods – 7-9pm. Every first Wednesday of each month. Light refreshments will be served. Members free/Nonmembers daily admission. Rowe Woods Auditorium. 4949 Tealtown Rd Milford, OH. Bill Creasey 513-831-1711 x125

yond Medicine. 51 Cavalier Dr, STE 220, Florence, KY. 859-586-0111 GoBeyondMEdicine.com Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Every 2nd Thursday of each month. With Gary Matthews. $20. Stillpoint Center for Healing Arts. 11223 Cornell Park Dr, Suite 302, Cincinnati, OH. 513-489-5302 Tai-Chi – 7:30-8:30pm. For people affected by cancer. Free. The Wellness Community, Room 310. 1717 Dixie Highway Suite 160, Ft. Wright, KY. 513-791-4060

Running Word Wednesday – 7pm. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Share writing or monologue, or listen to readings by others. Free. Bean Haus. 640 Main St, Covington, KY. 859-431-BEAN NIA – 7:30pm. With Gwen Steffen. Joyful movement adaptable to any fitness level! The Kula Center for Movement Arts, 110 E. 8th St., Newport, KY. 859-694-3131 eponaproduction@yahoo.com

A Morning Cup of Yoga – 9:30-11am. Yoga with Phoenix, RYT. Begin your day with a clear mind, invigorated body and renewed spirit. Open to new and experienced students. $11 - $13. Kula Center, 110 East 8th St, Newport KY. 859-652-4174 PhoenixWilson@mac.com Walnut Hills Walking Club – 10-11am. See Tuesday. Children’s Morning Story Time and Activities – 10:30-11am. See Tue. It’s Sew Fun! 2:30-6pm. Machine and hand sewing projects. Bring your own project or make one of our purses. Ages teens and up. Free. The Frank Duveneck Arts & Cultural Center. 1232 Greenup St, Covington, KY. 859-491-3942 Community Acupuncture Clinic – 5:30-6:30pm. An introduction into the wonderful benefits of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. With Esly Caldwell III, CAc. $20/person, $30/couple. Go Be-

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Friday’s 5 after 5 – 5-7pm. 5 wines and 5 foods for $5. Whole Foods Market. 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati, OH. RSVP 513-531-8015 Friday’s 5 after 5 – 6-8pm. 5 wines and 5 foods for $5. Whole Foods Market. 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason, OH. RSVP 513-398-9358 Shamanic Journey – 6:30-8:30pm. Every 2nd Friday of each month. With Gary Matthews. Participants should wear loose comfortable clothing and maybe bring a journal. $20. Stillpoint Center for Healing Arts. 11223 Cornell Park Dr, Suite 302, Cincinnati, OH. 513-489-5302 Drum Circle – 9-11pm. Bring drums, shakers or just yourself! (We have some drums). Stillpoint Center for Healing Arts. 11223 Cornell Park Dr,

Tai-Chi – 9:30-10:30am. For people affected by cancer. Free. The Wellness Community. 4918 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-791-4060

Artworld – 11am-5pm. Explore the interactive discovery area for families at the Art Museum. Themes rotate two to three times per year and always feature hands-on activities for all ages, interests, and learning styles. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995 Family ARTventures – 1pm. An interactive tour of the galleries for the entire family including hands-on elements for everyone to touch and see up close. Meet docent in the main lobby. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995 Family First Saturdays – 1-4pm. 1st Sunday of month. Performances, artist demonstrations, storytelling, scavenger hunts, tours, and hands-on art making activities. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995

classifieds Place your classiﬁed for only $1.00 content to: Classiﬁed@nacincin.com.

per word, per month. To place listing, email

BARTER

PETS

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS. Email distribution@nacincin.com with your contact info, profession/business/non-profit organization and availability.

FREE KITTEN – To a good home. Call for info 513-693-7841

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SOME PARTS OF THE ECONOMY ARE DOING WELL. Discover how this thriving home based business opportunity can supplement your income today: NCDriches.com/victoria THE $ IS IN GREEN LIVING - Independent Distributors wanted for enzyme based green cleaning products. Cincinnati is wide open. www.living-green.info 504 669-0048.

ORGANIC AND NATURAL SOAP PRODUCTS – Visit: www.TheOrganicSoapCompany. com

Hiking Club – 8-9:30am. See Wednesday.

NIA – 10am. With Trish Freeman. Joyful movement adaptable to any fitness level! The Kula Center for Movement Arts. 110 E. 8th St., Newport, KY. 513373-5661 trish@nia-swohnky.com

HEALTH PRODUCTS

513-259-3090 Publisher@nacincin.com

Suite 302, Cincinnati, OH. 513-489-5302

FREE BODY ANALYSIS: Lose weight and shape up with Shapeworks. Herbalife Independent Distributor. 513- 541-1491

Greater Cincinnati Edition / nacincin.com

RECYCLE / REUSE 2007/06/05 SCION tC Passenger seat: Black, $100 or will trade for non-metal canoe in good condition. 859-486-2119 FRIGIDAIRE STACKED WASHER/DRYER (gas) combo, used less than 1 yr. $300. 859486-2119

WANTED EXPERIENCED FULL-TIME ADVERTISING REP. Send resume and contact info. Email publisher@nacincin.com

In Store Tastings – 1-3pm. Explore great tastes of our 365 Every Day Value and 365 Organic private brand products along with some of the hottest sale items in town. Free. Whole Foods Market. 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason, OH. 513-398-9358 AND Whole Foods Market. 2693 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-531-8015

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END! FRI a to

Roaring Tigers, Leaping Carp. Tue-Sun. Through Jan 03. Decoding the Symbolic Language of Chinese Animal Painting. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995

Give y ou rc o

atural Awaken ing s

Donate Everyday Stuff – 2-5pm. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Donate new and used furniture, linen, small appliances, clothes, toys, baby items, accessories, and books. Crossroads Annex. 3500 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH. CityLink@Crossroads.net

mber to RECYC me LE e R !

Covington, KY. RSVP 859-491-2030 apaasch@ thecarnegie.com Traditional Japanese Reiki Levels 1-3. With Bruce Davis. Classes scheduled upon request. Call for more information and registration. Mantra Wellness Center. 4675 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-891-1324 Info@MantraWellnessCenter.com Hiking Club – 8-9:30am. See Wednesday. Meditation & Chanting – 8:30-10am. Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. Free. Siddha Yoga Meditation Center. 7657 Montgomery Rd, Kenwood, OH. 513-651-3551 Artworld – 11am-5pm. See Saturday. NIA – 1pm. With Gwen Steffen. Joyful movement adaptable to any fitness level! The Aura Studio. 401 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue, KY. 859-694-3131 eponaproduction@yahoo.com Babywearing Bliss – 2pm. Every second Sunday of each month. Workshop on safely and comfortably carrying a baby from birth through toddler years. Free. Park + Vine. 1109 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-721-7275 Cloth Diapering Cuteness – 2pm. Every first Sunday of each month. Park + Vine hosts an informal class on all aspects of cloth diapering. Park + Vine. 1109 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-721-7275 Family ARTventures – 3pm. An interactive tour of the galleries for the entire family including handson elements for everyone to touch and see up close. Meet docent in the main lobby. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995 Gospel Sundays – 3-5pm. Dec. 6, 13, 20, Jan. 17. Featuring some of Cincinnati’s most renowned gospel groups performing. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati OH. 800733-2077

ARTSTOP Artist Series: Ages 5 and up – 3:305pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri).Visual art, performance, creative thinking. Classes taught by local artists. Dress to get messy. Free. The Carnegie. 1028 Scott Boulevard, Covington, KY. RSVP 859-491-2030 apaasch@thecarnegie.com ARTSTOP Artist Series: Ages 7 to 12 – 5-6:30pm (Mon-Fri).Visual art, performance, creative thinking. Classes taught by local artists. Dress to get messy. Free. The Carnegie. 1028 Scott Boulevard,

Famous Faces, Average Joes. Tue-Sun. Through Jan 10. See athletes, politicians, celebrities and everyday people transformed in over 20 portraits by the nationally acclaimed editorial illustrator and native Cincinnatian C.F. Payne. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995

Santaland – 6pm. Through Dec 23. Amazing Portable Circus Kids Rock Show with music and dancing, large train display, talking Christmas tree, hot chocolate and other treats and more. Free. Sharon Woods. 11450 Lebanon Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-521-7275 Stemming the Tide – 9am-4:30pm. Mon-Fr. Through Jan 29. Paintings, photographs, pastels, prints and sculpture by Timothy M. Tepe, Tim McGraw, Holly Cahill, Joanne S. Edwards, Lawrence Goodridge and Alecia A. Weber. Free. Gallery Salveo at the Health Foundation. 3805 Edwards Rd, Suite 500, Cincinnati, OH. 513458-6600

George Rieveschl Jr. Art Exhibit. Through Dec. 31. Works by George Rieveschl Jr. Also on display: “The Life, Work and Contributions of George Rieveschl Jr.” Free. Lloyd Library and Museum. 917 Plum St, Cincinnati, OH. 513-721-3707 Harmony: Winter Quilt Show. Mon-Sat. Through Jan 6. Fiber works by 15 acclaimed artists accompanied by figurative sculptures inspired by music legends. Free. Fitton Center for Creative Arts. 101 S. Monument Ave, Hamilton, OH. 513-863-8873 Holiday Floral Show – 10-5pm. Through Jan 3, 2010. Krohn Conservatory. 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-421-5707 Imperishable Beauty. Tue-Sun. Through Jan 17. Discover over one hundred works of sensuous Art Nouveau jewelry by the major designers and jewelers of the era, including René Lalique, Henri Vever, Philippe Wolfers, and Tiffany & Co. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995

Join the conversation at Natural Awakenings blog!

blog.nacincin.com

Kingdom of Nature – 10am-5pm. Through Dec 19. New and recent paintings and works on paper by Aaron Morse. Viewings also available by appointment. Free. Country Club. 3209 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-792-9744 Morgan Aero 8. Tue-Sun. Through Jan 11. Historical features meet contemporary design. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH. 513-639-2995 Our House – 10am-5pm. Mon-Sat. Through Dec 10. Impressionistic landscape works by Cynthia Matyi highlighting the Victorian homes of Columbia-Tusculum.Presented by Hyde Park Framers and Gallery. Free. Hyde Park Framers and Gallery. 3071 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-531-5033

GERTIE GOODIES

Overeaters Anonymous. 12-step fellowship welcomes everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. Meetings throughout Greater Cincinnati. Donation only. 513-921-1922 CincinnatiOA.org

Unique dog treats for all occasions. All natural from scratch, with love!

Por-ce-la-ne-ous. Dec 21-Feb 4. Wall and pedestal porcelain work by Dylan Beck, Heather Knight and Jennifer McCurdy. Free. Funke Fired Arts. 3130 Wasson Rd, Cincinnati, OH. 513-871-2529

Treat Your Dog To A Truffle

Alison Sullivan

513.407.8105 GertieGoodies.com December 2009

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, visit nacincin.com and click on Advertise to learn about rates.

CHIROPRACTIC ProWellness Chiropractic Dr. Mark Johnson 6052 Ridge Rd, Florence, KY 859-282-9835 549 Lafayette Ave, Bellevue, KY 859-431-4430 ProWellnessChiropractic.com

Using traditional and modern chiropractic techniques as well as active rehab and nutritional guidance to promote overall wellness. Space certified technology is used to locate where stress has settled into the muscles. Once the location is found, work begins to unwind the stress patterns and rebuild the body’s ability to adapt to outside stressors more effectively. See ad on page 7.

HEALTH COACH GOOD HEALTH COACH

Verria Kelly Certified Health and Wellness Coach 513-898-0774 GoodHealthCoach.com Verria Kelly is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach who specializes in helping women overcome chronic health challenges. She can help if you’re frustrated with your symptoms or illness. See ad on page 5.

HEALTHY DINING INDIGO

2637 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 513-321-9952 2053 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Mitchell, KY 859-331-4339 MyIndigoGrill.com Indigo is great for the vegetarian that is eating out with someone who is not. Dishes range from a vegetarian foccocia bowl salad to grilled steak with harissa sauce, to shrimp alfredo. Indigo also offers vegan selections. Awesome award winning and build your own salads. Indoor/Outdoor seating is available at both locations. See ad on page 7.

HOLISTIC AND INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY CARE Dr. Matthew J Heller

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine All about Pet Care in Middletown 513-424-1626 AllAboutPetCare.com Dr. Heller utilizes the modalities of acupuncture, homotoxicology, Chinese herbs, flower essences and nutritional counseling to optimize your pet’s health and well being.

LAUGHTER THERAPY LAUGHTER THERAPY PROGRAMS Betty Finney 513-231-6275 BellyLaugh@me.com BellyLaugh.net

Presents benefits of laughter and brings the audience out of their chairs to participate in a roar of laughter. Age 25 plus.

LAUGHTER YOGA HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS Significant Healing

Featuring Pounds & Inches Weightloss Victoria Smith, Board Certified Holistic Practitioner & Iridologist 157 Lloyd Ave., Florence, KY 41042 859-282-0022 SignificantHealing.com Remember when your doctor looked into your eyes when you were ill? The science of Iridology still reveals the condition of your body. Iridology: A thing of the past - A solution for your future. Call or schedule online. See ad on page 13.

HORTICULTURE GRADY HORTICULTURAL CONSULTING SERVICES Craig D. Grabow 859-393-1561 CGrabow.Grady@gmail.com

We offer home gardening courses for first time gardeners in Site Planning, Design and Preparation; Plant Selection and Growing Advice; Pest Identification and Management; Harvesting and Storage Techniques. Free initial consultation! See ad on page 17.

Greater Cincinnati Edition / nacincin.com

CERTIFIED LAUGHTER YOGA TEACHER Patrick Murphy Welage 513-607-1830 pwelage@hotmail.com

Patrick is a celebrated national and international teacher who offers Laughter Yoga classes, workshops, retreats, and training for individuals, groups, conferences, educational programs, community events, small businesses, and corporations.

massage therapy BAMBOO-FUSIONtm MASSAGE

Craig West, LMT AMTA member Soul Purpose Massage Treat yourself to a relaxing massage with warmed bamboo! 513-312-2126 SoulPurpose.Massage@gmail.com Craig is an Ohio licensed massage therapist specializing in: Bamboo-fusiontm; Crainiosacral therapy; and Swedish Massage. Call today to book an appointment for this Exotic and Relaxing treatment sought out by Private Spas and Resorts Worldwide!

SHAMANIC COUNSELOR Gary Matthews

513-722-1917 Gary@ShamanicCounselor.com ShamanicCounselor.com Ordained Transformational Counselor using earthbased self-realization to heal body, mind and spirit. Call for information or to schedule an appointment.

VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES Seven / Seventy-Nine, LTD. 513-236-1872 Drew@779LTD.com 779LTD.com

Television commercials, music videos, training videos, product demonstrations - any special moment you want to document, we make it possible. Call today for an affordable quote!

MOBILE DAY SPA

Bellamy West, Independent Consultant Soul Purpose – Body Beauty Style Spirit Treat yourself to a day at the Spa in your own home 513-312-2125 ReplenishYou@ SoulPurpose.net ReplenishYou.SoulPurpose.net

Coming in

January

Be pampered in your home with our Organic SPA Quality products which include: Foot Care Products, Sugar and Salt Body Scrubs, Moisturizing Soy Candles and more. Let our Palm Oil Candles take you on a fragrance journey. Call today to book your FREE pampering session for a group of 3 or more.

SOULY NATURAL

SoulyNatural@gmail.com 859-907-0159 A unique personalized approach to health and wellness. Cravings, Addictions, Diets – back & forth, up & down – let’s get to the bottom of it. Your new journey starts here.

WEDDINGS GAY GLASSCOTT

Tri-State Unique Ceremonies Certified Celebrant Ordained Interfaith Minister serving OH, IN, KY 513-533-3399 GayBeecat@aol.com Individualized or traditional weddings, commitment ceremonies, civil unions or vow renewals. Gay writes your personalized ceremony using your love story, adding rituals, readings, poems, and ethnic customs.

YOGA INSTRUCTION Phoenix Wilson

Registered Yoga Teacher 859-341-9642 PhoenixWilson@mac.com Yoga as a pathway for transformation - helping us release old patterns and awaken to our present body, heart and spirit. Classes, workshops or individual instruction.

WELLNESS MANTRA WELLNESS CENTER 4675 Cooper Rd. in Blue Ash, OH 513-891-1324 MantraWellnessCenter.com

Mantra offers a wide variety of classes, including Traditional Japanese Reiki, Life Coaching, Meditation, Tibetan Medicine, Anger Management and Aromatherapy. See ad on page 9.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. ~ Buddha

Integrative Medicine The future of healthcare

Plus:

Look and feel younger in 2010 with new anti-aging tips in Natural Awakenings’ January issue. For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

513-259-3090 December 2009

Save

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