Natural Awakenings Indy December 2015 by Natural Awakenings Indianapolis

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Awakening to Spirit

Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

Heavenly Scents

Generous Pint-Sized Caregivers

Teaching Kids How to Care and Share

How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances

Happy New Year A Fail-Proof Recipe for an Awesome 2016

December 2015 | Natural Awakenings Indy | AwakenIndy.com

Something for Everyone to Love

We love the environment at Tom Wood Subaru, which is why our new facility is Indiana’s first LEED certified car dealership for its eco-friendliness and energy efficiency. We also love dogs! Tom Wood Subaru is pet-friendly, so bring your friendly pup with when you’re shopping our entire lineup of Subaru models for YOU to love. And during the Subaru Share the Love Event, $250 will be donated to one of the following charities of the customer’s choice for every new Subaru sold or leased.

Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 19, 2015, through January 2, 2016,to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee, up to $15,000,000 in total. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. Certain participating retailers will make an additional donation to the Hometown Charities selected. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 31, 2016. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.

The new 2016 Subaru Forester The new Forester gets 32 MPG highway and all models feature Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. • At 32 mpg highway, better fuel economy than some two-wheel drive competitors (fueleconomy.gov) • Most award-winning small SUV according to Car and Driver

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TomWoodSubaru.com 888.693.7027 3300 E 96th St Indianapolis, IN 46240 2

Natural Awakenings Indy

The Car You Want. The Way You Want. AwakenIndy.com

contents 5

5 newsbriefs 9 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 12 community spotlight

18 healingways 23 inspiration

25 healthykids 26 naturalpet 27 calendarofevents

30 naturaldirectory

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

12 FAMILY FUN AND

HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR CHILDREN

14 AWAKENING TO SPIRIT

Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us by Richard Davenport

18 HEAVENLY SCENTS How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances by Kathleen Barnes

20 HOW TO CHOOSE ESSENTIAL OILS

by Lanette Erby

advertising & submissions 21 GIVING GIFTS

WITH MEANING

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 317-572-7577 or email Sales@AwakenIndy.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS For articles, news items and ideas, go to AwakenIndy.com to submit directly online. Deadline for editorial: the 8th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Go to AwakenIndy.com to submit listings directly online. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

by Allie McFee

23 RECIPE FOR A

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Fail-Proof Ingredients for a Glorious 2016

25 GENEROUS

PINT-SIZED GIVERS Teaching Kids How to Care and Share by Jennifer Jacobson

26 EAT, BARK AND BE MERRY

Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets by Sandra Murphy

AwakenIndy.com natural awakenings

December 2015

letterfrompublisher

“T

he gifts of… friendship, happiness, laughter, gratitude, contentment, memories, kindness, sharing, love, comfort, adventure, prosperity, and joy…” A month ago we jotted down these words to guide the theme of this month’s letter, envisioned as a joint message from our family to yours as together we celebrate a joyous holiday season. Our goal was to share heartening words and thoughts of inspiration to light our way. As we each embrace our many blessings during this special time of year, we are also aware it is a complicated and conflicted world in which we live. For the overwhelming majority of humanity, global peace is the gift we’d place at the top of our wish lists. Always, but especially in light of recent events, our simple and yet oh-so-challenging message aims to encourage each of us to find peace, make peace and keep peace in our daily thoughts, words and actions. We were recently introduced to the teachings of Chade-Meng Tan—one of Google’s earliest engineers, and author of Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace). Tan advocates the notion that expressing compassion for others is what brings happiness to oneself as well. Much of his attention is centered on mindfulness training, and leveraging useful mental habits to develop positive habits such as kindness, empathy and optimism. One lesson in particular resonated with us and we are working to integrate it into our instinctual thought process. Imagine whenever you meet someone, or someone comes to mind—regardless of the circumstances of the relationship— you make your first thought, “I want you to be happy.” Do this for 10 seconds, repeating and feeling this thought, and sense what happens. Tan believes this mental habit creates the conditions for compassion, and changes everything. Your sincere goodwill is unconsciously picked up by others, and will likely reflect back to you, creating a ripple effect of shared consciousness that can ultimately lead to world peace. It’s so easy to be sidetracked from inner peace by a noisy, busy, evolving world—be it close to home, or on the world stage. As you read through these pages, we hope you will find inspired ideas that enable you to embrace the spirit of the season, discover stillness and healing, and share blessings and gifts that have deep meaning for you. From our Natural Awakenings of Indy family to you and yours, we are thankful, and wish you joyous holidays, and many blessings for love and success in the new year. And on Earth, peace and goodwill to all, Teona Wright Kimberly Miller

Publisher

Kimberly Associate Publisher

contactus Publisher Teona Wright Publisher@AwakenIndy.com Associate Publisher Kimberly Miller Info@AwakenIndy.com Sales & Marketing Sales@AwakenIndy.com Editorial Lanette Erby · Allie McFee Charlotte Marshall · Randy Kambic Calendar & Event Coordinator Kate Hackney Kate@AwakenIndy.com Technical Support Kyle Miller Kyle@AwakenIndy.com Production & Design Kim Cerne · Paul Scott Contact Info: P.O. Box 443 Indianapolis, IN 46038 Phone: 317-572-7577 Fax: 317-613-5844

www.AwakenIndy.com

© 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally found. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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

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newsbriefs Holiday Shopping at the Alternative Gift Fair

he Holiday Edition Alternative Gift Fair, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 12 at the historic Irving Theater, in Indianapolis, will offer a unique experience to shop for local and handmade gifts for the holiday season. This year’s edition is hosted by Fatty Frog Pots, a handmade pottery company and one of the many vendors at the event. The Alternative Gift Fair debuted in December 2007, when it was held at the Earth House Collective in downtown Indianapolis and was moved to cultural Irvington when the Earth House Collective closed. It has grown to offer 30 to 50 handmade local vendors, and occurs three times a year with a spring show in May before Mother’s Day; a summer show that coincides with the Irvington Folk Festival in June; and the December Holiday Gift Fair, which is the main show. The event’s mission is to be “alternative” by providing local and handmade artistry gifts between every holiday so there are ways to support the local community and refrain from buying gifts at chain stores. It allows shoppers to experience the beauty created by local talent and discover lesser-known local businesses. Admission is free; donations are accepted to support The PourHouse’s efforts to assist those facing homelessness this winter. Location: 5505 E. Washington St. For more information, visit ALTGiftFair.com.

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Georgetown Market Celebrates Many Local Roots

eorgetown Market, the locally owned health food market in the Lafayette Square area, recently marked their 42nd year in serving the community. The celebration highlighted store offerings—including live juicing demos by owner Rick Montieth— and local vendors. Lick Ice Cream, Hidden Pond, Presto Kombucha, Tokyo Cheesecake, Skinny Coconut Oil, Clenapure, Brick House dressings, Needmore Oatcakes and Salsa Me Krazy participated in the event. Their next cooking class for holiday fun is Festive Drinks and Party Fare Foods, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 2. Teacher Barb Slegers-Hudson will demonstrate how to make “juiced” cocktails, healing non-dairy warming drinks and party food. This is a hands-on cooking class where participants bring their own chef knife and cooking board. As one of the original natural and health food markets in Indianapolis, they have continued to expand their offerings of local items and sponsorship of classes that support healthy lifestyles. The market offers local items such as Kombucha, organic groceries, specialty diet items and herbal supplements. Georgetown Market also offers a juice and smoothie bar, snacks and a deli, and wellness classes in their upstairs classroom, including cooking classes and educational health classes. Admission for cooking class: $25, registration is required. All ages are welcome. Location: 4375 Georgetown Rd., Indianapolis. Classes are listed on their website calendar. For more information, call 317-293-9525 or visit GeorgetownMarket.com.

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December 2015

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ed Tent Indy will host Winter Solstice and New Moon Gathering for women from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on December 14 at White Pine Wilderness Academy, in Indianapolis. Participants can expect an intimate evening with a sharing circle where women discuss topics including reflection and restoration over the winter, and how the changes in the Earth’s seasons affect their lifestyles and create a need to slow down. The event is also a celebration for the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. A meditation will be led by Kelsey Eberwine, owner of Breathing Space Yoga, and participants will learn how to slow down their breath and mind. “As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves rushing around to take care of others, buying gifts, attending holiday parties and visiting family, but we rarely take time to pause and nurture ourselves,” says Eberwine. “Meditation gives us the opportunity to reset our mind and bring mental clarity. When the thoughts are clear, the actions are more organized and concise. We get the same amount of work done in less time.” The Rent Tent women circles are a continuation of the annual Red Tent Workshop and Festival, held in late summer. The intention of the events is for women to gather in sacred space to share their stories, learn from each other, express, inspire and heal. Reservations are recommended as space is limited. Admission: Suggested $5 donation; register by email at RedTentIndy@gmail.com. Location: 841 W. 53rd St., Indianapolis. For more information, visit RedTentIndy.com. For more information on Breathing Space Yoga, visit Breathing Space.yoga.

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Tom Wood Subaru Shares the Holiday Season Love

om Wood Subaru got into the holiday season giving spirit early on America Recycles Day on November 14 when they partnered with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) to plant 88 trees at Bertha Ross Park, bringing the total they have provided to the organization to 97 trees. Now, the local dealership is maintaining this spirit with several more special events and opportunities in support of nonprofits. During Subaru’s Share the Love Event, a holiday-centric special campaign going on now through the end of the year, every customer that purchases a new Subaru from Tom Wood’s local dealership can direct Subaru to donate $250 to either the Humane Society of Indianapolis, ASPCA, Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels America or the National Park Foundation. Through December 16, Tom Wood Subaru is also conducting their second annual Toys for Tots drive that encourages everyone to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a needy child. During the Recycle Your Old Christmas Lights event from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 5, the public can do two worthy activities—bring in old, used holiday lights and donate a toy. Santa’s elves will be handing out special treats and there’ll be a mailbox for children to send letters to Santa. Christmas lights will be accepted through the first week of January. Subaru partners with many various nonprofit education, health, community, environment and animal organizations with worldwide impact. Over the past 20 years, Subaru of America has donated over $50 million to causes and logged over 28,000 volunteer hours. Location: 3300 E. 96th St., Indianapolis. For more information on all activities including holiday light drop-off locations, and Tom Wood Subaru’s charities of choice, visit TomWoodSubaru.com and TomWoodSubaru.com/ subaru-love-promise.htm. See ad on page 2.

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Winter Gong Meditation Workshops

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Healing takes courage,

and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it. ~Tori Amos

Cost: December 18, $15; December 31, $20. Location: 2442 N. Central Ave., Indianapolis. For more information, call Hari Datti Kaur at 317-430-3875 or email HariDattiKaur@gmail.com. Register at CITYOGA.biz.

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undalini Yoga Teacher, Hari Datti Kaur, is offering two meditative opportunities to celebrate a healthy holiday alternative through a group sound healing experience using the vibrations of two large symphonic gongs from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on December 18, and 6 to 7:30 p.m. on December 31, both at CITYOGA. In the first event, the Solstice evening, Kaur will lead participants on a journey through the energetic centers of the body, known as chakras, by using easy physical yoga, meditation and mantra. On New Year’s Eve, the focus will shift to intention building and prosperity meditations, with the goal of discarding what’s no longer needed and setting new and positive intentions by using the vibrations of the two gongs. Gong Master Don Conreaux, one of the first Kundalini yoga teachers, has written extensively about the nature of the gong and says, “After a gonging begins, the sound waves and tone frequencies will draw you into your inner self. It can bring up what needs to be brought to one’s attention and it also can lead to a state of Samadhi, or a merger of consciousness.” The events are geared for attendees to experience the benefits of vibrational healing. The Solstice event is shorter, with a 20- to 25-minute gong immersion. The immersion on New Year’s Eve is 45 minutes. Attendees should bring a yoga mat or blanket, and community time and Yogi Tea will take place afterwards.

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healthbriefs

Digital ‘Blue Light’ Reading Disrupts Sleep Rhythms

ecent findings from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, has determined that reading from a light-emitting tablet or computer before bedtime will disturb sleep and may change the circadian rhythms that govern the body’s clock. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tested 12 people for two weeks. On five nights during one week, the subjects read ebooks on an iPad for four hours before bedtime. Another week, they read from printed books for the same duration. During the five days of iPad reading, the participants fell asleep later and spent less time in rapid eye movement (REM)-stage sleep. The light-emitting tablet altered the circadian rhythm, changing the body’s natural sleeping pattern. The researchers also tested other blue-light emitting devices, including laptops, tablets, other eReaders, cell phones and LED monitors. “We found the body’s natural circadian rhythms were interrupted by the short-wavelength enriched light, otherwise known as blue light, from these electronic devices,” says neuroscientist Anne-Marie Chang, Ph.D., one of the study authors. Dr. Charles Czeisler, Ph.D., a leading sleep researcher, remarks, “In the past 50 years, there has been a decline in average sleep duration and quality. Since more people are choosing electronic devices for reading, communication and entertainment, particularly children and adolescents who already experience significant sleep loss, epidemiological research evaluating the longterm consequences of these devices on health and safety is urgently needed.”

MEDITATION LINKED TO TELOMERE INTEGRITY IN CANCER PATIENTS

aintaining telomere length has been directly linked to longer lifespan in a number of studies. A telomere is the structure at the end of a chromosome that protects it from deteriorating or fusing with other chromosomes. Its length is being used to measure the potential success of integrative therapy for recovering cancer patients; now University of Calgary research has found that mindfulness meditation helps. The researchers tested 88 breast cancer survivors with a previous diagnosis of stage-one to stage-three breast cancer. The patients’ telomere lengths were tested after either group-support therapy or mindfulness meditation training that included gentle hatha yoga exercises. Results showed that while the control group’s telomere lengths decreased over time, both the mindfulness group and the support therapy group were on average able to maintain their telomere length throughout the testing period.

Superfruit Antioxidants Found in Chilean Maqui Berry

esearch from the University of Arizona’s Health Sciences Center has confirmed that the South American superfruit maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) can aid the cardiovascular system and reduce blood sugar. Clinical trials found a group of antioxidants, called delphinidins, significantly reduced levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, which is linked to atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. The clinical research found that the delphinidins contained in the maqui berry, known as the richest natural source of the antioxidant, aid the health of blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide and decreasing platelets linked with thrombosis, the clogging of arteries that can cause strokes. The researchers also found that the superfruit may help counteract skin aging from ultraviolet radiation-B (UVB) exposure.

natural awakenings

December 2015

globalbriefs Fungus Among Us

Mushrooms Offer Pesticide-Free Insect Control Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading mycologists, invented a fungus (mushroom)-based pesticide in 2006. An industry executive states, “This patent represents the most disruptive technology we have ever witnessed.” This “smart” pesticide provides a safe and nearly permanent solution for controlling more than 200,000 species of insects. Entomopathogenic (insect-destroying) fungi are altered so they don’t produce spores. This actually attracts the insects, which then eat them and turn into fungi from the inside-out. The invention has the potential to revolutionize the way humans grow crops. Source: Earth. We Are One. View the patent at Tinyurl.com/FungusPesticidePatent.

Sentient Beings

New Zealand Enacts Bill Recognizing Animal Intelligence The New Zealand Animal Welfare Amendment Bill that passed into law this year states that animals, like humans, are sentient beings. Dr. Virginia Williams, chair of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee, says this acknowledges, “Animals can experience both positive and negative emotions, including pain and distress.” The bill thus bans the use of animals for testing cosmetics. Williams says the legal recognition of animal sentience provides a stronger underpinning of the requirements of the existing Animal Welfare Act. The bill also provides for penalties to enable low-to-medium-level offenders to be punished more effectively and gives animal welfare inspectors the power to issue compliance notices, among other measures. Find a link to the legislation at Tinyurl.com/NewZealandSentienceBill.

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SPIRITUALITY IS BENEFICIAL FOR CANCER PATIENTS

ccording to a new review of research published in the journal Cancer, a strong religious or spiritual belief system may improve a cancer patient’s prognosis physically, emotionally and mentally. Researchers from Florida’s H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and North Carolina’s Wake Forest School of Medicine reviewed clinical studies that included more than 44,000 cancer patients. The first review focused on physical symptoms and found that patients with stronger religious and spiritual beliefs reported fewer cancer symptoms and better physical health. They also showed enhanced capabilities in managing their daily lives. “These relationships were particularly strong in patients that experienced greater emotional aspects of religion and spirituality, including a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as a connection to a source larger than oneself,” states Heather Jim, lead author of the first review. The second review focused on mental health and found reductions in anxiety, depression and distress among those with greater spirituality. Lead author Dr. John Salsman comments, “Also, greater levels of spiritual distress and a sense of disconnectedness from God or a religious community were associated with greater psychological distress or poorer emotional well-being.” In the third review, the researchers found that patients with a stronger spiritual well-being reported better social health, as well.

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December 2015

communityspotlight

STICK WITH THE BEST

FAMILY FUN

and Holiday Events for Children

Health & Wellness January Issue

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

317-572-7577 12

Natural Awakenings Indy

Photo by Carla Knapp

You can trust us to get your message out to our readers. Advertise in our special The Indianapolis Zoo will hosts its 48th year of Christmas at the Zoo through January 3, 2016 from 5 to 9 p.m. with holiday lights and displays. Hot drinks will be available to sip as guests visit the animals and see the lights in the outdoor zoo grounds, as well as two campfires. Activities for all ages include cookie decorating, caroling, a find-the-mistletoe challenge, holiday photo ops, carousel rides, 4-D theater featuring the Polar Express, and zoothemed shopping. The Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to hold a holiday lights event. AwakenIndy.com

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, in Fishers, will present Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. on December 12. All ages are welcome and there’ll be a hearty breakfast, time with Santa and cookie decorating. Christmas with Santa is part of Holidays on the Prairie, a four-part event that Conner Prairie is hosting through January 3. Conner Prairie’s historic grounds are closed for the season, but open during the holidays to host Gingerbread Village, a tour to see locally created gingerbread houses; “Holiday’s Adventures,” a walking reenactment of the holidays as celebrated in the 1800’s with storytelling, singing, dancing and games;

Photo courtesy of ChildrensMuseum.org

and Conner Prairie by Candlelight, a 90-minute guided tour at night.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is hosting Countdown to Noon on New Year’s Eve, December 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sunburst Atrium. Children of all ages are welcome to celebrate the final day of 2015 with a countdown to 2016 at noon and 1 p.m. as a way to share in the holiday fun at a reasonable hour. There’ll be a live performance from Grammy Award-nominated musician Zak Morgan. While supplies last, party favors and hats will be given to children to wear during the countdown.

The Indiana State Museum offers a festive Family New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. with activities for all family members. This is an alcohol-free celebration with music, face painting, jugglers, clowns and a balloon drop at 8 p.m. for the younger family members to participate in the fun. The holiday town of Celebration Crossing, with rides on the Santa Claus Express train, and The Farmers Market Café will also be open for the event.

Admission for Christmas at the Zoo: youth ages 2-12, $8.20; adults, $10.70; seniors, $9.70; free for zoo members. Receive $1 off admission when you bring a new hat, scarf or glove donation for the Mitten Donation Tree that supports the local St. Mary’s Child Center. Location: 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-6302001 or visit IndianapolisZoo.com to purchase tickets. Admission for Breakfast with Santa: youth ages 2-12, $10.95 ($8.95 for youth member); adults, $19.95 ($16.95 for adult members). Location: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. For more information on Conner Prairie holiday events, call 317776-6000 or visit ConnerPrairie.org. Admission for Countdown to Noon: Included with museum admission: youth ages 2-17, $18.50 (must be accompanied by an adult); adults ages 18-59, $21.50; seniors age 60+ $20.50, Location: Sunburst Atrium at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-334-4000 or visit ChildrensMuseum.org. Admission for Family News Year’s Eve at the Indiana State Museum: youth ages 3-12, $8.50; adults, $13. Reservations are recommended. Location: 650 West Washington St., Indianapolis in Gov. Frank O’Bannon Great Hall. Call 317-2321637 to reserve your spot or visit IndianaMuseum.org.

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AWAKENING TO SPIRIT Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us by Richard Davenport

body science. However, Dyer points to the works and outcomes of Spirit as visible evidence of how it lifts us up. We see individuals with rapturous hearts sending out signals that they love the world and everyone in it. Those that live in Spirit tend to see the world as a friendly place, are at peace with themselves, appear to be open and accepting rather than judgmental and harsh, and often report being healed of all sorts of diseases, relationship challenges, career fluctuations and questions of purpose and direction. They attest to how Spirit shines a triumphant light in the midst of dark nights of the soul, redefining the essence of life itself and declaring us worthy in our innermost reaches.

Personal Healing

By its intimate connection with divine love, Spirit infuses human experience with qualities of amazing grace—unexpected clarity, vision, wisdom, peace, compassion, emotional release, inspirational epiphanies, deep understanding and comprehensive healing of mind, body and soul.

hile society abounds with scientific research, products and practices that promise to enhance our mind or body and the mind-body connection, without Spirit in the mix, neither rises to its full potential. A heart open to a higher power exponentially multiplies the effects of this crucial connection. “Just as a candle spreads light in a darkened room, people who

are living in-Spirit give off a higher energy that can bring light to our hearts and minds. In other words, we can be inspired just by being in their presence,” according to renowned bestselling author Wayne Dyer, Ph.D. Experiential, non-verbal and life-changing encounters with the unbounded power and presence of Spirit in prayer and meditation are difficult to analyze in the same way as mind-

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When a 19-year-old woman entered basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas, and was undergoing initial medical and psychological screening, she was identified as having body and mind issues that would require her to be separated from the service. These problems included organ failures and spinal misalignment, as well as severe consequences of an emotionally abusive upbringing. It was determined that she could not handle the physical and mental demands of military life. Because the policy was to not treat such problems if identified upon entering the service, authorities allowed her to remain in training until her separation from the Air Force could be processed. The woman was impressed and also distressed by the finality of the verdict and assessment tools used by mind and body experts among the medical staff. In talking with a chaplain on the base, she came to understand that she could choose to appeal her case to another jurisdiction, a “higher” court of Spirit. Focusing on the voice of divine love, she grew to see Spirit as more than a higher power. She saw Spirit as a higher authority. She surrendered to divine love’s authority as ultimate law, supremely qualified to reorder her whole being. She trusted that aligning with spiritual power could change her view of her identity and the seemingly inescap-

able consequences of genetics, environment and human history denying her desire to serve her country in this way. Listening to a higher witness testifying on her behalf and identifying her authentic being as the magnificent expression of the magnificent Creator, she felt encouraged to the point that her mind and body stopped arresting her progress and became more effective servants, responding with greater freedom and joy. One limitation after another fell away, and the military and medical authorities seemed pleased with her progress as she neared completion of training. Finally, performing a mile-and-a-half run within a required time remained the only obstacle to graduation, and she was still 45 seconds too slow. This helpful passage from the Hebrew prophet Isaiah became central to her prayer and meditation as she approached her last running attempt: Young people will get tired; strapping young men will stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run—never winded, never weary. They will walk—never tired, never faint. ~Isaiah 40: 30-31 (The Voice) She passed her final attempt with 18 seconds to spare, running on eagles’ wings. So, how can we all discern such a divine witness to our original authentic being amidst loud testimony of all the voices and labels shouting in our head and body, including those imposed by others?

Prayer and Meditation

There are two approaches to listening to the voice within, whether we name it God, higher power, Spirit, grace, Eternal One, or divine love or Love. Complementary, rather than mutually exclusive, both approaches require a capacity, gained through patient practice, of quieting the inner and outer chatter and learning to hear

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that which calls us to be more than what human experience suggests is possible. It’s who we are in the eyes of grace. Sanford C. Wilder, of Grafton, Illinois, author of Listening to Grace, offers personal growth and development programs through EducareUnlearning.com that encourage prayer and meditation that emphasize listening. He practices both approaches and makes distinctions between them. “When I pray, I am directing my thoughts toward God, listening and often affirming what I know to be divinely true. I am yearning to surrender my will and affections in conscious connection with the divine such that I or another receives a blessing,” shares Wilder. In such prayerful listening, he hopes to gain something, often a new insight and corresponding manifestation. “When I meditate, my intention is to sacrifice every thought, concept, image and feeling to God, the only consciousness. I trust that listening and observing with nonattachment helps me release conscious and unconscious conditioned thought patterns permeated by a human sense of self.” Through meditative listening, he hopes to release everything rather than receive anything, accepting that everyone is equipped and able to be open to, witness and experience nonstop blessings. Helen Mathis has been an educator in the Philippines and Swaziland as well as the U.S., including an instructor of religion at Principia College, near St. Louis; she is now part of a Centering Prayer Circle in Stockton, California. She explains that centering prayer may be seen as a hybrid that embraces both prayer and meditation, nourishing what’s beneath the preoccupied self to awaken a deeper and vastly more authentic self. Mathis appreciates what Cynthia Bourgeault explores in her book Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, that, “This confusion between small self and the larger Self… [the] ‘True Self,’ ‘Essential Self’ or ‘Real I’—is the core illusion of the human condition, and penetrating this illusion is what awakening is all about.” 16

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To feel Spirit’s presence, we must surrender our own sense of how it will work, its timeline and the impact on our ego or status quo. As with anything worthwhile, conscientious practice is essential. Like Bourgeault, Mathis believes that it’s not about the absence of thoughts so much as detaching from our thoughts, trusting that we can let go and be safe, consent to surrender human will and forgo personal agendas. Only then can spiritual sense come into play. “The goal is to awaken to, open to and get in touch with our innermost being and Spirit,” Mathis affirms. “Clearly, centering prayer assumes we each have a spiritual awareness of the divine within us that acts, as Bourgeault puts it, as ‘a kind of interior compass whose magnetic north is always fixed on God.’”

Core Shift

We often approach a Spirit dimension with the attitude of “what it can do for me.” The higher practice that mystics and other deep thinkers of various faith traditions ultimately arrive at instead centers on transforming our whole self to align with Spirit’s purpose for us, which changes everything. Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith,

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founder of the New Thought Agape Spiritual Center, in Los Angeles, and a spiritual mentor to Oprah Winfrey, believes, “The relationship we have with the infinite is more about how we are to serve it than it is to serve us.” Beckwith describes three primary stages of realizing the power and purpose of divine Spirit expressed as our spirit. The first is that of a victim (feeling powerless, unable to effect change). The second is when an individual learns the existence of universal law that responds to our thinking, emotions and attitude; we learn how to use it to stabilize life structures and demonstrate health and wellbeing. “Ultimately, in stage three, we become a vehicle of life in service to life. Instead of using the law, the law uses us. Life fulfills its own nature through us,” he says. “All of life is conspiring for our freedom, liberation, wholeness and health.” He urges us not to stop and stagnate at stage two, using divine laws only to manifest personal conveniences, stuff and even people for our use; this can hijack views of abundance into materialism and consumerism. He quips, “We are not here to go shopping.”

Dwelling in Spirit

Grace and Spirit work in us, through us and between us, yet we can’t simply summon them up or outline their outcomes. To feel Spirit’s presence, we must surrender our own sense of how it will work, its timeline and the impact on our ego or status quo. As with anything worthwhile, conscientious practice is essential. Life, defined by Spirit, gives fresh strength and impetus to mind and body. All three are vital elements of the dance of life. Richard Davenport is a spiritual life educator (HigherGroundForLife.com) and the founding executive director of an inclusive nationwide Bible and spiritual life community (BibleAndSpiritual Life.org). Now based in St. Louis, MO, he is a retired Air Force chaplain, having served at Lackland and other U.S. Air Force bases on three continents.

FIVE WAYS TO PRAY FROM THE HEART by Richard Davenport

rayer from a heart willing to surrender, change, learn, grow and bless others works to keep us centered on pure motives like wellness, whole-heartedness and compassion. Such prayer can help us progress spiritually. These five forms of prayer, found in the Bible, have a universal application to any spiritual practice. Although differing in their approach, all share the purpose of creating a fuller mindfulness of our true identity and relationship to the divine, while enhancing our capacity to bless all creation. If we are not feeling the desired breakthroughs using one form, perhaps the one most familiar or comfortable to us, we might do well to explore others.

Praise – a posture of adoration, honoring and surrender to a power, vision, and authority greater than our own. Thanksgiving – or better yet, for its consistency and permeating of our whole self, thanks-living. The garden of our spirit is enriched by embracing a gratitude attitude in all we do. Petition – a relational posture that opens our heart as we learn to ask for help, to seek perspective beyond a limited self, beyond a smaller, ego-driven orientation. Intercession – praying for others; blessing, honoring and cherishing them as God sees them. When we feel burdened and blocked by our own trials, expressing empathy and compassion for others can unlock

our heart and mind. We can lovingly witness the true nature of those that are seemingly tangled in forces blocking or opposing their higher good. Affirmation – release and rest in divine authority, acknowledging the uni-verse as literally one song reflecting the singular harmony that Spirit knows and is unfolding in every moment to meet our need in forms we can see and feel right now.

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whiff of sweetness can communicate a personal signature of tranquility, alertness or romance, or it can cause a bout of miserable sneezing, wheezing or nausea for those in the vicinity and even the unwitting wearer.

Commercial Chemicals

“When you see ‘fragrance’ on a personal care product label, read it as ‘hidden chemicals,’” warns the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit watchdog Environmental Working Group (EWG). “A major loophole in the [U.S.] Food and Drug Administration’s federal law lets manufacturers of products like shampoo, lotion and body wash include nearly any ingredient under the term fragrance without actually listing the chemical.” Companies that manufacture personal care products are required by law to list the ingredients they use, but fragrances and trade-secret formulas are exempt. What’s known as a dirty little secret in the fragrance industry is the unlabeled presence of toxic chemicals not only in perfumes, but in any personal care product that includes a scent. Lab tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by the EWG confirm the presAwakenIndy.com

ence of parabens that interfere with hormone production, cancer-causing phthalates, and synthetic musks that have been linked to hormone disruption, among many other ills.

Naturally Safe Scents

“Opting for natural scents from organic essential oils not only offers a toxin-free alternative, the oils’ aromatherapy benefits have time-proven therapeutic value,” suggests Dorene Petersen, president and founder of the American College of Healthcare Sciences, in Portland, Oregon. Recent research from the Pontificia Universidade Catolica, in Brazil, confirms that lavender oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties similar to those of a mild-dose narcotic. Plus, it smells heavenly, says botanical perfumer Roxana Villa, of Woodland Hills, a California-based spokesperson for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. “Considering the part of the plant used will give you an idea of its therapeutic value,” says Villa. “A root base will be good for grounding. Since bark is like skin, oils such as birch will benefit skin and muscles. Oils from flowers are excellent for anything related to the head and mind.”

Oregano and cinnamon oils have powerful antifungal properties, even against Candida-type fungi resistant to prescription drugs, according to Brazilian research from Universidade Federal. A groundbreaking study from the Slovak University of Technology, in Slovakia, even suggests that rosemary oil can kill cancer cells. These are all scents that can be the foundations of doit-yourself perfumes.

Customized Blends

“It’s fun to experiment with organic essential oils and create that unique blend that becomes a personal signature,” says Charlynn Avery, an aromatherapist with Aura Cacia, in Norway, Iowa. She explains that essential oils have three basic “notes” and blending them correctly will result in a fragrance suited to last throughout the day. “The base note is heavier and lasts the longest. Patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood and jasmine hang around longer in the atmosphere and on the wearer,” she explains. Blending the base with a slightly lighter middle note like lavender, rosemary or clary sage and a light and short-lasting top note like orange, lime or peppermint will create a complex and pleasing blend. “That’s the beauty of the art of it,” says Avery. “You can create synergistic blends that harmonize and complement the attributes of each to such an extent that you may not be able to detect the scents of the individual oils.” There are no hard and fast rules, but our experts offer a few guidelines for creating our own unique blends that will be well-received as holiday gifts. Use a base of oil like jojoba or sweet almond to create a perfumed oil. Note that oils undiluted by a carrier can burn the skin. For oil-based blends, use a ratio of 50 drops of bottom note oil, 30 drops of a middle note and 20 drops of a top note in two ounces of carrier oil. Another option is to use an alcohol base of either isopropyl rubbing alcohol or 85-proof vodka to make a spray perfume; the alcohol will evaporate quickly. Alcohol-based blends generally last longer, especially with fragile citrus oils. A usual ratio is 10 to 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of alcohol-based carrier. Oil-based blends are ready to use almost immediately. Alcohol-based blends should age a week or two at least and will become more strongly scented in time. Store fragrances in bottles in a dark, cool place. Bottles with tiny roll-on caps are commercially available. “It’s very much trial and error to arrive at a preferred scent, so be creative and keep careful notes of experiments and improve on them as you gain experience,” counsels Avery. “If you crinkle your nose at patchouli, you probably won’t like an oil blend with it, either. Choose scents you like.” Kathleen Barnes is author of numerous natural health books including Food Is Medicine. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

The 1-2-3s of Blending Oils

Base Notes Middle Notes Top Notes sandalwood lavender orange jasmine bergamot lemon myrrh geranium grapefruit vetiver rosemary eucalyptus patchouli tea tree lime cedarwood clary sage peppermint A general ratio of 50 percent base note oils to 30 percent middle notes and 20 percent top notes is recommended. Source: courtesy of AuraCacia.com

GIFT BLEND FOR MEN Western cultures value “manly” Earth scents like sandalwood and cedarwood, while in other cultures, flowery scents are acceptable for men. An appealing woodsy blend for an American male blends cedarwood, clary sage and lime.

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS

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December 2015

2016

editorial calendar JANUARY

health & wellness plus: dance power FEBRUARY

friendship

How to Choose Essential Oils by Lanette Erby

plus: dental health MARCH

food matters

plus: eye health APRIL

everyday sustainability plus: freshwater scarcity MAY

women’s wellness plus: thyroid health JUNE

happiness

plus: balanced man JULY

independent media

plus: summer harvest AUGUST

empowering youth plus: creativity SEPTEMBER

healing music plus: yoga OCTOBER

community game changers

plus: chiropractic NOVEMBER

mental wellness plus: beauty DECEMBER

ore consumers are taking charge of their health by making their own soaps, personal care products and cleaning products. Along with enjoying the creativity, it helps to bypass the toxic, synthetic ingredients used in commercially made products. Many turn to essential oils to enhance their products, but most are unaware that there’s a distinct difference in the quality of oils available from different brands in the marketplace. As is the case with many natural products that start to trend, irresponsible companies motivated solely by profits start sourcing impure ingredients that make it difficult for consumers to live the healthy lifestyle they desire.

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“Because essential oils have become so popular, many companies are reducing their production costs by utilizing oils distilled from genetically modified seeds that may be grown in soils on which pesticides or herbicides were used,” says Marilyn York, a 20

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Wholistic Health Advocate and longterm Independent Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. “Also, some are completely synthetic or have been diluted with carrier oils that aren’t holistically pure.” Young Living Essential Oils began the oil trend 20 years ago, taking their stewardship of the planet and the plants seriously. They own their own farms and utilize partner-farms to ensure non-GMO ingredients grown in soil untouched by pesticides and herbicides, and distilled using a fusion of ancient and modern distillation techniques. Oils are also undiluted and every step of the essential oil process is scrutinized to bring the consumer the purest product the Earth has to offer, as part of their “Seed to Seal” commitment. “I applaud the explosive trend to incorporate essential oils into all areas of our lives, as well as the additionally explosive trend to individually take charge of our personal health,” says York, “but, as with all things, one must do the research and ask questions that make the seller uncomfortable if they’re selling irresponsible products.” For more information on Young Living Essential Oils, visit YoungLiving.org/ NaturalHealth4U or email Essential NaturalHealth@comcast.net. See ad on page 18.

“The best gift to give is our presence and full attention,” says Brendan. “When people are talking, care about them and listen. It’s about focusing and concentrating on what they are saying. When you give your presence to someone, you don’t even have to say a word and people finally feel safe.” Brendan suggests this tool also be used while holiday shopping. “Whether we are shopping or attending a school function, we can share light and love wherever we go. This time of year, people are busy, stores are packed and there is so much tension. Whether we are with our loved ones or strangers, we can give them our presence, our full attention, and promote more peace and love.” Other ideas include swapping notes of gratitude and writing from the heart what someone means to you, teaching a family member a skill by showing them how to cook a delicious recipe, or showing someone how to play a song on the piano. These are gifts that create priceless memories.

Giving Gifts with Meaning

Giving with Intention for Fulfillment

by Allie McFee

In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. ~ Deepak Chopra

s the Earth’s shedding process in autumn encouraged us to let go what no longer served us, the quietness of winter reminds us it is a time for reflection and for incubating the seeds of new ideas to be ready to sprout in the spring. Tools for this reflection include meditation, mindfulness and prayer, which all help enter deep within our being to gain clarity and know our soul’s purpose. It’s easy for perspectives to shift from the inner self to the outer world as consumerism inundates our lives with loud, colorful ads and children

shouting for this year’s hottest toys. Remain in an inner connected state by choosing gifts with mindfulness. Slow down by creating intentions for each gift, giving more time to others with full presence and giving gifts of healing experiences to help another person grow.

Giving the Gift of Presence

Richard Brendan, founder and spiritual director at Journey’s Fire Spiritual Center, believes in the power of gifting presence to others so that we can fully embrace them in our consciousness.

Kerry Keller, director of Indianapolis’ School of Metaphysics, believes it is our intention to aid others when gift giving, which in turn gives us a sense of fulfillment. “It’s easy to get caught up in giving just to please someone, but the nicest way to help is to teach them how to help themselves,” says Keller. “They are then in a place to turn around and help someone else, encouraging growth in everyone.” Holiday gifts available at the school include pre-wrapped book baskets with topics on cultivating peace and stillness through meditation, concentration exercises and dream interpretation. In addition to holiday gift options, the School of Metaphysics is offering a free All-Day Peace Meditation starting at 3:45 a.m. on December 31 and ending at midnight with a reading of their Universal Peace Prayer. Meditation will occur in 15-minute intervals with breathing exercises led in 20-minute intervals. Light refreshments and instruction on

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Body.Harmony.Balance (BHB) is offering the gift of healing experiences through discounted gift certificates and a Holiday Indulgence Detox package, which includes targeted massage, spa infrared sauna and colonics. “When you give someone the opportunity to have an experience, you give them the gift of peace and centeredness, which is the most loving thing you can do,” says BHB owner Katrina Cook. “Giving someone that time to care for themselves is essential, especially for someone who lives a hectic lifestyle.” Cook just recently returned from Bali, where she gave herself the gift of experience by focusing on spirituality, fun and culture. “I took the time to be still, to silence my normal life,” says Cook. “I found that clearing the noise for a few moments can show you where your opportunities for growth are.” If these tools are utilized, gifts are given that enrich a person’s life, provide experiences that bring wellness and restoration, and help to fully accept other people. They build connections that transcend material gifts to create long-lasting fulfillment. Journey’s Fire Spiritual Center is located at 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis. For more information, call 317796-1897 or visit JourneysFire SpiritualCenter.org. The School of Metaphysics is located at 6138 Hillside Ave., Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-2515285 or visit SOM.org. Body.Harmony.Balance is located at 1020 E. 86th St., #22D, Indianapolis. For more information or to purchase a gift package, call 317-669-2313 or visit BodyHarmonyBalance.com.

inspiration

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR Fail-Proof Ingredients for a Glorious 2016

Take 12 whole months. Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate and jealousy. Make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 different parts, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make up the whole batch at once. Prepare one day at a time with these ingredients: Mix well into each day one part each of faith, patience, courage and work. Also add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity and kindness. Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play and a cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love. Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile and serve with quietness, unselfishness and cheerfulness. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bound to have a happy new year. ~ Author Unknown

natural awakenings

December 2015

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healthykids

Generous Pint-Sized Givers Teaching Kids How to Care and Share by Jennifer Jacobson

mong a parent’s greatest rewards is seeing their children grow up to be productive, contributing members of society, including knowing how to give back and enrich the communities in which they live. Children can start participating in the giving process as toddlers. Having them observe regular charitable acts can make a strong impression and catalyze later independent initiatives. Learning how to give and developing the associated skill set is a lifelong journey. Giving becomes a way of life—of looking at the world and determining how to help the causes they feel passionate about. Here’s how to take those crucial first steps. Ask kids how they’d like to help. If giving to a cause is new to the household, explain that the family has many opportunities. Then engage children in a conversation about the general areas they may feel strongly about supporting—perhaps individuals or families in need, animals or wildlife habitat—and start a list of those that the family is interested in. Next, start researching related local organizations, facilities and institutions, and matching them to the topics on the list. Ideas may include food kitchens, pet shelters and animal rescues, nature parks, senior citizens’ residences, camps for

low-income or physically or mentally challenged children, zoos, museums, aquariums and local libraries. Make a game plan. Get creative about how to actually help the selected causes. Talk it through together, map out activities—like visiting, donating funds or materials or participating in fundraising efforts—and post the results somewhere at home that is highly visible. “Gamify” it to some degree with tasks that turn into goals that turn into accomplishments that result in chits. Quick tasks can make a big difference. Clear the clutter. Every six to 12 months, launch an all-family household closet cleaning day that includes the toy chest and maybe the garage. Add nonperishable healthy food items they’ve picked out while grocery shopping. Make a “donate box” positioned where kids can add to it and deliver the donations often, even if it’s small. Find ways to raise money for donations. Organize a family or neighborhood yard sale or organic bake sale that involves kids at all stages of the project, and give all or a portion of the proceeds to a selected charity. Associate getting with giving. For birthdays and holidays, include a handwritten “certificate of giving” that specifies the amount of money available for them to gift to

their favorite charity. Take the child to the charity site to make the monetary donation in person, if possible. For non-local organizations, write a check and have the child include a letter with their thoughts and mail it. Volunteer to do community service. Public gardens need weeding, historic buildings need painting and food banks need hands. Find goodwill tasks that are age-appropriate and engaging. Grow the mindset. Tell real-life stories about kids or groups of kids that have found creative ways to give back. Encourage empathy by sharing appropriate stories of struggle. Ask kids, “How would you want people to help you in this situation?” Explain the action the family is taking and the resulting benefit to the recipient. The conversation might be, “We don’t need to store all this stuff when someone else could really use it.” Or, “I bet there is a kid out there who would really like playing with this toy. I know you used to love it, but how about if you pass it along to someone else so they can enjoy it as much as you have?” Keep the focus on the people in need and your child’s ability to share an experience through an item. Establishing an impermanent connection to material things can help kids understand the importance of nurturing relationships over acquiring goods. Develop a language of giving in the household by creating opportunities to incorporate it into regular conversation. Appropriate comments could share concepts such as seeing ourselves as stewards of the planet and the things we think we own; it’s our duty to help those in need when we have abundance; and if there is ever a time when we are without, we hope that others will think of us and help us. Teaching children how their thoughts, words and actions impact those around them is a lesson that bears repeating. Jennifer Jacobson lives in Seattle and has served on the boards of several influential nonprofits and other organizations focused on conservation, education and community.

natural awakenings

December 2015

naturalpet

Eat, Bark and Be Merry Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets by Sandra Murphy

s with families everywhere, special taste treats are on the menu for many dogs, cats and wild birds during the holiday season. Owners are cautioned not to share rich, unfamiliar foods from the table that can be detrimental to an animal’s health. Better fare are homemade treats of organic, safe and tasty ingredients—true gifts from the heart. Homemade assures the quality of ingredients, avoids unhealthy additives and allows the giver to adjust for individual taste or food sensitivities. Most healthy recipes can be made from readily available ingredients.

Wild Birds

Offer them a variety of seeds and fresh water. Always use unsalted, unseasoned seeds. Mix harder-tocrack striped sunflower seeds with the smaller black oil version to attract the largest number of birds. Organically grown peanuts in the shell, dried fruit, oranges, pomegranates or rehydrated raisins offer a burst of energy. Impale round fruits, halved, on a small dowel rod attached to the feeding table to hold them in place. Note that oats go to waste, shelled sunflower seeds spoil and cracked corn attracts raccoons. Pass on any kind of popcorn.

DIY Suet

tree bark for woodpeckers and wrens to enjoy. Don’t use low-fat peanut butter because birds need to pack in the calories in order to stay warm.

Cats

Organic catnip, fresh or dried and baked into a crunchy treat, will bring kitty running. In recipes, avoid canned tuna because of bisphenol A (BPA) concerns; also minimize the frequency and portion of tuna and salmon treats due to mercury accumulation in the fish. Unseasoned tuna or salmon packed in water in a pouch is a better choice. Many recipes labeled for dogs can be converted for cats by making them into smaller bites.

Dogs

“When possible, I put organic and local foods, non-GMO, hormone-and antibiotic-free, grass-fed and humanely raised properties at the top of my list. A healthier dog means fewer vet visits and more years together,” says Tonya Wilhelm, a dog trainer in Toledo, Ohio.

Mix one part organic peanut butter with five parts organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) corn meal. Smear into a pinecone to hang from a branch or directly on Natural Awakenings Indy AwakenIndy.com 26

“Buy in bulk from a co-op or farmer and maybe share with friends to get the best price.”

Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrating removes moisture from food while retaining nutrients, and comprises a distinct cooking method. Stephanie Raya, resident chef at Excalibur Dehydrator, in Sacramento, California, recommends, “For safe chicken and pork, pre-cook before dehydrating. Beef can be dehydrated from a raw state. My Boston terriers also love dehydrated, sweet potato chips.” A number of commercial dehydrated meat and fish jerkies have been recalled (search DogFood Advisor.com/?s=treats). Homemade treats offer superior control of ingredients. “When I make my pets’ treats, I know what’s in their food, including the herbs used for flavor,” says Raya. After she’s ensured that the food is thoroughly dried, she packs it in vacuum bags and stores them away from light. She notes that dehydrating takes longer than baking, but is cost-effective at 25 to 50 cents an hour. Veggie options include dehydrated zucchini chips, butternut squash chips, cherry tomato bites, matchstick carrots or peach or other fruit slices.

Make it Festive

A cat’s sense of smell is 10 to 15 times better than ours, but is still modest compared to dogs that out-sniff us by a factor of 30 to 60 times; that’s why putting wrapped treats under a holiday tree or in a stocking is a bad idea. Store them securely and then bring them out when it’s time to open gifts. Use blue tissue paper for easy-toopen Hanukkah gifts, red or green for Christmas (bows, yes; ribbons, no). For dogs that love puzzles, placing treats inside a wrapped box adds to the fun. Remember that rich or unfamiliar foods can make pets sick. Instead, gift them with their own healthy, safe treats from known ingredients so that everyone has a happy holiday. Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

Special Holiday calendarofevents Listings by date. NOTE: Dates and times shown are subject to change. Please Pet Recipes confirm event prior to attending. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Community Tuesday – All day. The first Tuesday of every month several attractions at the White River State Park offer special deals on admission. Including the Eiteljorg Museum, IMAX Theatre, Indiana State Museum and many others. Cost varies. INWhiteRiver.com.

Roxanne’s Beef Jerky Strips for Dogs 3 cups ground lean grass-fed beef 1 cup flour 2 tsp brewer’s yeast 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, drained Combine ingredients in medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Spread on a nonstick 1/8-inch-thick drying sheet. Dry at 155° F until thoroughly dry and then cut into strips. Recipe courtesy of Chef Stephanie Raya, Excalibur Dehydrator

Target Free Night at the Children’s Museum – 4-8pm. Enjoy all the fun activities and exhibits of the museum for free. Sponsored by Target the first Tuesday of each month. Free. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis. 317-334-4000. ChildrensMuseum.org. Winter Container Garden Party – 6:30pm. Explore the new trends with birch, rose hips, holly, lighting, and more. Bring your own container or buy one from the nursery and create a winter masterpiece. Class fee includes presentation, soil, and hands-on help. $10. Allisonville Nursery, 11405 Allisonville Rd, Fishers. 317-849-4490. AllisonvilleNursery.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Holiday Dishes Healthy and Raw– 6:308:30pm. Join Chef Audrey as she teaches how to make savory and dessert dishes perfect for family gatherings this holiday season. A raw fusion class with a mix of cooked and raw vegan food. All treats gluten-free. $35. Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe, 6516 Ferguson St, Indianapolis. 317-255-3972. EzrasEnlightenedCafe.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

INDIEana Handicraft Exchange – 5-10pm. A holiday-themed craft fair that consciously celebrates modern handmade goods. Vendors offer a range of handmade goods that serve dual purpose as both art and function. Free. Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N Delaware St, Indianapolis. 317-396-3886. HarrisonCenter.org.

Go Go Balls Yields: 30 to 32 balls ½ cup water -packed tuna fish or salmon (from a BPA-free pouch) 4 oz light cream cheese 2 Tbsp dried catnip (or more to taste) Drain the fish. If using salmon, remove the skin and bones. Using a fork, flake the fish into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Form small, marble-sized balls by hand and store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Stutz Artists Association’s Holiday Open House – 5-10pm. Find unique, locally made gifts by shopping at this special event. Browse and purchase work by artists in a variety of media. Free. Stutz Business Center, 212 W 10th St, Indianapolis. 317-292-3200. StutzArtists.com. Black Tie Annual Holiday Group Show – 6-10pm. Enjoy the annual artist reception and open studio night with this year’s color theme: Black Tie. Work from over 50 local artists. Free. Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St, Indianapolis. 317-396-3886. HarrisonCenter.org. First Friday Gallery Tour – 6-9pm. Tour more than 25 downtown galleries and art venues. Patrons are encouraged to walk or drive throughout the downtown cultural districts, and visit the city’s diverse visual art offerings. Free. Various Downtown Galleries. 317-634-3114. IDADA.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

“Recycle Your Old Christmas Lights” Event – 8am-5pm. Bring in your old holiday lights to safely recycle them. Bring the kids, and an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots too. Santa will be stopping by, and there will be a mailbox for children to mail letters to Santa. Free. Tom Wood Subaru, 3300 E 96h St, Indianapolis. 317520-9247. TomWoodSubaru.com. St. Nikolaus Day Lauf 5K and 5 Mile – 9:30am. The 6th Annual run/walk will benefit Riley Hospital for Children, the Greater Indianapolis YMCA and Lutheran Child and Family Services. Take part in a 5K run/walk or a 5-mile run. Course is mainly flat throughout the city. $22/basic registration. Athenaeum, 401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis. GetMeRegistered.com. Hoosier EVA Meeting – 10am-12pm. Learn to support the continuing growth of using electric vehicles locally. Regular monthly meetings focus on growing local EVA enthusiasts and educate the public on the benefits of electric vehicles. Free. Nora Public Library, 8625 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis. 317-275-4470. HoosierEVA.org. Rediscovering Vira: A Journey Home to Your Inner Warrior – 10am-12pm. Join Meg Faber and Emily Koehler to explore creative ways to access your inner warrior, or vira. Event will include yoga, movement, journaling, and discussion. For women who want to cultivate the courage to speak their truth and be more comfortable with who they are. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal. $25. The Playful Soul, 6516 N Ferguson, Indianapolis. 317-253-0499. ThePlayfulSoul.com. Winter Market – 10am-5pm. Family activities include building a sod house, erecting a totem pole, climbing aboard a true-to-life stagecoach and more. Shop for handmade art from 40 artists. $8/advance tickets; includes same-day museum admission. $10/ages18+, $8/member, free/17 & under. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis. 317-636-9378. Eiteljorg.org. Handcrafted Ornament & Holiday Gift Fundraiser – 12-4pm. Join Unity of Indianapolis and the Damien Center in recognizing the work and memory of Ted Watson in this holiday fundraiser. Watson founded “For Friends”, a nonprofit that was established to feed the homeless. His work, lobbying and volunteerism on behalf of the homeless and those in need touched many organizations and countless individuals. Unity of Indianapolis, 907 N Delaware, Indianapolis. UnityOfIndy.com. Restorative Yoga for Emotional Balance – 1-3:30pm. Join Matece Skow to unwind the body and mind and awaken well-being during this in-depth exploration of restorative yoga, emotional aromatherapy and meditation. $45. Peace Through Yoga, 575 S Main St, Zionsville. 317-753-1266. PeaceThroughYoga.com.

Recipe courtesy of Janet Cantrell, Fat Cat Spreads Out natural awakenings

December 2015

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

Introduction to Essential Oils – 6-7:30pm. Discover the benefits of essential oils are and how to use them for wellness and abundance. Young Living oils will be featured. Register by December 5. Free. Inner Peace Yoga Center, 5038 E 56th St, Indianapolis. 317-445-4203. InnerPeaceYoga.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Ayurveda for Fall and Winter – 6:30-8:30pm. According to Ayurveda, being healthy means living in accordance with nature. Learn how to be in tune with Fall and Winter and explore great health together. $30. Practical Hypnosis, 8923 South St, Fishers. 317-525-8486. PracticalHypnosisLLC.com. Introduction to the Vedas: The Oldest First Book on Earth – 6:30-8:30pm. Facilitated by Mr. V. Sagar Garg, author of A Simple Guide to the Vedas. Vedas are the oldest books found in the human library and contain a wide variety of spiritual and practical wisdom and knowledge. $5. The Playful Soul, 6516 N Ferguson, Indianapolis. 317-253-0499. ThePlayfulSoul.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Indiana Statewide Giving Day – All day. Pick an Indiana nonprofit and show your support. All Indiana has a mission to help improve the lives of those in the Indiana community by assisting charity organizations with a 24-hour financial fundraising campaign. AllIndiana.org. Maya Abdominal Therapy Introductory Talk – 6:30-7:30pm. Join Maria Renner to learn more about the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy©. This ancient Mayan technique of abdominal massage is an external non-invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs that have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chi. Free. Practical Hypnosis, 8923 South St, Fishers. 317-446-7787. PracticalHypnosisLLC.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Yelp’s Totally Bazaar – 6:30-10pm. Shop local this holiday season with over 120 businesses at the annual pop-up party. Free. Indianapolis Central Public Library, 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis. 317-275-4100. Yelp.com/Events. Yoga Nidra – 6:30pm. A method of relaxing the body, mind, and spirit. A conscious state in-between sleep and external awareness. Most exercises will be done in savasana. Bring a yoga mat, favorite blanket, and perhaps an eye pillow. $10. Breath Life Yoga, 8202 Clearvista Parkway, Ste 8C, Indianapolis. 317-502-5630. BreathLifeYoga.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

Candle Light Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Expect a slow flow warm up to get you moving, flowing, working up a bit of a sweat, and winding down with restorative postures and a savasana with essential oils and Thai massage. A great way to kick off the weekend with a sense of calm and balance. $20. The Playful Soul, 6516 N Ferguson, Indianapolis. 317-253–0499. ThePlayfulSoul.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis – 7am, registration. 9am, race begins. OrthoIndy presents the 27th Annual 10K and 5K race to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Don festive holiday costumes and join friends and neighbors to raise awareness for the nation’s most common cause of disability. Fun for the entire family that includes a Reindeer Run for kids. $37/adult, $23/child 12 and under. Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. IndyJingleBellRun.com. Breakfast with Santa – 9-11am. All ages welcome to join Santa for a hearty breakfast, time with Santa and cookie decorating. 2-12, $10.95 ($8.95 youth member); adult, $19.95 ($16.95 adult member). Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers. 317-776-6000. ConnerPrairie.org. Alternative Gift Fair: Holiday Edition – 10am4pm. Shop local and handmade for this holiday season. Enjoy a variety of handmade goods Indiana-based artisans and small businesses. Donations will be accepted to help the work of The PourHouse to benefit those facing homelessness this winter. Free. The Irving Theatre, 5505 E Washington St, Indianapolis. ALTGiftFair.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Soulful Breathwork – 6:30-7:45pm. Breathwork is a great healing for the 21st century. It works fast and efficiently, yielding immediate results. Enjoy a time of consciously breathing. $25. Practical Hypnosis, 8923 South St, Fishers. 317-446-7787. PracticalHypnosisLLC.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

Exploring Past Lives – 6:30-8pm. Learning from the past can give powerful insight. Join Laurie Sparks for a group regression and gain useful information to allow you to release the things that hold you back. Free. Practical Hypnosis, 8923 South St, Fishers. 317-446-7787. PracticalHypnosisLLC.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

IMA Community Day: Winter Solstice – 5:309pm. Step outside for an ice carving demonstration, art-making, and music. Warm up in the Lilly House with historic holiday decorations music, then finish up your shopping at the Greenhouse and Museum. Cozy up to the bonfire with hot chocolate and holiday treats available for purchase from IMA Café. Free. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. 317-9231331. IMAMuseum.Org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Winter Solstice – An astronomical phenomenon marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25

Merry Christmas

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

All-Day Peace Meditation– 3:45am-Midnight. Meditation will occur in 15-minute intervals with breathing exercises led in 20-minute intervals. Light refreshments and instruction on how to meditate will be offered. The School of Metaphysics, 6138 Hillside Ave, Indianapolis. 317-251-5285. SOM.org. Countdown to Noon – 10am-1pm. Families are invited to participate in the excitement of an early countdown by celebrating the new year with a Water Clock Countdown to Noon. Exciting countdowns on the hour, complete with confetti at noon and 1pm. $18.50/adult; $13.50/youth ages 2-17; $17.50/senior 60+. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Sunburst Atrium, 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis. 317-334-3322. ChildrensMuseum.Org. Family New Year’s Eve – 6-9pm. The holiday season concludes with a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration in the Governor Frank O’Bannon Great Hall. Children and adults will enjoy live music, games, crafts, magicians and clowns. The party even includes a balloon drop for the little ones at 8pm. $7/member; $13/non-member. Reservations required. Indiana State Museum, White River State Park, 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis. 317-232-1367. IndianaMuseum.org. New Year’s Eve Gong Meditation – 6-7:30pm. Set your intentions for the new year with a meditation that will bring in the new and remove what no longer serves you. Easy physical movements, prosperity meditations and mantra, and a 45-minute Gong immersion. Bring a yoga mat or blanket. $20. CITYOGA, 2442 N. Central Ave, Indianapolis. 317-920-9642. CITYOGA.biz.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Winter Solstice Gong Meditation – 7:308:45pm. Journey through the body’s energetic centers with an evening of easy physical exercises and breath work, followed by meditation, and a 20- minute immersion in the healing vibrations of the gongs. End the evening with a cup of yogi tea as you savor the reverberation. Bring a yoga mat or blanket. $15. CITYOGA, 2442 N. Central Ave., Indianapolis. 317-920-9642. CITYOGA.biz.

Natural Awakenings Indy

AwakenIndy.com

Happy New Years Eve!

ongoingevents

wednesday

Listings by day. NOTE: Dates and times shown are subject to change. Please confirm event prior to attendance. Go to AwakenIndy.com to submit calendar listings. Submission deadline for Calendar: the 15th of the month.

sunday

monday

A Positive Path for Spiritual Living – 9:30am. Come for music, meditation, and inspirational message and stay for fellowship. Youth education and nursery care provided. Free. Unity of Indianapolis, 907 N Delaware St, Indianapolis. UnityOfIndy.com.

Gentle Yoga – 8-9am. Gentle yoga with Emily Koehler to nourish your soul. A blend of restorative poses, gentle movement, and creative expression to help you ease into your evening with more joy, peace, and clarity. $15. The Playful Soul, 6516 N Ferguson, Indianapolis. 317-2530499. ThePlayfulSoul.com.

Journeys Fire Sunday Celebration – 10am. Celebration service, inspiring lesson, and music. Youth education and nursery care available. All are welcome. Pre-service meditation at 9:30am. Free parking. Unity of Indianapolis, 907 N Delaware St, Indianapolis. 317-635-4066. UnityOfIndy.com. JCC Farmers’ Market – 10am-1pm. Year round. Fresh local produce, baked goods, and diary products, Kosher respectable (no meat products). JCC Indianapolis, 6701 Hoover Rd, Indianapolis. 317-251-9467. JCCIndy.org. Yoga Light – 10:30am. An introductory vinyasa-style class, customized for those with restricted performance due to age or injury. Floor work is limited, focusing on standing poses and poses using a chair. $10. BodyHarmonyBalance, 1020 E. 86th St, Indianapolis. 317-669-2313. BodyHarmonyBalance.com. Sahaja Yoga Meditation –11am-noon. Unleash your potential for good mental and physical health, balance and maximum performance to help you live fully in the present moment with Sahaja yoga meditation. Free. Southside meeting location, 4950 E County Line Rd, Indianapolis. 317-755-9630. IndianaMeditation.org. Kundalini Yoga – 11am-12:15pm. Experience a vibrant mix of physical posture, breath work, meditation, mantra, mudra, and sound vibration with Gong relaxation. Cityoga, 2442 N Central Ave, Indianapolis. CITYOGA.biz.

Kundalini Yoga – 7:15-8:30pm. Experience a vibrant mix of physical posture, breath work, meditation, mantra, mudra, and sound vibration with gong relaxation. White Pine Wilderness Center, 841 W 53rd St, Rocky Ripple. HariDattiKaur.com.

tuesday Evening With the Doctor – 7pm. Learn more about your body’s ability to self-heal, and the benefits of Bio-Energetic work. Free. Morter HealthCenter, 10439 Commerce Dr, Ste 140, Carmel. 317-872-9300. MorterHealthCenter.com. Wellness Lifestyle with Essential Oils – 7-8pm. Educational classes on the holistic and restorative properties of essential oils for men, women, children and pets. Sampling of Young Living Essential Oils. Tuesday meetings rotate 1st to 4th week each month in: Greencastle, Fishers, Avon and Southport. NArden@StartLivingProject.com. 317-695-3594. Details and locations: “Events” @ StartLivingProject.com. Meditation Group – 7-9pm. Explore a different style of meditation each week to look within, relax, re-center and balance yourself. Guided meditations, singing bowls, music, drumming and many other techniques will be used. $10. Good Journeys House of Healing, 17901 River Ave, Noblesville. 317-750-7392. GoodJourneys.net.

Oneness Blessing – 7-9pm. Oneness is transference of energy into the crown chakra to bring in and release things from your life such as: healing, clarity, release emotions and bring in abundance into your life. $10. Good Journeys House of Healing, 17901 River Ave, Noblesville. 317-750-7392. GoodJourneys.net.

thursday Community Yoga Class – 9-10am. An hour of yoga focused on what is most needed by the class that day, which could include a vinyasa flow, a yin, or a melting pot of practices. A class that caters to all types. $5. The Playful Soul, 6516 N Ferguson, Indianapolis. 317-253-0499. ThePlayfulSoul.com. Vegan Buffet at Spice Nation – 5:30pm. The Indian restaurant features vegetarian and vegan-friendly selection. Spice Nation, 4225 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis. 317-299-2127.

friday Mindful Meditation – 12:15-12:45pm. Brief discussion followed by silent practice and concluding with observation, comments, or questions. No experience, fee, or registration required. Free. CenterPoint Counseling, 7700 North Meridian, Indianapolis. 317-252-5518. CenterPointCounseling.org. Happy Hour Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Great weekend starter to stretch out, relax and calm down! For anyone with some yoga experience. Please bring your own mat. $5. Inner Peace Yoga Center, 5038 East 56th St, Indianapolis. 317-257-9642. IPYC.org. Community Yoga – 6-7pm. All levels Vinyasa Flow yoga class, with refreshments served afterwards. Donations only, any amount. Breathe Yoga, 5345 Winthrop Ave, Ste E, Broad Ripple. 704-777-7878. BreatheYogaDharma.com. Women’s Drum and Dance for World Peace – 6:30-8pm. Meets every 1st and 3rd Friday. For women who love music and want to participate empowering their inner musician and singer. The gathering is meant for amateurs, so don’t feel shy. $10. The Playful Soul, 6516 N. Ferguson, Indianapolis. 317-253-0499. ThePlayfulSoul.com.

saturday

Success is finding

satisfaction in giving a little more than you take. ~Christopher Reeve

Indy Winter Farmers’ Market – 9am-12:30pm. thru 12/19. The city’s largest winter market features Indiana growers and producers who take extra steps to provide shoppers with sustainably grown, cleanly produced healthy items for their bodies and homes. SNAP benefits are accepted and matched dollar-for-dollar with donation-based Eat Well Initiative. The Platform at City Market, 202 E Market St, Indianapolis.

natural awakenings

December 2015

naturaldirectory Natural Networking at its best! Connecting you to the leaders of natural healthy living in our community. To find out how you can be included in this directory each month, call 317-283-9600 or visit: AwakenIndy.com.

BODYWORK/ALIGNMENT

DENTISTRY

COMFORT ZONE BODYWORK

INDIANAPOLIS DENTISTRY

Jane Sullivan 33 Metzker Ln, Noblesville 317-508-7151 ComfortDiva@icloud.com

7218 US 31 S, Indianapolis 317-882-0228 CalmingFears.com

Comprehensive, innovative treatment, expert knowledge and a holistic “whole body” approach to dentistry. Dr. Ted Reese and his supportive staff create a dental treatment tailored to fit your needs, administered in a relaxing, amenity-filled atmosphere. See ad on page 7.

Specializing in postural re-alignment, Jane is an Advanced Exercise Therapist, certified by Egoscue University, an Egoscue University Instructor and a Nationally Certified Massage and Bodywork Therapist. Learn the techniques and skills to overcome chronic pain without the use of pharmaceutical or surgical intervention.

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS

THE PLAYFUL SOUL

Independent Distributor #489656 317-490-6380; 877-436-2299, ext 2 MarilynYork.VibrantScents.com

6516 N Ferguson, Indpls 317-253-0499 ThePlayfulSoul.com

Become an Independent Distributor. Discover the healing properties of Young Living Essential Oils for enhancing health – yours, as well as others who seek holistic options. Free Training. See ad on page 18.

A whimsical boutique for the spirit, filled with books, music, handmade accessories, art, meditation aids and more. The space also features a fireplace room, and hosts a myriad of art, holistic and healthful events throughout the month. See ad on page 8.

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS Independent Distributor #1173791 317-695-3594 NArden@StartLivingProject.com StartLivingProject.com

COMMUNITY OFFICIANT CELEBRANT SERVICES

Life-enhancing gifts from the plant kingdom. Essential oils, revered for centuries for their support of body, mind and spirit. Vist us on Facebook: facebook. com/NancyArdenYoungLiving IndependentDistributor. See ad page 13.

Elaine Voci, Ph.D., Life Coach Certified Life Cycle Celebrant 317-730-5481 ElaineVoci@ElaineVoci.com

Life Coach and Ceremony specialist professionally trained and certified in the art of ceremony, ritual, faith traditions, ceremonial writing, public speaking and presentation. Committed to creating and performing eloquent, personalized, heartfelt ceremonies for individuals, families and organizations through life’s milestones as unique and varied as our relationships and communities. See ad on page 14.

FINANCIAL PLANNING PRESERVATION ASSOCIATES LLC

7950 N Shadeland Ave, Ste 300 Indianapolis 317-579-0093 MArbuckle@PreservationAssociatesLLC.com

Protect your family, small business, retirement and yourself with tax saving strategies, debt elimination, retirement planning, and safe investment and life insurance options that guarantee income generation. See ad on page 17.

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POGUE’S RUN GROCER 2828 East 10th St, Indpls 317-426-4963 PoguesRunGrocer.org

Pogue’s Run Grocer is your local Indy Food Coop – a member-owned grocery store featuring affordable, fresh, healthy foods and locally-produced goods. The Deli serves delicious made-toorder sandwiches, homemade soups and features a full salad bar, as well as prepared salads and spreads to-go. Open to the public. See ad on page 15.

ESSENTIAL OILS

BOUTIQUE/EVENT HUB

FOOD CO-OP

AwakenIndy.com

FUNCTIONAL/ INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE LIVING WITH INTENTION, INC 11979 Fishers Crossing Dr, Fishers 317-863-5888 LivingWithIntention.biz

A medical and counseling group that utilizes the principals of functional/integrative medicine in concert with mental health counseling and complementary services such as nutritional counseling and pharmacy-grade supplements. Focusing on identifying and resolving the “root cause” of dysfunction, services are available to children, adolescents and adults. All staff are fully-licensed and credentialed healthcare providers.

HEALTH & BEAUTY ARBONNE

Sandy Poe, Independent Consultant 317-409-2023 SandyPoe.MyArbonne.com

Enjoy premium ingredients in both inner and outer health and beauty products. Botanically based skincare products are gluten free and contain no animal products, parabens, mineral oil or GMO products. The Fit Essentials line includes gluten-free, vegan protein shake mixes and more to manage your weight and fuel your day.

HEALTHY EATING/ ORGANIC EZRA’S ENLIGHTENED CAFÉ 6516 N Ferguson, Indpls 317-255-3972 EzrasEnlightedCafe.com

Indy’s only raw food café is an oasis of vibrant, healing food and education. Seasonal and rotating menu features allergy-friendly selections that are dairy-free, processed sugar-free, GMO-free and gluten-free. See ad on page 8.

HOLISTIC HEALTH MORTER HEALTH CENTER 10439 Commerce Dr, Ste 140 Carmel 317-872-9300 MorterHealthCenter.com

We invite you to join us on your journey to vibrant health and lifelong wellness. We help you identify and address interferences to your natural well-being using gentle, non-invasive Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique, and joyfully support you with classes, programs and techniques designed to help you Live Well! See ad on page 15.

LAB SERVICES LAB ON DEMAND

3806 W 86th St, Indpls 317-405-8057 LabOnDemandInd.com

Take greater control of your health with a comprehensive range of lab tests and screens – support prevention, early detection, and improved health outcomes. Fast, confidential and affordable. No doctors orders required; insured and uninsured are welcome. See ad on page 13.

THE NEUROMODULATION TECHNIQUE (NMT)

RETREATS OAKWOOD RETREAT CENTER 3801 SCR 575E Selma, IN 47383 765-747-7027 OakwoodRetreatCenter.org

Oakwood offers groups seeking sacred space in a natural setting the opportunity to embrace and intensify their transformational work. Cozy accommodations, healthy food, supportive staff.

THERMOGRAPHY

GREENSCAPE GEEKS, LLC 317-801-5833 Info@GreenscapeGeeks.com GreenscapeGeeks.com

Specializing in native plant landscaping and design, custom-built raised garden beds and composters, urban farm installation, and non-chemical turf maintenance. Additional natural landscaping services available.

NMT is a non-invasive form of alternative health care that allows the unconscious mind to fully connect with the conscious mind and body, thus allowing the body to correct illness and heal. Individuals everywhere have used NMT to relieve: food and environmental allergies, chronic pain, emotional trauma, hormonal issues, stress, autoimmune and many other conditions. Get your life back with NMT! See ad on page 8.

INDY THERMOGRAPHY 4546 W 71st St, Indpls 317-370-5111 IndyTherm.com

WELLNESS CENTER

State-of-the-art thermal imaging scans are non-invasive, radiation free, affordable, no prescription required, and painless. Get results fast for any area of the body. See ad on page 23.

MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY OF HAMILTON COUNTY

11979 Fishers Crossing Dr, Fishers 317-863-5888 LWIMedTherm.com

SPECTRON-IR is the most advanced Medical Infrared Imaging System available today. SPECTRON-IR is FDA-cleared for the adjunctive diagnostic screening for the detection of breast cancer. Radiationfree, completely safe and pain-free, requires no prescription. See ad on page 7.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING EMPOWER! ENLIGHT!

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Cara Olson, MSW, LSCW Good Journeys 17901 River Rd, Ste F, Noblesville 317-750-7392 Cara@InnerEnlightenmentTherapies.com

Raina Fay Office in Nora, by Phone or Skype 317-797-6950 EmpowerEnlight.com

Raina Fay is a contributing author to the LIIFT healing modality – Life Improving Internal Focus Technique, an energetic process that assists in effortless release and re-framing the subconscious mind to heal and unlock potential in all areas of life. Also offering life affirming processes for allergy elimination, stress reduction, energy balance and abundance expansion. See ad on page 6.

BODY.HARMONY.BALANCE 1020 East 86th St, Indianapolis 317-669-2313 BodyHarmonyBalance.com

Specializing in colon hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, health coaching and digestive wellness. Also featuring energy therapies, foot detox baths, and far infrared sauna. Additional support offered through holistic skin care with pure botanical formulations as powerful as they are pure, and massage. Special rates offered to practitioners in the healing arts! See ad on page 22.

YOGA BLOOMING LIFE YOGA 30 S Elm St, Zionsville 317-800-4039 BloomingLifeYoga.com

A holistic “green” yoga center offering 200-hour Teacher Trainings for adults and teens, Yin Yoga Teacher Training, 36 weekly classes, weekend workshops, eco-luxury global retreats, Ayurvedic herbs, meditation tools, books and more. Striving to elevate peace and consciousness through Authenticity and Conscious Community. Be Nourished.

BREATH.LIFE.YOGA

8202 Clearvista Pkwy, Ste 8C, Indpls 317-502-5630 BreathLifeYoga.com

Enjoy the company of like-minded people on the path to wellness and spiritual growth, in an intimate and welcoming group setting. Our studio offers meditation and yoga lifestyle classes for all levels, private Reiki sessions and numerology readings.

natural awakenings

December 2015

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