NALAMAG DECEMBER 2015

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Recipe for a Happy New Year

FREE

Fail-Proof Ingredients for a Glorious 2016

Phyllis Jordan

Talks Life, Business, and New Beginnings

Listening to

SPIRIT

Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

Tibetan House

Shows New Orleans the Meaning of Fair Trade December 2015 |

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contents 5

5 newsbriefs 7 healthbriefs 9 globalbriefs 11 recipeforsuccess 11 ecotip 12 businessspotlight 6 13 community

spotlight

21 healthykids 23 inspiration 25 healingways 28 greenliving 30 naturalpet 33 classifieds 35 calendarofevents 37 localdirectory

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advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 504-975-0344 or email Publisher@NALAmag.com.

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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.

WITH MATTHEW

13 TIBETAN HOUSE 15 WARMING UP THE

13

WINTER WITH A STEAMING CUP OF PJ

by Coco Kunstman

17 AWAKENING TO SPIRIT

Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

by Richard Davenport

15

21 GENEROUS

PINT-SIZED GIVERS Teaching Kids How to Care and Share

by Jennifer Jacobson

23 RECIPE FOR A

HAPPY NEW YEAR Fail-Proof Ingredients for a Glorious 2016

25 HEAVENLY SCENTS

17

by Kathleen Barnes

25

How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances

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12 MEDITATING

CONGREGATIONS Faith Groups Join in Preserving All Creation

30 EAT, BARK AND BE MERRY

30

Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets

by Sandra Murphy

natural awakenings

December 2015

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letterfromtheeditor

P

erception is reality. This is an idea that has invoked a myriad of books and films.

From Inception to The Secret, the idea of having power over your reality is as tantalizing as a Christmas cookie. These themes all center on the idea that you are in charge of your own reality. From dream boards to prayer, we all like to think that there is a way to alter our current reality to manifest a superior future.

Athletes will attest that visualization is half the battle. Physical accomplishments are often times more the result of a mental victory than physical ability. Melissa, our Publisher, just ran her first half marathon and will be the first to tell you that, after some basic physical conditioning, running a race is really a mental exercise. After starting at 2 miles only a couple months before, and slowly adding more time and distance, the 13.1 miles seemed like one of her 2 mile runs had in the beginning—it is all just a matter of perception she said.

Poet William Blake pondered this idea in his poem Auguries of Innocence:

Coco Kunstman

4

SE Louisiana SELA

Editor-in-Chief Coco Kunstman

Design & Production Paul Scott

Distribution Big Art's Distribution

Cover Artist Editors Lauren A. Pirosko Sara Peterson

Thoughts as grains of sand are a most apt comparison. A single grain of sand holds very little weight. A single thought can be fleeting and have very little impact on your life. It passes through your head like waves on the shore—60,000 of them every day. However millions of grains when they come together can stand up against the raging sea.

In the crazy schedule that is my life, it seems odd that I must “pencil in” time to meditate or pray, but that is my reality. Melissa just reworked her entire schedule on an Excel file and was excited to include yoga and mediation blocked off daily and weekly. Melissa gave me a wonderful gift to help combat this constant scheduling conflict I seem to have with my thoughts: 20-minute morning yoga DVD. Every morning (ok, almost every morning), I have 20 minutes of yoga waiting for me. After a few weeks of doing vinyasas every morning, I stopped making to-do lists in my mind.

I’m able to simply be and create that sense of awareness I’m constantly searching for. I find it best to do these sessions in the morning because my mind is still waking up and hasn’t reached the Millennium Falcon warp speed that it likes to maintain. I still have an entire day to get my to do list checked off so I have a better chance of a calm mind.

Inner calm seems like a distant dream in the holiday season. Between shopping and experiencing the love and energy of friends and family, the thought of calmness is left for News Years resolutions. This holiday season use the energy of family that always surrounds us with warmth and reflection to hone your mindfulness skills.

Hopefully we can gather our grains of sand and take a bit of the power back over our minds and fulfill William Blake’s pronouncement to “Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand” and make everyday wonderful.

Happy Holidays,

Publisher Melissa Burbank

Mike Buck Photography

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand And Heaven in a Wild Flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour.”

contact us

Natural Awakenings S.E. Louisiana Edition: Tell NALAmag what you think Publisher@NALAmag.com Ph: 504-975-0344 Fax: 504-910-3011 © 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 seen. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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newsbriefs

Celebration in the Oaks

Sifu Tommy’s Medical Chi-Kung

S

ifu Tommy is expanding his practice to include classes with Medical Chi-Kung. Medical Chi-Kung can trace roots back to the beginnings of Ayurvedic medicine thousands of years ago.

Medical Chi-Kung works to harmonize the body's blood circulation, nervous system and energy (chi). Teachers of Medical Chi-Kung aid participants through the practice that they believe prompts the body to repair existing conditions or prevent aliments in the future.

According to Sifu Tommy, Medical Chi-Kung is well suited for accelerating tissue rejuvenation, stress relief, energy balancing, high blood pressure reduction, stimulating hormone production, and creating optimal health. It is ideal for improving, maintaining, and enhancing one's physical health. ChiKung (pronounced “chee-gung,” can be interpreted from the original Chinese to mean “energy cultivation” or “working with the life energy.” Chi-Kung is therefore a broad word that encompasses myriad types of anatomical healing.

T

he Holiday Season in New Orleans is marked by many festivities to insight some holiday cheer. None shine quiet as bright as the Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park. This sparkling celebration hosts more the 165,000 visitors each year. The City Park staff creates a stunning wonderland that highlights the natural landscape of New Orleans. Visitors can enjoy various attractions, from light displays to walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun Night Before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle—a holiday character beloved by generations of New Orleanians. This wonderful holiday tradition encompasses the natural beauty of New Orleans with a bit of holiday sparkle.

The celebration is open from November 27-January 2 Closed Nov.30, Dec. 3,12,31. Tickets: $8/person (children under 4 and Friends of City Park: Free).504482-4888 CelebrateInTheOaks.com.

Classes begin on January 2, 2016 and will be held each Saturday for a total of twelve classes. Reserve your spot today at MatthewAncira.com/contact-us/ Course Fee: $400. 31 Fifth Street, Gretna 985-630-2853. See ad on page 27. natural awakenings

December 2015

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Ester Nicholson Powers Up Unity of Metairie

E

ster Nicholson delivers a powerful message and shares inspiring, original music to heal the heart and lift the spirit. Nicholson is a nationally known speaker, author, and radio host and has appeared on Oprah, The Tonight Show, Ellen and many others.

Nicholson’s book ‘Soul Recovery’, published

by Hay House, has been used by Thousands to find healing and peace. Nicholson is an Agape-licensed, spiritual therapist who has studied for 17 years with Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith (founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center in LA), most known for his appearances on Oprah and as a featured “teacher” in the popular book and motion picture, The Secret. Nicholson is a motivational speaker who brings her personal experience of 25 years of sobriety coupled with a deep understanding of spiritual practices to audiences around the world. In this capacity, she facilitates workshops and gives inspirational keynote addresses to institutions, companies and organizations, incorporating concepts from the Soul Recovery process she developed. Unity of Metairie is excited to have Nicholson share her amazing story of healing and transformation with our community. The entire community is invited to join the Unity of Metairie on Sun, Dec. 6 - 11am Service and 1pm Workshop / Tues, Dec. 8 - 7pm “In Concert”.

Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Mem. Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002. Phone 615-3108467. email JackFowler2@aol.com. UnityOfMetairie.com. See ad on page 29.

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healthbriefs

Superfruit Antioxidants Found in Chilean Maqui Berry

R

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.

Digital ‘Blue Light’ Reading Disrupts Sleep Rhythms

R

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 long-term consequences of these devices on health and safety is urgently needed.” natural awakenings

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NALAmag.com

Spirituality is Beneficial for Cancer Patients

A

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.

globalbriefs

NOLA Family Wellness

Hear Ye!

Dutch Court Upholds Climate Action as a Human Right Perhaps establishing a new global precedent for a state’s obligation to its citizens in the face of a growing climate crisis, a Dutch court has ruled that the government has a legal duty to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2020. The decision came in response to a 2013 lawsuit launched by the Amsterdam-based environmental nonprofit Urgenda Foundation and 600 Dutch citizens that argued the government was violating international human rights law by failing to take sufficient measures to combat rising greenhouse gas emissions.

A statement from the court reads, “The state must do more to avert the imminent danger caused by climate change, also in view of its duty to provide care to protect and improve the living environment.”

In the United States, the youth-led movement Our Children’s Trust (OurChildrens Trust.org) is suing state governments and what they dub “the ruling generation” as accountable for climate inaction. As 350.org co-founder and Communications Director Jamie Henn noted after the ruling, “If the Netherlands sets a precedent, it’s a whole new ball game.” Other countries are weighing the situation, as well.

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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.

Raphael Academy educates middle & high schoolaged students and offers a Young Adult Program to individuals who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities.

Raphael Academy admits students of any race, color, creed, and national or ethnic origin

rsvp to: www.raphaelacademy.org 504 524 5955

Find a link to the legislation at Tinyurl.com/NewZealandSentienceBill.

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On any given Sabbath, four of 10 Americans travel to a place of worship, a number that hasn’t fluctuated dramatically in the past half-century. Gallup polls report that more than 81 percent say they identify with a specific religion or denomination; 78 percent say it’s an important part of their lives; and 57 percent believe that religion is able to solve today’s problems.

While recent attendance may be off, Americans are no less likely to attend services today than they were in the 1940s and early ’50s, just prior to the ultra-religious following decade. The reason, says Gallup’s Frank Newport, is that U.S. religious worship is cyclical.

Today’s practicing religious communities “tend to consist of the seriously committed, not just those swept along by obligation,” reports Christian Smith, director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame and co-principal investigator of the National Study of Youth and Religion.

Those that worship regularly are more likely to be older, female and Southern; they also are better educated and stronger financially than those that don’t, according to Newport. At the same time, Mitchell Marcus, a University of Pennsylvania professor, characterizes his Ph.D. students as religiously curious, often devout and eager to talk about their beliefs.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

recipe forsuccess

ecotip Shipping News

Early Bird Gift Shipping Saves Stress, Money and Resources

Santa Strawberries Ingredients 8 oz Cream Cheese 8 oz Heavy Whipping Cream 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract 1/2 tsp Lemon juice 1/2 cup Sugar 1 lb Strawberries trimmed 1 cup butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 cups confectioners sugar 2 tbsp milk Black gel icing

Instructions

Beat together cream cheese, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp vanilla and sugar until creamy. In a large bowl whip the heavy cream until peaks form.

Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Transfer to the corner a large zippered bag and cut off corner for piping heads. Slice off small end of strawberry to make hat.

Pipe round ball of cheesecake mixture onto each cut strawberry to make head. Replace hat on top and press in place. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour or freezer for 15 minutes. In a large bowl, cream the butter and add 1 tsp vanilla.

Mix in the confectioner sugar one cup at a time. Beat in the milk mixing until fluffy.

Transfer icing to the corner of large size zipper bag, try to minimize trapped air and close. Clip a small piece off the corner to pipe. On each strawberry, use black icing and make 2 dots for eyes.

Using a scrolling motion, pipe butter cream icing to make a beard and 2 dots for button on suit and ball on top of hat.

Last-minute online shopping can be costly in both dollars and pollution. Choosing next-day delivery puts purchased products on a plane that burns far more carbon-producing fossil fuel than ground transportation. But there’s a better way, and how we package gifts for shipping counts.

Order and ship early. Building in more lead time affords less costly shipping options. Eco-wise, if the shipper has some freedom in scheduling deliveries, it can choose to hold up a delivery truck until it’s full, rather than sending one out half-empty. Also, if a package doesn’t have to reach its destination by a particular day or time, the company can choose the most efficient local delivery routing.

A recent University of Washington study found that a community using grocery delivery services slashed carbon emissions when compared to individuals driving to the supermarket. Plus, they achieved their biggest gains—80 to 90 percent lower emissions—when they could plan deliveries around customer locations, rather than precise delivery windows, thus minimizing driving distance and time on the road.

Seek out available boxes. Many grocery and beverage stores don’t immediately break down incoming cardboard shipping boxes. Ask a store attendant if they have any available. Reusing saved paper bags from checkout (for those that don’t bring reusable bags) can serve to cushion gift-wrapped boxes. GreenAmerica. org suggests repurposing gently-used wrapping paper or old fabrics, newspapers, magazines or calendars for a creative look. Return any foam peanuts in received packages to a pack-n-ship shop for reuse.

Know the options. While U.S. Postal Service (usps.com) Priority Mail offers flat rates to any state regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds), package tracking and other year-round features, the cost of using other carriers varies by destination zip code, package size and weight. Verify price and timing options, making sure packages arrive in good time to be under the Christmas tree before December 25.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. natural awakenings

December 2015

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businessspotlight

MEDITATING WITH MATTHEW

M

atthew Ancira is taking old world philosophy and applying them to the city of New Orleans in a tantalizing juxtaposition of old and new age thinking. At 22 Ancira was first drawn to this idea of energy work and healing when he began to meet monks and other practitioners who shared their knowledge. He felt a calling to focus on expanding his personal practice to help others. After a career of various business ventures in music, retail, real estate, and international business Ancira decided to change his focus to his passion of helping people grow and heal.

Ancira was not new to the joy of

helping people heal. His father is a psychiatrist and at an early age Ancira watched as his father helped people in profound and inspiring ways. His father practiced during a time when counseling was valued over prescription medication and set a foundation in Ancira’s mind that prescribing drugs is not a long term solution. After a friend of Ancira’s recognized both his passion and talent for helping people expand their awareness through meditation and counseling she encouraged him to explore holistic coaching, meditation, and health.

Ancira says his clients can expect “a safe environment and empathetic

attention in order to process their goals for transformation.”

Ancira offers this one on one transformation option as well as small group lifestyle counseling called Somatic Transformations. The small group counseling is designed to help people move through blocks in their physical and emotional lives. Ancira hopes that the small groups concept will allow for a built in support system or community feel to help enhance the support needed to successfully go through the process.

In addition to his professional work, Ancira works with a non-profit organization that provides Earth education to children called TREE (Teaching Responsible Earth Education).

TREE works with children, parents, and teachers in several parishes within Southeast Louisiana to educate on the natural world and more importantly how to preserve it for future generations.

Ancira is excited for the future.

His new group classes and one on one holistic coaching provide a platform for him to follow his passion and help others achieve their personal growth goals.

“When people work towards healthier, happier versions of themselves they become more stable in the community and everyone on a macro scale benefits.” Perhaps the “City that care forgot” can start to feel the effects of initiatives like Ancira’s and move towards a brighter future.

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communityspotlight

Tibetan House

G

ael Thompson, co-founder of Tibetan House, has always found a certain romance about traveling half way around the world. Many travel to India and Nepal with an idea about spirituality, practicing meditation or attending a yoga retreat, or trekking the mystical high slopes of the Himalayas, or visiting remote Monasteries built ages ago in a time that seems timeless.

Thompson, on the other hand, traveled half way around the world to shop.

“This is my job” Thompson said with obvious glee, a job that came without a description or formal plan. Thompson “plan” was simply to go to India and Nepal and find Tibetans in Exile that make beautiful things, buy those items, and ship them back to New Orleans in hopes of finding interest within the community.

Thompson did just that, with the help of a few of her dear friends that spend a lot of time in Dharamsala and Kathmandu.

natural awakenings

“It has become so much more than a shopping spree” Thompson recalled.

“Our worlds, the merchants and my own, couldn’t be more different. Yet, there we are. Often on the ground, or standing by a stall, or sitting in a little shop” Thompson explains. Despite the often loud, horns honking, dust filled air, and a patina of grime that is accepted as just the way it is, life is bustling.

Thompson shared tea, conversed about life, and engaged in philosophical debates with the locals. “I only speak English, and often my vendors don’t.

We converse with smiles, and laughter, and a lot of touching and playfulness.”

Thompson explains. It seems a lot was spoken but not said in the ancient cities.

Slowly Thompson began to gather together enough to make a purchase, or in her mind “enough to make a difference”. She knew that the money she spent at the local market booths would feed their family, help with the children’s education or heath, and further their livelihood. Thompson saw that the money she was spending at the open-air market would go directly to filling the needs of the families she was buying from. It’s easy to see the rotation of the economy of the money she spent

December 2015

13

within the community. The ecosystem of the community was positively affected by her purchases. “I don’t negotiate, I honor their price” said Thompson.

Thompson has now gone back four times. “Now I am often given a discount and always given a gift, sometimes several” Thompson quips. She feels a deep intimacy has been established. “I remember their names, their family members, and I have photos from previous trips. There are a lot more hugs and welcoming smiles,” exclaims Thompson. One example of this growing working relationship is Sheesh Ram, a local business owner in Bhaktapur, who’s trying to keep his workers working. Ram’s workers all lost their homes in the earthquake. He lost his “factory”, his shop and his home. This is part

of the positive difference that Tibetan House’s purchases can positively affect.

Buying locally, buying from the source.

Ensuring that the families that work with such vigor and passion to produce their goods are compensated justly for it. Consumers in New Orleans can in turn feel at peace, and perhaps even some pride, in buying an item where they know the exact root to purchase.

Sometimes Thompson is asked by locals in India why she doesn’t simply go to the warehouses in Delhi. It would be so much cheaper for her to buy her goods in bulk there.

“And that is what’s wrong in the world today: Going for what’s cheaper so that we can make more profit” Thompson comments. “We would rather be on the streets, meeting these

amazing people with one of a kind treasures. And that’s where the magic is” explains Thompson. Each piece that Tibetan House sells are shipped back to New Orleans with their own history.

Each piece has contributed to someone’s livelihood in Nepal or India. Each piece carries with it a bit of romance, a bit of fantasy, a bit of a timeless spiritual essence, connecting us to them, to each other, to ourselves.

Location: 4900 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans. Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm. For more information, call 504-897-9339, email Info@tibetanhouse.com or visit TibetanHouse.com.

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Coco Kunstman is editor-in-chief of Natural Awakenings Southeast Louisiana.

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WARMING UP THE WINTER WITH A STEAMING CUP OF PJ.

P

hyllis Jordan literally put the P&J in PJ’s Coffee: A New Orleans institution that is a hallmark of the city. In a city that celebrates nightlife like New Orleans it stands to reason that it would also be home to amazing coffee shops. In 1978 Phyllis Jordan found herself in the city that would become home to both Phyllis Jordan and PJ’s. Jordan spent the first years of her life moving regularly with her family. “I never really felt like I had a place to call home” recalls Jordan.

Jordan moved to New Orleans in 1977 from Des Moines, Iowa where a friend had run a small bookstore and coffee shop. “I liked being able to stop in her coffee shop and see her everyday. I have always liked the idea of creating a place for people to come together to meet and talk face to face” remarked Jordan. This is a central part to the overall design of the now infamous PJ’s Coffee houses.

Jordan’s background in social work gave her unique insights into the power natural awakenings

of an inviting place to converse. It was Jordan’s entrepreneurial spirit and her drive to constantly be challenged that drove her to open her own business in September 1978. The first PJ’s opened on Maple Street in the busting neighborhood shopping area that is still graced by PJ’s presence today. Starting out, it was important to Jordan that quality be an unwavering standard in her coffee house. “I was never a coffee drinker growing up. I didn’t like the taste. Until one day I had my first taste of premium Ethiopian blend coffee” said Jordan. Her head exploded with the richness of the flavor. “WOW this is good! Is this what coffee can taste like?”

From that moment on it was clear to Jordan that nothing less than perfection could be called coffee in one of her houses.

In just over 10 years PJ’s had opened coffee houses all over the New Orleans area. In 1989 the brand made the long trip across the lake to the Northshore in Mandeville and the franchise was officially born. Jordan recalls finally realizing that she was building a New Orleans coffee empire around this time. “I was walking through my roasting facility. I walked past the roasters, then packagers, then media team and it dawned on me: I am responsible for all of these employees. I made all of this. It’s like driving a school bus full of children with no steering wheel or breaks...” Jordan recollects. Regardless of all responsibility that comes with being a statewide business tycoon Jordan was always aware of the importance of the smallest details within PJ’s.

Quality in every aspect was paramount to Jordan. “I wanted to build a brand that stood for something” said Jordan.

Jordan took every extra step to ensure quality of the beans. Traveling to the exotic places where she sourced her coffee, to learning everything necessary to ensure quality remained intact.

By 2000 PJ’s had grown into one of the most recognized brands in Louisiana. From the frozen Granita (which is Italian for snowflake) to some of the first brewed cold press coffee, PJ’s had established itself within the community as the coffee of New Orleans. Jordan was ready for her next great adventure.

Jordan initially sold the company to an Atlanta based company, Raven Brands, December 2015

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in 2002. However the brand returned to its Louisiana roots in 2008 when New Orleans Brew LLC bought the company.

Jordan did not rest for long. A long time board member of The Green Project, Jordan took on a new role as President of the board. Jordan has always had a zeal for recycling and environmental conservation. The Green Project is a New Orleans based non-profit that transforms donated building materials, which would otherwise be thrown away, into beautiful usable pieces.

“17% of waste is from building materials that have been thrown away. That is a serious number that we can change for the better” remarked Jordan. The Green Project is a testament to what hard work and dedication can produce.

The Green Project prevents 6 tons of usable materials from landfills and coveted Louisiana marshes everyday.

Jordan stepped down from her position when she turned 65. She is now en-joying the finer parts of retirement.

Traveling around the world with friends, taking care of her two beautiful dogs: Queenie and Cowboy, and tending to an incredible garden and Bonsai Tree collection left to her by her father.

Jordan came to New Orleans in search of a home. She built many houses in the process that are now home to one of the best brands in Louisiana. With a legacy as strong as the intoxicating smell of coffee beans roasting it’s clear that Jordan has found her home at long last.

AWAKENING TO SPIRIT Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

by Richard Davenport

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.

W

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-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

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,

natural awakenings

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 inescapable 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

December 2015

17

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?

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.

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 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

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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.”

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, 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 well-being.

“Ultimately, in stage three, we be-

natural awakenings

come 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 (BibleAndSpiritualLife. 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.

December 2015

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FIVE WAYS TO PRAY FROM THE HEART

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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.

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

by Jennifer Jacobson

A

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 shel-

ters 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

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Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 different parts, but don’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.

You’re bound to have a happy new year. ~ Author Unknown natural awakenings

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The skin has a water content of 10 percent to 30 percent, which gives it a soft, smooth and flexible texture. The water comes from the atmosphere, the underlying layers of skin and perspiration. Oil produced by skin glands and fatty substances produced by skin cells act as natural moisturizers, allowing the surface to seal in water. Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream, applied after a shower or bath as daily maintenance, will improve the appearance of skin and heal unwanted conditions. Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream also combines pure botanicals and a unique blend of essential oils for a deep moisturizing therapy.

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Manuka Honey is gathered in the wild back country of New Zealand from the native Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). The bees don’t use the pollen from a variety of other flowers or plants, so the content of the honey is very consistent. A 2013 study in the European Journal of Medical Research used Active Manuka Honey under dressings on postoperative wounds for an 85 percent success rate in clearing up infections, compared with 50 percent for normal antibiotic creams.

healingways

HEAVENLY SCENTS How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances

by Kathleen Barnes

A

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

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

“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 presence of parabens that interfere with hormone production, cancer-causing phthalates, and synthetic natural awakenings

December 2015

25

Georganna Ranglack, DVM, PhD Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Greater New Orleans

504-874-1189

Drug-free treatment for common conditions with acupuncture.

House calls or office visits by appointment.

Calendars Local Directory Digital Editions Distribition Locations Submissions

foundations of do-it-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.”

GIFT BLEND FOR MEN All in One Place. Anytime.

NALAmag.com 26

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NALAmag.com

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.

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.

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December 2015

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greenliving

exciting time for communities of faith to work together.” Churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith groups are sending a message to their congregations and communities: We need to care for what the Creator has given us.

photo courtesy of View Dynamic Glass

Showing the Way

Green Congregations Faith Groups Join in Preserving All Creation

by Avery Mack

T

the natural world and the world we live he simple act of switching on a in helps us understand the remarkable bulb can light a room; preaching responsibility we have to the planet.” that humans are caretakers of the Along with an emotional bottom Earth can enlighten a community. “How line, many people pose a greater quesare we faithful to God’s creation?” tion: What is the cost to asks Diana Butler The film Renewal doc- our spiritual life if we Bass, Ph.D., author of Grounded: Finding God uments this grass- act selfishly? “We need to know what is sacred in the World—A Spirituroots movement at and what matters for al Revolution, in Alexandria, Virginia. “The RenewalProject.net. generations to come,” says Bass. “This is an connection between

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“We wanted to reduce reliance on foreign oil, support local businesses, buy American-made and be cost-effective,” says Rabbi David Freelund, of the Cape Cod Synagogue, in Hyannis, Massachusetts. “Going solar made sense. We leased panels, joined a renewable energy credit program and now generate 90 percent of our energy.”

The synagogue also upgrades equipment to more efficient levels when it’s time for replacement, composts waste, maintains a garden to supply a local food pantry, switched to LED lights, zoned their facility’s heating and cooling and follows a single-stream recycling program. “We seek to lead by example. Members ask, ‘What else can we do?’ As Jews, our mission is not fulfilled unless we lift up others toward the divine,” says Freelund.

Windows often make up a large portion of a building of worship, but can be the least energy-efficient components. Members of Colorado’s Steamboat Christian Center, in Steamboat Springs, used to wear sunglasses or change seats during services to escape the sun’s glare and heat. After installing smart glass windows, everyone can now fully concentrate on the sermon.

“The glass tints like transition sunglasses, based on available light or preprogrammed preferences,” explains Brandon Tinianov, a senior director with View Dynamic Glass, the company that supplied the new windows. “It also reduces heating and cooling costs.”

Laying Down Burdens

“Clutter represents postponed decisions,” says Barbara Hemphill, author of Less Clutter, More Life, in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Lack of time, interest and energy keep us from passing along what we no longer want or need. For most of us, 80 percent of what we keep, we never use.”

That includes paperwork, another specialty of her Productive Environment Institute. When the United Methodist

North Carolina Conference Center’s new building was ready, there was plenty to sort through before moving.

“We estimate seven tons of items were recycled. It became an example for individual churches,” says Hemphill.

Her own church, Mount Zion Methodist, in nearby Garner, has cleared out two storage rooms. Items were reclaimed, auctioned or donated to a shelter. “We gained Sunday school rooms in return,” she says.

Practice Makes Perfect

Awareness of the environment and eco-friendly living is a concept religions agree on. At the All Dulles Area Muslim Society, in Sterling, Virginia, an education program encourages community members to recycle, plant trees and lower water and energy usage. Including their Sunday School, they reduced their overall carbon footprint by 13 percent and energy consumption by 21 percent.

Interfaith Power & Light is active in most states and can help implement such user- and eco-friendly changes.

Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, the director of outreach for the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, in Falls Church, Virginia, suggests thinking larger and encourages members to ask for changes in public policies by lobbying their representatives. In 2016, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago will promote a Green Ramadan. During Ramadan, members re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance.

Greener than most, The Garden Church, in San Pedro, California, has no building. “People tell me, ‘The outdoors is my church;’ I take them at their word,” says founding Pastor Anna Woofenden. “We have a central table surrounded by gardens. About 90 percent of what we grow is vegetables, the rest is flowers. This church is a living sanctuary, a place to belong, a place of community. God’s love is made visible as people are fed in body, mind and spirit.”

“Eco-friendly teaching represents a new spiritual imagination of how to live well in the world,” observes Bass.

“Faith makes a difference.”

Inspired•Loving•Energized•Fun

An extraordinary spiritual family honoring all religions, paths and lifestyles.

Join Us!

JACK FOWLER, Spiritual Director 3939 Veterans Mem. Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002 (Close to Cleary; behind Parran’s PoBoys; parking available)

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

www.UnityOfMetairie.com natural awakenings

December 2015

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naturalpet

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

by Sandra Murphy

A

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-to-crack 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.

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

DIY Suet

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 tree bark for woodpeckers and wrens to 30

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vet visits and more years together,” says Tonya Wilhelm, a dog trainer in Toledo, Ohio. “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 DogFoodAdvisor. 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-to-open 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.

NALAmag.com

Special Holiday Pet Recipes

Meatball Bites Yields: Approximately 24 cookies 1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil 10 oz grass-fed hamburger, 85 percent lean 4 oz green pepper, washed, seeded, cut in bite-size pieces 2½ oz kale, washed 3 figs, stems removed 1 cup quinoa flour

Cheesy Crunchies

Go Go Balls

2 cups whole wheat flour ¼ cup cornmeal ½ cup cheese (any grated cheese) 1 egg 1¾ cup filtered water ½ cup fine-grated Parmesan cheese

Yields: 30 to 32 balls

Mix all ingredients except Parmesan.

Knead dough until thoroughly mixed.

Drain the fish. If using salmon, remove the skin and bones.

Roll dough into shapes (like sticks or squares) or use cookie cutter. Roll shapes in the Parmesan. Dehydrate in a dehydrator at 155° F approximately 4 to 6 hours or until dry. For cats, make much smaller shapes.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Stephanie Raya, Excalibur Dehydrator

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)

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.

Recipe courtesy of Janet Cantrell, Fat Cat Spreads Out

Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Preheat a frying pan on medium heat for three minutes. Add coconut oil. Coat the pan evenly.

Add hamburger and stir fry until almost fully cooked. Add peppers, kale and figs to the meat. Continue to stir fry until the kale is reduced.

Allow mixture to cool. Then, place mixture into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth.

Combine the blended mixture and quinoa flour. Mix well.

Form into 3-inch flat discs. Place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place on rack to cool.

Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

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 natural awakenings

December 2015

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classifieds To Place a Classified Listing Email to publisher@NALAmag.com. Must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. $1 per word. $20 minimum. Must be prepaid.

OPPORTUNITIES AFLAC – is the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the world and is now hiring Benefits Consultants. If you are interested in providing financial piece of mind for others when they need it most and would enjoy a professional position with a flexible schedule and unlimited income, please send your resume to melissa_burbank@us.aflac.com.

YOUNG LAVENDER BUDS – is a company dedicated to teaching the public about the power of essential oils AND how to incorporate them into their daily lives. If you are interested in becoming a distributor and educator please contact Coco Kunstman 504-344-7320, coco@younglavenderbuds.com , or visit us at www.younglavenderbuds.com.

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SERVICES CERTIFIED TRADITIONAL NATUROPATH – Learn to help others: help yourself. Starts February 2016 in Gulfport, Contact Betty Sue O'Brian at betty.obrian@gmail.com or 2282571946.

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SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS – Ethisphere magazine has named Aflac one of its World’s Most Ethical Companies every year since the award’s inception in 2007–the only insurance company in the world that can make that claim. If you are interested in finding out more about providing supplemental benefits such as accident, disability, dental, vision, cancer, heart, or life policies for yourself and your family as well as providing benefits to your employees at absolutely no additional cost to you as a business owner, please contact Melissa Burbank at 504-9750344 or Melissa_Burbank@us.Aflac.com.

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES VEGETARIAN MEETUP GROUP – meets at least once a month for a veggie meal. See calendar of events at http://www.meetup.com/ vegetarian-515/ members/7165804

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE – By providing children with arms-around care, safe homes and environments, a first-class education, opportunities to learn more about themselves and the world, and academic, financial, and spiritual support through college, Boys Hope Girls Hope empowers children to realize the potential that is within them. Volunteer or donate at BoysHopeGirlsHope.org.

GIRLS ON THE RUN – We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. To become involved, visit GOTRNola.org.

YOUTH RUN NOLA – creates and empowers a community of healthy, young leaders through running. For more information about volunteering as a coach, running buddy, or other one of the many other opportunities, visit YouthRunNOLA.org or email Denali@YouthRunNOLA.com.

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calendarofevents Note: All Calendar events must be received via email by December 10 for the January issue. $15/Event Calendar or $10/Ongoing Calendar listing. $25/PlanAhead Events, $69/MarkYourCalendar. Qualified, free, community-wide events are listed for free as space is available. Submit entries to Publisher@NALAmag.com.

Call 504-975-0344 for more information.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Jung Society of New Orleans – 7:30 pm. Jungian analyst Susan Negley presents “Coniunctio Gastronomique” or How To Make a Roux. Explore how the raw ingredients of your early life affect your current psychic life. SW, LPC CEUs. Free/members, $15/nonmembers, $10/students. Parker UMC, 1130 Nashville. www.jungneworleans.org.

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 5:30pm.

Presented by Dr Debbi Hannan. Free. Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is a full body massage that helps get out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is muscle specific and helps work out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Living the Unity Principles – 7pm. These powerful principles are simple to talk about yet can be challenging to fulfill in our daily experience. Join our open discussion on these timeless truths and how to implement them to your life. $5 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Essential Oils Home Care – Noon-1pm. Learn how to make household staples for a fraction of the cost using only natural ingredients from Young Lavender Buds. Lunch provided. NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or Melissa@YoungLavenderBuds.com.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Sounds of the Season – 7-9:30pm. Celebration through Performing Arts presented by Clearwater Sanctuary and the Women’s Center, featuring choral groups including the NPAS Choir. A co-ed event with caroling and refreshments. Tickets: $10/advance, $15/door.

Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. Tickets: WomensCenterForHealing.org/sounds-of-the-season.html.

Synergetic Myofascial Strategies – Dec 5-6. 9am-4pm.

With Magnus Eklund, board- certified in Structural Integration. Learn techniques to help self and/or clients. Myofascial strategies for the neck, spine, chest, shoulder girdle, arms and hands. 12 CEUs for LMTs, state and national (please inquire). Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info/ registration: 504-352-0039.

Saturday Morning Massage Clinic – 9:15 & 10:45am.

Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish Massage. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Soul Sweat Yoga Class – 10am-noon. With renowned visiting teacher Dana Flynn, founder of Laughing Lotus Yoga NYC. $30. Wild Lotus Yoga Downtown, 2372 St Claude Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-0047.

WildLotusYoga.com.

Jung Society of New Orleans – 10am-1pm. Jungian analyst Susan Negley presents Writing Your Own Personal Myth. Participants will look at the language used by their own psyches to create their own myths.

SW, LPC CEUs. $35/members, $45/nonmembers, $25/students. Parker UMC, 1130 Nashville Ave. www.jungneworleans.org.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Bazaar – 10am-4pm. Local female artists offer their handcrafted items for sale: jewelry, stained glass, art plaques, mixed media collage and more. Artists donate a percentage of proceeds to the Women’s Center. Free admission, open everyone.

Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111.

WomensCenterForHealing.org.

markyourcalendar

Blue Cliff College Massage Dept.

Continuing Education CEUs for LMTs Jan 23 & 24 Seasons of Shiatsu Series Winter- water element Carlene Banister, AOBTA Jan 30 & 31 Basics of Ortho-Bionomy Focus Spine & Pelvis Peggy Scott, Registered Instructor SOBI Feb 27 & 28 Basics of Ortho-Bionomy Focus Extremities Peggy Scott, Registered Instructor SOBI March 5&6 Massage Cupping Intro Annie Garic ACE Educator March 5-7 Massage Cupping Certification Annie Garic ACE Educator March 19 & 20 Series of Shiatsu series Spring- renewal Carlene Banister, AOBTA

BCC Clearview Mall, Metairie

504-293-0972 PeggyS@BlueCliffCollege.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

Ester Nicholson – 11am. Don’t miss a powerful message and inspiring, original music to heal your heart and lift your spirit. Nicholson is a nationally known speaker, author and radio host and has appeared on Oprah, The Tonight Show and many others. Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

Forgiveness Workshop with Ester Nicholson – 1pm.

Nicholson’s book Soul Recovery has been used by thousands to find peace and healing through forgiveness. She has appeared on Oprah, The Tonight Show, The View and Good Morning America. $20 suggested offering.

Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

Bali Adventure Info Session – 2pm. Join Dr Iina Ester to learn more about this opportunity to experience Bali with an intimate group of fun, adventurous folks. Only 5 spots available on the trip. Free. RSVP required: 504758-9192. LiveFreeLaughHardFitness.com.

natural awakenings

Integrative Breathwork Journey – 2-7pm. With Patricia Stout, LCSW, Certified Breathwork Facilitator.

This transformative musical trance journey allows safe access to altered states of awareness, beyond ego-mind realm. Experience shift in deep unconscious thought and behavior patterns. $45, pay as you’re able. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111.

WomensCenterForHealing.org.

MONDAY, DECEMER 7

Children’s Karate Class – 5-5:45pm. Improve self-confidence, discipline. New Year’s three-month special available. 8132 Willow St, New Orleans.

Register: 504-866-2241. KingLam1199@gmail.com.

December 2015

33

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 12:30pm.

Presented by Dr Debbi Hannan. Free. Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at our student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Ester Nicholson In Concert – 7pm. Soulful, electrifying vocals; music to heal the heart and lift the spirit. After touring with Rod Stewart and Bette Midler, Nicholson now uses her gifts to help others. Don’t miss the powerful gifts of this amazing artist. $15. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Essential Oils Wellness 101 – Noon-1pm. Learn how to use essential oils to help heal the body and promote general wellness without the costly price tag. Everything from allergies to cuts and burns. Lunch provided.

NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or Melissa@YoungLavenderBuds.com.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Tibetan House Holiday Shopping – 10am-8pm. Wine and cheese. One-of-a-kind gifts giveaways. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. 504-8979339. TibetanHouse.com.

Swedish Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and increased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Therapeutic Gardening – 9am-12pm. Learn techniques for creating a healing and restorative garden space with the healing elements of nature for both adults and children. Pamela Buckman of Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and Amy Lynn Nau, of Langston Hughes Academy garden will lead this engaging presentation. 1137 Baronne Street, New Orleans. www.parkwaypartnersnola.org Reiki I Attunements – A weekend of self-healing energy. Receive level one Reiki attunements in the Usui tradition. Small classes with plenty of personal attention.

Level two attainments held in January. $250/person; $50/deposit. RSVP: Pamela Eveline: 504-897-5357.

Saturday Morning Massage Clinic – 9:15 & 10:45am.

Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Healing the Heart – 10am-1pm. With Rebecca Green of SoulSomatics. Learn balancing energy healing techniques; experience inner journeying (visualization) to create safety and peace; protections to divert negative energy. Through movement, explore ways to create positive, nurturing relationships. $35, pay as able. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111.

WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Reiki I and II – Dec 12-13. 10am-5pm. With Sunny Robichaux, Reiki Master and instructor. A light touch technique using practitioner’s energy flow for self-care, friends and family or used with clients. 12 CEUs for LMTs. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info/registration: 504-352-0039.

Metaphysical Fair – Noon-6pm. Mediums, psychics, healers, astrology readings, aura photography, rune readings, crystals, new arrivals, essential oils, jewelry and more. Free admission. Metaphysical Resource Center, 1708 Lake Ave, Metairie. Info: 504-708-8353.

MetaphysicalResourceCenter.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it. ~Tori Amos 34

SE Louisiana

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 5:30pm.

Presented by Dr Debbi Hannan. Free. Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is muscle specific and helps work out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Solar Plexus Chakra Class –7pm. Examine, reflect on and work with this powerful chakra, a center of personal strength, learning and comprehension; guiding you through life, creating self-esteem, sense of self and setting boundaries. $10 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

Essential Oils Beauty Basics – Noon-1pm. Get back to natural basics and learn how the use of essential oils can change your skin for the good naturally. Lunch provided. NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or Melissa@YoungLavenderBuds.com.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and increased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Spiritual Cinema: Christmas with the Kranks – 7pm.

A night of fellowship, popcorn and laughter. Enjoy this hysterical, inspiring modern Christmas film and relax during the holiday season. $5 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Saturday Morning Massage Clinic – 9:15 & 10:45am.

Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and increased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Metaphysical Fair – Noon-6pm. Mediums, psychics, healers, astrology readings, aura photography, rune readings, crystals, new arrivals, essential oils, jewelry and more. Free admission. Metaphysical Resource Center, 1708 Lake Ave, Metairie. Info: 504-708-8353.

MetaphysicalResourceCenter.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is a full body massage that helps get out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

NALAmag.com

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is a full body massage that helps get out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is muscle specific and helps work out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Regaining the Christmas Spirit – 7pm. A class designed to take some time and relax, reflect and share ways on how to have a stress free, spirit-filled holiday.

Techniques to help stay focused on the joy of the season will be discussed. $10 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and increased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29

Swedish Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and increased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info or appointment: 504-293-0972.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

Burning Bowl Service – 6:30pm. Join for a powerful New Year’s Eve service, letting go of limiting ideas and beliefs; ringing in a new year, a new way of being.

Music, inspiring words, candles and sacred burning bowl ritual. Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans.

504-885-7575.

planahead SATURDAY, JANUARY 2

Medical Chi Kung Course – 3-4pm. With Sifu Tommy. Twelve-week class on Saturdays. Open the energy pathway of your central body which revitalizes your entire endocrine system, stimulating hormone production and affording a second youth. $400/ course fee. 31 Fifth St, Gretna. 985-630-2853. RSVP: MatthewAncira.com/contact-us.

ongoingevents Note: All Calendar events must be received via email by December 10 for the January issue. $15/Event Calendar or $10/Ongoing Calendar listing. $25/PlanAhead Events, $69/MarkYourCalendar. Qualified, free, communitywide events are listed for free as space is available. Submit entries to Publisher@NALAmag.com. Call 504-975-0344 for more information.

daily

monday

Hollygrove Market and Farm – 10am-7pm, Mon-Fri; 10-5pm, Sat/Sun. CSA-style market selling assorted fresh, local and organic fruit and vegetables each week. $25 boxes of selected seasonal produce available. 8301 Olive St, New Orleans. 504-483-7037.

HollyGroveMarket.com.

MELTing Into Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. With Sadani.

Combination of MELT Method techniques and yoga postures hydrate the body’s connective tissue (fascia) and increase strength, flexibility and stability. $12/ drop-in or $40/month; pay as able. Women’s Center for Healing, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org.

sunday Peace and Healing Services – 9am. Facilitated by Mike Wittenbrink. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-885-7575.

UnityTempleNewOrleans.

Sunday School Classes – 9:30am. Offering Sunday morning classes prior to the Sunday service: A Course in Miracles and Science of the Mind. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504899-3390. UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

Intro to Tibetan Sound Healing – 10-11am. From the book, Tibetan Sound Healing, the guided practices are designed to clear obstacles, cultivate positive qualities and uncover your inherent wisdom. $10/drop-in or $30/ month. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. 504-897-9339. TibetanHouse.com.

Sunday Celebration Service – 11am. With Jack Fowler, Spiritual Director. Contemporary service with music and heartfelt talks to celebrate the divine presence in all of life. Love offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Blvd, Metairie. 504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com.

Stronger, Leaner, Longer – 5:30pm. Pilates-based strength class builds muscle and tones. Group screening required. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans.

985-640-2648.

Fountain of Youth Yoga Class – 6pm. No flexibility required; gain more strength and endurance without straining. Free. Metaphysical Resource Center, 1708 Lake Ave, Metairie. Info/register: 504-507-0765.

HolisticPersonalTraining.org.

Somatic Transformations – 6-8pm. With Matthew Ancira. Experience emotional and somatic release to transform your life in a comfortable and supportive small group atmosphere. Higher Purpose Healing, 1315 Amelia St, New Orleans. Preregistration required: 504457-1717. MatthewAncira.com.

Basic/Beginners Aikido Class – 6:15-7:15pm. Benefits include self-defense, flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, concentration, community and fun.

First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103 in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861.

Info@NOLAAikido.com.

Vinyasa Flow – 6:30pm. Gain strength, balance and flexibility for your body and mind. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Unity of New Orleans Sunday Service – 11am.

A loving family of spiritual seekers who honor all paths to God. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390.

UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism – 7-8:15pm.

Learn how to activate your greatest potential, increase compassion and achieve absolute happiness. Free. SGIUSA Buddhist Center, 1331 Prytania St, New Orleans.

504-310-2011.

Inner Mastery Workshop – 11am-1pm. The spiritual process begins with a burning desire to know the seeker. This process will take you far inside yourself.

Self-realized yogi and mystic Henok takes everyone’s hand on their inner journey. Refreshments provided.

Free. 212 Loyola Ave, 3rd Fl, media room, CITY. Text: 678-665-0488 upon arrival.

tuesday

A Course in Miracles – 1pm. Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, New Orleans. Malcolm Fugler: 504-220-3223.

Breath and Flow Yoga – 2pm. Combines elements of music and breathwork to deepen your practice.

Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985640-2648. Transformnola.com.

Classical Tai Chi Yang Style – 8:30-9:30am. With Sifu Tommy. Long form and rolling techniques based on classical Tai chi yang style. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859.

Therapeutic Exercise – 8:30-9:45am. With Virginia Davis, RN, LMT. Gentle, restorative movement based on qigong, yoga and physiology to connect brain, consciousness and nervous system to muscles, organs and bones. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111.

WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Crescent City Farmers’ Market/Uptown – 9am-1pm.

Open-air market with fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked breads and pies, bedding plants, dairy products and freshly cut flowers. 200 Broadway St, parking lot of Uptown Square, New Orleans. 504861-4488. CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org.

natural awakenings

December 2015

35

Qigong/Dao-In – Noon-12:45pm. With Debra Howard. Qigong translates as qi (cultivation through skillful practice); dao-in is self-care. Experience myriad ways to balance one’s qi and life. Bring a mat. $5/class. New Orleans Healing Center, 372 St Claude Ave, 4th Fl, New Orleans. 985-467-0900.

DC@AffordableHealingArts.com.

German Coast Farmers’ Market/West Bank – 2:306pm. Open-air market offering fresh produce, rotisserie and fresh meats, fresh pastries/breads, sausage, kettle corn, cracklings, prepared foods, soy candles, goat milk soap and lotions. Arts and crafts fourth Wed. St Charles Plaza Shopping Center, 12715 Highway 90, Luling.

GermanCoastFarmersMarket.org.

Dream Group – Noon-1:30pm. 1st & 3rd Tue. With Joan Beckstrom, MD, and Angie Howell, MSW. Dreams allow a glimpse into your unconscious mind. Learn a format to share and process dreams as a group. Donation. Women’s Center for Healing, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111.

WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Complimentary Fountain of Youth Yoga Class – 6pm. The secret to feeling younger and living longer.

No flexibility required, more strength and endurance without straining. Registration required: 504-507-0765.

HolisticPersonalTraining.org.

Yee Chuen Do – 5-7pm. With Sifu Tommy, self-defense system based on classical tai chi. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna.

985-630-2859.

TRX – 6pm. “All core, all the time" fitness class; works the body as a whole. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, NOLA. 985-640-2648.

Key to Ultimate Success – 6:30pm. Mike Wittenbrink talks on how Powerpath Letters are the Secret to Ultimate Success, to obtaining success of body, mind, heart and soul. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390.

UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Class – Last Tuesday of each month – 7-8pm. Learn EFT, or “tapping”, a gentle, self-administered acupressure technique for diminishing or clearing physical and/or emotional pain. Affordable Healing Arts in the NOHC, 2372 St Claude Ave, Ste 220, New Orleans. RSVP: Gail Gillespie: 504-442-8762.

Meditation Class – 7-8pm. Build your daily practice. Beginners welcome. $10/drop-in, $30/30-days.

Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans.

TibetanHouse.com.

Embrace the Emptiness: Community Meditation – 6pm. With Jack Fowler, Spiritual Director. Ride the wavelengths of music, beautiful images and affirmative prayer into the sacred inner self for healing and transformation. Love offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Blvd, Metairie. 504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com.

Meditation – 6pm. Silence, stillness and deep spiritual connection with Source. Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

Vinyasa Flow – 6:15pm. Gain strength, balance and flexibility for your body and mind. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Basic/Beginners Aikido Class – 6:15-7:15pm. Benefits include self-defense, flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, concentration, community and fun.

First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103, in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861.

Info@NOLAAikido.com.

A Course in Miracles – 6:30pm. Facilitated by Mary Beth Ellis. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390.

UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

A Course In Miracles –7pm. Inspiring discussion of this spiritual masterpiece with Jack Fowler. Offering.

Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

wenesday

Discovering Tibetan Buddhism Class – 7-8pm. $10/ drop-in, $30/30-days. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. TibetanHouse.com.

Meditation Class – 9-10am. Build your daily practice. Beginners welcome. $10/drop-in, $30/30 days.

Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans.

TibetanHouse.com.

thursday

Somatic Transformations – 9-11am. With Matthew Ancira. Experience emotional and somatic release to transform your life in a comfortable and supportive small group atmosphere. Higher Purpose Healing, 1315 Amelia St, New Orleans. Preregistration required: 504- 457-1717. MatthewAncira.com.

Slow Flow Senior Yoga – 10-11am. Gentle Vinyasa yoga class focused on alignment and relaxation. $10/class. Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans. 504-481-4666.

BroadmoorImprovement.com.

Prayer and Healing – 11am. Facilitated by Harriet Stafford. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390.

UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

Essential Oils 101 – All, except last Wednesday of Dec. – Noon-1pm. Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a cleaner, natural life. Lunch Provided. Free.

NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or Melissa@YoungLavenderBuds.com.

Classical Tai Chi Yang Style – 8:30-9:30am. With Sifu Tommy. Long form and rolling techniques based on classical Tai chi yang style. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859.

Nia Gentle – 10:30am. With Carolyn Burns. Same upbeat, spirit-lifting, body-rejoicing workout as regular Nia dance but slower. $10/drop-in; $60/eight-classes.

Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, AbitaSprings. 985-892-8111.

WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Qigong/Dao-In – Noon-12:45pm. With Debra Howard.

Qigong translates as qi (cultivation through skillful practice); dao-in is self-care. Experience myriad ways to balance one’s qi and life. Bring a mat. $5/class.

New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, 4th Fl. 985-467-0900. DC@AffordableHealingArts.com.

SE Louisiana

Zen Meditation Study – 3:30-4:30pm. With Patricia Stout, in the Plum Village tradition (Thich Nhat Hanh).

Weekly practice with half-hour dharma teaching and half-hour guided (and silent) meditation. Donations appreciated. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-8928111. Info@WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Yee Chuen Do – 5-7pm. With Sifu Tommy. Self-defense system based on classical Tai chi. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna.

985-630-2859.

TRX– 6pm. “All core, all the time" fitness class; works the body as a whole. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Group Energy Event – 6-8pm. David Redbord leads a different group energy event every Thursday. Affordable Healing Arts in NOHC, 2372 St Claude Ave, Ste 220, New Orleans. 504-233-8555.

A Course in Miracles – 7pm. St Tammany Parish Hospital, 1202 S Tyler St, Covington. Malcolm Fugler: 504-220-3223.

friday Somatic Transformations – 9-11am. With Matthew Ancira. Experience emotional and somatic release to transform your life in a comfortable and supportive small group atmosphere. Higher Purpose Healing, 1315 Amelia St, New Orleans. Preregistration required: 504- 457-1717. MatthewAncira.com.

Caregiver Support Group for Women – 9:3010:30am. 1st & 3rd Fri. Facilitator Clarke McBee, LPC, helps caregivers navigate burn-out. Includes discussion, educational topic and self-care focus for empowerment and relaxation. Donation. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs.

985-892-8111. Info@WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Meditation Class –10-11am. Build your daily practice. Beginners welcome. $10/drop-in, $30/30-day.

Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans.

TibetanHouse.com.

Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. With Master Laura Ates. All levels. Restore, rejuvenate and relax with yoga. Bliss Body Nola, 5717 Crawford St, Harahan. 504-262-8860.

BlissBodyNola.com.

Yee Chuen Do – 5-7pm. With Sifu Tommy. Self-defense system based on classical Tai Chi. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna.

985-630-2859.

Meditation and Restorative Yoga – 6:15pm. Sitting meditation followed by restorative yoga practice to release tension. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

saturday Vietnamese Farmers’ Market – 6-9am. More than 20 vendors set up shop on blankets spread with produce; beyond the courtyards are shops selling Vietnamese baked goods and imported groceries. 14401 Alcee Fortier Blvd, New Orleans East. GoGreenNola.org/ farmersmarkets.

Crescent City Farmers’ Market/French Quarter – 2-6pm. Fresh produce, pastured meats, seafood, dairy, breads and baked goods. Live music.

1235 N Peters St, New Orleans. 504-861-4488.

CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org.

36

Crescent City Farmers’ Market/Mid-City – 3-7pm.

Rain or shine. Farmers’ Market, American Can Co. Bldg, 3700 Orleans Ave, New Orleans.

NALAmag.com

Camellia City Farmers’ Market – 8am-noon. Featuring baked goods, herbs, vegetables, honey, jams, poultry, crafts, flowers, eggs, plants, soap and trees.

333 Erlanger, Griffith Park, Slidell. 985-640-7112.

CamelliaCityMarket.org.

Covington Farmers’ Market – 8am-noon. Offering fresh produce, fresh baked breads, prepared foods and plants. Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia St, Covington. 985-966-1786. CovingtonFarmersMarket.org.

Crescent City Farmers’ Market/Downtown – 8amnoon. Open-air market offering fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked breads and freshly made pies, bedding plants, dairy products and fresh flowers. Cooking demos by local chefs. 700 Magazine, corner of Girod, New Orleans. 504-861-4488.

CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org.

German Coast Farmers’ Market/East Bank –8amnoon. Open-air market offering fresh produce, rotisserie meats, fresh meats, fresh pastries/breads, sausages, kettle corn, cracklins, prepared foods, soy candles, goat milk soap and lotions. Arts and crafts second Sat. Ormond Plantation, 13786 River Rd, Destrehan. 985359-0190. GermanCoastFarmersMarket.org.

Gretna Farmers’ Market – 8:30am-12:30pm.

Featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, dairy, native fruit wines and garden plants.

Located in the old train depot, 300 Huey P Long Ave, between 3rd St & 4th St, Gretna. 504-362-8661.

GretnaFarmersMarket.com.

Westwego Farmers’ and Fisheries Market – 8:30am12:30pm. Open year round, rain or shine. Featuring fresh produce, seafood, bakery items, dairy, plants, prepared foods and handcrafted items. Plus live music and kids activities. Free parking. 484 Sala Ave, corner of 4th St, Westwego. 504-341-3424 Ext 209.

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

FAMILY ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS

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See ad on page 27.

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TRX–9am. “All core, all the time" fitness class; works the body as a whole. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Mandeville Trailhead Community Market – 9am1pm. Fifty-plus vendors weekly: gourmet foods, art, produce and plants. Tai chi at 9:30am. Parking lot of the Mandeville Trailhead on the St Tammany Trace, off LA59, Mandeville. 985-845-4515.

CHIROPRACTIC/WELLNESS

ACUPUNCTURE

225-229-6107 1528 Delplaza Dr, Ste B, Baton Rouge WellnessCentreBR.com

Specialized breast screening utilizing two sophisticated technologies, perfect for breast health Approach To Dentistry with no compression, no pain and no radiation. May detect abnormalities in If you person who…

Yoga and Guided Meditation –10-11:30am.

Yogaare atheir earliest stage, which is true prevention.

We help people move Sitting Meditation Group – 10-11am. Practice zazen (sitting meditation) as well as walking meditation.

Instruction and discussion also available. 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103, in Mid-City, New Orleans.

A Holistic Brian: xernaut2@gmail.com. 504-644-7351.

1101 Robert Blvd., Ste. A, Slidell 985-641-8058 1101 Robert Blvd., Ste A MikeRobichauxDDS.com Slidell, La 70458

• places a high value on your oral health, toward wellness. nidra with Katrina Zech. Experience pure rejuvenation • believes that the health of the mouth is intimately related to and deep relaxation through movement, breath and We are aggressively the health of the whole body, conservative and practice mindfulness practice. $15 donation. Unity Temple • is looking for a dental practice that listens to you without judgment and will help you get what is important to you, ANIMAL minimally-invasive dentistry. of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans.

• understands that excellence is a choice that is made each day, HOLISTIC MEDICINE UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

then maybe we are a fit for you!

Vinyasa Flow – 10:15am. Gain strength, balance and JANICE E. POSEY, DVM flexibility for your body and mind. Transformwww.mikerobichauxdds.com NOLA, 315 Lee Ln., Ste. 104, Covington 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Yoga – 11-noon. With Barbara. Gentle yoga for all ages. Free. Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans. 504-249-5199.

BroadmoorImprovement.com.

Yee Chuen Do – 12:30-2pm. With Sifu Tommy.

Self-defense system based on classical Tai chi. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna.

985-630-2859.

MIKE ROBICHAUX, DDS

Offering a holistic and patientcentered approach to dentistry, because we believe the health of the mouth and overall health cannot be separated. We help those we serve make decisions that are in their best interests, based on their values and Mike Robichaux, DDS goals, by providing state-of-the-art information within a trusting relationship. See ad on page 14.

985-641-8058

985-898-3623

Offering a holistic, integrative approach to healing your beloved pet through acupuncture, herbal medicine/nutritional supplements, and food therapy. We treat the patient, not the symptoms. See ad on page 31.

Qigong – 2-3pm. With Neesa Johnson. Gentle, healing movement class for all levels and ages. Free. Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans. 504-481-4666.

natural awakenings

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ENERGY HEALER/ HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH MATTHEW ANCIRA - MATTEO Energy Healer/Teacher 504-457-1717 MatthewAncira.com

Specializing in solutions, fulfillment, health, lifestyle and purpose. Feel better about yourself and find freedom from depression, insomnia, anxiety, life stresses and relationship issues with a natural approach to healing. Improve your focus and take charge of your life.

ESOTERIC HEALING ANAYA AKIM

Wild n’ Divine Healing Empowerment Healing 318-232-2093 WildNDivineHealing.com

Are you ready to welcome happiness back into your life? Using Kundalini Reiki, Intuitive Coaching, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and more, you will be guided to empowerment.

I welcome you to embark on an adventure of self-love and manifesting the life you deserve!

YOUNG LAVENDER BUDS

Denise Woltering-Vargas, Independent Distributor Young Living # 3096166 504-376-9492 Denise.Woltering@gmail.com YoungLavenderBuds.com

Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a clean and natural life.

Take your first step towards a chemical free and healthy lifestyle.

Learn the basics and set yourself on a path to healthy living. All classes are always free. See class schedule in the calendar section. See ad on page 25 and on back cover.

YOUNG LAVENDER BUDS

Coco Kunstman Independent Distributor Young Living #1491684 504-344-7320 Coco@YoungLavenderBuds.com YoungLavenderBuds.com

Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a clean and natural life.

This is your first step towards a chemical free and healthy lifestyle.

Learn the basics and set yourself on a path to healthy living. All classes are always free. See our class schedule in the calendar section. See ads on pages 25 and back cover.

YOUNG LAVENDER BUDS

Melissa Burbank Independent Distributor Young Living #2946391 504-975-0344 Melissa@YoungLavenderBuds.com YoungLavenderBuds.com

Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a clean and natural life.

This is your first step towards a chemical free and healthy lifestyle.

Learn the basics and set yourself on a path to healthy living. All classes are always free. See our class schedule in the calendar section. See ads on pages 25 and back cover.

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AFFORDABLE HEALING ARTS 2372 St. Claude Ave. 2nd Floor Upper, Ste. 220 985-467-0900 AffordableHealingArts.com

AHA! is a Community of Healing Arts Practitioners in a Healing Arts Center for the Professional Practice of Alternative, Complementary, Integrative, and Indigenous healing arts by independent practitioners in a shared space environment. See our website, contact a practitioner, make your appointment today! See ad on page 18.

FITNESS DR. IINA ESTER

Health and Fitness Coach 504-758-9192 LiveFreeLaughHardFitness.com

Exercise scientist specializing in fitness and nutrition interventions. I specialize in private outdoor and in-home training, designing a program based on your interests, goals, and barriers to being active.

For group programs, see calendar section. See ad page 11.

BLISS BODY

ESSENTIAL OILS

HOLISTIC HEALING CENTERS

5717 Crawford Street New Orleans, LA 70123 504-262-8860 BlissBodyNola.com

Yoga- Aerial, Prenatal, Ball, Meditation, Workshops and Programs with Master Instructor Laura Ates. Mat Pilates, Reformer and Chair Pilates, Barre and TRX with expert Mary Mang.

Facials and massages too!

HOLISTIC/ ENERGY HEALING NOLA FLOAT TANKS Flotation Therapy 504-352-6418 NOLAFloatTanks.com

Flotation therapy is a breakthrough treatment involving 800 lbs of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) poured into 200 gallons of water in a small shallow pool.

The benefits of just a one-hour session are significant as they relieve stress, reduce blood pressure, ease joint and muscle pain and enhance one’s mood. See ad, page [??]

NALAmag.com

HOLISTIC HEALING CENTERS WOMEN’S CENTER FOR HEALING & TRANSFORMATION 71667 Leveson St., Abita Springs 985-892-8111 WomensCenterForHealing.org

Beautiful nonprofit center for women’s spirituality, ecopsychology and community building. Workshops, speakers, events, healing circles, support groups, and on-site professional mind/body/spirit services, for women, by women.

Rent space for your workshop or office. See ad on page 6.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IRENE SEBASTIAN, M.D., Ph.D

401 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 203, Metairie 504-838-9804 IreneSebastianMD.com

Experience the difference that Homeopathic Medicine and Functional Medicine can bring to your health. Most conditions can be treated using these safe, natural approaches. Safe, less drugs, stimulates innate healing. See ad on page 8.

INTEGRATED PAIN AND NEUROSCIENCE 504-300-9020 PainIsAPuzzle.com

Eric Royster, MD, and Aaron Friedman, MD, offer the most comprehensive treatment experience for patients suffering from chronic pain, from acupuncture to more invasive techniques offered exclusively at IPN. New Orleans, Chalmette, Westbank and Slidell locations. See ad on page 10.

KEVIN F. DARR, M.D.

Covington Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute 985-892-5117 CovingtonOrtho.com

Comprehensive orthopedic care, including today’s most innovative and best practices to achieve optimal orthopedic function and performance. Traditional orthopedic treatments and surgery, plus minimally invasive alternatives using state of art technology and integrative orthobiologic therapies.Currently taking patients for Cell Therapy study. See ad on page 6.

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT FRANK A. TRUPIANO, LCSW Certified Akashic Teacher 504-392-3498 AkashicLight.org

Experience the power of Akashic Guided Psychotherapy. Individual and couple-therapy sessions.

Monthly meditation groups and classes. Integrating the Akashic Records with traditional psychotherapy, I’ve had great success helping clients resolve problems that couldn’t have been resolved with traditional counseling methods alone.

MARTIAL ARTS TAI CHI-GRAND MASTER Sifu Tommy 31 5th St. Gretna, LA 985-630-2859

All levels welcome. $100/month unlimited classes (at 6 classes/week, that’s up to 24 classes a month or just over $4 apiece). See ad on page 27 and calendar for classes.

TAI CHI-QI GONG

Shifu King Lam 8132 Willow St., Uptown 504-866-2241 KingLam1199@gmail.com

Asian Arts to improve health, fitness, personal safety, rejuvenate energy. Achieve a better mind, body and spirit. Serving New Orleans community for 43 years.

KingLamtaichi-karate.com. See ad on page 23 and calendar for classes.

MASSAGE SCHOOLS

SPIRITUAL CENTERS

BLUE CLIFF COLLEGE

UNITY OF METAIRIE

Train for an exciting, new career as a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Earn an Associates degree upon completion of advanced massage training. Inquire about financial aid. See calendar for information about our $30-student massage clinic. Visit our retail shop for massage supplies: Biotone & Therapro Cremes & Oils, aromatherapy products, books & more. Monthly specials! See ad on page 10.

Loving, energetic spiritual family honoring all religions, paths and lifestyles! Do you like what Marianne Williamson, Eckhart Tolle and Wayne Dyer have to say? You’ll love Unity of Metairie. Relevant Spirituality for Everyday Life! Join us Sundays 11am. See ad on page 27.

Clearview Mall, Metairie 504-293-0972

NATURAL FOODS & SUPPLEMENTS NUTRIVERUS POWDER Jeanie Leclere 504-888-4464

Boost your immune system and increase energy levels with a whole-food supplement that combines a matrix of glyconutrients with organic plant- and food-sourced vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. An amazing product. Call for free sample.

NATURAL PHARMACY CASSO’S WELLNESS STORE & GYM

3308 Cleary Ave., Metairie 504-888-3077 TheWellnessStore.com

Pharmaceutical quality nutritional products, vitamins, minerals, herbs and natural hormones.

Natural hormone balancing consultations. Counseling on pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals by a registered pharmacist and clinical nutritionist. Alkaline water available as well as sessions with Photon Genius. See ad on page 22.

Jack Fowler, Spiritual Director 3939 Veterans Blvd, Metairie 504-885-7575 (behind Parran’s) UnityOfMetairie.com

UNITY TEMPLE OF NEW ORLEANS

3722 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans UnityOfNewOrleans.com

The New Orleans home of practical Christianity.

We honor all paths to God and welcome all who seek love, peace, and wisdom. Services on Sun & Wed 11 am; A Course in Miracles class Wed 6:30pm. See ad on page 8.

THERMOGRAPHY THE WELLNESS CENTRE OF BR Dr. Karin Nielsen, ND, CCT 1528 Delplaza Dr., Ste B Baton Rouge, LA 70815 225-229-6107 WellnessCentreBR.com

Offering full-body Thermography, detects abnormalities in the earliest stages, to find underlying causes of disease as it looks at the entire body’s BEHAVIOR after being stressed. Consultations/follow-up care are offered as well. See ad on page 13.

YOGA WILD LOTUS YOGA

RETREAT CENTER DOLORES WATSON

621 Opelousas Ave., New Orleans 504-905-4090 Evolved812@aol.com FloweringLotusMeditation.org

Elegant, donation-based center in quaint, quiet Magnolia, MS, just 1 1/2 hours from New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Jackson. Ongoing retreats in meditation and yoga. Ongoing meditation group in New Orleans.

Vegetarian. Available for rental.

Capacity for 40 people. See ad on page 20 and ongoing calendar.

natural awakenings

4842 Perrier St, Uptown 2372 St Claude Ave, Downtown 504-899-0047 WildLotusYoga.com

Voted Best Yoga Studio 11 years.

Intro Offer: 30 Days Of Yoga For $33 (first time local residents), Intro To Yoga Courses + Over 60 classes a week including Prenatal, Kids, Tweens & Teen classes. See ad page 7.

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