NALAMAG May 2019 Edition

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STEPHANIE OSBORNE

May 2019 | New Orleans & The Northshore | NALAmag.com natural awakenings

May 2019

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New Orleans & The Northshore

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letter from the publisher FOR ALL THINGS NATURAL IN NOLA am so excited for our a n n u a l # Me d i t a t e nMayNOLA challenge for the third year in a row. That’s right, NOLA, we challenge you to meditate for 10 minutes a day for 30 days, starting on May 1st. Just ten minutes per day can be life changing and we want you to feel that.

THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO MEDITATION, SOME OF WHICH ARE: •Reduces Stress •Controls Anxiety •Promotes Emotional Health •Enhanced Self Awareness •Lengthens Attention Span •Reduces Age-Related Memory Loss •Generates Kindness •Improves Sleep •Controls Pain •Decreases Blood Pressure •Increases Dopamine, Melatonin, Serotonin, & Endorphines •Increases Self Control

contact us PUBLISHER

Melissa Burbank EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jordan Figueredo DIGITAL EDITOR

Coco Guerin LAYOUT

HOW IN THE WORLD DO I MEDITATE? •Find Your Spot •Sit In A Comfortable Position •Clear Your Mind •Focus: On A Mantra Or Count 1-10 •End Your Meditation Slowly

Laura J. Sanders GRAPHIC DESIGN

Staci McCarty EDITORS

Lauren A. Pirosko Marc LaPorte

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP: •Just 10 Minutes/Day! •There’s An App For That: Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer •Same Time/Same Place Every Day •Focus On Your Eyelids/Center Of Forehead/Prefrontal Cortex •Be Kind To Yourself!

DISTRIBUTION

Big Art’s Distribution Metro Distribution

504.872.3919 | info@nalamag.com NALAmag.com

Join our challenge at @meditatenmaynola on Facebook!

Also, check out the guided meditations with Stephanie Osborne at www.meditateneworleans.com. #FindYourCalmNOLA

© 2019 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.

Melissa Read our DIGITAL EDITION on your phone or tablet! Download the ISSUU app and search NALAMAG. TEXT “NALAMAG” TO 22828 to subscribe to our digital edition and receive free discounts and exclusive invites to all things #NaturalinNOLA.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers.

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

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Facebook: @NALAMAG504 Twitter/Instagram: @NALAMAG504 What does it mean to be #NaturalinNOLA to you? Tag your post or email publisher@nalamag.com for a chance to be featured in the magazine.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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

PLEASE RECYCLE WHEN DONE ENJOYING.

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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.

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12 ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS TO REACH THE PUBLISHER Contact Melissa R. Burbank at publisher@nalamag.com.

TO ADVERTISE with Natural Awakenings or to request a media kit, email advertising@nalamag.com. Deadline for ads: the 14th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to Jordan Figueredo at editor@nalamag.com.

Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

DIGITAL MEDIA To advertise on www.nalamag.com or to submit any contributions for the website, social media, or our online newsletter, contact our Digital Editor, Coco Guerin, at 504.872.3919 or coco@nalamag.com.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: calendar@nalamag.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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DIS ’N NAT

GETTING IN THE MEDITATION MINDSET

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CREATING A MEDITATION SPACE

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JORDAN’S TAKE 5

NASAL BREATHING Ochsner Eat Fit

POMPANO EN PAPILLOTE

By Blue Dog Café

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RECLAIMING THE GODDESS WITHIN with Stephanie Osborne

Meditation Apps

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ASK THE LIFE COACH

Meditation Motivation

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LIFECITY

MINDFULNESS

DEPARTMENTS 8 fit body 19 lifecity 20 calendar 11 recipe for success 21 lagniappe 22 ongoing calendar

Dis ’n Nat PRACTICE GUIDED MEDITATION AND OTHER RELAXATION EXERCISES REGULARLY FOR A LONG-TIME RESULT IN AN INCREASED NUMBER OF ACTIVE GENES. These genes help the body fight serious diseases and disorders like autism, cancer, and insomnia.

“Meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment.”

—ALAN WATTS

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, says in reports released in November that more than 30% OF US ADULTS and about 12% OF CHILDREN use “healthcare approaches that are not typically part of conventional medical care or that may have origins outside of usual Western practices.”

“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.”

—JON KABAT-ZINN —

11 EVERYDAY THINGS TO DO MINDFULLY: Listen to music Drink tea, coffee, or water with lemon, etc.

Do yoga Commute to work Take a walk Create art Journal Cook Eat Give/Get a massage Practice mindful breathing

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fit body

NASAL BREATHING

By Erik Figueredo

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he beautiful thing in appreciating a breath is recognizing the beauty in a moment. To really hone in on a single breath is to admit everything else, at least in the moment, is secondary. Truly focusing on a perfect breath means escaping from the usual distractions and making a conscious effort to be present. I believe there is a real beauty in that sentiment which is why I am constantly advocating to people to not only focus on their breath during their times of meditation but during their periods dedicated to training as well.

I want to discuss the benefits of nasal breathing during training. Just to be clear, I am not recommending nasal breathing during max effort strength work. When it’s time for that one rep max squat or deadlift do what feels right and breathe in the manner that is most comfortable.

This is more of a recommendation to be implemented during your time dedicated to your “cardio” training.

There are countless benefits to training using nasal breathing only. First off, and perhaps most importantly, you can never be called a “mouth breather” if you practice nasal breathing. I have no idea why this insult hits so incredibly deep but I once heard an angry and strong woman refer to her ex-boyfriend aka “boyenemy” as a “dirty mouth breather” and I made a mental note to do everything in my power to never act in such a way as to make that horrendous title applicable to me. So to get down to the nitty-gritty, let’s say you are going for a run or a walk or maybe a bike or a row, focusing on breathing using only your nose can potentially allow for more oxygen to get to the active tissues because nasal breathing releases nitric oxide which allows for an increase in carbon dioxide in the blood. This is responsible for the release of oxygen.

Nasal breathing also activates the part of the nervous system that

is responsible for recovery. It does not activate the part of the nervous system that is responsible for stress the way that mouth breathing can do. This means that even in a state of physical stress, nasal breathing can provide a relaxing stimulus.

Most homo sapiens are mouth breathers when stressed. This can be the cause of a great deal of anxiety.

In moments of mental or physical discomfort, making a conscious effort to practice nasal breathing can be a wonderful antidote to the daily anxieties that plague us. I beg you to take a moment, forget about all the distractions, and focus on taking control of your breath. In and out through your nose. Whether it is a fight with a loved one or you are halfway through a strenuous run, you can own the moment. There is nothing wrong with this moment.

Control your breath. In and out through the nose. •

Erik Figueredo is a health and wellness trainer with various certifications based out of Miami, Florida.

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recipe for success

OCHSNER EAT FIT

Pompano en Papillote MAKES 4 SERVINGS RECIPE PROVIDED BY BLUE DOG CAFÉ

For the Fish Parchment paper 2 lemons, sliced ¼-inch thick 8 sprigs thyme 4 bay leaves 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced ¼ cup cold-pressed pecan oil or extra virgin olive oil 4 pompano fillets, 7-9 ounce each, skin and bones removed ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup fresh Swiss chard Fresh basil for garnish

This recipe is simple, low carb, and protein rich.

Best of all, nearly all of its ingredients can be found locally, no matter the season.

Per serving: 410 calories, 25 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 270 mg sodium, 5 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, < 1 gram sugar (0 added sugar), 41 grams protein DOWNLOAD THE EAT FIT SMARTPHONE APP to find Eat Fit restaurants near you, plus more ways to spice up your table! You can also check out Ochsner Eat Fit recipes at EatFitNOLA.com.

Prepare the Fish: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper about 2 inches longer than the fish. Fold each paper in half lengthwise, then open it flat. Arrange lemon slices, thyme, bay leaves, and sliced garlic on one half of the paper. Drizzle oil on top of the herbs and use the rest to fully coat each fillet.

Season each side of fillets with salt and pepper. Place fillets on top of the lemon and herbs on each parchment paper, then add a handful of Swiss chard to each. Fold the other parchment half over the fish and roll the edges to seal the fish tightly in the bag. The bags should be formed in the shape of the fish. Place the bags onto the baking sheet and bake 10-12 minutes.

To serve, cut away the top of the bag and garnish with fresh chopped basil. • natural awakenings

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RECLAIMING THE GODDESS WITHIN

A WOMAN’S EMPOWERMENT AND MINDFULNESS WEEKEND­­— A BRIEF MOMENT WITH STEPHANIE OSBORNE

by TJ Patel

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s a hub for special events, festivals, “tastes of,” and so on, New Orleans provides endless unique opportunities for experience. A current that seems to be spreading through the Big Easy like gentle wildfire is the movement in mindfulness. Stephanie Osborne, CEO, and Lead Meditation Guide at Meditate New Orleans is a force for this curiosity and exploration of the self. Once again, she brings Reclaiming the Goddess Within: A Woman’s Empowerment and Mindfulness Weekend to the city to encourage and celebrate the feminine divine.

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This event is intent on honoring feminine strength and vulnerability, and the speakers Osborne has invited for the weekend are sure to ignite your inner fire.

I spoke with Osborne briefly on the phone last night on my porch, a cool breeze blowing through the April night, already feeling inspired to invite in a sense of calm. I asked what motivated her to organize a weekend focusing on affirmations, forgiveness, “discovering your higher purpose,” and finding out how to tap into personal power. “I’ve been on a few retreats in New York and went on a silent retreat in California, and there we were encouraged to think of ourselves as ‘special goddesses.’” She felt compelled to share what she learned with the “goddesses of New Orleans. I wanted to bring that home.” The weekend will consist of several presentations, which Osborne broke down as a talk plus an experience—a writing or connective exercise, hoping participants can focus on transformation and, “leave fulfilled, peaceful, and able to step into their purpose.”

When I asked Osborne why this event wasn’t open to men, she replied with, “women are my focus, that’s the group I’m most interested in empowering,” and my feminist heart fluttered. This event is intent on honoring feminine strength and vulnerability, and

the speakers Osborne has invited for the weekend are sure to ignite your inner fire. Osborne said she made sure she had a personal connection with each speaker before inviting them to participate in the event. Other New Orleans mindfulness community leaders like Michelle Baker, founder and co-owner of Swan River Yoga, and Misty Marshall, the Executive Director of Empowerment thru the Arts were outsourced to bring the event together, truly showcasing the strong bond women at all corners of the GNO share.

Osborne’s personal meditation practice currently looks like “thirty minutes a day, in the morning before I leave, and mindfulness exercises throughout the day.” As an example, Osborne and I spoke about really slowing down and taking time to properly eat your food. Something as simple as taking five full minutes to mindfully drink each sip of the morning coffee can offer a moment of clarity; it’s about “taking things slowly and trying to be present in everything we do.” • More information, tickets, and contact information are available at meditateneworleans.com

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GETTING IN THE MEDITATION MINDSET

THE HARDEST PART OF MEDITATION CAN BE GETTING ON THE CUSHION. BUT WITH PRACTICE, EVEN STARTING CAN BECOME LESS OF A CHALLENGE.

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or about 15 years, my spiritual practice was distance running.

The repetitive sound of my feet landing on the earth, paired with the sensation of deep breathing, instilled a feeling of close connection to the world around me. Running was a solitary activity, a time to get reacquainted with myself and observe my body and mind.

Trail running in particular required a heightened vigilance. The forest paths I ran were rough and rocky, so I needed to place my full attention on where my feet fell. When my mind wandered, I could always rely on a raised tree root or a mud-streaked slope to bring me back to my body.

What I struggled with most on tiring days wasn’t the heat, the grueling hills, or the blisters on my heels. The hardest part of each run was starting to lace up my running shoes and walking out the door.

Before I set out for a run, I experienced a severe case of inertia. I often stalled by checking my email, staring out the window, or taking on busy

tasks like rearranging my refrigerator magnets. This tendency lured me into a confusing mental dialogue fraught with anxiety and questions. If I want to go running, why am I dreading it so much?

As I deepened my meditation practice, the reasons behind my procrastination became much clearer.

Sometimes, my run felt effortless.

My legs carried my body without any trouble, and my breath remained fluid and uncompromised. But there was always the potential of suffering. I could get an unforgivable cramp, pull a muscle, or roll an ankle. I never knew if my experience was going to feel blissful and energizing or painful and wracked with fatigue. That uncertainty at the start of my practice was sometimes so scary that it was immobilizing.

These days, I don’t run as much as I used to. But I do maintain a daily meditation practice and often face the same challenge of starting. This kind of hesitation before taking my seat isn’t all that unusual. Many people believe

meditation is something they want to try but feel hesitant.

When we face the uncertainty of what may arise when we commit to looking deeper into ourselves, it’s easy to understand why we may prefer to reorganize our eating utensils or scrub the grout between the tiles on the kitchen floor. Meditation teaches us that we have the ability to notice our choices, laugh a bit, and then maybe decide to investigate why we act in particular ways.

The practice of meditation also inherently teaches us how to start—so much so, in fact, that starting our practice can become less of a challenge. We experience the first step of starting by taking our seat and moving deeper into the body through conscious breath work or mantra recitation. After that, every time thoughts, emotions, or sensations in the body lead us astray, we practice starting again by honoring our decision to return to the breath. Every time we come back, it is a fresh start, or a new beginning. •

Lauren Krauze is a writer and teacher living in New York City.

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By Lauren Krauze

CREATING A MEDITATION SPACE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU GEAUX

by TJ Patel

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n the tiny, one bedroom house I share with my husband, my meditation space is able to move from room to room, or even outside, when I need it to. We just finished a round of spring cleaning (a meditation in itself ) and reorganized our shelves and furniture, creating just a bit more space. New Orleans living, although bright and unpredictable, presents a certain set of challenges when it comes to creating or setting aside a special place for your meditation practice. The rooms are more open, hallways more narrow, and almost everything doubles for storage.

Although it may seem as though you don’t have a designated area for this practice, you certainly have the room.

First and foremost, set up a space to invite in a sense of calm starts from within; it truly begins with your commitment to carve out time to breathe. Commit first, the rest will follow. Next, I gather my three essentials: an item that is dear to me—I usually hold mala beads to keep my nervous hands busy—a cushion to sit on, and a timer. The third and final step is finding the most neutral, comfortable place in your home. This changes for me depending on what’s happening in the common room, how many people are home, and so forth. Sometimes I light incense or use music instead of a timer, but I try to keep it simple using the key essentials of something personal, something soft, and something to help keep track of time. If you have to move the meditation party outside, find even ground to sit on and focus on the sounds around you. Being adaptable is key to a strong at-home meditation practice. After I’ve picked the place? I set the timer and just...breathe.

Remember that it’s okay to be distracted or have a busy mind—the practice is there to assist your progress.

Because of this Big Easy approach to meditation, I now see my whole house as a sanctuary of peace. Maybe you will too! • natural awakenings

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Jordan's Take 5

Your editor's guide to all things #naturalinnola

5 MEDITATION APPS TO HELP WITH HEALTH Whether you prefer deep breathing or guided imagery to help relax your mind, meditation can have significant benefits on your mental and physical health. In today’s world there are countless apps that blend technology with meditation techniques.

1. HEADSPACE: Ideal for people just starting a meditation routine, the free trial includes 10 exercises geared toward beginners that can help you learn more about meditation as well as how to apply it to your life.

There’s also a personalized progress page, reward system, and buddy system.

2. CALM: Offers guided meditations to assist people in adding more relaxation to their lives with selections ranging from 3-minute to 25-minute sessions. It also includes Daily Calm, a 10-minute program you can practice before the beginning or end of your day as well as breathing exercises, unguided meditations, sleep stories, and sleep sounds.

3. BUDDHIFY: Provides users to more than 11 hours of custom meditation programs with each practice being geared toward different aspects of your life, such as, meditation to help you sleep or take a break from work. There’s also a check-in system allowing users to evaluate their progress.

Ask the Life Coach I know meditation is valuable, but I can’t seem to get myself to commit the time to it. When I try to sit down to meditate, my mind is going a million miles a minute and I’m thinking of all I could get done if I weren’t just sitting there.

Any tips?

—Leah 16

New Orleans & The Northshore

4. INSIGHT TIMER: With more than 4,500 free guided meditations and 750 meditation music tracks, this app allows you to customize your meditation using the background sounds and meditation tool intervals to create a unique experience that works for you.

5. SMILING MIND: Get your little ones into the practice of meditation using this app that can be tailored to different age groups, starting as young as seven.

You can create different accounts for everyone in your family or for teachers to use in a classroom setting to aid in child development and focus. •

with Carla Robertson

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wo big misconceptions about meditation are that you must commit a lot of time to it, and if you can’t still your mind you’re doing it wrong. My recommendation is that you try again, starting very slowly. Try simply closing your eyes and breathing quietly for two or three minutes. You can do this sitting in your car before you go into your house at the end of the day, or any other time you have a short transition. Don’t worry about what your mind is doing or thinking. Picture setting your mind free in a giant field to run around while you sit and breathe.

The purpose of meditation isn’t to feel calmer or better but to be more present.

After you’ve done this short breathing, with nothing else you need to do or worry about, see if you notice that shift toward presence and if it feels beneficial enough to be worth the time you’ve taken. If so, you can slowly increase your time being still and breathing; even 10-15 minutes per day will offer surprising benefits! • Carla is a master certified life coach in New Orleans. Have a question or want to learn more about programs, events or services? Contact her at carla@livingwildandprecious.com or 504-507-0687.

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise with Natural Awakenings.

advertising@nalamag.com

HAVE YOU MADE A POSITIVE CHANGE OR CONNECTION IN YOUR LIFE AS A RESULT OF NALAMAG? LET US KNOW FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED IN THE MAGAZINE! EMAIL PUBLISHER@NALAMAG.COM 18

New Orleans & The Northshore

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“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Viktor E. Frankl

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t the heart of the for-benefit movement is mindfulness.

Business leaders of the 21st Century are not stuck in silos, heads down, working 16-hour days with uncertain purpose. On the contrary, modern business leaders are practicing mindfulness. They take breaks during the work day to quiet the mind. They reflect on their business models and make intentional choices that accelerate not just profits, but benefits for their communities. They lead with intention to make a difference in the lives of their customers, employees, and supply chains.

While meditation can help you and your business act with greater intention and wisdom, LifeCity can also help you support these changes by developing an Impact Management System (IMS). An IMS is a comprehensive operational system that builds mindfulness into your daily tasks to generate greater impact.

As the quote above articulates, that which defines us and our organizations is our response. How do you respond to stimulus in your business?

With summer heat waves just around the corner, our minds are still on climate. Lowering your carbon footprint is just one way you can act

mindfully as a for-benefit organization.

Is the temperature too hot? Instead of moving your thermostat to 65 degrees, it’s time to take advantage of the Energy Smart program. By modernizing your AC system or even upgrading lighting, the free program can improve your environmental impact and save on your bottom line. For example, the Energy Smart EasyCool program installs a free A/C cycling switch on your outdoor A/C unit or heat pump system, which helps Entergy New Orleans manage higher energy demand in the summer. You get paid $40 just for signing up. Win-win! •

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calendarofevents

TELL NOLA WHAT YOU’RE DOING! Email event submissions to calendar@nalamag.com by the 7th of the month.

MAY 11, 2019

Mid-City Yard Sale—7am-1pm.

Mid-City, New Orleans.

MCNO.org Huey P Long Bridge Run—811am. 4910 Pontchartrain Rd, Elmwood. HueyPRun.com Build a Magical Fairy Garden— 10:30am-12pm. $35. New Orleans Botanical Garden, 5 Victory Ave, New Orleans. SCapley@NOCP.org Self Care Expo—1-4pm. Carver Theater, 2101 Orleans Ave, New Orleans. IAmNOLABougie.com

MAY 1, 2019

Historic Bayou St John Walking Tour—1-3pm. Pitot House, 1440 Moss St, New Orleans.

LouisianaLandmarks.org

Mechanic Nights—7-9pm. Rubarb Community Bike Shop, 2239 Piety St, New Orleans. RubarBike.com Pick Your Door Hanger Workshop—7-10pm. All Barn New, 5050 W Esplanade Ave, Metairie. AllBarnNew.com

MAY 2, 2019

350 General Meeting—6:308pm. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 2903 Jefferson Ave, New Orleans. 350NewOrleans.org Cooking Demos on the Greenway —7pm. 2101 St Louis St, New Orleans. TheCookbookProject.org

MAY 3, 2019

3rd Annual Southern Summer Arts & Crafts Festival—10am5pm. $3. Harrison County Fairgrounds, 15321 County Farm Rd, Gulfport, MS. GulfCoastCraftShow.com

St Bernard Bird Festival—10am4pm. Also May 4th. St Bernard Courthouse, 1201 Bayou Rd, Chalmette. SBPG.net

Bluetails Pet Rescue Adoption Day—11am. PetSmart, 1321 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey.

Blue-Tails.com

First Friday Collections Tours— 12pm. Newcomb Art Museum, Woldenberg Art Center, City Park, New Orleans. RSVP: TFriel@ Tulane.edu

Jammin’ on Julia—6-11pm.

Arts District, 300-700 Blocks of Julia St, New Orleans.

ArtsDistrictNewOrleans.com

Zoo To Do—7pm-12am.

Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans.

AudubonNatureInstitute.org

Sunshine, Slobber, & Savasanas—11:30am-12:30pm.

JCC, 5342 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. NOJCC.org

MAY 4, 2019

MAY 6, 2019

Great Teachers, Great Schools, Great Jefferson—7am-8pm.

JPSchools.org/EducatorPay Daiquiri Dash—8am-2pm.

City Park, New Orleans.

DaiquiriDash.com Open House—9am-5pm. Ninth Ward Nursery, 2641 Deslonde St, New Orleans. NinthWardNursery. com Intro to Permaculture—1011:30am. $20. All You Need, 3700 Toledano St, New Orleans.

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MAY 5, 2019

Community Kirtan & Gong Bath w/ Zach—7-8:15pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Downtown, 2372 St Claude Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-0047 or WildLotusYoga.com.

Art & Psyche in New Orleans— 7:30pm. An Evening with the Melange Dance Company of New Orleans facilitated by Jungian Analyst Constance Romero. $15, Students $10, Members Free. C.G. Jung Society of New Orleans at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5212 S. Claiborne at Jefferson, New Orleans. JungNewOrleans.org

MAY 9, 2019

Good Vibrations! Family Yoga Class—4-5:15pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, New Orleans. 504-899-0047 or WildLotusYoga.com.

Caring for Baby & Myself—68pm. Free. Merit Heath, 150 Reynoir St, Biloxi, MS. 228-436-1230.

Grown-Up Play Date—6-9pm.

Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St, New Orleans. LCM. ThankYou4Caring.org ISL Family Fun Night—710pm. City Park Story Land, New Orleans. ISL-Edu.org,

MAY 10, 2019

MAY 7, 2019

Give NOLA Day—3:30-7:30pm.

Friends of City Park, 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans. GiveNOLA.org

Evening with Spirit—6-8:30pm.

Cafe Aquarius, 2101 Paris Rd, Chalmette. MelanieStigler.com

Creating Edible Ecosystems— 5:30-7pm. All You Need, 3700 Toledano St, New Orleans.

AllYouNeedInstitute.com

Candlelit Restorative Yoga— 7:30-9:30pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, New Orleans. 504-899-0047 or WildLotusYoga.com.

New Orleans & The Northshore

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Yin Yoga Workshop w/ Andra—2:30-5pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, New Orleans. 504-899-0047 or WildLotusYoga.com.

Burpees & Brie—3-6pm. JCC, 5342 St Charles Ave, New Orleans.

NOJCC.org Champagne Stroll—5-9pm.

Magazine St, New Orleans.

MagazineStreet.com Premiere Lumière: Beaux Arts Ball—7-10pm. Music Box Village, 4557 N Rampart St, New Orleans.

NOAF.org

MAY 12, 2019

Dog Days on the Bayou—9am7pm. Bayou Paddlesports, 1101 Florida Ave, New Orleans.

BayouPaddlesports.com JCC Pools Opening Day—5342 St Charles Ave, New Orleans.

NOJCC.org/Membership Volunteer with Louisiana Books 2 Prisoners—4pm-7pm. 2523 George Nick Connor Dr, New Orleans. OneBookOneNOLA.org

MAY 13, 2019

Making Dystopia: The Rise & Strange Survival of Architectural Barbarism—6:30-8pm. $40, ICAA Members $30. Tulane School of Architecture, 1725 Baronne St, New Orleans.

Classicist-NOLA.org

MAY 15, 2019

Mutts & Moonshine—5-10pm.

Wrong Iron, 3532 Toulouse, New Orleans. MuttsAndMoonshine.com

Historic Preservation in the Face of Climate Change—67:30pm. New Canal Lighthouse, 8001 Lakeshore Dr, New Orleans.

PRCNO.org Painted Paws Party—7-10pm.

Second Line Brewing, 433 N Bernadotte St, New Orleans.

ArtOfLillian.com

MAY 16, 2019

Nonprofit Fundraising 101—9am12pm. Ashe Power House Theater, 1731 Baronne St, New Orleans.

TheFundingSeed.com Top Taco—6-10pm. Riverfront Park, 1 Canal St, New Orleans.

TopTacoNOLA.com Peaceful Mamas Monthly Yoga Class—7:45-9:15pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, New Orleans. 504-899-0047 or WildLotusYoga.com.

MAY 17, 2019

Sparkly Springtime Soiree—711pm. $10. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 2903 Jefferson Ave, New Orleans.

CELSJR.org

MAY 18, 2019

Music & Mudbugs—6-11pm.

Baton Rouge Fire Museum, 427 Laurel St, Baton Rouge.

Museum Confidential Live— 6:30-8:30pm. Southern Food & Beverage Museum, 1504 OCH Blvd, New Orleans. Philbrook.org

MAY 19, 2019

Fondeaux Charitable Bike Ride—7:30am. Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans.

BethsFriendsForever.org

MAY 22, 2019

Freedom From Violence—4:306:30pm. Central City Branch Library, 2405 Jackson Ave, New Orleans. EquityInAllPlaces.org

MAY 25, 2019

Low Cost Heartworm Prevention Clinic—10am-12pm. 11721 Morrison Rd, New Orleans.

TheInnerPup.org Treme/7th Ward Arts & Culture Fest—12pm. Also May 26th. Free.

814 N Robertson St, New Orleans.

Info@Treme7thWardCD.org

MAY 26, 2019

Bluetails Pet Rescue Adoption Day—11am. PetSmart, 1321 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey.

Blue-Tails.com

Hot Stone Restorative Yoga Training—9am-4pm. $175. Swan River Yoga, 2940 Canal St, New Orleans. SwanRiverYoga.com

Tire Rack Street Survival— 8:30am-4pm. $95. NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Blvd, Avondale.

MotorsportsReg.com

Books, Adoptable Kitties, & Pet Supplies—1-4pm. Tubby & Coo’s Mid-City Book Shop, 631 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans.

RRRRescue.org

Stained Glass Art in Sacred Places—9am-5pm. $85, Members $75. Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Blvd, Metairie.

PRCNO.org

MAY 28, 2019

City Park Challenge Course General Public Day—10am3:30pm. City Park, New Orleans.

LoopNOLA.org NOLA Soul & Art Festival— 11am-8pm. Armstrong Park, 701 Rampart St, New Orleans.

NOLASoulAndArt.com Party for the Planet—11am-3pm.

Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans. AudubonInstitute.org Grand Opening Block Party— 12pm. Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St, New Orleans. HNOC.org

MAY 2019

Terrariums & Crystals—6-8pm.

Lionheart Prints, 3312 Magazine St, New Orleans. FaitNOLA.com

MAY 30, 2019

Cultural Studies Association Conference—8am. Through June 1st. Tulane University, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans.

CulturalStudiesAssociation.org Pink House Kickback—7-11pm.

4708 Burgundy St, New Orleans.

Culturalyst.com

MAY 31, 2019

18th Annual Innocence Project Gala—6:30-10:30pm. $150, Tables $1,750. Fillmore, 6 Canal St, New Orleans. IP-NO.org

BAYOU BOOGALOO 5/17­– 5/19 Bayou St. John Bayou Boogaloo is returning to the shore of Bayou St. John in Mid-City May 17-19th. Join the FREE part as people fill the bayou and enjoy music, food, and arts and crafts from boats, inflatables, and along the shore.

Bring your favorite float and spend your day on the water!

MUSIC Two stages will present all-star performances including Tab Benoit, Cowboy Mouth, Amanda Shaw, Eric Falls, Little Freddie King, Valeria Sassyfras, the Tumbling Wheels and many more! See thebayouboogaloo.com for the full schedule.

FOOD AND VENDORS Enjoy food from many local favorites. In the past, vendors have included Ajun Cajun, Boswell’s Jamaican Grill, Boucherie, Bratz Yall, Clesi’s, Felipes, Food Drunk, Mona’s Café, Nola Snow Snoballs, Tru Vietnamese Café and several others.

ABOUT THE BAYOU Bayou St. John is located off the beaten path, a few miles from the French Quarter. Boasters used to utilize the thoroughfare to get within a mile of the business section of town, taking public transportation for the final stretch.

Today, the bayou does not connect to the lake, but is a great place for small boats, kayaks, and canoes to enjoy. And, of course, it’s the perfect place for a boogaloo celebration.

PHOTO BY BEN BARNES. natural awakenings

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ongoingcalendar

TELL NOLA WHAT YOU’RE DOING! All calendar events must be received via email by the 7th of the month. Email calendar@nalamag.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Tai Chi in the Park—8-8:45am. Last Sunday of the Month. Peristyle in City Park, 42 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans. OchsnerFitness.com Introduction to Zen Meditation—8:30 am (except the first Sunday of the month). By donation. Midcity Zen. 3248 Castiglione St, New Orleans. MidCityZen.org Mindfulness Meditation—8:50-10am.

Meditation, a reading and discussion. 1st & 3rd Sundays. Free/By Donation. Yoga Sanga, 2013 Claiborne St, Mandeville. ResourceForLife@ bellsouth.net Community Hot Quickie—9-10am. Sixty minute, Bikram-inspired hot yoga. Same therapeutic practice, less time! All levels welcome; no class package required—by donation every week! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@gmail.com YesYogaNOLA.co Sunday Morning Meditation—9am. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390.

UnityNewOrleans.org A Course in Miracles—9:30am. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org Yogananda Studies—9:30am. Free. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390.

UnityNewOrleans.org Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center Sunday Service—11am. 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org Sunday Celebration Service—11am. Unity of Metairie. 3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd, 504885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com Eckankar—11am-12pm. Discover what Eckankar can do for you to enrich your life with Divine Guidance. NO Healing Center, 2371 St Claude Ave, 4th floor.

Sathya Sai Baba Group—12-3pm. Gathering for bhajans, fellowship and community service.

Based on the values of truth, right action, peace, love and nonviolence. “Love All. Serve All.” Contact for updated location and time: SaiNOLA108@gmail.com Basic/Beginners Aikido Class—3:30pm4:30pm. Practice the art of peace. First class free.

NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste. 103 in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861. Info@ NOLAAikido.com Yin Yoga- 5-6pm. Gentle, restorative yoga: Long holds. Deep stretching. Props. Yoga newbies encouraged! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@gmail.com YesYogaNOLA.co

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New Orleans & The Northshore

monday Compost NOW—4-5:30pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Children’s Resource Library.

Yoga in the Cathedral—5:30-6:30PM. Bring your own mat. Free (donations accepted.) Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans.

Yogalates at Duncan Plaza—5:30-6:30pm. 343349 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112 FootprintsToFitness.com/Yogalates-at-the-Plaza

Children Karate Class—5-5:45pm. Also Wednesday. First class free. 8132 Willow St, New Orleans. Call Sensei King Lam 504-866-2241.

Free Teacher Yoga & Trauma-Informed Teacher Training—5:30-6:30pm. Presented by Project Peaceful Warrior. The Historic Carver Theater, 2101 Orleans Ave, New Orleans.

Beginners Karate Class—5:30-6:15pm. Also Wednesday and Friday. First class free. LA Karate Association Dojo, 706C Phosphor Ave, Metairie.

504-835-6825. LKAKarate.com

HIIT at the Peristyle—6-7:30pm. All levels.

Bring a water bottle and a friend. Free. Peristyle on City Park.

Free Community Yoga at the Historic Carver Theater—5:30-6:30pm. Presented by Project Peaceful Warrior. 2101 Orleans Ave, New Orleans.

Basic/Beginners Aikido Class—6:15pm-7:15pm.

Practice the art of peace. First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste. 103 in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861. Info@NOLAAikido.com Mats & Margaritas—6:30-7:30pm. $10. La Casita on The Patio, 845 Carondelet St, New Orleans.

FootprintsToFitness.com/Mats-Margaritas Flowering Lotus Mindfulness Meditation Group—7-8:30pm. Donation. Flowering Lotus Meditation and Retreat Center, 627 Opelousas Ave, Algiers Point. FloweringLotusMeditation.org

tuesday Qigong/Dao-In—Noon. Tues & Thurs. Bring a mat. $5/class. New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, 2nd Fl Upper, Ste. 220, New Orleans.

985-467-0900 or dc@affordablehealingarts.com Connected Warriors Yoga—12-1pm. Higher Power Yoga and Cycle, 514 City Park Ave. Free Yoga for Veterans, Service members, active, military, and their friends and family.

Young Yogis—3:45-4:30pm. Fun, playful class for kids 4 to 8 years old to strengthen their bodies with yoga poses and learn to focus and center themselves with breathing and meditation. Music, games, and stories complete the mind-body connection. Led by Heidi, a certified Kidding Around yoga instructor and experienced elementary school teacher. $49/six classes; $10 drop-in. Transform NOLA. 8509 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648. TransformNOLA.com Self Defense Open Palm System—5:30-7pm.

Learn self defense techniques and skills from Sa Ba Nimm 3rd degree black belt Leon Molinario. In this class you will become accustomed to the Pyung Soo Do—Open Palm System and become more confident in your own physical prowess and confidence.

Monthly classes. 18 & up. First time registration fee of $45 includes uniform. Goldring-Woldenberg JCC, 3747 W Esplanade Ave, Metairie. Contact Leon at LeonsPlumbingCo@gmail.com or 504-442-7346.

nalamag.com

Northshore Table Tennis Club—6:30-9:30pm. $5 per session. Abita Recreation District #11.

22517 Hwy 36, Abita Springs.

Powerpath Mastermind Miracles Sangha6:30pm. 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans.

504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org Filipino Martial Arts Beginners Class—7-8pm.

First class free. 8132 Willow St, New Orleans.

Call Sensei King Lam 504-866-2241.

wednesday Beginners Tai Chi Class—9:30-10:30am & 7-8pm. First class free. 8132 Willow St, New Orleans. Call Sensei King Lam 504-866-2241 Qi-Gym -10-11am. $10 Donation. First Class Free. Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center. 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans.

BrainHeartBalance.com or 504-309-0002.

Gentle Yoga—10:30-11:30am. Free. Lyons Rec Center, 624 Louisiana Ave. Prayer and Healing—11am. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org Compost NOW—12:30-2pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Behind Latter Library/Friends of NOPL. Helping Hands Reike Class—1-3pm. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org Wellness Wednesday—6-8pm. Come and explore different aspects of self care, and wellness at your local salt cave. Strictly Salt of Metairie, 3110 David Dr, Metairie. StrictlySaltOfMetairie.com Community Meditation—6-7pm. Love Offering.

Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. 504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com

Compost NOW—6-7:30pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps.

Mid-City Library.

Aerial Yoga: Power—6-7pm. Get superhero strong in a fun, vibrant class that utilizes aerial hammocks to support and challenge you in traditional and unique yoga poses. Accessible to all fitness levels—even a true beginner. $15 dropin. Transform NOLA. 8509 Oak St, New Orleans.

985-640-2648. TransformNOLA.com Core + More! — 6-6:50pm. Transform NOLA, 8509 Oak St. 985-640-2648. mia@ TransformNOLA.com www.TransformNOLA.com Basic/Beginners Aikido Class—6:15-7:15pm.

Practice the art of peace. First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103, in MidCity, New Orleans. 504-208-4861. Info@ NOLAAikido.com Free Spirited Yoga—6:30pm. Free. Join NOLA Tribe Yoga for Free Spirited Yoga every Wednesday night. Warm up 5K at 5:35pm. The Tchoup Yard, 405 Third St, New Orleans.

Inner Flow Yoga—6:30pm. Enhances lymphatic flow, digestion, immunity, balance, and relaxation.

Great for beginners! $10. The Esplanade at City Park Yoga Studio, 3443 Esplanade Ave, 2nd Fl, New Orleans, LA. Taoism—6:30pm. Facilitated by Mary Beth Ellis.

Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390.

UnityNewOrleans.org A Course in Miracles Discussion—7pm.

Join Rev Jack Fowler. Love offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie.

504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com Level Up! Intermediate Yoga—7:30-8:30pm.

A challenging practice to bring you to the next level! Arm balances. Backbends. Inversions.

95 degrees. Come be playful and learn to fall in style! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans.

YesYogaNOLA@gmail.com YesYogaNOLA.co

thursday Uptown Hot Vinyasa—9-10am. New class time!

A dynamic, heated flow practice. Come sweat and move like you! All levels welcome. Yes, Yoga.

8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@ gmail.com YesYogaNOLA.co Qigong/Dao-In—Noon. Tues & Thurs.

Bring a mat. $5/class. New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, 2nd Fl Upper, Ste. 220, New Orleans. 985-467-0900 or dc@ affordablehealingarts.com

Happier Hour Wine Tasting- 5-7pm. Free. Spirit Wine, 3500 Magazine St, New Orleans.

Self Defense Open Palm System—5:30-7pm.

Learn self defense techniques and skills from Sa Ba Nimm 3rd degree black belt Leon Molinario.

In this class you will become accustomed to the Pyung Soo Do—Open Palm System and become more confident in your own physical prowess and confidence. Monthly classes. 18 & up. First time registration fee of $45 includes uniform. GoldringWoldenberg JCC, 3747 W Esplanade Ave, Metairie. Contact Leon at LeonsPlumbingCo@ gmail.com or 504-442-7346.

Jammin’ Community Hot Quickie- 5:30-6:30pm.

Bikram-style class to music. Live DJ and Oak St. Happy Hour on the fourth Friday of every month! Donation suggested. Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@gmail.com YesYogaNOLA.co New Orleans Spiritual Awakening Group—69pm. New Orleans Spiritual Awakening Group sponsored by Homeward Bound Services. May Wen. Broadmoor Arts and Wellness, 3900 General Taylor St., NOLA. https://www.facebook.com/ neworleansspiritualawakening.

Cardio Blast at Duncan Plaza—5:306:30pm. 343-349 Loyola Ave, New Orleans.

FootprintsToFitness.com/Cardio-Blast Vinyasa Flow Yoga –6-7:15pm. Free. Popp’s Bandstand, in front of Morning Call in City Park.

56 Dreyfous drive. Bring a mat, a water bottle, and a friend.

Beginners Yoga / Level 1 Vinyasa—6-7pm. Free.

Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor. Bring a mat, a towel, and a water bottle along with any other props you wish to bring.

Compost NOW—6-7:30pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Alvar Library.

saturday

Yoga on the Bayou—8:30-9:30am. Yoga Lagniappe, 3700 Orleans Ave, New Orleans.

YogaLagniappe.com

Northshore Table Tennis Club—6:30-9:30pm. $5 per session. Abita Recreation District #11.

22517 Hwy 36, Abita Springs.

Northshore Table Tennis Club—9:30am12:30pm. $5 per session. Abita Recreation District #11. 22517 Hwy 36, Abita Springs.

Infinite Health Intention Board Workshop— 6:30-8:30pm. Every 2nd Thursday. $47.

Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center—3900 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Ste 204—Metairie. Lenae.Goolsby@gmail.com, YourInfiniteHealth.com Health & Wellness Network of Commerce Meeting—6:30-8pm. Every 4th Thursday. Free for Members, $20 Online, $25 Door. Register for head count for the refreshments and check-in.

Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center, 3900 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Suite 204, Metairie.

Lenae.Goolsby@gmail.com, HWNCC.com

Peaceful Mamas Monthly Class for Busy Moms—7:45-9:15pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown.

504-899-0047. TeamLotus@WildLotusYoga.com WildLotusYoga.com

Tiny Trees—10-10:30am. Simple, animated poses, games, music, breathing, and meditation are all a part of this sweet, fun, class designed especially for you and your child. One adult can attend with up to two children, ages 1 to 3. $49/six classes; $10 drop-in. Transform NOLA. 8509 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

TransformNOLA.com

Inner Flow Yoga—10am. Enhances lymphatic flow, digestion, immunity, balance, and relaxation.

Great for beginners! $10. The Esplanade at City Park Yoga Studio, 3443 Esplanade Ave, 2nd Fl, New Orleans, LA. Compost NOW—10:30-12pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Rosa Keller Library.

350 New Orleans General Meeting—6:30pm.

First Thursday of the Month. Learn new skills related to organizing, and discover new ways to plug into local efforts to create a healthier and more equitable future. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 2903 Jefferson Ave, New Orleans. 350NewOrleans.org

friday

Yoga and Guided Meditation –10-11:30am. Yoga nidra with Katrina Zech. $15 donation. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. UnityNewOrleans.org

Puppy Power Hour—11am-12pm. Free hour of socialization and play for puppies under 1 year.

Central Bark Doggy Day Care, 1604 Justin Rd, Metairie. Call or email for enrollment form: 504832-9247; NewOrleans@CentralBarkUSA.com Level Up Intermediate Yoga—11am-12:15pm.

A challenging practice to bring you to the next level! Arm balances. Backbends. Inversions.

95 degrees. Come be playful and learn to fall in style! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans.

YesYogaNOLA@gmail.com YesYogaNOLA.co First Position Adult Beginners Class—11:30am12:30pm. Live Oak Dance, 8204 Oak St, New Orleans. ChristynLiveOakDance@gmail.com NOLA Mindfulness Meditation Group— 11:45am-12:45pm. 30-minute guided meditation followed by reflection and discussion. All are welcome. Beginners encouraged to attend. $10 Suggested Donation. Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans.

NOLAMindfulness.com

natural awakenings

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New Orleans & The Northshore

nalamag.com