Natural Awakenings Mercer NJ, September 2017 by Natural Awakenings Mercer

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Yoga as a Way of Life

Floatation CREATIVE NATURE Therapy AGING KIDS Isolation Tanks Induce Deep Rest

Gloriously Enriching Our Later Years

Outdoor Schools Build Skills

September 2017 | Greater Mercer County NJ Edition | NAMercer.com natural awakenings

September 2017

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contents

6 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs

13 globalbriefs

15 ecotip 19 fitbody 20 healingways 21 inspiration 22 naturalpet

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.

16 AGING WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE

Finding Fulfillment, Creativity and Meaning by Deborah Shouse

19 RODNEY YEE ON YOGA AS A WAY OF LIFE Simple Strategies for

13 24 consciouseating Staying on Track 16 27 wisewords 15 28 greenliving 20 FLOATING AWAY STRESS 19 by Marlaina Donato

30 healthykids 32 calendar

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 609-249-9044 or email Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAMercer.com or fax to 609-249-9044. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

NAMercer.com 4 4

Greater Mercer Mercer County, County, NJ NJ NAMercer.com NAMercer.com Greater

Isolation Tanks Induce Deep Rest and Healing by Gina McGalliard

21 BEING BEAUTY

What Makes Us Glow by Glennon Doyle Melton

22 FLUORIDE ALERT Excess in Food and Tap Water Harms Pets by Karen Becker

24 FABULOUS FAN FARE Healthy Tailgating Foods to Cheer For by Judith Fertig

27 ZAYA AND

MAURIZIO BENAZZO

Joining Science to Spirituality by Linda Sechrist

28 SOLAR HEATS UP

Demand Surges as Prices Fall by Jim Motavalli

30 NATUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

CLASSROOM

Outdoor Learning Engages the Whole Child by Meredith Montgomery

letterfrompublisher

ello readers. Let me introduce to you Joe Dunne, our new publisher of Natural Awakenings magazine Mercer County edition. It has been a wonderful ride and I have enjoyed my experience as publisher of this amazing magazine. I know you will be in wonderful hands with Joe as he has been working alongside me for the last 5 years. He brings enthusiasm and combined larger territory that will surely benefit our advertisers and readers. I am off with my family to an incredible opportunity to start a new magazine for SE North Carolina. We are so excited about a new venture, and growing the footprint with Natural Awakenings. Thank you for your support and allowing me into your lives.

Managing Editor Dave Beveridge

Wishing you all Health and Happiness,

Proofreader Randy Kambic

ello readers of Mercer county! My name is Joe Dunne. For the past five years I have been the proud owner and publisher of the Central New Jersey Natural Awakenings franchise. As you know, the Beveridges are moving South and taking on a new market in Southeast, North Carolina. Opening a market from scratch is quite a challenge. I wish them the best, and know they will make a difference. In October, the Mercer edition will be joining our Central New Jersey edition. We are excited about the expansion and are busy preparing for the change–25,000, 64-page magazines will be distributed across five counties to approximately 775 locations. Our publishing family also includes a North Central NJ edition, which prints 21,000 copies. As you can see we are all in, and passionate about what we do. Our focus is always on our reader’s point of view as we will bring local content as well as national and international information. Please reach out to us with any questions, comments, or suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you, and am very excited about the future of Natural Awakenings. With best regards, Joe Dunne 908-405-1515

Design & Production Jason Cross Stephen Blancett

Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 Phone: 609-249-9044 Fax: 609-249-9044 NAMercer.com Publisher@NAMercer.com © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the publisher. Call for details. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

natural awakenings

September 2017

onthecover newsbriefs Back to School Circa 1900

aleska Sallaberry and Luis Mendez, publishers of Natural Awakenings Puerto Rico. After 15 years publishing the magazine and creating wellness initiatives in their island, they still continue their passion for service and their desire to make a difference in their community and the World. Waleska and Luis have three kids, ages 11 to 21. During the last 16 years of their life they has focused on their personal and spiritual growth process. They are both Certified Advanced Yoga Teachers (RYT 500 hours) and make time every year to detox, recharge and reconnect. They both enjoy stand up paddleboarding, taking care of Mother Earth—and inspiring others to do, too—and enjoy spending time outdoors with their kids and friends. They currently live in Rincón, Puerto Rico, a small, laid-back surf town in the western part of the island, where they are blessed with a growing eco- and healthconscious commUNITY. Two of their life’s mottos: “Life is good!” and “Work hard, Play harder”.

Greater Mercer County, NJ

chool bells will ring once again in Pleasant Valley when Howell Farm invites the public to participate in a unique “back to school” day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 9. The program features the educational, social and cultural activities centered on the “one-room school” in rural life of 1900. The Howell Farm school mistress has McGuffey readers, slates and slate pencils ready for students of all ages to begin their lessons in the three R’s. Visitors can sit in an antique school desk and try their hand at orthography using pen and ink or attempt to solve farm-related arithmetic problems on the chalkboard. As in yesteryear, children can help with farm chores before attending the “one-room school”. The school bell will ring to begin lessons, recess and a quick tour of the privy. During recess, children will be introduced to hoops and sticks, tug of war and other old-fashioned games and toys. School lunches served in baskets or pails will be on sale. Participants in the school program may also attend the “box social”. Wellwrapped boxes of homemade pies or goodies will be auctioned off to benefit the school. The lucky gentleman who wins the bid on the teacher’s pie will also share her company. Admission and parking free. Location: 70 Wooden’s Lane, Lambertville. For more information, call 609-737-3299 or visit HowellFarm.org.

Hometown Harvest Fair in Hightstown

he Hometown Harvest Fair celebrates its 15th year on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 7 as the charming, tree-lined streets of the historic business district set the stage for a great day Hightstown. The beautiful fall weather brings a large crowd of 10,000 people out to enjoy the usual mix of family entertainment. There have been over 250 vendors and organizations offering art work, hand-crafted items, health and beauty products, home, garden and seasonal items as well as great food. This a stage will be added bringing the total to five stages as well as strolling entertainment to keep the crowd entertained throughout the day. Festivities include a children’s area with inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, vendors and a stage with children oriented and educational entertainment. Additional entertainment includes pedal boats on the lake, a chili tasting contest, mechanical bull riding, motorcycles, and of course the Ducky Derby to end the day. Location: 101 N Main St, Hightstown. For more information visit HightstownFair.org.

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FITNESS STUDIOS

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YOGA Anew Life Yoga Wellness Studio 129 Rte 31 Pennington 609-954-3715 AnewLifeYoga.com

KUNDALINI & HATHA YOGA ROBBINSVILLE Calm Waters Wellness & Yoga Center 2378 Rte 33 Robbinsville 609-259-1547 CalmWatersNJ.com

YOGA PRINCETON Princeton Integral Yoga Community Center (IYCC) Princeton Shopping Center 301 N Harrison Street Bldg A, Suite 1E 609-454-3140 IYCCPrinceton.org

Advertise your Yoga, Fitness or Pilates business on this page for only $20 a month! Call 609-249-9044 or email Publisher@NAMercer.com for details.

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natural awakenings

September 2017

newsbriefs

Hypnosis Can Help Change Your Life

ypnosis is used for many purposes these days. It has grown more in favor in recent years as a treatment for positive behavioral changes, and hypnosis/hypnotherapy has become one of the more mainstream alternative treatments. Certified hypnotherapists today treat everything from weight loss, stress management to smoking cessation, as well as soothing patients in preparation for painful medical procedures. “Hypnosis can affect the symptoms of anxiety, and possibly benefit people with anxiety disorders,” comments Barry Wolfson, MS. Wolfson continues, “There are four anxiety-related problems that hypnotism is commonly used to address including physical tension, emotional strain/moodiness, sleeping problems and phobic reactions. My approach to treatment includes both traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy, dependent upon the individual and specific ailment.” Offices located in Princeton, Flemington, Livingston and King of Prussia. For more information about hypnosis treatment options, contact Barry Wolfson at the Hypnosis Counseling Center at 908-303-7767 or visit HypnosisNJ.com. See ad on page 9.

Aging is not lost youth,

but a new stage of opportunity and strength. ~Betty Friedan

Have a Bite of Apple Day Celebration

ver the years, Apple Day has been a fun and popular local tradition at Terhune Orchards, in Princeton. This year’s celebration will be held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 16 and 17. Events and activities include a corn stalk maze; tractor-drawn wagon tour of the orchards and pumpkin patches; live music by the Daisy Jug Band; scarecrow-making workshops; picking your own Empire, Stayman Winesap and Red Delicious apples, and much more. For food and refreshments, there will be a pig roast at the outdoor roasting pit and an all-apple buffet with fresh apples pies, apple cider donuts, apple salad, apple muffins, plus traditional fare of hot dogs, soup, chicken, pies, cider and more. Cost: $8/person, children under 3/free. No admission fee for visiting farm store, winery or pick-your-own apples. Location: 330 Cold Soil Rd. For more information, call 609-924-2310 or visit TerhuneOrchards.com.

Party to Celebrate Natural Awakenings Community

n October 1, the Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess edition of Natural Awakenings is throwing a party to celebrate 10 years of publishing in the community. The familyfriendly event, featuring healthy food, live music, drumming, yoga, kids’ activities and more, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., rain or shine, at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights. Kacey from 100.7 WHUD and the “Health & Happiness” show will be master of ceremonies. “This is going to be a high-vibration afternoon, so we hope many people will join us,” says Dana Boulanger, who publishes the magazine along with Marilee Burrell. “We are fortunate to have so many talented people in our wellness community. Many of them will be at the party to help us celebrate.” Featured guests will include Melanie Ryan of the Center for Health and Wellness, leading a meditation; Jeffrey H. Poritzky, leading a community drumming circle; BlisSing, providing spiritual music; shaman Eileen O’Hare, offering a blessing; natural henna artist Margie Nugent; and Eve Folger and Karen Shaw, leading yoga classes for all ages. Bring a drum and yoga mat if possible. There will also be kids’ yoga and crafts; complimentary BEMER sessions; and vendors with healthy food and drinks to sample and purchase. The Hilltop Hanover Farm stand will be open as well. With a suggested $5 donation at the gate, visitors can win raffles totaling more than $1,000 in gifts and certificates. Hilltop Hanover Farm is located at 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights, NY. For info, visit WakeUpNaturally.com.

Greater Mercer County, NJ

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Sixth Annual Holistic Health Extravaganza Coming to New Egypt

f you want to sample a variety of holistic modalities and meet experienced practitioners, then consider attending the Holistic Health Extravaganza from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 21 in New Egypt. The event will host more than 30 holistic practitioners and crafters including aura photography, reiki, nutrition guides, handmade soaps, essential oils, flower remedies, natural skin care, green products, ayurvedic spices and medicine, intuitives/psychics, tai chi, energy medicine, gemstones, crystals, jewelry, chiropractic, teas, foot ionization detox, health screenings, Henna art, authors, workshops, individual sessions as well as giveaways, raffles and food. Cost $5/entrance fee includes two raffles. Location: American Legion, 2 Meadowbrook Ln, New Egypt. For more information, call Siobhan Hutchinson at 609-752-1048, email Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com, or visit NextStepStrategiessLLC.com.

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life! Eliminate problems like overeating, Smoking or Stress ... Forever! Private & Group Counseling Corporate Programs Available SMOKING • SELF ESTEEM • INSOMNIA • FEAR/ANXIETY CONFIDENCE • WEIGHT LOSS • PANIC ATTACKS • MIGRAINES SALES MOTIVATION • SPORTS IMPROVEMENT • PUBLIC SPEAKING BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION • STRESS MANAGEMENT STUDY HABITS • TEST TAKING • AND MORE!

Barry Wolfson, M.S. has 30 years of proven success – Call Today!

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31&Main Farmers Market in Second Season

Origami Owl CUSTOM JEWELRY

ith four farms and three-artisan food and natural product vendors plus beautiful art work managed through Ewing Township’s Art Commission, all from within 50-miles of Ewing Township and greater Mercer County community, the 31&Main Farmers Market continues its mission to connect farmer to consumer in an openair, vibrant and friendly environment. 31&Main boasts of its live music, community groups, cooking demonstrations, special events and prepared foods to enjoy and round out the traditional market experience. The farmers market runs every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10am-2pm through to the end of October. This public-private partnership which is in its second year, keeps the focus of the market on farmers and vendors who also source from local farms. Location: 1928 Pennington Rd, Ewing. For more information call 443-248-6738 or email Lesliesummiel@gmail.com.

natural awakenings

September 2017

esearchers from several international universities have found that seniors that provide caregiving services live longer than those that do not. The scientists analyzed survival data and information collected from the Berlin Aging Study on 500 adults over the age of 69 from 1990 to 2009. They compared survival rates from the subjects that provided caregiving for children, grandchildren and friends to those that did not. Of the subjects analyzed, the half that took care of their grandchildren or children were still alive 10 years after their first interview in 1990. Caring for nonfamily members also produced positive results, with half of the subjects living for seven years after the initial interview. Conversely, 50 percent of those that did not participate in any caregiving had died just four years after their first interview. The researchers warn that caregiving must be done in moderation. Ralph Hertwig, director of the Center for Adaptive Rationality and the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, in Berlin, explains, “A moderate level of caregiving involvement seems to have positive effects on health, but previous studies have shown that more intense involvement causes stress, which has a negative effect on physical and mental health.”

LESS SALT REDUCES NIGHTTIME POTTY VISITS

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Natural Awakenings Each & Every Issue

study from Nagasaki University, in Japan, has found that reducing salt in the diet can cut down on the number of trips to the bathroom during the night. Researchers followed 321 men and women with high-salt diets and sleep problems for 12 weeks. Of the subjects, 223 reduced their salt intake from 10.7 grams per day to 8 grams and the remaining 98 increased their salt intake from 9.6 grams per day to 11 grams. The nighttime urination frequency rate for the salt reduction group dropped from 2.3 times per night to 1.4 times, while the increased salt group’s rose from 2.3 to 2.7 times per night.

EARLY BIRDS EAT BETTER AND EXERCISE MORE

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Greater Mercer County, NJ

esearchers from Helsinki, Finland, analyzed data from 2,000 people to find out how sleeping patterns affected their food choices. They discovered individuals that wake up early make healthier food choices throughout the day and are more physically active. “Linking what and when people eat to their biological clock type provides a fresh perspective on why certain people are more likely to make unhealthy food decisions,” explains lead author Mirkka Maukonen, from the National Institute for Health and Welfare, in Helsinki.

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Caring for Others Prolongs Life

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GIVE YOUR BUSINESS AN ENERGY BOOST

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esearchers from Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, have found that regular yoga practice can help reduce anxiety and depression in young women with eating disorders. The scientists followed 20 girls between the ages of 14 and 18 that were enrolled in an outpatient eating disorder clinic that comprised the larger control group. Those selected agreed to participate in a weekly yoga class and complete questionnaires after six and 12 weeks, assessing their anxiety, depression and mood. Of those that started the study, five attended all 12 yoga classes and six completed between seven and 11 classes. Researchers found decreases in anxiety, depression and negative thoughts among those that participated in the yoga classes, with no negative side effects. Another study from the University of Delaware, in Newark, supports these results. Half of the 38 residential eating disorder treatment program participants did one hour of yoga prior to dinner for five days and the other half did not. The yoga group showed significant reductions in pre-meal anxiety compared to the control group.

Beetroot Juice Helps Older Brains Act Younger

Meditation and Music Aid Memory in Early Stages of Alzheimer’s

new study from West Virginia University, in Morgantown, reveals that listening to music and practicing meditation may help improve memory function for those in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers asked 60 adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a common predictor of Alzheimer’s, to engage in kirtan kriya musical meditation or listen to other music for 12 minutes a day for three months, and then consider continuing for an additional three months. Scientists measured the memory and cognitive function of the 53 participants that completed the six-month study and found significant improvements in both measurements at the three-month mark. At six months, the subjects in both groups had maintained or improved upon their initial results.

Tonsillectomies Help Only Temporarily

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Yoga Eases Eating Disorders

esearchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville, Tennessee, examined the effectiveness of tonsillectomies in children with recurring throat infections. Using data from nearly 10,000 studies of tonsillectomies, the scientists analyzed illness rates and quality of life for young patients following the surgery. The analysis found that children experienced a notable drop in school absences and infections in the first year after the surgery, but that these benefits did not persist over time. Dr. Siva Chinnadurai, an associate professor of otolaryngology and co-author of the report, believes, “For any child being considered a candidate for surgery, the family must have a personalized discussion with their healthcare provider about all of the factors that may be in play and how tonsils fit in as one overall factor of that child’s health.”

eets contain high levels of dietary nitrate, which can increase blood flow and improve exercise performance. Researchers from Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tested the impact of consuming beetroot juice prior to exercise on the somatomotor cortex, the part of the brain that processes information from the muscles. Twenty-six older adults with hypertension that generally don’t exercise were split into two groups. Half were given a beetroot juice supplement with 560 milligrams of nitrate prior to a thrice-weekly, 50-minute treadmill walk for six weeks. The other half were given a placebo with very little nitrate. The beetroot juice group showed substantially higher levels of nitrate after exercising than the placebo group. “We knew going in that a number of studies had shown that exercise has positive effects on the brain,” explains W. Jack Rejeski, director of the Behavioral Medicine Laboratory in the Health and Exercise Science Department at Wake Forest and study co-author. “We showed that compared to exercise alone, adding a beetroot juice supplement for hypertensive older adults to exercise resulted in brain connectivity that closely resembles what is seen in younger adults.”

natural awakenings

September 2017

OCT

healthbriefs

Coming Next Month

study from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, in São Paulo, Brazil, suggests a link between regular yoga practice and an increase in brain cortical thickness, associated with memory and attention. The researchers used brain imaging scans (CT) to measure the cortical thickness of 42 Brazilian women older than 59. Twentyone of the subjects had practiced hatha yoga regularly for at least eight years. These women were compared to 21 other women matched for age and education that engaged in other physical activity comparable to hatha yoga. The researchers found that the cortical thickness in the yoga practitioners was significantly greater in the left prefrontal lobe of the brain. This portion of brain gray matter is linked to awareness, attention, executive function and memory, suggesting that hatha yoga practice may be associated with cognitive preservation. The scientists added, “The present results parallel those previously reported in which younger yoga and meditation practitioners had greater gray matter volumes than non-practitioners in the following brain regions: larger gray matter volume in the right anterior insula and right inferior temporal gyrus.”

Transformative

Travel Plus: Chiropractic October articles include: Life-Changing Travel Selecting a Chiropractor Bone-Density Exercises and so much more!

Yoga Lessens Back Pain and Opioid Use

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Greater Mercer County, NJ

ith the U.S. opioid epidemic reaching a boiling point, insight into the effectiveness of alternative methods of pain relief has become increasingly relevant. Scientists from the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System have found yoga to be an effective technique to reduce back pain. The researchers divided 150 California veterans with chronic low back pain into two equal groups. One attended two yoga classes per week—comprising postures, movement and breathing techniques—for 12 weeks in addition to their more conventional treatment. The other continued such treatment without yoga. Scientists measured pain levels before and after the core study period and again six months later. After only 12 weeks, those that participated in the yoga practice experienced a 2.05 point reduction in Roland−Morris Disability Questionnaire scores, compared to a 1.29 reduction for those that received only usual care. After six months, this difference increased, with the yoga group’s scores decreasing 3.37 points compared to only an 0.89 reduction in the usual care group. In addition, pain intensity scores were reduced by 0.61 in the yoga group and 0.04 in the group receiving usual care after 12 weeks. Opioid medication use declined among all participants, from 20 percent to 8 percent after six months.

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Yoga Increases Healthy Brain Marker

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News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Milk Muddle

The Aurora Organic Dairy pastures and feedlots north of Greeley, Colorado, are home to more than 15,000 cows—more than 100 times the size of a typical organic herd. It is the main facility of the company that supplies milk to Walmart, Costco and other major retailers. They adhere to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations, but critical weaknesses exist in the inspection system the government uses to ensure that food is organic; farmers are allowed to hire their own inspectors to certify them, and thus can fall short of reaching standards without detection. Organic dairies are required to allow the cows to graze daily throughout the growing season rather than be confined to barns and feedlots. Although the USDA National Organic Program allows for an extremely wide range of grazing practices that comply with the rule, Aurora was observed onsite and via satellite imagery by the Washington Post as having only a small percentage of the herd outdoors on any given day. The company disputes the data. U.S. organic dairy sales amounted to $6 billion last year; although it is more expensive to produce, the milk may command a premium price of 100 percent more than regular.

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Organic Milk Producer Under Pressure

Experiential Ed

Finland, internationally renowned for innovative educational practices, is poised to become the first country to eliminate school subjects. Officials are making changes to be implemented by 2020 that will revolutionize how the school system works by allowing pupils to absorb a body of knowledge about language, economics and communication skills. “We need something to fit for the 21st century,” says Department of Education head Marjo Kyllonen. The system will be introduced for seniors beginning at age 16. They will choose which topic or phenomenon they want to study, bearing in mind their ambitions and capabilities. “Instead of staying passively in their benches listening to the teachers, students will now often work in smaller groups collaborating on projects, rather than just assigned classwork and homework.” Another new model of learning sparked by XQ: The Super School Project (xqsuperschool.org) is underway at New Harmony High School, housed on a floating barge at the mouth of the Mississippi River southeast of New Orleans. They’ve received a $10 million grant to work on environmental issues when it opens in 2018. “High schools today are not preparing students for the demands of today’s world,” says XQ Senior School Strategist Monica Martinez; she notes that about a third of college students must take remedial courses and are not prepared to thrive as employees.

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Gestalt-Based Curricula Emerging

Plutonium Problem Glass or Cement May Encase Nuclear Waste

Congress might consider authorizing the U.S. Department of Energy to encase much of the nuclear waste at the Washington state Hanford Nuclear Reservation, the nation’s largest waste repository, in a cement-like mixture, according to a new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. It states that when burying the waste, cement would be less expensive and faster than vitrification, an alternative process currently used to turn the waste into glass logs. A $17 billion vitrification plant, one of the federal government’s most expensive construction projects, is intended to separate much of the waste into high- and low-level radioactive material, but construction has stalled over design and safety concerns. After the highly radioactive waste is immobilized in the glass logs, it would theoretically be shipped to an as-yet-nonexistent national repository proposed for Yucca Mountain, in Nevada. The 56 million gallons of waste in question is left over from plutonium production for nuclear weapons since World War II, and the site itself has a history of leaks. The Department of Energy likes the cement burial, but state officials believe the best way to safely deal with the waste and protect the environment is by turning it into glass. Source: enews.earthlink.net

natural awakenings

September 2017

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The Egyptian fruit bat is a highly social mammal that roosts in crowded colonies. A machine learning algorithm helped decode their squeaks, revealing that they speak to one another as individuals. The research appears in the journal Scientific Reports. Researchers at Tel Aviv University, in Israel, discovered that the bats exchange information about specific problems in four categories. Ramin Skibba, at Nature, notes that besides humans, only dolphins and a handful of other species are known to address individuals, rather than making broad, general communication sounds. Studies allow that it may eventually be possible to understand nuanced communications in other species.

Rolling Internet

Winnebago Assists Computer Literacy Librarian Shannon Morrison drives the Digibus, a new, 40-foot-long Winnebago computer classroom that hit the road in January bound for Fresno County, California, communities with the goal of bringing free computer literacy and job searching skills to the public. It employs 12 computer tablets with keyboards and staff that include bilingual interpreters. The library bus was scheduled to spend one week at each of two different communities each month.

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Common Weed Is Lightweight Insulator The Canadian Coast Guard is testing milkweed pods as a source of potential environmentally friendly insulation in partnership with Encore3, a manufacturing company in Québec, Canada, in prototype parkas, gloves and mittens. The plant is roughly five times lighter than synthetic insulation and hypoallergenic. The Farm Between, in Cambridge, Vermont, harvests the plants and sends the material to Encore3. Co-owner John Hayden says, “Milkweed is grown as an intercrop between the rows in our apple orchard to increase biodiversity and provide a host plant for monarch caterpillars. Monarch populations are in serious decline, and the two things we can do to help on the land we steward are to not use pesticides and provide milkweed habitat.”

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Lasers Stamp Prices on European Produce Food retailers are aiming to cut plastic and cardboard packaging by ditching stickers on fruits and vegetables, instead using high-tech laser “natural branding” and creating huge savings in materials, energy and CO2 emissions. Pilot projects are underway in Europe with organic avocados, sweet potatoes and coconuts. The technique uses a strong light to remove pigment from the skin of produce. The mark is invisible once the skin is removed and doesn’t affect shelf life or produce quality. The laser technology also creates less than 1 percent of the carbon emissions needed to produce a similar-sized sticker. Source: The Guardian 14

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Bat Banter

Computers Decipher Animal Language

Free Wheeling

Architecture Becomes Portable Innovative, moveable mini-houses, tents and wagons are gaining advocates amid a trend toward traveling light with style. Designs range from the functional to the outlandish, and also encompass forms of transport from tugboats to tractors. The four-wheeled Collingwood Shepherd Hut wagon has a shingled exterior and wood-burning stove. Some options can provide ready shelter during a crisis or protection in extreme weather. The Rapid Deployment Module temporary dwelling can be assembled in an hour; DesertSeal’s inflatable, lightweight tent can ward off extreme heat. The experimental Camper Kart turns a shopping cart into a mini-home with a roof, sleeping deck and storage, all of which can be folded right back into the cart. The Portaledge is a small hanging tent that climbers can affix to a rock face and sleep in safely partway up the rock. Golden Gate 2 camper features a rounded timber frame, portholes and a spot for a surfboard. Find fun pictures at AtlasObscura.com/ articles/mobile-architecture-tiny-houses.

Elder Force

Retired Volunteers Keep National Parks Humming Retirees are volunteering at hundreds of nationally protected lands. They staff visitor centers, do maintenance, clean up debris and remind visitors to keep food items secure from wildlife. Last year, volunteers outnumbered National Park Service staff about 20 to one, expanding the financially strapped agency’s ability to serve hundreds of millions of visitors. Nearly a third of them are 54 and up, contributing to the 7.9 million service hours worked in 2015 by all 400,000 volunteers. Volunteer opportunities also exist at National Wildlife Refuge sites, fish hatcheries and endangered species field offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Sallie Gentry, volunteer coordinator for the Southeast Region, based in Atlanta, notes that Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has a dozen designated spots for motor homes in its Volunteer Village. She says most volunteers are local retired residents whose working hours vary while RV volunteers commit to 20 hours a week for at least three months. In return, they get free hookups for electricity, sewage, propane and water. “They have skills they want to contribute, but are also looking for a social outlet,” notes Gentry. Cookouts and potlucks are common. She also cites the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, an important migratory stop especially for songbirds, as a place with great appeal. “We supply uniforms, training, tools and orientations,” says Gentry. “It’s a mutually beneficial investment.” She suggests that individuals apply for specific sites at least a year in advance. Megan Wandag, volunteer coordinator for the USFWS Midwest Region, based in Minneapolis, cites the popular Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, in Bloomington, and the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, near Des Moines, as “oases near urban areas.” USFWS Southwest Region volunteer coordinator Juli Niemann highlights the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, in central New Mexico, that has 18 recreation vehicle spots and an average occupancy duration of five months. “It’s a prime wintering place for sandhill cranes.” Volunteer.gov updates site details and contact information at federal facilities nationwide.

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Aging with Passion and Purpose Finding Fulfillment, Creativity and Meaning by Deborah Shouse

ant to age well? The answer isn’t in your 401k. Self-acceptance, a positive attitude, creative expression, purposeful living and spiritual connections all anchor successful and meaningful aging. In fact, these kinds of preparations are just as important as saving money for retirement, according to Ron Pevny, director of the Center for Conscious Eldering, in Durango, Colorado, and author of Conscious Living, Conscious Aging.

Savor Self-Acceptance

While most people believe adulthood is the final stage of life, Dr. Bill Thomas is among the creative aging experts that identify another life chapter: elderhood. “Elders possess novel ways of approaching time, money, faith and relationships,” says Thomas, an Ithaca, New York geriatrician and fierce advocate for the value of aging. “The best chapters may be near the end of the book,” Thomas continues. “Once you appreciate yourself and your years, you can relinquish outdated expectations and seek to discover your true self. Then the world can open up to you,” says Thomas. “Living a rewarding life means we are willing to say, ‘These chapters now are the most interesting.’” During this time, rather than feeling consumed by what we have to do, we can focus on what we want to do. 16

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Fill the Funnel of Friends

For older people, relationships offer foundational connections; but as we age, friends may drift away, relocate or die. “Successful aging requires refilling our funnel of friends,” says Thomas, who considers socially engaged elders with friends wealthier than a socially isolated millionaire. “Notice opportunities for interacting and connecting,” advises Shae Hadden, co-founder of The Eldering Institute in Vancouver, Canada. Talk with the checkout person at the grocery store or smile at a stranger walking her dog.

Cultivate a Positive Attitude

Our beliefs about aging shape our experiences. A Yale University study found that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those less so inclined. Connecting with positive role models helps us release limiting beliefs and embrace an attitude of gratitude instead. Other life lessons can be gleaned from observing how negativity affects people physically, emotionally, and socially. Holding onto regrets traps us in the past zapping energy and self-worth; it also keeps the best in us from shining out says Pevny. He suggests a simple letting-go ceremony, with friends as witnesses. If possible, hold it in a natural outdoor setting.

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At one of his conscious aging retreats, Pevny created a fire circle. Mike, 70, had been a dedicated long-distance runner for most of his life. Now plagued with mobility issues, Mike decided to let go of regrets. He brought a pair of running shorts into the circle and talked about what the sport had meant to him—its joys, challenges and camaraderie. Then he tossed the shorts into the fire, telling his friends, “I am letting go so I can find a new purpose and passion.”

Understand Our Life Stories

Creating our own life review helps us acknowledge and understand our most significant experiences and reminds us of all we’re bringing to our elder journey. Pevny offers these approaches: ■ Develop a timeline, dividing life into seven-year sections. For each, write about the strongest memories and most influential people. ■ Consider what matters most, from people and values to challenges and dreams. ■ Write to children and grandchildren, sharing tales of our life’s most significant events and lessons. ■ Record key stories on audio or video.

Explore the Arts

The changes that aging brings can mire elders in depression and isolation. “Older people need to be brave and resilient,” says Susan Perlstein, of Brooklyn, New York, founder emeritus of the National Center for Creative Aging, in Washington, D.C., and founder of Elders Share the Arts, in New York City. “To age creatively, we need a flow of varied experiences, exploring new activities or reframing longtime interests from a fresh perspective.” Expressive arts can engage people’s minds, bodies and spirits. A George Washington University study shows that people engaged in the arts are happier and healthier. Perlstein understands this firsthand, having begun taking guitar lessons in her 70s. Motivated to play simple songs for her new granddaughter, she subsequently learned to play jazz and blues tunes and joined a band. “I’m doing something I love,” says Perlstein. “I’m meeting diverse people, learning new things and enjoying a rich life.”

The answers can lead to fresh settings, including local community centers and places of worship. Many universities have extension classes for lifelong learners. State arts councils support programs, and museums and libraries host helpful activities. Shepherd Centers encourage community learning and Road Scholar caters to elders that prefer to travel and study.

Older people are our greatest resource. We need to nurture them and give them a chance to share what they know. ~Susan Perlstein, founder, National Center for Creative Aging and Elders Share the Arts Musician John Blegen, of Kansas City, Missouri, was 73 when he realized his lifelong secret desire to tap dance. When Blegen met the then 87-year-old Billie Mahoney, Kansas City’s “Queen of Tap,” he blurted out his wish and fear of being “too old.” She just laughed and urged him to sign up for her adult beginner class. He asked for tap shoes for Christmas and happily shuffle-stepped his way through three class sessions. “Tap class inspired me, encouraged me and gave me hope,” he says. “Now I can shim sham and soft shoe. It’s a dream come true.” To unearth the inner artist, ask: ■ Which senses do I most like to engage? ■ Do I enjoy looking at art or listening to music? Do I like sharing feelings and experiences? If so, a thrill may come from writing stories or plays, acting or storytelling. ■ As a child, what did I yearn to do; maybe play the piano, paint or engineer a train set? Now is the time to turn those dreams into reality. ■ How can I reframe my life in a positive way when I can no longer do activities I love? If dancing was my focus before, how do I rechannel that energy and passion? If puttering in the garden is too strenuous, what other outdoor interests can I pursue?

Discover a Purpose

Upon retirement some people feel purposeless and lost. They yearn for something that offers up excitement, energy and joy. Hadden invites people to be curious and explore options. “We’re designing our future around who we are and what we care about now,” she says. Try keeping a journal for several weeks. Jot down issues and ideas that intrigue, aggravate and haunt. After several weeks, reflect on the links between concerns that compel and those that irritate. Perhaps we’re intrigued by a certain group of people or a compelling issue. “A concern points to problems and people you want to help,” Hadden observes. This can range from lending a hand to struggling family members, maintaining our own health, volunteering for a literacy project or working to reduce world hunger. “Choose what inspires you to get out of bed each day, eager to move into action.”

Develop Inner Frontiers

People in their elder years may still be measured by midlife standards, which include physical power, productivity and achievement. “They come up short in the eyes of younger people,” dharma practitioner Kathleen Dowling Singh remarks. “But those standards do not define a human life.” Rather, aging allows us to disengage from the pressures of appearances and accomplishments. As we release judgments and unwanted habits, we can increase our feelings of spirituality and peace. “When doors in the outer world seem to be closing, it’s time to cultivate inner resources that offer us joy and meaning. We have the beautiful privilege of slowing down and hearing what our heart is saying,” says Singh, of Sarasota, Florida.

natural awakenings

September 2017

Acknowledge Our Shelf Life

“We cannot speak about aging and awakening without speaking about death and dying,” Singh believes. “We need to confront our mortality.” Meditating on the coming transition opens us up to the blessings of life. We can ask ourselves deep questions such as, “What am I doing? What do I want? What does this all mean? What is spirit?” Singh believes such searching questions are vital. None of us knows how much Earth time we have to awaken to a deeper, fuller experience of the sacred.

Help the World In today’s world of chaos and crisis, the wisdom of elders is more important than ever. “Older people need to be engaged, using their insights to help the Earth, community and world,” Pevny says. Creative aging is about improving the future for subsequent generations. In 2008, longtime educator Nora Ellen Richard, 70, of Overland Park, Kan-

O C T

Nearly three-quarters of America’s adults believe they are lifelong learners. ~Pew Research Center sas, wanted to be of greater service. She asked herself, “What if I housed a foreign student?” and found the International Student Homestay Program. She embarked upon an exploration of cultures from around the world without leaving home. Today, Richard has hosted more than a dozen female students and each relationship has expanded and enriched her life. “We talk about politics, food, religion and cultures; we even pray together,” Richard says. She points to memorable moments of bonding and respect, appreciation and celebration, and says, “As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned how vital it is to nurture the world I am in.”

Creative Aging Resources Center for Conscious Eldering CenterForConsciousEldering.com Changing Aging ChangingAging.org Dr. Bill Thomas DrBillThomas.org The Eldering Institute Eldering.org Elders Share the Arts Estanyc.org From Aging to Sageing Sage-ing.org Kathleen Dowling Singh KathleenDowlingSingh.com National Center for Creative Aging CreativeAging.org Shepherd’s Centers of America ShepherdCenters.org

Coming Next Month Chiropractic plus: Transformative Travel October articles include: Selecting a Chiropractor, Bone-Density Exercises Life-Changing Travel, and more!

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Deborah Shouse is a writer, speaker, editor and dementia advocate. Her newest book is Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together. Connect at DementiaJourney.org.

Meditation is one way to deepen spiritually as we age. “Sit in solitude, gather your scattered thoughts and set an intention,” Singh suggests. “A daily practice shows what peace, silence and contentment feel like. As you become more comfortable, add time until you’re sitting for 20 to 40 minutes.”

fitbody

Rodney Yee on Yoga as a Way of Life Simple Strategies for Staying on Track by Marlaina Donato

enowned yogi and international teacher Rodney Yee, of New York City, has maintained an inspired yoga practice for 37 years while juggling career obligations, fame and family life. While the benefits of yoga are increasingly well known—from stress reduction and pain management to a more limber body and inner peace—Yee is also aware of the challenges to maintaining a consistent practice. Here he shares insights on the pitfalls encountered by both beginning and advanced students. “My advice is to first get rid of self-berating behavior, including judgmental inner dialogue. In many aspects of life, we are constantly measuring ourselves against a standard, which is a waste of time and energy,” says Yee. With a professional background in classical dance and gymnastics, Yee decided to give yoga a try at a nearby studio when he craved more physical flexibility. “As many people do, I came to yoga for a reason. I was a dancer with tight joints. After the first class, I couldn’t believe how I felt. It was not at all like an athletic high; I had a sense of well-being and knew what it means to feel peaceful and clear.” For people with jam-packed lives, finding time for exercise can be daunting. Yee suggests a relaxed approach to scheduling yoga into a busy day. “As the rishis [Hindu sages] say, we shouldn’t ‘try’ to meditate, not try to force a natural state. To say, ‘I have to do yoga,’ just puts another thing on our to-do list. Sometimes discipline is needed, but another part of discipline is not about force.”

Different approaches to yoga abound, and part of staying motivated may include exploration of a variety of traditions as individual needs change due to lifestyle, health, interests or simple curiosity. Yee reminds us to go with the flow and follow how we feel in the moment. “Different schools of yoga exist because each offers something different. There is a form for all of our moods and a practice for how you feel at any given time.” Reflecting on how his own practice has evolved through the years, Yee recollects, “In my 20s and 30s, my yoga practice was arduous, including three to four hours of strong, physical work and a half hour of pranayama [breath work]. Then for 20 years, it involved a lot of teaching. Over the past 17 years, my practice has become more subtle, with a focus on sequencing and meditation; it’s about how to do this all day long in the context of my body and my life; about being both centered and in the world. In some way, we’re always doing yoga, as we already take 20,000 breaths a day. From a philosophical and ethical point of view, yogis have no choice but to practice.” Because many American women have found their way to a yogic path, men often assume it’s primarily a women’s niche. But yoga has been a male practice for nearly 2,500 years in other countries. Yee encourages men to not feel intimidated. “Why not try something that can help you improve your business, family life and even your golf game?” he queries. While Yee believes in a no-pressure approach, he also suggests inviting ways to foster consistency. “If you are just beginning, set aside a half-hour before going to bed or get up a half-hour earlier. Also note that pain is less to be avoided than learned from.” Wisdom can come from dedication to a yoga practice. Yee’s philosophy is, “You can blink and half your life is gone. You can’t always be busy, busy, busy; you have to decide how to fill your life. As spiritual teacher Ram Dass counsels, ‘Be here now.’ Train yourself to bring body, mind and heart together and fully drink from that.” Learn more at YeeYoga.com. Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

You can blink and half your life is gone. You can’t always be busy, busy, busy; you have to decide how to fill your life.

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September 2017

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FLOATING AWAY STRESS

Isolation Tanks Induce Deep Rest and Healing by Gina McGalliard

ensory isolation in a floatation tank is known for inducing deep relaxation with subsequent improved health. A 2014 study published in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry investigating the effects of a series of flotation tank treatments for 65 participants, showed it to be an effective measure in decreasing stress, depression, anxiety and pain, while enhancing a sense of optimism and quality of sleep. The Book of Floating: Exploring the Private Sea, by Michael Hutchison, reports on 20th-century research suggesting the therapy can help allay ailments like chronic pain, migraines and sore muscles. There’s also evidence for enhanced meditation, creativity and spiritual experiences. Float therapy was invented by Dr. John C. Lilly, a neurophysiology specialist. The individual enters an enclosed tank containing 11 inches of water heated to 93.5 degrees—a normal temperature for human skin— and some 1,000 pounds of dissolved Epsom salt. The effect is like buoyantly floating in the Dead Sea, but in a clean, quiet, private realm. The water is typically filtered three to five times 20

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between each session and sanitized using UV light; some also use peroxide and ozone gas to purify the water. Without any sensory input—no sight, sound or tactile sensations—the floater typically enters a profound deeply calm state of theta brain waves that tends to bring the subconscious to the surface. It can take experienced meditators years to learn to consistently achieve this condition, remarks Bryan Gray, of Float North County, a spa in Solana Beach, California.

Ultimate Meditation Venue

Scientific research has shown that floating can release the feel-good neurotransmitters endorphins and dopamine, and lower the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Studies performed by the Laureate Institute of Brain Research, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which maintains a float clinic, have found the therapy is an effective treatment for patients with anxiety disorders. “It frees your mind of distraction and puts it in a zone,” explains Gray. “It removes the need for fight or flight, so those hormones are reduced. That part of the brain mellows out.”

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Marvelous Magnesium

Lying for an hour in water infused with Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, the body receives a huge infusion of magnesium, a mineral essential to optimal health. While calcium and vitamin D deficiencies get more attention, it’s even more likely most of us are low on this element due to magnesiumdepleting drugs and inadequate farm soils. Many ailments shown by research to be helped by floating have also been linked to magnesium deficiency.The mineral is also essential for heart health, strong bones and central nervous system function, as reported in The Magnesium Miracle, by Dr. Carolyn Dean, a physician and naturopath in Kihei, Hawaii.

Wide-Ranging Healings

Chronic pain sufferers often find relief through floating because the lessened gravity allows the body to fully relax. The accompanying serenity releases the brain’s natural endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, into the bloodstream, reports Hutchison. The sheer tranquility of floating can alleviate some mental health

Discoveries Within

Floaters can fall into what sleep specialists call the hypnagogic state, meaning they are apt to have lucid dreams while awake. Also known as Stage 1 sleep, it is the drowsiest condition we experience while still consciously aware. This is the scientific explanation for reports of visions or “Eureka!” problem-solving moments in the tank, says Hutchison. This phenomenon can be especially beneficial for creative artists. “We have a girl that always emerges from the tank with an idea for a new painting,” says Gray. He also regularly hosts a composer that has worked with famous singers, who has experienced innovative musical breakthroughs while floating. Floating is among the rare healing modalities that can benefit body, mind and spirit in just one hour, with repeat benefits.

inspiration

BEING BEAUTY

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issues. “We’ve treated several people with post-traumatic stress disorder. One man has returned six times and says he’s advanced more in the last three months while floating than he did in the prior five to 10 years,” says Andy Larson, owner of Float Milwaukee. Athletes also appreciate floating because it shortens injury recovery periods through enhancing blood flow, helping to heal sore muscles. The way it facilitates a calm state ideal for implanting ideas into the subconscious mind enables them to better visualize improved performance.

What Makes Us Glow by Glennon Doyle Melton

lenty of people are pretty, but haven’t yet learned how to be beautiful. They have the right look for the times, but they don’t glow. Beautiful women glow. That’s because beautiful is not about how we look on the outside; it is about what we’re made of and being “full of beauty” on the inside. Beautiful people spend time discovering what their idea of beauty is on this Earth. They know themselves well enough to know what they love, and they love themselves enough to fill up with a little of their particular kind of beauty each day. When we are with a beautiful woman, we might not notice her hair, skin, body or clothes, because we’ll be Gina McGalliard is a freelance writer distracted by the way she makes us feel. in San Diego, CA. Connect at She is so full of beauty that some of it SunnyAd.qxp_Layout 2 8/9/15 10:51 AM Page 1 overflows onto us. We feel warm and GinaMcGalliard.com.

safe and curious around her. Her eyes typically twinkle a little and she’ll look at us closely—because a beautiful, wise woman knows that the quickest way to fill up with beauty is to soak in another’s beauty. The most beautiful women take their time with other people; they are filling up. Women concerned with being pretty think about what they look like, but women concerned with being beautiful think about what they are looking at, taking in the loveliness around them. They are absorbing the whole beautiful world and making all that beauty theirs to give to others. Source: Adapted excerpt from Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton (Flatiron Books). She’s the founder and president of the nonprofit Together Rising. Read more at Momastery.com/blog.

Transform Your Life – Body, Mind & Heart Would you like to have the ability, knowledge and tools to create the life you desire? Call today to schedule your complimentary 15-minute phone session.

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Fluoride Alert Excess in Food and Tap Water Harms Pets by Karen Becker

n 2009, an Environmental Working Group (EWG) study found that bone meal and animal byproducts in eight of 10 major national dog food brands contain fluoride in amounts between 1.6 and 2.5 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended maximum dose in drinking water. Some fluoride from tap water used in the manufacturing of pet food contributes to this. Olga Naidenko, Ph.D., lead researcher of the study, remarks, “A failed regulatory system and suspect practices by some in the pet food industry puts countless dogs at risk of ingesting excessive fluoride.” Fluoride occurs naturally in rocks, soil and thus some food plants and water supplies. More enters food via use of fluoride-based pesticides and commercial processing facilities. The EWG advises that two-thirds of all Americans, along with pets and farm animals, are exposed to artificially fluoridated tap water.

Fluoride Dangers to Humans While fluoride exposure hasn’t been studied in dogs or cats, according to 22

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Dr. Joseph Mercola, ample research points to the dangers of fluoride to human health, including: ■ Arthritis ■ Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) ■ Bone fractures ■ Brain damage and lowered IQ ■ Damaged sperm and increased infertility ■ Deactivation of 62 enzymes ■ Dementia ■ Disrupted immune system ■ Disrupted synthesis of collagen ■ Genetic damage and cell death ■ Hyperactivity and/or lethargy ■ Impaired sleep (inhibits melatonin produced by the pineal gland) ■ Increased lead absorption ■ Increased tumor and cancer rate ■ Inhibited formation of antibodies ■ Lowered thyroid function ■ Muscle disorders

Fluoride Dangers to Canines Dogs are at substantial long-term risk for exposure to unacceptably high levels of fluoride. They are, for example, at

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significantly higher probability for bone cancer than humans, with more than 8,000 cases diagnosed each year in the U.S., compared with about 900 human cases. According to the EWG, a dog drinking normal amounts of tap water would be exposed to 0.05 to 0.1 milligram (mg) of fluoride per kilogram (kg) of body weight daily. A 10-pound puppy that daily eats about a cup of dog food would ingest approximately 0.25 mg fluoride per kg body weight a day, based on average fluoride content in the eight contaminated brands it tested. Altogether, the puppy could be exposed to 3.5 times more fluoride than the EPA allows in drinking water. Large breed puppies may be exposed to even more fluoride due to higher water intake. Whatever the size and the appetite of a dog, combined fluoride exposure from food and water can easily become unsafe. Eating the same food every day, they may be constantly consuming more fluoride than is healthy for normal growth, leading to health problems and higher veterinary bills later in life.

Prevent High Ingestion of Fluoride

The EWG recommends owners purchase pet foods free of bone meal and other meals made from animal byproducts. It also suggests that government set fluoride limits in pet food that protect both puppies and large breeds most at risk for bone cancer. Dr. Michael W. Fox, an internation-

Fluoride-Free Feeding Tips ■

In homemade food preparation, avoid Teflon-coated pans, which may increase the fluoride levels in food.

■ Avoid cooking with fluoridated water, which concentrates fluoride in the food. ■ Avoid toothpaste or oral rinses intended for humans, to brush canine teeth. Dental health products made for pets are fluoride-free.

ally recognized veterinarian and former vice president of the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, recommends providing pets with fluoride-free water; spring water or reverse osmosis filtered water also works well. In preparing homemade food for a pet, make sure any added bone meal is free of fluoride and lead. Ethical bone meal producers will test for these contaminants; verify with the source. Fox suggests a good bone meal substitute might be fossilized oyster shell, dolomite or a synthesized or refined calcium supplement like calcium citrate, ascorbate, stearate or gluconate. Or, consider a pure tricalcium and dicalcium phosphate, blended with magnesium. Fox attests that bones from longer-lived food animals such as dairy cows, laying hens and breeding stock likely contain higher levels of fluoride than shorter-lived animals like chickens, calves and lambs. In his article “Fluoride in Pet Food: A Serious Health Risk for Both Dogs and Cats?” he writes: “Fluorides accumulate in farmed animals over time from phosphate fertilizers, phosphate supplements, bone meal and fish meal supplements and pesticide and industrial-pollution-contaminated pastures and animal feed. The bones, fins, gills and scales of fish are often high in fluoride.” He recommends raw food diets that avoid ground bone from older animals like beef cattle and adult sheep.

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Dr. Karen Becker is a proactive and integrative veterinarian in the Chicago area, consults internationally and writes Mercola Healthy Pets (HealthyPets. Mercola.com).

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September 2017

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FABULOUS FAN FARE Healthy Tailgating Foods to Cheer For by Judith Fertig

at, play, party… and repeat. We may call it tailgating, fangating, homegating, a watch party or simply eating with friends before a big game. According to the American Tailgaters Association, in St. Paul, Minnesota, an estimated 50 million Americans tailgate annually. Whether we’re on the road or at home, making the menu healthy is a winning strategy for hosts and guests. Here, two experts divulge their winning ways. Says Debbie Moose, author of Fan Fare: A Playbook of Great Recipes for Tailgating or Watching the Game at Home, Ivy League schools like Princeton and Yale claim credit for pregame picnics that 19th-century sports fans packed into their horse and buggy for local road trips. Moose lives in the tailgate trifecta of the North Carolina triangle, home to Duke, North Carolina and Wake Forest universities. She enjoyed discovering that University of Washington sports fans from the Seattle area like to sail to their chosen picnic spots, while

University of Hawaii folks grill fish on hibachis in Honolulu. Moose naturally prefers healthy, Southern-style fare such as deviled eggs and marinated green bean salad, which can be served hot, cold or at room temperature. “At the game or at home, your guests will be moving around, so go for foods that can be eaten with one hand,” she suggests. She also plans her menu around color, universal appeal and variety because it’s healthier than just serving a mound of barbecued chicken wings and a big bowl of potato chips. She likes recipes that can do double duty; her black bean summer salad with cherry tomatoes and corn can function as a colorful side dish or as a salsa for nonGMO blue corn chips. “Recipes that you can do ahead of time make things easier on game day; just pull them from the fridge and go,” says Moose. Daina Falk, of New York City, grew up around professional athletes because her father, David Falk, is a well-known

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. 24

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sports agent. Excitement-generating sports are in her blood and inspired her to write The Hungry Fan’s Game Day Cookbook. She knows that most of the tailgating in her area takes place for football and baseball games and NASCAR races. On HungryFan.com, Falk serves up tips for every fangating/homegating occasion, from the Kentucky Derby to the Super Bowl. “Keep your menu interesting,” says Falk. “I always like to feature a dish for each team. For instance, if you’re hosting an Alabama versus Washington watch party, you could feature an Alabama barbecue dish with white sauce and oysters or other fresh seafood. Both dishes are characteristic of the local foods in the universities’ respective hometowns.” Falk recommends buying more local beer than needed to make sure not to run out. Game day guests can get hot and thirsty, indoors or out. Supply lots of filtered water in non-breakable containers. For easy entertaining, Falk recommends biodegradable dishes and cups. “Whenever there are a lot of people in one room, especially when they’re drinking, a glass will likely be broken,” she says. “Save yourself cleanup and the risk of glass shards by committing to temporary cups and plates that are Earth-friendly and compostable.” Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Healthy Tailgating Recipes Crowd-Pleasing Marinated Green Beans Yields: 8 servings This simple salad is easy to double or triple. Make it the day before the game and refrigerate. Â˝ large red onion, thinly sliced 1 /3 cup extra virgin olive oil Âź cup herb-flavored white wine vinegar or regular white wine vinegar Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed, but left long Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the sliced onions in a colander over the sink. In a small bowl, stir together the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper until combined. Stir in the garlic. Set aside. When the water comes to a boil, add the green beans. Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or just until the beans are bright green; do not overcook. Pour the beans and hot water over the onions in the colander. Rinse under cold running water to cool down. Drain well for a few minutes. Place the beans and onions in a large bowl or large re-sealable plastic bag. Pour the dressing in and mix with the vegetables.

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Refrigerate four hours or overnight, stirring or shaking occasionally. Let come to room temperature before serving. Courtesy of Debbie Moose, Fan Fare: A Playbook of Great Recipes for Tailgating or Watching the Game at Home.

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natural awakenings

September 2017

Chilled Red Bell Pepper Soup Yields: 4 small servings Quadruple this recipe to make soup for a larger gathering. Serve in small sipping cups—cold for games in hot weather or hot for games in cold weather.

Black Bean Summer Salad Yields: 8 side dishes or 4 light meals This salad is easily doubled to feed a crowd. 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and well drained 5 or 6 green onions, white and green parts, chopped 1 large sweet banana pepper, seeded and chopped 1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp lime juice 2½ Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp chili powder Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 /3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1 red bell pepper, stemmed ½ cup low-fat Greek or dairy-free yogurt ¼ yellow onion 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1 small/mini-cucumber ¼ cup rice vinegar 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 4 large garlic cloves 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil Garnish: Flat leaf (Italian) parsley (minced optional) Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds Blend all main ingredients, except garnish, in a high-speed blender into purée. Serve topped with the parsley and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.

In a large bowl, toss together the corn, black beans, green onions, banana pepper and tomatoes.

Adapted from Daina Falk’s HungryFan.com.

Vegetarian-Friendly Barbecue Cauliflower Nuggets Yields: 8 appetizer servings Plant-based barbecue is a home run or touchdown. 1 head of cauliflower 1 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour 1 Tbsp barbecue spice blend 1 cup nut milk of choice 1 cup tomato-based barbecue sauce Accompaniment: Dipping sauce of choice Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse and separate cauliflower florets into small- to medium-sized pieces.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, chili powder, salt and pepper.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the barbecue spice, flour and nut milk until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat them all. Then stir in the cilantro.

Dredge each piece of cauliflower in the batter before placing it on the baking sheet.

Refrigerate from 1 to 3 hours to let the flavors come together.

Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the cauliflower with barbecue sauce and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Note: If using frozen corn, drain it well and lightly sauté in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil before adding it to the salad. This removes moisture that may make the salad watery. Courtesy of Debbie Moose, Southern Holidays: A Savor the South Cookbook. 26

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Remove the cauliflower from the baking sheet and plate alongside a dipping sauce of your choice. Adapted from Daina Falk’s HungryFan.com.

wisewords

the missing link in bridging science and spiritualty.

What difference can exploring the nature of consciousness make?

Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo

JOINING SCIENCE TO SPIRITUALITY by Linda Sechrist

n 2008, the Sebastopol, California, filmmaking team of Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo created Science and Nonduality (SAND), which later became a nonprofit organization aimed at fostering a new relationship with spirituality that is free from religious dogma, based on timeless wisdom traditions, informed by cutting-edge science and grounded in direct experience. The next year, they organized the first SAND conference, exploring nonduality and the nature of consciousness. Since then, the duo has been producing short films that contribute to the expansion of human awareness, and hosting annual conferences in the U.S. and Europe involving leading scientists, academics and other pioneering thinkers. Thousands of participants from around the world interact in forums and respectful dialogues with luminaries such as Menas Kafatos, Ph.D., a professor of computational physics at Chapman University, in Orange, California; Peter Russell, a theoretical physicist and author of From Science to God: A Physicist’s Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness; Robert Thurman, Ph.D., professor of Tibetan Buddhist studies at Columbia University, in New York City; evolutionary biologist Elisabet Sahtouris, author of EarthDance: Living Systems in Evolution; and Robert Lanza, physician, scientist and co-author of Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe.

Where do revelations about a deeper reality begin? MB: Individual and communal explorations often occur around life’s big questions, such as what it means to be conscious and to seek meaning and purpose; the possible place of intuition as the edge where knowledge meets the unknown and unknowable; and how crucial individual awakening is to social transformation.

What is meant by nonduality? ZB: Nonduality is the philosophical, spiritual and scientific understanding of fundamental oneness in which there is no separation. Through quantum mechanics, Western science has reached an understanding of what Eastern mystics have long understood. Duality, generally determined in terms of opposites such as self and other, conscious and unconscious, illusion and reality, as well as separation between the observer and the observed, is an illusion. Nonduality is the understanding that our identifying with common dualisms avoids recognition of a deeper reality. Until recently, human sciences have ignored the problem of consciousness by calling it the “hard problem”. This has led to our present fragmented worldview rife with chaos, conflict and crises. It may be time for scientists to accept the discoveries of the mystics and consider consciousness intrinsic to every observed scientific phenomenon. Understanding that consciousness is the key to the universe, reality and ourselves may be

ZB: Understanding the new science that points to consciousness as allpervasive and the fundamental building block of reality—that we are all made of the same essence, like drops in the ocean—can change how we approach and harmonize day-to-day living. We can be far more open, peaceful and accepting of others. Absurd violence, as well as economic, social and political crises, could all be things of the past, based on a new quantum understanding of our interconnectedness and oneness.

How has the nonduality movement evolved? MB: SAND has evolved into something we never imagined when we began discussing the ideas that the true spirit of science and spirituality is best supported by an open mind and a non-dogmatic inquiry; while science seeks to understand our external reality and spiritual thinkers seek to understand our inner, personal experience of consciousness, these seemingly different disciplines rarely come together in open dialogue. It became more evident that we weren’t looking for scientific answers or proof of what spiritual wisdom traditions teach, but rather to expand the questions asked of both science and spirituality. Open-ended questions arise such as: What if space and time are just useful maps and quantum mechanics is pointing us to a deeper reality more mysterious than we can ever imagine? What if science and spirituality, while responding to our collective aspiration to grow and progress, would no longer need to carry the burden of having all the answers? What if we considered our search openended, rather then having to arrive at a grand theory of life or final state of enlightenment? What if, while we probe deeper into reality and who we are, we realize that knowledge gathered will always be just a stepping-stone? For information about the 2017 conference in San Jose from Oct. 18 to 22, visit ScienceAndNonduality.com.

natural awakenings

September 2017

greenliving

SOLAR HEATS UP Demand Surges as Prices Fall

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by Jim Motavalli

ow is a good time to buy a solar system and get off the grid. Solar photovoltaic prices have fallen 67 percent in the last five years, reports Alexandra Hobson with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). It’s a boom period for solar—a record 14.8 gigawatts were installed last year in the U.S. Solar represented 39 percent of all new electric capacity added to the grid in 2016, surpassing natural gas (29 percent) and wind (26 percent). In the first quarter of this year, solar and wind together comprised more than half of all new U.S. power generation. The Solar Investment Tax Credit was extended for five years at the end of 2015, so homeowners and businesses can qualify to deduct 30 percent of the installed cost from their federal taxes. Also, there’s no upper limit on the prices for the qualifying panels. There are 1.3 million solar systems in the U.S. now, with a new 28

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one added every 84 seconds. Some 260,000 people currently work in the industry, double the figure of 2012. California is the leader in installed capacity, followed by North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Utah.

Technical Breakthroughs

In 2016, the average residential solar system produced seven kilowatts, at an average installed cost of $3.06 per watt, according to Hobson. A system costing just over $21,000 before taking the income tax credit yields a final net cost of $15,000. “It’s a perfect marriage for residential customers,” says Bill Ellard, an energy economist with the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). “The systems will produce electricity for about five cents per kilowatt-hour year-round compared to the average electric price of 10.34 cents per kilowatt hour tracked in March 2017.” New solar panel designs coming

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online mean even greater savings. Panels with built-in micro-inverters are cutting home installation costs for large central units (although their longterm, all-weather durability isn’t clear yet). A breakthrough at Japan’s Kobe University means single solar cells could achieve 50 percent efficiency, up from the 30 percent formerly accepted as the upper limit. Ugly panel frames may also be a thing of the past. More aesthetically pleasing frameless panels are expected this year from big players like SolarWorld, Canadian Solar and Trina Solar, with adapted mounting hardware. Producers like Prism Solar and DSM Advanced Surfaces are also working on frameless clear panels, with cells bound between panes of glass. These attractive clear panels are highly resistant to fire and corrosion. Tesla, which recently acquired SolarCity, is marketing tempered glass photovoltaic shingles that integrate with tile roofing materials to make the instal-

lation nearly undetectable. Tesla claims they’re three times as strong as standard roof shingles and guarantees them for the life of the house.

For an average household electric load of 600 kilowatt-hours per month, for example, a daily dose of five hours of direct sunlight and four-kilowatt system will likely meet demand. For households with higher usage, especially in the South and West, bigger installations are the norm. “Solar system sizes have been growing fairly steadily as the price has come down,” Hobson notes. Thanks to Google Earth, solar installers usually know if a property has the right conditions; avoiding the fee for an onsite inspection. Houses with a southern orientation within 40 degrees of direct southern exposure are golden. Those with flat roofs work well because the panels can be tilted for maximum effect. Adjustable panels can also be adapted to the best angle per season. Panels can’t be in shade for a significant part of the day. Rooftop installers can work around vent pipes, skylights and chimneys. If major obstructions are a problem, ASES suggests a ground-mounted array or solar pergola, a freestanding wooden frame to mount panels. Solar systems heat swimming pools, too, offering huge operational savings over conventional heaters. They start at around $3,500 and average $5,500, compared to an average $2,664 for a fossil-fuel heater, reports HomeAdvisor.com. Determine if a state has net metering laws, which make it easy to sell excess power from a whole-home system back to the grid. Check for local tax subsidies on top of the federal 30 percent. The beauty of solar is that once the system is in place, operating costs are negligible. The lifespan of today’s panels is two decades and the payback is just two to three years. Jim Motavalli is an author, freelance journalist and speaker specializing in clean automotive and other environmental topics. He lives in Fairfield, CT. Connect at JimMotavalli.com.

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natural awakenings

September 2017

Public School Programs

NATURE’S CLASSROOM Outdoor Learning Engages the Whole Child by Meredith Montgomery

Nature-based schools provide a child-centered, guided discovery approach to early learning that appeals to kids, parents and teachers and offers far-ranging benefits.

or youngsters at Tiny Trees Preschool, in Seattle, nature is their classroom— rain or shine; tuition even includes a rain suit and insulated rubber boots. At Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool, in Milwaukee, children use downed wood to build forts and fires. Students of Vermont’s Educating Children Outdoors (ECO) program use spray bottles of colored water to spell words in the snow.

Forest Schools Based on the publicly funded forest kindergarten model used by Scandinavian countries since 1995, Tiny Trees encompasses seven urban park locations throughout the city, ranging from 15 to 160 acres. With no buildings, playgrounds or commercially produced furniture and 30 percent less overhead, “We can make exceptional education affordable,” remarks CEO Andrew Jay. “Most of the day is spent exploring the forest. If children see salmon in the 30

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stream, we observe them from a bridge, and then search out the headwaters to see where they’re coming from,” explains Jay.

Nature Preschools The launch of Earth Day in 1970 and America’s nature center movement in the 1960s yielded another immersive nature-based model that includes indoor learning. The preschool at the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designcertified Schlitz Audubon Nature Center includes three nature-focused indoor classrooms and three outdoor areas— two with manmade structures like a slide and picnic tables, and one left completely natural. Founding Director Patti Bailie says the children spend most of their day outside and teachers can take them beyond the play areas to explore 185 acres of prairie, forest, wetlands and lakefront beach habitats.

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ECO currently collaborates with seven Vermont public schools from preschool to high school, offering year-long programs for students in inquiry-based outdoor learning for up to four hours a week. “We immerse ourselves in nature with a 10-minute hike into the forest,” says program coordinator Melissa Purdy. Students first learn safety protocols and how to set up camp. Introducing skill-appropriate tools, preschoolers whittle sticks, third-graders build teepees and lean-tos, and high school students build bridges across streams.

Building Resiliency Sharing space with insects and plants requires special safety protocols and preparation, but the injury rate of outdoor learning is no higher than that of indoor schools. “Children are building risk literacy—they climb trees, but only to safe heights; they step on wet rocks, but learn how to do so without falling,” says Jay. Classrooms without walls work because students have a sense of freedom within reasonable boundaries. “In winter, we dress warmly and do more hiking to generate body heat. We use picnic shelters in heavy rains. Children don’t have anxiety about the future—rain means puddles to splash in and snow means building snowmen,” says Jay.

Developing the Whole Child Outdoor learning naturally creates knowledge of local ecosystems, environmental stewards and a sense of place, but teachers also observe many other developmental benefits. At the Magnolia Nature School, at Camp McDowell, in Nauvoo, Alabama, Madeleine Pearce’s agile and surefooted preschoolers can hike three miles. Located in a rural county with

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Kindergarten means “children’s garden” and originally took place outdoors. It’s commonplace today in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

healthykids

a 67 percent poverty rate, the school partners with Head Start to secure tuition-free opportunities for families. Pearce attests how exploring the 1,100-acre property fosters language skills. “With less teacher instruction, children have more time to talk freely with each other.” Instead of loudly calling kids in, Purdy uses bird calls or a drum, which fosters a sense of peace and respect. During daily sit time students observe themselves as a part of nature. “As birds sing and wildlife appears, children see the rewards of quiet and stillness, so self-regulation becomes natural,” agrees Bailie. Bailie sees how children in forest kindergartens express better motor skills, physical development and cognitive abilities than those restricted to traditional playgrounds. Natural playscapes change with the season, are sensory-rich and provide extra oxygen to the brain—all factors that correlate to brain development. Such benefits are reported in Brain-Based Learning by Eric Jensen, Brain Rules by John J. Medina and the Early Childhood Education Journal.

Parents and teachers often describe nature preschool students as being more observant, confident, inquisitive and engaged. Outdoor preschools also foster microbial exposure, essential for healthy immune system development. “Without this exposure, children are at increased risk for developing allergies, asthma, irritable bowel disease, obesity and diabetes later in life,” says B. Brett Finlay, Ph.D., author of Let Them Eat Dirt, which cites supporting science. Kindergarten readiness is a goal of all preschools, but Pearce doesn’t believe a traditional academic focus is required. “By putting nature first, children are socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten,” she says. “They know how to conquer challenges and are ready to take on academics.” Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi (HealthyLiving HealthyPlanet.com).

OUTDOOR PLAY “We are innately connected to nature, but need to provide opportunities to make that connection,” says Patti Bailie, former assistant director of Antioch University’s nature-based Early Childhood certificate program, in Keene, New Hampshire. Here’s how. Get wild at home. Hang bird feeders, grow wildlife-attracting plants, start a compost pile and designate an area of the yard for natural play where kids can dig and the grass isn’t mowed. Explore a forest instead of a playground. Without swing sets and toys, children create imaginative play, build forts and climb trees. Incorporate active transportation into the family routine. Walk, bike or paddle. Rain gear and flashlights enable rainy and after-dark explorations. Join a family nature club. At ChildrenAndNature.org, connect with other families that value and use the natural world for playing, growing and learning via their Natural Families Forum.

NATURE JOURNALING TIPS by Meredith Montgomery

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ature journal content is highly personal, ranging from scientific species accounts to wildlife-inspired stories. With just a notebook, pencil and fully engaged senses, nature enthusiasts of all ages can foster observation skills, creativity and outdoor exploration. Prompt open-ended questions. “Nature journals encourage children to ask questions and search for answers,” says Tiny Trees Preschool CEO Andrew Jay, of Seattle. Ask why flowers are blooming, how slugs suddenly appeared and what type of tree a leaf came from. Build upon findings with drawings and notes. Make a sound map. Project Learning Tree, a nationwide environmental education program funded by the American Forest Association, suggests drawing an “X” in the middle of the page to represent where the child is sitting. Then use pictures, shapes or words to show the relative

locations of surrounding sounds. Consider the macro perspective. Vermont’s Outdoor Education Coordinator Melissa Purdy shows students close-up shots of moss or sticks without revealing what the abstract image is. Students note what they observe and wonder as they try to solve the mystery. Alternatively, challenge children to draw their own macro images by looking at an object with a magnifying glass. Find a sit spot. Give children the time and space to write and draw freely in their journal as they sit quietly in nature. “Return to the same spot regularly and see how things have changed,” advises Patti Bailie, a professor of early childhood education at the University of Maine, in Farmington. If kids are too busy exploring and learning while outside, reflections can be captured once they’re back inside, too.

natural awakenings

September 2017

calendarofevents

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@NAMercer.com.

Inlab and Home Sleep Testing treatment options, Sleep hygiene and insomnia. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Free Outdoor Yoga – Noon. Free. Last outdoor yoga class of the year in courtyard. Enjoy a soft flow yoga under the sun and on the grass in the courtyard. Princeton IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison St, Princeton. 609-454-3140 or IYCCPrinceton.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Labyrinth Mindfulness Walking Meditation – 5:30-6:30pm. Walking for Peace. Slow guided walking mindfulness meditation led by Adnan Shamsi around an authentic labyrinth with an intention for peace. Instruction provided and calmness guaranteed. Appropriate for adults and teens. Cost / donation offering. Registration recommended IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison Str, Princeton. IYCCPrinceton.org or call 609-454-3140.

Journey Dance – 7-9pm. “Dancing and Healing for Peace” with Joy Lynn Okoye. This sensual and exhilarating union of dance, visualization, and ritual calls us to get funky and divine. JourneyDance is a transformational experience that does not require any previous movement or dance exprience. Cost $20. Princeton IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison St, Princeton. 609-454-3140 or IYCCPrinceton.org.

Free-Flowing Fun Chant & Drum Circle – 7-9pm. Drumming & Chanting for Peace. Chant & Drum Circle based on Kirtan practices, singing with heartfelt devotion. Bring own drums and musical instruments or use what is provided. Good for all ages. Cost / donation offering. Registration recommended IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison Str, Princeton. IYCCPrinceton.org or call 609-454-3140.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Anthropomorphosis, or Let’s Talk about Life Itself – 10:30am. Join a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people at Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rt. 605), Princeton. CSLPrinceton.org, 609924-8422.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Guided Aromatic Meditation – 7-8pm. Guided Aromatic Meditation experience crystal infused blend of meditation oil with music to enhance experience. Bring own crystals or power stones. Cost $15. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Teens-Only Yoga – 5-6pm. Meditation and mindfulness for the new school year. $50/teen 10-class pack; first two classes free & work-exchange available. Registration recommended IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison Str, Princeton. IYCCPrinceton.org or call 609-454-3140.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Teens-Only Yoga – 7-8pm. See September 4 listing. Princeton.

The Science of Stress, How it Works and How to Beat it – 6pm. Free. Learn what stress does to our bodies physiologically. Stress hormones, lack of sleep and increased physical demand can wrack havoc on our entire system. Learn how to beat it using the tools of Functional Medicine. Princeton Integrative Health, 134 Franklin Corner Rd, STE 101B, Lawrenceville, 609-512-1468. PrincetonIH. com. Treatment for Sleep Conditions – 6:30pm. Free. Sleep disorders can affect your overall health, safety, and quality of life. Panel will discuss Sleep Apnea,

Empowerment through Creativity – 9-11am. For children and young adults. Build confidence, find your voice, learn about yourself, be prepared for a creative career. For more information contact Kathleen Downey at 858-401-3144 or visit Downey ActingVoice.com. Lambertville. Having An Epiphany, or The Way Life Really Works – 10:30am. Join a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people at Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rte. 605), Princeton. CSLPrinceton. org, 609-924-8422.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Detox/Cleanse for a Happier, Healthier Gut – 7pm. Free. Cleansing is a prerequisite for thriving in the modern world, and is a rest and rejuvenation holiday for our digestive system. Led by Randi Haas and Karen Gardineer. MCLS, Ewing Branch, 61 Scotch Rd, Ewing. 609-882-3148.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Letting Go of Clutter – 1:30-3pm. Free. Support group will explore how our emotional ties to our

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wear is more important than your smile. ~Connie Stevens

stuff can create clutter and affect our mood. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. KARAYOGI Karaoke – 8-9:30pm. Join a familyfriendly Karaoke party, pick song and all sing along. Start with a conscious meditation. Safe for teens and families. Cost: Donation. Princeton IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison St, Princeton. 609-454-3140 or IYCCPrinceton.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Discover Energy Psychology – 6pm. Free. Learn to listen to the messages your body is begging you to hear. These can show up as fatigue, pain and depression. Join Patti McDougall, RN Health Coach, Body-Centered Psychotherapist. Princeton Integrative Health, 134 Franklin Corner Rd, STE 101B, Lawrenceville, 609-512-1468. PrincetonIH.com. Empowerment through Creativity – 7pm. For adults. Build confidence, find your voice, learn about yourself, be prepared for a creative career. For more information contact Kathleen Downey at 858-401-3144 or visit DowneyActingVoice.com. Lambertville.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 How Did You Sleep Last Night? – 7pm. Free. Join Tara Scoles, regisgtered polysomnogrpahic technologist with University Medical Center of Princeton, for an eye-opening discussion on sleep disorders and whether sleep study could help diagnose condition. Registration requested. MCLS, Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Rd, Pennington. 609-737-2610.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Kids in the Kitchen – 6:30-8pm. Parent/child hands on kitchen cooking class directed by a dietician. Adult must accompany child. Cost $5. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

savethedate 6th Annual Holistic Health Extravaganza Sample a variety of holistic modalities and meet experienced practitioners.

October 21 American Legion, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt. Cost $5/person.

For more information and to register, call Siobhan Hutchinson at 609-752-1048 or email Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com. share their fears, weaknesses and hearts. Spiritual Truth will be offered to inspire, to empower, and to try, try again. Feel free to bring woman friends. Center for Spiritual Living Offices, 812 State Rd, STE 220, Princeton. For more information call 609-924-8422. Yoga for Beginners – 10:30-noon. Free. Learn simple and powerful yoga postures to improve stability and balance. No experience needed, bring a mat or large towel. MCLS, Hightstown Branch, 114 Franklin St, Hightstown. 609-448-1474. Tibetan Reiki – 1:30-5pm. Learn three new symbols to incorporate into Reiki practice. Prerequisite: Reiki Master Certification. Pam Jones RN. Cost $50. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Empowerment through Creativity – 9-11am. See September 10 listing. Lambertville. Creationism, or What Life Does – 10:30am. Join a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people at Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rt. 605), Princeton. CSLPrinceton.org, 609-924-8422.

Gita Study Book Club – 6-8pm. Free. Practical study and the discussion of the life philosophy and the fundamentals of positive psychology contained SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 in the ancient text of the Bhagavad Gita – how to live Women’s Workshop: Women, Power and Free- the Good Life. Princeton IYCC, Princeton Shopping dom – 10am-noon. Workshop led by Rev. Dr. Karen Center, 301 N Harrison St, Princeton. 609-454-3140 Kushner, Pastor, for women to have a safe space to or IYCCPrinceton.org. CLB Ad.qxp_Layout 2 9/6/15 10:11 PM Page 1

Lead a More Positive and Fulfilling Life with Mediation – 7pm. Free. Presented by Jim Rose. Mediation can help body, mind and spirit, and incorporating into one’s life has many positive effects. Registration required. MCLS, Ewing Branch, 61 Scotch Rd, Ewing. 609-882-3148.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Empowerment through Creativity – 7pm. See September 13 listing. Lambertville. Health Rythms Drumming – 7-8pm. Strengthens the immune system and reduces stress. Drums provided or bring your own. Cost $15. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 The Science of Stress, How it Works and How to Beat it – 6pm. See September 7 listing. Lawrenceville. Breathing & Meditation – 6:30-8pm. Free. Breath has proven to be an effective tool to remove stress and impurities, and bring clarity and focus to the mind. Heena Dhruv, Art of Living Facilitator. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. Boundaries: How to Take Control of Your Life – 7pm. Free. Find out why boundaries are important, how they affect our behavior, and how they can improve our lives. Edie Glover, MSW, LSW. Registration required. MCLS, Robbinsville Branch, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd, Robbinsville. 609259-2150.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Empowerment through Creativity – 9-11am. See September 10 listing. Lambertville. Also Sprach Zarusthra, or What Do I With This Thing Called Life? – 10:30am. Join a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people at Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rte. 605), Princeton. CSLPrinceton.org, 609-924-8422.

DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL CENTER Princeton

love . connec t . inspire The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton invites you to visit our community and to explore new possibilities for your life. Our center offers a practical spiritual teaching that draws on the wisdom of the ages and New Thought principles to promote spiritual awakening and personal growth. Join us for our Spiritual Transformation Service Sundays at 10:30 am • Princeton Masonic Lodge • 345 River Road • Princeton, NJ 08540 (1 mile from Route 27)

For more information, call 609.924.8422 or visit cslprinceton.org natural awakenings

September 2017

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

NA Fun Facts: Natural Awakenings

is read nationwide by 3,880,000 people each month.

Natural Awakenings is published in over 90 U.S. markets.

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prints 1,552,000 magazines nationwide each month.

Natural Awakenings is read online by 144,000 viewers. each month. The convenient

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Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Through hypnosis, smoking cessation is easily achieved in a one-hour session. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Cost $55. Middlesex County College, 2600 Woodbridge Av, Edison. Barry Wolfson, Barry@HypnosisNJ. com, 908-303-7767. Pumpkin Carving & Gourd Demonstration – 7-8pm. Free. The “King of Carving” will explain his carving technique, carve a pumpkin, and display his award-winning collection of dried, painted gourds. Registration requested. MCLS, West Windsor Branch, 333 N Post Rd, Princeton Junction. 609799-0462. Lose Weight With Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30 pm. Through hypnosis, weight loss is easily and painlessly attained. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Cost $55. Middlesex County College, 2600 Woodbridge Av, Edison. Barry Wolfson, Barry@HypnosisNJ.com, 908-303-7767. Relaxation Through Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30 pm. Learn several easy to use techniques you can use daily to reduce stress in your life. Cost $55. Middlesex County College, 2600 Woodbridge Av, Edison. Barry Wolfson, Barry@HypnosisNJ.com, 908-303-7767.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Breast Health: What You Need to Know – 6pm. Free. Learn physical, nutritional and energetic ways to maintain breast health. Princeton Integrative Health, 134 Franklin Corner Rd, STE 101B, Lawrenceville, 609-512-1468. PrincetonIH.com. Empowerment through Creativity – 7pm. See September 13 listing. Lambertville.

Greater Mercer County, NJ

To place listing, email content to Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month. FOR RENT/LEASE RENTAL SPACE OPPORTUNITY – Calm Waters Yoga & Wellness Center has a space for anyone looking to expand or start their own private practice. Contact Nirmal Nam Kaur for more information and to set up an appointment. 609-259-1547. CHELATION THERAPIST – Seeking trained professional in Chelation and Vitamin C Therapy. Integrative Center for Alternative Medicine in Hamilton, 609-508-1816.

609-584-5900. Symposium for Integrative Health Tai Chi Retreat – See September 28 listing. Long Beach Island.

plan ahead WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

Reiki Sharing Evening – 7-8pm. For Reiki practitioners only to share Reiki with each other. Bring a pillow, small sheet and blanket. Cost $15. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

Reiki Advanced – 1:30-5:30pm. Approved provider of continuing nursing education by NJ Nurses Association. Provider number P190-10/15-18. Cost $45. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

Symposium for Integrative Health Tai Chi Retreat – Through September 10. Three-day health seminars, holistic healing programs, research presentations, martial arts workshop and meditative activities. Cost $360/person. Maris Stella Retreat Center, Harvey Cedar, Long Beach Island. To register call 609-752-1048 or visit SylHT.org. Mention promo code NXTSTEP for discount.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

To advertise with us call: 609-249-9044

classifieds

Symposium for Integrative Health Tai Chi Retreat – See September 28 listing. Long Beach Island.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Holisitic Animal Healing Series – 10:30am-noon. Certification in Reiki and Holistic Healing methods for animals for completion of all three classes. Prerequisite: Reiki Level II certification & Reiki for Animals I & II. Cost $35. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register

NAMercer.com

6 th Annual Holistic Health Extravaganza – 9:30am-5pm. Sample a variety of holistic modalities and meet experienced practitioners. Cost $5/ person entrance fee includes two raffle tickets. American Legion, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt. For more information and to register call Siobhan Hutchinson at 609-752-1048, email Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com or visit NextStepStrategies.com.

thursday

ongoingevents daily

Kundalini Breathwork & Meditation w/Healing Gong – 9:15-10:30am. Kundalini Yoga offers powerful tools for developing ones intuition, vitality, and connectivity, taking us beyond the mind to where we can follow our hearts. Cost $12. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. 609-586-9199.

Chronic Condition Support – By appointment. Struggling with a chronic condition or feel nowhere else to turn? Work to balance energies and create customized strategy for you. Appointments at the Inn at Laurita or own home, central NJ+. Call Siobhan 609-752-1048.

Bliss Restorative Yoga/Kundalini Meditation w/Healing Gong – 6-7:30pm. Cost $12. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. 609-586-9199. Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Awaken your consciousness, confront your ego and drop your fears. Taught by Nirmal Nam Kaur. Cost $16/$70/$120, drop in/5 classes/10 classes. Calm Water Wellness & Yoga Center, 2378 Rte 33, Robbinsville. 609-259-1547.

sunday Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 9-10:30am. Cost $16/$70/$120, drop in/5 classes/10 classes. Calm Water Wellness & Yoga Center, 2378 Rte 33, Robbinsville. 609-259-1547. Spiritual Awakening Service – 10:30 am. If you are looking for a warm, dynamic community of spiritually-minded people, we encourage you to come to one of our Sunday Transformation Services and mingle afterwards with refreshments and conversation. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton holds services every Sunday at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 354 River Rd, Princeton. 609-924-8422.

monday Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 6-7:30pm. Beginners class. Awaken your consciousness, confront your ego and drop your fears. Taught by Nirmal Nam Kaur. Cost $16/$70/$120, drop in/5 classes/10 classes. Calm Water Wellness & Yoga Center, 2378 Rte 33, Robbinsville. 609-259-1547. Teens-Only Yoga – 5-6pm. Meditation and mindfulness for the new school year. $50/teen 10-class pack; first two classes free & work-exchange available. Registration recommended IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison Str, Princeton. IYCCPrinceton.org or call 609-454-3140.

tuesday Kundalini Breathwork & Meditation w/Healing Gong – 9:15-10:30am. Kundalini Yoga offers powerful tools for developing ones intuition, vitality, and connectivity, taking us beyond the mind to where we can follow our hearts. Cost $12. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. 609-586-9199. Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live a life of joy and ease through breath work, body stretching, body work (Kriyas) and Healing Gong Meditation. Taught by Krishnan Amrit. Cost $16/$70/$120, drop in/5 classes/10 classes. Calm Water Wellness & Yoga. Qigong on the Mountain – 6-7:30pm. Join us on the side of the mountain to spend time with a process that offers the possibility to recognize incoming health ailments and eliminate them effectively before they grow into health issues. Cost $20 or purchase 6 receive 1 free. Strawberry Hill Mansion, Baldpate Mountain 28 Fiddlers Creek Road,

saturday Titusville. 609-742-3140. Tai Chi – 7-8pm. Comfortable, generous, light and stable. All levels are welcome to attend. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. 609-586-9199. Teens-Only Yoga – 7-8pm. Meditation and mindfulness for the new school year. $50/teen 10-class pack; first two classes free & work-exchange available. Registration recommended IYCC, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison Str, Princeton. IYCCPrinceton.org or call 609-454-3140. Hatha Yoga – 7:15-8:15. Taught by Tracey Yagos. Cost $12/class. Calm Water Wellness & Yoga Center, 2378 Rte 33, Robbinsville. 609-259-1547.

wednesday Qigong for Stress – 11:30am-12:30pm. To punch it out, this class is adaptation of Shaolin Song Shon Kung Fu. Not fighting, but do lot of kicking, punching, stamping and screaming. Designed for those in good physical shape who need to maintain emotional balance. Cost $20 or buy 6 classes and get 1 free. Integrated Fitness, 215 N Main St, Pennington. 609-742-3140. Kundalini Meditation – 7-8pm. Learn to quiet the mind and calm the heart. Meditation is like going to the gym for your mind. Cost $10/class. Calm Water Wellness & Yoga Center, 2378 Rte 33, Robbinsville. 609-259-1547.

Kundalini Breathwork & Meditation w/Healing Gong – 8:30-9:30am. Kundalini Yoga offers powerful tools for developing ones intuition, vitality, and connectivity, taking us beyond the mind to where we can follow our hearts. Cost $12. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. 609-586-9199. 3 Step Qigong – 9:30-11am. Three-step Qigong consists of three exercises, which can be performed in 10 minutes, and will keep you well. The secret to qigong’s effectiveness lies in the way the exercises are performed. You will learn these techniques over the course of the class. Personal qigong training is also available for those who prefer a more individual rhythm. Cost $25/person. Registration preferred. Healing Touch Healing Movement, 178 Tamarack Circle, Montgomery. 609-742-3140. Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 10-11:30am. Cost $16/$70/$120, drop in/5 classes/10 classes. Calm Water Wellness & Yoga Center, 2378 Rte 33, Robbinsville. 609-259-1547.

The most important

pieces of equipment you need for doing yoga are your body and your mind. ~Rodney Yee

Yin Qigong – 7-8:30pm. Yin Qigong challenges focus, concentration, and coordination while helping achieve a clear, undisturbed mind. Improves joint flexibility, muscle strength, and posture. With practice, learn ability to move energy along Meridians to promote healing of internal organs and systems. Cost $20 or buy 6 classes and get 1 free. Integrated Fitness, 215 N Main St, Pennington. 609-742-3140.

natural awakenings

September 2017

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS!

THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL PLANNING CALENDAR

O C T N O V D E C

Transformative Travel plus: Chiropractic

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAMercer.com or call 609-249-9044 to request our media kit.

BODYWORK HOLISTIC CONSULTANT Craig Reichert Bordentown 917-280-2648 CraigReichert3@gmail.com

Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for: Transformative Travel Companies Travel Outfitters & Chiropractors

Offering a unique approach to wellness through combined modalities. Active in the Holistic Healing Field for over 30 years, working with clients on Body, Mind, and, Spirit by reducing stress and balancing Chakras through Reiki, Guided Meditation, and Self Hypnosis (Certified Hypnotherapist). Experience with previous life explorations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nowâ&#x20AC;? is the time to make changes and work on mindfulness. Free half hour consultation.

Diabetes Prevention & Reversal plus: Silent Retreats

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN

Our Readers are Seeking: Diabetes Related Providers & Services

CHERRY STREET KITCHEN

1040 Pennsylvania Ave, Trenton CherryStreetKitchen.com 609-695-5800

Commercial kitchen for chefs and food entrepreneurs with modern, pleasant and ample space for hourly/daily rentals. Large 1-story with 4 cooking bays including bakery, plus cart and pallet storage. Must be friendly, clean, and cooperative. Rte.1 access, borders Lawrenceville.

Uplifting Humanity plus: Holidays Our Readers are Seeking: Spiritual Guidance & Holiday Related Providers & Services

CUSTOM JEWELRY ORIGAMI OWL

Serving Mercer County 609-249-9044 CreativeJewelry.OrigamiOwl.com

publisher@NAMercer.com

Greater Mercer County, NJ

NAMercer.com

Tell your story with a meaningful, customizable Living Locket. Choose the Charms that represent your passions, memories, dreams and the things you love and capture them in your Living Locket.

EDUCATION/SCHOOLS WALDORF SCHOOL OF PRINCETON 1062 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton 609-466-1970 x115 PrincetonWaldorf.org

Waldorf T h e Wa l d o r f c u r r i c u l u m ,

in 1,000+ schools worldwide, School used integrates arts, academics, of Princeton

movement, and music, emphasizing social and environmental responsibility. The hands-on approach is screen free.

ENERGY HEALING EFT (TAPPING) PRACTITIONER Carol Bemmels, M.Ed. Hopewell 609-306-1711 CBemmels@mac.com EFT4AllofUs.com

Ta p p i n g q u i c k l y a d d r e s s e s underlying trapped emotions in most illness and psychological problems. Private sessions in Hopewell or by Skype. Call or email for free 20-minute consultation.

RAYKI LOVE

Makiko Suzuki Fliss, MSc, PhD, MBA 609-495-4229 MakikoHandmade@gmail.com RaykiLove.com

Explore how the human body and mind are interconnected, and how to maintain perfect harmony to stay young and healthy. Focus with Quantum Healing, Reiki, and Wellness Education. Private and corporate settings.

HOLISTIC CARE EVANS CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Eric Evans 3679 Nottingham Way, STE A, Hamilton 609-586-9199 EvansChiro.com We provide a Holistic based wellness found that a direct, hands-on approach with consistent HEALTH &WELLNESS FROM WITHIN awareness and education yields the best results for those who come to me for help with a wide variety of health issues. Our goal is to tailor a programs to your individual needs, unleashing your own healing potential so that you can go through life with the absence of dis-ease. EVANS service. I have CHIROPRACTIC

HOLISTIC DENTISTS PRINCETON CENTER FOR DENTAL AESTHETICS Dr. Ruxandra Balescu, DMD Dr. Kirk Huckel, DMD, FAGD 11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 PrincetonDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. Please contact us to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 19.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 AlbertasPainRelief.com

Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease joint and muscular aches and pains from sciatica, gout, arthritis, neuralgia, fibromyalgia and more. Great buy. Get a 4oz jar for $15. See website for more options. All natural ingredients! Refer a friend and get 10% off your purchase. Read what people are saying about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy at our website.

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC CONSULTANT

Barry Wolfson 48 Tamarack Circle, Princeton 28 Mine St, Flemington 2 East Northfield Rd, Livingston 3400 Valley Forge Ci, King of Prussia 908-303-7767 • HypnosisNJ.com

With 30 years experience, Hypnosis Counseling Center of NJ utilizes both traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings. Regularly hold adult education seminars, work with hospitals, fitness centers, and individuals wanting to better their lives. Specialize in weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement and public speaking.

Sunny van Vlijmen 4444 Rte 27, Kingston 609-275-3881 TreatYourselfToHappy.com

Do you want real and lasting change? My professional background of 20+ years in alternative healing and personal development has taught me what works and what doesn’t. If you’re ready for change, schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation, today. See ad, page 17.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PRINCETON INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Vincent Leonti, MD Jenna Richardson, CIHC, FDN-P 134 Franklin Corner Rd, STE 101B, Lawrenceville 609-512-1468 Info@PrincetonIH.com PrincetonIH.com

Call for information on this amazing low cost listing.

609-249-9044

Organic and natural products including farmstead cheeses; Buttercup Brie, seasonal Jacks, Rosedale, Herdsman, Toma, Havilah and Cheddar Curds. Additional products include wheyfed pork, grass-fed lamb and beef, pasture-raised eggs and myriad locally sourced goods. See ad on page 27.

PAST LIFE THERAPY/ NUTRITION KATHLEEN DOWNEY, CSCP, HHP

Past Life Therapist, Holistic Counseling Soul Retrieval, Nutritionist, Yoga teacher Lambertville, NJ and worldwide by Skype 858-401-3144 CoreLevelHealing@gmail.com CoreLevelHealing.net

Father/daughter team focused on uncovering the root cause of disease and dysfunction, identifying true healing opportunities and cocreating health with their patients.

Offering a unique experiential therapy developed over 25 years. Resolve emotional issues with a first-hand experience that is life changing and empowering. Author of Healthy is Delicious nutritional, herbal/supplemental compassionately supporting the whole person.

LASER THERAPY

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE EDWARD MAGAZINER, M.D.

MLS LASER THERAPY

2186 Rte 27, Ste 2D, North Brunswick 877-817-3273 DrEMagaziner.com

Dr. Paul Bizzaro, DC 81 S Main St, Yardley 215-493-6589 DrPaulBizzaro.com

Get permanent relief for you pain without drugs, shots or surgery with FDA approved Laser Therapy. Benefits include Speedy healing process, pain free, extremely safe with no known side effects. Don’t live in pain anymore. See ad on page 3.

Dr. Magaziner has dedicated his career to helping people with pain and musculoskeletal injuries using state-ofthe-art and innovative pain management treatments including platelet-rich plasma, Stem Cell therapy and Prolotherapy to alleviate these problems. See ad, page 2.

2017

NATURAL SERVICES

editorial calendar

BLACK FOREST ACRES

Can You Hear The Buzz? It’s Your Community Calling.

CHERRY GROVE FARM

3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville 609-219-0053 CherryGroveFarm.com

HOLISTIC CONSULTANT

HYPNOSIS HYPNOSIS COUNSELING CENTER

NUTRITION

Trudy Ringwald Country Herbalist & Certified Reboundologist 553 Rte 130 N, East Windsor 1100 Rte 33, Hamilton 609-448-4885/609-586-6187 BlackForestAcres.Net

Two locations for the natural connection to live well and eat right. Natural and organic foods, vitamins, supplements, groceries and most important, free consultation.

OCTOBER

transformative travel plus: chiropractic NOVEMBER

diabetes prevention & reversal plus: silent retreats DECEMBER

uplifting humanity plus: holidays

natural awakenings

September 2017

Meet Your

Natural Match On Our Newly Upgraded Website We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members. In partnership with the Conscious Dating Network, upgrades include a new, contemporary, responsive layout for all devices; a dynamic search engine; and an improved matching system. Autumn is here; be proactive by joining today. Your natural match is waiting to meet you!

Try for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

Publish One of the Nation’s Leading Healthy Living Magazines Natural Awakenings Magazine

is ranked 5th Nationally in Cision’s® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines list 1. 2. 3. 4.

Spry Living – 8,907,303 Shape – 2,521,203 Men’s Health – 1,852,715 Prevention – 1,539,872

5. Natural Awakenings – 1,536,365

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Women’s Health – 1,511,791 Weight Watchers Magazine – 1,126,168 Dr. Oz The Good Life – 870,524 Vim & Vigor – 789,000 Experience Life – 700,000

Cision® is the world’s leading source of media research. For more information, visit www.cision.com or follow @Cision on Twitter.

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Turn Your Passion Into A Business

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love! No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

For more information, visit NaturalAwakeningsFranchise.com or call 239-530-1377

Contact us about acquiring an existing publication FOR SALE highlighted in RED* Natural Awakenings publishes in over 80 markets across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (listed below).

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Gulf Coast AL/MS Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Northern CO/Cheyenne, WY Denver, CO Fairﬁeld County/ HousatonicValley, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/Middlesex, CT Washington, DC* Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/St. Augustine, FL Miami & the Florida Keys Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL* Central Florida/Greater Orlando Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Space & Treasure Coast, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL Atlanta, GA Hawaiian Islands Chicago, IL Chicago Western Suburbs, IL Indianapolis, IN Acadiana, LA Baton Rouge, LA New Orleans, LA Boston, MA Worcester, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Wayne County, MI Western MI Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN* Charlotte, NC Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC* Bergen/Passaic, NJ* Central, NJ Hudson County, NJ Mercer County, NJ

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