Natural Awakenings South Jersey February 2015 by NASouthJersey

H E A L T H Y

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H E A L T H Y

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Happily Coupled

Creating Loving Relationships that Work

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Healing Good Diet Good Mood the Heart Eating Well Heads Off Depression

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February 2015 | South Jersey Edition | nasouthjersey.com

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contents 8 5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 12 ecotip 13 mindfulness 10 17 zenspiration 2 1 inspiration 24 healthykids 28 therapyspotlight

35 calendar

40 classifieds 40 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

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.

14 HAPPILY COUPLED Creating Loving Relationships that Thrive by Judith Fertig

18 HAPPY MEALS

Eating Healthy Foods Fights Off Depression by Lane Vail

20 GENTLING GRIEF

Remedies to Heal the Heart by Kathleen Barnes

22 ECO FENG SHUI

Tips to Bring More Positive Energy into Your Home by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

26 AN OVERVIEW OF BREAST IMAGING

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: don@nasouthjersey.com. Deadline for editorial: the 7th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: don@nasouthjersey.com. 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.

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30 FITNESS FINDS

Locate the Best Workout Space for You by Debra Melani

32 WHEN YOUR

PET PASSES

A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing

by Julianne Hale

33 WHATS YOUR NUMBER? 30 Discover Your True Nature Through Numerology

by Traci Rosenberg

34 CONSCIOUS DATING Jill Crosby on Looking for Love Online by S. Alison Chabonais

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February 2015

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B contact us Publisher/Editor Don Moore 306 7th Ave. Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 Phone: 856-546-0945 Fax: 866-295-6713 don@nasouthjersey.com nasouthjersey.com Assistant Editors Linda Sechrist S. Alison Chabonais Design & Production Kent Constable Stephen Blancett Creative Director Marilyn Eppolite Contributing Writer Robin Shreeves Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 © 2012 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.

y and large, most of us cherish a heartfelt desire to engage in a

deeply meaningful romantic relationship, and I’m no exception. Having married and divorced twice, I know how hard it is to keep a relationship compatible enough to pass the test of time. Both of my wedding days enjoyed auspicious storybook settings. The first took place in a roadside chapel amidst Vermont’s peak fall foliage with a minister tying the knot in an open-air ceremony beside a babbling brook. The second was performed in my older sister’s 18th-century Cape Cod-styled house amidst 30 acres of picturesque trees decorating Connecticut hills. Both ceremonies were private family affairs with everyone gladly offering their loving support of the newlyweds’ good intentions. After my second set of vows was completed, my 10-year-old nephew stepped up to play his gift to us. He had recently started playing trumpet for his school and we all laughed good-naturedly when we realized the only song he knew was Taps. Perhaps an omen of things to come? Time has healed all wounds and I’ve realized the wisdom of accepting the necessary lessons learned with gratitude and without assigning blame. Character is refined in such furnaces of experience. Today, our children and grandsons continue to bring us together in love and appreciation of what counts most in life. Releasing the burden of personal emotional baggage frees us all to manifest a more content relationship, one we may even consider perfect for us. Through meditation and increasing self-awareness we can come to see the essence of who we are as a perfect lovable being. I’ve come to see that intending that my new relationship has the opportunity to flourish requires a commitment to “do the work” by giving my all. Opening myself to receive and live such enlightened relationship means taking off any judgment hat and seeing past shortcomings to behold a beloved’s true self, and whole-heartedly embracing time spent together. This allows real love to flow. Valentine’s Day brings out the romantic in us all and Judith Fertig’s feature article, “Happily Coupled,” on page 14, gives us insightful clues on creating a loving relationship with a special someone that will not only survive, but thrive. All the couples interviewed point to the ongoing connections we make and nurture as just as important to a lasting love as the mutual attraction that sparked it all in the first place. I love how they consciously strengthen their bond by creating memorable moments together. Love needs to be cultivated daily and is always a work in progress—as we all are. Sharing healthy foods is yet another way to support mutual well-being. Lane Vail’s “Happy Meals” meal plans, on page 18, sheds light on one more way to help lift a partner above a rough patch. Eating the right things can benefit your attitudes and romance. May Cupid strike your sweet spot,

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Don Moore, Publisher

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newsbriefs Soul Mate Workshop in Medford

onna Favilla, a board certified reflexologist and Reiki master, is conducting a “Finding Your Soul Mate” workshop at The Center, Life in Balance, in Medford. This two-part program takes place from 7 to 9 p.m, February 12 and 19. The class will benefit anyone that has dreamed about finding the ideal mate, business partner, friend or travel companion but has not achieved their desired results. “Finding Your Soul Mate” is based on theories of deliberate creation and manifestation, as well as self-discovery. The workshop includes independent and group work and presents the tools needed to achieve the stated goals. Concepts of personal control, receiving help from the Universe and accepting responsibility for tapping into the flow will be addressed. “I have been studying the law of attraction for many years and I have been very successful in accomplishing everything I intend to do,” states Favilla. “It is not a coincidence or an accident that people or circumstances come into my life. Many students of this program continue to grow and achieve what they are looking for through the power of intention and positive thoughts.” Cost: $85. Location: 43 S. Main St., Medford. For registration and more information, call 609-975-8379 or email TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com.

Monthly Holistic Health Webinars Begin in February

eginning in February, monthly holistic health webinars will be produced by Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging and Health through Awareness—the practices of Dr. Philip Getson, osteopath and board-certified thermographer, and his wife, Liesha Getson, board certified thermography technician and holistic health counselor. On the fourth Wednesday of each month, starting at 7 p.m., a leader in the fields of holistic health care or the healing arts will provide the most current information in their area of expertise. “We decided on webinars because they are widely recognized as a highly effective means of education, allowing individuals to participate from the comfort of their own home,” explains Liesha. This month’s webinar, “How to Navigate the System in the Changing Face of Medicine,” runs from 7 to 8 p.m., February 25. Dr. Getson will review the latest statistics regarding all forms of diagnostic breast screening and breast cancer diagnosis and misdiagnosis. He will also discuss “how to maneuver your way through the medical and insurance mine fields.” For registration or more information, call 856-596-5834, email tdi@ comcast.net or visit tdinj.com or HealthThroughAwareness.com.

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February 2015

newsbriefs

Finding Your Soul Mate New Book Helps Readers Understand Therapy

Services and Classes Focused on Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit • Hypnosis • Intuitive Guidance • Massage • Meditation • Reiki • Book/Gift Shop • BioMat • And More

Come by to browse, chat, or raise your energy!

• 609.975.8379 TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com

43 South Main St., Medford, NJ 08055 TheCenterLifeInBalance.com

•

Whole Body D E N T I S T R Y

Experience the Difference of Biological Dentistry Biological dentists are concerned with the impact that toxic materials have on the entire body. General and Cosmetic Dentistry Biocompatible Materials Testing (Zyto Scan) Safe Mercury Removal TMJ and Chronic Headache-Facial Pain Treatment Sleep Apnea- Snoring Therapy Homeopathic Approach to Dentistry Doctor-Patient Partnership

Scott Silver, DMD (856) 854-4354

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ared Scherz, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author, has written a new book, How to Succeed in Therapy: Navigating the Pitfalls on the Path to Wellness, slated for release on February 27. To celebrate, the book’s publisher, Rowman & Littlefield, is offering a 30 percent discount off the purchase price of the book. Whether individuals are considering therapy for the first time or evaluating their current practitioners, this book offers insight into the types of therapy available, such as group, marriage or individual counseling. It also explains theoretic orientations to help readers understand therapeutic approaches from the point of view of the provider. “For a multitude of reasons, few people seem to have a successful first experience the first time they seek professional help and the idea of countless people deciding not to try again burdened me,” says Scherz. He wrote this book to empower individuals to take the steps necessary to get the help they need, continue along a path they have already chosen or to take a different approach when the one they are on is not working. Visit Rowman.com and use code 4S15HTSIT at checkout to receive discount. For more information, call 800-462-6420.

A Mindful Approach to Addiction and Substance Abuse

ammaVayama Well-Being (SVWB), a holistically oriented substance abuse outpatient treatment facility, is open at 12 Girard Road, in Glassboro. Offering intensive outpatient, outpatient and individual substance abuse counseling, SVWB also conducts talks, classes and workshops on topics related to recovery, spirituality and well-being. Clients at SVWB participate in yoga and meditation, as well as group therapy, individual sessions, family sessions and psychological education. The staff is dedicated to helping people that are suffering with substance abuse and addiction to develop self-awareness and self-regulation through regular practice, self-reflection and open sharing. “I’ve seen a lot of well-intentioned treatment produce marginal results because of the program’s inability to engage the client,” explains owner Andrew J. Assini, a licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor. “I feel like folks learn best through doing, through action, and then relating about their experiences. At SammaVayama, we’ll spend as much time on the mat and the cushion as we will in the chair.” For more information, call 856-863-3549.

Healthy Lifestyle App Now Available for Android

he Natural Awakenings healthy living, healthy planet lifestyle app has been upgraded with a brand-new look and updated features. The free app, already downloaded by more than 40,000 iPhone users, is now available on the Android platform. Natural Awakenings makes staying in touch with the best choices for a green and healthy lifestyle easier than ever. Find products, practitioners and services dedicated to healthy living, plus articles on the latest practical, natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth and sustainable living by national experts with fresh perspectives and inspired ideas. New features include signing up for promotions, updates and newsletters, as well as convenient links to the Natural Awakenings website and webstore. Find a local magazine; a national directory of healthy, green businesses, resources and services, complete with directions; updated national monthly magazine content; archives of hundreds of previously published articles that are searchable by key words; and an archive of articles in Spanish. “These upgrades and expanded accessibility will empower people to enjoy healthier, happier and longer lives wherever they are more easily than ever before,” notes Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman. “Offering free access to Natural Awakenings’ powerful network of healthy living resources through this exclusive app is another way we can serve our users.”

Jeanne Gural, executive director of Cedar Run, comments, “With this grant, we will continue to be a powerful a voice on the need for everyone to reduce our carbon footprint and live with an awareness of the future by modeling it through mindful energy use and efficiency, beginning with our own buildings.” Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge sits on 171 wooded acres on the edge of the New Jersey Pinelands. Its overall mission is to serve as a community resource on the importance of protecting and enhancing healthy ecosystems for all. For more information, visit CedarRun.org.

Dorothy’s Healing Center Hainesport ,NJ

Integrated Wellness Facilitation We Welcome You To Join Us We work with all symptoms

A Holistic Wellness Center, where we provide a more desired way of health, happiness and an inspired lifestyle for a lifetime! 609-261-1955

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WELLNESS SERVICES FOR NATURAL BALANCE Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging & Health Through Awareness

To download the free app, search for Natural Awakenings on Google Play or the Apple app store or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

KUDOS

oodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, a nature center and wildlife rehabilitation hospital, based in Medford, was awarded a $50,000 grant by Gardinier Environmental Fund, Inc. The grant will be utilized to complete energy efficiency upgrades to Cedar Run’s facilities in order to decrease energy costs, reduce its carbon footprint and upgrade or replace current systems, including inefficient windows and doors in the Nature Center, Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital and Staff Housing.

SPECIALIZING IN... Breast, Neuromuscular and Thyroid/Dental Thermography Holistic Health Counseling Infrared Detox Sauna (the “POD”) Reiki

Philip Getson, D.O. Liesha Getson, B.C.T.T.

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Mention this ad and receive a $25.00 discount on your Thermogram!

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February 2015

healthbriefs

Satisfaction with Friendship is Hard to Come By

study conducted by Edge Research and Sea Change Strategies found that less than a quarter of Americans are fully satisfied with their friendships, and almost two-thirds lack confidence in even their closest friends. Seniors (70 and over) and millennials/Gen Ys (16 to 34) are more likely to be extremely satisfied than Gen X-ers (35 to 49) or baby boomers (50 to 69), indicating the existence of a midlife friendship slump. The research was based on a self-reported survey of 1,016 Americans ages 16 and up. Across all demographics, people that report they have more close friends feel happier and are more fulfilled than those that say they have few or no friends. The majority also prefer deeper friendships with fewer friends over just having more friends. Qualities that most people look for in friends are loyalty, honesty, goodness and reliability in a crisis. Among the attributes considered least important are similar political or religious views and physical attractiveness, which ranked last. The use of social media appears unrelated to the number or quality of friendships or overall friendship satisfaction. People that attend religious services at least once a week are twice as likely to be completely satisfied with their friendships than those that rarely or never attend such services. The researchers concluded, “Those seeking more fulfillment from their friendships should invest disproportionate time and energy in the relationships they consider close.”

Marriage is Good for the Heart

esearch from the New York University School of Medicine found that married people have significantly less cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those that are divorced, widowed or otherwise single. The study used data on the rates of CVD from the health surveys of more than 3.5 million men and women collected at 20,000 U.S. medical centers. Married people under 50 had 12 percent lower incidence of heart disease than single people. Married couples between 51 and 60 years old had a 7 percent lower risk, while those over 60 had a 4 percent lower risk. The results were presented at the 2014 scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology. Researcher and cardiologist Jeffrey Berger recommends that doctors show increased diligence for single patients: “If one of my patients is recently widowed or divorced, I’m increasingly vigilant about examining them for signs of any type of cardiovascular disease and depression,” he says. 8

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LARGE STUDY EXPANDS VIEW OF SODIUM INTAKE

ietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, recommends that people 50 years old and younger keep their sodium intake lower than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day, while those over 50 keep sodium ingestion below 1,500 mg. However, a large international study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals a different story. Measuring levels of sodium and potassium excreted in the urine of 101,945 people between 35 and 70 years old from 17 low, middle and high-income countries, Canadian scientists found that consuming less than 3,000 mg of sodium per day was associated with a 77 percent increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Consuming between 3,000 and 6,000 mg of sodium daily was linked to lower risks of both cardiovascular disease and earlier mortality, while consuming more than 7,000 mg daily was associated with a 54 percent increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The researchers added that current guidelines for sodium consumption have been based upon shorter studies that showed only modest results. They also determined that daily consumption of 1,500-plus mg of potassium related to a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and earlier mortality. Consuming less than 1,500 mg was linked to increased risk.

Mind-Body Therapies Stimulate the Immune System

large statistical analysis of multiple studies on body-mind therapies such as meditation, tai chi, qigong and yoga found that the practices effectively reduce inflammation and show promise in modulating the immune system. Scientists at the Tufts University School of Medicine analyzed the results of 34 controlled scientific studies that collectively assessed 2,219 people. Each study involved the use of at least one mind-body practice for between seven and 16 weeks and measured immune system health using multiple biological markers. Eighteen of the studies specifically examined inflammation factors, while seven evaluated antiviral-related immunity. Nine of the studies measured C-reactive protein (CRP) levels—an indicator of cardiovascular-related inflammation. The analysis revealed that mind-body therapies reduced CRP levels in subjects with high risk factors for cancer, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. The scientists added that some of the research suggested that mind-body therapy may also increase immunity against viral infections.

We Hold Your Well-Being In Highest Regard

Calcium and Vitamin D May Help Prevent Dental Decay

study from Argentina’s Buenos Aires University has linked dental caries to low levels of calcium and vitamin D. Dental status and caries risk were assessed by determining the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth, the amount of plaque and the sugar intake of 106 women of the average age of 24. Calcium levels were deficient among nearly 60 percent of the women, 70 percent had low blood levels of vitamin D, 72 percent consumed soft drinks daily and all of them presented gingivitis (gum disease). The third with the highest caries scores and decayed or missing teeth had significantly lower calcium intake and vitamin D levels and significantly higher intake of protein and soft drinks, plus significantly higher plaque and sugar intake compared with the rest of the women. The researchers concluded that low calcium intake is associated with a high risk of dental caries and a greater severity of oral disease. “Adequate nutritional status of calcium and vitamin D could be an additional factor that may help preserve good oral health,” they state.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Cure ailing sales by advertising in Natural Awakenings’ March Animal Welfare Issue

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

856-546-0945 natural awakenings

February 2015

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

European Eco-Cooperation Linking Oceans and Human Health

EurOcean 2014, convened by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Marine Board, the European Commission and three Italian partner institutions—the National Research Council, National Inter-university Consortium for Ocean Science and the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics—has issued the first of 18 priorities cited in a declaration that adds momentum to a European Marine Board report, Linking Oceans and Human Health (Tinyurl.com/ OceansAndHealth). Participants identified four high-level policy goals: valuing the ocean; capitalizing on European leadership; advancing ocean knowledge; and breaking scientific barriers. Newly discovered toxic nanoparticles and swelling micro-plastic marine pollution, with concerns emerging about higher seawater temperatures incubating chemical carcinogens, pose several new perils to human health. Jan Mees, chair of the European Marine Board, states, “To truly progress our knowledge, European scientists across a broad range of disciplines and domains must make a quantum leap towards holistic approaches and integrated research on a scale that will help us to much better understand, protect, manage and sustainably exploit the seas and oceans that surround us. This is a grand challenge; not just in Europe, but for human society as a whole.” Source: Eurocean2014.eu

Potent Promises

Climate Change Pledges Predict Progress President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping have both made ambitious pledges to combat climate change. Jinping pledged that China’s CO2 emissions would peak around 2030; the first time that Beijing has set such a target. Obama promised that by 2025, the U.S. will have reduced its emissions by 23 to 26 percent from 2005 levels, twice as much as Washington had previously offered. The carbon emission deal that has been reached between China and the United States is a promising breakthrough. The world’s biggest economies account for one-third of the planet’s emissions, so their initiative should help persuade other countries to reach a global emissions agreement at a United Nations climate summit next year in Paris. President Obama faces opposition in the Republican-controlled Congress, although aides say he can act unilaterally. Moreover, rapidly evolving energy conditions in the United States, from the increased supply of natural gas to the expansion of renewable energies, will ease the pain of carbon cuts. 10

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GMO Pushback Hawaii Lobbies for Anti-GMO Laws

The Aloha State enjoys a year-round growing season, with multiple harvests annually. Last year, the Hawaiian island of Kauai passed genetically modified organism (GMO) farming restrictions, but they were overturned in court. Now, Maui County, which includes the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai, has approved a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically modified crops. The majority of Monsanto’s GMO corn seed sold to farmers in Argentina, Brazil and the U.S. comes from its Maui operation. If the law stands, Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences, another biotech firm with operations in Maui County, will need to seek alternatives. Lawsuits have already been filed by both opponents of the ban and proponents that want rigorous enforcement built in. Michael Lilly, former attorney general of Hawaii, expects the new law to be struck down like the previous Kauai attempt on grounds that state law supersedes it, although appeals in that case are underway. Meanwhile, an injunction has stalled the whole process. The message from anti-GMO forces is that although giant firms have deep pockets and many options, staunch determination to stem the tide of GMO crops worldwide may eventually bear the sweet fruit of victory. Source: Grist

Greenwashing Conundrum Biodegradable Plastic Bags Are a Hoax

In 2010, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed recommendations for environmental marketing claims. The agency has sent warning letters to 15 marketers informing them that their claims may be deceptive, and requested more scientific evidence that plastic bags labeled as biodegradable, or “oxodegradable”, implying the bag will break down in time when exposed to oxygen, were true to the claim. Because many bags are dumped in the low-oxygen environment of a landfill, the FTC considers those advertised benefits as dubious. Joseph Greene, a professor at California State University, Chico, points out that oxodegradable should be amended to “oxofragmentable” to be more accurate, because the plastics just break into smaller and smaller pieces. Chemically, they don’t break down into anything less hazardous. In fact, if these plastic bags disintegrate in the ocean, the fragments will be about the right size for sea creatures to mistake them for plankton. Source: Rabble.ca

Portable Feast

Guess Who’s Delivering Dinner A new service called Plated (Plated.com) is providing households the ability to prepare a fresh, homemade dinner without having to think about menu planning or grocery shopping. The ingredients arrive at the door in a biodegradable box, pre-portioned and ready to cook in 30 minutes. Customers browse a rotating menu of chef-designed recipes on the Plated website and select their favorites each week, add the number of plates to the shopping cart and set a delivery date. For the price of subscription to the service, they receive a box with perfectly portioned ingredients and detailed cooking instructions. Based in New York City, Plated delivers its subscription boxes to 47 states, with plans to further expand in the next year.

Living Together

2014 Global Peace Index The world has become less peaceful over the last seven years, according to the 2014 Global Peace Index. It measures peace in 162 countries according to 22 indicators that gauge both the absence and fear of violence. This is the seventh year the index has been produced. Results from the 2014 Global Peace Index show that since 2008, 111 countries have deteriorated in levels of peace, while 51 increased. Europe retains its position as the most peaceful region, with 14 of the top 20 most peaceful countries. The world has become significantly less peaceful over the last year, mainly due to a rise in terrorist activity, conflicts being fought, and refugees and other displaced people. As for the human toll, 500 million people live in countries at risk of instability and conflict, 200 million of whom live below the poverty line. The global economic impact of violence reached $9.8 trillion last year, equal to twice the total gross domestic product of Africa. Visit VisionOfHumanity.org to explore the interactive peace map and download the report. Watch a video at Tinyurl.com/GlobalPeaceVideo.

Source: Treehugger.com

Forward Leap

Batteries that Last 1,000 Years A group of Swedish researchers has discovered an unconventional way to give new life to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from iPhones to electric cars, using pine resin and alfalfa seeds. The researchers plan to take up to two years to improve the chemistry of the product, and claim that the recycled batteries could last up to 1,000 years, according to researcher David Brandell. It has been estimated that demand for the batteries from automobile manufacturers could explode up to 400 percent in the next six years. The researchers see the technology as a global antidote to current methods for recycling manufactured Li-ion batteries that are energy-intensive and require toxic materials to manufacture.

When Chicago University psychologists surveyed 20,000 people that were married between 2005 and 2012, they found that a third had met online. Half of them met through Internet dating, the rest via chat rooms and social networking sites. Of all the couples still married, those that met online rated themselves happier.

Source: EnvironmentGuru.com natural awakenings

February 2015

coverartist

ecotip Eco-Fireplace Tips

Best Ways to Enjoy Greener Indoor and Outdoor Fires

Four Hearts Mac Worthington Born and raised in Canton, Ohio, cover artist Mac Worthington cites a number of powerful influences on his bold art, from a creative upbringing to his experiences in the military. Worthington’s father, John “Jack” Worthington, was well-known for his bronze sculptures; specifically, busts of movie stars and sports figures in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton. His mother, Marion Worthington, was skilled in enameling and silver work. Serving in the jungles of Vietnam at age 19, Worthington interpreted the emotive experiences of war into powerful expressions of art, further influenced by the music of the 1960s. A self-taught welder, Worthington uses steel, iron and aluminum to create massive outdoor sculptures. Worthington has participated in more than 100 exhibits across the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain and Germany. He maintains a prominent gallery in the arts district of Columbus, Ohio, as well as a sculpture park at his private estate in rural Delaware County. View the artist’s portfolio at MacWorthington.com. 12

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Our inclination to position ourselves near fire is a year-round lure nationwide. Yet, the traditional ingredient in both indoor fireplaces in the north and outdoor fire pits in the south should give shivers to the eco-minded. In addition to causing considerable air pollution, wood smoke contains carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulates that can aggravate asthma, allergies and other health conditions. Eco-friendly firelogs—many made of recycled biomass products like compressed wood sawdust, ground nutshells and other ingredients—provide low-emission and petroleum-free alternatives to cordwood. According to Green America.org, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends manufactured logs over wood to cut air pollutants. Major manufacturers noted by ApartmentTherapy.com include Java, which uses coffee grounds; Energy Log briquettes made from recycled mill waste; and TerraCycle, ShredMaster Ltd. and CleanFlame, all of which use recycled and repurposed cardboard. In addition to producing greater heat, some of these logs even produce a natural crackling sound without throwing sparks. Inserts—basically a stove that fits into existing fireplaces—provide a genuine fireside feeling, but with green benefits. An EPA-certified stove or insert is built to burn cleaner and more efficiently, dramatically reducing fine particle emissions and pollution over older models. However, while a propane gas stove insert burns even cleaner and is easier to operate, it uses nonrenewable fuel. Consider wood pellet models that burn ultra-compressed wood and biomass of olive, corn and cherry pits. Outdoor steel fire pits that can burn firelogs have grown popular in warmer regions, and equipment manufacturers have responded. Tripods suspend swivel and free-standing grills over the pit for direct cooking or to hold cast iron kettles. Special outdoor tables also afford a gathering spot around friendly flames. Avoid gas and electric models as eco-no-nos. If real wood is a must, be selective. Firewood that looks a little rough is more likely to come from over-mature trees of the kind that can be removed without affecting the health of its forest (WoodHeat.org). Product packages of Pioneer Processors firewood attest that it “never uses endangered wood species and always purchases from well-managed forests.”

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mindfulness

Spirit: It’s Personal and Purposeful

as anyand Prana. In one this greater called exploration you an angel of mind/body lately for your devotion, the generous bediscoveries are by Alaine Portner havior? Have you endless. By arouscalled upon an angel ing our emotional enin the recent past for ergy systems, we begin hope, guidance or protecto acknowledge our bodies tion? Are you finding pennies from as a temple… our own personal enheaven, feathers in unusual places, digital tity to worship. We eat and sleep better, Earth time of 11:11 or the lights flickering and our dream (our subconscious voice) in your house for no apparent electrical reveals itself. reason? If you pay close attention, you’ll Our spiritual teachers reinforce the discover that heavenly guidance responds upper echelons of guidance from several through symbolism to activate our univer- sources; gods, gurus, angels through sal awareness here on Earth. mindfulness and meditation. When we There have been thousands of your assimilate our internal nature and it close encounters and spiritual interrupsensitizes us to all of nature. Our religious tion “coincidences” that you have shared teachers instruct the essence of a God publicly during mediumship sessions. channeled through scripture, rituals and The uniquely personal accounts of your places of worship. All of these purposeful spiritual stories are both humbling and belief systems inspire individualized faith profound. Each one of your stories of and hope for the enhanced spiritual expespirit is exclusive and purposeful in your rience to appear. Our teachers, friends life yet it supports the evidence of “call and even Hollywood movies validate the and response to all soul seekers”. Today it increased frequency of significant heavis commonplace to have meditative, stim- enly vibrations. The physical response of ulating moments of heavenly guidance goose bumps, truth bumps, is an easy exand prophetic dreams. ample of involuntary responses to beliefs Teachers of religion, yoga and spirthat resonate within us. ituality are the strongest proponents of Fortunately, spirit is accessed freely, accessing your expanded consciousness 24/7, more like a 7/11 and 11/11. Even in the everyday. Yoga teachers encourage if we are not looking for spirit, it has a us to focus on our physical body, breath funny way of finding us. It’s similar to

looking up at a dark sky and finding that brilliant star that’s appearing cosmic and expansive. It’s our reminder to be a part of this universal matrix every moment. The stars never disappear; it’s just the contrast that exposes them. Notice if you need contrast in your life to experience grace. The primary request of the soul seeker is, “How can there be more spiritual symbolism in my life?” Well, we’ve confirmed that spirit can be everywhere. It’s beyond the four walls of sacred places. If you activate your sacred nature more often, you’ll be seeing personal, symbolic responses joyfully and more regularly.

An Invitation of Meditation

Imagine that there are invisible bonds connecting you to all living things. You are an intersection in the beautiful multicolored vibration of humankind. Think of these coordinates becoming three-dimensional, slowly rising above you and falling below you, continuing to make grid patterns, until it includes every level of being in the universe. When you allow yourself to be a part of a larger spiritual Internet, you’re energy flows more freely when connected to a larger pattern. No matter what you do, wherever you go, you can draw upon this whole which is greater than the sum of its parts.

You just have to believe to see it! Alaine Portner, E-RYT 500, Medium, Spiritual Educator, author of Medium Memoirs Messages of Love, Hope and Reunion, and owner of the Yoga Center of Medford. For more information, visit YogaCenterOfMedford.com or AlainePortner.com.

Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home... it’s your responsibility to love it or change it. ~ Chuck Palahniuk

natural awakenings

February 2015

Happily Coupled Creating Loving Relationships that Thrive by Judith Fertig

“To be fully seen by somebody… and be loved anyhow— this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

t the conclusion of her bestselling memoir, Eat Pray Love, author Elizabeth Gilbert had fallen in love with Jose Nunes (called Felipe in the book), a Brazilian living in Indonesia. The divorced Gilbert, reluctant to have her heart broken again, had vowed never to remarry… yet ultimately changed her mind when U.S. immigration law presented her with multiple choices: marry so they could live together in this country, stay single and live as ex-pat partners or say goodbye to Nunes. Gilbert chose a marital partnership that suits the shared life they want: honest and, after years of travel, settled in one place. She says, “For the first time in my life, living in a small town with a lovely husband in an old house with 14

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a big garden and several pets, I feel absolutely rooted in a way I have never experienced before and never would have imagined even desiring. But it is what we want—at least for now—and we’re relishing that stability.” Gilbert records the process of going from two global wanderers falling in love to a married couple sharing domestic chores in her follow-up memoir, Committed: A Love Story.

Love Science

The spark that ignites such a partnership is love, which is “primarily about connection,” says Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., a positivity expert and author of Love 2.0: How Our Supreme Emotion Affects Everything We Feel, Think, Do, and Become. “It’s vital to our health

and happiness, affecting our brains and bodies at the cellular level. “We were born to love,” emphasizes Fredrickson, who also serves as a psychology professor and director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “The evidence comes from research that shows how our brain and nervous system are designed to enhance our chances of experiencing it.” When we share positive emotions with another person, experience a synchrony between their biochemistry and behaviors and ours, plus exhibit mutual care, love can bloom, whether we stay happily single or decide to pursue a committed relationship. She calls this triple-action sequence “positivity resonance”. Love, she observes, is less a smooth, solid path than momentary experiences of connection.

Making Love Last

The more areas of connection we have with our partners, the more opportunities we have to positively resonate every day, adds Frederickson. Thomas G. Plante, Ph.D., a psychology professor at California’s Santa Clara University and adjunct clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, agrees. “Long-term relationships, like marriages, are partnerships in living,” according to Plante. “The vast majority of the time couples are together they’re not having hot sex, but are sharing a practical day-to-day life together.” Shared activities aren’t always exciting or glamorous. Raising children, working, managing a home, cooking and cleaning, shopping, being with friends and family and the rest of regular daily living is where the rubber meets the road in relationship satisfaction, observes Plante. “If couples aren’t compatible in these areas, then the connection and attraction will inevitably atrophy, tensions emerge and too often, relationships fracture and fall apart.” Compatibility means different things to different people, and requirements can change as individuals in a romantic partnership change over time. Compatibility also means agreement

that the relationship is worth the effort to nurture and sustain it.

Partnering Life’s Dance

Five couples in different stages of loving partnerships share how they make their special relationships work. The key to them all is shared values. Doing everything together. For newlyweds Drs. Josh and Chelsea Axe, of Nashville, Tennessee, a mutual commitment to vigorous wellness and physical fitness keeps them together. Says Josh, “The healthy lifestyle I have chosen to live is so important that I need someone who is able to not just agree, but also partner with me.” Married in 2012, the two chiropractic physicians went on to co-found the BurstFIT interval training program and meld their professional, as well as personal, lives. Chelsea notes, “There is truth to the phrase, ‘Couples that sweat together, stay together.’ When working out together, you share a specific energy you create while pushing yourself to your mental and physical limits. You have your partner right there doing it alongside you, knowing they’re supporting you; so when you each break through a mental or physical barrier in your workout, you step over together into a strength and confidence that carries over into your marriage. Being a part of each other’s goals and the struggles to reach them unifies us.” Remarks Josh, “I feel like we can both be successful individually, but when we’re a team, the outcome is synergistic.” Chelsea adds, “It’s never a mindset of ‘me.’ It’s always ‘us.’” Balancing work and play. Barbara and Bob Unell, of Leawood, Kansas, dated as teenagers, went their separate ways in college and then found each other again in their early 20s. “We went on a blind date in 1968 and both belted out songs on the car radio,” recalls Barbara. “I thought he had a great sense of humor and was fun to be with. All these years later, it feels like we’re still dating. We’re crazy about each other.” Both Barbara and Bob describe themselves as enthusiastic, playful, entrepreneurial, altruistic and geared toward creative projects, whether un-

“Seventy-five to 80 percent of all chemistry evaporates within six to eight months unless the relationship is significantly undergirded by deeper and more durable compatibility.” ~Neil Clark Warren dertaken together or separately. “We’re both, ‘Let’s try this,’ sort of people,” says Barbara with a laugh. When the Unells had twins, now grown, they realized there was no national publication addressing how to parent multiples, so they launched Twins magazine in 1984. Bob founded and managed an advertising agency while Barbara wrote bestselling parenting books, but the whole family traveled together on her speaking engagements. In response to becoming a breast cancer survivor, Barbara founded the nonprofit Back in the Swing in 2000 to support survivorship care at cancer centers. When they needed additional staff, Bob joined the team in 2009. One of the biggest things that Barbara has learned from Bob is, “You can make work fun.” “Although we come from different backgrounds, Bob and I know the power of mutual respect, trust and kindness,” reflects Barbara. “Part of our connection is that we have shared history and never take each other for granted.”

Making long-distance work. Lisa Ekus, who runs the full-service culinary talent agency The Lisa Ekus Group, in Hatfield, Massachusetts, had been married twice and already raised her two children when she met Atlanta Chef Virginia Willis. They got to know each other through culinary events and to their surprise, fell in love. Over the past six years they’ve evolved a relationship that works for them—keeping a deep personal connection, but maintaining separate residences. Cookbook author Willis gardens, develops recipes and writes for her Food Network blog, “Down Home Comfort,” at Ekus’ New England compound in the summers; Ekus travels to the South during cold months. They also meet up as often as they can at conferences, food and wine festivals and other events during the rest of the year. “We are both smart, professional women who love what we do, have strong ethics and a high level of self-expectation in how we work,” says Ekus. “We are also best friends and work together professionally. The respect we have for each other and our work is instrumental in our relationship.” “We often joke about the North/ South, fast/slow cultural difference,” Ekus notes. “I’m more spontaneous; Virginia is more thoughtful in her responses. I tend to move fast and focus on checking off items, while Virginia is more about the journey and being in the moment. It often makes us each take stock and consider what we’re doing and saying.” They make the geographic separation work despite its inherent long-distance complications via consistent communication, saying good morning and good night every day by phone and texting often. They hold regular agent/author meetings to make professional plans and personal calendar meetings at least weekly, recognizing and respecting what is important to each of them.

Bridging the age gap. Karen and Dick Eagle, from St. Louis, Missouri, are 16 years apart in age, but are close in the ways that count. Both are strong-minded and still vie to get their own way even after 30 years of marriage. “We argue over the stupidnatural awakenings

February 2015

est things, and then “Marriages based on back and easy to be with, I can relax,” says resolve our disagreea mutual desire to Susan. Michael, on ments and realize how good we have serve and inspire grow the other hand, always seemed to fill a room. it,” says Karen. continually in richness Jake helps Susan with What first attracted them to each and beauty, and are chores around the property and she is other—and keeps a benediction to all always there cheering them together—is a love of playful fun who know of them.” him on from the front row when he performs and good times with at local venues. friends. Karen remarks, ~ Meher Baba “I knew Dick was ‘the one’ when he jumped flat-footed over a Cultivating Care wingback chair at a friend’s house. That Working out as a couple, sharing a showed me that he was young at heart.” creative project or making a gour Making ends meet. Eleven years met meal together can do more than ago, when family therapist Susan Frankkeep partners feeling connected. lin lost her husband, Michael, a univerShared activities also keep the positive sity college professor, she felt bereft and experiences ongoing and resonating. overwhelmed. The pair had owned a “That special bond and the commitcountry property near Cleveland, Ohio, ments people often build around it where they boarded horses. Susan realare the products of love, the results of ized, “I couldn’t keep the many smaller moments in which up with everything on love infuses you,” mainmy own,” and Jake tains Fredrickson. Such Marshall, a musician moments not only friend of Michael’s, accumulate, but offered to help. Over can also be stored time, Susan and Jake in memory and became close, and banked to feed a they now live relationship during together. the tougher times. Although “Love is someJake is a great thing we should supporter in many re-cultivate every ways, he’s not in day,” she says. A a position to help loving partnership financially. Susan is always a work depends on her late in progress. husband’s insurance and pension benefits, which Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from she would lose if she Overland Park, KS. remarries. “Jake is so laid

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Conscious Compatibility

eil Clark Warren, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the eHarmony relationship website, believes there are at least 29 personality dimensions—such as anger management skills, intelligence, feelings about children, energy and ambition—that comprise who we are and play a role in maintaining a relationship. Key personality dimensions include interests and activities, guiding principles and philosophies, expressions of emotional experience, tendencies toward togetherness and separateness, goals and familial and other relationships. Warren suggests categorizing desired qualities in a mate into three lists: non-negotiables, qualities that are top priority and deal breakers; semi-negotiables that are important, yet flexible secondary priorities; and negotiables that are subject to tradeoffs for more important qualities.

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zenspiration

Year’s resolutions in one clean sweep. Without a clear understanding of how mind is operating from moment to moment, dissatisfaction is only compounded. This includes the “reality” of all “dharmas” or matter. It also includes the feelings and emotions we experience from moment to moment as real or solid. Understanding how the mind perceives and experiences its perception is quintessential in resolving any dissatisfaction. People who live truly spiritual lives are explorers not gatherers, inquiring into the “mystery called life”—going where all men and women fear to go—within themselves. The Starship Zen is about to engage…

The Surest Way Not to Get Where You Want to Go is to Go in the Wrong Direction by Seijaku Roshi

uthentic Spirituality has to do with the core issue of the human experience, our perpetual dissatisfaction with ourselves and with life in general. Any effort to resolve this matter will prove to be problematic but not for the reasons you may think. It has nothing to do with the long hours of seated meditation that is required for example, or the changes we will need to make in order for anything to change, or all of the many reasons our mind will come up with as to why “I can’t.” The real problem has to do with the real cause of our dissatisfaction, why we are dissatisfied. Now the way we often attend to dissatisfaction is to come up with a cause, and usually the cause we come up with has to do with a person, place, thing, or event in our lives. In other words, “They, that, or it, did it to me” or “They, that, or it, does it for me.” What follows is an endless pursuit of either more of whatever “they, that, it” is, or a “better” version, and when all else fails a “different” “they, that, or it”. Which explains why we have so much stuff, and the “storage industry” is one of the multi-billion dollar industries in America today. Fundamental to all Buddhist teachings is that the world of matter is an illusion—that everything we perceive as solid or real is really “energy” or “spirit”. The world we perceive as solid is first “conceived in thought”; second “manifested through intention”; finally “made real” through words and actions.

In other words, “It’s all in our minds.” The entire scientific field of quantum physics rests on the ancient teachings of the Buddha and other ancestral masters. Summed up, “The object we perceive does not exist apart for the perceiver.” So here’s a “new idea” for the “new year”: Achieve the list of New

I Love You Seijaku Roshi is the abbot of Jizo-an Monastery at the Pine Wind Zen Community, located at 863 McKendimen Rd., in Shamong. For more information, call 609-268-9151 or visit Jizo-an.org.

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“On The Matter of Love”

Cr ea ti ng S u s ta i n abl e & F u l fil l ing R el a ti o ns h ip s “We are Hardwired for Love & Successful Relationships!” Learn The Zen of Loving Relationships Saturday February 7, 2015 Pine Wind Zen Community 863 McKendimen Rd., Shamong NJ 08088 609.268.9151 www.pinewind.org natural awakenings

February 2015

consciouseating

HAPPY MEALS Eating Healthy Foods Fights Off Depression by Lane Vail

dvertisements for antidepressants abound, yet a recent analysis in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the benefits of treating mildly or moderately depressed individuals with these drugs “may be minimal or nonexistent” compared with a placebo. Most physicians agree that at least part of the prevention of and recovery from depression can be addressed through diet. “Every molecule in the brain begins as food,” says Dr. Drew Ramsey, author of The Happiness Diet and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. “Food choice is the biggest puzzle piece patients have under their control.” Ramsey describes the modern American diet as being overwhelmed with highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, omega-6 fats and sugar. His food philosophy serves as an overall prescription for mental health: “Eat food 18

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that comes from farms and not factories; simple, recognizable human food.” Registered Dietitian Kathie Swift, an integrative clinical nutritionist in Lennox, Massachusetts, and author of The Swift Diet, agrees that food is powerful medicine. She recommends a balanced, flexitarian diet founded on plants, but including high-quality, animal-sourced foods. Just shifting our processed-foods to whole-foods ratio yields an improved mood, Swift says, which continues to motivate dietary change.

Prebiotic/Probiotic Potential

Recent science suggests a deeper meaning to the “gut feeling” adage. Bacteria in the gut and neurochemicals in the brain communicate intimately and bidirectionally via the vagus nerve, explains Swift. Altering the gut’s microbial population, whether from chronic stress, antibiotic overuse or nutritional deficiencies, can change brain chemistry

and thereby influence mood, mental clarity and sleep, she says. In 2013, Canadian researchers altered both the neurochemicals and behavior in mice by switching their intestinal microbiota; anxious mice given the microbes of intrepid mice became braver, and vice versa. Another small study in the British Journal of Nutrition showed a decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms in volunteers taking probiotics for a month. Essentially, says Swift, “We have a brain in the belly,” which must be nourished by both prebiotics (soluble fiber) and probiotics (fermented food). “Fiber is the quintessential substance to feed the lovely community of bugs in the gut,” says Swift, “while fermented foods interact with resident bacteria and give them a boost.” She recommends a variety of vegetables as a primary source of fiber, especially legumes, along with fruits, nuts, cheese and the occasional gluten-free whole grain. Probiotic foods include fermented vegetables, kefir, yogurt with live active cultures and apple cider vinegar.

B Happy

Most psychiatric medications target feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, says Ramsey, but the body also manufactures these chemicals naturally during the methylation cycle, a B-vitamin-dependent neurological process. “B vitamins are superstars of the brain,” Ramsey says. “Think of them as lubrication for the brain’s gears.” Folate, or vitamin B9 is particularly important to healthy nervous system functioning. A meta-analysis of 15,000 people reported in the Journal of Epidemiology associated low folate with a higher risk of depression. Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and Swiss chard are high in B vitamins, as are beets, eggs, lentils, beans and whole grains; helpful fruits include papaya, avocado and berries.

Omega-3s Please

“It’s a horrible notion that fat is bad,” says Ramsey. Swift agrees, noting, “We need a major renovation and reeducation of this important neuro-nutrient.” The

integrity of a neuron cell membrane, which Swift describes as “a beautiful and fluid layer of lipids,” is crucial for brain health because it dictates communication among neurotransmitters. “The fat we eat becomes the fat of our cell membranes,” she says. “So nourish your membranes with adequate amounts of the right types of fat.” Long-chain omega-3s (DHA) docosahexaenoic acid and (EPA) eicosapentaenoic acid build and protect neurons, help prevent cognitive decline with age and can boost overall mood and mental performance, says Ramsey. A study in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that treating depressed patients with omega-3 EPA was as equally effective as Prozac. “DHA

and EPA are the two most important fats for brain health on the planet, period,” states Ramsey. Foods rich in omega-3s include fatty seafood like salmon, mussels and oysters, plus sea vegetables, walnuts, flaxseed and grass-fed beef. For vegetarians and vegans, Ramsey recommends an algal DHA supplement. Focusing on feeding the brain doesn’t preclude staving off heart disease, obesity or diabetes. “Follow the rules of eating for brain health,” Ramsey says, “and you’ll also be slim, energized, focused and resilient.” It’s all a recipe for happiness.

Lentil Salad with Hummus, Grilled Asparagus, Broccoli, Red Onion and Grilled Watermelon Lentils, chickpeas and asparagus are high in fiber and B vitamins, while walnuts add omega-3s. Broccoli is an excellent source of chromium, a mineral found to lower blood sugar and reduce symptoms of depression in some people, according to a Cornell University study. Grilled onions (along with garlic, which can be blended into hummus) belong to a food family called alliums that promote healthy vascular function and blood flow to the brain and also contain a high concentration of chromium, says Ramsey.

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Good-Mood Meal Plans Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon with Sautéed Swiss Chard, Pickled Beets and Banana-Avocado Pudding Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3s, and Swiss chard offers fiber and folate. Beets are high in folate, as well as nitrites, which improve circulation throughout the body and the brain, says Nutritionist Kathie Swift. Double-down on beets’ power by eating them pickled in apple cider vinegar, promoting healthy gut flora. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid involved in serotonin production, and avocados are high in folate and oleic acid, a model unsaturated omega-9 fat needed for healthy brains, advises Dr. Drew Ramsey.

LABYRINTHS

Watermelon’s red color is due to its high concentration of the antioxidant lycopene, which helps resolve free radical damage, inflammation and hormone imbalances associated with depression, notes Swift. Grass-Fed Beef with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Kale and Greek Yogurt Swirled with Raspberries A British Journal of Nutrition study showed that beef raised on chlorophyll-rich grass provides more omega-3s than grain-fed beef. Like other animal proteins, beef is a significant source of tryptophan. Kale and sweet potatoes contribute fiber, folate and vitamin A, which promotes the enzymes that create the pleasure neurotransmitter, dopamine. Yogurt is also high in tryptophan, and raspberries provide folate and antioxidants. Free-Range Egg Omelet with Spinach, Tomatoes, Cheese and Fresh Papaya Eggs are a power-packed food full of B vitamins, tyrosine and tryptophan amino acids, plus selenium, zinc and iodide, micronutrients vital for proper functioning of the energy- and metabolism-regulating thyroid, says Ramsey. Tomatoes and natural cheese are high in lycopene and tryptophan, respectively, and spinach and papaya are packed with folate and fiber.

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natural awakenings

February 2015

healingways

the flood of adrenaline; Star of Bethlehem, for shock and loss; and Mimulus, for fear and anxiety. “Combining a few drops of each of these in a water bottle or tea several times a day helps you regain a feeling of balance,” Erwin says. She also likes drinking blood-cleansing noni juice to help wash adrenaline out of the body, and taking salt baths enhanced with lavender essential oil to literally “wash away the darkness.”

Gentling

GRIEF Remedies to

Emotional Aids

Heal the Heart by Kathleen Barnes

rief can arrive suddenly with the death of a loved one, serious illness, loss of a job, parental dementia or decaying relationship. In any case, it takes a toll. “Grief encompasses all of our thoughts and feelings. Mourning is when we put them into action by talking, crying, perhaps doing rituals,” explains Tracy Riley, a licensed clinical social worker and grief counselor in Jacksonville, Florida. “Grief isn’t something that’s over when you wake up one day,” Riley counsels. “It’s ridiculous when an employer gives you three days off and then expects everything to be fine.” She notes that time helps heal all wounds, but even a decade after losing a loved one, the pain can remain and life is never the same, although most of us learn to live with loss and move forward. “Some things can’t be fixed,” concludes Megan Devine, a psychotherapist in Portland, Oregon, and author of the audio book, When Everything is Not Okay, who blogs at RefugeInGrief.com. After witnessing the drowning death of her fiancé, she says, “I didn’t need to hear platitudes that everything would be OK. I needed something solid to hold onto when my whole world exploded.” 20

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Physical Aids

An unexpected death and any emotional shock is an extreme stressor that causes the adrenal glands to release a flood of adrenaline. Tina Erwin, La Mesa, California author of The Lightworker’s Guide to Healing Grief, explains, “If you get a shock when someone close to you dies, your adrenal glands are blown out almost instantly and you are overwhelmed with adrenaline, much like we often see in people with post-traumatic stress disorder. You need to rebalance your body chemistry.” Intense grief can sometimes show up as chest pain, a classic sign of heart attack, due to a temporary disruption of the heart’s normal pumping action from a surge in stress hormones, according to the National Institutes of Health. Yet Imperial College London scientists now have found that a recognizable “broken heart syndrome” may temporarily protect the heart from being overwhelmed with adrenaline. “Healing the physical side of grief ultimately helps healing on an emotional level, too,” says Erwin. To assist herself following the death of her 6-yearold niece from a sudden infection, she uses several Bach flower remedies for trauma—Rescue Remedy, to rebalance

Riley views art and music therapy, plus journaling (a “personal roadmap” that helps chart her progress), as powerful healing tools. She’s also seen firsthand how animals can play a key role through the mourning process. Her miniature schnauzer intuitively approaches her clients that are anxious and grieving and gives them permission to pet him. “It puts people at ease,” she says. “Then they can talk more freely about their pain.” Numerous studies, starting in the 1980s, show that stroking a furry pet lowers blood pressure.

Charting a Personal Course

For the bereaved (literally defined as “torn apart”), the symptoms of grief are meant to slow us down, advises Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D., director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition, in Fort Collins, Colorado, and author of numerous related books, including Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart. Society expects bereaved people to “carry on, keep their chins up, be glad they had him/her as long as they did or else be grateful that our loved one’s pain is over”—all platitudes that are more hurtful than helpful, says Wolfelt. Mourning takes time, but it also requires a social context, he explains. “It’s the shared response to loss. If you isolate yourself, you are grieving, not mourning. You can’t do this on your own. It’s bigger than you.” For those that feel stuck or unable to move forward, experienced grief counselors may be able to help. Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous health books, including Ten Best Ways to Manage Stress. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

inspiration

into her body and inquired about the dread: “How big is it and how deep does it go? Does it have a flavor?” The more she questioned, the more curiosity and attention she brought to the emotion and the freer she felt.

Turn Curiosity into Compassion

O’Malley learned to more accurately self-report her feelings. Instead of, “I am afraid,” she learned to assess; “Dread is here.” Then she cultivated compassion, treating the dread as her friend signaling the need for a solution. She acknowledged and listened to the stricken and paralyzed parts of herself, knowing they were separating her from joy because they needed to be heard and understood.

Step Outside Struggle to Embrace Humility

What’s in Your Way? Obstacles Point the Path to Wholeness and Healing by Deborah Shouse

ince childhood, Mary O’Malley always thought that something bad was about to happen and experienced a continuous dread that gnawed her insides. Over the years, she tried to eat, drink and medicate away the anxious feelings plaguing her, and sought help from group therapy, hypnotherapy and psychiatrists. Then in 1972, in her late 20s, O’Malley attended a yoga workshop that helped advance her quest to let go of struggles and embrace life. Later, when she met Stephen Levine, whose teaching is influenced by Buddhism, he conveyed, “There’s nothing in you that needs to be fixed,” and invited her to view her own issues with curiosity and compassion. The transformational insights learned along her journey shared in her book, What’s In the Way Is the Way, include simple tools for those that need to move beyond struggles to live in the present with more peace, ease and joy.

O’Malley believes that struggle is humanity’s core compulsion. We develop a story about the difficulty of life and heroically fight against myriad injustices. Yet making a U-turn in perspective to see them as challenges is tailor-made to help us recognize and achieve separation from our individual struggles in favor of a better way of experiencing life. “The dictionary misses the full meaning when it defines humility as ‘lowliness, meekness, submissiveness,’” O’Malley believes. “True humility is a state of great availability, and from this kind of openness we can reconnect with the joy of being fully alive.” She now discovers gifts embedded in every single challenge. Deborah Shouse blogs at DeborahShouseWrites.wordpress.com.

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February 2015

greenliving

Eco Feng Shui Tips to Bring More Positive Energy into Your Home by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

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hen we’re hungry for change, we may feel the impulse to spruce up our living spaces. Rooms that feel cluttered, drab and unappealing drag on our energy. Applying the basic inspired tenets of the ancient Chinese art and science of feng shui can transform and re-energize any space, improving the way we feel. Translated as “wind and water,” feng shui—which has been creating healthy and harmonious environments since its origins 3,000 years ago—can activate our rethinking the arrangement, uses and tone of each room while bringing beneficial green changes home.

Feng Shui Basics When considering how to apply feng shui principles, it helps to have a trained practitioner make a map, or bagua, analyzing how energy, or chi, moves through a building. They will determine ways to help chi flow and settle in appropriate places to support all aspects of life. Recommended alterations typically start with furniture placement, color choices and key accessorizing.

Sample bagua maps are available online for referencing. While a complete feng shui treatment may require major revamping, we can also take some low-cost steps to immediately create more harmony while eliminating toxins that are unhealthy and disrupt the energy flow.

Bring in Green “Bringing natural elements into a space will aid the circulation of chi, help achieve a balance and yield an indoor environment of peace and calm,” says feng shui practitioner Maureen Calamia, owner of Luminous Spaces, in St. James, New York. Feng shui categorizes the natural elements as water, metal, fire, earth and wood, reflected in items like stones, plants and water features, as well as art and wall decorations and paint colors. Filling a home with living plants is favored by many feng shui experts. “Surround yourself with green plants, including cuttings from the yard,” advises Debra Duneier, a feng shui master practitioner, certified eco-designer and author of EcoChi: Designing the

Human Experience, in New “Feng shui contains dangerous volatile organic cotton shower curtains and window coverings. York City. “They bring energy organic compounds (VOC) is the original that off-gas into the air. and life force into your home, while also filtering the eco-science.” Look for widely available air you breathe.” If adding zero-VOC brands. Other op- Follow Your Joy ~ Will LeStrange tions include displaying art plants isn’t feasible, she recFeng shui is multifaceted, but at its ommends picking up some or colorful wall hangings. center is a search for balance and fresh flowers each week. Remember to Flooring. Many toxins lurk in harmony. When making changes change the water every day and dispose conventional carpeting and adhesives at home, it’s good to know we can of the flowers at the first sign of wilting used to lay wood or tile floors. Look for follow our instincts and add things (dying flowers bring negative energy). natural wool rugs, reclaimed wood and that bring us joy. Feng shui experts zero-VOC floor adhesives. Preserve reprovide guidance in choosing colors sources and alter the energy in a space by and elements, but each of us is ultiBanish Toxic Materials repurposing reclaimed materials for rehab mately the best judge of what feels “Healthy indoor air quality is an essential projects. For good feng shui, smudging best for our own space. aspect of good feng shui,” attests Alisa with dried sage cleanses any negative “I often ask my clients: What kind Rose Seidlitz, an eco feng shui consulenergy leftover from previous owners. of message are you sending yourself?” tant/designer, certified green building Furnishings and fabrics. Mainsays Duneier. “You can use your space and interiors professional and owner of stream furniture is typically treated to send yourself a message of a beautiAmbiance Eco, in Berkeley, California. with toxic flame retardant, so always ful, abundant and healthy life.” “Materials used inside our homes, such ask how furniture has been treated as cleaning products and furnishings, can before purchasing. Seek out nontoxic Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist, a writer from either contribute significantly to poor air Tucson, Arizona, also freelances for and natural materials like natural quality or support positive feng shui.” GreenAmerica.org. rubber mattresses and hemp or Indoor air quality is significantly impacted by furnishings and décor. When seeking out the cleanest, greenest options, pay special attention to: ere’s a quick primer on the colors associated with each of the five natural Cleaning products. Safely discard elements and ways to bring them into a home. Seek a balance of all five in toxic cleaning chemicals by taking each room, appropriate to its use. them to hazardous waste pickup sites. Wood green, brown living plants, wood, flowers Many household jobs can be done with Water blue, black water features, running fountains, glass vinegar and baking soda. Earth earth tones, soft brick, tile, ceramics Paint. Revisions in wall, trim and yellows/oranges furniture colors quickly freshen a room Metal white, gray rocks, stones and bring new energy, especially when Fire red, purple, bright sunlight they align with Earth’s natural ele yellows/oranges ments. Avoid conventional paint, which

Feng Shui

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February 2015

healthykids

EASE ADHD NATURALLY

Nine Ways to Help Restore Calm and Focus by Jenna Blumenfeld

lthough experts aren’t certain why it occurs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children, causing symptoms such as inattentiveness, frenetic activity, anxiety and forgetfulness. Kids with ADHD typically respond to drug prescriptions designed to provide calm and focus, but some carry unpleasant side effects like appetite changes and muscle spasms. Experts suggest considering these natural options to complement an afflicted child’s integrative treatment plan. Nutritionist Sara Vance, owner, Rebalance Life, San Diego, California. Up omega-3s. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that recent studies show kids with behavior problems have low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient vital for brain health. Children’s daily diets should contain omega-3-rich foods, such as chia, hemp, nuts and fatty fish. For children 12 and older, supplement with fish oil containing 1,200 milligrams (mg) of (DHA) docosahexaenoic acid and (EPA) eicosapentaenoic acid combined. 24

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Try magnesium. Low levels of magnesium, also known as the calming mineral, are associated with restless legs, anxiety and irritability—all of which can exacerbate ADHD. For kids ages 4 to 8, start with 130 mg of magnesium in the morning. If the child has trouble sleeping, another dose before bed may help. Reduce the dose if loose stools occur. Boost B vitamins. Vitamins B6 and B12 are important building blocks for brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Deficiency can impair nerve cell communication, hindering memory, focus and attention. Encourage a child to eat B-packed organic foods like eggs, poultry, bell peppers, yams and spinach, and sprinkle B-vitamin-rich nutritional yeast on dishes like noodles and soup. Naturopathic Doctor Laurie Brodsky, e-consultant, DrLaurieND.com, New York City. Give up gluten. Gluten is a complex, gooey conglomeration of many proteins that sticks to the digestive tract, often stimulating behavioral issues. When gluten inflames a child’s digestive system, brain inflammation likely occurs,

as well. Look for gluten-free pasta, bread, crackers and cookies made from rice, quinoa, flaxseed and non-GMO (genetically modified) corn. Pair fats with food. Healthy brain function requires a proper ratio of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats to the more common inflammatory omega-6 fats (found in canola, soybean and corn oils). Encourage balance by eating omega-3 foods at mealtime, when the gallbladder releases bile into the digestive system, allowing better omega-3 absorption. Avoid processed foods. High-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors such as Yellow 5, Blue 1 and Red 40 are linked to increased hyperactivity in children. Choose whole, real foods like whole grains and organic meats, vegetables and fruits. Use maple syrup rather than white sugar to sweeten foods—it’s full-flavored, so a little goes a long way. Behavior Specialist Margit Crane, educator, GiftedWithADD. com, Seattle, Washington. Lead by example. Parents have more power to handle their child’s ADHD than they think. Model the desired behaviors—if children are not allowed to eat in the living room, the rule should apply to the whole family. Maintaining consistent rules is vital. Set boundaries. Many parents and teachers believe that boundaries for ADHD-laden kids, that are often sensitive by nature, may be harsh or limiting. But these children actually thrive with boundaries. Rather than offer kids unlimited choices, give them two or three options. This helps a child feel safe. Regard a troubled child as scared, rather than angry— this will enable parents and caregivers to speak to them with compassion. Work with teachers. Some children with ADHD may have trouble fitting into traditional schools. When speaking with teachers, use collaborative words such as “partnership” to obtain healthy cooperation. Teachers have an entire class to attend to, not just this child; address them with respect and understanding, and everyone will ultimately benefit. Jenna Blumenfeld is the senior food editor at New Hope Natural Media, in Boulder, Colorado. Copyrighted 2014. Penton Media. 114554:1214BN.

natural awakenings

February 2015

healthspotlight

An Overview of Breast Imaging by Philip Getson, D.O., and Liesha Getson, BCTT, HHC

In the last decade, we’ve been exposed to many new terms including microcalcifications, tomosynthesis and BRCA ½ genes. There are, however, some things that have not been so publicly announced:

he use of tomosynthesis (or 3D mammograms) yields two to three times more radiation than standard 2D mammograms according to Radiology. In Switzerland, the medical board recommended the complete abolition of all mammographic screenings in 2004 as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. Mammography appears to be preventing only one death for every 1,000 women screened contrary to information previously disseminated in a study issued by the Swiss Medical Board. The British Medical Journal reported that while the BRCA½ gene is linked to breast cancer, women carrying it are particularly vulnerable to radiation. Women who carry this gene and were exposed to diagnostic radiation which included mammograms before the age of 30 were twice as likely to develop breast cancer compared to those who did not have it. The risk of having a false positive mammogram when a woman undergoes 10 mammograms is 58 to 77 percent. In addition to unnecessary radiation-based testing, she’ll undergo unnecessary additional radiation-based testing, biopsies, surgeries, and significant psychological trauma. Mammograms are substantially less 26

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accurate in women with dense breasts causing 11 states to enact laws mandating that women be told that the mammogram wasn’t accurate because of the breast density and was in Congress in July of 2014 to recommend a national law mandating that all mammographic centers provide this information as reported in Cancer Epidemiology. Despite the report of the group commissioned by the United States Government in 2011 recommending that mammographic screening not be done until the age of 50, most clinicians still urge their patients to begin doing so at 40. Further, the commission recommended eliminating breast self-exams, an essential part of the breast health screening protocol. In this age of information technology, women are understanding that perhaps mammography is not all it was cut out to be and, in fact, may cause more harm than the benefit that it provides. They are seeking alternative breast screening studies. Thermography or infrared imaging is a screening test that has been available to American women since 1957, over 10 years before mammography. Backed by over 1,000 peer-reviewed articles worldwide, it has stood the test of time. It is a totally safe, non-ra-

Philip Getson of Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging diologic, non-compressive, screening modality that looks at the physiology as opposed to the anatomy of the breasts. The primary difference is that physiology looks at how the breasts work and, as such, can provide a much earlier indicator of breast disease than waiting until an anatomic test shows a lesion that will require intervention. Thermography allows for modifications of diet and lifestyle which have shown to improve the physiology of the body including the breasts. We’ve repeatedly seen visual evidence of improvement of breast physiology with such modifications utilizing thermographic imaging. Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging (TDI), in Marlton, is trying to take some of the confusion and fear out of breast imaging. The cost of a thermographic examination at TDI includes the images, report to the patient and their healthcare practitioner and, when necessary, a one-on-one phone conference with Dr. Philip Getson. At TDI, we provide our patients with a universal claim form for their insurance carrier. At this time, approximately 35 percent of patients are getting reimbursed. Here’s some more information to help women make a decision as to which test is best for them: Other testing for breast disease includes ultrasound which utilizes sound waves to differentiate between solid from cystic masses without the radiation or compressive side effects. This is an excellent adjunct to thermography for enabling us to correlate thermal irregularities to potential anatomic lesions. We have developed a working relationship with several imaging facilities that will do an ultrasound without coercing the patient into having a mammogram.

The other anatomic test is an MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which uses high-powered magnets to separate the water molecules of the body, creating an image also without the use of radiation or compression. This is the newest anatomic test which unfortunately, due to the cost, is difficult to get authorized. At TDI we try to assist our patients with the approval process when necessary. For the record, no test “diagnoses” breast cancer. The diagnosis is made under a microscope based upon tissue obtained from a biopsy or surgical excision. We now know, based upon statistical evidence over the last four years, that there are many false positives as well as lesions which meet the criteria of cancer but were technically “over-diagnosed”. Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, described the term over-diagnosis in cancer medicine as “a tumor that fulfills all laboratory criteria to be called cancer but, if left alone, would never cause harm. This is a tumor that will not continue to grow, spread, and kill. It’s a tumor that can be cured with treatment but doesn’t need to be treated and/or cured.” Much has been written about DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), causing great alarm and is responsible for 12 percent of all breast “cancers”. However, in 2013, a working group from the National Cancer Institute published an opinion in JAMA that stated that DCIS should be renamed to exclude the word carcinoma because, “Ductal carcinoma in situ is not cancer so why are we calling it cancer?” a quote from Dr. Laura J. Esserman, a breast cancer specialist in California. The decision on breast evaluation screening belongs to each individual. We should all be educated as to the benefits and risks of various forms of testing. One should be proactive in their health concerns and attempt to prevent breast disorders as early as possible. Changes in diet and lifestyle can make significant improvement in breast health and minimize and in some instances even forestall the presence of a breast cancer. However, if a cancer is diagnosed, each individual should educate themselves regarding the type of tumor they have and its potential for long-term harm, and then investigate all of their treatment options.

TDI uses state-of-the art, FDA-approved infrared technology which looks at the physiology of the breasts. It’s a totally safe, non-radiologic, noninvasive test. Dr. Getson, a board-certified thermologist, interprets all of the images and generates all of the reports. He also offers a phone conference with each patient to explain findings of the thermogram. Source: Philip Getson, D.O., and Liesha Getson, BCTT, HHC, of Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging,100 Brick Rd., Ste. 206, Marlton, NJ, 856-596-5834, tdi@ comcast.net, tdinj.com.

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February 2015

therapyspotlight

Relationships:

HEALTHY CONNECTIONS by Pat Obst and Sharon Roth-Lichtenfeld

elationship is the state of being connected. For relationships to really thrive, there needs to be connections on multiple levels. However, research indicates that to be connected to others we first must be connected to ourselves. This calls for us to be self-aware, sincere and compassionate.

Self-Awareness and Mindfulness

The first step to connecting to one’s self is self-awareness by practicing mindfulness. Self-awareness gives us an understanding of what we are doing. Mindfulness gives realization and recall. It is observation or paying attention without judgement. This practice of paying attention to what happens inside and around us with a non-judgmental attitude helps us to have a clear perception of our strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, emotions, motivations and values. It’s removing our own viewpoint to take inventory of everything. It’s painful, but well worth it. Start by sitting down in a quiet place for three minutes. Pay attention to the present moment using all five senses:

sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing. Hear the background noise, smell the air, see the colors in the outside world. Now there is connection to what happens around us. Now observe the thoughts that come into your mind, emotions that arise and the physical sensations in your body. Think of it as being a an engaged bystander. Recognize how each thought has an emotional response and physical reaction. This forges the connection to self and starts the process of creating new insights. By practicing this skill, the more connected we become to self and our outside world which includes our relationships.

Values and Strengths

Values are the things that we believe are important to us. They are learned from parents, society, religion, experience and other factors. Strengths are natural traits or skills that develop along the way. Together, they are the foundation for how life is lived. Knowing them is critical. When individuals live by core values, use their strengths, they are

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connected to themselves and others. Doing a value exercise helps to clarify where our values come from while helping to see which ones are important right now. It also helps us learn how we need to adjust or even let go of them in order for life to work for us. Values are very important in relationships. Healthy relationships require shared values. Most conflicts in relationships are usually a value conflict. By having shared/similar values and living them out in a similar way forges the deep connection.

Self-Compassion

Self-compassion, or self-kindness, is vital to mental well-being and life satisfaction, according to Kristin Neff, Ph.D., a leading researcher on self-compassion. Neff says that self-compassion isn’t dependent upon feeling special; it’s the ability to treat yourself like a human being who deserves love and care. In essence, you value yourself. It’s a learned skill, a practice of treating one’s self with understanding and kindness in instances of pain and failure. It includes self-forgiveness and acceptance of all of you. One way to increase self-compassion is to develop a mantra. One that Neff developed for herself is: “This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment; may I give myself the compassion that I need.” Neff’s son has autism. When he would have a tantrum in public, she would turn to her self-compassion mantra. Being connected to self creates a healthy relationship with one’s self and the outer world. It is the foundation for establishing a bridge in developing healthier, deeper and more fulfilling relationships with others. Pat Obst, a Licensed Clinical Therapist, and Sharon Roth-Lichtenfeld, an ICF Certified Professional Life Coach, bring over 25 years of expert professional experience plus many years of personal knowledge and understanding of loss, grief and forever changes. Their Afterwards program is the next step and the critical link from being supported through therapy and support groups to gaining the ability to flourish after the first year. To learn more, visit AfterwardsProgram.com.

BRINGING MORE THAN HOMEWORK HOME By Ryan Hogan It’s the time of year when we send our kids back to school from the holidays. Unfortunately, while schools are good places to learn they are great places to catch a disease. In fact, children’s Upper respiratory illnesses (URI’s) cause more doctor visits and missed school days than any other illness in the US. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to help reduce the chances of your child getting sick at school this year.

sanitizer before eating snacks, lunch and after using a shared computer mouse, pencil sharpener, water fountain or other community objects. Now, most people know we need to wash our hands, but one thing most people don’t really relate their health to is nasal hygiene. Using a saline spray with xylitol, such as Xlear Nasal Spray, is safe for all ages. Research has shown this natural sweetener is useful in preventing bacterial otitis media (ear infections), among other upper respiratory problems that are most likely to occur in fall and winter months. Additional xylitol studies have also shown a significant reduction in asthma attacks when a xylitol nasal spray is used on a daily basis. Xylitol affects nose and throat bacteria in two ways:

HOW? Before we talk prevention, we need to know how infection spreads. Many childhood illnesses are caused by viruses and bacteria that are transferred from person to person. URI’s increase in fall and winter as we spend more time crowded indoors. All it takes is one sick child, going to school for the spread to begin. Small droplets from a child’s cough or sneeze travel through the air and land on surfaces like desks, doorknobs and people. These germs are easily spread when someone touches the contaminated object and then proceeds to touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Children’s immune systems are less mature than those of adults, so they’re more vulnerable to these germs. Washing your hands and your nasal passages and also keeping their hands away from their nose, eyes and mouth are the most preventative habits to form at a young age.

•

Decreases the adherence of harmful bacteria on their surface cells.

•

Stimulates the body’s own natural defense system

Since the average American child has six to ten colds a year, using a xylitol nasal spray is a safe and effective way to promote better upper respiratory health, year round. FINAL HEALTHY TIPS In addition to frequent hand-washing, teach your child some other school health basics:

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Our best defense is to stop cold germs where they breed. Good hand-washing is the most effective way to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, handling trash and prior to touching food to help eliminate germs. Soap and water should be used for 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Using alcohol-based hand cleaners is also effective. Remind your child to use the

•

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

•

Give your child a package of tissues to keep in his or her desk.

•

Encourage your child not to share water bottles, food or other personal items.

•

Ask your child’s teacher to include hand-washing time before lunch or snacks.

•

Have your whole family practice nasal hygiene and the use of xylitol saline spray like Xlear.

Even with all of these tips, your kids are bound to come down with something over the course of the school year. We all get sick at some point or another, forming healthier habits and maintaining a positive attitude is all we can do as parents. For more information, please visit www.xlear.com. natural awakenings February 2015

fitbody

their sleuthing skills before deciding on something that can prove so pivotal to their health. Clue #1: Location and hours. If a facility isn’t near home or work, people won’t go, says Jim White, an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) health fitness specialist, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “Our time is so valuable that going to the gym can’t be a hassle.” Check online and list nearby facilities and hours, scratching off any that aren’t open at convenient times.

FITNESS FINDS Locate the Best Workout Space for You by Debra Melani

ix years ago, Sherry Salmons, of Oak Ridge, Illinois, was perplexed by her “glowing, smiling, energetic” neighbor that worked full time while raising three young children, yet never seemed drained. Finally, she asked: “What’s your secret?” The answer was a life-changing visit by Salmons to a nearby holistic fitness studio.

Lucking into good recommendations can whittle down the multitude of choices available at 32,000 U.S. health clubs and studios, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. With the dual trends of niche studios and low-cost fitness centers fueling a diverse burst in workout options, club-seekers should apply

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Clue #2: Know what you need. Some people have absolute necessities for fitness success. “For instance, avid swimmers need a pool,” says Grace DeSimone, an ACSM personal trainer in New York City. “That’s going to reduce their choices considerably.” Other non-negotiable provisions might be a yoga studio, indoor track or child care. Clue #3: Gym rat or newbie? A fitness facility that costs pennies a day might seem like an obvious choice, but not if our fitness level and knowledge are near zero. “A lot of people don’t know what to do in a gym,” observes White, who owns personal training studios in Virginia. “We’re especially for those who want their hands held or want to see results fast.” Niche studios focused on modalities from kick boxing to dance therapy can offer added guidance. DeSimone notes that other reputable facilities will likewise have accredited trainers, often at a low cost. Larger facilities also may offer more options for a newbie to try out before settling on what they like, she says. Clue #4: Take a test drive. Make use of trial periods and guest passes. “Get a feel for the culture,” says Chris Freytag, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise and a personal trainer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “People are more likely to stay motivated in an environment that inspires them and with people that motivate them,” Freytag says. During on-site visits, do we feel at home among kindred spirits our own age? Is the facility clean and secure?

Clue #5: Look at the equipment. If the gym doesn’t have the equipment we want to use, whether it’s Pilates or TRX equipment, free weights or Kettlebells, then move on. A gym worth joining will have plenty of up-to-date equipment that follows the latest fitness trends and works properly, says White. Clue #6: Investigate the staff. Checking out the staff is key for those seeking specialized guidance, such as yoga, martial arts or personal training. Look for trainers and instructors available to help that are certified by a reputable program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Investigating key employees’ backgrounds, including acupuncturists and massage therapists, is crucial. Clue #7: Sign with caution. Avoid signing long-term, complicated contracts, which are rare these days, DeSimone counsels. “Don’t be overwhelmed by a high-pressured sales pitch; just stand your ground, because those people are at your service.” White recommends making sure the price includes expected services; feel

free to negotiate, especially with initial fees. Understand all policies, especially cancellation clauses, and use a credit card, which is easier to correct if problems arise, adds DeSimone. Although Salmons was lucky, with her neighbor’s recommendation leading her to her perfect studio, people should investigate to find their ideal fit. “It starts when you walk in the door,” Salmons says about her attraction to The Balance Fitness Studio. “The space is open, exposed and it’s got this very clean, feng shui energy.” Not a traditional, iron-pumping, music-blasting gym fan, Salmons

prefers Pilates, but participates in all of the studio’s offerings, including massage, acupuncture and nutrition classes. While finding the right club has boosted her fitness level, she notes that the real magic has come in the form of revitalized energy. “It’s changed me in all aspects of my life. When I leave, I feel mentally focused, emotionally balanced and refreshed. It’s kind of transformational.” Freelance journalist Debra Melani writes about health care and fitness from Lyons, CO. Connect at Debra Melani.com or DMelani@msn.com.

Think Outside the Box

ne of the latest trends for health-seekers is joining more than one club. Mixing it up can be a good way to go, says Jim White, owner of Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios, in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. “A lot of people are leaving the big-box gyms for more of an a la carte menu,” White says. “I have a client that strength trains with me in the mornings and then goes to spinning, barre and yoga studios in the afternoons.” Up to 90 percent of small studio members belong to more than one club, according to the 2014 International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association’s annual industry trend report. That can both lessen monotony and provide a well-rounded fitness routine, White says.

natural awakenings

February 2015

naturalpet

When Your Pet Passes A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing

by Julianne Hale

pet’s love is extraordinary because it is unconditional. It doesn’t have expectations, pass judgment or try to leverage guilt. It is rich in loyalty, trust and adoration. Domestic pets provide warmth, companionship and love, as well as purpose, fun and conversational gambits for family members. For lonely hearts, they are a lifeline, providing a physical, emotional and spiritual connection to life that may prove critical to survival and happiness. Loving pets seem like an endless source of happiness while with us, but few outlive their owners. Loss is as much a part of having a pet as potty training. For some, the loss of a dog or cat is debilitating and the grieving process can take months. Rev. Gary Kowalski, author of Goodbye, Friend and a Unitarian Universalist minister in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contends that the depth of the relationship that we develop with pets emerges from the time we spend with them every day—exercising, feeding, grooming and even sleeping with them. The relationship is pure and uncomplicated, and the pain of separation can be especially intense and profound. The challenge of pet loss is often complicated by the difficult decision to euthanize an aged or suffering 32

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animal. “One of the hardest things about having a dog is that sometimes you have to decide to end its life,” says Jon Katz, of upstate New York, a New York Times bestselling author of many books about dogs, including Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die. “Our job as pet owners is to be an advocate for our pets, making sure they do not suffer. Don’t poison the joy that you shared with your pet with guilt over your decisions,” he says. Katz recommends taking photos of pets and making intentional memories in the time leading up to parting to encourage closure. The same kind of rituals we use to honor and say goodbye to other family members can likewise help ease the pain of a pet’s passing. Owners can gather with loved ones and friends to celebrate the life of their pet with a burial ceremony or memorial. Kowalski likes adding meaningful words. His book includes a variety of readings that pet owners can use in their rituals taken from poems, literature, the Bible and other sacred texts. When a human friend or family member dies, compassion and empathy flows from everyone we meet, but many may not be aware of, or understand, the depth of grief associated with a pet’s death. “Some people feel embarrassed or don’t understand that

mourning a deceased pet is a normal process,” explains Julia Harris, a pet bereavement counselor from Ellijay, Georgia, and author of Pet Loss: A Spiritual Guide. Support is essential during times of grief, and it can be difficult to find an understanding friend to discuss it with. Several online communities are devoted to providing support. An Internet search of “pet loss support” yields a wealth of online resources. In the same way that the belief in an afterlife comforts people of many faith traditions when a person passes, the possibility of the same destiny for pets can offer comfort. “Perhaps one of the most common questions I am asked is whether or not animals have a soul,” explains Harris. “I encourage people to know that the soul, like love, is eternal. It leaves the physical body, but the loving relationship continues.” While there’s no standard timeline for the grieving process, it’s important to keep perspective. Excessive grief can lead to depression. “If the grief is interfering with life and your work, then you may need to seek professional help,” advises Katz. Not even a parent is capable of providing the purely unconditional love we receive from pets. Kowalski views it as a sacred connection, observing that through the unconditional love and acceptance that we receive from our pets, we get a little glimpse of what God’s love must look like. Julianne Hale is a writer and editor for Natural Awakenings and blogs about family life at AnotherGrayHair. WordPress.com.

What’s Your Number? Discover Your True Nature Through Numerology

1 A J S

2 B K T

3 C L U

4 D M V

here is an old saying, “There are many paths to the top of the mountain and we each must find our own way.” In the ancient art of numerology, the numbers one to nine each reflect a different journey to the top of the mountain. Each number is an expression of the virtues, traits and universal laws that lead individuals to specific types of experiences. Knowing one’s numbers can help people understand who they are, the lessons they came here to learn and the overall purpose of their lives. Numbers are determined using a person’s name and birthdate. Each letter in the alphabet equals a number from 1 to 9 (i.e. a=1, b=2, c=3, etc.). The numbers are added up and then reduced down to a single digit. These numbers are used to generate a numerology chart that reveals the person’s story and describe the type of experiences a person is likely to encounter as they travel on their path to self-mastery. The birth name determines an individual’s three identity numbers. These represent the soul, mind and personality plus carries both strengths and challenges that’ll be faced during a person’s lifetime. The soul number is determined by adding the vowels in a person’s full birth name. The vowels are considered to carry the vibration of the soul. This number carries the energy or essence with which the person feels most aligned, represents the heart’s greatest desire and is the es-

5 E N W

6 F O X

7 G P Y

8 H Q Z

9 I R

sence that a person wants most to bring forth in their lifetime. Those with a 2 for their soul number want most to love and be loved. Individuals with a 2 soul are easily able to blend their energy with others to create a sense of unity and strength. Ideally, the 2 soul knows itself well enough that it’s able to set appropriate boundaries and maintain its sense of self as it loves others. The challenge for the 2 soul is that it may be willing to lose its own identity for the sake of being in a partnership. The second identity number represents the mind number and is determined by adding the consonants in a person’s birth name. The mind number is a modifier or an adjective that further describes the soul number. It’s a specific aspect chosen by the soul that describes the guiding principles or important ideas and goals of a person’s life. Individuals with a 3 mind number are likely to be highly creative, funny, outgoing, and seek to express their thoughts and ideologies using artistic and creative means. They are very social and love being the center of attention. Ideally, a 3 mind is confident and eager to express itself. The challenge with a 3 mind is that it can be overly critical of self or others. When this occurs individuals may find they prefer to stay out of the limelight rather than shine at full capacity. The third identity number is known as the personality number and is determined by adding all of the

letters of the birth name. It represents how people express themselves in the world and, therefore, how they are seen by others. This number embodies the sum of an individual’s natural capacities and capabilities. A number 4 personality represents people who are structured, organized and are able to take ideas and put them into action. They are detail-oriented and disciplined as they focus on providing a foundation upon which something can be built. At the highest level, the ideal 4 provides stability with room for spontaneity. The challenge faced by a 4 personality is fear, whereby they seek safety and security and become controlling when they feel their safety is compromised. In addition to the mind, soul and personality numbers, there is one number on the chart that reflects a person’s specific journey to the “top of the mountain”. This is known as their life path or lesson number, determined by adding up the numbers in the person’s birthdate. The life path number characterizes the types of lessons one must learn to achieve an enlightened state. The number 1 life path number requires a person to be strong, independent and courageous. These individuals often rise to play leadership roles, but it can be lonely at the top. In their personal lives, they may live a solitary existence. As they say, “One is the loneliest number.” The struggles faced by these individuals can ultimately become the key to finding inner peace. In the feeling of being alone, they discover that they are actually at one with all things and have never been alone. Through this life lesson, they awaken to the interconnectedness of all things. By understanding one’s numerology, individuals can recognize when they are expressing the positive or the challenging side of any number. Their journey is to transform the challenges into opportunities for growth that empower them to reach the top of the mountain and live a joyful and abundant life. Traci Rosenberg is a Numerologist and Empowerment Coach who empowers individuals to live a more fully realized life. For more information, call 856-8100335 or visit SoulTalkWithTraci.com.

natural awakenings

February 2015

wisewords

Conscious Dating Jill Crosby on Looking for Love Online by S. Alison Chabonais

ill Crosby, owner and founder of the Conscious Dating Network, has focused on spiritual development and meditation for more than 30 years. Working as a director for the granddaddy of the original onsite photo/ video dating companies, which included interviewing 6,000-plus singles, sparked a desire to create a venue for spiritually conscious singles to meet. So, 15 years ago, she created her flagship online dating site, SpiritualSingles.com. NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com, launched two years ago as part of the network, shares the same database of members as SpiritualSingles.com and many affiliated conscious dating sites in the network. Today, the Conscious Dating Network is the largest of its kind. From Mount Shasta, California, Crosby leads a team of specialists that care for members’ needs and provide a loving, inspiring site for singles to meet their beloveds.

How has online dating continued to evolve and what trends do you see now? The stigma about meeting someone online has completely dissolved as success stories have become so common. It’s like shopping online—you can look at many different varieties and styles to find exactly what you are looking for, rather than physically searching store after store hoping to find something you like. Technology has made a tremendous difference in price, accessibility and reach. Today, members post selfies as headshots, shoot their own videos and can access potential matches anywhere in the world. 34

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I used to think long-distance relationships didn’t stand a chance. However, with Skype and a willingness to relocate, many of our success stories start as long-distance connections. Video chatting is a great way to assess common values and get to know someone on a deep level before traveling to meet in person.

What distinguishes conscious dating sites like Natural AwakeningsSingles.com from mainstream sites? Natural Awakenings Singles is a niche dating site for those that are conscious, spiritual and green. Singles with specific interests, passions and lifestyles usually prefer niche dating sites because they allow for more targeted search results, provided that the member database is large enough. Our database of more than 90,000 members globally is considered large for a niche. Mainstream sites may have more members; however, they require far more time and effort in sorting through profiles to find those with whom we might have something in common. Natural Awakenings Singles is also much more generous than conventional pay models, in that free members can read and reply to personal messages and live instant messages sent from subscribing members. Most mainstream sites make members pay to read and reply to messages. Our primary goal is for our singles to become couples—to facilitate the tremendous amount of success our members experience, we do many things differently.

Have you seen any overall differences in the success stories the Conscious Dating Network facilitates? Yes, our members usually connect on a deeper, “soul-to-soul” level and tend to understand that chemistry comes in all shapes and sizes. Our success story couples oftentimes have the feeling that they are destined to be together. We encourage members to listen to their inner guidance in regard to whom to contact, be grateful in advance and stay in their divine flow. When members tune in and act from this space, miracles happen. Many of our “destined” couples go on to do amazing projects together, like opening retreat centers, writing books, facilitating workshops, starting intentional communities, creating nonprofit organizations and other beautiful ventures that neither of them would have necessarily done alone. The power of two seems to be exponentially greater.

What have proved to be your all-time favorite tips for online dating success? By healing past traumas, loving and forgiving ourselves, and embodying our divine presence as much as possible, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness fall away and we emanate our true radiance, thus magnetizing a partner equally empowered and awake. When we are in a place of personal power, there is no being shy or procrastinating. Imagine how it would be once you have met the love of your life, and focus on those feelings while browsing and reading profiles. When you notice a strong inner nudge to contact someone, do it. If it’s not mutual, that’s OK; don’t take it personally. That’s part of the beauty of online dating; the pool is large, and when the feeling and knowingness is mutual, you might just be starting a life together. “In-joy” the process, be positive and choose to make it a fun adventure! Joining NaturalAwakeningSingles. com includes access to all members of all the Conscious Dating Network sites. S. Alison Chabonais is the national content editor for Natural Awakenings magazines.

calendarofevents

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Email don@nasouthjersey.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Community Yoga: Donation Based – 9-10:15am. Open to all levels of participants, beginners and experienced. Once a month we extend an open invitation to a free yoga class for members, $5 donation for guests. Level 1 Yoga is held all other Sundays. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. 609-654-9400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com. Yoga Basics – 10:30-11:30am. 2015 yoga intention for peace in body-mind-spirit. Yoga Basics is an introductory class to yoga postures and yogic philosophy. Through movements, breathing techniques and meditation principles, learn the benefits of this rewarding practice that will last you a lifetime. 4 consecutive wks. $15 or class card. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. To register: 609-654-9400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com. Interpretive Trail Hike – 1:30-2:30pm. Join an RNC naturalist for an interpretive hike through our varied habitats. Pace is easy and suitable for adults and teenagers. Free/member, $4/person, $10/family. Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas Rd, Westampton. Pre-register: 609-261-2495, RancocasNatureCenter.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

variety of committees and events. REI Marlton, 501 Rte 73 S, Marlton. 856-810-1938. rei.com/ stores/marlton.html. Zen Men’s Circle – 7-8:30pm. Seijaku Roshi facilitates a monthly support group for men only. An opportunity to look at issues men struggle with and discover the causes for dealing with the issues skillfully. Donations appreciated. Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. Registration required: 609-268-9151. PineWind.org. Tibetan Energy Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm. With Master Reiki Teacher Janice Gilpin. Experience a breath work practice to balance, center and align your energy field, along with gentle seated movement, chanting mantras and mudras, followed by 20 mins of meditation. $15. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Warm Yoga Flow – 5:30am. A flowing hatha class geared towards building endurance, generating heat and releasing toxins. Core-infused class incorporates breathing techniques, positive thinking and anxiety-reducing methods. Meets every Wed. $20 or class card. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. To register: 609-6549400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com.

Numerology Class – 7-9pm. Learn the basics of what each number represents and explore how each number takes you into enlightenment. Learn which of your numbers is the path to your awakening. An introduction to numerology and a deep exploration of your divine nature. $15. The Center for Conscious Living, 302 N Washington Ave, Moorestown. 856-722-5683. Traci: 856-8100335, SoulTalkWithTraci.com.

Living a Meaningful Life: Zen Studies Class – 7-9pm. Includes a period of seated meditation and a dharma teaching given by Seijaku Roshi or a Senior Monk. Class will focus on the causes of living a meaningful life, what we call living a zen-inspired life. Perfect for beginners and the more seasoned student of meditation. $10. Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. 609-268-9151. PineWind.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Friends of the Black Run Preserve Members Meeting – 7-8:30pm. They are now officially a 501(c)3 nonprofit. One of their major goals for this year is to grow their organization, getting more volunteers actively involved in a greater

When it Clicks: Featuring Jennifer and Jeff Salvage – 6:30-8pm. Tourists go to see; travelers go to linger; adventurers go to live life more fully. Free. REI Marlton, 501 Rte 73 S, Marlton. Register: 856-810-1938, rei.com/stores/marlton.html.

On the Matter of Love: Creating Sustainable & Fulfilling Relationships – 9am-5pm. We are hardwired for love. Then why is it so complicated? What keeps most of us from experiencing this precious inherent quality regularly? How can we know it in our lives, reclaim the experience for ourselves, and continually enjoy it in all our relationships? A life-changing interactive seminar. $75 includes lunch. Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. 609-268-9151. PineWind.org. Pilates Reformer Demo Class – 10am. Pilates is known for its ability to promote core strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. Introduce yourself and your body to the widespread benefits of Pilates Reformer. Space limited. Free. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. Registration required: 609-6549400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com. Zen Stretch & Wu Tao – 10am-1:30pm. With Anna Brooke. Choose Zen Stretch: the easy, calm, balancing way to ground, center and flow with grace and ease through your day and/or Wu Tao: the powerful dance, exercise, meditation program balancing your vital life energy. Preregister: $20 each; $30 both. The Center, Life in Balance, 43 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenter LifeInBalance@gmail.com. Family Yoga – 1-2pm. Move, play and share the joy of yoga as a family. Family yoga uses postures to connect parents and children in a fun a playful way. Class geared towards children walking through age 4, but older and younger siblings welcome. Donation. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856-5461006. LiveInJoyYoga.com. Joint and Muscle Relief Workshops – 1-4pm. With Yoga Therapist Rhonda Clarke. The antidote to repetitive sitting, standing, aches and joint pain. The series of gentle and relaxing poses moves all the joints, muscles and bones in the body. It revitalizes the body from inside out, improves circulations, and clears toxins and waste products from tissues. $45. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. Registration required: 856-404-7287. YogaForLiving.net.

natural awakenings

February 2015

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Reiki Level I Attunement Class – 12:30-3:30pm. With Reiki Master Tricia Heiser. Learn the beautiful healing art of Reiki and its history. Includes discussion on Reiki healing techniques, the chakras and their associations, meditations and practice time. Receive a manual, Level I Attunement and Reiki I Certificate. $150. The Sanctuary for Yoga, 43 S Main St, Medford. Register: 609953-7800 or TheSanctuaryForYoga.com. Animal Totems & the Chakras – 2-4:30pm. Join shaman Al Bennett in a visioning to become aware of energy strengths weakness of chakras, a drum ceremony to invite animal totems, and deep meditation to reveal inner totem pole and animal guides. $25. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com. Journeying Circle – 3:30-6pm. With Ben Jezierski. Explore the principles of Shamanic Journeying, and an exploration of the Shamanic worldview and experiential journey with the drum. Donation to support the studio. Bliss Body Studio, Collingswood. Pre-register, Ben: BJezierski@StandingWest.com. Info: BlissBodyNJ.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Meditation and Messages through Mediumship – 5:30pm. Also Mar 9. Alchemy exists with medium, Alaine Portner, E-RYT, in combination with meditation, messaging and harmonic sounds. She communicates with the energies of loved ones and receives symbolic messages, both personal and purposeful to you. Limited to 8 participants; pre-registration required. $65. Skype sessions available. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. 609-654-9400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Gardening With Roses: Easy-Care Climbers, Ramblers, and Shrubs – 7pm. Monthly Horti-

cultural Society of South Jersey meeting. Judith McKeon will discuss the best methods for cultivating these easy-care woody plants in the garden. She will recommend the best garden varieties, and offer tips on all aspects of rose culture. Free. Carmen Tilelli Community Center, 820 Mercer St, Cherry Hill. More info: HSSJ.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Live Music and Yoga – 6-7:15pm. With Molly Hicks and Bonnie Hart. Gentle guitar music and beautiful vocal accompaniment by a music therapist provide the perfect backdrop for yoga postures that promote relaxing and rejuvenating. $13. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 609-970-3401. BonnieHart.org. Refresh Your Run – 6:30-8pm. This class will help you get in the groove and provide training and technique insights to get you back in shape and/or prepare for your upcoming 5-10 K or more. Free. REI Marlton, 501 Rte 73 S, Marlton. Register: 856-810-1938, rei.com/ stores/marlton.html. Angelica – 7-8:30pm. Learn about the Archangels and how to contact them. $30. Audubon High School, Audubon. Registration required: 856547-7695 x 4185. Monastic Circle: The Essentials for Living a Zen-Inspired Life – 7-9pm. Anyone is welcome to join the Monks of Pine Wind and Seijaku Roshi as they come together to discuss and train in the fundamentals of Living a Spiritual Life, living ethically and sustaining a devotion to regular seated meditation, contemplation and prayer. Donations appreciated. Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. 609-268-9151. PineWind.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Yoga Nidra: Valentine’s Weekend Celebration – 7:15pm. An Indian tradition referred to as “sleep of the yogis.” Experience a deep sense of calm with guided visualization techniques. Yoga nidra melts away tiredness and tension in the body, awakening to clarity. Beginners welcome. $20 or class card. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. 609-654-9400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Supporting a Balanced Lifestyle

Yoga Ayurveda Meditation Workshops Stress Management Dance Movement & more

www.yogaforliving.net

856-404-7287 1926 Greentree Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 36

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Valentine’s Happy Hour – 3-7pm. Relax with your significant other at Halo before hitting the restaurant. This special package includes a 40min couple’s aromatherapy massage, 20-min salt room session and 20-min reflexology session for only $170 plus tax or ($85 each). Halo Wellness Center, 968 Rte 73 S, Marlton. For an appt: 856574-4433. ElevateYourHealth.com. Happy Hour “Heart Opening” Yoga: Valentine’s Weekend Celebration – 6pm. This all-levels flow class focuses on coordinating breath to movement, with heart opening postures and musical accompaniment. The sequence of postures increase flexibility and strength, while creating a sense of calm and relaxation in the body and mind. $20 or class card. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. To register: 609-6549400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Healthy Hike – 10:30-11:30am. Join a Rancocas naturalist for a themed hike around the preserve. $3/RNC members, $5/nonmembers. Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas Rd, Westampton. Pre-register: 609-261-2495, RancocasNatureCenter.org. Nia: Joy in Movement – 11am-12pm. Falling in love with your body exactly as it is through the practice of Nia, a combination of dance, yoga and martial arts movements. $13. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 856-404-7287. YogaForLiving.net. Heart Opening Qigong – 1-2:30pm. With Wendy Clouser. Celebrate Valentine’s Day through a series of qigong movements that uniquely focus on opening the heart to allow witness to profound changes within yourself. These changes may be physical, emotional, spiritual or all of them at once. $20. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856-546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com. Spark Seeker Workshop Series Presents: Connections – 1-3pm. Come open your heart and cultivate lasting connections with yourself and others through this beautiful practice of yoga. $20. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 856-404-7287. YogaForLiving.net. Valentine’s Day Kids Yoga Workshop (Parent’s Night Out) – 6-8pm. Kids will learn heart-opening yoga postures through kids centered yoga, games and songs. While your kids are learning mindfulness breathing, fun yoga postures, and gaining strengths and flexibility, parents can have a date night on Valentine’s Day. Please pack healthy snacks for your child. $25/early registration; $35/after Feb 7. Majaka Yoga, 377 S Main St, Williamstown. Pre-registration required: 609231-6706 or MajakaYoga.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 The Greatest Love: Kundalini Yoga – 11am1:30pm. With Devpreet. Perhaps the most challenging, yet important love is self-love. Self-love is: essential to healthy relationships; aligned with the true meaning of yoga; integral to happiness and success in all walks of life. $30/pre-registered, 40/at door. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856-546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com. Mystical Art – 12-2pm. With Shelley Szajner. Come explore the mystery of your Soul through medium of art and touch that Divine part within yourself and bring form to the formless. Bliss Body Studio, Collingswood. Pre-register, Lisa: 856-261-0554. BlissBodyNJ.com. InSparkle Celebration – 1-3pm. Invite your friends to come along and “listen with a gentle heart” while Lisa Cohen, a local author, shares Grace is Born. This illustrated poetic parable inspires us to dance with divinity. Illuminating conversation and light refreshments will follow the reading. Free. The Center, Life in Balance, 43 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenter LifeInBalance@gmail.com.

Connect With Nature Series: Maple Sugaring – 1:30-3pm. Learn about the sugar maple tree and the history of maple sugaring, observe a tapping demonstration, and enjoy a maple syrup tasting. To ward off the chills, we’ll have an old-fashioned campfire burning. RNC members: $7/ person, $15/family (limit 5); nonmembers: $9/ person, $21/family (limit 5). Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas Rd, Westampton. 609-2612495. RancocasNatureCenter.org.

Restorative Yoga – 7:15pm. Experience an evening of deep relaxation through gentle yoga stretches and supported postures, accompanied by the soothing sounds of crystal bowls. Free yourself from long-held tensions in the body and mind, and create a healing and spiritually uplifting space. $15. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. Register: 609-654-9400 or YogaCenterOfMedford.com.

Couple’s Yoga: Valentine’s Weekend Celebration – 3pm. Celebrate the Valentine’s holiday with yoga, and take your practice to a brand new level. Bring a partner or friend and enjoy supporting, stretching and connecting with one another through playful yoga practice. No experience necessary. $35/couple. Yoga Center of Medford, 417 Stokes Rd, Medford. 609-6549400. YogaCenterOfMedford.com.

Girl Power Tween and Teen Empowerment Workshops – A fun, interactive, curriculum-based program that empowers tweens (1013) and teens (14-17) with great life skills needed for self-love, self-confidence and self-acceptance. Teach healthy coping skills that promote positive self-esteem to make great choices in life. $69. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 856-404-7287. YogaForLiving.net.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Women’s Wellness Connection of SJ – 6:30pm. Sheri Krauss, LAc, and Tammy Hughel, CCHC, will speak about how to get loads of B vitamins, amino acids and probiotics without the use of supplements. There will be a demonstration of the simple process of making kombucha and water kefir for a fraction of the cost. Free. William G. Rohrer Center for Healthfitness, Rms 2 & 3, 2309 Evesham Rd, Voorhees. Seating limited; RSVP required: 609-221-2285 or Tammy@ Wellness4Living.com. Beginner’s Mind Meditation & Zendo Classes – 7-8:30pm. Designed for those new to Pine Wind and Zen Meditation, as well as the more seasoned student and member. Includes instructions in meditation (zazen), liturgy, and zendo etiquette. Donations appreciated; no registration required. Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. 609-268-9151. PineWind.org. Tibetan Breathwork and Meditation – 7:308:30pm. With Janice Gilpin. A seated practice using breathwork, mantras and mudras to balance, align and restore inner peace. Experience for yourself the many benefits for mind, body and spirit. $15. The Sanctuary for Yoga, 43 S Main St, Medford. Register: 609-953-7800 or TheSanctuaryForYoga.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 The ABCs of GMOs – 6:30-8pm. Join GMO Free NJ to explore the basics: A) All About GMOs, B) Be the Change by taking action and C) Connect with Community. Once you learn more you’ll want to tell your family and friends. Find out how you can opt out of the GMO experiment. Free. Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave. RSVP: GMOfreeNJ@gmail.com. Learn more: GMOfreeNJ.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Owl Prowl – 5-7pm. Includes a brief introduction to native owls and their behaviors to help you make observations on your evening walk in the woods. Binoculars and flashlight recommended. Course #: CFG 522 80. $10. Whitesbog Village, General Store, 120 Whitesbog Rd, Browns Mills. Pre-registration required: 609-894-9311 x 3027.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Usui Reiki Level 1 – 10am-5pm. Learn how to perform Reiki Level 1 treatments on yourself as well as others. Includes attunement with first symbol, how to do a Boysan Scanning and how to use a pendulum to detect energy levels. A wonderful healing tool to use for your own health as well as others and pets too. $120 includes manual for Reiki 1 & 2. Acu-Health Center, 100 W Camden Ave, Moorestown. For more info, Barbara Toritto at Angel’s Hands: 609-760-8410. Creating Sacred Art – 12:30-6pm. With Mary Law. Tune into your own radiant energy and create Sacred Healing Art of your own. Be guided as you work with pastels and watercolors suitable to all ability levels. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856-546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com. An Evening with Seijaku Roshi – 7-9pm. Join Seijaku Roshi as he discusses the “interdependence” of “Love and the World we Want” and to use this force to create it. Discusses Zen principles for living a meaningful life; includes questions and discussion. $15/individuals, $20/ spouses, partners, $5/PWZC (Benefactors only).

Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. 609-268-9151. PineWind.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Sunday Morning Meditation & Tea Ceremony – 9-10:30am. Includes seated meditation (zazen), chanting and a Tea Circle, an opportunity to explore the questions each of us might have about applying the teachings in our daily life, while sharing a bowl of tea. $5 donation. Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. 609-268-9151. PineWind.org. Access Consciousness Bars Certification Class – 9am-5pm. Learn to apply gentle touch to the 32 points on the head that correspond to different areas of our life and clear out the fixed points of view, judgments, negative feelings and limiting beliefs that slow us down. 8 CEUs. Moorestown. For more classes & info: 856-4370430 or Restoration-You.com. Reiki Level I Certification Class – 9:30am-5pm. Everyone has the ability to learn the caring, nurturing, hand-on healing touch of Reiki. Class includes discussion, practicing techniques, giving and receiving Reiki and attunement. Instructor: Jacklynn Milovsky, Reiki Master. $135. Halo Wellness Center, 968 Rte 73 S, Marlton. Register: 856-574-4433. ElevateYourHealth.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Vegetarian Society of South Jersey Lecture Series – 6:30pm. Presenters: Barbara Thomas and Keith Monahan of GMO Free NJ. A presentation on the dangers of GMOs in our food supply with a screening of Jeffrey Smith’s seminal documentary on genetic engineering, Genetic Roulette, The Gamble of Our Lives. Vegetarian starter kits and food samples provided. Free. Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave, Collingswood. To volunteer, RSVP, or for more info: 609-848-VEG1 (8341) or TheVSSJ@ gmail.com.

Colon Hydrotherapy

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Energize the Body & Mind! Celebrating our 25th year helping & teaching over 6,500 clients to be internally healthy.

Allergy & Health Solutions Center

278 Tuckerton Rd., Medford, NJ 08055 natural awakenings

609.654.4858 Feellikeus.net February 2015

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Hope and Healing Circle – Free services for those fighting cancer and 20% off for caregivers. Our therapists are specially trained in oncology massage and will customize treatments to your needs. Receive massage, Reiki, reflexology or salt room session. Halo Wellness Center, 968 Rte 73 S, Marlton. Register; space limited: 856-574-4433. ElevateYourHealth.com. The Thru-Hikers Secret – 6:30-8:30pm. An Appalachian Trail Thru-hike is a true-life adventure in a modern world. Explore the physical, psychological and logistical secrets that can help you earn the coveted moniker of Thru-hiker. Free. REI Marlton, 501 Rte 73 S, Marlton. Register: 856810-1938, rei.com/stores/marlton.html. Holistic Health Webinar – 7-8pm. With Thermographic Diagnostic Imaging and Health through Awareness. Dr. Getson will be discussing “How to navigate the system in the changing face of medicine.” 4th Wed each month. Free. For more info or to register: 856-596-5834 or tdi@comcast. net. Tdinj.com. HealthThroughAwareness.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Speaking of Nature Series: What’s Up With Our Watershed – 7-8pm. Presenter: Nina Odunlami, AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador. An overview of the Rancocas Watershed including its diverse habitats, regional impact, monitoring program, and recreational opportunities. $2/RNCmember, $5/nonmember. Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas Rd, Westampton. 609-261-2495. RancocasNatureCenter.org.

plan ahead WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Hands-On Bike Maintenance: Drive Train – 6:30-8:30pm. Join our certified bike techs to learn about your drive train as well as how to inspect, maintain and adjust front and rear derailleurs to make sure your ride is as smooth as possible. $45/member, $65/nonmember. REI Marlton, 501 Rte 73 S, Marlton. Register: 856810-1938, rei.com/stores/marlton.html.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Reiki Level II Certification Class – 9:30am5pm. For those who have completed Reiki Level I, this class incorporates symbols, long distance healing and emotional balancing techniques. Instructor: Jacklynn Milovsky, Reiki Master. $190. Halo Wellness Center, 968 Rte 73 S, Marlton. Register: 856-574-4433. ElevateYourHealth.com.

trainings

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Intro to Foot Reflexology Class – 7-9pm. with Michele Carlino, MT. In this introductory course learn how to massage the feet and what areas are connected to which parts of the body. It is strongly suggested that you come with a friend to ensure that everyone has a partner to work with. Bliss Body Studio, Collingswood. Pre-register, Lisa: 856-261-0554. BlissBodyNJ.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Inner Fire Intensive – 12-5pm. With Parvati. Explore the chakras through yoga poses, learn wisdom of yogic philosophy, deepen your connection through mantra, meditation and mindfulness practices and purify. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856-5461006. LiveInJoyYoga.com.

Integrate Your Mind, Body, & Spirit Offering Total Wellness, From the Inside Out. Experience Your First Yoga Class for FREE!

• Yoga & Meditation • Reiki & Massage • Shiatsu & Reflexology • Sound & Energy Healing • Chirology (Hand Analysis) • Drumming • Group Light Grid

• Personal Growth Classes • Private & Group Sessions

616 Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08107

South Jersey

Thai Yoga Bodywork Training with Sudevi – Apr 18-20. Learn the healing art of Thai Bodywork in this 3-day intensive. 24 CEUs. $350. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856-546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com.

We inspire as well as inform,providing cutting-edge articles and interviews that really make our readers take notice.

Find us online at

Bliss Body Studio & Wellness Center 856.261.0554

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

www.blissbodynj.com nasouthjersey.com

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ongoing events Email don@nasouthjersey.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

daily Dawn Meditation – 6-7am each weekday for 1st 3 wks of Feb. Start your day with a healthy mental breakfast, which nourishes and prepares your mind and body to meet the day’s challenges. No registration required. $5 donation appreciated. Pine Wind Zen Center, 863 McKendimen Rd, Shamong. 609-268-9151. PineWind.org. Yoga for Your Back – If you are looking for an effective therapy for back pain that does not involve drugs or medical procedures, discover Svaroopa® yoga. A therapeutic and gentle style of yoga that relieves pressure from the spine. 6 classes offered a week. Rhonda Clarke, Yoga Therapist and Advanced Svaroopa Yoga Teacher. $15/class. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 856-404-7287. YogaForLiving.net.

sunday Meditation – 10:30am. Joyful Gathering Spiritual Center, 215 Highlands Ave, Ste C, Haddon Township. 856-780-5826.

monday Qigong Class – 6pm. Using controlled breathing with gentle movements, qigong builds strength and stamina while boosting circulation, improves immunity and much more. No special equipment needed. Certified Supreme Science Qigong Instructor, Sharon Tuscano. $15/drop-in, $50/4 classes. WellSpring Center, 19 N Centre St, Merchantville. To register: 856-461-0060. Group Hypnosis & Discussion – 6:30-8pm. 2nd Mon. While in a relaxed state, your subconscious is coached to accept new positive and uplifting thoughts about yourself and your life and filled with thoughts of hope and trust, opening your mind to infinite possibilities. $15. The Center, Life in Balance, 43 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com. Monthly Meditation/Mini-Workshop – 6:308:30pm. 1st Mon. Explore meditation, energy education/topics and Reiki. Please arrive on time so the meditation is not disturbed, and refrain from alcohol the day of the workshop. $15. The Center, Life in Balance, 43 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com.

Barefoot Bootcamp – 10:30-11:30am. With Jessica Watters. A little bit of yoga, a little bit of Pilates, all-over toning and sculpting and a whole lot of fun. Regular class rates apply. The Sanctuary for Yoga, 43 S Main St, Medford. Register: 609-953-7800 or TheSanctuaryForYoga.com. Gentle Yoga – 6:30-7:45pm. Relax and renew with Cris, a 200-hr certified yoga instructor. Gentle hatha yoga, breathing and deep relaxation techniques, Reiki, and light massage will help balance your mind, body and spirit. Nature scenes are projected on a beautiful flat screen TV to enhance the relaxation experience. Class suitable for all adults in Glassboro and surrounding towns. Space limited. All levels welcome. Glassboro Senior Center, off of Rte 47. More info: HathaFun.com. All Level Yoga with Sandy – 7pm. Vital Yoga, 836 Broadway, Westville. 609-922-2484. VitalYogaNJ.com.

wednesday Vedic Chanting for Beginners – 9-10am. Learn simple Vedic Chants that open heart and mind. Change the way we think and feel and increase mental clarity. With Linda Cope. Also Yoga Therapy by appointment. Temenos Center, Moorestown. 856-722-9043 x 7. Healing. Yoga@yahoo.com. Mid-Day Meditation – 12pm. Also held Fri. Join us for a 10-min meditation. On Wed the focus is love; on Fri, peace. Each week we raise the love and peace vibration personally and globally. Treat yourself to a mid-week refresher. The Center, Life in Balance, 43 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. Qigong Class: Lunch Time Recharger – 12:15pm. 40-min class so can attend during lunch break. Using controlled breathing with gentle movements, qigong builds strength and stamina while boosting circulation, improves immunity and much more. No special equipment needed. Certified Supreme Science Qigong Instructor, Sharon Tuscano. $12/drop-in, $40/4 classes. WellSpring Center, 19 N Centre St, Merchantville. To register: 856-461-0060.

tuesday

Creative Writing – 2-3:30pm. Course designed to be a true creative writing class. If you have ever wanted to write, now is the opportunity to try doing it within an accepting circle of writers. Class ongoing and will become a way for you to finally find your voice and to tell your story. $95/6 wks, $18/drop-in. Eilandarts Center, 21 S Centre St, Merchantville. Ni@Eilandarts. com. Eilandarts.com.

Back To Basics Yoga – 10-11am. With Bonnie Hart. Movements that stretch, tone, and firm the physical body while relaxing the mind. All ages and abilities welcome. $13. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 609-970-3401. BonnieHart.org.

Pre-Natal Yoga – 5:45-7pm. With Tricia Heiser. Enhance your pregnancy with prenatal yoga and keep the body healthy, the mind stress free and promote a deeper connection between mother and baby. Regular class rates apply. The Sanctuary for Yoga, 43 S Main St, Medford. Register: 609-953-7800 or TheSanctuaryForYoga.com.

Earth Yoga – 6-7pm. With Bonnie Hart. Native American and Eastern Philosophies intermingle to relieve stress and reconnect to a greater sense of self. Postures and breathing techniques shift nervous tension to a feeling of grounding and peace. $13. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 609-970-3401. BonnieHart.org. Sustainable Cherry Hill’s Green Drinks – Thru June. 6-8pm. 1st Wed. Networking focused on creating a sustainable South Jersey community. The Farm & Fisherman Tavern + Market, 1422 Marlton Pike E, Cherry Hill. 609-238-3449. SustainableCherryHill.org. Metaphysical Development Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. Higher awareness, meditation, mindfulness, spirit communication, dowsing and more. Medium and author Robert Egby. Drop-ins welcome. Donations appreciated. 13 Wynwood Dr, Pemberton. Seating limited: 609-351-5878. Check “Bulletin Board” at Robert-Egby.com. Lettering Arts – 7-8:30pm. With Maureen Peters. All skill levels welcome to learn the art of calligraphy and to create unique pieces using brush work, resists, embossing, stamping and more. Supplies provided. Free. Woodbury Public Library, 33 Delaware St, Woodbury. 856-8452611. WoodburyLibrary.org.

thursday YogaBlaast – 9:15-10:15am. With Lauri Andreacchio. Warrior pose takes on new meaning when you kick your way through class. The perfect blend of yoga and kickboxing. Regular class rates apply. The Sanctuary for Yoga, 43 S Main St, Medford. Register: 609-953-7800 or TheSanctuaryForYoga.com. A Healing Sanctuary: Yoga for Breast Cancer Recovery – 10-11:30am. Integrates gentle yoga, breathing and mindfulness practices along with aromatherapy, Reiki, energy medicine and singing crystal bowls to soothe the body, mind and spirit. $20. Anu Medical Spa, 200B Rte 73, Voorhees. Info, Pamela Kofsky: 856-266-3164 or Innerradiance777@aol.com. Kids Yoga Classes – 4:15pm. This is a great way to introduce kids to the power of yoga and have fun at the same time. Ages k-8. $10/class. Halo Wellness Center, 968 Rte 73 S, Marlton. More info: 856-574-4433 or ElevateYourHealth.com. Harmonious Flow – 6pm. Sweat it out to a challenging asana practice creating a steady mind. Put your mind, body and soul back together balancing your efforts with surrender in your flow. Beginners welcome. $15. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com. Weekly Mindfulness Meditation Classes – 7-8pm. Research shows that mindfulness meditation practice can restore emotional balance, reduce stress, improve health and actually change the brain’s gray matter. With practice one can become aware of habitual reactions to stressors and discover new ways of responding to life’s challenges. $13/class, $8/senior, student. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 856404-7287. YogaForLiving.net.

natural awakenings

February 2015

Belly Dance – 7:30-8:30pm. With Meghan Marchese. Learn basic movements based on the American Tribal Style (ATS) format of belly dance, designed specifically for beginners and for those who want to brush up on basic technique. $15 or class card. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. 856546-1006. LiveInJoyYoga.com.

friday Yoga with Crystal Bowls – 10-11am. With Bonnie Hart. Stress relief through focusing on the breath while moving through postures. Concludes with deep relaxation to the soothing sounds of Crystal Bowls which awaken a deeper meditative state. $13. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 609-970-3401. BonnieHart.org. Mid-Day Meditation – 12pm. See Wed listing. The Center, Life in Balance, 43 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. Hula Hoop for Fun and Fitness – 5:15-6:15pm. Channel your inner child while working up a great sweat. Ages 16+ welcome. Hoops provided. $13/drop-in, $8/senior, student. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 856404-7287. YogaForLiving.net. Yoga for Living Fridays – 7-8pm. 1st Fri: Yoga Dance; 2nd Fri: Crystal Bowls; 3rd Fri: Laughter Yoga; 4th Fri: 5 Rhythms Dance Movement. Rejuvenate and start your weekend in a new state of mind and body. Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill. 856-404-7287. YogaForLiving.net.

saturday Saddler’s Woods Open House Day – 1-5pm; 2pm, special presentations. 2nd Sat. Enjoy a variety of programs and find out the many ways you can participate in the environmental and historical issues in your community. Haddon Township Environmental and Historical Center, 143 E Ormond Ave. 856-869-7372. SaddlersWoods.org.

Brett Passarella 609.707.1096

Therapeutic Massage • State Certified • Deep Tissue • Neuromuscular • Cranial Sacral • Shiatsu • Reflexology • Swedish • Chair Massage

www.bpassarella.com

Email: bpassarella@mac.com 40

South Jersey

nasouthjersey.com

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to don@nasouthjersey.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

COUNSELING DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELING – Family/Individual, AETNA accepted, $65/ fee service. Oaklyn. J. Lang, LCADC: 609980-3514.

FOR RENT BEAUTIFUL YOGA STUDIO/COUNSELING SPACE FOR RENT, CHERRY HILL – Looking for a great space and location to hold your workshop, class, private therapy or counseling session. The Yoga for Living studio is available for rental. Counseling room, $15/hour or $75/day. Call 856404-7287. BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN ROOMS FOR RENT IN A NUTRITION & WELLNESS CENTER – Both in the back and very private, located in Woolwich Twp, 3 minutes from I-295. (10’ x 11’ $500/month; 8’ x 9’ $375/month). Deposit required. Call 856-467-3535. THE CENTER, LIFE IN BALANCE IN MEDFORD IS EXPANDING! – New office space available for interested practitioners. Be part of a supportive and positive environment while helping others. To learn more, call 609-975-8379.

HELP WANTED AD SALES REP – Natural Awakenings is now accepting resumes for Part/Fulltime Sales Reps throughout the Camden/ Burlington/Gloucester County area. Must be self-motivated with strong organizational skills, sales and computer/database experience. We’re positive people looking for positive associates. Flexible schedule with great earning potential. Pay is set up on a generous full commission structure with bonuses. Email cover letter & resume to Info@NASouthJersey.com.

LABYRINTHS CLASSICAL CHARTRES LABYRINTH DESIGNS – Manufactured for residential, commercial, and institutional settings. These beautiful labyrinths are made from concrete pavers, individually created with your choice of size, color and design, to pass the test of time. Landscape design services and consulting available to help with placement, installation and supporting landscape. TAKE THE FIRST STEP. To learn more, call: 856-546-0945.

community resource guide ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS RENEE ROBERTSON Restoration-You Inc. Moorestown, NJ 856-437-0430 Restoration-You.com

What if there was a much easier way to deal with stress and anxiety? Have your Bars run, a hands-on body process that starts a flow of energy and erases years of fixed points of view, judgments, negative feelings and limiting beliefs that hold us back. Sessions include powerful tools to use in everyday situations. Offering certification classes for Access Consciousness Energetic Facelift™ and Access Bars ™.

ACUPUNCTURE FRANCHESCA ISAAC, LAC, DIPL. AC., HHC Acupuncture, Holistic Health Coach 860 Rte 168, Ste 104 Turnersville, NJ 08012 856-401-9550

Franchesca Isaac is a nationally New Jersey licensed Acupuncturist and a certified holistic health counselor. Acupuncture is known to help a wide variety of conditions including; migraines, back pain, neck pain, digestive issues, allergies, menstrual symptoms, and menopausal symptoms. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how acupuncture can help.

ALLERGIES MELISA SKYRM, MAC, DIPL AC, LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST Regenerate Health and Wellness 2 Sheppard Rd, Ste 500, Voorhees 609-332-1324 RegenerateHealthAndWellness.com

Got allergies? Food sensitivities? Try AAT/Advanced Allergy Therapeutics. Melisa Skyrm, LAc, is now bringing this exclusive and needed service to South Jersey. It has helped many with respiratory and food sensitivity symptoms. Call today to get ahead of allergy season!

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 don@nasouthjersey.com to request our media kit.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION KARIN HIRSCH

CHIROPRACTOR

Lotus Living Space Shamanic Healing, Animal Communication 201-993-6588 Info@LotusLivingSpace.com LotusLivingSpace.com

DECOTIIS CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS

Does your animal companion experience health or behavioral problems? Is your pet lost or diseased and you would like to get in contact? Karin is a Shamanic Healer and Animal Communicator and utilizes her telepathic abilities when communicating with animals. Deepen your relationship and understanding with your beloved pet. See ad page 22.

D r. D e C o t i i s s p e c i a l i z e s i n wellness-based Chiropractic care: helping the body to function at its personal best while reducing internal and external stresses. We individualize care to optimize performance of body systems by reducing nerve damage, improving spinal alignment, posture, ergonomics, sleep habits, hormone balance and improving overall health through exercise, weight loss, detox and supplementation.

AYURVEDIC HEALING PRACTITIONER RHONDA CLARKE, CSYT

Certified Ayurveda Therapist, Yoga Therapist Yoga for Living 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill 856-404-7287 YogaForLiving.net Support for living a more balanced life through the science of yoga. Yoga t h e r a p y, Ay u r v e d i c l i f e s t y l e counseling and Ayurveda treatments available. See ad page 36.

JANET WATKINS, RYT, CRM

Ayurvedic Healing Practitioner Registered Yoga Teacher Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness 118 W Merchant St Audubon, NJ 08106 856-816-4158 Utilizing the principles of Ay u r v e d a , n u t r i t i o n , y o g a , meditation, and herbs for natural healing and self-care to support your body in returning to its natural healthy function. Reiki session, ayurvedic cooking classes, restorative yoga and private yoga sessions.

30 W Holly Ave Pitman, NJ 08071 856-218-1330 Fddec@WellnessSpeakers.org

DR. SYLVIA BIDWELL BIDWELL CHIROPRACTIC

The Strawbridge Professional Center 212 W Rte 38, Ste 100 Moorestown, NJ 08057 • 856-273-1551 DrSylviaBidwell@verizon.net Bidwell-Chiropractic.com D r. B i d w e l l i s d e d i c a t e d t o providing patients the best possible spinal healthcare including chiropractic adjustment, massage, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, hot and cold therapy, cervical and lumbar traction, and stretching and strengthening exercise instruction. Her adjustments techniques consist of diversified, a c t i v a t o r, a r t h r o s t i m , S O T b l o c k i n g , craniosacral work, active release technique, and PNF stretching. See ad, page 22.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY ALLERGY & HEALTH SOLUTIONS CENTER CARYLANN BAUTZ, CNC, CMT

“Naet” 24-Hr Allergy Elimination Therapy Colon Hydrotherapy, Crystal Light Bed Healing 609-654-4858 FeelLikeUs.net Since 1982, we have been blending Eastern and Western t h e r a p i e s. B o o st t h e i m m u n e system, balance the mind and b o d y, s a f e l y c l e a n s e t o x i n s and waste. Far Infrared Sauna Chelation Therapy. Rejuvenate and reconnect the body, mind and spirit. Namaste. See ad, page 37.

COUNSELING BONNIE HART

Stress-Relief Specialist, Ecopsychologist, MA Transpersonal Psychology 1926 Greentree Rd Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 609-970-3401 Bonnie@BonnieHart.org BonnieHart.org EarthGym.org One-on-one counseling to unravel the worries of the mind and move into the wisdom of the heart. Offering knowledgeable, caring guidance. Phone calls and emails welcome to answer any questions. See ad, page 6.

MIMI AWTAR SCALIA

MCAT/abt, Certified Hatha and Kundalini Yoga Teacher Reiki Practitioner, Clinical Wholistic Counselor Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill Mimipaz@aol.com Individual and/or group sessions available to support you in reaching your highest potential: releasing holding patterns, grief & loss, trauma, childhood issues, through spiritual healing via E a s t m e e t s We s t t r a d i t i o n s , including art therapy, drumming, chelation and meditation.

ENERGYWORK ALAINE PORTNER, E-RYT

Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Rte 70 & Hartford Rd, Medford, NJ 609-654-9400 AlainePortner.com Alaine@YogaCenterOfMedford.com YogaCenterOfMedford.com A gifted medium, yoga teacher, spiritual guide and guardian of the Yoga Center of Medford. The Center has enriched the lives of the community for over a generation. During the course of her professional journey, Alaine has fine-tuned her ability as a medium and then fused it with her love of meditation to offer a unique and transformative experience. Individual and group sessions are now available. See ad, page 16.

Reality leaves a lot to the imagination. ~John Lennon

natural awakenings

February 2015

ENERGY THERAPY JENNY TORTORICE

Energy Medicine, Healing and Reiki Yoga for Living 1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill 856-207-6621 BeeYogaJenny@gmail.com Offering hands-on healing modalities; Reiki, energy medicine techniques and counseling, as taught by my teacher Dr. Jane Ely. I create a supportive environment for you to relax and receive; to help facilitate you moving with life with greater ease. See ad, page 36.

The Wisdom Within Energy healing, flower essences, akashic readings and spiritual counseling 856-236-5973 New website: video meditations and tips on living a balanced emotional life. TheWisdomWithin.net A balanced energy system is the foundation of health. Marilyn, a graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and a certified flower essence therapist, guides you to an experience of a balanced energy field as the secret to emotional balance and in finding solutions to the challenges of life. Children, teens, adults. In-person or phone/Skype sessions.

FENG SHUI & ENERGY WORK KARIN HIRSCH

Lotus Living Space Feng Shui, Physical Radiesthesia, Energy Therapy, Shamanic Healing 201-993-6588 Info@LotusLivingSpace.com LotusLivingSpace.com A healthy body, mind and spirit need a balanced and positive environment. Karin is a certified Feng Shui Master and Professional Dowser for Geopathic Stress, Electromagnetic Frequencies, Energy Intrusions and Product Sensitivities. She also offers IET®, Shamanic Healing and Psychopomp work to heal mind and spirit. See ad, page 22.

Tears are the silent language of grief. ~Voltaire South Jersey

Bev Borton, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner Feng Shui Consultations and Classes Medford, NJ 609-654-0697 609-744-3789 (c) Bsborton@verizon.net Bev Borton understands and balances the river of energy that flows through and around your home, workplace, or property to remove obstacles and create the best support for your desired circumstances. Mindful Surroundings—positive changes felt by all who enter. See ad page 23.

HEALING MODALITIES

MARILYN EPPOLITE

MINDFUL SURROUNDINGS

nasouthjersey.com

SHARON TUSCANO, NCTMB, CNMT, CECP

Olympia Healing Arts 4142 US Rte 130 N, Delran/ Edgewater Park Area 856-461-0060 OlympiaHealing.com Experience a transformational healing session that will bring you back to yourself. Skillfully integrating several modalities specifically chosen to eliminate pain, release stuck emotional patterns, overcome fears, bringing you to a state of peace and oneness. No more stress, just a renewed joy for life. Certified Qigong Instructor, Healing with Food, BARS – Access Consciousness, Colorpuncturist, NeuroMuscular Therapist.

HEALTH COUNSELING LIESHA GETSON, BCTT, HHC Health Through Awareness 100 Brick Rd, Ste 206, Marlton 856-596-5834 HealthThroughAwareness.com

Liesha Getson is a Board-Certified T h e r m o g r a p h i c Te c h n i c i a n , Holistic Health Counselor, a Reiki Master and Energy Practitioner. Liesha is a founding partner of Health Through Awareness in Marlton, a cooperative wellness center that provides a variety of alternative services to facilitate healthy living including nutrition and lifestyle counseling, Reiki, thermography, infrared detoxification and biopuncture. See ad, page 7.

HYPNOTHERAPY BRIAN STEMETZKI

901 Rte 168, Ste 103, Turnersville 856-266-4983 ABetterTomorrowCounselingServices.com Brian Stemetzki is a licensed LCSW, NBCCH and a level 2-trained EMDR clinician. He provides a wide variety of treatment methods such as Hypnotherapy, EMDR and EFT that can help you reach your goals quicker and easier. See ad, page 16.

DR. JAIME FELDMAN, DCH

Chairman, Medical & Dental Division, International Hypnosis Federation 214 W Main St, Ste L4, Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-231-0432 • DrJaimeF@aol.com PartsTherapy.com Dr. Jaime Feldman, one of the pioneers in an advanced technique called “Advanced Parts Therapy,” has been able to unlock the subconscious and remove unwanted behaviors: stop smoking (guaranteed), weight loss, stress, depression, pain and anger management, and more. Outstanding success in curing phobias and deep-seated trauma, and treating the immune system to put cancer into complete remission. See ad, page 28.

ROBERT EGBY CH, DHP

Hypnosis Healing & Beyond 13 Wynwood Dr, Pemberton, NJ 08068 609-351-5878 Robert-Egby.com Hypnoanalysis and Sound Healing can be of great help with stress and anxiety relief, memories, limitations, blocks, fears and obsessions. We rebuild positive values including self-confidence, self worth, living now and imaging goals. Help provided with mindfulness and self-hypnosis training, higher self and spirit communication. Appointments: days, evenings, weekends.

INTEGRATIVE/HOLISTIC MEDICINE CHANDLER WELLNESS CARE

Khayriyyah Chandler, DO 25 A Tanner St, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 856-874-8194 Fax: 877-876-2833 ChandlerWellnessCare@gmail.com ChandlerWellnessCare.com Direct Pay family practice in downtown Haddonfield. 24/7 access to Dr, 30-min visits, house calls, Skype and telemedicine visits. Integrative medicine. Osteopathic manipulation. Weight-loss management. Shop with Dr. Vitamin Injections. Postpartum and youth services. Tai chi and Education Series. Book online.

DR. STEVEN HORVITZ

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING Institute for Medical Wellness 110 Marter Ave, Ste 408, Moorestown, NJ 856-231-0590 DONNA WOOD DrHorvitz.com Board-Certified Family Medicine Certified Nutritionist blending traditional family care with Health Haven, 1381 New Jersey Rte. 38 a holistic focus and preventive, nu- Hainesport, NJ 08036 tritional and integrative approach. 609-346-7696 We look for causes and triggers for HealthHavenInc.com

disease before reaching for the prescription pad. Same and next day appointments are available. See ad, page 2.

PHILIP GETSON, DO

Health Through Awareness 100 Brick Rd, Ste 206, Marlton, NJ 08053 856-596-5834

Health Through Awareness takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Dr. Philip Getson is a Board Certified Family Physician and certified by four Thermographic Boards. He specializes in thermography, an early diagnostic tool for many health conditions including breast health. With the mission of providing a balanced approach to wellness, the center offers diet and lifestyle counseling, thermography, the area’s most unique infrared detox sauna (The POD), Reiki, a smoking cessation program, physician standard supplements and ongoing wellness classes. See ad, page 7.

MASSAGE THERAPY VICTORIOUS SOUL HEALING

Kerrie Sullivan, LMT, CRM 856-357-6596 VictoriousSoul@yahoo.com Facebook: Victorious Soul Healing Victorious Soul Healing believes that when you heal the soul first, the mind and body will follow. Kerrie Sullivan operates this mobile unit and will travel a great distance to offer her services. She is a gifted healer that uses her intuitive abilities to pinpoint the cause of dis-ease in the body. Book your appointment today for massage therapy and bodywork, Reiki, attunements, energy medicine, healing with essential oils, chakra balancing, distance healing, self-exploration, spiritual growth, and crystal and intuitive healing.

NUMEROLOGIST TRACI ROSENBERG, MA

Numerologist & Empowerment Coach 609-417-4526 TraciRosenberg@gmail.com SoulTalkWithTraci.com J o i n t h e r e g i o n ’s l e a d i n g numerologist as you discover your life’s purpose. Encoded in your name and birth date are your lessons, talents and desires. Traci will help you realize your full potential.

Donna Wood, a certified nutritionist, focuses on nutritional counseling and dietary guidance. Disease does not occur without a cause or imbalance. Discover the “root” of your imbalance. Learn to make better food and lifestyle choices. Gain self-awareness through our services. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 2.

DR. TAMMY LANG

REIKI GENESIS SPIRITUAL HEALING & METAPHYSICAL CENTER Faye Weber, RMT, Psychic Medium, CACR™, CHHP 1632 Rte 38, Lumberton, NJ 08048 GenesisSpiritualHealing.com

Reiki healing and certification, mediumship, psychic readings and intuitive guidance, Angel card readings, other holistic and metaphysical services, classes, workshops and more. Call 609-4563888 to schedule an appointment. Come evolve your Soul & Spirit.

WELLNESS CENTER

South Jersey Center for Nutrition & Wellness 553 Beckett Rd, Ste 406, Swedesboro 856-467-3535 SJNutrition.com

THE CENTER…LIFE IN BALANCE

Good nutrition is fundamental to good health and wellness. Tammy specializes in clinical nutrition and Nutrition Response Testing—a non-invasive system of analyzing the body to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms/poor health. Tammy takes a natural, holistic approach to create an individualized program that combines nutritional guidance and natural supplements to resolve nutritional imbalances, poor digestion, hormone imbalance and difficult weight loss.

PSYCHOENERGETIC COUNSELING

609-975-8379 TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com TheCenterLifeInBalance.com

Awareness Coaching, with Maryann Miller, Life in Balance and Intuitive Guidance, with Susan Drummond, are offered at The Center and as private sessions in your home or over the phone. If you are feeling out-of-sorts, have a free consultation to determine the unique approach for your unique journey. See ad, page 6.

THE CENTER

YOGA FOR LIVING

1926 Greentree Rd, Cherry Hill 856-404-7287 YogaForLiving.net South Jersey’s leading holistic yoga center offering yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, lifestyle and stress relief counseling, tween and teen empowerment programs and a variety of workshops designed to support a more balanced lifestyle. See ad, page 36.

HEALERS UNIVERSE

Andrea Regal Subtle Energy Therapist 856-904-5566 Andrea@HealersUniverse.com HealersUniverse.com Sessions facilitate personal transformation, spiritual expansion, revelation of soul purpose and one’s unique role in the evolution of the planet. Individually tailored to organically reintegrate dissociated p i e c e s o f o n e ’s E s s e n c e experiencing definitive and permanent change of both inner and outer conditions in a relatively short period of time. 30+ years experience in counseling and teaching the energetics of mind, body and soul connection.

ZEN LIFE COACHING SEIJAKU ROSHI

Pine Winds Zen Center Cherry Hill & Shamong locations 609-268-9151 Seijaku@Jizo-An.org A unique opportunity to work with an American Zen Master. One-on-one private sessions with one of today’s most popular pioneers and expert in the field of human potential and Mindfulness Meditation Stress Reduction Training (Zen Training). Adults, couples, families, executives, professionals, caretakers and clergy. Stress management, relationships, grief, loss, mindfulness in the workplace. See ad, page 17.

natural awakenings

February 2015

For Sale:

South NJ

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