December 2021 Natural Awakenings Sarasota

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E HEALTHY LIVING E R

HEALTHY

PLANET

HOLIDAY ISSUE

DOGGY PL AY THINGS CHOOSE TOYS YOUR POOCH WILL LOVE

FESTIVE TREAT S WITHOUT SUGAR BOOST YOUR IMMUNIT Y

SIX WAYS TO RETAIN GOOD HEALTH

HOLIDAY SELF -C ARE WAYS TO STAY STRESS-FREE AND FIT

December 2021 | Sarasota/Manatee/Charlotte Edition | nasrq.com

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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Our Offerings •

Nutritional Assessment and Counseling

Cosmetic Acupuncture

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Fertility Care

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Cupping

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Stop Smoking

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Detox Foot Baths

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Diagnostics

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Weight Management

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Treatment for Cancer Patients

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Infrared Sauna

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Zyto–Elite

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Jaffe Mellor Technique

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Gastrointestinal Disturbances

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Acupuncture

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Acupuncture Point Injection

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Transforming Lives Through Holistic Care

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Christina A . Captain, DAOM, MSHN, AP

2650 Bahia Vista St, Suite 101, Sarasota, Florida 34239

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941.951.1119

|December SCANsrq.com 3 2021

A Giftof Love fortroubLed times

“

HU is a carrier of love between you and God. HU can be sung silently at work, home, or anytime you feel a need to tune in to a higher perspective on your life. You might try experimenting with it when you face a challenging situation or want to open yourself to a more loving attitude.

Singing HU each day can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and why things happen the way they do in your life. It opens your awareness to new viewpoints and attitudes. Anyone can work with the HU regardless of age, background, or religion.

HU, the most beautiful prayer, is a gift to the world.

—Sri Harold Klemp The Mahanta, the Living ECK Master

The Path of Spiritual Freedom

www.Eckankar.org

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

HU (rhymes with you) is an ancient name for God that has been sung for thousands of years in many lands for spiritual unfoldment.Visit HearHU.org to learn more about its transformative and healing power.

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We Put Your

Head on Straight (So You Can Achieve Optimal Health, Naturally)

If the first two bones in your neck are misaligned, communication between the brain and body is interrupted and can cause numerous health problems.

Dr. Drew Hall has practiced the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique for the last 20 years in Los Angeles and Carson California before opening his third clinic right here in Sarasota, Florida.

Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a unique chiropractic technique that focuses all its attention on the upper neck and how it impacts the brainstem and central nerve system. The Blair technique is precise, gentle, and does not use any pulling, popping, or twisting of the neck.

Call (941) 479-2666 today to schedule an appointment to see if you suffer from a neck misalignment that may be affecting your health.

We have helped people with the following conditions:

• • • • • • • • • •

Auto Accidents Fibromyalgia Lower Back Pain Meniere’s Disease Neck Pain Sciatica Post-Concussion Syndrome TMJ Trigeminal Neuralgia Vertigo & Whiplash

“I have over 20 years of practice experience and taking care of 10,000 patients from Los Angeles to Sarasota Florida. I recovered from severe chronic health problems 30 years ago after being introduced to blair upper cervical technique. It’s my lasting purpose to help as many people as possible live a life of health and happiness”.

- Dr. Drew Hall

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! 3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg D, Sarasota, Fl 34233

(941) 479 2666 • sarasotauppercervical.com December 2021

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Contents

The Integrated Path RELIEVE STRESS Let us guide your mind and body to

RESTORE BALANCE We’ve Moved!

Our Services Include:

• Acupuncture • Oriental Medicine • Energetic Emotional Release • Bloodwork Analysis • Clinical Nutrition Assessments • Weight Management • Reiki Master • Occupational Therapy • ZYTO Elite

(Computerized Bio-communication Technology)

Caryn L. Young, DOM, AP, OT • Over 30 years of clinical experience • Board-Certified Acupuncture Physician • Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine • Acupuncture Diplomate NCCAOM Favorite Acupuncture Physician Favorite Energy Healer

Now in our new location!

The Integrated Path, PA 2801 Fruitville Rd., Suite 135

(On the corner of Tuttle & Fruitville Roads)

Sarasota, Fl 34237 941.924.8833

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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19 LET’S TALK ABOUT TOXICITY

20 FINDING WELLNESS AT ITS SOURCE

22 FASCIA: 5 FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

24 CIRCLES OF HEALING 28 TOYLAND FOR POOCHES

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30 AMP UP IMMUNITY 32 THE SWEET DANGER OF SUGAR

34 HOLIDAY ZEN 36 GREENING THE

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HOLIDAYS

38 THOMAS MOORE 39 SEASON OF LIGHT 40 THE BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS

DEPARTMENTS 9 news briefs 16 health briefs 18 global briefs 20 community

spotlight 28 natural pet 30 healing ways 32 conscious eating

34 fit body 36 green living 38 wise words 39 inspiration 40 healthy kids 42 calendar 44 classifieds 45 resource guide

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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An Empowering Book About True, Cosmic Romance

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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 941-564-0885 or email Publisher@nasrq.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@nasrq. com. Deadline for editorial: the 12th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Please submit all listings through nasrq.com. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-530-0885. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

nasrq.com

A Non-Fiction, Empowering Book, about True, Cosmic Romance!

Welcome to IntergalacticMatch.com.

Not just another [Earth) dating site, such as Match.com, E-Harmony, etc.

It’s about the fact that the whole concept of “Dating and Romance” is truly no longer limited to [just] planet Earth!

Web: IntergalacticMatch.com December 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

SARASOTA /MANATEE EDITION PUBLISHER Janet Lindsay

MANAGING EDITOR Mary-Elizabeth- Schurrer DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Susan Jones

SOCIAL MEDIA Amy Hass

CONTACT US Sarasota / Manatee Edition: 941-564-0885 publisher@nasrq.com

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs

Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan

letter from publisher

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don’t know about you, but it feels almost impossible for me to wrap my brain around the reality that we’re in the final month of 2021! With the holiday festivities in full-swing and year two of the pandemic coming to a close, there is much to celebrate this month, so our December issue is here to help all of us lean into the glow and vitality this season has to offer.

To start off the celebratory mood, our feature article is all about “Uplifting Humanity.” After almost two years of feeling isolated from one another, this is the perfect time to (safely) heal ourselves and restore our connections within the holistic framework of community. When small circles of participants gather to share their experiences, learn from the collective group wisdom, hold space for each other’s vulnerability, find creative solutions to cultural or social problems, and mentor one another’s growth, it becomes a powerful vessel for healing and wholeness. In a period of so much division, being intentional about the relationships and communities we are part of feels more meaningful than ever.

On the topic of healing, it’s all too easy to be swept into the frenetic pace of the holidays. This not only can frazzle our nerves, but it can also lead to an unhealthy pattern of overindulgence, as we cope with the mental and emotional pressures this season can bring.

But as this month’s “Fit Body” article points out, we can avoid that common pitfall of overindulgence with a few simple strategies to restore our “Holiday Zen.” Five-minute bursts of dancing and other playful exercises, foods such as berries or walnuts to boost dopamine and serotonin levels, conscious breathwork and meditation practices, and other mindful activities can help us maintain balance, no matter how hectic our schedules are this month.

Of course, we can’t talk about the holidays without mentioning food, but while sugary treats are part our classic seasonal traditions, they do not make us feel merry and bright once the New Year rolls around. Sugar increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, ruins our teeth, and might even contribute to poor mental health outcomes. That’s why our “Conscious Eating” article offers practical solutions for a “Low-Sugar Holiday.” Along with some easy, accessible tips to curb those sweet tooth cravings, this article also comes with a few healthy recipes for baklava cookie cups, baked apples, dark chocolate bark and honey lavender cookies, so you can still enjoy dessert without compromising wellness.

Hopefully, we have whet your appetite with just this small taste of what you’ll find in our December issue. On behalf of the whole team here at Natural Awakenings, we wish you all a beautiful, vibrant holiday season—and we’ll see you right back here next month to usher in the start of 2022. Be safe, be healed, be well, and be joyful!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com

© 2021 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. 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.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

For Wellness Living, Joy & Empowerment Thurs. On Going, 7-9pm, Law Of Attraction on Zoom. $10. Sponsored by Unity of Sarasota. Contact Rev. Zan for link.

Sun. Jan. 2, 10:30am “Burning Bowl and White Stone Ceremony” at Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. and on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/83017916524 Password: RTI2021.

Sat. Jan. 22, 2022, 11:30am to 5:00pm Reiki I Master Class at Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Rev. Zan Benham (Butterfly Deerwoman) Private sessions: Counseling, Energy work, Reiki Master III, Teacher, Shamanism, Hypnosis, Past life Regression, Soul Retrieval, Oracle Card Readings, Ceremonialist, Intuitive and Visionary www.woman-spirit.com • Zan@woman-spirit.com • 941-922-7839

www.nasrq.com

news briefs

Get Your Life Back!

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Give Us A Call – We Can Help FREE Consultation 941-358-2224 (Sarasota, Florida) Dr. David Cifra, DC who is board certified in the specialty of NonSurgical Spinal Decompression has been peer-nominated and recently recognized by the International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression.

32nd Annual ‘Say No To Drugs’ Holiday Classic 5K/10K

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he 32nd annual Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic 5K/10K is back after missing 2020 due to Covid-19. This Charity Race will take place on December 18, at Sand Key Park, in Clearwater, as a “leftover” race where runners will choose from previous year’s shirts and medals while enjoying a beautiful race within the park. A kids’ onemile race will follow the 5K/10K. The Say No To Drugs race is put on each year by non-paid volunteers and is funded solely from donations from local businesses as well as from registration fees. All proceeds go to charities such as Police Athletic League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and more.

“We are so happy to have racing back this year, after so many being shut down last year with the pandemic, and we look forward to seeing you at Sand Key Park on December 18 to help forward such a positive, anti-drug awareness race,” shares Sue Minkoff, co-director. “So many of our lives have been affected by the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of legal drugs, and we are doing whatever we can to help educate people and help them lead better lives.”

For more information, visit SayNoToDrugs.com.

This advanced certification is provided in conjunction with Disc Centers of America, which sets the gold standard in training and research, on the latest, most effective options for the alleviation & treatment of

spinal disc disorders, which often cause low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, pins and needle sensations and more.

Dr. Cifra is committed to helping his patients AVOID narcotics, epidural injections, and unnecessary surgeries.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle, and effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

DR. CIFRA IS LOCATED AT: UNIVERSITY HEALTH PARK, 2415 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY, SARASOTA; SUITE 216

SarasotaDiscCenter.com

CALL (941)358-2224 OR (315) 345-7390 TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

European Helix Hair Designer THE CUT THAT CURLS and with NO chemicals.

Please call Jutta for an appointment 941-629-0074

Everybody will benefit from this carefree haircutting Technique, especially baby-fine hair. Any Length from short to long.

I use “All Nutrient”, an organic derived haircolor and Highlights/ Balayage made with Blueberrys.

NO MORE BRASSY HAIRCOLOR

The “Vines” Shopping Center, 701 JC Center Court, Unit 10, Port Charlotte, FL • www.EuropeanHairDesigner.com December 2021

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news briefs

A Troubadour’s Yuletide Songs and Stories

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ou can tell that Christmas is around the corner when American Troubadour, Bill Schustik, pulls together his Yuletide “song bag” of seasonal songs and stories. Even in Florida, we still might wish to bundle up with chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

This event is a fundraiser for Rising Tide International, a spiritual center that celebrates all religions on its single altar.

The concert will take place on December 12, 7 p.m. Suggested donation is at least $20 at the door. Children accompanied by an adult are free.

Schustik is an American Troubadour.

In his time, he has traveled all over the United States to collect songs and stories, as well as sow legends. His magnificent baritone voice, keen sense of drama, colorful array of folk instruments, and deep abiding love for traditional lore are three of his classic trademarks.

His vast repertoire includes singing the National Anthem at the seventh game of the 1979 World Series and performing for three U.S. presidents. He has appeared both on- and off-Broadway, and has authored two full-length ballets and a show about the American Civil War, “Shiloh Hill,” produced by Ford’s Theatre. He has also entered countless school classrooms across the U.S., dramatizing and enlivening American history for students.

Schustik continues to share his love of music and history with projects such as Tom Paine, a genuine Salt Sea Pirate Cabaret, Many Thousand Gone, and a continuing evolution of “Shiloh Hill.” Most recently, he is also back in the realm of tall ships by sailing, singing chanties and spinning the lore of bombastic privateering in the American Heroic age.

Location: 5102 Swift Rd., Sarasota. For more information visit RisingTideInternational. org, or call 941-923-7834.

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

Resonance Holistic Wellness: A Unique and Welcome Addition to Sarasota

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nergy Medicine has been around in various forms for centuries. From the meridian work of Chinese medicine to Dr. Rife’s work with frequency in the 1950s, understanding and awareness of energy medicine has continued to grow.

Most recently, Cambridge University researchers proved the existence of an energetic head to tail axis that determines the formation of the physical body. Everything in life has its own natural resonate frequency.

Energy blockages and outside influences can alter your innate frequency and create a state of unwellness or physical illness.

Stress, poor diet and even too much coffee can lead to energy shifts that alter your frequency. However, the practitioners at Resonance Holistic Wellness utilize energy medicine research and advances in technology, combined with esoteric wisdom and medical intuition, to provide curated treatment plans to restore an optimal frequency .

You might wonder, “Who needs this?” The answer is, everyone. Balancing the energy of body, mind and spirit helps return your natural resonate frequency. After a comprehensive assessment of the five domains of life, you will be offered a selection of 20 treatment modalities focused on you own unique physical, mental and spiritual needs. Some of the modalities you might encounter include the following:

• Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy

• Theragem Multi-Frequency Generator

• VibroAcoustic Therapy

• Brainwave Entrainment

• iTorus Scalar Wave Technology

• PhotoBioModulation Therapy Location: 3148 Southgate Circle, STE 8, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-312-4334 or visit ResonanceSRQ.com.

Young Living for Life Conference

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ou are invited to the Young Living for Life Conference. It’s time to return to the rhythms of life, and we are excited to share this event with a power-packed line-up of speakers, giveaways, vendors and more. You’ll enjoy speakers with backgrounds such as psychology, business and medicine who will share their knowledge and offer practical insights.

You’ll also discover practical, effective steps to improve your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Such topics include “Essential Oils and Your Brain,” “Creating a Healthy Home,” “Healthy Hormones,” “Aging Gracefully” and much more.* Young Living, which has been in business for over 28 years, is the world leader in essential oils with farms all across the globe. Their Seed to Seal guarantee ensures that all products and oils are of the highest and purest quality.

Essential oils are everywhere now. Often referred to as ancient medicine, they are now mainstream, even in household products. However, there is a difference in these oils, and you will have the opportunity to experience that difference, as well as how oils can change your life. Join us and learn how to become a happier, healthier you!

To purchase tickets, visit YLLife.EventBrite.com. *Speakers and topics are subject to change

www.nasrq.com

Transition Sarasota to the Rescue

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he last two years have been difficult, and many of us could use some uplifting news. Transition Sarasota’s Suncoast Gleaning Project is like a ray of sunshine in uncertain times. The mission for this community-driven nonprofit is to create solutions for our local food system.

Our volunteers “rescue” unwanted produce by harvesting it from local farms and donating it to local food banks such as Food Bank of Manatee and All Faiths Food Bank. This food would otherwise have been left to rot in fields or dumped in a landfill.

Instead this fresh, healthy, local food was able to nourish people in our community.

Transition Sarasota was recently offered a grant from the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund of the Community

Foundation of Sarasota County. This will enable us to expand our capacity to add new farms to glean produce from. We are excited for the opportunity to provide even more healthy food to our local community.

Backyard fruit is rescued with volunteers from the Fruit Rescue Program, who harvest local fruit to donate to food pantries.

Generous tree owners have contributed mangoes, bananas, and carambola this summer. As the importance of caring for our environment becomes more critical, projects like this which involve the whole community will continue to make a positive difference for both resilience and sustainability.

For more information or to become more involved in this mission, call 941-702-2906, email Info@TransitionSRQ.org or visit TransitionSRQ.org

Energy Healing Biofeedback Evaluation PEMF Sessions Frequency Applications Sound Healing facebook.com/createbalanceandhealing Sarasota • Aaron ct

$20 off first visit

Beata Molnar

941.586.9539

Anti-Aging Seminars on Zoom with Dr. Anna

D

r. Anna Baker, DOM, invites you to join her interactive anti-aging seminars via Zoom on December 8 and 15, both at 1:30 p.m. She will showcase her Faces

by Dr. Anna acupuncture facelift and her muscle retightening Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna. Please contact the Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna store to access the meeting ID number.

Dr. Anna performs a unique type of acupuncture facelift that she invented. The muscles of the face and neck are progressively retightened to retrace the steps that aging took. An initial package of 10 treatments is required, and the results last for 18 months before a one-treatment touchup is required to maintain the lift.

COVID-19 safety protocols include treatment rooms with special air filtration systems that pull patients’ breath droplets out the window.

In this seminar, Dr. Anna will show photographed results on people of all ages. In addition, she will discuss her proprietary Pearl Cream by Dr Anna that offers the same muscle retightening as her acupuncture facelift in a slower, more gradual process. Her Pearl Cream is an anti-aging serum made from real pearls and Chinese herbs without any preservatives.

Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna is also available as a muscle tightening body lotion, men’s anti-aging line and sports performance line.

Dr. Anna will also donate 2% of each purchase to the Environmental Defense Fund to help fight climate change.

Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna location: 2721 Mall Dr., Sarasota. Temporary COVID-19 store hours: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To access the meeting ID, call 941-921-2662. For more information, visit FacesByDrAnna.com and PearlCreamByDrAnna.com.

Palm Studio & Boutique Pilates, Yoga, Fascial Stretch and Barre

441 W. Dearborn St. Englewood, FL 34223 (941) 208-5568

web: palmstudioenglewood.com email: palmstudioenglewood@gmail.com December 2021

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news briefs

December Events at Sarasota Center of Light

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e are currently renting out our detached event buildings and single Education Center classrooms to the public. Our spaces are bright and airy with a central location off Tuttle Avenue and ample free parking. We are adjacent to a beautiful healing garden, and the interior décor will create a perfect environment for yoga, Tai Chi, movement sessions, meditation practices, and other classes or meetings.

This month, the Sarasota Center of Light will continue to present those who are important members of our metaphysical community. You are welcome to sign up for any of the following classes on our website under the Calendar tab.

We are excited to announce a course titled “Dynamic Physical Mediumship,” taught

by Rev. Stephen Hermann on December 4, 2 –3:30 p.m., on Zoom. Please register by December 3, 10 a.m. Rev. Hermann is an ordained minister, certified medium and teacher with the National Spiritualist Association of Churches.

This 90-minute course focuses on the development of genuine physical mediumship, as well as the techniques and approaches utilized by physical mediums in the past to enhance their unfoldment. We will examine methods for deepening altered states of consciousness and directly connecting with spirit chemists. The cost to register is $40.

The Center’s ministry team will conduct the services in December via Zoom, offering heartfelt spiritual guidance. Our special guests this month include Rev. Joe Shiel on December 5, Rev. Celeste Elliott on December 12, and medium Jackie Wright on December 19.

We have started a new donation opportunity to make it easier to offer financial support on your mobile device. Just text the word “Sunday” to 202-858-1233 and follow the prompts to complete your donation of whatever amount you can afford. An offering with this GiveButter secure system can be either a one-time donation or a recurring payment.

Donations can also be submitted on the Donate page of our website, by calling the office, or mailing a check.

Mailing address: 2710 Browning St., Sarasota, FL 34237. Location: 852 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. For more information, visit SarasotaCenterOfLight.com or call 941-953-6620.

It’s the BIG conference of the year!!

Get your ticket for the Young Living for Life conference before they’re gone!!

Guest Speakers • Raffles • Giveaways • Vendors

January 21 & 22, 2022, 9:00am - 5:00pm both days Ramada Venezia, 425, US 41 By-Pass North, Venice, FL 34285 Tickets: https://yllife.eventbrite.com Contact Information: Kristy West • 941-544-3583 Kristy1414@gmail.com 12

Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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New Expansions at Spa Experience Siesta Key

S

pa Experience Siesta Key has undergone a recent expansion to accommodate groups of as many as eight people.

We also offer an array of new spa services including therapeutic and relaxing massage, anti-aging facials and microcurrent facial sculpting, and Connie’s Signature Facial that features a deeply exfoliating enzyme fruit peel, treatment ampoule and custom-tailored mask and cream to your specific skin type.

One of our most popular spa services is our Sun ‘N Smoother. This relaxing service includes an aromatherapy salt scrub and our deeply healing hot stone massage.

Other offerings include acupuncture for those who need extra help in achieving their health and wellness goals. Acupuncture can help with chronic digestive, musculoskeletal, and hormonal conditions.

It’s an excellent way to restore balance in the body.

Our Best of Both Worlds Facial and Massage package is for those who want it all. Indulge in this pampering and therapeutic treatment that includes a full-body relaxation or therapeutic massage and a facial. All massages include hot towels and aromatherapy. Elevate any service with our hot stone massage, CBD or full-body scrub.

We now offer eight treatments at a time. Spa Experience Siesta Key has earned five-star awards on Trip Advisor for several years, and it’s owned and operated by aesthetician Connie Lewis, LMT. She has 30 years of practical experience working in the spa industry. Lewis is thrilled to offer her vast array of services in this new remodeled day spa.

Location: 5700 Midnight Pass Rd., Ste. 4, Siesta Key. For more information, call 941-3494833 or visit SpaExperienceSiestaKey.com.

Shallcross Lifestyle 727-859-7220

Knee Pain?

FINALLY,

Get Rid of Knee Pain Without Drugs, Shots or Surgery!

• Precise analysis of your energy blueprint • Determine key causes(s) of Dis-ease and related symptoms • Immediate, accurate answers to your concerns Kim Shallcross NMD,DC,TCM,ND, a life coach with 40 years’ experience in functional medicine, has opened a practice in Sarasota!

Do You Have Any Of The Following Conditions?

• Arthritis • Knee pain • Cartilage damage • ‘Bone-on-bone’ • Tendonitis • Bursitis • Crunching & popping sounds A Non-Surgical, Non-Invasive, Knee Pain Treatment NOW AVAILABLE!

Shallcross Lifestyle uses a unique device for deep selfhealing at the root cause.

Decrease stress, experience deep relaxation. Contact Shallcross Lifestyle for consultation.

Shallcross Lifestyle • 4001 Swift Rd., Sarasota 727-859-7220 • ShallcrossLifestyle.com

Pain Relief With Laser Therapy!

HERE’S WHAT PATIENTS SAY...

“After just 1 Laser treatment, the pain was diminished and I had my first full night of sleep in several weeks.” - Merry N.

LINDA HAD PAIN IN BOTH KNEES FOR 5-6 YEARS.

We’re Listening Your Thoughts

Count!

Plus your “2 Cents” could win you a $100 Visa gift card!

We Want to Hear from You Share your ideas in our Natural Awakenings Reader Survey.

NaturalAwakenings.com/survey

“Amazing! I’m now able to enjoy my activities. My husband and I started bowling and going to the driving range again. We used to go biking, but donated our bikes because we thought it was something I’d never be able to enjoy again, but NOW we’re looking to purchase bikes again! Thank you Dr. Korman!” - Linda

$67 CONSULTATION Includes: Consultation, Exam, Necessary X-Rays & One Laser Treatment With Coupon.

Expires 11/30/21

Laura R. Korman, DC, DACBN

16954 Toledo Blade Blvd. • Port Charlotte, FL 33954 (941) 629-6700 • drlaurakorman.com Functional Medicine | Over 30 Years in Private Practice Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition | Doctor of Chiropractic

December 2021

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news briefs

Professional Supplement Center

N

ot all vitamins and supplements are created equally.

At the Professional Supplement Center, we provide high-quality supplements recommended by health care practitioners for optimal health maintenance. We offer unparalleled selection and product support.

Come browse our wide assortment of brands including Neuroscience, Pure Encapsulations, Thorne Research, Integrative Therapeutics, Klaire Labs, Nordic Naturals, Designs For Health and Ortho Molecular Products to name a few.

The holidays are a stressful time, but Professional Supplement Center and Neuroscience are here to help.

This month, we are offering a 15% discount on Neuroscience’s Alpha Gaba, limited to our retail location. Alpha Gaba contains ingredients to promote calm during times of anxiety while supporting a healthy response to stress, either day or night.

Professional Supplement Center has been in business since 2002. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will assist you in selecting products to meet your individual needs. Call or come by to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our licensed experts.

Location: 5525 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-487-5990.

The Perfect Holiday Gift for Someone You Love: Peace of Mind

F

inding peace, hope and joy is an expectation most of us have this time of the year, but actually experiencing these can sometimes be difficult. Shopping mall crowds, the quest to find a perfect gift, holiday decorations, traveling, entertaining family or the in-laws, unexpected guests, and financial strains—all of these can affect how our brains function.

But Christmas isn’t about gifts. It’s truly about reconnecting with family, friends and faith. It can also be a time to make sure that you are both well and ready for the upcoming New Year. This means finding intentional moments to center yourself in the chaos. There are several practices to reduce holiday stress, but have you thought about neurofeedback?

At The Brainwave Center, we utilize neurofeedback programs customized for you to overcome a variety of issues and create enduring results. Neurofeedback focuses on building new neural pathways to strengthen the brain, rather than just treating the symptoms. With this method, the brain actually relearns a more efficient way of performing.

Generally, our clients report improved moods, less impulsivity, restored control of anxiety or depression, better mental clarity, more restful sleep and a host of other benefits—all without drugs and harsh side-effects. We can also provide psychotherapy, nutrition and more to help you rediscover a sense of well–being.

Get started with our “Peace of Mind” holiday special. During the month of December, we are offering a brain scan, consultation, detailed report and full access to our online assessment tools, all for $295 (normally priced at $590). Make time for your mental health this season and book an appointment today.

Location: 640 S Washington Blvd., Sarasota. For more information and to schedule an appointment call 941-552-4500 or visit BrainWaveCenters.com.

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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HU: A Gift of Love for Troubled Times

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n times of need, a gift of love can be priceless. The sound of HU—an ancient, sacred name for the originator of all life—is that type of gift. When you sing HU, it becomes an outlet for communicating with the Divine and becoming aware of God’s boundless love for the human soul. In other words, HU is a carrier of love between you and God. HU can be sung silently at work, home or anytime you feel a need to tune into a higher perspective. You can experiment with it when you face a challenge in life or want to open yourself to a more loving attitude. When you sing HU on a daily basis, this practice can lead to a deeper understanding of both yourself and the reason why events in life unfold how they do. It opens your awareness to new viewpoints and attitudes.

Anyone can work with the HU, no matter their age, background or religion.

HU, the most beautiful prayer, is a gift to the world. At Eckandar in Sarasota, we want you to experience this healing spiritual practice for yourself, so register for free on our website to view highlights from our October 2021 “Secrets of Divine Creativity” seminar. We invite you to download “HU: A Love Song to God” for free as well.

This includes a 60-minute recording of stories and spiritual exercises, along with a 20-minute HU chant for personal contemplation To learn more about this transformative and healing power, visit HearHU.org. To register for the seminar highlights, visit ECKSoulAdventure.org. To access the free download, visit Eckankar.org/HU/A-Love-Song-To-God. For more information, visit ECK-Florida.org.

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Health & Wellness Issue

December 2021

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Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study of 636 people from San Diego’s Loma Linda University. Other risk factors for heart health—small LDL particles and intermediate-density lipoprotein—also decreased, signaling a lower chance of cardiovascular events. “Many people are worried about unwanted weight gain when they include nuts in their diet,” says study co-author Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D. “Our study found that the healthy fats in walnuts did not cause participants to gain weight.”

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Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day, report researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

For 12 weeks, 105 overweight or obese men and women were fed a meal that for only half of the participants included an avocado. The women that ate avocados experienced a reduction in visceral abdominal fat, as well as a reduced ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat closer to the skin, indicating a redistribution of fat away from the organs. Fat distribution in males did not change. ready made/Pexels.com

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Holy Smoke!

global briefs Planting 500 Billion Trees

tom fisk/Pexels.com

The UK tech company Dendra claims their drone can plant two trees per second using artificial intelligence for guidance in an effort to re-green the Earth. Their ambitious goal is to plant 500 billion trees by 2060 with 400 teams of two drone operators and 10 drones per team. The plan would plant 10 billion trees per year 10 times more cheaply than planting by hand, especially in remote areas.

First, the replanting areas are identified using a combination of satellite images and drone-collected data. Then, specialized drones carrying seedpods that contain a germinated seed and nutrients use pressurized air to fire the seeds into the ground once in proper position as determined by an algorithm. The seedpods penetrate the ground and start to grow when activated by precipitation.

The World Wildlife Fund estimates the planet is losing 27 football fields of forest every minute due to deforestation. Dendra CEO Susan Graham says, “We need to use technology to scale up our restoration efforts, and the scale we’re talking about is tens of billions of trees every year. We’ll be able to see the ecosystems that we’ve restored from space.”

Shine On

Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets

University of Rhode Island research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters describes a new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air, which found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and a home.

We have known about toxic “forever chemicals” in food and drinking water, and it seems they are also ubiquitous in the air.

PFAS are a class of approximately 9,000 chemicals used to improve stain, water or heat resistance in products. The public health concern is that they don’t break down in the environment. PFAS accumulate in animals and humans and are linked to health impacts including cancer, birth defects and immune suppression.

The scientists think PFAS enter the atmosphere when compounds break off of treated products like coats or carpets and attach to dust. “It’s an underestimated and potentially important source of exposure to PFAS,” says study co-author and Green Science Policy Institute Senior Scientist Tom Bruton.

According to the Institute, schools and offices can protect students and employees by replacing carpeting, but that doesn’t prevent PFAS from entering via coats or shoes. Bruton writes, “As long as they continue to be used in products, we’ll all be eating, drinking and breathing PFAS. We need to turn off the tap and stop all unnecessary uses of PFAS as soon as possible.”

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A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) describes a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. The 10year average adjusted costs of generation for a plant over its lifetime are 85 percent for utility-scale solar; 56 percent for onshore wind; 48 percent for offshore wind; and 68 percent for concentrated solar power. IRENA continues to see drops of between 7 percent and 16 percent in these categories this year. According to the same report, the 62 percent of new renewables added last year had lower costs than the cheapest fossil fuels.

New renewables are increasingly competitive against existing fossil fuels. In the U.S., 61 percent of current coal capacity already has higher operating costs. Phasing out these coal plants would start saving money almost immediately. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera states that because renewables cost more upfront than keeping old coal rolling, action is needed to make sure emerging economies are not left behind. “We are far beyond the tipping point of coal.”

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Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air

Green Future

Let’s Talk About Toxicity

by Fred Harvey, MD

W

e are living in some toxic times, but functional medicine is equipped to deal with toxicity.

The concept of total toxic burden guides both our diagnostic and therapeutic plans. Total toxic burden is the effect of all internal and external burdens on our bodies, minds and spirits.

Nutritional excesses or deficiencies, food sensitivities, allergies, infections, endogenous metabolic toxins, environmental toxins, electromagnetic energies (like

microwaves and radiation), psychospiritual stresses and physical traumas all cause burdens which impair our overall health and optimal functioning.

To operate at optimal capacity, our bodies, minds and spirits must be free of interfering energies and physical or chemical toxins. Lifestyle, employment and hobbies can all offer valuable clues into what could be causing those toxins to manifest.

To give an example, a stained-glass fabricator is exposed to lead in solder the same way that a bullet maker is also exposed to lead in the smelting pot.

Symptoms and signs can also be excellent guides to help identify toxins. Mental changes can indicate metal toxicity or mycotoxin (mold) exposure. Therefore, it is crucial for practitioners to obtain extensive patient history to make an accurate diagnosis. Once we have direction, lab testing for these substances will help focus on the culprit toxins.

When we discover the toxins, we first eliminate the exposure. For something like lead exposure, the patient would naturally

stop lead soldering. If mercury is in the mix, eliminating high mercury seafood would be advisable. If pesticides are present, stop using them in the home or yard.

After eliminating the sources, we then treat the issue at hand.

Each toxin has specific properties, so each requires a unique approach. Functional medicine understands these toxins, how to remove them effectively, and how to help the patient recover from the damage caused by these agents. We use any method available that has been proven to optimize human function. For anyone who might be lost within a toxic space, contact The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine to receive medical guidance.

For more information or to schedule your consultation, please call The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine at 941-929-9355 or email Doc@HarveyCenter.com. The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine is located at 3982 Bee Ridge Road, Suite J, Sarasota.

Telehealth and second opinion consultations are available upon request.

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community spotlight

Finding Wellness at Its Source: Q&A with Virtue of Health

by Mary-Elizabeth Schurer

I

t’s that annual time once again, where we collectively start to re-examine our state of wellness and quality of life, then determine our health resolutions for the New Year. But as we plan ahead to embrace well-being in 2022, I propose we take a holistic “deep dive” to unearth the source of our physical, mental or emotional blockages and restore balance from the inside out.

Fortunately, we live in an area full of health practitioners, whose life’s work is to help us along that journey—so for our December Community Spotlight, I want to introduce you to one such practitioner. Dr. Christine Wildeman, MD, ABOIM, is an Integrative Medicine physician who, as of this month, will also be an official, integral member of the team at Sarasota’s Virtue of Health, owned by Dr. Jaqylin Jacobs, NMD. Get to know Dr. Wildeman in the Q&A chat below and learn how she could be instrumental in your health goals for 2022!

Natural Awakenings: What attracted you to join the Virtue of Health team, and what is your background with the particular modalities commonly used in this practice?

Dr. Christine Wildeman: I love Dr. Jaqlyn’s passion for holistic medicine and the vision she has for a more effective health care delivery system, which starts with identifying the root cause of a disease process.

This includes a comprehensive assessment of each person’s elements of health, using advanced labs and bio-resonance recognition technology to determine where and why orthomolecular imbalances could be occurring within the body.

I have in-depth experience with a

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variety of treatment modalities: successful detoxification programs; DNA-based gut microbiome tests; intracellular macro and micro nutrient lab assessments, along with the corresponding IV treatments; biologic age monitoring with telomere tests; ozone and prolozone therapy; and regenerative medicine programs, which include customized peptide and bioidentical hormone replacements.

NA: Which types of illnesses or health conditions do you specialize in treating, and how do you work to empower your patients with the knowledge to take ownership of their own well-being, course of treatment and lifestyle choices?

Dr. Wildeman: I have a special passion for brain health. My theory is simple: the brain, like any other organ system wants to function both efficiently and effectively. However, it is not able to if there are nutrient deficiencies, cellular toxicities or neurochemically damaged neurons due to physical or emotional trauma.

As a board certified Integrative Physician, I exhibit continual success with a comprehensive neurobiologic evaluation and customizable holistic treatment plan to repair and restore optimal brain function.

This treatment plan includes three tiers: removing any toxins or toxicant from the body, replacing all nutrient deficiencies, then utilizing micro-current neurofeedback sessions. The micro-current neurofeedback system is a safe, effective and drug-free solution that promotes a healing environment for the brain, which is healthier cognitive function and balanced autoneuroregulation.

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During this healing journey, I also believe that a thorough evaluation of each person’s six essential elements of health is imperative. These which include: nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, mindfulness with gratitude, and an overall sense of purpose. Helping patients identify where their health elements are imbalanced, then providing both education and support is the key to achieving optimal health and wellness for each person.

NA: What are some natural, accessible ways that people can strengthen their immune systems, both to defend against COVID-19 and as cold-flu season rounds the corner?

Dr. Wildeman: Efforts to decrease inflammation and maximize oxygenation utilization are key in order to optimize biologic cell health—no matter the viral pathogen we face. Eating a diet rich in Vitamins A, C, E, D3, magnesium and selenium, along with soluble fiber and both pro- and prebiotic foods, is essential to boost the innate immune response.

Supporting a healthy immune response also includes being consistently active, spending time outdoors, limiting exposure to Wi-Fi electronic devices, and making an effort to connect with others in a positive, meaningful way.

NA: Is there anything else you want our readers to know about the holistic approaches you use, the services you offer, or even your own experience as a practitioner?

Dr. Wildeman: I was raised in a rural Iowa town and pursued my dream of becoming a doctor, so that I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Buena Vista University. Then, I enrolled in medical school at the University of Iowa, where I completed a family practice residency at CRMEF and received my board certification in family practice in 1999.

In 2019, I graduated from the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine in La Jolla, California, with a two-year fellowship degree in Integrative Medicine, then achieved my board certification in Integra-

tive Medicine in 2020.

I enjoyed a 20-year career in primary care with experience that ranged from inpatient and outpatient family medicine to the emergency room. I also led a team of therapists, nurses, dietitians and social workers, while serving as a medical director in a rehabilitation hospital system. In my medical career, I loved helping patients heal from their diseases, but over time, I became frustrated with the state of our current conventional health care system.

I began to realize the focus had shifted into more of an “ill care” system and away from a meaningful, effective health care system. I was no longer able to devote an appropriate amount of time to my patients or order the appropriate testing in order to figure out the root cause of their conditions.

On the contrary, I was affirmed for seeing as many patients as possible, no matter the quality of care I was able to provide.

For those reasons, I chose to step out of that system and join Virtue of Health, a true integrative medical practice, which focuses on treating a disease process at its root. This heals and restores wellness to the whole person through assessment and treatment plans tailored to each patient, combining the best of conventional and complementary medicine.

The mission at Virtual of Health Wellness Center is to help patients understand the ecosystem that occurs within their bodies through a combination of both Integrative and Functional Medicine that delves beneath the surface-level symptoms to find the underlying cause of disease.

With this approach, the Virtue of Health team can promote a healthier quality of life and optimize well-being.

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Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer is the Managing Editor of Natural Awakenings Sarasota– Manatee. She also works as a freelance writer, blogger and social media marketer. Her personal blog HealthBeAHippie.Wordpress. com features tips for embracing an active, nutritious, balanced and empowered lifestyle.

December 2021

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actually lengthen the fascia fibers. Instead, you are forcing muscle tension to release and allowing the fascia to lengthen to its full capacity.

Fascia: 5 Facts You Didn’t Know

by Eric Winder, DC

T

he fibrous tissue called fascia has gained substantial press lately as more people are learning about the critical importance of this body-wide structural “fabric.” Some people have heard of it, and are aware of therapies that aim to treat it, but since the scientific understanding of fascia has historically been limited, most people haven’t yet been able to develop a deeper understanding of the important role fascia plays in their health.

Fascia Is Strong as Steel.

Fascia is a living tissue. Both the individual fibers and the tissue as a whole have the tensile strength of steel. This strength helps to protect the body from injuries. However, this same strength also means that you can’t actually stretch fascia (although there are many common misunderstandings

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about this).

Different areas of fascia have differing amounts of stretch built into their construction. Think of it like a piece of gauze– the individual fibers don’t stretch, but there is a certain amount of give to the fabric because of the looseness in how these fibers are woven. The fascia under your skin has a loose “weaving” of fibers and allows for considerable skin movement. On the other end of the spectrum, the fascia that covers your lower back is dense and tight, which limits how far you can flex the spine and keeps your spinal joints safe.

Whether loose or dense, when fascia reaches the end of this give, it can’t stretch any further without injuring the tissues it is attached to. This doesn’t mean that stretching is problematic—it just means that when you are performing a stretch, you won’t

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Fascia Is Better than Vision.

The eyes are important, but your most important sense comes from fascia. This tissue has millions of nerve endings that sense pressure or tension. Movement activates those nerve endings, which creates “position sense.” This sense is called proprioception, and is absolutely vital for the performance of all your coordinated motions, from tying shoes to swinging a golf club, to drinking a glass of water.

Without position sense, the nervous system can’t properly align or stabilize your joints. In addition, muscle tension (the muscles that balance push and pull motions) cannot be balanced without position sense, and it would be impossible to walk––or even do anything at all.

Restrictions or stiffness in the fascia can disrupt proper position sense to cause joint instability and muscle imbalances that trigger pain in the body.

Fascia Is Like a Hydraulic System.

Whether dense or loose, fascia is like a fibrous sponge. The spaces between these fibers are full of fluid that is mostly water.

This water is critical for keeping fascia healthy and pliable. So drinking water is vital for hydration of fascia. Movement is also critical. Exercise and stretching “squeeze the sponge” to move water through the body’s fascia network.

Healthcare practitioners who use manual therapy in fascia often feel a difference in the pliability of the areas where tension has been released. Although not yet proven by research, it is widely believed that this softening is at least partly due to the treatment causing more optimal hydration in the treatment area.

Fascia is an Active Tissue.

Until recently, fascia was thought of only as a passive structural fabric. However, a type of cells involved in muscle contraction were found in small amounts in fascia. Then, just

two years ago, studies showed these cells can, in fact, help fascia to contract or tighten.

The contraction is slow, and the movement is small, compared to muscles. However, researchers propose that this ability to contract can increase stability and strength in parts of the body that bears heavy repeated force. For example, if you were to spend hours lifting heavy flower pots and bags of mulch in your backyard, the lower back fascia might contract over time to protect your back, as if you were wearing a back support belt.

Fascia Needs Maintenance.

Just like muscles, fascia is stronger and more resilient with regular exercise. But, while a single muscle can move just one joint, fascia is interconnected in complex ways throughout the body. Strengthening exercises that focus on a single joint motion with exercise machines might help to isolate individual muscles, but this is not as helpful for the fascia. Adding in the stimulation from complex full body movements such as those from swimming, biking and yoga will help maintain peak performance levels in the fascia network.

As mentioned earlier, hydration is also crucial for healthy fascia. Drinking adequate water each day is important. And once again, full-body movements help to push hydration through the entire web of fascia. Nutrition is also essential, and anti-inflammatory foods such as those in the Mediterranean diet help the fascia

remain supple and resilient.

Finally, stretching movements as part of your exercise program can be helpful too. Pre-exercise stretching should be light and gentle since you don’t want fascia tissues at their full length before you start an exercise or athletic performance. On the other hand, research shows that stretching after exercise helps to prevent injuries to muscles and fascia. Post-exercise stretching can be deeper and more intense, but should never be uncomfortable.

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Circles of Healing

by Linda Sechrist

H

ad the intellectual achievements of human culture evolved during a revolution based on living systems in the natural world rather than one of rapid industrial growth and resource consumption, we might be experiencing interconnectedness instead of divisiveness during this time of social and ecological crisis.

A nature-focused revolution embracing humans as an integral part of the Earth’s natural systems would have instilled a deeper understanding of the wonders of the human body as a living system imbued with inner intelligence, as well as the intelligence of the non-human living world. This perspective, held by Native Americans, would have helped to create sustainable human communities that flourish by connecting, collaborating, cooperating and communicating.

With such approaches as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, support groups, prayer circles and dialogue circles exploring conflict solutions, Western minds are just beginning to comprehend how small-community experiences of fellowship and communion can assuage feelings of separation and isolation, and create inner experiences of wholeness and belonging.

Mentoring Each Other Although not always sharing a common geographical location, small communities formed around common interests and shared values enable emotional healing. The ManKind Project (MKP), which describes itself as a “men’s community for the 21st century,” has more than 1,000 peer-facilitated groups in 22 countries in

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which men mentor each other through their life passages.

“In our MKP communities, there’s a sense of shared commitment and the shared values of accountability, authenticity, compassion, generosity, integrity, respect, leadership and multicultural awareness, along with a shared vision pointing us in the direction we want to go together,” says Boysen Hodgson, MKP-USA communications director. “While MKP’s mission statement informs our work, in New Warrior Adventure training, each man creates a personal mission statement. Mine is, ‘I transform culture by designing change, building bridges and co-creating space for connection.’”

According to Hodgson, when a man shares how he hears his inner voice for the first time along with his story in another man’s story, he becomes aware of his interior capacities and cultivates internal and external listening skills. By sharing personal stories, men experience epiphanies that can result in connections and bonding.

Douglas Bonar, a 35-year veteran of mental health counseling and owner of A Center for Wellness, in Pinellas Park, Florida, has been facilitating men’s groups for 22 years. Men and occasionally women that have been court-ordered to undergo counseling with Bonar for 29 weeks after their incarceration learn the value of growing together in community. “I initiate the uninitiated who’ve never heard about the powerful impacts of respectful, attentive listening without judgement, giving/receiving feedback and support, and learning about successes and failures in the company of community,” says Bonar. “Actively engaging the minds, hearts and energy of people participating in community makes experiencing emotional healing possible. Feeling truly heard and deeply listened

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The Power of Gathering in Community

to and comprehending life from a multisensory human perception and a sense of oneness can lead to understanding that we are never alone, the universe is alive—conscious, intelligent and compassionate.”

More about progress than perfection, Bonar’s unique Roots and Wings Way of Wholeness approach to healing in community tills the soil of an inner world and plants seeds via the introduction of guidelines for creating authentic power, spiritual growth, levels of consciousness, coherence, the realization of one’s true self as more than an enculturated personality, the Noetic experience of oneness, humans as energetic beings, emotions as energy in motion and a coherent energetic field that the HeartMath Institute notes creates synchronization, or entrainment, between the heart and mind, as well as a sense of unity.

Sharing Sacred Space Jean Shinoda Bolen, a Jungian psychiatrist, activist and author of Moving Toward the Millionth Circle: Energizing the Global

Women’s Movement, encourages everyone to follow a path with soul and take on a personal assignment that contributes to change, while relying on the support of circle communities of like-minded individuals. “Fundamental principles applicable to any group include creating sacred space, listening with compassion and for wisdom, speaking from the heart and personal experience, inviting silence and reflection when needed, taking responsibility for your experience and your impact on the circle, keeping the confidence of the circle and making decisions when needed by consensus,” says Bolen, whose active events include a prayer circle and another with women she has been together with since the 1980s.

“The more frequently a circle meets to fully witness one another’s life stories, including all the changes and crises, a growing trust and heart connection occurs and a coherent energy field is created,” says Bolen. At the beginning of her circle gatherings, upon hearing the tone of a Tibetan

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bowl, she says, everyone immediately drops into coherence; a state of connectedness in which the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Cultivating Deep Listening As the host of New Dimensions, a nationally syndicated radio program that addresses cultural shifts, Justine Willis Toms has deeply explored interconnectedness with some of the greatest minds on the planet, including the Dalai Lama and physicist David Bohm. Referring to her circle communities as “friends of the heart,” she enthuses, “When I am deeply listening to another or speaking authentically aloud in a circle of trust, I get to hear myself in a way that I don’t if I’m only listening to what is in my head.”

Recalling a tumultuous time in her life, Toms relates a profound healing experience that occurred in a circle community in which she and her husband had been participating since the 1980s. “This par-

ticular circle usually gathers for an entire weekend. On one, I arrived in deep distress—so much so that on Friday I began pouring out my fears, anxiety, blame and judgements. I raged through the night and didn’t stop until after breakfast on Saturday, when I felt complete, totally heard, emotionally healed and revived.”

From a sense of peace and clarity, Toms knew that healing occurred because of the circle’s capacity for deep listening. “We know and trust the true genius that each of us is, and we know how to not be afraid for each other when life is in a rollercoaster cycle and we’re at the bottom, but don’t want to pull the brake because we’ll never have the momentum to go back up.

This is the power of a circle of friends of the heart who love you,” says Toms, who shares a favorite African saying, “‘A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it.

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you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly, your wholeness when you are broken, your innocence when you’re feeling guilty and your purpose when you are confused.’”

Connecting through Common Emotions Physician Jennifer Phelps, owner of Phelps MD Integrative Medicine, in Redding, Connecticut, is a trained facilitator of small groups who has worked in communities traumatized by natural disasters and human-caused catastrophes in her role as a faculty member of the Center for MindBody Medicine, in Washington, D.C. “Where individuals listen to the grief and loss of others, emotional healing can be quite profound. Sharing stories in community, we learn we’re not alone and isolated, but rather related and connected in our human emotions,” says Phelps, adding that in groups of fewer than six people cohesiveness dissipates, leaving only conversation and cross-talk.

The process of human and community development unfolds from within each person, relationship and community. According to Cate Montana, of Kula, Hawaii, author of The E-Word: Ego, Enlightenment & Other Essentials, awakening to the illusion of separation, which can happen in community, sparks healing. “The persona of an individual as only a body and mind is the big sleep,” advises Montana, whose life work has been about waking people up to the truth of their essential spiritual nature and giving them tools for a more fulfilling life.

Having experiences of fellowship and communion with like-minded people can make it possible to observe and understand how ego and mind function, and to become aware of crippling social programming which fragments, separates and divides us. Experiencing a sense of wholeness in such an environment allows for healing naturally on many levels.

Linda Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

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natural pet

Toyland for Pooches

Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

by Karen Shaw Becker

M

and which are safest—from a mind-blowing selection of tugs, balls, discs, chews, puzzles, squeaky or stuffed toys and more.

Because many pet stores welcome dogs, some pet parents even bring their fourlegged family members along and allow them to sniff out their favorites.

It’s important to select a dog’s toys carefully, because not every option is a good choice. For example, some dogs, especially large breeds, tend to rip soft toys apart within seconds to taste-test the stuffing. There are also dogs that can swallow small soft toys whole. A pup’s temperament, size and age all play a role in determining which toys are safe, and there are also considerations based on the toy itself, such as materials used, size, shape and more.

Potentially Toxic Toys Pet toys are not regulated, so they can be made with virtually any material. Plastic toys, in particular, can be dangerous, because many contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA). Old or weathered toys such as those left outside leach higher concentrations of harmful chemicals.

While BPA-free toys are available, the toxin may have been replaced with similar—or even more toxic—chemicals, including bisphenol-S (BPS), so “BPAfree” unfortunately isn’t a reliable indicator of toy safety. Other adulterants found in dog toys include heavy metals like lead and formaldehyde.

When looking for new toys, choose those made in the U.S. out of 100 percent natural rubber, organic cotton or other

Arno/AdobeStock.com

ost healthy dogs retain their love of play throughout their lives. Because canine family members can be loosely compared to perpetual human toddlers, it makes sense that they enjoy playtime no matter their age.

Most dogs are also fascinated, at least temporarily, with toys made just for them.

Some love to chase a ball or Frisbee and others like a good game of tug or stuffed toys. Most dogs seem to enjoy playthings that squeak when they bite them, possibly because the noise brings to mind the sound of captured prey, or perhaps because pet parents give their dogs extra attention when they “get their squeak on”.

Most dogs in the U.S. have lots of toys, and many pet parents practice trial-and-error to determine what type their dog prefers—

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eco-friendly and contaminant-free materials. Try the sniff test. If a toy being considered smells strongly of chemicals, put it back. Testing shows that some tennis balls made for pets contain more contaminants than those made for sports.

The best toys for pets are usually handmade by individuals or very small companies and can be found at local farmers’ markets or sold regionally in small, independent pet stores. There’s no plethora of companies that produce 100 percent organic toys, but some great, allnatural toys can be found online.

What Dogs Seem to Prefer Researchers have discovered that regardless of the type of toy, once a dog is completely familiar with the sight, sound, smell and feel of it, boredom can set in. In addition, we may want to avoid “indestructible” toys the dog can’t make a dent in, because they enjoy toys they can pull apart and destroy, or those that are edible.

Offering a dog easily destroyed toys isn’t ideal, either, as they may accidently or intentionally ingest some of the non-edible pieces. A good alternative is recreational bones (large, raw chunks of beef and bison femur bones), which are quite enjoyable to most dogs, even though they’re not technically toys. Lick mats that hold a soft food treat are also a great environmental enrichment choice for dogs that tend to destroy toys quickly.

Treat-release puzzle toys, toys meant to be chewed and those that make noise or are edible (like a nontoxic dental bone) can also be good options, while toys that are hard, unyielding and silent will probably not be a big hit.

Don’t underestimate our human ability to stimulate a dog’s interests. A session of playtime—playing fetch, tug-of-war or hide-and-seek—will be far more stimulating to the pup than any toy could be.

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Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

December 2021

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healing ways

Amp Up Immunity Proven Boosters for Good Health

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by Ronica O’Hara

A

s we head into the holidays, a gift that many of us wish for is a strong immune system to protect us not only from serious illness, but also from wintry coughs and sniffles. Robust immunity rests on three pillars, research shows: getting at least seven hours of sleep a night to allow immune functions to reboot; daily exercise to stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off harmful bacteria and viruses; and plant-based foods to supply the antioxidants and phytochemicals needed to reduce inflammation and keep cells humming happily.

In addition, we can enhance immunity by adding specific adaptogens and mushroom powders into our daily routine.

These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. As powders, they can be easily added into drinks or foods, and they can also be taken as tinctures or pills.

Modulating Immunity with Adaptogens Used for millennia in China and India, adaptogens are plants

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that keep the body in balance by helping it adapt to stress. They interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex system of glands, hormones and receptors that helps manage homeostasis, stress responses and energy metabolism. “Adaptogens are a great way to boost immunity, especially if you are constantly sick and run down due to feeling stressed,” says Heather Hanks, a Plymouth, Michigan, nutritionist with USA Rx. Adaptogens typically take two or three weeks to become effective; follow package directions for proper dosage.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), an herb called locoweed in the U.S., boosts immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity and enhancing the function of macrophages, the “immune sentinels” that reside in tissues. A recent review suggests that long-term use of astragalus might help prevent colds, and taking it for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing. It has also been shown to improve recovery after illness, disease or prolonged stress and to help post-chemotherapy patients regain health.

Polish researchers found that rowing team athletes given 500 milligrams of astragalus root extract each day for six weeks had immune systems that recovered faster after strenuous exercise.

Panax Ginseng, a perennial plant from East Asia, keeps the immune system in balance by regulating its components, including macrophages, dendritic cells and both T and B cells. It improves resistance to illness and microbial attacks, helps counter stress, controls inflammation, improves cognitive functions and has been found effective in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, insulin resistance and hypertension.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as holy basil, “enhances the immune response, protects the body against bacterial and viral infection and promotes clear and comfortable breathing,” says Ameya Duprey, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner in Nevada City, California. Studies show that it also helps prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

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properties. They are usually not cooked, but rather taken as a powder that can be added to foods like smoothies, cereals and stir-fries.

Reishi mushrooms increase the activity of killer cells and lower inflammation in white cells, warding off infections. “They are used by cancer patients, as they support a healthy immune system, have antioxidant properties and may prevent or treat infections,” says Linda Strause, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of human nutrition at University of California San Diego, whose husband with brain cancer was encouraged to take the mushrooms as a supplement.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensi) is harvested from the larvae of caterpillars in the high Himalayas. In a randomized, eight-week Korean study of 79 adults, supplementing with 1.7 grams of cordyceps extract daily led to a significant 38 percent increase in the activity of natural killer cells that protect against infection. It has been used traditionally to treat fatigue, sexual dysfunction, asthma, kidney problems, high blood pressure and weak hearts.

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) contains a compound called polysaccharide-K that stimulates the immune system. It also acts as a prebiotic, which promotes the health of the gut microbiome, a key player in immunity. A Harvard Medical School study of 22 healthy people found that taking 3,600 milligrams of polysaccharopeptide extracted from turkey tail mushrooms each day led to beneficial changes in gut bacteria and suppressed the growth of problematic E. coli and shigella bacteria.

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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The Sweet Danger of Sugar

conscious eating

ways to enjoy healthier holiday fare

azurita/AdobeStock.com

by Christy Ratliff

C

hocolate Santas, decorated cookies and other sweet confections are ingrained in our holiday traditions, yet sugary food does little to actually make us feel merry and bright in the long run.

A high-sugar diet increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, inflammation, weight gain and weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It can also contribute to tooth decay and acne. “Most high-sugar foods are ‘treats’ and are not intended to be high in nutrition or consumed instead of healthier foods,” says Shelley Maniscalco, registered dietitian and CEO of the consulting firm Nutrition on Demand, in Arlington, Virginia. “When we have too many foods that are what we call calorie-dense versus nutrient-dense, we run the risk of displacing healthier foods, and, therefore, under-consuming key nutrients.”

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This can impact mental health and impair the body’s ability to manage stress. “When we eat nutritious foods, and our gut is healthy, we obtain necessary nutrients to create neurotransmitters, which are key to optimal mental health,” explains Maggie Roney, a licensed counselor and certified functional medicine provider in Wylie, Texas. “There’s mood-stabilizing serotonin, which is a precursor for melatonin, needed for sleep; dopamine, involved in pleasure, focus and motivation; and GABA, which provides a calming effect that can help with stress and anxiety. All of these require amino acids, zinc, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, copper and B vitamins.”

In moderation, sugar is not necessarily detrimental to our health and well-being, but differentiating between naturally occurring sugar and added sugar is key to finding a middle ground. “New changes in the food label allow consumers to more easily identify sources of sugar in foods,” Maniscalco says. “Many healthy foods naturally contain sugars, such as fructose in fruits and lactose in dairy products. These natural sugars don’t need to be avoided.

When checking the label, look for amounts of added sugars and choose the options that have less.”

Foods and beverages with added sugars are now required to list the number of grams and percent daily value for added sugars on the nutrition facts label. For example, a container of yogurt with fruit on the bottom might list total sugars at 15 grams (g), including 7 g of added sugar, which means 8 g of naturally occurring sugars.

In a society long obsessed with counting calories, we may assume we’re making smart choices with low-fat, non-fat, reduced calorie or light versions of grocery items. But, the amount of added sugar is actually higher in low calorie versions of a wide variety of foods because sugar is used to compensate for the loss of flavor from fat. “Sugar tastes good and balances out other flavors, so many foods that we wouldn’t consider sweet have added sugars,” says Colleen Tewksbury, Ph.D., bariatric program manager and senior research investigator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Common products include pasta sauce, cereal and salad dressing. Reading food labels looking specifically for added sugars is key to finding these foods.”

“Hidden sugars are often found where we least expect them,” adds Ricardo Díaz, chef and registered dietitian nutritionist at the

Hidden sugars are often found where we least expect them.

–Ricardo Díaz New York-based nonprofit Wellness in the Schools, which works to improve nutrition in school lunches. “Many savory or salty foods tend to have added sugars, such as tortilla chips, popcorn, jerky and frozen prepared foods. Check your labels and compare between products on the supermarket shelves to find the healthiest pick for you and your loved ones.”

“Often, we think of eating in ‘all or nothing’ terms. When we cut out foods we enjoy, it often backfires and we end up overeating them in the end when our willpower runs out,” Maniscaclo says. “I would really encourage mindfulness in eating so that individuals can enjoy treats in moderation and feel satisfied by them so that there’s less need to over consume. Also, being physically active year-round is a great habit to get into and can create more space in the diet for treats.”

As we implement these small but significant low-sugar strategies, we’ll be rewarded with better physical and emotional health all year long. That’s something to celebrate.

Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

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fit body

HOLIDAY ZEN

Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

by Maya Whitman

D

espite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves and snag us in an unhealthy loop of overindulgence. To combat holiday pressure, the Mayo Clinic suggests maintaining a regular exercise program and investing in me-time activities like meditation and deep breathing.

Movement and simple self-care, even for a few minutes, can lower cortisol levels that often contribute to excessive food cravings. Walking, going for a run, lifting weights, or getting into the pool or onto the yoga mat can help us enjoy the season with less angst.

foto helin/AdobeStock.com

Cancelling Guilt, Staying Healthy

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With simple strategies, enjoying the office party dessert table doesn’t have to get us off track. “One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself when reaching for a cookie is to be in full approval of eating it. Let your experience of eating it be clean, present and so free of resistance that you can really experience it,” says Maria Miller, a spiritual life coach in Oceanside, California.

Stephanie Mansour, host of the weekly national PBS health and fitness show Step It Up with Steph, also opts for a no-stress approach, especially when it comes to working out. “When cortisol levels are through the roof, we crave fattening, salty or sweet foods. Studies have shown that people have a more positive body image just after five minutes of exercise,” says the Chicago-based wellness coach. “This mindset is huge when it comes to eating healthier and taming holiday cravings.”

Bolstering neurotransmitters through good nutrition can take the edge off the to-do list or a gloomy winter day. “When Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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we fuel our bodies with a variety of whole foods, we are also supporting healthy brain function, which has a direct impact on our emotions,” says Teigan Draig, a life coach in Spencerville, Ohio. Draig suggests berries, citrus fruits, fresh fish, turkey, walnuts, almonds, avocados and eggs to boost serotonin and dopamine levels, “which improve mood and help to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.”

Prioritizing Self Most of us are short on time, but committing to good health doesn’t require hours at the gym. “Many of my clients are looking for fast, simple workouts that they can squeeze in during the holidays,” says Mansour. “Set the timer for five minutes and get down on the floor to do ab exercises. Doing leg lifts, bicycle abs and crunches for five minutes is an excellent way to fire up the core.” She also suggests setting the morning alarm or going to sleep at night five minutes earlier to do some stretches in bed.

“If you’re cooking, you can do squats in the kitchen while a smoothie is blending or calf raises while stirring a pot on the stove.”

For Miller, putting on some music and dancing in the living room is a sure way to get a boost. She is also a fan of guilt-free, unplugged intervals of shut-eye: “Five-to25-minute power naps are a great way to rest and recharge with a very high return on your investment of time.” During the winter months, it can be easy to turn to screens for distraction and as a way to cope with the stress of the season. Miller reminds us to nourish our souls and get out in nature to “notice the way the weather impacts your body, the way it feels to draw in a breath and how you’re part of a constant exchange with life through each breath you take.”

Inhaling Peace Conscious breathing makes the effects of workouts go further and halts the cascade of stress hormones. “Whatever fitness rou-

tine you’re doing is fine, just always breathe through your nose. Mouth breathing triggers cortisol release,” says Ed Harrold, breathwork and performance coach in Draper, Utah, and author of Life with Breath.

“When we slow the breath rate, we encourage a relaxation response. We can manage the release of cortisol by inhaling through the nose, slowly from the belly to the collarbone and exhaling slowly through the nose by gently drawing the belly back into the lower spine. This is called diaphragmatic breathing and is our proper breath, even during exercise.”

For nature, winter is a time of repose from which we can take a cue and enjoy the moment. Draig muses, “Mindfulness requires us to be present in the here and now, rather than worrying about the to-do list or stressing over holiday finances.”

Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life. Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

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green living

Greening the Holidays How to Celebrate Sustainably

tanyajoy/AdobeStock.com

by Sandra Yeyati

W

ith every record-setting storm and catastrophic fire, more people are realizing that we are embroiled in a climate crisis. Consider this holiday season as an opportunity not just to make sustainable choices, but also to take strategic action that positively impacts the planet and inspires friends and family to join the environmental cause. Whether that means modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics or responsible gifting, every environmental choice can be a teaching moment or conversation starter. Together, we can make a difference.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Dinner

Growing fruits and vegetables is generally kinder to the Earth than the industrialized production of meat, which pollutes the environment and mistreats animals. Hosting a vegetarian holiday feast with locally sourced, organic produce is a great way to support regenerative farming systems, slash transportation emissions and introduce guests to new culinary traditions. If meat is a must, opt for sustainably wild-caught salmon or shrimp and pastured, organic turkey or chicken over beef, as cow production leads to significant methane emissions.

To conserve energy, use the oven or stove sparingly, opting instead for recipes that employ crockpots, air fryers, pressure cookers, outdoor barbecues or the microwave. For both health and environmental reasons, gently encourage smaller meat portions and fill the plate with scrumptious side dishes. After the party, leftovers can be sent home with guests, turned into next-day lunches and soups or frozen for later use. Compost scraps to keep them out of the landfill.

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Responsible Gift Wrapping Eliminating wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and greeting cards from the holiday equation is a great zero-waste lifestyle choice. Gifts can just as easily be wrapped in fabric, scarves and cloth napkins, or presented inside a reusable shopping bag.

Another alternative is to use wrapping materials and greeting cards that are biodegradable, from recycled origins or certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (fsc. org) to ensure they did not contribute to deforestation. Avoid papers with glitter, foil and other decorations that may contain nonbiodegradable, petroleum-based elements. Glitter is usually made from plastic, contributing to the microplastics problem. When recycling, remove tape, bows and ribbons.

Earth-Friendly Holiday Decorations

The most eco-friendly Christmas decoration is a potted, living tree that can be decorated and exhibited indoors during the holidays and planted in the garden afterwards. A mini-rosemary tree is also a fragrant tabletop alternative. Opt for LED string lights, which use a fraction of the energy that traditional lights require.

With the help of online instructional videos, families can come together to craft decorations out of biodegradable, recycled and consumable materials, including tree ornaments made of reclaimed wood or soda can tabs; garlands of popcorn, dried fruit slices or cinnamon sticks; wreaths and centerpieces studded with pine cones, herb branches and flowers from the garden; and candles made with essential oils and soy wax.

The home will smell festive, fresh and healthful.

Thoughtful, LifeAffirming Gifts

Environmentally responsible holiday

shopping takes many forms. Some people pledge to buy nothing during Christmas and instead donate their holiday budgets to families in need. Others set out to buy gifts they know the recipient wants or needs to avoid waste. They shop at local, small businesses and choose durable, repurposed, easily repairable and upcycled items.

Thoughtful gifts that affirm a commitment to the planet are electric bicycles and comfortable hiking shoes to encourage slow transportation and healing walks in nature; solar-powered devices and chargers in support of renewable energy; consumable items and foods that won’t clutter the home or landfill; services and experiences that don’t need to be gift wrapped; and donations to environmental charities that are meaningful to the recipient.

Consider gifts that encourage loved ones to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs; plant shade trees in their backyards; and nurture flowering plants that support bees, butterflies and other pollinators—greenthumb gifts like herb planters, wildflower

seed packets, garden tools, utility gloves and vegetable-growing instruction books.

Reusable Gifts that Ditch the Plastic These reusable gifts make it easy and fun for recipients to be kind to the planet year-round by reducing our devastating dependence on single-use, nonbiodegradable plastic that pollutes the environment and harms aquatic wildlife. n Straws made of stainless steel, organic bamboo, silicone, biodegradable paper or glass n Water bottles and insulated containers made of stainless steel or glass n Food bags, wraps and bowl covers made of beeswax, silicone, cotton or canvas n Stainless steel plates and bamboo utensils for sustainable picnicking n Zero-waste shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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wise words

Thomas Moore on the

Art of Soulful Listening

by Marlaina Donato in all areas of life, and my book is for the ordinary person, as well as the professional therapist. We could talk to each other with the intention of befriending and offering useful care. Medicine is in need of an injection of this therapeutic talking and listening to add soul and spirit to an otherwise materialistic approach to the human being.

photo by Simone Anne

What is soul therapy in modern times?

T

homas Moore, New York Times bestselling author, Jungian-based psychotherapist, musician and former monk, has been an advocate for conscious living since authoring his first book, Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. Twenty-three books later, Moore breaks ground with his latest release, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations, in which he invites therapists, psychiatrists, spiritual directors, ministers and caregivers to cultivate deeper connection based on soulful listening. His timeless wisdom inspires all of us to live from a state of spirituality and conscious wonder so that we might bridge the chasm between cultural, political and personal differences.

What inspired you to write Soul Therapy?

We need more therapeutic conversations

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The ancient Greeks wrote extensively about the soul. Their word was psyche, so it takes very little effort to see how psychotherapy is about caring for the soul. The ancients felt that the soul’s natural home is in the “underworld”, and soul therapy sees it the same way. We are not interested in causing behavior changes or finding explanations for current problems. These don’t go deep enough. They do not touch the underworld, or deep narratives and memories of a person. For example, if a person complains that he eats too much, then we might go deep and see if the underlying issue is a failure to nourish his life and person. We look for metaphors and layers of meaning. We don’t want change for the sake of change. We don’t necessarily expect a person to feel better or be better adjusted to life. We stay close to the symptom, like eating too much, and hope to see it fulfilled at a deeper level, truly nourishing your life.

What soul work is required of the helper to be able to address the needs of others?

The helper in soul therapy has to learn to observe carefully, and at a deep level, the narrative or story being lived out, often un-

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consciously, in a client. The arts, mythology, alchemy, dreams—these can all give hints about the deeper story being lived. The soul therapist does not give much advice, if any, and doesn’t try to figure a person out. He or she stays close to the symptoms to see what the pain and confusion are all about. A person gets to know better the desires and fears that motivate him, without judgment or agenda. You try to see where the soul might have been wounded or not cared for.

Why do you think there is a perceived increase in anxiety and depressive disorders?

Our underlying philosophy or way of seeing everything is based on quantified studies, brain and laboratory research and the need to explain and define everything.

There is no room for mystery and its language, which is poetic and metaphorical.

The soul suffers.

How can we truly listen to others and cultivate authentic presence?

Today we often debate rather than converse. We want to win arguments rather than gain deep insight. You listen well only when you find peace in yourself and give up the need to be always right.

What gives you hope for humanity?

In spite of all our problems today, I am an optimist. Humanity is very slowly evolving into a more humane community of Earth beings. We have a long way to go. I see our young people today, many of them impatient to create a different kind of global culture, one that has the courage and vision to deal with our ecological crisis and create a peaceful political planet. They are not plagued with cynicism or despair. We can’t give up our idealism and surrender to pessimism. The world has always had deep troubles. The challenge should bring out all our creativity and passion for life.

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildFlowerLady.com.

inspiration

Season of Light

Celebrating the Soul of Winter

by Marlaina Donato

kharchenkoirina/AdobeStock.com

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nevitably, the wheel of the year turns with the nuances of the seasons hardly noticed in the blur of our busy days. “Next year,” we say, when we realize that we’ve run out of time to try that holiday recipe, connect with friends or revel in a winter sunset. Collecting small joys takes us out of survival mode and into wide-awake living. Pausing to sip from winter’s steaming cup of comfort can be the perfect way to begin a new chapter that prompts us to come back to the center.

In the ancient world, fire festivals marked holy days celebrating the sun’s promise of return and supplied felicity in a time of hardship. Today, something inside our ancestral memories makes us crave celebration as we wrap the year’s end in shiny ribbon, ethereal lights and scented candles.

Singing, chanting or caroling this time of year—“oldfashioned” pastimes— were ancient elements of winter’s revels that invited benevolent energy and chased away bad luck.

While most of us no longer grace our neighbors with song, raising our voices to any capacity can be an offering, an invitation to hope and beauty.

Singing multicultural songs with the kids, writing a spontaneous prayer or sharing seasonal or funny stories naturally boosts the immune system and helps to fight off the winter blues.

Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour

if we pay attention: ruby fruits baked with brown sugar, rosy desert mornings and snowy sapphire twilights. Pointing out December constellations over a beach or lacing up our boots for a brisk walk helps us to unplug from the world’s problems. Sprinkling heart-healthy spices in our morning coffee opens a gloomy day on a lovely note.

Winter can feel long, so go ahead and treat your senses; buy a few yards of red velvet to sleep on or pick up that novel you’ve been planning to read. Live and give a little more deeply. Feed the birds and feed your soul.

Marlaina Donato is an author and a composer of ambient holiday music. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Revels Around the World: n The celebration of Soyal by the Hopi people of northern Arizona centers on purification, dancing and inviting the favor of the Kachinas, or protective nature spirits. n The ancient Persian festival Yalda celebrates family time and the triumph of the sun, with people staying awake to see the sunrise and eat foods such as pomegranates and nuts. n The Chinese festival of Dong Zhi, or the “arrival of winter”, is an ancient celebration of labor and the closing year. n The Ukrainian celebration of Malanka, or Orthodox New Year, is a type of Mardi Gras involving masks, costumes and singing from house to house.

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December 2021

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healthy kids

The Best Books for Kids

Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

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by Sandra Yeyati

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elping children learn to read and love books is one of the greatest parental endeavors. Many kids learn their first words after hearing the adults in their lives sing a lullaby or tell them a nursery rhyme. “Building a child’s vocabulary is the key to reading, and rhymes, singing, word games, synonyms, homonyms and rap are great places to start,” says Claudette McLinn, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature and former librarian, teacher, school administrator and children’s bookstore owner.

A child’s first reading experience will likely involve a picture book. “What’s powerful about picture books is that the illustrations and text intertwine,” McLinn explains. “You can read them aloud together. As the child looks at the artwork, the adult can ask, ‘What is that?’ And the child can use their imagination while you teach them to observe, articulate and start the reading process.”

To encourage childhood reading, it’s helpful to have a variety of books around the house and to set aside reading time every day. “It costs nothing to check out a pile of 25 books at the library, take them home and try them,” says Maeve Knoth, a librarian at Phillips Brooks School, in Menlo Park, California. When buying books, she suggests consulting

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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librarians and booksellers for recommendations, as well as relying on book awards such as the Newbery or Caldecott medals, and on book lists compiled every year by reputable organizations and committees, notably the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

Choosing books for kids should always start by discovering what their passions or interests are and then finding a good book on that subject, says McLinn, adding that encouraging children to browse the shelves and choose their own books is an empowering exercise that builds self-esteem and a love of reading. Whether it’s dinosaurs,

cars or the stars and planets, there’s a kid’s book about it. “Although fiction is important early on because it increases imagination, nonfiction books help kids learn new information and understand the role of the table of contents, the glossary and index, and informative diagrams,” she says, adding that she prefers award-winning nonfiction books because they’ve been vetted for accuracy.

“Kids often gravitate toward books that are a little bit less challenging,” Knoth says.

“While I have no objection to those popular books, which are lots of fun, they’re not going to give kids a new way to think about themselves or the world. I want my children to have consequential reading experiences with books that offer new points of view where kids can live in someone else’s heart and mind for a little while. I want them to know what it might be like to live in a different time period or to grow up in China.”

According to Knoth, a great children’s book will include an engaging character that has an experience, prompting them to change and grow. “I want it to be well structured and beautifully written, with setting, point of view and all those elements that fit together to create a theme and give you a literary experience,” she explains. She looks for nuanced books that invite kids to use their imagination and find their own way.

“The reader might be young, but they’re not dumb. They just haven’t had lots of experiences yet. If a book concludes with one narrow solution to a child’s problem, then I would say it’s not that useful or successful,” says Knoth, a frequent contributor to The Horn Book, a resource for children’s book reviews and articles.

McLinn believes that kids should be exposed to a diversity of authors and illustrators that explore the lives of all cultures.

“We live in silos with the people in our group, and we don’t know anything about other groups,” she explains. “When you read about other cultures, you learn that we are more alike than we are different.

We may eat different foods, wear different clothing and have different customs, but

you find out that it’s not scary. Kids love to read about heroes that they can identify with and become their friends. Children are into social justice and fairness. As a child, I loved biographies. I wanted to read about

great people and what made them great so that maybe I could be great like them.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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December 2021

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calendar of events

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 12th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email publisher@nasrq.com for guidelines. No phone calls or faxes, please. Visit nasrq. com to submit online.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Light Language Healing Circle - 7-9pm. At first you may not understand what is being said, but soon your heart will. Join Reiki Master and certified Reconnective Healer JoAnn Cooke to learn what this is all about, and how to activate this powerful energy. Light Language is the universal language of love, communicated via spoken word, song, dance, written symbol and other actions. It bypasses the logical brain and is interpreted through the heart. Whether you are familiar with Light Language, or this is new to you, this healing circle will benefit all. Each one will experience a light language healing communication.

Come with an open heart and be prepared for a powerful transmission of healing to assist you where most needed. $20 donation requested. Reservations please, 509-520-0377. We offer separated seating with masks optional. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota. CMFSarasota. org, Facebook is: CMF of Sarasota.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 Life Fulfillment - Practical Pathways for Your Purpose - 7pm. With Jim Toole. Explore how your inner spiritual and personal journey powerfully influences and enhances fulfillment in your life every day. Discover how living a spiritually purposeful life transforms your expression, experience how you create. Feel fulfilled inside and out as you learn to harmonize inspiration and manifestation. $15, presented online on Zoom. Please contact Jim at RevJimToole@gmail.com or 941-330-5031 to attend.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 Gallery by Advanced Student Mediums 7-8:30pm. On this night, and on the 1st Friday each month, several our advanced student mediums will present a SPIRIT MESSAGES GALLERY, supported by two Certified Mediums. Each attendee will have the opportunity to receive information from their spirit loved ones or guides, by the different styles of each student. Come and enjoy this fun and informative evening. $10 donation is requested. We offer separated seating with masks optional. No Reservations Needed. More info at CMFSarasota. org. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota, 941-266-8435, Facebook is: CMF of Sarasota

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Vibrational Crystals Healing Workshop - 1-4pm.

Have a health concern? Your body’s vibrational energy might be telling you something! Join Alexandria Mazzarino, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, as she teaches the magical healing powers of crystals. Your body has natural harmonic frequency patterns that can be detected and interpreted to assist your body with wellbeing. Learn about clearing, charging and programming crystals. The last portion of the class will be demonstrating the NLS Matrix Decoder to “read” your body’s vibrational energy at a sub-cellular level, each attendee will have opportunity to take home an elixir made for their own bio frequency. Discounts for a personal appointment will be offered to class participants. Please feel free to contact Alexandria to understand more. $50 donation requested. Reservations please 917-733-8878. We offer separated seating with masks optional. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota, 941-266-8435, Facebook is: CMF of Sarasota

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

Dynamic Physical Mediumship - 2-3:30pm.

Taught by Stephen Hermann. This 90-minute course focuses on the development of genuine physical mediumship and the techniques and approaches utilized by physical mediums in the past to enhance their unfoldment. We will examine methods for deepening altered states of consciousness and directly connecting with spirit chemists. $40, register

by Friday, Dec. 3, 10am at SarasotaCenterofLight. com/calendar. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-953-6620, or after hours 727-492-2977.

New Moon Sound Meditation - Healing Sound Bath Meditation w/ Quartz, Tibetan Bowls, and Chimes - 6pm. This is a journey into Bliss - releasing thought, stress, and tension while drifting into a half-sleep state of relaxation. It is an energy healing journey through the chakras (energy centers of our bodies) as every quartz bowl resonates at their corresponding note to rebalance and align. Soak in the good vibes of over 30 different sound bath instruments as they transport you into a deeply meditative state of relaxation. This meditative state is where healing can occur. Doors open 15 min prior. Remove shoes and silence phones before entering. Can bring yoga mat, pillows – wear comfy clothing. Sessions online as well. 439 Tamiami Trail S, Suite 208, Venice. 2nd fl above Venetian Cleaner. Parking available behind or next to the building (not in front of). Space is limited - reserve yours here: HeatherADempsey.as.me/ NewMoon, text 941-275-9890, or Info@HS-HP.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 Universal Service - 10:30am. With Rev. Liana Salima Rael, “What The Masters Said…”Quotes on the theme of each religion’s meaning. With the lighting of candle i.e., wisdom from a Hindu prophet(ess), Compassion from Buddha, etc. In person at Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, and on Zoom: https:// zoom.us/i/83017916524 Password: RTI2021. This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all religions on a single altar. RisingTideInternational.org. For info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Aroma Therapy - 1-3pm. Learn how to have a chemical-free home and enhance your wellness by the use of aromatherapy. Please join, Alexandria Mazzarino, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, as she takes you through the experience of essential oils, and how the use these effectively; from cooking ingredients to cleaning your bathroom to enhance your wellness. Unlike other classes, you will experience healing modalities that can be used to enhance what you may already know about essential oils. Please feel free to contact Alexandria to understand more. $20 donation is requested. We offer separated seating with masks optional. Reserve please 917-7338878. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota. CMFSarasota. org, Facebook is: CMF of Sarasota.

OM Singing Bowl Sound Bath - 7-8pm (doors open @ 6:45). Join us for this beautiful form of deepened relaxation! The OM Shoppe professional Sound Therapy Practitioners, bring you these beautiful multi-instrumental sound baths to guide you into a deepened place of stillness and peace. Discover the magical way that sound can help ease you into a meditative state, and heightened mind-body awareness!

Tickets: TheOmShoppeandSpa.com or call 941-7063257. The OM Shoppe 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5 Sarasota.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

Floating Crystal Bowl Concert with Robert Austin - 6:30-7:30pm and January 14, 2022 6:307:30pm. Stimulate and restore the harmony between the physical and spiritual planes of the body, while suspended in an Aerial Hammock. Crystal Bowl Energy healing through harmonic sounds and crystals resonates with the body balancing the chakras and

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re-energize the auric field. The powerful vibrations of sound penetrates the body which consists of approximately 70% water and gives a gentle internal massage to all your cells. Let the positive vibrations of the bowls integrate into your body and let your spirit soar! $25/pp. Palm Studio and Boutique, 441 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 941-208-5568, PalmStudioEnglewood.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 Myrna Lou Master Palmist, Soul Mate Specialist, Award Winning Author, Speaker and Teacher Palmistry Class with Book Supplied - 10am12pm. $120/pp (call to reserve a seat). Private Sessions available following class 15 min/ $30. Visit or call Spirit Speaks 411 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 734-564-6828 or 313-779-2921 for appt.

Crystal Grid Workshop with Erin Fangboner - 1-3pm. A hands-on interactive approach to learning grids. Come learn about crystal grids in a relaxed discussion-oriented style workshop.

This class will demonstrate; how the stones work together and how to start incorporating them into your everyday and spiritual life. Learn what the crystals are and how they work together.

You will learn the fundamentals of crystals, the use of sacred geometry. Premade grids will be displayed and will be explained how to use them.

We will have a meditation and then make our own grids. $30/pp. Palm Studio and Boutique, 441 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 941-208-5568, PalmStudioEnglewood.com.

Energy Cord Cutting, Cleansing and Shielding 1-3pm. Join Medium Nancy Robinson to learn how our energy bodies get contaminated and corded into, and how important it is to cut and clear those cords from our energy bodies. You will also learn how to shield the energy bodies so the cords don’t recur, and how to maintain a balance of your chakras. Come and benefit from these valuable instructions. $30 donation is requested. We offer separated seating with masks optional. Reservation please - call or text 703-5895047. More info at CMFSarasota.org. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota, Facebook is: CMF of Sarasota.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

Psychic Sundays - Get in touch with Sarasota’s psychic influence on this interesting trolley or van tour! Learn why Sarasota is called “Sedona by the Sea,” explore the tools psychics and mediums use, hear about the history of the tarot, and learn why Sarasota is a psychic and spiritual energy center.

Visit Pixie Dust on Sarasota’s Main Street, walk the sands of Siesta Key Beach, explore a labyrinth, and then enjoy a Spirit Gallery Reading and a mini tarot reading on the trolley! You can also book a 15-minute personal tarot reading with tour guide Michael Newton-Brown at the cottage after the tour - call 941-260-9818 to book. Ages 12+; young people ages 12-20 may attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tour ticket includes FREE Parking! Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th Street, Sarasota, 941-260- 9818, DiscoverSarasotaTours. com, Info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com.

Universal Service - 10:30am. With Rev. Safia Letha Smithson, “Resilience.” Checking in with oneself to build resilience through the more difficult days of our lives. and on Zoom: https://zoom.us/i/83017916524 Password: RTI2021. This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all religions on a single altar. For info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839. In person at Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd., Sarasota, RisingTideInternational.org.

Want More Gratitude in Your Life? - 11am-3pm.

CSL Manatee is celebrating a day of gratitude & Thanksgiving. Join us at the Bradenton Area Convention Center for a special gratitude service,

concert and workshop. Everyone is Invited! CDC guidelines followed. Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd, Palmetto. For more info, CSLManatee.org.

A Troubadour’s Yuletide - 7pm. With troubadour, storyteller, singer and musician Bill Schustik, who brings us his traditional Christmas song bag and stories with some good ole fashion sing-a-longs. Suggested donation $20 or more at the door. Children with an adult, free. For info call, 941-923-7834, or Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839. This is a fundraiser for Rising Tide International, at 5102 Swift Rd. in Sarasota.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Crystal Singing Bowls for Personal Wellness @ The OM Shoppe & Spa Taught by Zen Seraphine - 7-9pm. Learn how to play a quartz crystal singing bowl for optimum benefits. Discover the transformative power of sound therapy, and how a crystal singing bowl can enhance your quality of life! Learn how to play a crystal singing bowl with nuance, finesse, energetic sensitivity, and confidence for personal energy work, and to develop or enhance your personal meditation practice. $129/pp. Tickets: TheOmShoppeandSpa.com or call 941-706-3257.

The OM Shoppe 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5 Sarasota.

Calling All Starseeds - 7-9pm. What is a Starseed?

Since we are all spiritual beings, having this human experience, we all are Starseeds. Some are more highly evolved and come from elsewhere in the universe. Now is the time to remember who we are and why we are here. Ask yourself, is it time to re-claim your soul? Come find out from Spiritual Life Coach and International Medium AnnMarie Touchette. $20 donation requested. Reservations please 817528-8841. We offer separated seating with masks optional. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota, CMFSarasota. org, Facebook is: CMF of Sarasota.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 Sherry Lord International Channel, Deep Trance Channel, Energy Healer and Emissary for Aeroth - 10am-4pm, Dec 16 –18. An International Channel, Deep Trance Channel, Energy Healer and Emissary for Aeroth. Sherry connects with angels and guides, sees auras, and channels loved ones who have crossed over. Do you ever feel stuck, miss a loved one who has passed on, or are trying to make an important life decision? Sherry can help clarify your life’s path and direction; with the ultimate goal to empower and help you find your own inner wisdom including business and helping you on your spiritual path. Visit or call Spirit Speaks 411 W. Dearborn Street Englewood, 734-564-6828 or 313-779-2921 for appt. MsKittyHealingMedium@gmail.com Transforming Resolutions into Reality - 7pm. With Jim Toole. Just in time for the New Year. Explore how to access and infuse the inspiration and illumination of your spirit into your determination and resolve, transforming decision into manifestation. Discover how your deepest Truth and knowing elevates your being into action, creating results that fulfill your mind, heart and souls’ desires. Let’s get real in 2022! $15, presented online on Zoom. Please contact Jim at RevJimToole@gmail.com or 941-330-5031 to attend.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 Sound Immersion Meditation with Sandra and Michael Katala - 7:30pm and Jan 21, 2022, 6:307:30pm. Various sound techniques will be used to cleanse negative energies and create space to align the body on an emotional, physical, mental and spiritual levels. This meditation will be done off the floor and in the air! You will be cocooned in Aerial Hammocks for an ethereal experience... $25 pp. Palm Studio and Boutique, 441 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 941-208-5568, PalmStudioEnglewood.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Energy Healing Workshop - 1-4pm. What is Energy healing? Have you ever wanted to see or try Reiki, Chakra Balancing, Crystals, essential oils, vibrational bio-feed back? Alexandria Mazzarino, certified Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Astrologer, Essential Oils Educator, and Crystal Alchemist is offering an in-depth understanding of how various energy healing modalities can benefit you. She will explore how they can bring great benefit and wellness to our lives. We will then experiment with different modalities, so you can find which ones resonate for you. $20 donation is requested.

Crystals and holistic wellness gifts will be available for sale after the lecture. Reservations please 917733-8878. We offer separated seating with masks optional. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota. CMFSarasota. org, Facebook is: CMF of Sarasota.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 Universal Service - 10:30am. With Rev. Kismet Weeber, “Plain Truth.” Often the seeker looks for complexity when the truth is very simple. In person at Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, and on Zoom: https://zoom.us/i/83017916524 Password: RTI2021 This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all religions on a single altar. For info Rev. Zan, 941922-7839, RisingTideInternational.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 Toning and Mindfulness - 6-7pm. In this 60 min session you will experience the healing power of voice and breath. From the comfort of a chair or a mat you will learn simple Bija mantras or seed syllables that will augment your awareness and re-calibrate your body. Please arrive 10 min early so you can get ready. $15. Rosemary Court Yoga, 810 Central Ave, Sarasota MusicandWellness.Biz

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26

Universal Service - 10:30am. With Rev. Aisha Carol Rosenbaum, “The Light of Faith.” Faith is the light that leads us out of darkness. It is the light of our Soul. In person at Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, and on Zoom: https://zoom. us/i/83017916524 Password: RTI2021. This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all religions on a single altar. For info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839, RisingTideInternational.org.

OM Shamanic Sound Journey - 3-4pm (doors open @ 2:45). You will experience a blend of shamanic drumming, rhythm, crystal singing bowls, rattles, tuning forks, vocal toning, electric violin and more in a coordinated and orchestrated fashion to help improve participants well-being. Clinical Hypnotherapist Beth A Snyder begins your journey by gently inducing a hypnotic state. Then your journey into sound begins. Consider your intention now. Tickets: TheOmShoppeandSpa.com or call 941-706-3257.

The OM Shoppe 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5 Sarasota.

plan ahead SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 Universal Service - 10:30am. With Rev. Zan Benham, “New Beginnings in 2022.” Letting go of the old with the Burning Bowl Ceremony and taking on the new with a special focused word from Divine Source with the White Stone Ceremony. In person at Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, and on Zoom: https://zoom.us/i/83017916524 Password: RTI2021. This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all religions on a single altar. For info Rev. Zan, 941922-7839, RisingTideInternational.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Introduction to Aerial Yoga Workshop with Cheridan Smith - 1-2pm. Learn the fundamentals of Aerial Yoga in this introductory workshop. You will learn how to use the “hammock” or “silk” as an assist with traditional yoga poses. Aerial Yoga combines traditional yoga with moves inspired by Pilates, dance and acrobatics. Aerial Yoga can be performed by people of all fitness levels. Please note: those attending the workshop are not to wear jewelry, zippers or anything that can become caught in the fabric. $20/pp. Palm Studio and Boutique, 441 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 941-208-5568, PalmStudioEnglewood.com.

Double Pyramid Activation Workshop with Robert Austin - 7-9pm. This is an interactive workshop where individuals will be laying under a 7- and 9-foot Copper Pyramid infused with large healing stones, selenite, crystals and the rods of Isis. Individuals will experience the sacred geometry and amazing energy of the Pyramids. Experiences have been a release, healing, deep relaxation and or traveling!

Others will be sharing their observations of what is occurring within the Pyramid. $25/pp. Palm Studio and Boutique, 441 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 941-208-5568, PalmStudioEnglewood.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Sherry Lord International Channel, Deep Trance Channel, Energy Healer and Emissary for Aeroth - Jan 13-15 and Feb 17-19, 2022. Sherry will be our guest reader. Visit or call Spirit Speaks, 411 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 734-564- 6828 or 313-7792921 for appt. MsKittyHealingMedium@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 Psychic Sundays - 1-3 pm, Jan 16, 23, & 30.Get in touch with Sarasota’s psychic influence on this interesting trolley or van tour! Learn why Sarasota is called “Sedona by the Sea,” explore the tools psychics and mediums use, hear about the history of the tarot, and learn why Sarasota is a psychic and spiritual energy center. Visit Pixie Dust on Sarasota’s Main Street, walk the sands of Siesta Key Beach, explore a labyrinth, and then enjoy a Spirit Gallery Reading and a mini tarot reading on the trolley! You can also book a 15-minute personal tarot reading with tour guide Michael Newton-Brown at the cottage after the tour - call 941-260-9818 to book. Ages 12+; young people ages 12-20 may attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tour ticket includes FREE Parking! Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th Street, Sarasota, 941-260- 9818, DiscoverSarasotaTours. com, Info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 Young Living for Life Conference - 9am-5pm, January 21 & 22, 2022. It’s the BIG conference of the year! Guest speakers, raffles, giveaways and vendors. Tickets: https://yllife.eventbrite.com Ramada Venezia, 425, US 41 By-Pass North, Venice. Contact Kristy West, 941-544-3583, Kristy1414@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

Reiki Master Class Series, Reiki I, II and III - Starting January 22, 2022. For info go to Woman-Spirit.com/Reiki or email Zan-woman-spirit. com, or Rev. Zan Benham at 941-922-7839.

Spirit Speaks CELEBRATES 3 Years on Dearborn St! - 3-7pm. Come Celebrate with us as we host a Psychic Fair from 3-7 pm. We have an amazing group of highly evolved souls that will be joining us and offering Readings. Stop and see us for a special thank you gift to you. Spirit Speaks, 411 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood, 734-564-6828 or 313779-2921. MsKittyHealingMedium@gmail.com.

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on going events Check out our NEW Online Business Directory at NASRQ.com/Businesses

sunday OM Shamanic Sound Journeys with Resonance - 4th Sunday of every month. Sold out for over 2 years! You will experience a blend of, shamanic drumming, rhythm, crystal singing bowls, rattles, tuning forks, vocal toning, electric violin and more in a coordinated and orchestrated fashion to help improve participants well-being. Clinical Hypnotherapist Beth A Snyder begins your journey by gently inducing a hypnotic state. Then your journey into sound begins. Consider your intention now. Tickets: TheOmShoppeandSpa.com or call 941-706-3257.

The OM Shoppe 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5 Sarasota.

Christian Spiritualist Sunday Morning Services - 10am. Old time camp meet style service, guided meditation, healing, presentation of truth and mini spirit message for each person. Private or group readings available daily by appointment. Contact Rev Shari. Church of Light, 2408 43rd Ave. West, Bradenton, 941-751-5683.

Sunday Service at CMF - 10:30am. At each Sunday morning service we are offering spiritual healing, an inspirational talk, messages from spirit, special music and an ever important environment of fellowship. Leave refreshed and inspired to start the new week. We feature a variety of speakers and spirit message bearers throughout the year. We offer separated seating with masks optional. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Dr., Suite 204, Sarasota, 941-266-8435, CMFsarasota. org, Facebook: CMF of Sarasota.

Unity of Sarasota - 10:30am. We are meeting in person. Services available on the Web too – live streamed. The Sunday Celebration service includes a message and lively music. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

Universal Service - 10:30am. Each Sunday with a rotation of Reverends. This is a weekly egalitarian service which celebrates all of humanity’s religions together on a single altar. It is a place where East meets West, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and sharing. At Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, and on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/81220 8049 Password: RTI2020.. RisingTideInternational. org, for info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839.

Sunday Morning Celebration Service, Zoom Live - 11am. Join us as we come together as a spiritual family and community, sharing our love and light for ourselves, for each other, and the world. Be a part of sharing the energy and illumination of our hearts and souls together through conversation, music, meditation, a talk and an affirmation. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-953-6620, or after hours 727-492-2977, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.

monday “Health & Nutrition” - 10-11am. With Fred Harvey, MD of The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine. Health & nutrition is a live call-in or email “Ask the Doc” health show from 10-11 on WMNF 88.5FM public radio Tampa. Email questions to DJ@WMNF.org Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 5:45pm. Online!

Awareness Through Movement classes: Lessons (in

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes $65/4 movement lessons w/ replays. 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com.

Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/ Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/ Candlelight Sound Bath Meditation with Becky Moriarty - 6pm. During these crazy, stressful, weird, unbalancing times of life self-care is super important. There is no better way to relax, de-stress, take time for ourselves & boost our immune systems then with Sound Healing. The use of crystal bowls, Himalayan bowls, other deep-vibrational instruments plus intention can balance dissonant frequencies and bring them back into harmony. $20. Book at WildGingerApothecary.com Wild Ginger Apothecary 6557 Superior Avenue Sarasota, 941-312-5630.

Pub Theology - 6:30-8pm, the 2nd Mon. of the month. With Rev. Amy Zehe. Bring your Spiritual questions. We are meeting at the Olive Garden in the Landings. 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

Learning to Connect Classes at CMF - 7-9pm. Join Susan Houliston and guest instructors every Monday & Tuesday to learn techniques for connecting with Spirit. Students are given the opportunity to practice lessons to develop their skills while exploring various modalities. $15 donation is requested. Please refer to the CMF website CMFSarasota.org for description of the programs offered for each weekly class. We offer separated seating with masks optional. RESERVATIONS NEEDED, so call or text Susan at 941-266-1696. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota.

tuesday Emotional + Energy Re-coding Session - 11:30am.

The Collective Clearing of trapped emotions + energies. Everything is energy - including us, our thoughts, and our emotions, and sometimes emotions get stuck. Have you ever noticed patterns that keep repeating or habits you can break? They have a lot to do with those stuck emotions within because like energy attracts like energy. Every emotion that gets stuck will attract more like it. In each this session, I will assess the group energy and clear what you will most benefit from releasing. Doors open 15 min prior. Remove shoes and silence phones before entering. Can bring yoga mat, pillows – wear comfy clothing. Sessions online as well. 439 Tamiami Trail S, Suite 208, Venice. 2nd fl above Venetian Cleaner. Parking available behind or next to the building (not in front of). Space is limited - reserve yours here: HeatherADempsey.as.me/Recoding, text 941-275-9890, or Info@HS-HP.com.

wednesday Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 9:45 or 11am.

Online! Awareness Through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes $65/4 movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248.

FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/ Course in Miracles - 10-11:30am. With presenter Ellen Fiorillo. Come join this class based on the book. Unity of Sarasota, Room A, 3023 Proctor Rd. 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

www.nasrq.com

classifieds HOUSECLEANING. Enjoy your free time and let us do what we do best: Housecleaning to your healthy satisfaction. Call Paula for a free estimate 941-320-4052.

ADVANCED CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPY. Advanced Clinical Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy is available in Sarasota. Specializing in healing trauma and coping with life transitions.

La-Alza.com.

ORGANIZING AND DECLUTTERING. Personal Assisting, Errands, Appointments, and more. Let Me Help lower your stress and simplify your life. Call Amy 941-216-7467.

LetAmyHelp.com PRIVATE CHEF. Former restaurant owner will prep and cook your healthy meals in your home.

I specialize in gluten free delicious meals, vegan and healthy food. Start off the New Year with healthy meals prepped 3, 5 or 7 days a week. I offer juice cleanses and I can do the shopping too.

Feel free to email or call me with any questions, 941-275-1727, MarysMyChef@gmail.com.

MEETING/EVENT BUILDING AND CLASSROOMS FOR RENT. Detached building, bright interior, light and airy, central location off Tuttle Avenue, with plenty of FREE parking. Adjacent to beautiful Healing Garden. The wood floor, decor and candles create an environment perfect for yoga or tai chi, movement, meditation, one-on-one meeting or a class. $25 an hour. Also, single classrooms in the nearby Education Center on Tuttle Avenue are available for rent, with whiteboard, kitchen facilities, and chairs. For more information, call 941-953-6620 (9 am-12noon), Mon-Fri, or after hours 727-492-2977.

OM Crystalline Vibrational Immersion - 7pm, every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Join us for this beautiful form of deepened relaxation! The OM Shoppe professional Sound Therapy Practitioners bring you these beautiful multi-instrumental sound baths to guide you into a deepened place of stillness and peace. Discover the magical way that sound can help ease you into a meditative state, and heightened mind-body awareness! Tickets: TheOmShoppeandSpa.com or call 941-706-3257. The OM Shoppe 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5 Sarasota.

Unity of Sarasota - 7pm. Weekday service with music and inspiration. Meeting in person. Recorded on website as well. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

Healing, Intention and Meditation Zoom Live 7:30pm (new time). Join us for a time of healing, connection and meditation. Let us all come together and experience the energy and inspiration that can make such a powerful difference in our individual lives. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-953-6620, or after hours 727-492-2977, SarasotaCenterofLight.com.

thrusday Energy Healing Circle (weekly) - 11:30am, starting Dec 9th. In this connection circle, we will utilize the powerful healing properties of gratitude, intention, crystals, sound clearing and guided meditation. Each session will begin with a casual discussion, with each member having a minute or two to share about

your desires regarding one of the following areas of life: finances, physical/health, spirituality/religion, intellectual/mental, social/recreation, relationships, or career/accomplishments. Then together we will set an intention for the group and after you will be guided through a meditation and a sound clearing to help to cultivate the energy of the intention. Our sessions will bring you into balance, help you gain clarity, feel heard, enhance your energy, and feel restored and refreshed. Sessions online as well. 439 Tamiami Trail S, Suite 208, Venice. 2nd fl above Venetian Cleaner. Space is limited - reserve yours here: HeatherADempsey.as.me/HealingCircle, text 941-275-9890, or Info@HS-HP.com.

Bentleys House - 7pm, 3rd Thurs of the month. A safe place to express your grief from loss of a pet.

We are meeting in person at Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, UnityOfSarasota.org.

Law of Attraction – 1-3pm. An on-going class with Rev. Zan Benham, “Back To Basics” for Unity of Sarasota, presented on Zoom. Requirements are the book, “Ask and It Is Given” by Jerry and Esther Hicks, a notebook and pen and a rock or stone. Class will include a weekly YouTube from Esther Hicks/ Abraham. Fee, $10 may be sent via PayPal, Venmo or Zelle, to Zan@woman-spirit.com. Zoom link will be sent to you after first payment and contact with Rev. Zan Benham, 941-922-7839. For more info, Woman-Spirit.com

saturday

community resource guide CHECK OUT OUR NEW ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY AT NASRQ.COM/BUSINESSES ACUPUNCTURE/ CHINESE MEDICINE CARYN L. YOUNG, DOM, AP, OTR

Board Certified Acupuncture Physician The Integrated Path, P.A. 2801 Fruitville Rd.Suite 135, Sarasota 941-924-8833 • IntegratedPath.com

The Integrated Path to Health and Wellness for the whole family utilizing Traditional Chinese Medicine,Acupuncture, Energetic Medicine, Bloodwork Analysis,Clinical Nutrition Assessments and ZYTO Elite to restore balance.

Over 30 years of clinical experience!

FAMILY HEALING CENTER, PA

Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM Nationally Board Certified Dipl.Ac Complimentary Meet & Greet The Medical Complex 2650 Bahia Vista Street, Suite 101, Sarasota, 941-951-1119 •FamilyHealingCenter.com

Family Healing Center, an integrative wellness practice.

Addressing all health issues we will find the key to unlock your highest level of health and wellness. Complimentary Meet & Greet

Sarasota Farmers Market - 7am-1pm. Rain or shine. Established in 1979, the market continues its tradition of serving the community with local produce, plants, prepared foods and artisans. They currently have a full market that includes 70 vendors and 5,000 sq ft of produce and plants. 1 N Lemon Ave., Sarasota, SarasotaFarmersMarket.org.

Bradenton Farmers’ Market - 9am-2pm. Over thirty-five vendors offering locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, fresh seafood, prepared foods, as well as the local artists, craftspeople and musicians. 400 12th St., W. Bradenton, 941-301-8445.

Chair Yoga for Everyone, via Zoom! - 9:30am.

Yes! Men & Women of all ages, shapes, sizes & abilities welcome in this class! Absolutely NO floor work - it’s either sitting in the chair or standing using the chair for support. This class helps release tension, tightness and stress from the body.

Full 60-minute class - just $5 - or - multiple class discount. Not for the advanced student, beginners welcome. This is a noncompetitive environment.

To sign up or more info, please contact Zen Jen Brown @ZenJenYoga50Plus, ZenJenYoga@ iCloud.com or call 941-830-3040.

Sound Healing Meditation with Ed Russell - 5pm, 1st Saturday of every month. Sound bowls have a centuries-old tradition throughout Asia to awaken and refresh those in sacred spaces. You will feel the vibrations move throughout your body, allowing conscious and unconscious information to come to you. $20. Book at WildGingerApothecary.com Wild Ginger Apothecary 6557 Superior Avenue Sarasota, 941-312-5630.

CHIROPRACTORS DR. AMY TAFEEN, D.C.

Mobile Chiropractic Or in Sarasota/Bradenton Offices 941-447-2041 • DrAmyTafeen.com

Dr. Amy provides exceptional and compassionate chiropractic care for pregnancy, infants, children, and adults! She has over 40 years of experience providing both long-term wellness and acute injury care. She loves working with babies and kids, and also specializes in athletic care. Dr. Amy is now offering mobile chiropractic! She’s excited to either come to you at your home or office (using COVID safety protocols), or to see you at one of her Sarasota or Bradenton office spaces. Dr. Amy has a cash practice and is not currently accepting insurance.Contact Dr. Amy TODAY to discuss scheduling and pricing. She is offering complimentary phone consultations to talk about whether chiropractic is for you!

GENTLEBAY SARASOTA CHIROPRACTIC

Residual Strain Therapy Eric Winder DC Offices in Sarasota and Venice, FL 941-957-8390 • eric.winder.dc@gmail.com

Professional care with a personal focus. Feel better through proper alignment, and get back to work and play! See our website for more information.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY AND LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

TERRY SCHIBLER, LMT MA11621

Fusion Therapy 7069 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-921-7900 • FusionTherapySarasota.com

ACUPUNCTURE FACELIFT FACES BY DR ANNA

Anna L. Baker, D.O.M. Nationally Board Certified Acupuncture Physician 941-924-2723 • FacesByDrAnna.com

Unique muscle-tightening acupuncture facelift and necklift done with 12 hair-thin needles, none of which are on the face. Results documented photographically. Only one maintenance treatment needed every 18 months.

Free consultation includes facial analysis. Monthly seminars, call for schedule.

APOTHECARY

WILD GINGER APOTHECARY

6557 Superior Avenue (Gulf Gate Shopping Village), Sarasota 941-312-5630 WildGingerApothecary.com

Community for health + wellness.

Offering hemp CBD, health remedies, metaphysical gifts and tools, crystals, cards, essential oils, jewelry and more! Classes and drop-in tarot and psychic readers daily.

Open Tues -Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Closed Sun + Mon

Terry Schibler has 30 years experience in advanced bodywork. He has a singular ability to trace, recognize and treat complex pain patterns through numerous modalities such as CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Visceral and Fascial manipulation.

Terry’s hands-on work is effective for a wide range of problems associated with pain and dysfunction such as Migraines, Chronic neck/back pain, Concussions, TMJ, Post-surgical dysfunction...and more.

ENERGY HEALING HEALING ROOMBLUE LIGHT ENERGY HEALING

HEALING ROOM, ENERGY HEALING, BIOFEEDBACK STRESS MANAGEMENT, PEMF Treatments to balance over a thousand conditions!

Infrared Inversion, Sound Immersion with the Singing Bowls 718-791-3797 • PureFieldForce@gmail.com Energy Healing helps the body with a long list of conditions, aches, pains and imbalances.

Biofeedback Scanning locates the imbalances and it also corrects them. PEMF (Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy) re-energizes damaged cells, it is a powerful tool to MANAGE PAIN! 941-586-9539, Facebook.com/CreateBalanceandHealing

December 2021

45

HEALING SESSIONS

ENERGY HEALING RESONANCE HOLISTIC WELLNESS 3148 Southgate Circle, Suite 8, Sarasota 941-312-4334 ResonanceSRQ.com

37 years of combined experience in Holistic Wellness. Specializing in Research-Based Energy modalities, comprehensive sessions & focalized services, using FDA approved devices.

20 modalities to choose.

PEMF, VibroAcoustics, Voice Analysis, Scalar Wave Therapy, Brainwave Entrainment, etc.

FELDENKRAIS METHOD® THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD®

Lessons for Children (ABM), Adults, Classes, Prof Seminars Bonnie Kissam, M.A., Feldenkrais® Practitioner, LMT, CE Provider 941-360-2248 Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com FeldenkraisInSarasota.com

The Feldenkrais® Approach , ‘Movement with Attention’, helps one ‘sense easier, improved posture and ways of moving. Clients optimize their musical, athletic or everyday activities through heightened ‘awareness’. They find unique ways to recover from injury, surgeries or illness. Call for appointments, classes or for weekend TOUCH TO INFORM seminars 941-360-2248 , Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com.

FUNCTIONAL & LIFESTYLE WELLNESS

KORMAN RELIEF & WELLNESS CENTER Laura Korman, DC, DACBN Chiropractor, Diplomate in Nutrition 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd, Port Charlotte 941-629-6700 • DrLauraKorman.com

Dr. Korman specializes in helping peri-menopausal women eliminate pain, fatigue and unwanted belly fat through functional medicine, lifestyle strategies and regenerative therapies so they can reclaim their vitality and stay engaged in the life they love. We offer PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy), Class IV Deep Tissue Laser, Near & Far Infrared Sauna, Decompression Therapies, Whole Body Vibration and carry a professional line of supplementation.

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

UPPER DIMENSIONAL MEDICAL INTUITIVE, QUANTUM HEALER Linda Energy Healings. Karmic Clearings.

Toxicity Sweeps.

941-564-7881 Platinumray@ProtonMail.com PhotonicQuantumHealing.com

These are profound healings; designed for those ready for their inner Light-Body activations or for anyone experiencing physical issues such as pain, trauma or debilitation. As an expert in Sacred Geometry Linda is able to detect & clear the Karmic Causes of disease, degeneration & aging. This deletion of karma reaches the memory of the cell triggering a Benevolent soothing effect to all biological processes. With over 20 years’ experience & her Christ Purity achievement her successes are infinite.

HOLISTIC SENIOR CARE SENIOR CAREGIVER PRIVATE ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER

Linda Holistic Care & Nutrition - Home Health Aide - Advanced Computer Knowledge 941-877-0558 - ElderlyCare111@gmail.com PhotonicQuantumHealing.com/home

Caregiver-Companion with impeccable work ethics & over 20 yrs experience. Linda’s expertise is in the Holistic Field but she can accommodate any lifestyle, culture or condition.

She also specializes in Dementia & the many debilitations that afflict our beloved Elders. If you are looking for a kind, intelligent, honorable person to have invigorating conversations (or peaceful quiet) DELICIOUS MEALS & the best care - look no further. As a Private Assistant her meticulous work is truly exemplary.

MEDIUMSHIP & SPIRITUAL READINGS INTERNATIONAL MEDIUM, SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE & CLAIRVOYANT

Caroline Crawford Messages from the spirit world with clarity and compassion.

941-402-9595 • CarolineCrawford.org CarolineCrawfordorg@gmail.com

Highly gifted British Medium and Master Healer, Caroline channels messages of healing to comfort, inspire and empower you from your loved ones and her team of Angelic beings. Receive guidance & insight into your life now and your future career, relationships, health and spiritual path with renewed confidence and optimism. Touching hearts for over four decades, Caroline is currently based in Sarasota. By appointment only, in person, by phone or zoom.

www.nasrq.com

NATURAL FOOD CAFE EVERGREEN

801 S Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 941-412-4334 • CafeEvergreen.net

Cafe Evergreen is a natural, organic restaurant. Our menu consists of many organic recipes designed to not only taste delicious, but also enhance your health. Open 7 days a week 11am-9pm.

NATURAL PET FOOD HOLISTIC FOR PETS

5411 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, 941-378-4367 5770 Ranch Lake Blvd, East Bradenton, 753-7297 • HolisticForPets.com

Specializing in Hypo-allergenic Foods, Frozen Natural Raw Foods, Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies, Detergent & Soap Free Shampoo, Natural Flee Preventatives Skin Care Products, Healthy treats, Toys and gifts.

NEUROFEEDBACK THE BRAIN WAVE CENTER

640 S. Washington Blvd., Suite 150 941-552-4500 • BrainWaveCenters.com

We offer Brain Mapping, Neurofeedback Training, Psychological & Behavioral Testing and Therapy Services. Non-invasive relief for anxiety, depression, ADHD Trauma and more. Free consultations.

PAIN MANAGEMENT NECK AND BACK PAIN DISC CENTERS OF AMERICA/SARASOTA

Dr. David Cifra, DC Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Specialist Office: 941-358-2224 • Cell: 315-345-7390 DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Medical Breakthrough Technology!

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Specialist, Dr.David Cifra,DC. Advanced procedure for patients who have back and neck pain and want to avoid narcotics, epidural injections, and unnecessary surgeries. Over 90% effective. No pain, No drugs, No surgery, NO Injections. Call today 941-358-2224. FREE CONSULTATION.

SHAMANIC PRACTICES

THERMOGRAPHY

SPIRITUAL COUNSELOR, SHAMANIC AND REIKI PRACTICES

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

Rev. Zan Benham, BSL, BD, CHT 941-922-7839

Spiritual counselor, shamanic practitioner, Reiki healing, breath, and energy work, hypnosis, soul retrieval, past life regression all to empower and help you move into the Divine flow of the joy and power within you.

SPA AND WELLNESS

June Drennon, CCT 2008

JuneDrennon@TampaBayThermography.com

727-729-2711 FloridaMedicalThermography.com

JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Prevention is better than early detection.

Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.

SPA EXPERIENCE SIESTA KEY 5700 Midnight Pass Road Suite 4B 941- 350-7495 SpaExperienceSiestaKey.com

YOGA

Newly relocated and remodeled day spa Formerly Massage Experience Siesta Key proudly offers an array of healing and pampering services.

A sampling of our offerings include specialty anti-aging facials, facial sculpting, pampering, therapeutic massage medical massage, acupuncture, cupping and now featuring two couples rooms catering to small groups and wedding parties.Owner Connie Lewis has over 25 years of experience in the Spa industry and welcomes you to her new Spa conveniently located next to the public beach on Siesta Key.

WILD GINGER APOTHECARY 6557 Superior Avenue (Gulf Gate Shopping Village), Sarasota 941-312-5630 WildGingerApothecary.com

Community for health + wellness.

Offering hemp CBD, bulk herbs, remedies, sage, gifts, cards, metaphysical tools, essential oils, jewelry and more! Classes and drop-in psychic readers daily. Open Tues Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Closed Sun + Mon

SPIRITUAL CENTERS SARASOTA CENTER OF LIGHT

852 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota 941-953-6620 • sarasotacenteroflight.com

PSYCHIC READERS SKYE SAMUEL READINGS

at Wild Ginger Apothecary 6557 Superior Avenue (Gulf Gate Shopping Village), Sarasota 941-312-5630 WildGingerApothecary.com

Fourth-generation Psychic Intuitive Tarot Reader, Skye Samuel, is now available full time for readings Tuesday-Saturday at metaphysical and health boutique, Wild Ginger Apothecary. Skye has over 35 years’ experience and specializes in direct question answering for all matters of love, health, money, and life.

In-person, virtual video or phone available. Book online or drop-in. Tues - Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am4pm.

PET SUPPLIES HOLISTIC FOR PETS

5411 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota 941-378-4367 5770 Ranch Lake Blvd. East Bradenton, 7537297 HolisticForPets.com

Specializing in Hypo-allergenic Foods, Frozen Natural Raw Foods, Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies, Detergent & Soap Free Shampoo, Natural Flee Preventatives Skin Care Products, Healthy treats, Toys and gifts

Experience the peaceful energy, love and light of our metaphysical spiritual community. Join us for the inspiration, healing and connection to Spirit in our services, classes and social gatherings.

We’re Listening Your Thoughts

Count!

Plus your “2 Cents” could win you a $100 Visa gift card!

We Want to Hear from You Share your ideas in our Natural Awakenings Reader Survey.

NaturalAwakenings.com/survey

Be Their Voice

Adopt - A - Manatee® and Make A Difference

1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte

December 2021

47

Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night.

“It saved me last holidays,” she said.

“The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.”

Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said.

By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast.

September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.”

“They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched.

Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished.

Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses.

Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA24. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?”

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Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever.

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Copper can stop a cold before it starts

S