NA Tallahassee December 2011 by Donna Konuch

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

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Special Edition

UPLIFTING HUMANITY Simple Ways to Give and Do Good

NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INTENTIONS Wayne Dyer Shares Five Favorites

HOLIDAY TREATS Flavorful, Festive Party Foods

MEANINGFUL

GIVING Tips to Simplify the Season

December 2011 | Tallahassee, South Georgia, Gulf Coast | www.natallahassee.com natural awakenings

December 2011

contact us Publisher Donna L. Konuch Editor Donna L. Konuch Design & Production Susan McCann Advertising Sales For Advertising questions or a Media Kit please send an e-mail to: NATallahassee@yahoo.com Natural Awakenings Tallahassee 3767 Greyfield Dr Tallahassee, Fl 32311 Phone: 850-590-7024 Fax: 850-270-67NA (6762) natallahassee@yahoo.com www.NATallahassee.com www.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

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T advertising & Submissions How to Advertise

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Coming in January

Journey to Good Health

he theme of our magazine this month is Uplifting Humanity. Sounds like a potentially overwhelming job to accomplish for one individual, doesn’t it? Yet spiritual texts and leaders throughout the ages have continually encouraged us that even the efforts of one can affect the many. Quotes like, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” Proverbs 3:27. “Great acts are made up of small deeds.” Lao Tzu. “Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.” Marianne Williamson. In what ways can you see yourself uplifting humanity? Although this question can bring up different answers to different people, it means essentially the same thing: by allowing yourself to help others you will, in all likelihood, benefit yourself as well. So this holiday season, uplift your soul. Try your best to practice random acts of kindness: volunteer at the local shelter or make breakfast for an elderly neighbor. Purchase holiday gifts with meaning such as participating in initiatives like Heifer International or World Vision, who have programs to end world hunger. Even a simple smile can make someone’s day. You may be surprised when you receive the same kindness back (or more). This idea is reinforced in “Meaningful Giving,” page 14, which reminds us that great gifts do not have to be store-bought—or even material. Draw on your talents to create something of your own for someone special. That person will undoubtedly enjoy the gift as well as the effort that you put into it. We continue our giving theme—what always should be the biggest theme of this season—in this month’s feature article, “Do Good, Feel Good,” page 18. Author Lisa Marshall explains the connection between altruism and generosity and mental and physical health. When you help others, she notes, you naturally feel good, so why not do it more often? Especially during the holidays, there is no reason not to bring your happiness to others—and help yourself in a small but good way in the process. Local authors, Alice McCall and Dr. Michelle Gamble write to us this month about living with integrity and giving love as the greatest gift we can give of ourselves to humanity. Their articles are on pages 21 and 27. Deanna Mims, continues with her Fascinators Series this month, and introduces us to the tasty gifts local entrepreneur, Jean Bates, shares with the community. Her article can be found on page 32. Uplifting humanity does not have to be an overwhelming task, it can be as simple as a thoughtful present, kind gesture or the gift of time to someone in need. Kindness moves out into the world like ripples on a lake. It affects all of us. May your holiday season this year uplift you in all possible ways and reach out to everyone that you touch.

Blessings,

Donna

natural awakenings

December 2011

contents

8 healthbriefs

10 globalbriefs

8 10

11 ecotip

12 THE PARENT PATH

12 healthykids

How Children Enrich Our Spiritual Life

14 greenliving

by Steve Taylor

15 wisewords

14 MEANINGFUL GIVING

16 fitbody

by Beth Davis

17 inspiration 22 consciouseating 28 healingways

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

30 naturalpet

Tips to Simplify the Season

15 EXPLORING THE

LAST FRONTIER with Astronaut Edgar Mitchell

18 12

by Linda Sechrist

16 THE UPSIDE OF

DOWNHILL SKIING

Make the Most of Peak Experiences

by Randy Kambic

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THERAPY

18 DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD The Helping – Health – Happiness Connection by Lisa Marshall

www.tallahasseeacupuncture.net

22 FUN PARTY FOODS Easy, Flavorful and Festive by Renée Loux

28 GOOD VIBRATIONS

Sound Healing for the Soul by Erin Lehn Floresca

30 INTERSPECIES FRIENDSHIPS

Crossing Boundaries for Good by April Thompson

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newsbriefs Julie Guyot Annual Open Studio & Sale

ulie Guyot will host her annual Open Studio & Sale on Sunday, December 11th from noon-6pm. Julie is a ceramic artist specializing in beautiful functional wares for your home. She makes small editions and one-of-akind pieces that are handmade, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary style. This is a great opportunity to find unique gifts made by local artists. In addition to Julie’s cups, bowls and plates, there will also be jewelry by this year’s guest artist, Holly Holloway of The Governor’s Daughter. Stop by and enjoy cookies and hot cider and take a tour of the studio. 1124 Morningside Court, Tallahassee. 850-445-0085 or www.julieguyot. com for more information.

Tallahassee Women Invited on an “Adventure in Self Discovery”

n the past few years, women’s lifestyles have grown more and more hectic. Many struggle to find the balance between family, work and friends, and often forget to take time for themselves. Three Tallahassee women are bringing a new “adventure” to others who are ready to retreat, a place where women can relax, rejuvenate and renew – Adventures in Self Discovery. Women are invited to take part in this full day event, designed to bring about reflection, inspiration and action. Those looking to reevaluate their life priorities and identify what is holding them back from the life they wish to live are invited to partake in values assessment and clarification, meditation, small group reflection, journaling exercises, gentle yoga and the creation of a post-retreat action plan. Adventures in Self Discovery is taking place on Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 9 am – 5 pm at The Retreat at Bradley’s Pond and includes the full day retreat, catered gourmet lunch and snacks, door prizes and other fun surprises. Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed., Geralyn Russell, B.S., 500-RYT and Gay Webster-Sachs, LMHC are co-hosting the retreat, bringing together their diverse expertise to teach participants practical tools they can take home and use after the retreat on their personal journey of self discovery. To learn more about and register for the Adventures in Self Discovery Retreat, visit www.adventuresinselfdiscovery.com. Save $50 on early bird registration before December 31, 2011.

Matrix Energetics Offers LifeTransforming Seminars

eginning in January and continuing throughout 2012, Matrix Energetics will offer its transformative seminars in cities across the United States and in Canada. Upcoming programs are scheduled for San Francisco; Asheville, North Carolina; Albuquerque; Scottsdale, Arizona; Fort Lauderdale; San Diego and Toronto. Matrix Energetics, a consciousness technology for insight, healing and spiritual growth, was born from a set of energetic treatments discovered by Dr. Richard Bartlett in his chiropractic and naturopathic practice. Using principles of quantum and energy physics, Bartlett says this teachable, transferable system helps individuals to shift into a more balanced state and create new, infinite possibilities in their lives. “Matrix Energetics offers easy-to-learn techniques and strategies for enhancing all areas of life, such as health, family, career, relationships and finances,” he explains.” Once you learn to catch the wave of Matrix Energetics, it can become whatever you let it. Some of my students have developed abilities I’ve never dreamed of having.” Bartlett is the author of several books, including the award-winning Matrix Energetics: The Science and Art of Transformation and The Physics of Miracles and The Matrix Energetics Experience. For seminar dates, locations and registration information, call 1-800-269-9513, email Info@MatrixEnergetics.com or visit MatrixEnergetics.com. Friday night demonstrations are free and open to the public, space permitting. natural awakenings

December 2011

newsbriefs Abundance Wellness Center Hosts Holiday Open House and Art Extravaganza

bundance Wellness Center is known for their many community events, which include lectures on health and nutrition, healing events such as The Bruno Groening Circle of Friends, holistic health seminars, and spiritually based workshops. Their location supports therapists practicing a wide variety of modalities, ranging from CranioSacral Therapy, Feldenkrais Method, Structural Integration, TMJ Dysfunction, Reiki, Aromatherapy, Foot Reflexology, and more. Their two studios host ongoing exercise classes such as Hatha and Kundalini Yoga, Awareness Through Movement, and Gyrokinesis. One of the most rewarding things they do at Abundance Wellness Center is to partner with local non-profits. They host an annual Holiday Open House and Art Extravaganza the second Friday in December each year. This event features a festive vegetarian fare (including wine and beer) and local artists displaying wonderful creations for holiday gift shopping. Come join this festive community gathering and help us support the local economy in a positive way. This year AWC is sponsoring ‘A Bag for Hope’ so that they may build a playground for the children of Hope Community. What better way to spend an afternoon/evening! Everyone is encouraged to come to the Holiday Open House and Art Extravaganza on Friday, December 9th, from 4:00-8:00pm! For directions and more information about Abundance Wellness Center visit their web site www.awc-tallahassee.com.

Biking and Photography Hobbies Go Together

hara Plicanic, a professional photographer, educator, and new author, will be joined her husband Emir as they pedal 3100 miles from San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL stopping in eight cities along the way, inviting everyone with a camera to join them for FREE 1-hour photography classes. Class descriptions, FAQs, photos, videos and free registration can be found at http://www.theuntour.com The couple will be traveling entirely self-supported, carrying everything themselves—on their bikes. Aside from their tour stops, they’ll be spending most nights in a tent. Presented in part by Mpix.com, Khara Plicanic and The [Un]tour will be sharing “10 Tips for Instantly Better Photos” in Tallahassee at 621 Gallery, on Wednesday, Dec. 14th at 7:00 p.m. Inspired by her new book, Your Camera Loves You: Learn to Love it Back, this free 1-hour class welcomes everyone with a camera, whether a total beginner or a more experienced hobbyist. As a bonus, at 4:30 pm the same day, Khara invites professional wedding photographers to join her in adopting a “Wickedly Fast Wedding Workflow.” Based on her popular workflow guide (www.rockyourworkflow.com), Khara shares the principles that allow her to consistently deliver proofs and album designs to her clients within a week of their wedding (in only 6-8 hours total). Attendance is free. Registration is available at www.theUNtour.com, along with detailed class descriptions, photos, videos, and an extensive collection of FAQ’s. Khara Plicanic is a professional wedding photographer based in Lincoln, Nebraska where she owns KaBloom Studios. Her new book, Your Camera Loves You: Learn to Love it Back!, was just released from Peachpit Press.

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Kia gives Back this Season

IA AutoSport is happy to share that they have chosen to assist the Salvation Army during the holiday season. They are grateful for the community that supports them and feels it is necessary to give back, particularly to those in need. Activities like a Sharing Tree, food collection, and ringing the Salvation Army bell are just some examples of the charitable contributions that the employees of KIA Autosport participate in. Colleen Harp, sales associate with Kia Autosport for the last four years states that, “Every month at the dealership we work on a charity close to our heart. For example, in December our staff works together to ring the bell every Friday for the Salvation Army. Each one of us takes time out of our work day to go do this.” Family owned and operated in Tallahassee since 1998, they have continually been involved in charities, nonprofit organizations, and schools in Tallahassee. It is one of the reasons the dealership has been recognized on both state and national levels. Stop by the dealership today and ask Colleen how you can participate in their Angel Tree. By adopting an Angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree this Holiday season, individuals and partnering corporations have the opportunity to grant the wishes of less fortunate children, and provide personalized gifts and necessities. These charitable activities, along with the Salvation Army food drive during the holidays, is a way that KIA Autosport wishes to thank their community for the years of support.

omnipresent Christ Consciousness, which is always with us no matter where we are or what we are doing. Let us resolve anew to discipline ourselves—to control our bodies, our minds, and our emotions—and to strive ever toward Christ understanding. Let us establish the Prince of Peace consciousness as our inner ruler, that we may meet our crosses and tests of life with power, victory, and tranquility. Let us meditate until we perceive the Infinite Christ reigning in our own hearts. Let us learn to love those who love us not; and to forgive those who do ill against us. Let us break all our mental boundaries of color, creed, and nationality, and receive all—even our inanimate and animal brothers—in the endless, all-embracing arms of our Christ Consciousness. This will be a true and fitting celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. Let us rejoice and give thanks for this wonderful gift of light and love from the Great Giver. Peace. Joy. Peace. Text and photo provided by Self-Realization Fellowship, Los Angeles, Calif. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

A Christmas Message Let Us Rejoice

By Paramahansa Yogananda The following excerpt is from The Second Coming of Christ by Paramahansa Yogananda

et us make this Christmas a real celebration of the birth of the holy child by striving to realize the consciousness which he attained. Let us make this celebration an uplifting and spiritual experience. Let us not for a moment forget the one whose birthday is being commemorated while in our zeal we go about the joyful and exciting preparation for the happy festivities. Let us use this occasion as a new impetus to inspirit us on the Christ-path of truth and love. Let us use it as an opportunity to express the Universal Christ-love for all people and all creatures—exalted and lowly, near and far, large and small, known and unknown. While we are remembering the physical birth of the baby Christ Jesus, let us realize his eternal loving presence in natural awakenings

December 2011

healthbriefs

The Arts Relieve Holiday Stress

he hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave us stressed, fatigued and even anxious or depressed. But according to studies sponsored by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, there are many artful ways to relieve these conditions: Painting, dancing, playing a musical instrument or even attending a theater performance or concert may help us feel better, healthier and more upbeat. The researchers worked with more than 50,000 participants, using questionnaires, interviews, clinical examinations, and blood and urine samples to assemble detailed health profiles. The data was controlled for chronic illness, social relations, smoking and alcohol. What most surprised the researchers was that the study findings held true regardless of socioeconomic status; whether a truck driver or bank president, participating in the arts had a positive effect on the individual’s sense of health and well-being.

Acupuncture Eases Unexplained Symptoms

atients that experience medically unexplained symptoms might benefit from acupuncture, according to new research by the Institute of Health Services Research, Peninsula Medical School, at the University of Exeter. The study involved 80 adults that had consulted their general practitioner eight or more times in the previous year for problems such as headaches, muscle pain, extreme fatigue or joint and back pain. Half received up to 12 sessions of five-element acupuncture during a period of six months; the remainder received no extra treatment. The patients receiving acupuncture reported improved well-being and scored higher on an individualized health status questionnaire than the control group. They reported that their acupuncture consultations became increasingly valuable and that the interactive and holistic nature of the sessions gave them a sense that something positive was being done about their condition. Professor Andrew Gould, who led the study, says it is important to offer patients other options when conventional medicine isn’t working. “It’s soul-destroying for both the patient and doctor when there’s no clear reason for the symptoms patients are suffering from,” he explains. “We don’t know how acupuncture is making a difference, but it seems to be something to do with the treatment, rather than just a placebo or the one-to-one care the patients are getting.” The study was the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The research results were published in The British Journal of General Practice.

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Zinc Fights Colds

new study confirms that zinc can, indeed, help reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, and high doses—at least 75 milligrams per day—work best. Depending upon the total dosage and composition of the lozenges, zinc may shorten the duration of a common cold episode by up to 40 percent, according to University of Helsinki research. Source: Open Respiratory Medicine Journal

Nutty Help for Diabetes

ew research from St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto reports that consuming two ounces of nuts daily as a replacement for carbohydrates (muffins were used in the study) is effective in glycemic and serum lipid control for people with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers concluded that all nuts—whether mixed, unsalted, raw or dry-roasted—offer benefits for control of both blood glucose and blood lipids and could be consumed as part of a strategy to improve diabetes control without weight gain. Source: Diabetes Care

Massage Beats Meds for Back Pain

new study conducted by the Group Health Research Institute of Seattle suggests that massage therapy may be better than conventional medicine alone for easing lower back pain. Researchers recruited 401 patients with chronic back pain and found that those receiving a series of either relaxation or structural massage spent fewer days in bed and were more active than those receiving “usual medical care,” ranging from painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants to physical therapy. Lead study author Daniel Cherkin, director of the institute, concluded: “If you’re having continuing problems with back pain, even after trying usual medical care, massage may be a good thing to do. I think the results are pretty strong.” Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Phosphates Not Heart-Healthy

hosphates are commonly found in microwavable meals, soft drinks and other processed and prepackaged foods. Now, researchers at the University of Sheffield, UK, have demonstrated a connection between the high intake of phosphates and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, a leading cause of heart disease. The research shows that cholesterol deposits in the walls of arteries increase following a higher phosphate diet. This leads to narrowing of the arteries, the cause of most heart attacks and strokes. Source: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology

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December 2011

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together Universal Truths in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all. Chinese Seek Happiness and Justice

Got Faith?

When the Chinese Internet portal NetEase recently offered Open University-style lectures in English with seminars In a recent, nondenominational global survey of 18,000 like Web 2.0 people across 24 countries by UK research firm Ipsos Mori, Marketing 70 percent identified themselves with a chosen religion. CommuniThirty percent said that their religion motivates them to give cations and time or money to people in need and 73 percent of those Introduction under age 35 said their religion or faith was important in their to Robotlife. ics, manag At the same time, Rising Restrictions on Religion, a recent report by the ers were Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, found that more than 2.2 surprised billion of the world’s total population of 6.9 billion people live in countries where that the most either government restrictions on religion or social hostilities involving religion popular rose substantially between 2006 and 2009. Most of the countries that experienced choices substantial increases already had high levels of restrictions or hostilities. turned out to be two more contempla “This survey shows how much religion matters and that no analysis of the contive courses; one on happiness and the temporary world, political or social, is complete without understanding the relationother on justice. “We never imagined ship between faith and globalization,” says former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, that the most successful topics would a patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. “There is much to encourage the view be those to do with people’s hearts and that people can learn to respect those of another faith and live with them peacefully. minds,” says NetEase spokesman Yang Interfaith dialogue and action today is not just an interesting but peripheral minor Jing. subject; it is the essence, central to creating greater social cohesion and harmony.” More than 3 million people have already watched the course on the Sources: Christian Today (UK); PewForum.org concept of justice, led by Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel, author of Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? Sandel believes that the demand reflects Cooperation is Key to Social Harmony an awakening of ethical reflection and Bullies seem to be made, not born. A study from debate in China. “The generation that the University of California, Berkeley, concludes came of age during China’s economic that a cooperative school experience, versus a miracle now wants to engage with big competitive one, can play a major positive role questions about moral responsibility, in the socialization of students. justice and injustice; about the meaning Researchers canvassed 217 students in of the good life,” he observes. Although grades three through five, measuring how much China is proud of its economic advancthey liked to cooperate or compete with their peers, and how often they acted es, “There is also recognition that rising with aggression or kindness toward them. The youngsters also estimated how affluence has brought growing inequaloften their teachers put them in small groups to complete assignments together, a classroom strategy known as “cooperative learning,” because the students have to ity, that GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alone does not bring happiness, and that collaborate with one another to get their work done. markets can’t by themselves create a just Students that engaged in more frequent cooperative learning were more likely society.” to say they enjoyed cooperating with others and reported exhibiting kind, helpful, Psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, author pro-social behaviors. In contrast, students that said they preferred to compete were of Being Happy, states that his positive significantly more likely to act aggressively toward their peers and try to do them psychology course acknowledges that, harm. “The need for happiness, for meaning The results suggest that cooperation begets cooperation. The researchers and pleasure, is universal, common to further concluded that cooperative experiences promote the development of the all people. However, what people find personality trait of cooperation. Based on their results, the researchers advocate meaningful or pleasurable often differs more cooperative learning in classrooms as a way to promote positive behaviors across different cultures.” and combat bullying, or harm-intentioned aggression.

Global Religion Remains Strong Despite Repression

Bully Beaters

Source: Time magazine

Source: Greater Good Science Center 10

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ecotip

Toyland Tips Choose Greener, Safer Playthings

Millions of children’s toys have been recalled in recent years to head off hazards from lead content, possible choking and other personal safety issues, thanks to supervision by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. But none are monitored for their environmental impact, which opens another can of worms. Action figures and dolls are often made from PVC, the worst polluting plastic, and their packaging often quadruples the size of a toy’s environmental footprint, typically ending up in a landfill. Teddy bears are often stuffed with synthetic, petroleum-based fillers and pesticide-heavy cotton. Other toys, including stuffed animals, are sprayed with brominated fire retardants; the kind that turn up in breast milk. Even some wooden toys may be coated with varnishes and paints that are high in air-polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC). To combat this troubling trend, look for all-natural stuffed animals made with organic fibers, wool batting, recycled sweaters or even tofu; search out toys that have shifted to PVC- and phthalate-free plastics; and use beeswax instead of synthetic clay and colored play dough for craft projects. It’s best to purchase toys from local manufacturers that can certify they follow U.S. environmental, health and safety regulations and use minimal packaging. Favor wooden toys that are finished with nontoxic, natural oil or beeswax or not finished at all. Sources include local guild shops, craft stores and galleries that carry handcrafted toys made by artisans in the community, using proper safety criteria. Idea sources: ChasingGreen.org (Tinyurl.com/3hxd2ea);TofuBear.com

The Greenest Tree Go Natural for Christmas

The star of many families’ seasonal décor, the annual Christmas tree does not need to become an environmental burden if selected with care. While some individuals have strong opinions about the virtues of a natural tree versus an artificial one, each can have pros and cons. The National Christmas Tree Association points out that 85 percent of the plastic trees sold in the United States are imported from China and may contain toxic chemicals, while evergreen trees can be grown in all 50 states. Even with a real tree, however, there are factors to consider. How far did the tree travel? The distance traveled from its source impacts the carbon footprint, due to the fuel expended to transport it. Most vendors can tell you the state of origin, but how about pesticides? Conventional Christmas tree farms are reputed to use abundant pesticides to keep their product looking picture-perfect. Ask if the seller is the grower and/or knows the answer. Typically, a temporary sidewalk or street corner seller may not; a better bet can be a u-pick-it tree farm. Put a cut tree in water within a few hours after trimming the base a flat onehalf to one inch; some people add an aspirin to the water to enhance absorption. According to the 2009 National Geographic Green Guide, Americans annually discard 30 million cut trees after the holidays, with the wood wasted in landfills. Alternatively, a program in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, collects them to combat coastal erosion. Locate tree growers by state and learn how to dispose of trees responsibly at PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org. GreenPromise.com publishes a list of organic Christmas tree farmers at Tinyurl.com/65oqh9. When choosing a live tree, keep it properly hydrated and just repot it in the yard after the celebrations conclude. Find detailed steps for care and planting from WikiHow.com at Tinyurl.com/6dyauj and Tinyurl.com/3rj582n.

You must not lose faith

in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~Mohandas Gandhi

natural awakenings

December 2011

healthykids

give us a first-person taste of infant experience,” as can experiencing beauty, she says. This illustrates one of the most positive effects of having children: They help us to become children again ourselves. In Taoism, the ideal is to be as spontaneous and curious as a child, exhibiting their openness to experience. On the physical plane, Taoist practices like Tai chi and qigong aim to help the body become as supple and flexible as a child’s.

Beyond Selfishness

The Parent Path How Children Enrich Our Spiritual Life by Steve Taylor

irty nappies, wakeup calls in the middle of the night, a house full of screams and squeals, food splattered on walls, a chaos of toys everywhere, no more late nights out, no time to read books, take classes or attend retreats—what could be spiritual about bringing up children? Isn’t spiritual development just one of the many things we sacrifice when we have kids? Many spiritual traditions based on meditation, prayer and solitude maintain that nothing should divert us from our spiritual practices—least of all a family, which takes up so much time and energy. In India, one tradition holds that spiritual development belongs to a later stage of life, roughly after age 50. It is only once we have lived through a householder stage, bringing up and providing for our children and living a worldly life, that we can turn our attention to the inner world. After our children have reached adulthood, we have the privilege of meditating regularly, and living more quietly and simply. Many parents, however, find that—

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far from hindering it—bringing up children actively advances their spiritual development. Seen in the right way, parenthood can be a spiritual path, bringing a heightened sense of love, wonder and appreciation.

Natural Mindfulness

After all, children are such strongly spiritual beings. They naturally have many of the qualities that adults work to cultivate through spiritual development. For example, children are naturally mindful. They constantly live fully in the present, and the world is always a fantastically real and interesting place to them. As child psychologist Professor Alison Gopnik, of the University of California, Berkeley, puts it, “Babies and young children are actually more conscious and more vividly aware of their external world and internal life than adults are.” They have what she calls an, “…infinite capacity for wonder,” that adults only experience at their highest moments. “Travel, meditation and romantic poetry can www.natallahassee.com

All the world’s spiritual traditions tell us how important it is to transcend our own selfishness; to stop seeing ourselves as the center of the universe and trying so hard to satisfy our own desires. They advise us to help and serve others, so that we can move beyond our separate ego and connect to a transcendent power. The eightfold path of Buddhism aims to cultivate this selfless state and ideally, the path of parenthood can, as well. It’s impossible to be a good parent without being prepared to put your children first. Much of parenthood is about selfsacrifice. Gopnik remarks: “Imagine a novel in which a woman took in a stranger who was unable to walk or talk or even eat by himself. She fell completely in love with him at first sight, fed and clothed and washed him, gradually helped him to become competent and independent, and spent more than half her income on him… You couldn’t bear the sappiness of it. But that is just about every mother’s story. Caring for children is a fast and efficient way to experience at least a little saintliness.” The poet William Wordsworth described how children see the world as “…appareled in celestial light [having] the glory and freshness of a dream.” Yet, as adults, this vision, “…fades into the light of common day.” Having children of our own helps us to reawaken some of the celestial light within. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant too, when he told his disciples, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This makes sense if we think of the kingdom of heaven not as a future, far-off place, but as a state of consciousness, here and now. Heav-

en is the state of wonder and natural well-being where children dwell and in their company, we naturally re-enter the kingdom.

Find a Place to

Renew Your Spirit

Steve Taylor, a UK university lecturer and researcher, is the author of Waking from Sleep, described by Eckhart Tolle as, “One of the best books on spiritual awakening I have come across.” His new book is Out of the Darkness – from Turmoil to Transformation. Visit StevenMTaylor.com.

Sunday Services 9:30 and 11:00 AM Youth Education 11:00 AM 8551 Buck Lake Road www.unity-eastside.org

How to Treat Parenthood as a Spiritual Path n Don’t be tempted to rush your children; try not to be impatient at their slowness. Walk at their pace and be mindful with them. n Consciously cultivate a fresh, intense, childlike vision. Imagine how the world looks through their eyes. n Let youngsters teach you the marvels of the world around you. Be as open and curious as they are, not taking anything you know for granted. n Give yourself wholly to play with kids, allowing yourself to step outside your mental world of worries and responsibilities.

How to Support Your Inner Child’s Natural Spirituality n Don’t be irritated when children ask, “Why?” Encourage their sense of wonder. n Try not to be irritated by youthful exuberance and excitement. n Try to limit the amount of time kids watch TV or play computer games. n Encourage children to use their own creativity by inventing games, drawing or painting. n Schedule periods of quiet relaxation and meditation, which enable them to feel more at home within their own being. Source: Waking From Sleep, by Steve Taylor

5 miles off Mahan on Buck Lake Road

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EVOLUTIONARY HEALTHCARE

December 2011

greenliving

Previously Enjoyed Gifts Not every gift needs to be brand-new. Browse vintage and antique shops, estate sales, auctions and consignment stores for amazing treasures. Keep an open mind or go hunting for that certain something for that special someone. Online sources such as EstateSales.net, and gsalr.com can help locate garage, yard and estate sales in communities across the country. Look for items that are unusual or hold special significance.

MEANINGFUL

GIVING

Tips to Simplify the Season

n A childhood reminder—perhaps a favorite toy or comic book

by Beth Davis

’T

is the season, and a U.S. poll by Harris Interactive reveals that a majority of the stress 90 percent of us feel about the holidays is related to gift-giving. So, solving this problem will set us well on our way to a joyeux noël. The same study found that given a choice, most of us prefer investing in good family relationships instead of more material things, anyway. Natural Awakenings has uncovered four ways that we can make the holidays less hectic and more relaxing and meaningful. First, says Barbara Kilikevich, author of A Mindful Christmas–How to Create a Meaningful, Peaceful Holiday, we have to stop buying into the notion that more is better and that extravagant, expensive gifts are equal to how much we care for one another. “We need to stop believing that doing it all is productive and having it all is meaningful.”

Get Crafty Homemade gifts are always special. They carry a message of thoughtfulness and love, which is the heart of gift-giving. Making a memorable gift can take less time than we’d spend earning the money for a manufactured gift, driving to the store and back and coping with checkout lines. Ideas are endless; these may stimulate your creative juices. n Gather favorite family recipes and copy them into a personalized binder. n Mix jars of tasty combinations of loose teas and/or bulk herbs that might include lavender, chamomile or mint. Add a mesh tea strainer to complete the package. 14

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

n Edible items are always a hit. Consider making something yummy that can be given to everyone on the list. Herbed olive oil, spiced nuts and homemade jams are favorites. n Attractive, reusable shopping bags, made from repurposed or recycled fabric, make practical gifts that can be used again and again. Sew on monograms or paint on designs to personalize them. n Fashioning painted pottery, custom artwork and decorated picture frames can engage kids in anticipating fun holidays with friends and family.

Non-Material Gifts The Center for a New American Dream, a national nonprofit organization that challenges a “more is better” definition of the good life, suggests giving of oneself—providing gifts of time or experiences that will be long remembered. n Invite loved ones to an outing to the zoo, a sporting event or an indoor/outdoor picnic. n Give a friend her dream, based on an expressed interest and careful research. Sign her up for a class in cooking, sewing, photography or dancing— classes abound in most cities.

n Vintage jewelry n A silk scarf, unusual hat or fun bag n Classic books, movies and music n Unique housewares, from vases and candleholders to platters and teacups (Replacements.com can help find missing pieces for sets)

For the Family For large families or families with grown children, it can be expensive and time-consuming shopping for a gift for every relative. Try one of these ideas to take the pressure off. n Instead of giving gifts to each member of a family or a couple, think in terms of a single gift for the household. n Draw names. Have everyone in the family put his or her name into a hat and ask each family member to draw one name, so that each person needs to buy only one or two gifts. n Set a limit. In his book, Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas, author Bill McKibben suggests that families limit the amount they spend and instead, make the holidays as much fun as possible, filled with song and food, creativity and connection.

n Purchase a gift certificate for a local massage, acupuncture session or other soothing therapy as a way to unwind during or after the holiday season.

With a little planning and a lot of love and care, we can fill the whole holiday season with less stuff and more satisfying joy.

n Support the local art scene by giving tickets to a community theater or a museum membership.

Beth Davis is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings magazines.

www.natallahassee.com

wisewords

Exploring the Last Frontier with Astronaut Edgar Mitchell by Linda Sechrist

he sixth of only 12 men to walk the lunar surface, Apollo 14 Astronaut Edgar Mitchell had a life-changing experience in 1971 as his spacecraft sailed back to Earth. Long before he first published The Way of the Explorer, in 1996, he understood that the beautiful blue planet to which he was returning was part of a harmonious and whole living system and that we each participate in a universe of consciousness. This expanded worldview led him to found the nonprofit Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) in 1973, to support individual and collective transformation and realization of human potential. Since its inception, IONS has conducted research in intentionality and prayer in healing; subtle fields and energy medicine; inner dimensions of the healing response; and emerging worldviews. Noetic means “intuitive mind” or “inner knowing,” and IONS looks deeply into phenomena that do not necessarily fit conventional science models, while maintaining scientific rigor.

How would you describe the life-changing experience that happened on your way home from the Moon? The experience, which began with a startling recognition that the nature of the universe was not as I’d been taught, continued to unfold as I saw how my existence was irrevocably connected with the movement and formation of planets,

stars and galaxies. I saw the connectedness, felt it and experienced it emotionally. The natural response of my body to the overwhelming sense of unity was another way of knowing; it felt as trustworthy as my world of rationality and physical precision. Today, the merging of many factors—including recent discoveries in quantum physics, cosmology, biology, chaos theory and self-organizing systems—is pointing to the recognition of the fundamental interconnectedness and interdependence of all things. It is also affirming the powerful role that directed intention plays in shifting our worldview toward one that focuses on the need to serve the greater good of all nature.

Do you believe that if science and humanity focused more on the exploration of inner space and consciousness, we could discover sustainable solutions for our planet? Civilization’s understanding of the nature of reality and hence, our survival and future well-being, depends entirely upon the emergence of a completely different worldview: a new paradigm that properly addresses, in verifiable scientific terms, our collective relationship to one another, the environment, nature and the universe. Establishing this fundamental shift in common perceptions can lead to changes in thinking, values, behavior and actions based on concepts of intercon-

nectedness, cooperation and interdependence in all human endeavors. It can come about if a significant portion of humankind develops this new understanding and incorporates it into our individual and societal belief systems. Science can bolster this advance by providing reliable and credible empirical data that supports it as a basis for public education. The hypothesis of interconnectedness, proposed by ancient sages from many pre-scientific cultures, has never been rigorously explored or tested by modern mainstream science. Achieving a truly sustainable civilization requires us to apply a more holistic view to the macroscopic world, one that encompasses living systems and social phenomena.

What is IONS doing to encourage the desired transformation of consciousness? Worldview Literacy (WVL) for high school students and beyond is IONS’ latest consciousness-based educational program. Its curriculum explores the pivotal role that our personal and cultural worldviews play in how we perceive and process information, act and behave. WVL works to increase people’s awareness of our own largely unconscious worldviews by opening a conversational space of exploration where diverse views are welcomed with curiosity and wonder. Such recognition and joint engagement deepens individual and collective understanding and helps students better navigate life when they encounter differing perspectives. Such education can help people of all ages discover critical connections between lived experiences and assumed habits of mind. It can help us develop greater cognitive flexibility, comfort with unfamiliarity, appreciation of diverse perspectives, ability to hold multiple points of view simultaneously, creative problem solving and a capacity for discernment that relies equally on intellect and intuition. It changes the human paradigm. For more information, visit Noetic.org. Linda Sechrist writes and edits for Natural Awakenings and is a student of noetic sciences.

natural awakenings

December 2011

fitbody

through chairlift lines works the arms and shoulders, so he also recommends upper body stretching.

The Upside of Downhill Skiing Make the Most of Peak Experiences by Randy Kambic

now brings fresh fun with winter sports and recreation. Cross-country skiing and snowboarding are healthy options, but neither offers the scope and variety in terrain, movement and exercise afforded by the perennial favorite of alpine downhill skiing. Jen Butson, public affairs director of the Vermont Ski Areas Association, representing 48 facilities, believes that downhill particularly appeals to women, due to its, “ …accessibility to all ages, abilities and body types, its gracefulness, and being a way for a family to experience nature together.” Yet, some skiers may experience diminished interest due to memories

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

of cold limbs, residual aches and pains or crowded slopes. Or, they might be concerned about resorts’ perceived high energy usage. Cost is another factor. Here are some tips to get folks back on the slopes and max out mountain moments. Warm-up exercises. Skiing demands slightly bent knees and a firm back to absorb bumps, so do some deep squats and short hops from that position beforehand, advises Dr. Joe Ethen, owner of Lakefront Chiropractic Center, in Glencoe, Illinois. “This exercise targets the upper quadriceps and provides full-range motion of joints.” Using ski poles to initiate turns and propel

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Foot care. Boots need to be tight fitting in order to transmit the pressure to make turns from the foot through the boot and binding to the ski itself. The necessary snugness can hinder circulation and chill toes. A solution: Loosen boot buckles while waiting for and taking the chairlift, and wear thin, synthetic-blend socks that wick away moisture and accelerate evaporation. Avoid the crowds. When skiing on a weekend, locate one or two trails serviced by a mid-mountain chairlift, which is usually far less crowded than the main lift closest to the lodge. “Many resorts have high-speed, four-seat chairlifts, which reduce wait time,” says Karl Winter, vice president of Ski the Rockies, which represents 30-plus resorts in California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Canada. Eat early or late to get in more skiing while others lunch in the lodge. Take a workweek vacation day or two to totally beat weekend crowds. Safety. Call out, “On your right,” for example, if you pass a skier that’s to your left, to make sure he or she doesn’t ski into your path. Stay aware of faster moving skiers and boarders. “Don’t stop for too long in the middle of a steep trail to rest or take in the splendid views,” counsels Butson. “A speedy skier might not see you there beneath a mogul.” Late-season benefits. More natural and manmade snow on the slopes is the

norm as the season progresses. Warmer temperatures later in the season also tend to make conditions more comfortable and soften ice and hard-packed snow, slowing speeds a bit and making turns easier. “More snow makes skis easier to control,” explains Winter. “It allows you to glide and carve your turns and maintain a turning rhythm. So, you don’t have to work as hard, which also saves energy.” Many resorts offer special late-season discounts. Ski green. Joining a ski club can deliver savings on lift tickets, as well as lodging booked by the group. Plus, traveling by bus or carpooling saves gas. Remember to properly recycle or dispose of refuse and pick up any trash you spot in the snow. When choosing a destination, check to see if the resort goes for electric vehicles, composting, local purchasing programs, efforts to reduce carbon footprints, water conservation and employee and guest sustainability education. All are elements of the National Ski Areas Association’s Environmental Charter, endorsed by190 resorts that together, host about 75 percent of all U.S. skier and snowboarder visits. Many resorts are adopting the association’s new sustainable slopes and climate challenge programs. If you need skis, but are on a tight budget, consider renting or checking out early season ski swaps, which also can offer more traditional ecofriendly, gently worn clothing. If you feel you must wax ski bases, select a product that is free of PFCs and other petrochemicals, which can rub off into snow and eventually find their way into waterways. With the ultrasmooth, resilient bases of modern skis, waxing has become unnecessary for most recreational skiers. Enjoy winter’s wonderland. For consumer tips and destination directories, visit nsaa.org, SkiTheRockies. com, SnowSports.org and SkiVermont. com. Avid skier Randy Kambic is a freelance editor and writer in Estero, FL, and a copyeditor for Natural Awakenings.

inspiration

Intentions for the New Year by Wayne Dyer

T 1

hese daily practices will help you move toward Spirit in your thoughts and actions.

Commit to at least one daily experience where you share something of yourself with no expectation of being acknowledged or thanked. For example, before I begin my daily routine, I go to my desk and choose my gift for that day. Sometimes it’s just a phone call to a stranger that’s written to me, or perhaps I order flowers or send a book or a present to someone that has helped me in a local store. On one occasion, I wrote to the president of the university I graduated from to start a scholarship fund; on another day, I took a calendar to the yard man; on another, I sent a check to Habitat for Humanity; and on another, I sent three rolls of postage stamps to my son, who had just started his own business. It doesn’t matter if this activity is big or small—it’s a way to begin the day in-Spirit.

Become conscious of all thoughts that aren’t aligned with your Source. The moment you catch yourself excluding someone or having a judgmental thought, say the words “in-

Spirit” to yourself. Then make a silent effort to shift that thought to match up with Source energy.

In the morning before you’re fully awake, and again as you’re going to sleep, take one or two minutes of what I call quiet time with God. Be in a state of appreciation and say aloud, “I want to feel good.”

Remind yourself of this statement: My life is bigger than I am. Print it out and post it strategically in your home, car or workplace. The “I” is your ego identification. Your life is Spirit flowing through you unhindered by ego—it’s what you showed up here to actualize—and is infinite. The “I” that identifies you is a fleeting snippet.

Dedicate your life to something that reflects an awareness of your Divinity. You are greatness personified, a resident genius and a creative master—regardless of anyone’s opinion. Make a silent dedication to encourage and express your Divine nature. Excerpted from Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling, by Wayne Dyer, with permission of Hay House, Inc.

natural awakenings

December 2011

that seems to make people feel happier and report greater health.”

Helping Hands Live Longer

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD

The Helping – Health – Happiness Connection by Lisa Marshall

rowing up on Long Island, New York, young Stephen Post often received an unusual prescription from his mother when he was feeling grouchy or under the weather. “She’d say, ‘Why don’t you go out and help someone?’” he recalls. “I’d go out and help Mr. Muller rake leaves or help old Bobby Lawrence fix his boat. Then, I’d come back feeling better, and feeling better about life.” Decades later, Post—a professor of preventive medicine at New York’s Stony Brook University—is among a growing contingent of researchers exploring just how such acts of generosity and the feelings (empathy, compassion, altruism) that prompt them may actually improve our mental and physical health. Recent studies have shown that people that volunteer live longer, suffer less chronic pain, have bolstered

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

immune systems, are more likely to recover from addiction, and experience an in-the-moment sense of calm akin to that which people experience during and after exercise. Scientists have yet to fully understand what the physiological underpinnings are of such health benefits, but early studies credit a cascade of neurobiological changes that occur as we reach out to help a loved one, or (in some cases) even cut a check to a stranger in need. Could generosity be the missing, often overlooked ingredient to a prescription for better health? Perhaps, says Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving, Compassion and Hope Can Get Us Through Hard Times. “This is a young science, but what we have begun to discover is that there is something going on, physiologically, in this process of helping others www.natallahassee.com

We’ve all felt it: That blush of innerwarmth we get after we bring a plate of healthful, steaming food to a sick relative, volunteer to read to kids at a local preschool or help sort donations for a shelter. According to a 2010 survey of 4,500 Americans by United Healthcare, 68 percent of those that volunteered in the previous year reported that doing it made them feel physically healthier; 73 percent noted that it lowered their stress levels. Meanwhile, 29 percent of volunteers that suffered from a chronic illness claimed that giving of their time helped them to better manage the illness. Other studies, by researchers at Boston College, found that when chronic pain sufferers volunteered to help others with similar conditions, they saw their own pain and depression levels decrease. At least seven studies have shown that people that regularly volunteer or give of themselves live longer—especially if they do it for genuinely altruistic reasons. Cami Walker, 38, of Denver, has experienced firsthand the physical benefits of being generous. After one sleepless night, lying awake and, “feeling sorry for myself,” due to a flare-up of her multiple sclerosis, she decided to take the advice of a spiritual teacher that suggested she, “Give something away each day for 29 days.” On day one, she called a sick friend to offer her support. On day two, she dropped $5 in a hat for some street performers. Another day, she treated a friend to a foot massage. By day 14, she recalls, “My body was stronger and I was able to stop walking with my cane. After months of being too sick to work, I was able to go back part-time.” Walker subsequently wrote the bestselling 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life. It has inspired a global giving movement, with participants blogging about their experiences at 29Gifts.org. As she recently explained to The New York Times, “It’s about stepping outside of your own story long enough to make a connection with someone else.”

The Helper’s High

University of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath, Ph.D., has found that people engaging in acts that benefit others tend to have more calming hormones like oxytocin and progesterone coursing through their bodies. If presented with a tough situation later, they are likely to react with a muted stress response, churning out fewer harmful stress hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, and maintaining a calmer heart rate. Konrath is studying whether altruistic thoughts and behavior might also be associated with an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. “Just thinking about giving seems to have a beneficial physiological impact,” says Post. For instance, a late 20th-century study by then Harvard Psychologist David McClelland found that when people watched a film about Mother Teresa’s work with orphans in Calcutta, levels of immunoglobulin A (a marker of immune strength) shot up. A more recent study found that people had higher levels of oxytocin in their blood after they had watched a moving film about an ill 4-year-old boy. Some research further suggests that the act of giving may release natural opiates, such as endorphins, into our system. One landmark analysis of 1,700 people published in Psychology Today found that more than 68 percent experienced a “helper’s high” when physically helping another person, and 13 percent reported a decrease in aches and pains afterward. It’s a concept that’s been documented many times since. Meanwhile, new brain-imaging research has shown that acts of giving (including making a charitable donation) stimulate “reward centers” in the brain. This includes the mesolimbic pathway by which natural dopamine is released, leaving us feeling euphoric. On the flip side, “We found that people that are high in narcissism and low in empathy have higher cortisol levels,” advises Konrath. “They walk around with high stress

reactivity, which is really hard on the body.” One other clear example of the health benefits of helping lies in the field of addiction research. Recent studies by Maria Pagano, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, found that recovering addicts that volunteer to help other addicts stay sober are twice as likely to remain so themselves. That’s because narcissism and self-absorption are often at the root of addiction, and generosity is an antidote to narcissism, Pagano says. “The founders of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) figured it out,” Pagano continues, noting that a primary focus is on serving others. “They figured out that this selfish root is there before the illness develops, and is sustained unless you treat it. This is treatment; it is a way of continually weeding out the narcissism that made you sick.”

Born to Give

Stephanie Brown, Ph.D., an associate professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook, is the daughter of an evolutionary psychologist and a pioneer in the study of altruism’s neurobiological roots. In sharp contrast to what she describes as the long-held “selfinterested” assumption about human nature (that we help others only to help ourselves), she suggests that humans are biologically wired to be empathetic and generous. “It makes more sense from an evolutionary perspective for us to suppress self-interest,” for the benefit of the whole sometimes, she says. New research from the University of Washington suggests that babies as young as 15 months old exhibit fairness and empathy. So, why don’t we always stop to help? Our anxious, busy, modern-day lives get in the way, suggests Brown. “It could be that our natural, default state is to help when we see need, but what prevents that is our stress response.”

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December 2011

That is, stress often gets in the way: Maybe we pass a stranded motorist on the road, but drive on by because we’re on a timetable. Perhaps our instinct is to offer a helping hand to a homeless person, but we fear that more will be asked of us than we are prepared to give. We wish to bring a meal to a dying relative, but are apprehensive about what to say when we visit. Brown’s recent federally funded studies show that at least some of the calming hormones and quietness of heart often seen in habitual givers may actually precede and enable their acts

of selflessness by interrupting their potential stress response before it stalls their helping hand. “I am suggesting that when you see helping going on, something beneficial has already happened to the giver’s body,” says Brown. When givers perceive a need, instead of fretting and fleeing, they calmly stop to help. In the end, everyone walks away feeling a little more generous. Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

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ocus on someone else for a change, whether it’s looking a store clerk in the eye or refraining from shouting at a referee at a sporting event. “People can become more empathetic if they just practice taking someone else’s perspective,” says University of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath. “When encountering a homeless person, for example, our inclination may be to not go there psychologically, because it is painful to imagine. Allow yourself to try.” n Do something for nothing. “This idea that everything has to be paid back hangs over our lives,” says Stephen Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping. “Just be generous and expect nothing in return. Pay it forward.” n Don’t reserve your generosity for people you know. Do something nice for someone you don’t know or will never meet. n Be consistent. “Don’t think you can be kind in one domain and dastardly in another,” says Post. n Do something that you feel called upon to do, or that you are good at. n Slow down, take a deep breath and look around. Need abounds. Stop to help a stranger in some small way, even if you are in a hurry. n Don’t help just to get healthy, impress your friends or get a tax deduction. “Motivation matters,” says Konrath. “If you are volunteering just for self-interested reasons, research shows you aren’t going to live any longer than someone who doesn’t volunteer at all.” n Volunteer for a cause you really believe in, or help a person you truly care about.

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Let Integrity Guide You by Alice McCall

ost have an idea of what integrity means, saying it means being honest, trustworthy, or kind. Yet, there is an alternate definition of integrity: wholeness. When someone lives with integrity, they think and act from the whole; they choose to live consciously. Understanding this aspect of integrity can be life changing, greatly affecting how each day is approached, even the hectic days leading to Christmas. What does thinking and acting from the whole mean? To operate a life with integrity, one must carefully evaluate the implications of all thoughts, decisions, and actions before executing them. If a thought, decision, or action could create a negative effect on others or the world, a person of integrity will not think that thought, make that decision, or take that action. Here is how it works, ask, “Does the decision I am about to make have any possible negative impact on myself or my life?” Then expand the question to, “Does it have any possible negative impact on other people, organizations, the earth, animals, plants, water, or air?” A “yes” answer to any aspect of these questions shows that the decision is not the right one to make. It is an easy formula to use, but why isn’t followed? Thinking from the whole can mean making choices that are not popular, understood, or valued by others. Those living consciously in integrity must muster up the courage to live their choices in spite of what others do or think. Take some personal alone time during this holiday season to activate the courage from within. One can use this time to dig deep inside and become in touch with who they really are, discovering what is truly important to them not others - but their own selves. Once connected with this authentic direction, it is easier to rally the courage to think and live differently without concern about what others think. This is a life-changing gift that people are able to give to themselves; no one can do it for them. The good news is once someone is committed to living with integrity, the need for courage dissipates. The courage,

which was initially needed, will naturally evolve into a sense of self-empowerment, and empowerment will further evolve into a quiet confidence. There are many gifts when one thinks and lives with integrity. When a person operates with integrity, they naturally become leadership in action; demonstrating a commitment to a higher standard of living, inspiring others to do the same. People can see the difference when someone makes choices that are driven from inside of themselves versus solely from external norms and beliefs. Although it is easy to think that one person’s actions can’t have the wide reaching effects like those of someone in the public eye, the positive effects of each individual’s choices are the same. By simply learning to focus on leading one’s own life by thinking and acting from the whole, each person can have a huge impact on the world around them. The ripple effect is far reaching. If everyone lived with integrity – ‘thinking and acting from the whole’ – the world would certainly be a better place. Live consciously; live with integrity. Alice McCall (BS Psychology, Certified Hypnotist) is an author, cellular level healing consultant, and professional speaker. She assists clients in transforming negative thoughts and emotions, resulting in improved health and increased joy. Phone sessions available. For more on Alice and her practice visit www.HealingPath.info. For more about her popular book ‘Wellness Wisdom’ chronicling her self-healing of breast cancer using cellular level healing, visit www. WellnessWisdomHealing.com.

natural awakenings

December 2011

consciouseating

FUN PARTY

FOODS Easy, Flavorful and Festive by Renée Loux

ake the most of being a host with party foods sure to wow guests. Combining classic concepts with tasty twists will satisfy any gourmet in search of a fabulous holiday buffet. Whether you are a year-round or seasonal party planner, these crowdpleasing appetizers will make you the toast of the celebration circuit.

Butternut Squash Spread with Baked Spelt Crisps A festive, flavorful spread perks up any table, and this one commands attention with its gorgeous golden color. Butternut squash is loaded with antioxidant vitamins A and C, carotenoid antioxidants, potassium and manganese. Plus, it is simple to make and serve. For an innovative use of leftovers, add 1 cup of vegetable broth or stock to 1 cup of the prepared recipe, mix well and warm up for a satisfying serving of smooth soup. Yields: about 4 cups (dairy-free) 1 medium butternut squash (about 6 cups of cubes) 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely minced 1 tsp maple syrup (optional) 1 tsp finely grated ginger 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves) 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped finely (or ½ tsp dried rosemary) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 22

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Peel squash, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a medium-large saucepan and cover with filtered water plus 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to simmer for 6-9 minutes or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain liquid and let cool until comfortable to handle. Reserve the liquid for other uses such as making a vegetable stock or watering houseplants.

Yields: about 3 dozen crisps 4 spelt tortillas (9-inch), preferably made from whole wheat spelt Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place cooked squash in a food processor with olive oil, garlic, ginger, thyme, rosemary, a scant teaspoon of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Blend until very smooth. Season further to taste with sea salt and pepper as needed.

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Serve with crisps, crackers, whole-grain bread or crudité vegetables.

Arrange resulting triangles in a single layer on baking sheets and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Baked Spelt Crisps Easy, homemade crisps are delightfully crunchy and contain less oil than nearly anything available for purchase in a bag, plus the oil is of a high quality. Spelt (an ancient variety of wheat) contains more nutrients and less gluten than standard wheat. Look for whole wheat spelt tortillas for optimum flavor, fiber and nutrition. www.natallahassee.com

Using a mister or pastry brush, mist or brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil. Stack the tortillas and cut the stack into 8 wedges.

Bake for 6-7 minutes, or until crisp and turning golden. Watch carefully after 5 minutes to avoid burning. Let cool before serving; they get crispier as they cool.

Sweet Potato Rolls with Haricot Verts & Pecan Pesto This party favorite is sumptuous enough to be considered a small plate entrée when served on a bed of wild rice. Sweet potatoes are a rich source

of antioxidant beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C, minerals and hunger-quenching fiber. Haricot verts (small and slender immature bean pods) are abundant in bone-building vitamin K, silica, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Soaking the pecans for the pesto makes them lighter, more digestible and yields delicious, nutritious results. Yields: 10-12 rolls (dairy-free, glutenfree)

Sweet Potato Wrapper 2 sweet potatoes, peeled 2 tsp olive oil Pinch of sea salt Several fresh basil leaves, torn in half (to roll inside) Preheat oven to 350째 F. Peel the sweet potato and cut the ends off. Slice thinly, lengthwise. If the potato is long, first cut it in half across the middle. Lay pieces flat on a baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes until soft. Allow to cool and gently rub with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. If wrappers must stand for any length of time, cover after cooled.

natural awakenings

December 2011

Haricot Verts or Green Beans 30 haricot verts or 18 green beans, cut in half and sliced lengthwise 2 tsp tamari or soy sauce 1 tsp umeboshi plum vinegar ½ tsp agave nectar or maple syrup Enough filtered water just to cover the veggies in a small saucepan Haricot verts are thin enough to leave whole. If using green beans, slice in half lengthwise. If green beans are extra-long, cut them in half before slicing. Place haricot verts or sliced green beans in a small saucepan. Mix together tamari or soy sauce, umeboshi plum vinegar and agave nectar or maple syrup and drizzle over the vegetables. Add just enough filtered water to cover the beans.

Assembly Lay 2 pieces of softened sweet potato skins on a cutting board (not touching, with short end facing you, and the length of the sweet potato placed away from you). It is best to lay a few pairs at once to create an assembly line for quicker rolling. Lay haricot verts or green beans across a piece of sweet potato, and top with a teaspoon or two of pesto. Fold the short end of the softened potato skin over the vegetables and roll closed. Note the tendency to overpack and the fact that less is more; it will be easier to eat and go further.

Bring to a gentle simmer uncovered over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, or just until tender. Do not disturb the veggies by stirring while they cook; they should remain firm. When tender, remove from the liquid with tongs and set aside in a bowl.

Roll the second sweet potato slice around the bundle and secure with a toothpick.

Continue cooking the liquid, stirring occasionally until it is reduced and the resulting marinade becomes syrupy. Pour over haricot verts or green beans and toss to coat. Let stand while preparing the remainder of the dish.

Garnish with freshly ground black pepper.

Follow suit until all ingredients are used. Eat the rolls as is, or bake at 350° F for 10-12 minutes to warm.

Pecan Pesto

Drain and rinse. Pat dry with a clean towel. In a food processor, place drained pecans, basil, walnut oil and salt, and then pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, add olive oil in a slow stream until well incorporated, but the mixture still has a bit of texture. 24

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

Yields: about 3 cups (raw-living, dairyfree, gluten-free, low-glycemic) 1½ cups raw almonds, soaked for 8 hours and drained 6-7 Tbsp lemon juice, or as needed 3-4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed 2-3 tsp white truffle oil, as needed ½ to 1 small clove garlic, finely minced 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste ¼ to 1/3 cup filtered water, or as needed to blend to desired consistency 1 /3 cup chopped parsley leaves ¼ cup chopped basil leaves 3 Tbsp chopped sorrel (optional) 2-3 Tbsp chopped chives Soak almonds in 3 cups of filtered water for 8 hours. Drain and rinse in a colander. Place almonds in a food processor. Add lemon juice, olive oil, truffle oil, garlic, a scant teaspoon of salt and some freshly ground pepper. Blend, dribbling in water to aid processing as needed until mixture is as smooth as possible. Add more olive oil, lemon juice and water to thin to a preferred consistency. Add herbs and blend in pulses until well incorporated, but bits of herbs are still visible. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

¼ cup pecans, soaked for 1 hour 3 cups packed basil leaves 1 Tbsp walnut oil or extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp sea salt 3-4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Soak pecans in 1 cup filtered water for 1 hour.

reserves for the body. White truffle oil (olive oil infused with white truffles) is a secret weapon for injecting sumptuous, sophisticated flavor, although the recipe is excellent without it.

Serve with crudité vegetables and/or healthy crackers.

Almond Truffle & Herb Paté This simple paté bursts with flavor and good-for-us nutrients. Almonds are a champion source of calcium and a clean source of protein and healthy fats. Soaking the almonds plumps them, wakes up enzymes and makes them more digestible, also supplying more alkaline www.natallahassee.com

Endive Cups with Pine Nut Crème Fraîche, Figs and Olives Little boats of enhanced endive are bites of pure delight. Creamy pine nuts are rich in healthy fats, including pinolenic, an essential fatty acid that curbs the appetite by triggering hunger-suppressing enzymes. Olives are loaded with iron, antioxidant vitamin E and a special phytonutri-

ent, hydroxytyrosol, which helps keep bones strong. Fresh figs provide potassium and healthy fiber. Yields: 2 dozen or so (raw-living, dairyfree, gluten-free, low-glycemic)

Pine Nut Crème Fraîche

2 cups pine nuts ¼ cup lemon juice, plus a bit as needed 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Filtered water as needed Sea salt 3 heads endive 6 fresh figs 1 cup Kalamata olives 2 Tbsp torn cilantro leaves (optional) 1 Tbsp chopped tarragon leaves (optional) Flaked sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Place the pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil and pinch of salt in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until ultra-smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of filtered water as necessary to achieve the correct consistency. It should be very smooth, like a thick sour cream, and will thicken more when chilled. (The crème fraîche mixture may be stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.) Separate the endive leaves. Trim the figs and cut into thin wedges. Pit the olives and chop roughly. Spoon a dollop of crème fraîche onto each endive leaf and spread. Top with fig wedges and chopped olives. Sprinkle with torn cilantro and tarragon leaves, if desired, and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Rosemary Sable Squares These crisp and crumbly squares have a texture like shortbread and a savory and slightly sweet flavor, with the delicate fragrance of rosemary. Oats are rich in hearthealthy beta-glucan fiber, as well as the antioxidant selenium. Almonds are abundant in antioxidant vitamin E and healthy fats.

Yields: about 2 dozen squares (dairyfree, egg-free, low in gluten) 1 cup whole oats 1 cup slivered almonds ½ cup spelt flour ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp sea salt 3 Tbsp fresh rosemary needles, roughly chopped ½ cup safflower oil ¼ cup maple syrup ¼ cup agave nectar 2 Tbsp brown sugar (optional) 1 tsp vanilla extract Preheat oven to 375° F. In a medium bowl, mix in oats, almonds, baking powder, salt and rosemary. In a separate medium-large bowl, whisk together oil, maple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar (if desired for a touch more sweetness) and vanilla, until emulsified. Add the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until dough forms. Let stand for 10 minutes for flavor to develop and for absorption of moisture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (unbleached is recommended, or grease with safflower oil). Using wet hands, press 1/3 of dough until it is spread evenly and thinly; ¼-inch-thick bare spots occur where the dough is too thin. (Spreading the dough evenly is the key to uniform cooking to avoid overbrowned and/ or undercooked sections.) Cook 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool 3-5 minutes and cut into squares while still warm and soft. The squares will become crisp and flaky when thoroughly cool, so cut them to size while they are still warm and pliable.

natural awakenings

December 2011

Reserve 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds for garnish.

Season to taste with salt if needed.

Yields: 6-8 cups chips (dairy-free, gluten-free, low-glycemic) 1 bunch kale, leaf ribs removed, and roughly chopped 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Sprinkle of sea salt

Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve.

Preheat the oven to 250° F.

Fold remainder of pomegranate seeds and pear into the avocado mixture.

Tuscan Kale Chips

Pear & Pomegranate Seed Guacamole This festive guacamole fuses spicy, sweet and savory flavors in a colorful array of texture. Avocados are rich in skin-beautifying oils, pears supply vitamin C and copper, and sweet-tart pomegranates are among the most antioxidant-rich fruits on Earth. Yields: about 4 servings (raw-living, dairy-free, gluten-free)

Crunchy kale chips are super-simple to make and bursting with flavor. Kale is one of the most nutritious foods by weight; rich in blood-building vitamin K and antioxidant vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron and satisfying fiber. Roasting the kale brings out a near-addictive nutty flavor.

Toss the kale with olive oil in a large bowl. Arrange in a single layer on a pair of baking sheets and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake 30-33 minutes, or until crisp. Allow to cool completely to crisp before serving Recipes are from The Balanced Plate and Living Cuisine, by Renée Loux and ReneeLoux.com.

PARTY-HOSTING TIPS

2 avocados, cubed 2 Tbsp lime juice ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste 3 Tbsp finely chopped red onion 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (add only to desired spiciness) ½ cup pear, peeled and finely diced ½ cup pomegranate seeds

n Create identification cards for appetizers.

In a bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, sea salt, red onion and chili pepper with a fork. It should exhibit small chunks, with texture.

n Use washable plates, cups and cutlery and cloth napkins. If opting for disposables, look for tree-free bagasse plates (from sugarcane fiber), bioplastic cutlery and napkins made from recycled content.

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Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

n Decorate the buffet table with form and function using seasonal fruits, vegetables and small evergreen sprays. n Double-line the kitchen trashcan, in order to catch any drips and to save time from having to hunt for another bag after the first one fills up. n Provide a small trashcan and a recycle bin in an easy-to-find place for guests.

Love

The Greatest Gift of All By Dr. Michelle Gamble, DN

he greatest gift we can give to humanity is a personal commitment to spiritual, mental, emotional and physical self development. As we look at our world today, we can easily become disheartened at the tremendous amount of tragedy and pain that surrounds us. Many may become overburdened with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. How can we make a difference to the millions that are suffering from poverty, abuse, neglect, physical, emotional torture, war…. The list goes on and on. We watch the news and our spirits sink further into the abyss of despair with the overwhelming question, “But what can I do?” Times like these inspire us to have the strength and the courage to reflect upon the words of the late Michael Jackson, “I’m looking at the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to

change his ways. No message could be any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change.” We tend to shy away from looking in the mirror. Afraid of what we may see due to knee jerk reaction of not being able to accept the reflection with an unconditional spirit of love. Our current times demand that we strip away the blindfolds and have a heart to heart conversation with self. “Self”, we ask, “How can I love thee in light of all of your insufficiencies?” The simple answer is, “With an Attitude of Gratitude.” The attitude of gratitude means that as we ponder the many that go without food in our world, we give thanks by ensuring that we do not waste the food that we are blessed to have. We make an effort to nourish ourselves with food that will enable us to bring forth more productivity and stability in our own lives. The attitude of gratitude means that learning about the abuse endured by women, men and especially children at home and abroad strengthens our resolve to protect the precious spirits of the people in our midst – our mates, children, parents, siblings, friends, coworkers, etc. The attitude of gratitude means that as our TV floods our minds with images of war from around the world, we make a conscious effort to be peacemakers and promoters of global healing. We focus on the sincere desire to make our every word, thought and deed be like a vulnerary salve that soothes and brings harmony and tranquility to all. Yes, we can choose to bemoan the current state of affairs in our world. We can also choose to complain about the various areas of “lack” in our own lives. Perhaps our marriage is failing. We may be without a job. Perhaps we have been diagnosed with a chronic ailment or terminal illness. Our current state of being is irrelevant. Whatever the case may be, our greatest gift to the upliftment of humanity as a whole is to focus on self. All that matters is our passion to constantly keep ourselves moving forward, past the pain, the disease, the deficits, the despondency. We commit our selves to making the changes that are needed to move our world forward into a “better place”. Meaningful change is never easy, but is always necessary to promote spiritual, mental, emotion and physical healing. Most importantly, with the knowledge that all is one, we recognize our part in conserving our planet’s resources and our responsibility to take care of ourselves and the people in our lives, thereby reducing the overall burden incurred by all in our interdependent global society. Summarily, we can go forth with light hearts with the understanding that all is well as long as we focus on “the man in the mirror”. By dedicating our lives to constant self development with the attitude of gratitude, we will have made the most important contribution to humanity – the gift of love. Dr. Michelle Gamble, DN is a Board Certified, non-medical Doctor of Natural Holistic Health. She has been an educator for over 18 years and teaches various classes in health and wellness and assists people as a personal coach in their pursuit of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. She is also certified in Colon Hydrotherapy and is a childbirth educator and Doula. You may learn more about her and her Natural Health C.A.R.E. programs by visiting www.sankofahealing.com natural awakenings

December 2011

healingways

“When we bathe ourselves in healing sound waves,” she observes, “we open up a direct line of communication with our soul.” At the culmination of each session, she allows what she terms the “big music of silence” to envelope the one being healed. McFadden notes that not all healing sounds need to be calming. “Activating music can be just as healing as soft and slow sounds,” she says. Whether we prefer listening to Lady Gaga, Native American flutes or the sound of a heavy rainstorm, the key is to discover what especially resonates with us.

Good Vibrations

Crystal Singing Bowls

Master crystal singing bowl artist Ashana, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, couples angelic vocals with her massive collection of bowls for a musical healing alchemy recognized worldwide. “Listening to the bowls can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being,” says Ashana. Made from pure, crushed quartz, by Erin Lehn Floresca infused with precious gemstones, minering lives. Attending an uplifting musical als and metals, “The bowls vibrate at a any sounds associated with event can render a similar effect. holidays instantly cheer us up, very high, pure frequency,” she explains. but why? We naturally respond “As we come into resonance with the to sounds, because everything in the Sound Healing Therapy bowls, mental chatter slows or stops and Universe is comprised of vibration— Psychotherapist Meredith McFadden, the mind quiets. Within minutes, our also referred to as resonance. When a sound healing therapist in Medford, nervous system starts to unwind. In a state we are exposed to healing sounds, our Oregon, observes that, “Receiving or of peaceful stillness, the ‘dial up’ to our bodies and minds begin to resonate creating intentional, healing sound higher self becomes accessible. This is the in harmony with them, supporting our vibrations is proving to be one of the optimum state for healing to occur.” well-being. most direct, most relevant healing mo- Ashana emphasizes that we are all in Fortunately, avenues of sound dalities available today.” terconnected, so any healing work we do healing are readily accessible in our McFadden appreciates sound for on ourselves affects all of humanity. “As everyday lives. Engaging in activities its immediate effect. She takes individ- we raise our personal frequency, we can such as singing, drumming or chanting ual clients on sound journeys with the become conscious tuning forks for divine often help us quickly reestablish a sense help of voices, crystal singing bowls, energies to pour through us,” she believes. of balance in the midst of our multitask- buffalo drums and other instruments. “We’re all holding a piece of the web.”

Sound Healing for the Soul

Healing Through Song

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

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“Since the dawn of time, humans have been sharing song in their tribe,” says Zurich, Switzerland, recording artist, educator and filmmaker Michael Stillwater. “Pop songs are modern tribal songs, although we have mostly become a culture of consumers and spectators, rather than participants.” The founder of Inner Harmony Music and Song Without Borders, Stillwater’s is a strong voice in an emerging grassroots global movement devoted to helping people reclaim their inner song. “As a vocal art, singing is unique,” he advises. “It’s deeply connected to our sense of self.” He also notes that if our voice or singing is criticized in our developmental years, we may shut down our creative expression. “We then become like cave dwellers, hiding our voice; there are millions of vocal cave dwellers in our world,” he says. Finding your song—or chant or mantra—almost inevitably becomes integrated with a pathway for rediscovering one’s authentic self. “It’s about letting your voice become part of your own healing medicine,” says Stillwater. His film documentary, In

Search of the Great Song, celebrates the use of creative vocal expression for healing and transformation.

Learn more at SoundMovesWonder. com, AshanaMusic.com, InnerHarmony.com and NewWorldKirtan.com.

Experience Kirtan

Erin Floresca is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. Connect at ErinLehnFloresca.com.

Kitzie Stern, producer of the New World Kirtan podcast, notes that kirtan, or sacred chanting, is known for bonding everyone in the moment of co-creation between audience and artists, followed by quiet meditation in community. Originating in India, kirtan is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world. The mantras used in kirtan open the listener to the experience of peace. Stern explains, “The music that accompanies kirtan also helps our minds to turn off. As wallah (chant leader) Dave Stringer puts it, ‘The chant is the medicine, but the music is what helps it go down.’” One does not have to attend a live kirtan performance to reap its benefits. Stern’s podcast plays a variety of chants to help listeners tune into tranquility. She observes that, “Being able to access the quiet magnificence that exists within each one of us and live within it for some portion of the day helps us to stay sane in the turmoil of the modern world.”

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All you need is love. ~John Lennon

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December 2011

INTERSPECIES FRIENDSHIPS

CROSSING BOUNDARIES FOR GOOD by April Thompson

and bugs in the kitten’s mouth, following it around like a protective parent. “If it wasn’t for the crow feeding and taking care of that cat, it would have been dead a long time ago,” relates Wally Collito in a video posted at InterspeciesFriends.blogspot.com. “When the cat would start crossing the road, the crow would holler as if to say, ‘Don’t go in the road, you’re going to get hit.’ Sometimes she would get in front of her and push her back on the sidewalk. It had to be love or friendship.” The story of Moses and Cassie is not an anomaly, but rather an indication of the potential emotional bond Benefits to parents: between animals, • Complimentary pickup service according to Jennifer • Homework assistance S. Holland, author • Superior enrichment activities • Open until 7:00 PM of Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Dance • Music • Art • Drama ARTS benefits Animal Kingdom. “A Martial Arts • Life-skills your child: number of years ago, Affordable - Weekly tuition only $97! ($4.30/hour) • Higher grades it was really taboo • Positive behaviors www.TallyARTS.com • Increased self-esteem to attribute empathy 850-878-2787 to other animals,”

efore Wally and Ann Collito, of North Attleborough, Massachusetts, had a chance to befriend the stray kitten that had appeared in their yard, the couple discovered that another caring being—a crow—had already done so. Over the next few months, the Collitos witnessed an incredible friendship develop between the crow and cat they respectively named Moses and Cassie. The pair romped in the grass, swatting gently at each other like they were born playmates, rather than sworn enemies. Moses often dropped nutritious worms

ARTS AfterSchool

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

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Photo: Melanie Stetson Freeman/2006 The Christian Science Monitor

naturalpet

she says, “but more scientists today are crossing that line comfortably.” She explains that no one really knows what emotions animals experience or how, although people share the brain’s limbic system, considered the seat of emotions in humans, with other mammals. “There is no reason they wouldn’t have experiences similar to ours in terms of basic emotions,” Holland surmises. Holland’s new book is just one of a growing number of efforts to document the wild landscape of interspecies love, including blogs dedicated to the topic and countless children’s books; one of them, Cat and Crow, by Lisa Fleming, immortalizes Moses and Cassie. “Such stories give us a sense of hope at a time when there is a lot of negativity in the world,” observes Holland. “I think people are looking for a reprieve.”

Mother Love Knows No Bounds A variety of recent studies by the likes of the University of Cambridge and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology indicate that empathy and altruism may be characteristics of species ranging from squirrels to sea lions. Consider the adventures of Finnegan, a squirrel that had fallen out of its nest and into the loving abode of Seattle resident Debby Cantlon. Her pregnant papillon, Mademoiselle Giselle, adopted the injured squirrel, pulling its cage close to her own dog bed. Giselle continued to care for Finnegan after she had her own litter, literally nursing the squirrel back to health. “The drive to nurture and be nurtured is strong, particularly when an animal has lost its baby or parent. This story is a perfect example of the mothering instinct coming to life,” says Holland. Like many human friendships, some unusual animal pairings develop out of the basic need for companionship. One well-known example is Tarra, an 8,700-pound former circus elephant retired to The Elephant Sanctuary, in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Elephants are known to pair up, but Tarra chose to instead bond with a rescued stray dog named Bella. The two became insepa-

Photo: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio

Model Behavior Seeing firsthand the positive outcomes that various interspecies pairings can yield, some animal trainers are using natural characteristics of one species to influence the behavior of another. A program at the Columbus Zoo, in Ohio, routinely taps into the Zen of dogs to boost the confidence of traveling cheetahs, which, although they are the fastest mammals on land, are also among the most skittish. Animal Programs Director Suzi Rapp has raised several baby cheetahs alongside puppies— most recently, a charismatic golden lab named Carlisle. Carlisle helps the cheetahs keep their cool when Rapp takes them on the road to make TV appearances in support of animal conservation efforts. “If there is a loud noise, the cheetahs will look to

ary spent thousands of dollars to build a special clubhouse to house them. Eight years later, the three animals—each hailing from different continents—still live like blood brothers. If peace between traditionally antagonistic species is possible, the implications for mankind are obvious. When basic needs are met, the instinct to protect or play can trump the urge to grab, neglect or fight. We can all share and get along better when we take responsibility for creating the circumstances to support that ideal. “I joke that we should give my book to politicians to remind them that a lot of good can come from crossing boundaries,” smiles Holland. “Kindness and companionship can mean survival for all kinds of animals; that goes for humans, too.” April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

THE NATURALLY HEALTHY PET

Food and Gifts for you Best Friend

Photo: Barcroft/Frame

rable pals and Tarra proved to be no fair-weather friend: When Bella suffered a spinal cord injury, Tarra stood sentinel at the gate outside the sanctuary office, waiting three weeks for Bella before she could be carried outside for a happy reunion.

Carlisle for his reaction. The dog has a ‘whatever’ attitude that the cheetahs in turn adopt,” says Rapp, who notes that the program has been so successful she wouldn’t ever consider raising a cheetah without a canine again. “Because they were raised together, the cheetahs believe that Carlisle is one of their littermates and don’t think of him as a dog,” explains Rapp. “They cuddle, play and sleep together.” Rapp is quick to caution that an unknown adult dog thrown in with the cheetahs wouldn’t last long, however. Tales of mismatched orphans underscore the importance of introducing different species to each other while they’re young. Baloo, the bear, Leo, the lion, and Shere Khan, the tiger, were each just two months old when they were rescued during a residential drug raid. Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center, in Locust Grove, Georgia, took old ad in the trio, and the “BLT” (bear, lion and tiger) became so close that the sanctu-

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THE NATURALLY HEALTHY PET

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December 2011

I know you make a yummy cupcake. But let’s talk about the other things that make your place so popular?

Inga Finch Photography.

The FASCINATORS Series

I believe our work environment and staff make it feel like you are with family. Our customers extend that feeling throughout the community by sharing our delightful heartwarming cupcakes with their family and friends. We know that our community is also hungry for creative, smart fun, so we’ve built a space with unique artwork by local artist Julie Guyot, and share our space with Textures, a local gift market full of unique and original handcrafted gifts made by mostly local and regional artists. Because our cupcake recipe is exclusive, and our cupcakes are made from scratch each and every day, we can accommodate those with food allergies, or personal preferences by offering vegan, gluten-free, and sugar free cupcakes.

Jean Bates: Moxie and Frosting in MidTown by Deanna A. Mims

he focus of The Fascinators this quarter is to introduce to you an interesting woman who had the chutzpah to make her dream happen in the most delicious way: Jean Bates.

Jean, will you tell us where you came from, a little about your background? I’m originally from Bradenton, Florida. I came to Tallahassee in 1991 to play softball for TCC, then went to FSU and graduated in 1997 with a degree in Recreation and Leisure. I spent the next 10 years or so working for several restaurants in town, like Chez Pierre, Taste Buds, and a three-year tour of duty at Fresh Market. I then decided to go back to FSU to obtain my MBA. It was there, and after a trip to Europe that I came up with a brilliant idea to open up Tallahassee’s one and only exclusive cupcake shop!

I know it well! Tell me what’s special about your place? We are Lucy and Leo’s the one and only exclusive Cupcakery in Tallahassee Florida. We make divine cupcakes with our one of a kind recipe and have unique flavors that will knock your socks off! We also do special orders and customize our cupcakes for our customers allowing them to choose their cupcake and icing flavor, the color scheme of their choice, and the embellishments to decorate. At Lucy and Leo’s we love cupcakes because it celebrates the individual. 32

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

Inga Finch Photography.

So what’s the story behind the name? Leo is a pointer/bulldog mix and our dog, and Lucy is a black basset hound/lab mix that lives with our neighbor. Both Lucy and Leo were adopted from the Leon County Humane Society.

Who is your ‘typical’ customer, and how do they know about you? There is no such thing as a typical customer at Lucy and Leos Cupcakery. Our audience is broad and we bring in customers from all over. We have ‘likes’ on Facebook from over 18 different countries. To spread the word, we don’t set a marketing budget, instead we utilize found marketing. Marketing opportunities continually present themselves to us in the form of charity events, donation requests, and joint ventures. One thing many people know and comment about is our 2nd place win on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Also, we recently won an e2e Connect Dandi Award as Rising Star Entrepreneur, and received Honorable Mention for being an outstanding bakery from Best of Tallahassee.

It’s great you give back to our community. What

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kinds of non-profits do you support? To name a few we have hosted the Animal Shelter Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Walk for a Cure, as well as the SMART Ride benefiting Aids Foundations throughout Florida. We donate five to ten dozen cupcakes each month to different charitable organizations.

I appreciate that you do that. Ok, ready? Here are some questions I (almost) always ask: What are five things you can’t live without? • My 14-year-old daughter Madeline Jean Horgan. • My dog Leo. • My spectacular friends and coworkers. • My bike. • My iphone.

When was the moment you realized “I’ve finally made it”? I knew I finally made it when I was asked to be on national television by Food Network.

What is the most humbling experience you’ve ever had that helped you get to where you are today?

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The most humbling experience for me was the shocking reality of the job market upon graduating with an MBA. I knew I had to create my own job so I did! =)

What is your pet peeve? My biggest pet peeve is when someone does not do what they say they are going to do.

Where could we find you about and about in town? You could always find me in Midtown! Some of my favorite places are Krew de Gras, Midtown Filling Station, and of course, the stellar front porch of Lucy and Leos Cupcakery! Deanna A. Mims - MarketDone www. marketdone.com, 425.5240. natural awakenings

December 2011

ongoing calendar sunday Unity Eastside Services – 9:30 and 11am. Celebration Service and Youth Ministry. 8551 Buck Lake Rd. 850-656-1678, www.transformingourworld. org. Unity of Tallahassee Services – 9:30 & 11am Rev. Bill Williams. Dial-a-Thought 850-562-3766. 2850 Unity Lane, 850-562-5744, www.UnityofTallahassee.org. Pagan Picnic and Red Hills Pagan Council Meeting – 11 am on the second Sunday of each month. Our new location is the Divine Union Spiritual Co-op, 641-B McDonnel Drive in Railroad Square. Come meet local Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, Druids and other Earth worshippers. Bring a potluck dish to share, plates and utensils. Come for the picnic and stay for the RHPC monthly meeting at noon. Tallahassee Buddhist Book Discussion/Meditation Group. 1 to 2pm. Meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday in the Barnes N Noble Cafe in the Tallahassee Mall. Please contact Stacey Turknett for more information stayc1977@yahoo.com or 850-656-7066.

monday Tallahassee Edible Garden Club – every first Monday. Meeting at the pavilion in Winthrop Park behind the tennis courts. 1601 Mitchell Ave. just off Thomasville Road and Betton Road. No RSVP necessary - for questions or to get on their email list contact the Edible Garden Club at Elizabeth. markovich@gmail.com. Yoga to Feel Good. 5:30-7pm. This class combines postures with inward focus, conscious breathing and meditative awareness to support us in moving from the periphery of our being to the center. As the process unfolds, tension is released, the body relaxes, the mind calms and the Light within begins to burn a little brighter! $80 -8 weeks, drop-ins welcome. Episcopal Church of the Advent 815 Piedmont Drive. www. lakulishyogatallahassee. com call 222-0291 or email JoAnna joannadevi@ earthlink.net.

tation punctuated by short periods of either walking meditation or mindful Yoga. Each meeting concludes with a short session of question and answers. If you have no meditation experience, please arrive 20 minutes before the meeting for basic meditation instructions. For more information see us at www.tallahasseebuddhistcommunity.org/ mondayevenings.html. Located at the Tallahassee Buddhist Community in Railroad Square -- 647 McDonnell Drive.

tuesday Apalachee Beekeepers meets every second Tuesday at Leon County Extension Office on Paul Russell Road. Business at 6:30 and program at 7pm. The Apalachee Beekeepers are a knowledgeable and friendly group. They love to help new beekeepers get started. Go to their website for more details at http://sites.google.com/site/apalacheebee. Healing Arts Alliance Meeting – 7-8:30pm 2nd Tues each month. Educational meeting open to all interested in healing arts. Email SusieHowell333@ comcast.net to get meeting announcements. www. healingartsalliance.org.

classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Get Your Business Online. Generate New Leads/Stay in Contact with Your Customers. Site & Hosting $37mth www.LeadGenWebsites.net. Currently publishing NATURAL AWAKENINGS magazines - For sale in Birmingham, AL; North Central FL; Lexington, KY; Santa Fe, NM; Cincinnati, OH; Tulsa, OK; Northeast PA; Columbia, SC; Southwest VA. Call for details 239-530-1377.

CHiCKENS AND LIVESTOCK Are you a local organic egg provider? If so, please post your contact information on the Facebook fan page for Natural Awakenings magazine – Tallahassee. People are asking.

Life Exercise - 9:30–10:30am (also Thurs). Aerobics, light weights, stretching. Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St, 850-891-4000. Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. 891-4000.

Blood Pressure Screenings - 10am-12 Noon (also Wed & Thurs). Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St, 850-891-4000. Tallahassee Senior Center. 1400 N. Monroe St. 891-4000.

Mindful Movement Fitness Class. 9:30-10:30am. Gather with friends once a week for this Tai Chi program to improve balance, gait and strength. Class also focuses on reducing risk of falling, better breath control, improving physical dexterity, and self-confidence. Taught by Lori Roberts. Orange Ave. Community Center (2710 Country Club Drive) 891-4000.

wednesday

Brain-Body-Memory Balance. 10:00 – 11:00 am. Dynamic and fun low-impact exercise that improves memory, strength and balance. Bring water bottle and wear comfortable clothing. Taught by Kathy Gilbert. Optimist Park Community Center, East Indianhead Dr. 891-4009.

Men in Unity. Meets at 11:45 am on the second Tuesday of each month at Honey-Baked Ham, on Capital Circle near Mahan Drive.

Brain-Body- Memory Balance. 2:00-3:00 pm. Low-impact, seated exercise. Bring water bottle and wear comfortable clothing. Heritage Oaks. 891-4000. Blood Pressure Screenings. 10am-Noon (also Tues & Thurs). Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St, 850-891-4000.

Brain-Body-Memory Balance. 1:30-2:30pm. Low impact, seated exercise. Taught by Kathy Gilbert. Bring water bottle and wear comfortable clothing. Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. 891-4000.

Blood Glucose Screenings. 10:00 am - Noon. Gentle yoga at Unity Eastside. 10:30-11:45am.  Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St, Drop-ins welcome. Please contact Geralyn Russell 891-4000. at 878-2843 or yogawithgeralyn@yahoo.com. Tibetan Chenrezig Meditation. The Buddha of Intermediate Yoga. 5:30-7:30. How do you extract Compassion. Chanting, prayer and meditation in the the elixir of contentment from the ocean of events Tibetan tradition. Open to all. Meets 7-8PM. Located in your life, rather than the poison of anger and at the Tallahassee Buddhist Community in Railroad greed? We will take a deeper look at the yamas - the Square, 647 McDonnell Dr. 445-0387. first step of yoga, and then do breathing and postures. Please call or email if interested in this class. Drop-ins are not permitted due to the popularity of this class. $90 for 8 weeks at the Sanctuary 2824 Par Lane off Blairstone South. www.lakulishyogatallahassee.com call 222-0291 or email JoAnna joannadevi@earthlink.net.

Spiritual Growth/Study Group based on the Edgar Cayce readings. 7pm . Join us or let us help you start your own group. Genevieve Blazek - (850) 893-3269.

Seated NIA Yoga (Neuromuscular Intergrative Action). 11:00 am-Noon. Taught by Lori Roberts, certified NIA yoga instructor. Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. 891-4000.

Chan/Zen Group meets at 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. There are two 20-minute periods of seated medi-

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

www.natallahassee.com

Gentle Yoga. 6:00-7:00pm. $12 per class. Gentle stretches to open the body and deepen the breath followed up by a short, guided relaxation/meditation, a perfect addition to the middle of the week to glide smoothly to the finish! Drop-ins welcome. At the Sanctuary 2824 Par Lane off Blairstone South. www.lakulishyogatallahassee.com call 222-0291 or email JoAnna joannadevi@earthlink.net. Prayer and meditation with Dr. Patty Ball Thomas, L.U.T. Noon. Unity Eastside, 8551 Buck Lake Road, admin@unity-eastside.org 656-1678.

Blood Pressure Screenings. 10am-Noon (also Tues & Wed). Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. 891-4000. Tallahassee Pagan Meetup - Second Thursday of each month at 7 pm. Come meet local Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, Druids and other practitioners of New-Age spirituality and religion! Make friends, share stories and exchange knowledge. For more information check out http://pagan.meetup.com/1296/ or email KrazyPagan@aol.com. Crystal Connection, 1105 Apalachee Parkway.

thursday

friday

Life Exercise. 9:30 –10:30am (also Tues). Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St, 891-4000.

Chair Yoga: 11 a.m. – Noon, by Certified Yoga Instructors Bridget Kamke. A gentle yoga workout for increased mobility, bladder control, self-esteem, and mental focus. Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. 891-4000.

Holiday Shopping in Downtown Thomasville ~ Every Friday until Christmas! Downtown Thomasville shops, boutiques & restaurants open late with specials, entertainment and more! Contact 229-2277020, www.downtownthomasville.com, Chanting and Meditation. 7-9pm on Second Friday of the month. Enrich your spiritual practice! Join Jeffji in singing easy-to-learn chants from eastern and western traditions. Donations will benefit the church. Unity Eastside, 8551 Buck Lake Road, 656-1678. Drumming Circle. 7-9 p.m. on Third Fridays in the Children’s House behind Unity Eastside’s main building. A willing heart, moving hands and a loving participation is all that’s needed. Some percussion instruments may be provided, but it if you have a drum, please bring it. Contact Mike Smith at msmithdrummerboy37@gmail.com for information. Unity Eastside, 8551 Buck Lake Road, www. unity-eastside.org 656-1678.

saturday Fifty Fabulous & Fit. 10:00 - 11:30am. Come enjoy creative movement dance class for women 50+. Creative movement is infused with ballet, West African and modern dance for good clean fun, exercise and bonding with other women. 2328 Apalachee Parkway, Suite 5 (behind Papa John’s Pizza). For information 850-545-9835 or www. journeytodance.com. The CrossRoads Shih Tzu Rescue Adoptions Event. 11am-2pm every second Saturday. Hosted by The Naturally Healthy Pet. 1850 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee. For more information call 850576-7387, or got to www.tallahasseepetstore.com or visit their Facebook page. Local Business Saturday. Local Business Saturday will take place on the 2nd Saturday of every month in 2011 and is intended to increase public awareness of the value of shopping locally. Mayor John Marks -- in collaboration with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, Locally Owned Tallahassee, Market District Tallahassee and other local business leaders -- launched the ‘Local Business Saturday’ initiative. Come on out and support locally owned businesses! Train Rides at Veterans Memorial Park. The second Sat. of each month. 11:00-3:00pm. NW Theo Jacobs Road, Bristol, FL 32321. For more information check out www.VeteransMemorialRailroad. org and YouTube - Veteran’s Memorial Railroad for video footage of the train in action! Chen Style Tai Chi. 9-10:30am. FREE. Class is suitable for practitioners of all skill levels. www. webdharma.com/taiji. Please email for additional information to: alannah1000@yahoo.com. Located at the Tallahassee Buddhist Community, 647 McDonnell Drive. Tallahassee Farmers Market at Market Square. 8am – 5pm. Year-round. rain or shine. Early Birds get the best selection! The oldest farmers market in Tallahassee. Growers and resellers. Organic and conventionally grown. 1415 Timberlane Rd Tallahassee.

natural awakenings

December 2011

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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email TallaAdvertising@naturalawakeningsmag.com to request our media kit. ART THERAPY Licia Berry, Integrative Artist

www.liciaberry.com licia@liciaberry.com (719) 850-1890

An artist and art educator with a passion for Jungian psychology, indigenous values, symbolism and writing (and over 25 years of professional experience), Licia blends visual image, written and spoken word, and healing and intuitive arts in original, unique art that reveal profound truths. Licia offers specialty commissioned collages for Rite of Passage, “Message from Spirit”, Birthday, Midlife, and Initiation into New Cycle (wonderful gifts!), playshops and customized Collage Retreats. With an international following on her Blog, FaceBook and Twitter, Licia’s genuine messages of self love and inner wisdom are gently affirming seekers all over the globe.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY healthy solutions, inc. Rick Ferrall, lmt, 850-294-8069 521 E. College Ave., TLH 32301 www.healthy_solutions@comcast.net

CranioSacral Therapy addresses scoliosis, chronic fatigue and MS, infant disorders, learning disabilities, orthopedic problems, emotional difficulties, chronic neck/back pain, stress and tension related problems, TMJ, brain/spinal cord injuries, and cancer issues. MA24604 / MM11960

HEALING Healing Path Alice McCall

Advanced Energy Healer & Counselor BS Psychology, MBA, Hypnotherapist www.healingpath.info: 850-585-5496

I offer phone sessions, specializing in healing serious health issues and unwanted patterns. My book ‘Wellness Wisdom’ has little known information on natural health and healing; inspired by my journey with cancer. Free 15 minutes phone consultation to learn how I can help you.

HEALTHCARE FLORIDA WELLNESS CENTER OF TALLAHASSEE 850.385.6664 2339 North Monroe Street (next to Boston Market) www.floridawellnessandrehab.com

At Florida Wellness & Rehabilitation Centers we are committed to keeping up with the latest technologies and treatments to provide our patients with the best rehabilitative experience possible. We believe in educating and encouraging our patients to take an active role in their own treatment.

Integrative Healthcare

N. Elizabeth Markovich, MSN, ARNP 850-878-4434 2016 Delta Blvd. Suite 100 Tallahasee 32308 www.IHCFL.com

We offer primary care, preventive care with a holistic approach. We use special testing with 11 outside laboratories to help find the cause of chronic illness and use a functional medicine approach (www. functionalmedicine.org). We also have hypnosis combined with acupuncture by IB Price MD, massage and cranio-sacral therapy by Angele LaGrave LMT and Nutritional Counseling by Leah Gilbert-Henderson PhD nutrition.Accept Medicare, Blue Cross, Universal, Aetna, others.

HEALTHY PET

NEW GENESIS CENTER Patrice Bullock, MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner-C www.NewGenesisCenter.com 229-228-9050

A healthcare center-Functional medicine, patient-centered approach, non-drug, science-based, results oriented. Getting to the source of your health problems rather than bandaiding. Simple to complex problems. Skin care, digestive problems to the more complex health problems such as Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Chemical Sensitivity. Extraordinary results & health transformation. Functional medicine approach consults, hormone testing, detoxification, weight loss, expert skincare consult & prof. treatments, colonics, far-infrared sauna, physical therapy, massage therapy,

HYPNOSIS DARLENE TREESE, Ph.D.

State Board Licensed 850-201-0073

Diplomate in Sports Counseling, National Institute of Sports Professionals. Past President, American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis Association. e-Therapy and TherapyChat/Office-Based Hypnosis and Life Coaching/ Professional Seminar Training www.AskDrTreese.com

The Naturally Healthy Pet

Owners, Basil Cousins & Jerry Ayers 1850 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, Fl 32303 850-576-7387 tnhpet@gmail.com www.tallahasseepetstore.com

The Naturally Healthy Pet is a unique pet supply store with a mission to provide the finest quality nutrition for dogs and cats. The store provides an eclectic assortment of Holistic, Grain-free dry and wet diets, 100% organic raw pet foods with no preservatives, hormones, chemicals, fillers or additives. There are also treats like natural bakerystyle cookies, rawhide and antler chews, as well as an abundant selection of toys, leashes and other pet gifts. We passionately support pet issues such as adoptions, spay/neuter programs, pet therapy and training programs.

HOLISTIC HEALTH Fertile Crescent Reiki Center Susie Howell, Reiki Master Miccosukee Land Co-op Tallahassee, FL 850-877-0371

INTERGRATIVE MEDICINE Archbold Integrative Medicine Center

John Mansberger, MD, Medical Director. 229-228-7008; 2705 E. Pinetree Blvd. #C, Thomasville, GA 31792.

A holistic team approach to a variety of medical problems. Offering acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, pain relief, natural hormone replacement, Cancer therapy, nutrition, weight control, herbal medicine, yoga and physical therapy. www.archbold.org.

Tallylife

IPHONE APP

Tallahassee’s 1st Local Mobile Town Guide.

Susie Howell began practicing Reiki in 1986 and has been an Usui Master since 1995. She offers treatments and classes in a beautiful, peaceful setting, usually spread out over three days. The Usui System of Reiki Healing is a way of working with sacred energy to enhance natural healing. Reiki seeks to bring about integrity on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. It works well with other healing modalities, including allopathic medicine. Learning Reiki is simple and direct; it requires no prior training. See Calendar of Events for info on upcoming class.

The Tallylife website features all the people, places and events happening in Florida’s Capital City. All your event listings are free and can be easily uploaded via the website.Download the FREE iPhone app and soon to be released Droid app! www.tallylife. com

natural awakenings

December 2011

UNITY OF TALLAHASSEE

REAL ESTATE

PHOTOGRAPHY

2850 Unity Lane, TLH, 850-562-5744, Rev. Bill Williams, Minister,

REAL ESTATE TEAM - KW

Ansley Studio

Debbie Leo - 273-9306 Jennifer Stowell - 567-3223

Ansley Simmons artist . photographer . owner 229.224.6021 • www.AnsleyStudio.com

You can have a green home or find a green home for your family’s health and future. If you’re looking to buy or sell, call Debbie Leo and Jenn Stowell! Your Tallahassee Keller Williams agents.

Specializing in portraits & weddings. MFA in Photography, Arts Administration Doctoral Student, Art Museum Education Certificate Florida State University

A ministry that seeks inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and finds common ground with spiritual masters from other traditions. We invite you to join us. Sunday Services 9:30 & 11 AM. Youth Education 11 AM. Wednesday Service at Noon.

YOGA WORSHIP PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

LAKULISH YOGA

UNITY EASTSIDE

8551 Buck Lake Road, TLH, 850-656-1678 Rev. Jean Debarbieris Owen, Minister www,unity-eastside.org www.facebook.com- unityeastsidechurch

Southeastern community blood ctr. 1-800-722-2218. Located in Tallahassee; Marianna, FL; Thomasville & Douglas, GA. scbcinfo.org

Rev. Jean believes the love of God is unfolding in each person, place, Thing. Join us in Worship: Celebration Service 9:30AM and 11:00AM; Youth Ministry 11AM, noon prayer Wed.

Blood donors save lives. Is there any greater reward? Save Lives. Give Blood. M-F, 9am–6pm. (Sat. hours in Tallahassee: 9am–1pm)

www.lakulishyogatallahassee.com 850-273-1861 joannadevi@earthlink.net

Yoga is so much more than the postures we are so familiar with --- yoga is the science of the soul --- our ultimate journey! Come and explore yoga with us. We offer hatha yoga classes, chanting with Om Sweet Om, a Bhagavad Gita study group, summer yoga camp for children and periodic workshops to delve deeper into the classical 8-step path to liberation. We are dedicated to upholding the integrity of the original teachings in a loving and sacred environment.

Open the Door to Your New Home YOU CAN HAVE A GREEN HOME OR FIND A GREEN HOME FOR YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH AND FUTURE

n Free Comparative Market Analysis of your home n

Free Consultation for buyers or sellers

n Free consultation on how to make your home eco-friendly If you’re looking to buy or sell, call Debbie Leo and Jenn Stowell!

Tallahassee’s Mother and Daughter Real Estate Team would love to HELP YOU FIND A HOME

Ask us how you can make a more eco-friendly purchase! 38

Debbie 273-9306 Jennifer 567-3223

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast

www.natallahassee.com

Creative marketing • Strategic networking Public Relations outreach Project management Special events planning Product and service representation DEANNA MIMS

850.425.5240 DMIMS@MARKETDONE.COM WWW.MARKETDONE.COM

savethedate Advertisers – up to 5 free listings. Nonadvertisers – $10 each for Calendar of Events listings and $10 each for On-Going Calendar listings. Listings must be emailed to natallahassee@yahoo.com. Classified listings are $1 per word.

Friday, December 2 Café Night & Art Showcase Trolley. 6:00 - 9:00 pm. FREE! It’s very easy for the holidays to redefine the meaning of hectic. Take this Friday off from errands to sit back and enjoy life music, and a good cup of coffee. Should the mood strike you, hop on the Art Showcase Trolley to visit local art galleries. Tickets are only $5 a person. New Leaf Market, 1235 Apalachee Pkwy, 850-942-2557, www. newleafmarket.coop.

Saturday, December 3 Circulation Day at Unity Eastside. 9am- Noon. Clean out your closets, make room for your Christmas decorations. Bring your unwanted or old items to Unity Eastside for recycle, circulation day. Unity Eastside is located at 8551 Bucklake Road, Tallahassee.

Tuesday, December 6 Law of Attraction & Relationships. 7:45-9:00 pm. FREE! Pamela Chamberlyn’s class will focus on using law of attraction (LOA) skills to create the quality of relationships you want. LOA skills are valuable in transforming difficult and challenging relationships, they also help you to consciously create and manifest the personal relationships you’ve always wanted, and know in your heart that you deserve. New Leaf Market, 1235 Apalachee Pkwy, 850-942-2557, www. newleafmarket.coop.

Thursday, December 8 Victorian Christmas in Downtown Thomasville. Thursday & Friday, 6:00pm – 10:00pm. Take an unforgettable journey back in time to 1890s when life was simple and true Christmas spirit reigned. Enjoy horse drawn carriages, strolling carolers, holiday shopping, dancers, musicians, museums, food and holiday delicacies, and of course, St. Nicholas. Contact: 229-228-7977, www.thomasvillega.com.

Friday, December 9 Abundance Wellness Center Holiday Open House. 4:00pm – 8:00pm. The annual Holiday Open House and Art Extravaganza occurs every second Friday in December of each year. Local artists and vegetarian refreshments (including wine and beer) will be available for a festive community gathering and early holiday shopping. Help us contribute to the local economy in a positive way! This year AWC is sponsoring ‘A Bag for Hope’ so that they may build a playground for the children of Hope Community. Abundance Wellness Center is at 325 John Knox Road, Building T, Suite 1, Tallahassee. For more information, check out their website at http://www. awc-tallahassee.com/.

Saturday, December 10 Plantation Family Christmas at Pebble Hill.

Saturday & Sunday, 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Bring the whole family for a Plantation Family Christmas at Pebble Hill. Admission price of $20 per vehicle. The plantation will be decked out for the holidays with glorious decorations in the Main House and on the grounds. Visit with Santa; leave your letter in his mailbox. Take a wagon ride and make-n-take a craft project. Enjoy the music and hear a story. If you get hungry, holiday treats will be available so you can purchase a light supper or just a snack. Contact: 229-226-2344, info@pebblehill.com, www.pebblehill.com.

Sunday, December 11 Unity Eastside Church at the 11:00 am service. Youth Christmas Program- “The Misunderstood Christmas.” Unity Eastside- 8551 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee.

Tuesday, December 13 Make Your Own Sushi. 7:45-8:45 pm. $5 owners, $7 non-owners. Pre-payment required, limit 12. Join self-taught sushi expert Barry Courtney as he shares his enthusiasm for the avocado roll. Students will learn how to make sushi rice and practice rolling sushi. Yes, students can and will sample their creations! New Leaf Market, 1235 Apalachee Pkwy, 850-942-2557, www.newleafmarket.coop.

Wednesday, December 14 10 Tips for Instantly Better Photos, photography class being offered at 7:00pm in Tallahassee at 621 Gallery. Inspired by Khara Plicanic’s new book, Your Camera Loves You: Learn to Love it Back, this free 1-hour class welcomes everyone with a camera, whether a total beginner or a more experienced hobbyist. As a bonus, at 4:30 pm the same day, Khara invites professional wedding photographers to join her in adopting a Wickedly Fast Wedding Workflow. The 621 Gallery is located at 621 Industrial Drive in Railroad Square. For more information go to http://www.theuntour.com/.

Thursday, December 15 Meditation and Mindfulness. 10:30 – 11:30 am. Now offered monthly on the 3rd Thursdays, these workshops will introduce you to some of the secrets of the timeless art of meditation. It will help you feel calmer, more focused and balanced. Mats optional. Taught by Leslie Hanks Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. 891-4000.

Saturday, December 17 The Nutcracker, a production by the Tallahassee Ballet. Saturday, December 17th at 10:30am Children’s Abbreviated.* Saturday, December 17th at 8:00 pm - Opening Night with Orchestra Sunday, December 18th at 2:30pm - Matinee with Orchestra. Indulge yourself in one of the holiday seasons most treasured and adored performances. Presenting Tallahassee’s finest dancers and The Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra, this abundant production is nothing short of extravagant, from the Dew Drop Fairy and the Rat King, to the handsome prince and dancing snowflakes. The duration of the Abbreviated Children’s Program is specially crafted to accommodate the attention span of younger audiences, while preserving the quality and integrity of the production. The following dances will not be performed at the Saturday

The Unfolding Self. A new seminar beginning January 30 – March 5th. 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Hosted by Anne Bewley, PhD. at the United Church in Tallahassee, 1834 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee. A Personal Growth Seminar which will explore who you are as a Spiritual Being experiencing a human life. Early bird registration price is $150 up until January 5th. For information and to register, call 850-274-6345 or go to anne.bewley@ gmail.com.

savethedate Saturday – Monday, January 21 – 23, 2012 First Degree Reiki class. Usui Shiki Ryoho. Saturday, 10 – 5:30; Sunday, 2 – 5:00; Monday, 6:30 - 9:30. $150. Become empowered to treat yourself and others during this first degree Reiki class! During a Reiki treatment, Universal Life Energy is drawn through the hands of the practitioner by the person receiving the treatment. This generally results in deep relaxation and a sense of being held with love. In this process, the energy of both the practitioner and the person receiving the treatment tends to become more balanced. For more information or to register, contact Susie: 850-877-0371 or SusieHowell333@ comcast.net.

morning performance: Arabian, Shepherdesses, and Waltz of the Flowers. The performance will be held at the Ruby Diamond Auditorium, FSU, on both Saturday the 17th & Sunday the 18th.

Sunday, December 18 Christmas Concert and Sing-A-Long. 6:00pm. Join us for the Unity Music Ministry Christmas Concert, followed by a group sing-a-long of all your favorite Christmas carols. Unity Eastside, located at 8551 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee.

Tuesday, December 20 HAPPY HANUKKAH!!

Sunday, December 22 WINTER SOLSTICE – the beginning of Winter and the shortest day of the year!

Sunday, December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Pajama Christmas Day Service. 10:00AM SERVICE ONLY- Join us for this fun family service. Wear your pajamas, and celebrate a family Christmas Service together. Unity Eastside, located at 8551 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee.

Monday, December 26 HAPPY KWANZAA!!

Saturday, December 31 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

natural awakenings

December 2011

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oys for Tots help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. Donation drop-off sites around Tallahassee include: Capital City Bank, Chiliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, FAMU, FL Highway Patrol, Leon High School, Premier Health & Fitness, Walgreens, etc. Please go to their website for the complete list of 56 drop-off locations!

For more information about volunteering contact Sgt. Brittany Edmonds (850) 570-6172 or http://tallahassee-fl.toysfortots.org 40

Tallahassee, S. Georgia, Gulf Coast