NATampaDec2014

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Awakening Humanity

Sacred Activism Can-Do Kids Making Miracles Toxin-Free Beauty Salons Co-Sleeping with Pets

December 2014 | Tampa Bay-Edition | natampa.com

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301 Turner Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

Are you read y to final ly be as well & healt hy as y ou shoul d be ?

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contents 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.

24 OPENING UP

TO MIRACLES

26

Gabrielle Bernstein on Creating More Happiness

by April Thompson

26 SACRED ACTIVISM

Love in Action Can Change the World

by Judith Fertig

29 HYMN TO LIVING IN SILENCE

32

by Robert Rabbin

30 SINGING THE

WORLD AWAKE

by Tom Kenyon

2015 SEASON

BUY ALL THREE AND SAVE!*

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* A $10 handling fee per order will be added.

by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

TUE • JAN 20

Changing Our World at Any Age

©Steve Winter

with Steve Winter Photographer

34

34 CAN-DO KIDS

by Ellen Sabin

36 HAPPY FEASTING

©Carsten Peter

with Carsten Peter Photographer

TUE • FEB 17

ISLANDS OF OBSESSION ©Jim RIchardson

with Jim Richardson Photojournalist

TUE • MAR 31

STRAZ CENTER S

6

BEAUTY SALONS

Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe

ON THE TRAIL OF BIG CATS

EXTREME PLANET

@

32 TOXIN-FREE

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A SHOW.

813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG

Tampa Bay Edition

TO ALL

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit

by Lane Vail

40 PET BED-BUDDIES

Is Sleeping Together Healthy?

by Erik J. Martin

www.natampa.com

40

16

10 newsbriefs 16 healthbriefs

20 globalbriefs

20

24 wisewords

29 inspiration 30 healingways 32 greenliving 34 healthykids

23

36 consciouseating 40 naturalpet 42 fitbody 44 calendar

advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please visit www.natampa.com or contact us at 727—865—9339. Ads due the 15th of the month.

Editorial submissions Advertisers email articles and news briefs to dwilson@ natampa.com. Editorial due the 10th of the month. We reserve the right to edit all submissions if necessary. calendar submissions Advertisers email calendar events to dwilson@natampa. com by 15th of the month for magazine. Everyone go to natampa.com to submit events on-line for inclusion in web based calendar. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 727-865-9339. For franchising opportunities call 239—530—1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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natural awakenings

December 2014

7

letterfrompublisher

T

his month we welcome the winter solstice to our snug community on the Bay. Once again, this magazine is packed with news and views supportive of the continuing growth of the natural health movement.

In “Sacred Activism” (page 26), writer Judith Fertig underscores the power of love, spirit and unity in actions we take. In this month’s Conscious Eating department (page 36), writer Lane Vail suggests “Happy Feasting to All”, including ways to highlight and revitalize the spiritual nature of this extraordinary season.

Check out the family fun scheduled this month at the Florida Aquarium (FLAquarium.org). Meet Santa and his animal friends at “Breakfast with Santa” activities on the 20th.

December 26 through 30 the Aquarium’s Holiday FantaSea events promise a real snow play area for the kids, light shows, holiday themed activities and more.

On December 31, First Night again fires up in downtown St. Petersburg, welcoming 2015 to our shoreline. This now traditional Bay Area gathering is a grand combination of treats for people of all ages, all done in a festive, artistic kind of way.

See FirstNightStPete.com/schedule for the multitude of things they have planned. With love, the possibilities are limitless!

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and perfect holiday. As always, open your mind and read on.

contact us Publisher/Sales: Debbey Wilson, dwilson@natampa.com Phone: 727.865.9339 • Fax: 727.864.5599 Editor: Cheryl Hynes Contributing Editor: Eleanor L. Bailey Franchise Sales: Toll Free 877—530—1377 © 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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

8

Tampa Bay Edition

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natural awakenings

December 2014

9

newsbriefs Yogi Training at St. Pete Yoga Begins January, Enroll Now

F

or over 25 years St. Petersburg Yoga has been an enduring beacon of authentic yoga in St. Pete. Recently expanded, the studio is now the largest Yoga and Meditation School in Florida as well as the only studio with all 500 Level Instructors.

Their next Yogi Training session begins January 3, and it’s not just for experienced yogis. This program is for anyone looking to use yoga to Self-discover, and who feels that the timing is right to transform their lives!

Students will embark on a transformative 6-month personal journey, taught by 10 of the most experienced yogis in the area, and along the way gain Self-mastery using a broad range of yoga styles, including: Therapeutic, Restorative, Power, Ashtanga, Classics, Meditation, Swing/Aerial, Nutrition/Herbology, Yogi Life Coaching, Yoga for the Mind.

Students receive a 200 or 500 hour Yoga Alliance Certificate at program completion.

The training is flexible in curriculum, schedule, and payment, designed to help students take the program at their own pace.

Space is limited. Interested students should contact the studio now to apply and enroll, 727-894-9642, Info@StPeteYoga.com, StPeteYoga.com, 2842 Dr. MLK St. N. (located above Rollin’ Oats). See ad page 6.

Warm Sea Acupuncture & Herbal Pharmacy Offers Monthly Tune-Ups

D

o you take your car in for scheduled maintenance services, oil changes, engine tune-ups, tire rotation? Why? Because you want to keep it running as best it can. You want it to be fuel efficient. And, of course, you’d like it to last a long time.

Now, consider your personal vehicle—your body, a bit more important than a car, even more deserving of care.

Having regular acupuncture for healthy body maintenance keeps you running smoothly, helps ward off illness, and keeps your parts from falling apart. It makes you feel better and more energetic. Look at the average ages achieved by eastern cultures; evidence indicates that acupuncture does a body good.

Warm Sea Acupuncture is now using the amazing AcuGraph system to analyze, view, and document the energetic status of acupuncture meridians. For Well-Care, they follow this with the recommended acupuncture treatment relevant to the readings. Doing this on a regular basis, an hour each month or two, will greatly improve your smile-age.

Jane Anne Myers, RN, LAc, MAc. AP, is a Florida licensed Acupuncture Physician with over 30 years’ experience in healthcare. Warm Sea Acupuncture is located at 531 Main St., Suite D, Safety Harbor. Call to schedule your tune-up 727-726-1676. See ad page 45.

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LifeWorks Introduces Cell Therapy

L

ifeWorks Wellness Center, one of the foremost alternative health clinics in the U.S., has recently introduced cell therapy, a protocol which can help in rejuvenating and restoring function to aging tissue and poorly functioning organs. This type of cell therapy uses specific organ or tissue cells (heart, liver, adrenal, etc.) from embryonic animals since most animal cells are very similar to human cells.

LifeWorks’ co-founder and Medical Director, Dr. David Minkoff, explains, “The theory is that healthy animal cells taken from one of the animal’s organs, e.g. the liver, will find their way to the weak or damaged liver of the patient and stimulate the body’s own healing process. The great thing about cell therapy is that it helps almost every condition or situation to improve, from infertility to diabetes to heart conditions and many more.”

Patients are evaluated based on the symptoms they present with, combined with functional and lab testing. If the results indicate a weakness in/or disease of an organ, cell therapy may be included in their protocol. Some patients just want to feel good again, especially those 50+, to increase their stamina and energy and decrease aches, pains and fatigue.

To book an appointment call 727-466-6789; for clinic information, visit LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com. LifeWorks is located at 301 Turner St., Clearwater. See ad page 2.

Peaks of Health Relocates in the New Year

P

eaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center will move to their new state of the art location on January 5, 2015. The 7,000 square foot facility houses massage rooms, procedure room for hormone pellet insertion and other protocols, an urgent care facility, and a library for patients. They have special facilities for chiropractic care and EMC exams for post-motor vehicle accidents.

Their new IV room facility will include an executive work area with Wi-Fi where patients can work at their own desks while receiving an IV therapy. There are also reading and resting areas, and a movie area where patients can watch their favorite show or Netflix, complete with wireless headsets and a big screen high definition television.

Dr. Tracie Leonhardt practices full functional and integrative medicine along with urgent care. She is board certified in Emergency Medicine and an advanced fellow of the American Academy of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Jeanne Bangtson has been practicing functional medicine for over 30 years and specializes in toxicities and infections. Dr. Betty Wedman-St Louis has her Ph.D. in nutrition with over 40 years’ experience.

For more information and to make an appointment, call 727-826-0838. See ad page 9.

natural awakenings

December 2014

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Orthomolecular Offers “Vampire” Facial

O

rthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness Center has been rejuvenating the body on a cellular level for over a decade. For years, they have been pioneers in the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to help their patients regenerate soft tissue damage. As PRP has become world renowned in the field of anti-aging, Orthomolecular is excited to now be offering the new anti-aging PRP “Vampire” Facial with Micro-Needle Dermal Therapy, assisting their patients to feel amazing, not just on the inside, but on the outside as well.

The Vampire Facial is a designer procedure in which the body’s own PRP is used to boost collagen production by delivering concentrated amounts of growth factors, potent platelets and active proteins which heal tissue and stimulate a stem cell response.

Orthomolecular’s trained medical aesthetician applies PRP topically to the skin followed by aeration with their Collagen Induction Therapy System, a process in which the skin is perforated with almost microscopic holes. This allows for transdermal delivery of the PRP. The growth factors in the PRP rejuvenate cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the skin’s tone and texture. This non-surgical treatment helps clients maintain a natural look, appearing rejuvenated and more youthful.

Orthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness Center, 9225 Ulmerton Rd., Suite 312, Largo. Appointments 727-518-9808. See ad right.

12

Tampa Bay Edition

www.natampa.com

Energetic Restructuring Eliminates Root Causes

M

ark Robinson is a Medical Intuitive who uses Energetic Restructuring— dowsing with a pendulum and an extensive system of charts, to research your history in all lives, present and past, and on all planes.

Enlisting the help of the client’s and his Higher Self, Robinson connects with Source and explores the matrix for root causes that are impeding success, happiness and physical well-being. Once the root causes are eradicated, they no longer have negative effects, setting the stage for the client to manifest the spiritual healing needed.

We are here on Earth not only to enjoy the physical realm, but to heal and move forward on our spiritual evolution. Energetic Restructuring offers a way to “fast track” that process. By discovering the true origins of our thoughts, feelings and actions, we can heal physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and environmentally.

Robinson will be doing mini-sessions on Saturday, December 6, at the Evolve Center, 2120 Range Rd., Clearwater, from Noon to 5pm, and Saturday, January 3, 2015, at the Treasure Island Community Center, 1 Park Pl. & 106th Ave., Treasure Island, from 10am to 4pm.

View an informative four-minute video at HazyBlueHealing.com. Sessions available via phone or Skype; call 727-831-6318. See ad page 33.

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What is a Vampire Facial and why is it the talk of the town?

The Vampire Facial is an all-natural, designer procedure in which the body’s own Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which is taken from the patient’s blood, is used to boost collagen and elastin production by delivering concentrated amounts of growth factors, potent platelets and active proteins. Your PRP is applied topically to the skin followed by our Collagen Induction Therapy System, a process in which the skin is perforated with almost microscopic holes. This allows for a trans-dermal delivery of the PRP. The growth factors in the PRP rejuvenate cells, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the skin’s tone and texture, and heal tissue by stimulating a stem cell response. These stem cells work to generate new tissue (smoothness), increase blood flow (glow), create new collagen (fill and rejuvenate) and repair damaged skin while reversing the signs of aging. Let us unlock your own body’s

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Permanent Makeup by Daniela

M

ost people have heard about permanent makeup, read about it in magazines, noticed it on celebrities, or know of a friend or family member who has had it done. In the past few years, more and more women and men with busy lifestyles are seeking permanent makeup.

The benefits of permanent makeup include the reduction / elimination of daily prep-time, adding valuable time to your schedule. It is invaluable for people with eye conditions or shaky or unsteady hands which can inhibit or prevent effective use of traditional makeup.

Permanent Makeup Artist Daniela can help you with perfectly natural-looking eyebrows and eyeliner without the smudging, smearing or running. While women seek eyebrows and eyeliner, men usually seek scalp pigmentation to camouflage receding hairlines.

If you are seriously considering permanent makeup, keep in mind that the outcome depends on the talent and experience of your permanent makeup artist as well as the quality of the materials and equipment used. You are making a lasting change in your appearance; don’t let it be ruined by a price tag.

Permanent Makeup by Daniela is located at 1924 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. N., Suite A, St. Petersburg, 727-2722575, PermanentMakeupByDaniela.com. See ad page 28.

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Tampa Bay Edition

www.natampa.com

Hypnosis-NLP Events Benefit Hospice

Y

our Unlimited Mind 11th annual fundraising events for Hospice, sponsored by UP Hypnosis Institute, take place January 3 and 4, 1 to 5pm, as part of World Hypnotism Day celebrations. Attendees enjoy free continuous educational seminars, demos, and Q&A panels with local experts on Hypnosis, NLP and mind-body therapies. Special guest appearance from the “2014 Hypnotist of the Year,” Arthur Emrich.

Learn how these techniques are being used for chronic pain, stress, immune response, sports, weight, smoking, memory, confidence, anxiety, allergies and more. Quantum physics, neuroplasticity of the brain, and the power of belief and attraction will be discussed, and there will be refreshments and door prizes for everyone. Private sessions are being offered with professional Hypnotherapists when you donate to Hospice during the events.

Patricia V. Scott, Ph.D., event sponsor and president of UP Hypnosis Institute, is a Certified Medical Hypnotherapist, Certified Master Trainer for the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, and Life Fellow with the International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association. She has dedicated herself to educating the public and healthcare professionals in these powerful techniques.

Your Unlimited Mind fundraiser takes place at UP Hypnosis Institute, 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd., Suite A-1, East Lake Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-943-5003, 866-537-7746, UPHypnosis.com.

See ad page 43.

Keeping Pets Safe During the Holidays

T

he holidays are a time for celebration, but many holiday traditions can create trouble for pets. SPCA Tampa Bay has tips for pet owners to ensure pets’ safety during the holidays.

Beware of toxic foods. Chocolate is widely known to be toxic to dogs, but grapes, raisins, onions, caffeine and alcohol are also dangerous. A bone from your meal may seem like a special holiday treat, but cooked bones can splinter and harm your pet.

Be careful with holiday decorations. Whether artificial or natural, decorations can be a hazard. Poinsettias and mistletoe are poisonous—keep them out of reach or avoid them altogether. Don’t leave dogs unattended around decorations as they may become curious.

Be mindful with guests. Pets can be sensitive to loud noises, new people and increased activity. Often they will escape a house unnoticed. Set up a secure place for your dog or cat during a party. Make visitors aware of your pets so they don’t leave doors open or feed them foods that are potentially dangerous.

For personalized tips on keeping your pets safe this holiday season, call SPCA Tampa Bay’s Pet Behavior Tip Line at 727-586-3593 and leave a detailed message. Your call will be returned with 72 hours. See ad page 41.

The Gift of Yoga at Yoga Village

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oga Village has a passion for yoga.

Open seven days a week, they have over 300 classes monthly, and offer many styles of yoga.

For Holiday Season 2014, Yoga Village is offering their best membership special of the year. Take advantage of this special offer and give the gift of yoga to reward yourself or someone you love.

One of the best features of classes at Yoga Village is that their teachers and instruction meet you right where you are.

They offer many beginner-friendly and advanced classes concurrently. The variety and styles of yoga taught include Ashtanga, Amrit, Alignment, Hatha, Hot, Power Kundalini, Prenatal, Baby & Me, Vinyasa Flow and more.

Yoga Village is a place where you can hang your head, drop into your heart, stretch, move, flex and bring your mind, body and spirit into harmony.

For new clients, Yoga Village is offering a 30-day pass, “Explore the Village”, which allows you to take unlimited yoga classes for 30 days. You can explore to find out which style of yoga best fits you.

Yoga Village is located at 2760 Daniel St., Clearwater, 727-712-1475, a place for spirit to grow. More information at YogaVillage.com. See ad page 8 and 17.

natural awakenings

December 2014

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healthbriefs

Calcium Supplements Raise Risk of Brain Lesions

A

Duke University study published in the British Journal of Nutrition this summer found that calcium supplements taken by elderly persons may increase the risk of brain lesions that are identified as hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans.

The researchers studied 227 adults over the age of 60. The patients were assessed for supplemental calcium intake and received brain scans via MRI. Those taking calcium supplements had more lesions of a volume typically associated with hypertension. They noted no dose-dependent relationship between lesion size and the amount of calcium being supplemented. The scientists commented that other studies have found calcium supplementation also associated with greater risk of artery disease.

Hyperintensities are observed in normal aging, plus several neurological, psychiatric and autoimmune disorders that affect the brain. They constitute damage to brain tissue caused by restricted blood flow and have been linked to mild cognitive deficits and disturbances.

Knotweed and Hawthorn Outperform Lovastatin in Trial

C

hinese researchers recently discovered that two herbal extracts may treat atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, as well as or more effectively than the pharmaceutical drug Lovastatin.

Sixty-four patients with atherosclerosis of the carotid artery were studied. For six months, half the patients received 20 milligrams of Lovastatin per day, while the other half took an herbal extract combination of Japanese knotweed and hawthorn.

After six months, tests showed artery plaque thickness and inflammation were significantly lessened among both groups.

However, the herbal extract-treated group showed a greater reduction of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, a marker of risk for cardiovascular disease.

Relatively high levels of hs-CRP in otherwise healthy individuals are predictive of heart health crises even when cholesterol levels are within an acceptable range.

People with lower values have less of a risk.

16

Tampa Bay Edition

www.natampa.com

Cell Phones and Router Microwaves Stress Plants

E

vidence of the effects of wireless technologies on human health continues to be controversial, with agreement on results remaining elusive. Now a new study published in the Journal of Plant Physiology found that humangenerated microwave pollution can potentially be stressful to plants.

Researchers from Romania’s Estonian University of Life Sciences tested three common garden plants—parsley, celery and dill weed. They exposed each to the types of microwave radiation equivalent to those produced by cell phones and wireless routers. Then these radiation-exposed plants were compared with identical plants not exposed to the radiation.

The scientists noted that the irradiated plants had thinner cell walls; smaller chloroplasts (cellular sites of photosynthesis); smaller cell mitochondria (centers of energy production); and greater emission of volatile compounds, particularly monoterpenes and green leaf volatiles, which are protective, life-promoting components of the plants’ essential oils.

The effects were stronger for the type of radiation produced by wireless routers. While essential oil production overall was increased by the frequency of the microwaves produced by cell phones, it was decreased by the frequency emitted by the routers. natural awakenings

December 2014

17

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Hospice Care Adds Months for Cancer Patients

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esearchers from Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center determined that hospice care significantly increases survival rates among patients with metastatic (stage IV) melanoma, a difficult-to-treat form of cancer that occurs when melanoma cells have spread through the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

The study’s authors followed 862 metastatic melanoma cancer patients. Of these, 523 patients received one to three days of hospice care, 114 patients received four or more days and 225 people received no hospice care through their survival period. Those that received four or more days had an average survival period, which typically dates from the original diagnosis, of 10.2 months, while those that received none averaged 6.1 months. In addition, the end-of-life hospital costs for those receiving the most hospice visits were nearly half of what was incurred by patients not receiving hospice attention.

Hip Fractures Decrease on Weekends and Holy Days

A

new study published in the Israel Medical Association Journal found that older adults are more likely to have hip fractures in the wintertime, except during weekends and on religious holidays.

The study’s authors checked the records of 2,050 patients that were at least 65 years old and had suffered a hip fracture. Analyzing the dates of each fracture revealed that significantly more of them occurred during the wintertime; the injuries corresponded directly with lower temperatures and greater rainfall.

Fewer fractures took place on the Sabbath and during weekends in general, as well as on Yom Kippur and other holy days, with the exception of Passover.

Mistletoe Extract Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Patients

A

study published in the European Journal of Cancer revealed that a mistletoe extract may lengthen life for patients with severe pancreatic cancer. German researchers tested 220 patients with advanced stage pancreatic cancer, an aggressive, often fatal disease. The patients were divided into two groups; one was given up to 10 milligrams of Viscum album (European mistletoe) three times a week for up to 12 months.

Both groups received supportive care throughout the study period.

The average length of survival for those taking the mistletoe extract, 4.8 months, was nearly twice that of the other group, 2.7 months; a survival period typically dates from the original diagnosis. Within a group considered to have a good prognosis, the survival period for those that consumed the extract, averaging 6.6 months, was more than double that of the no-extract group, which averaged 3.2 months.

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Tampa Bay Edition

www.natampa.com

The Way Your Teeth Come Together Matters

by Dr. Ray Behm

W

hen visiting your dentist, there are two major concerns, two root causes of dental problems that should be part of any dental evaluation and known by you in making your health decisions. They are equally important.

The first concern is bacteria and other toxic interference, like metals, that in sufficient quantity can compromise the immune system and cause inflammation in the gums and other parts of the body, putting your teeth and health at risk.

The second important concern is the “bite force”.

The teeth are part of a masticatory system involving many structural elements: the lower jaw, the fixed upper jaw, the jaw joint (TMJ), the cranioskeleton, and all of the connecting muscles and nerves that support the vital functions of eating and breathing. This chewing system, in turn, is intimately tied into all other systems in the body that depend on a healthy masticatory system for optimum functioning. If the teeth do not come together in a way that distributes the bite force evenly, structural misalignments can occur anywhere within that chewing system with reductions in strength and restriction of nerve, blood and oxygen flows.

Because they are complex, structural issues surrounding the “bite force” are not always given the importance they deserve, by dentists or patients. In our practice we see structure as THE foundation of dentistry! Establishing an ideal bite for each patient means finding the position of the jaw that most effectively handles the functional force of teeth that are coming together over 2000 times a day in eating, breathing, talking, and swallowing. A stable TMJ joint, a balanced and relaxed musculature, a correct jaw position, and teeth that mesh and equally distribute force, all enable a strong body with good blood and nerve flow.

Deterioration away from this ideal must be part of any diagnosis. We are looking for signs of a compromised structure. We see loose and missing teeth, flattened teeth from clenching or grinding, abfractions which are small notches or cracks at the gum line as the tooth “flexes” under excessive pressure, crowded teeth, a forward head position, or a bite that is too closed.

Patients with structural problems may talk about experiencing headaches or migraines, facial pain, clicking or popping in the jaw joint, shoulder, neck and back pain, or problems in swallowing and breathing at night.

Even without reported “symptoms”, the jaw structure requires examination. Any contemplated dental treatments— restorations, dentures, crowns or fillings that interfere with the bite, can either support good structure or unknowingly lock in a position that interferes with the masticatory system’s ability to correctly handle the bite force, opening the door to further complications, a weaker body and a compromised health potential.

But, how does the dentist know what is the proper bite position before beginning any treatment? Who is to say what is “right” for this patient? What reference position does the dentist use to rebuild an ideal occlusion when confronted with worn teeth, an unrecognized stressed position of the jaw joint, or an out-of-alignment body structure impinging on the masticatory system alignment?

In our Natural Dentistry office we have incorporated a technology that gives us objective information on the current status of the bite by measuring and recording jaw functions and the associated muscle status through various ranges of jaw motion. This Myotronics K7 evaluation system then allows us to relax patient facial muscles through a low frequency T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) which allows stressed jaw muscles to return to an ideal comfortable position which is used in creating a temporary mouthpiece worn by the patient to accustom the jaw to the new and comfortable position. It is also a correct alignment reference used in any other dental treatments and restorations.

Restoring structural balance to the bite and masticatory system is addressing the cause of many dental problems. Without this knowledge only the symptoms are seen and handled which may not lead to a lasting solution.

Now that you know, make sure to have your bite evaluated. The goal is to create an oral environment that eliminates dental wear and tear and promotes health!

Dr. Ray Behm, graduate of Emory University School of Dentistry 1968, was a U.S. Army Dentist during the Vietnam War. He became interested in Holistic Dentistry while practicing in Palm Beach. In 1986, he stopped using mercury amalgam fillings; in 1994, he stopped doing root canals. Today, Dr. Behm practices Holistic/Biological and Neuromuscular Dentistry at Behm Natural Dentistry, 127 N. Garden Ave., Clearwater, 727-446-6747, BehmNaturalDentistry.com. See ad page 27. natural awakenings

December 2014

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

Cultural Roots

Status of Religious Diversity in the U.S.

Food Recovery Certified is a new program that rewards restaurants that donate their extra food to those in need with a sticker on their front door. It’s a project of The Food Recovery Network, a national system of college students that takes cafeteria leftovers to homeless people. Founder Ben Simon started the group in 2011 at the University of Maryland, and the network has saved more than 320,000 pounds of food from the dump in its first three years.

If a restaurant donates unsold food to the hungry at least once a month, it can apply for the certification. Then Food Recovery Certified verifies with local nonprofits that the donations actually occur before awarding its approval. Simon states, “Every food business should be donating its extra food.”

The United States is often described as a religiously free and diverse country, but a new Pew Research Center study reveals that 95 percent of the populace identifies itself as either Christian or unaffiliated (atheist, agnostic or having no particular religion). This ranks the U.S. 68 out of 232 countries and territories in the Pew Religious Diversity Index. Singapore is the world’s most religiously diverse country, followed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

The study treats Christian denominations as members of the same religion, which if counted separately, would increase the ranking. But Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism all have internal diversity, as well, and are considered as single religions in the study.

There’s an important distinction between religious diversity and religious freedom, which the report does not measure. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to free exercise of religion, which is not always the case in other countries.

For more information, visit FoodRecoveryCertified.org.

Source: PewResearch.org

Feeding Hope

Recognizing Restaurants that Support the Homeless

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Planet Power

Bamboo Bamboozle

Scientists May Harvest Energy from Earth’s Infrared Emissions Physicists at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) are developing a device described in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that would harvest energy from Earth’s infrared emissions into outer space. The power is modest, but tangible. Steven J. Byrnes, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS, points out, “The device could be coupled with a solar cell, for example, to obtain extra power at night without extra installation costs.”

Heated by the sun, our planet is very warm compared to the frigid depths of space. Thanks to recent technological advances such as plasmonics and nanofabrication, and new materials like graphene, the researchers say this heat imbalance could soon be transformed into direct current (DC) power, taking advantage of an untapped, virtually limitless energy source.

Source: ScienceDaily.com

Green Envy

Don’t Be So Quick to Bash the Rich A survey at social research site Queendom.com reveals that stereotypes of the richest class of society as being uniformly selfish individuals are not entirely accurate. It seems that having money does not necessarily mean that a person has an overactive ego. Actor Will Smith, with an estimated net worth of $200 million, observes, “Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.”

Queendom data shows a difference of only a few percentage points between respondents of varying income levels in matters of altruism such as doing and returning favors, putting themselves in others’ shoes, sympathy and empathy. The area where those in a higher socioeconomic status rank at the top is in charitable contributions.

Ilona Jerabek, president of parent company PsychTests AIM, says, “Our personality impacts every aspect of our life—the choices we make, the people we surround ourselves with, the career we pursue, the way we respond to life experiences, the way we manage our finances and whether or not we share our good fortune.”

Take the survey at Tinyurl.com/AltruismTest.

‘Green’ Clothing Made with Toxic Chemicals

Bamboo is rapidly renewable and requires few pesticides to grow. However, bamboo fabric manufacturing is a chemically intensive process that doesn’t provide clear and legitimate product labeling. Misleadingly using the terms eco-friendly and green becomes greenwashing when applied to items such as bamboo clothing.

As the Fair Trade Commission describes the overall process, “Most bamboo textile products, if not all, are actually rayon, which typically is made using environmentally toxic chemicals.

While different plants, including bamboo, can be used as a source material to create rayon, there’s no trace of the original plant in the finished rayon product.”

This example points out the public vigilance required to secure more sustainable, environmentally friendly products. Third-party verification of all claims is recommended. Products made of the bamboo stalk itself, such as poles for furniture or planks for flooring, remain true to their naturally sustainable source.

Source: Tinyurl.com/Organic BambooFraud

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Garden-Grown Medicine for Your Heart How Standardized Tomato Extract is Changing Cardiac Medicine in Big Ways

by Machelle Perkins, DOM

Everyone has heard, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but with new research being published on specialized Tomato Extract for cardiac health it might be time to revise that rhyme.

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• Maintain normal blood pressure/control hypertension • Reduce high oxidized-LDLs, to allow for elevated HDL absorption • Nourish the endothelial lining of the heart’s arteries to improve muscle strength

omatoes are one of the best sources of lycopene, a carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits that gives the plants their vibrant red color. In addition to its appealing aesthetics, carotenoids are the organic building blocks for essential nutrients like Vitamin A that our bodies can’t readily produce. Vitamin A on its own is responsible for such important processes as supporting vision, skin, healthy bone growth, and the immune system. When it comes to heart health we need these vitamins to act as antioxidants to stop the free radicals in our blood and tissues. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant that the body can utilize to defend from common oxygen free radicals that cause oxidation to our arteries, the way an apple slice turns brown from air exposure. Simply eating tomatoes, however, won’t stop the clock on coronary disease.

The Heart Foundation reports that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, with sudden cardiac arrest claiming 250,000 lives annually.

While many doctors turn to traditional statins or blood thinners to control the risk of heart attack, the side-effects of these prescription medications, such as

memory loss, high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, and liver damage can seriously outweigh the benefits.

The Euramic study, conducted in 10 European countries over the past two decades, has found that the natural lycopene and other carotenoids produced by tomatoes is doubled in potency to prevent and treat heart disease

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when coupled with select phytosterols.

Phytosterols are steroid compounds in plants that are structurally similar to the cholesterol our bodies burn for energy. Animal cholesterols are generally considered to be the “bad” type of cholesterol (LDLs) that is checked in our blood work annually, while phytosterols are recognized as one of the “good” types of cholesterol (HDLs) that don’t form as plaque on the heart’s arterial walls.

This discovery is leading to a revolution in how the United States will treat heart disease going forward. Utilizing this standardized tomato extract combined with phytosterols in a onea-day pill form, it will replace statins in helping individuals:

• Correct unhealthy circulation to restore the body’s natural processes

Clinically tested in six trials, this standardized tomato extract is my first recommendation to patients with a history of heart disease or stroke in their family, in addition to regular exercise and balanced nutrition. Our hearts have the ability to beat over three billion times during our life so it’s our responsibility to keep that muscle strong and healthy using the best medicine mother nature and science have to offer.

For more information on standardized Tomato Extract, contact Natural Med Therapies at 727-541-2211, or visit NaturalMedTherapies.com.

Machelle Perkins is a Nationally Certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine, with 15 years of experience helping patients in her practice. She formerly served on the medical board of the Cancer Wellness Institute, and has lectured to The Society of Radiation Therapists on the benefits of Oriental Medicine for cancer patients. See ad page 52.

ecotip Tweet Treats Trim a Tree, Feed the Birds

Youth Activists

World Peace Caravan to Travel in the Middle East in 2015 The World Peace Caravan, founded by the nonprofit D. Gary Young Foundation, is a global peace movement scheduled to conduct a 12-day camel caravan from Petra, Jordan, to Jerusalem, Israel, from December 15 to 26, 2015. It will be spearheaded by a delegation of 12 youth ambassadors, ages 16 to 24, selected from a worldwide pool of candidates.

Their goal is to foster an online youth community to provide young people everywhere a platform to share ideas, voice opinions and educate and learn from their peers.

The youths intend to collaborate on solutions-centered projects to help eradicate poverty and hunger, ensure environmental sustainability and attain healthy lives for all.

Inspired by a recurring vision, D. Gary Young, CEO of Young Living Essential Oils, chose the ancient Frankincense Trail upon which the Queen of Sheba once journeyed to bring peace offerings to King Solomon. This modern-day journey for peace invites people of all cultures, faiths and backgrounds to retrace the steps of that pioneering peace movement, culminating in a blockbuster World Peace Caravan Concert for Peace in Jerusalem.

From December 14 through January 5, citizen scientists of all ages will participate in the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count (Tinyurl.com/AudubonChristmas Count), the country’s longest-running wildlife census. Audubon and other organizations use the data collected by volunteers to monitor population trends and guide conservation efforts.

Whether or not families plan to help Audubon volunteers keep track of feathered visitors, they might consider providing backyard birds with gifts of food during the winter, when natural food sources can be scarce. Adorning outdoor trees with edible decorations can also help brighten landscapes, reduce kitchen scraps, creatively involve children in nature and make yards more bird-friendly.

Salvage citrus rinds for feeders. Poke holes along the edge of hollowed halves of grapefruit and orange peels and run twine through them so they can hang from a branch. Fill with bird seed or suet.

Create ornaments from bread heels or stale loaves. After cutting out shapes with a cookie cutter, spread them with unsalted nut butter and cover with birdseed. Bagels, rice cakes and pinecones can be frosted and sprinkled in the same way. Avoid using anything moldy. For more colorful ornaments, hang orange and apple slices.

Drape edible garland around tree branches. Thread unsalted popcorn (stale popcorn strings more easily), fresh cranberries, citrus slices, unshelled peanuts, dried apples or grapes into a garland.

Use natural string, wool or raffia for hanging decorations. Wild Birds Unlimited suggests selecting these materials so they can be used by birds as nesting materials in the spring.

Collect seed heads and berries to tuck among the branches. According to the National Wildlife Federation, good food sources include seed heads from flowers such as goldenrod, sunflower, coneflower, sumac and mullein; seed heads from grasses such as millet, wheat, foxtail and switchgrass; and berries on sprigs of holly, juniper, cedar, hawthorn and mountain ash. Make sure decorations are hung on a tree or shrub near a window so the whole family can enjoy watching the wildlife they attract.

Contributing source: The Humane Society

For more information, visit WorldPeaceCaravan.org. natural awakenings

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wisewords

Opening Up to Miracles Gabrielle Bernstein on Creating More Happiness

by April Thompson

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otivational speaker and bestselling author Gabrielle Bernstein knows the gravitational pull of addiction firsthand. Although introduced to spiritual practices from an early age, she turned away from that upbringing in her 20s, pulled instead into a vortex of drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships while running a public relations firm promoting Manhattan nightclubs. After hitting rock bottom at age 25, Bernstein made the unwavering decision to seek spiritual help and change her life.

The entrepreneurial young woman found her groove as a spiritual teacher, introducing millions to new ways of thinking and living through her books, lectures, blogs and videos. Her nononsense approach to spirituality and knack for making practices like meditation and prayer accessible to beginners and cynics have attracted a new generation of seekers. Bernstein’s latest book, Miracles Now:108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow, and Finding Your True Purpose, offers simple, yet powerful tips to short-circuit unhealthy thought patterns and take a shortcut to transformational change.

Why do you reframe a miracle as simply a shift in perception?

Shifting your perception and choosing again is a core principle from A Course in Miracles, a metaphysical text that I study and teach from. When you choose 24

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to reorganize your belief system and align it with a loving, forgiving perspective, rather than a fear-based reality, that’s when miracles can happen.

Some people shift away from a harmful relationship with addictive drugs and alcohol like you did, while others take such unhealthy behaviors to the grave; what makes the difference?

Often when we get caught in unhealthy behavior, we aren’t willing to ask for help. I think the reason I was able to leave those behaviors behind and create a new path was my willingness to live a different way. I was able to witness my life and see that it wasn’t working. It’s an ongoing process; I’ve been on my current path of turning to spiritual principles for many years, but I’m still constantly working to apply them throughout my moment-tomoment experiences.

How does meditation help create radical change?

I think meditation is a key tool for health, happiness and well-being. It can help reorganize the nervous system, lower stress levels, calm the mind and recalibrate energy. It can help us experience more synchronicity in our lives and a greater sense of interconnectedness, as well.

What do you struggle with the most and what personal miracle are you still trying to realize?

I’m in constant conversation with myself over my thoughts and beliefs about judgment and separation. People are programmed by society to believe we are separate and to judge ourselves and others. My practice suggests a reinterpretation of that general belief system in order to perceive things differently. I also try to forgive limiting thoughts I was holding onto; for example, judging myself for not performing well at a lecture.

Talking too much in conversations is a big challenge for me. A practice in my Miracles Now book called WAIT, for “Why am I talking?” reminds me to notice when I’m saying too much, commenting unnecessarily or not supporting the greater good.

How do you think about money, and has that proven helpful in broader terms?

I believe that we have the power to attract healthier relationships in our financial circumstances in the same way that we have the power to attract healthier relationships with people in our lives. Some people think that you can’t both be spiritual and secure financial abundance; I think that’s nonsense. When you start to reorganize your beliefs around your self-worth and capacity to earn, and open up to your intuitive voice and the creative possibilities for earning, then your financial situation can change dramatically. I have lived that principle fully. I was brought up in a poverty mindset, but with a shift in perception, I was able to release my fears of financial insecurity.

Do you have a go-to practice that you reach for first when faced with a difficult situation?

When I’m faced with a complicated situation or feeling powerless, I say a prayer in stillness. Such a practice asks through prayer and listens through meditation.

It’s in that stillness that I can hear the voice of intuition and the voice of forgiveness, and love can come forward.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com. natural awakenings

December 2014

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Sacred Activism Love in Action Can Change the World

by Judith Fertig

that is good for all.

It’s a process that Andrew Harvey first described in a 2005 talk he gave at the Santuario de Guadalupe, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that’s also reflected in his book, The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism. Born in India, educated at England’s Oxford University and in the religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, he now resides in Melbourne, Arkansas, where he’s founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism. The goal of his international travel is to bring concerned people together to proactively face global crises.

Says Harvey, “Sacred activism is a fusion of two of the most powerful fires of the human psyche—the mystic’s passion for God and the activist’s passion for justice.”

Hallmarks of Spiritual Intent

“Sacred activism is the fusion of the mystic’s passion for God with the activist’s passion for justice, creating the burning sacred heart that longs to help, preserve and nurture every living thing.” ~ Andrew Harvey

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he butterfly, a universal symbol of transformation, reminds us that becoming our best selves is an ongoing process. Yet these delicate, fluttering creatures are suffering a decline, especially the vivid orange and black monarch butterflies that depend on milkweed flowers for sustenance during their migration to and from Mexico and Canada.

“When I heard about the monarch butterfly crisis, I also noticed that I had milkweed vines all along my back fence,” says Karen Adler, a Kansas City,

Missouri, gardener. “In years past, I would have pulled them out because they can strangle other plants. But I talked it over with my neighbor and we agreed to let them grow. This year, we had more monarchs than ever.”

These two women might not realize it, but they had engaged in spiritual activism. They became aware of a problem, approached it with compassion, learned about the issue, realized life’s interdependence and committed themselves to positive action for a result

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The Awakening – Progressing from concerned citizen to spiritual activist is a gradual process. It may begin with an issue to which one feels called. “Our life in the world is a continual call and response,” observes Kabir Helminski, of Santa Cruz, California. He authors and translates books on the Muslim Sufi tradition, which tends to have an open relationship with other religions, and is a core faculty member of the Spiritual Paths Institute, which encourages seekers to find the sacred traditions that speak to them.

“Sometimes events are a waking dream calling for interpretation, and sometimes the heart is directly addressed from within,” says Helminski.

Compassion – Once an event moves us, prayer can be a pathway that opens our hearts to compassion, according to Jagadish Dass, of Granada Hills, California. The healer and teacher wrote The Prayer Project: The 3-Minute, 3 Times a Day Solution for World Change, which encourages involvement with something bigger than ourselves.

Dass maintains that praying for three minutes, three times a day, will help us transmute into expressing a quiet power. “As we take responsibility for our lives, a transformation occurs within,”

“When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.” ~ Carla Goldstein he says. We begin to inspire others to also take up the cause of working for change and bringing more peace, joy and love to the world.

Likewise, Harvey urges each of us to make a real commitment to daily spiritual practice on the road to spiritual activism. He suggests, “Start with a short prayer that aligns you with the pure deep love that is longing to use you as its instrument in the world.”

Options include prayers from many of the world’s spiritual traditions shared in

Dass’ book; a free download is provided at StewardshipOfTheSoul.com.

Interconnectedness – Just as everything in the universe is connected by the simple act of being, like-minded people can connect to do good in the world. Sacred activists pursuing their own spiritual paths need to work with others, according to Harvey. “They form empowering and encouraging networks of grace—beings of like heart, brought together by passion, skill and serendipity to pool energies, triumphs, griefs,

hopes and resources of all kinds. When people of like mind and heart gather together, sometimes miraculously powerful synergy can result.”

Harvey has found that groups of six to 12 people become the most efficient and productive, whether joined together through a profession (such as physicians on medical missions), a passion for animal rights or the environment, or a strong sense of social justice.

Knowledge – Knowledge, both inward- and outward-seeking, is another key to doing good for all. Carla Goldstein, JD, chief external affairs officer at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, in Rhinebeck, New York, and cofounder of its Women’s Leadership Center, used her interest in women’s empowerment issues as a springboard to spiritual activism.

“For the first 20 years of my professional life, I focused on public policy and politics,” she says. “But something was missing in the rhetoric of taking care of each other.” Practicing yoga and meditation and receiving support during a personal health crisis prompted what she terms “an awakening understanding of a gap between personal change and systems change.” Goldstein came to question her own “rugged individualism” versus the interconnectedness she felt when people took care of her. “Can we actually move towards integrating these two ideals?” she asked herself. Knowledge about issues is read-

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ily available from experts and organizations that experts recommend; she observes, “The big question is: What is needed for us to be of help?”

Sometimes listening and understanding can be powerful. Under the auspices of the Omega Women’s Leadership Center, Goldstein invited women on both sides of the reproductive rights issue to meet in 2005. They had been part of the Public Conversations Project in the Boston suburb of Watertown, Massachusetts, begun after medical staff members were killed and wounded at an area women’s health clinic providing abortions in 1994.

“Women from the divided community initially came together to tell their stories,” Goldstein relates. “Over time, they developed a deep love for each other. Nobody changed their positions, but they did change how they interacted with one another.” They experienced a shift from emotional and verbal turbulence to, if not agreement, feelings of peace and understanding.

Since then, the project has grown to facilitate such conversations in 38

states and 15 countries (PublicConversations.org).

Positive Action – While many thorny issues take long-term, dedicated efforts to be resolved, others only need smaller individual or collaborative actions for positive outcomes. For Mark Nepo, a New York City poet, philosopher and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Book of Awakening, kindness is the force behind positive action, no matter how modest at first.

“Kindness reveals kinship. It gives us connection to everything greater than us and everything else that is kind in the universe,” he says. “I think it’s powerfully effective, yet it’s such a small thing.”

Nepo is active in Bread for the Journey, an international nonprofit that encourages community grassroots philanthropic projects that generate microgrants. One involved a small town in northern New Mexico that sought to improve the lives of local teenagers when the town’s elders wanted to open

a youth center as a positive alternative to the drug scene. Just before the center was scheduled to open, the project ran out of money for required floodlights, so Bread for the Journey funded them and the center opened. “Within a few years, the whole culture shifted,” reports Nepo. This small contribution made a big difference to the whole community.

Once awakened and nurtured, spiritual activism can become an omnipresent part of our lives. Says Goldstein, “When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.”

Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from Overland Park, KS.

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got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. ~Bob Hope

inspiration

Hymn to Living in Silence

by Robert Rabbin

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here’s one truth, and Celebrate the as we surrender everything to it is silence. All truths dawn of the silence. We must give away our inventory of unreleased come from, exist winter solstice thoughts and cherished beas and return to silence.

Silence is behind every holy on December 21 liefs, undigested experiences in nature and and dogma, disappointments, thought, word and fears, worries, resentments act. All holiness is silent. in silence. and sorrows; even personal

This is what all sages know and say: Enter silence and we leave desires and joys.

If it’s difficult to do: throw it away, behind the rubble of self and no-self, time fling it off, kick it out. Just don’t let it and death. Enter silence and we see the world that God created; that we are the stay. We must empty our storehouses of created. God, the world and being are past, present and future, and then burn one. Life is suddenly real—beautiful and them down so that nothing can ever perfect in each curve and angle. accumulate again.

This awakening into truth happens

Now give more. Let go of ego, will

and humility, ignorance and knowledge, the body and its faculties. Surrender what is and is not yourself. Give away meaning, purpose and happiness, even precious life itself. Nothing can remain.

Then, by letting everything go the second it occurs, we return to clarity, freedom and eternal openness. We live in silence. For it is in silence that God is working, playing and loving. In silence, we become perfectly one with that divine working, playing and loving.

When absolutely all has been given up and only emptiness remains, even then, take one more step towards silence.

Give away the emptiness. Hold back nothing. Even the giver is given away.

In silence, we transform and are reborn. We become real with more joy, pleasure, peace and contentment than we ever hoped for. Our highest purpose is fulfilled, our greatest longing is realized in ways we know not.

In becoming nothing, we become everything. We need nothing, and thus have everything. With nothing to protect, only peace remains. It cannot be controlled or fathomed, only lived. We love this about the holy ones, the sages.

No one knows how it happens, only that it does.

In silence, we are moved by what moves all else without knowing how, why or when. This is freedom, love and truth.

Robert Rabbin is a self-awareness teacher and author. Connect at RobertRabbin.com.

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Photo by Adrienne Koteen

healingways

Singing the World Awake

by Tom Kenyon Article adapted from the film, Song of the New Earth

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and later took hen I was a youngster, Music and sound choirs up guitar and piano.

I clearly remember are the language One day, a visitor to reading a book, The house said, “You’re Boy Who Sang to the World, and architecture our going to heal many although I later learned it doesn’t of the cosmos. people in this world exist. I read it in some other with that voice.” realm of consciousness and that’s

When I attended the University of what I became.

North Carolina, I discovered that neuro I sang to the world, sun, moon, physiology could be used as a language stars and all life. I sang in church and

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to explain mystical experiences. The whole time I was engaged in scientific training, I was also going deeper into the mysticism of the East, the yoga of India, Taoism of China, Egyptian alchemy and Tibetan Buddhism. I was practicing every meditation from every tradition, sometimes for five hours a day. Without realizing it, I was changing my neurophysiology.

Brain research shows that when we experience pure sound without language, the right side of the brain lights up like a Christmas tree. I’d worked in brain research for about 13 years when, while meditating, I received new information about brain geometry that I recognized as the geometry of consciousness in its relationship to sound and emotion.

I understood that if I taught this to others, I would observe rapid change and improvement in brain function and creativity, which took place when I conducted beta testing at three sites.

One day, I was in California doing a workshop when these sounds just came through me. That’s what spawned my current sound work.

I become like a tuning fork to the information that is coming to me. In shamanism, this is called being the hollow reed. I step out of the way. In terms of brain frequencies, I go into an alpha state, in which I can attend to what I need to do vocally, but for that moment surrender my voice to the energy.

When I work shamanically with drums, animal spirits come through my voice, as do beings from other traditions. I feel like a doorway, or a chauf-

feur looking in the back seat to see who I’m driving. I live in two diametrically opposed worlds. I’m logical in how I look at things and am fascinated by brain neurology. Then there’s this other side that’s off the charts.

I never know when the whales are going to appear.

As I operate in an altered state, I can see humpbacks psychically approaching until one of them enters my energy field. Subjectively, I become as large as a whale, at the same time I’m aware of my physical body. I have dual realities, and then the whale sounds emanate through me.

In a visionary experience on my 40th birthday, the question arose, “Will you sing the song of the new Earth?”

I believe that we’re not going to survive much longer as a species if we don’t change how we are living, and that’s what my work is about.

Sound opens Many people are having emergences, yet we consciousness. spiritual don’t, as a culture, have a If consciousness place to harness its potenWhat I do with groups is higher, life on tial. is a type of sound healing, Earth will change. working collectively with the energy of a large gathering.

Each person responds in ways unique to them, breathing into some inner emotion and making a sound that matches how it feels inside.

Something happens with people that attend these events. It’s about the transformation and beauty of being able to step into the unknown to commune with a knowledge and intelligence that’ll sing through my voice. Together, we’ll see what will come forward.

A major message I’ve received is that if we are to survive, we must raise the feminine out of the ashes created by millennia of cultural traditions and have the male and female meet together, not one above the other, but in equality, and with that union, create a new world.

The boy who sang to the world has grown up to sing a space that allows people to create their hopes and dreams into existence.

Psychologist and musician Tom Kenyon is trained in Ericksonian medical hypnosis and whole brain learning. His 25 years of practicing psychotherapy led to the formation of Acoustic Brain Research to scientifically study neuropsychology and psychoacoustics. He teaches Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Egyptian high alchemy and esoteric Christianity. He has authored Brain States, many CDs and the new documentary about his journey, Song of the New Earth (SongOfTheNewEarth.com).

I long to see you so that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift. ~St. Paul natural awakenings

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hen clients walk into New York City’s Swing Salon, they may be surprised by what they don’t smell—the range of chemicals usually wafting around hair salons. That’s because the owners have decided to use only natural and organic products.

While many people may assume that all salon hair and body treatments are regulated and safe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to test cosmetic products for safety, due to loopholes in the Toxic Substances Control Act. So, people are being exposed to dangerous toxins through salon products like nail polish, hair color processors and hair straighteners.

Be aware that while labels of overthe-counter body care products are required by law to list ingredients, with the exception of the chemical soup often hidden under the term “fragrance”, the loophole for salon products is large.

Jamie Silberberger, with the Women’s Voices for the Earth’s National Healthy Nail & Beauty Salon Alliance, reports, “Products sold for professional use in spas and salons are not required to be labeled with ingredients.”

Fortunately, healthy alternatives are available, either by patronizing a green salon or using natural beauty treatments at home.

www.natampa.com

Hair Straighteners One salon treatment—Brazilian Blowout hair straightening—can continue to expose customers and salon workers to toxic fumes even months after application. It’s among the conventional straightening products that contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.

“Exposure to formaldehyde doesn’t end with the treatment—the fumes are reactivated every time heat is applied to the hair,” says Jennifer Arce, a San Diego, California, salon worker who became sick after applying a single Brazilian Blowout treatment. “So, when a client who’s had a Brazilian Blowout done elsewhere comes into the salon to get a haircut or color and has her hair blow-dried, flat-ironed, curled or processed under the hood dryer, the fumes that come out of her hair make me and several of my coworkers sick all over again.”

Solution: Avoid chemical hairstraightening treatments. Sign on to the Women’s Voice for the Earth letter campaign petitioning the FDA to remove Brazilian Blowout from U.S. shelves by visiting Tinyurl.com/ BanBrazilianBlowout.

Hair Dyes and Extensions About two-thirds of conventional hair dyes in the U.S. contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical banned

for use in such products in Germany, France and Sweden. Exposure to PPD can cause allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to death by anaphylactic shock, which happened to a teenager in 2010.

When Spain’s University of Santiago de Compostela researchers conducted a metastudy examining the risk of cancer among hairdressers and related workers, all reported that employees had a higher risk of cancer than the general population.

Hair extensions also warrant attention. Many adhesives used on extensions may contain 1,4 dioxane, listed as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and styrene, a neurotoxin and suspected endocrine disruptor.

Solution: Look for a clean, green salon that uses natural hair color treatments free from synthetic chemicals, ammonia or PPD. Individuals can also order nontoxic organic color kits direct from EcoColors.net.

Nail Polish When getting a manicure or pedicure, beware of the toxic trio of dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.

Find a Green Salon

Used to help nail products hold color, they’re linked to reproductive and development problems, plus dizziness and eye and lung irritation, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Facing pressure from consumer groups and salon workers, some polish companies are now producing so-called “nontoxic” nail polish, although their labels aren’t verifiable. California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control recently tested 25 nail polishes sold to salons, 12 of which claimed to be toluene-free, including seven said to be free of the toxic trio.

The researchers found toluene in 10 of those, and one or more of the three ingredients in five out of the seven.

Solution: Customers should bring their own safe nail polish and only patronize well-ventilated salons.

Many conventional body products like shampoos and massage oils contain a litany of ingredients that add to our chemical exposure. Ask questions to ensure all of a salon’s products are nontoxic or as low in toxicity as possible.

For example, a large network of independently owned “concept salons” across America are connected with the Aveda Corporation (Aveda.com), a national leader in developing hair and body products that are free from the most dangerous ingredients. More than 90 percent of Aveda’s essential oils and 89 percent of its raw herbal ingredients are certified organic.

Also look for members of the Green Spa Network, a nationwide coalition of spas that pledge to be energy efficient and sustainable in all of their practices (GreenSpaNetwork.org).

If a green salon hasn’t yet arrived locally, bring nontoxic products for appointments and ask the stylist to use them. Visit the Skin Deep Database at ewg.org/skindeep to find the least-toxic products for at-home use.

Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist is a freelance writer in Tucson, Arizona.

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healthykids

Can-Do Kids Changing Our World at Any Age

by Ellen Sabin

This article is written especially for young readers eager to embrace the true spirit of the holiday season.

Sharing it with them can help cultivate a lifelong practice of giving.

H

ave you ever seen someone do something that changed a situation from bad to good?

Maybe your parents helped someone whose car broke down, or a teacher spent extra time after class helping you with schoolwork.

No matter your age, where you live or what you own, you have the power to do good, too. What you do can make other people happy and make the world a better place. Here are some ideas to help you figure out how.

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455 Riviere Rd Palm Harbor

www.natampa.com

n A good place to start is to think about what’s important to you. This will help you find a way of giving back that you’ll enjoy and want to do again and again. For example, if you love taking care of animals, offer to walk an elderly person’s dog for them. If you get sad when you think about someone being lonely, visit a neighbor that lives alone or send a special card to a relative as a way to show your love. n It’s nice to help strangers, but you can also do little things close to home that’ll make life easier and better for your family. You can call your grandma to say hello, help your mom or dad with the dishes or play a favorite game with your little sister or brother. n You can also use your own special talents to help others. If you are a good cook, bake a healthy holiday treat to bring to someone that is feeling sick. You can read out loud a story to a younger child. If you’re strong and have lots of energy, you can help your neighbor take out the trash or do other household chores.

n You can have fun and make an even bigger difference by doing good things with others. One way to get your friends excited about joining you is to plan a “Giving Party”. Ask your parents to help you download a free guide (WateringCanPress.com/html/parents.html) that has fun ideas and activities for creating a holiday-time or birthday party or rainy day get-together. n Giving to other people is important, but the planet needs us, too. You can practice giving by picking up litter, recycling and even turning off lights when you leave a room. When we pay attention to the environment around us, we can learn how to respond in a giving way.

Ellen Sabin is the founder and president of Watering Can Press (WateringCanPress.com), a publishing company committed to growing kids with character. Her series of award-winning books include The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving; The Greening Book: Being a Friend to Planet Earth; and The Healthy Body Book: Caring for the Coolest Machine You’ll Ever Own.

Fun Activity Who’s Been Giving to You?

Whether it’s time, love or things, the people around us give to us all the time. Sometimes we don’t stop to think about what people do for us, so we forget to say, “Thank you.”

Appreciating what people give us is just as important as giving to others.

Here are some questions to ask yourself. After you have answered each question, think about what you can do to thank people for their kindness.

Who shared with you? What did they share?

Who taught you something? What did they teach you?

Who showed you love? How did they show you love?

Who made you happy? How did they make you happy?

Source: Adapted excerpt from The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving by Ellen Sabin.

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consciouseating

HAPPY FEASTING TO ALL

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit

by Lane Vail

T

he holiday season is ripe with an array of spiritual, cultural and family rituals. We celebrate, reflect, give gifts and, of course, feast.

Fortunately, the media also teems with tips on how to avoid high-calorie holiday goodies, says Dr. Michelle May, author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. For our diet-driven culture to resolve its struggle with food, she says we must learn to honor its intrinsic value. Ritualized eating can help; a recent study published in the journal Psychological Science found that engaging in food rituals evokes mindfulness that enhances the enjoyment of eating.

then accept them without judgment.

Strategize ways of satisfying the need and take a small step toward change.

Savor

Hunger, the body’s fuel gauge, manifests in physical symptoms like a growling stomach or low blood sugar, says May, citing a useful analogy. “You wouldn’t drive around and pull into every gas station you see; you’d check your fuel gauge first. Before filling up with food, pause and check your fuel gauge. Am I actually hungry, or is this desire coming from something else?”

May suggests practicing FEASTing: First, focus on physical sensations, thoughts and emotions; perhaps we’re thirsty, rather than hungry, rationalizing that holiday foods are special, or feeling stressed or lonely. Next, explore why the feelings or thoughts are present, and

Complex preparations for a major holiday can provoke anxiety and impatience, and likewise, feelings of longing or disappointment when it’s over. Sarah Ban Breathnach, bestselling author of Simple Abundance and Peace and Plenty, recommends allowing Christmastide to unfold at its own pace and celebrating all of December with a homemade Advent calendar.

Craft a tree-shaped tower of tiny boxes or a garland of burlap mini-bags clipped with clothespins. Place an almond covered in organic dark chocolate in each container and use the treat as a daily mini-meditation.

“Drop into the present moment, fully savor the luxurious, small bite and experience the pleasure of eating,” suggests May. Consider it symbolic of the season’s sweetness.

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Pause

Tampa Bay Edition

Connect

“Food connects us with one another, our heritage and our culture,” says May. Heather Evans, Ph.D., a Queen’s University professor and a holiday culinary history expert in Ontario, Canada, suggests creating a food diary of traditions to reinforce a connection with the past and support a holiday food legacy for the future. Ask grandparents about their childhood culinary memories, peruse family recipe books or discover new dishes that honor everyone’s ethnic heritage. Then create an heirloom holiday cookbook with handwritten recipes arranged alongside favorite photos and stories.

Sync

According to pagan philosophy, sharing seasonal food with loved ones during the winter solstice on December 21 symbolizes the shared trust that warmth and sunlight will return. Eating warm foods provides physical comfort and eating seasonally and locally connects us to the Earth, observes May.

Sync body and spirit with the season by stewing root vegetables, baking breads, sipping hot cider and tea, and nibbling on nuts and dried fruits.

“The repetition of predictable foods is reassuring,” remarks Evans, and it celebrates nature’s transitions.

Play

Stir-Up Sunday is a Victorian amusement filled with fun, mystery and mindfulness, says Ban Breathnach. Some December Sunday, have each family member help stir the batter of a special Christmas cake while stating a personal new year’s intention. Drop a clean coin, bean or trinket into the mix and bake. Serve it with a sprig of holly on Christmas Day, and the person with the piece containing the lucky charm will be rewarded with a prosperous, wholesome and positive new year, according to tradition. Evans remarks, “This is a wonderful ritual for nurturing the health and spirit of the family.”

Give

Boxing Day offers something far more meaningful to celebrate than postholiday sales. Originating as a tradition that thrived during the 19th century,

season. Dr. Michelle May advises approaching the entire process of eating, including the menu planning, shopping and food preparation, with a spirit of mindfulness, which adds a deeper dimension of pleasure to the experience. “Cake becomes more than just cake,” she says. “It becomes something the family creates and enjoys together.”

Savor these rituals and recipes with loved ones.

Lane Vail is a freelance writer and blogger at DiscoveringHomemaking.com.

This nontraditional, healthy Christmas cake is alcohol-, sugar- and glutenfree. It relies on fruit for sweetness, almond meal for moistness and vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange essences for a perfect mingling of flavors.

Prepare the cake with the whole family as a Stir-Up Sunday ritual, and keep it tightly sealed in the refrigerator until Christmas Day. Serve in small portions at room temperature or warmed in the oven and alongside vanilla bean custard or plain yogurt swirled with orange blossom honey.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY TOPPERS Creating a repertoire of delicious wintery foods can help evoke health, mindfulness and delight during the holiday

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, TheHealthyChef.com

“December 26 was a chance for landowners and homeowners to give back to household staff and local tradespeople,” says Evans. “It’s a tradition worth reviving to pause, reflect on our own good fortune and contribute to others’ comfort.”

Consider serving a meal at a local soup kitchen, collecting items for a food drive or offering a box of healthy culinary treats to community stewards at a fire station, post office or library. On Christmas Day, says Ban Breathnach, “Our kids have the world lying at their feet.” Boxing Day, she says, provides a natural transition to reach out in charity.

Memory-Making Christmas Cake Yields 20 servings 2½ cups (600 grams) mixed and

chopped dried fruit (raisins, prunes,

figs, apricots, currants, sultanas and/

or dates) 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla bean extract Zest and juice from 1 organic orange 3 Tbsp olive oil 3 organic free-range eggs 2 cups (200 gm) ground almonds

(almond flour) ¼ cup (50 gm) walnuts

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Bake for an hour-and-a-half. Insert a skewer or toothpick to see if it comes out moist, but clean; if not, bake for up to 30 minutes more. (Cover the top if necessary to prevent over-browning.)

After cooling, remove from the tin and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

1 Tbsp cornflour or kudzu Pinch nutmeg

Heat milk in a saucepan with vanilla and honey and bring to near boiling, then remove from heat.

Beat eggs and cornflour in a stainless steel mixing bowl until combined.

Pour the hot milk over the eggs and whisk in well.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon.

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, author of The 80/20 Diet and founder of TheHealthyChef.com.

Remove from the heat quickly and pour back into the mixing bowl.

The Perfect Custard

Whisk well to slightly cool and smooth it out. If any lumps appear, strain the mixture through a sieve.

Yields 6 servings

A velvety-smooth custard, also called crème anglaise, may be used as a foundation of many desserts. It can be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate, citrus, coffee or pistachio.

Pour this vanilla bean custard over a warm Christmas cake or serve it straight up as eggnog, adding a touch of brandy and dusting of nutmeg.

2 cups milk of choice (organic, almond, coconut, soy or rice) 2 organic free-range eggs 2 tsp vanilla bean extract 2 Tbsp organic maple syrup or 1 Tbsp honey

Serve hot or cold. To warm up cold custard, put in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water; stir and heat through gently.

NOTE: For an egg-free custard, heat 17 oz almond milk with 2 Tbsp honey or 100 percent maple syrup and 2 tsp vanilla extract until near boiling. Thicken with a slurry made from 2 Tbsp cornflour, arrowroot or kudzu. Finish with a sprinkling of nutmeg.

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, author of The 80/20 Diet and founder of TheHealthyChef.com.

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Please call 813-749-8331 for your complimentary consultation ($295 Value!)

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photo by Carl Hogg

Preheat the oven to 300° F. Line the sides and base of a 7-inch round cake tin with parchment paper. Combine the dried fruit, spices, vanilla, orange zest and juice, olive oil and eggs. Mix in the almond flour and walnuts, then spoon the batter into the baking tin.

Melody Moonlight’s Magical Monster Loving Potion Yields 4 servings 32 oz apple juice ½ cup dried holy basil leaf 2 Tbsp dried orange peel 2 Tbsp dried rosemary 1½ Tbsp crushed cardamom 1½ Tbsp dried ginger root 1 Tbsp dried peppermint leaves ½ Tbsp ground nutmeg 1½ cinnamon sticks 13 drops each of essences of chicory

flower, beech flower and rose quartz

(all available at natural grocers) In a large pot, bring the apple juice to a near boil. Add all the other ingredients and turn off the heat. Read Melody Moonlight’s story which birthed the potion at Tinyurl.com/LovePotionStory to infuse it all with magic and meaning.

Courtesy of Andy Bottagaro, potion maker at Shine Restaurant & Gathering Place, in Boulder, CO.

Silence is a

true friend who never betrays.

~Confucius

A True Near Death Experience

by Frank Valentin

N

DE is an acronym for Near Death Experience, referring to an out-of-body experience resulting from a sudden bodily injury or when the body gives out, such as heart or brain failure, to give some examples. I have heard other terms such as DE (Death Experience) and more, nevertheless the fact remains the same: An out of body experience takes place.

The NDE

I can talk about NDE because I’ve lived it; I experienced and know what the other side is. Surprisingly enough, I was able to bring it to memory and thus, explain it with irrefutable certainty and accuracy.

I experienced NDE for the first time in 1979 at the young age of 17, when I was involved in a horrendous car accident. No one knew how I survived the accident. I was in ICU battling between life and death for three days after surgery and one full month in the hospital before I was released with a lengthy medical record, including a fractured pelvis, lung puncture, exploratory surgery, splenectomy, pneumonia, and God knows what else I don’t remember. What you won’t find in my medical chart is my NDE. It was merely considered a neurological hallucination due to the abrupt impact to the brain. I wanted to explain to everyone, but all I heard was “non-sense” and more to that effect.

The Explanation

Now that I’ve got your attention, let me explain how it is not neurological hallucination as science likes to call it, among other things. When the soul detaches from the physical body, like in my case, as the body dies, it finds itself without form and manifests in the etheric (spiritual) realm. As it returns, some people are able to bring the experience to memory and the brain, which is a biological memory bank among other things, translate it into images and then put the words in order to explain the experience. However the non-material experience was perceived, so goes the explanation that the subjective individual will give.

During my first NDE my soul detached from my body and as a result found itself in the void. My soul acknowledged peace as I was surrounded by other souls. Time and space did not exist. I questioned and recognized my individuality. Then my soul reattached to the body and I returned to a conscious state.

Now allow me to rephrase using common verbiage to explain my experience more in attunement with how people understand things and how it could have been perceived.

During my NDE I found myself floating in a dark room. I knew I was not alone, but couldn’t see anyone. I felt the presence of angels around me. I felt loved and was not afraid of the dark. I asked God three questions but no answers were given. Suddenly, I was sent back to my body and felt the most excruciating pain as I re-entered. When I opened my eyes I realized someone was pulling me out of my car.

As you can see, if you were to judge my testimony: Which scenario would be easier to understand? Believe me, either way it was hard to explain. One reader could claim that under my first statement I was not making sense while another would say that in my second statement I was hallucinating.

Conversely, those who have detached from their bodies (let’s say while under surgery) and have seen themselves hovering above are those whose souls detached with just enough room to keep consciousness, thus experiencing its surroundings. That’s the reason why they not only can recall but also can describe incidents to the last detail.

Only one question remains: How can one see if the soul has no physical eyes? The answer is simple: Through perception and interpretation. As the eye perceives, so does the soul.

Conclusion

Before we can make sense of all this, we must first understand that our true nature is not physical but spiritual. The physical decays but the spiritual, which belongs to the nonphysical (spiritual) plane, remains active experiencing what we call “life”.

If science acknowledged this irrefutable truth, humanity would have advanced long ago.

In order to claim having an NDE, the experience must first be brought into memory and then be recalled by the brain before it can be put into words. So, yes indeed, the brain, through the neurological system, is this highly efficient receptor that, by the unseen forces that bind us all, recalls the events, but not from hallucinations or neurological misfiring as science purports, but rather from the soul returning from the spiritual/non-physical world with a story of magnificent proportions, eager to tell. It is through the reasoning that the experience is felt, lived and expressed, and as such it is told in so many ways—from hovering above to seeing the heavens, loved ones and so much more.

Frank Valentin is a respected author and lecturer. From his first NDE in 1979 to his most recent spiritual manifest, he has evolved for over 35 years making this autodidact an authority on the mystery of NDE and life after death. Attend one of his lectures near you by calling 813-440-1299.

See ad page 44. natural awakenings

December 2014

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naturalpet

Pet Bed-Buddies Is Sleeping Together Healthy?

by Erik J. Martin

T

here was a time Staying in close room in the bed if you when Eliska, a don’t wake up.” contact makes it three-pound Prague ratter, would curl up and easier to pick up Make a Good Choice sleep next to owner Krista fleas, ticks or skin “Having your pet sleep in DeAngelis, and most of the time, she and the mites a pet may the bed with you is a perdog enjoyed a peaceful sonal choice,” says hocarry, and can night’s slumber. listic Veterinarian Patrick

Then DeAngelis worsen allergies. Mahaney, of California married, and her husband Pet Acupuncture & Wellbanned the dog from the ness, in West Hollywood. ~ Roger Valentine, bed for fear of unintenBy discouraging this beholistic veterinarian havior, “Your pet will be tionally squashing Eliska in his sleep. After endurless likely to confuse your ing a few sleepless nights of canine bed with theirs, and therefore prevent whining and barking, the Salt Lake City potential territory-related problems.” couple successfully curbed their pet’s By failing to discourage it, “You not protests by simply spraying Eliska with only face the possibility of behavioral a misting bottle every time she acted problems, you could also face adverse up. After two nights of this routine, the effects to your own sleep and health,” pocket-sized pooch was fully trained to he notes. sleep by herself in another room.

According to results published in

“I originally thought letting my dog a survey of 300 sleep disorder patients sleep in my bed was a good idea,” says conducted by Dr. John Shepard, then DeAngelis, a communications director medical director of the Mayo Clinic at Westminster College. “But I realized Sleep Disorders Center, in Rochester, that they can keep you up when they Minnesota, nearly 60 percent of the pet rustle around, wake you up if they have owners in the study slept with their pets to go out and sometimes go to the bath- inside the bedroom. Twenty-two per-

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cent of the patients were likely to have pets sleeping on the bed with them.

Plus, 53 percent said their sleep was disrupted to some extent every night.

Twenty-one percent and 7 percent of their dogs and cats, respectively, snored.

Yet, a British study of 420 UK cat owners conducted by the nonprofit Cats Protection revealed that 44 percent of respondents (including 51 percent of women polled) said they enjoyed a better night’s sleep with a cat in bed with them than with a human companion.

Benefits listed included an absence of snoring, more space on the bed and soothing purrs.

“The advantages of letting your pet share your bed include companionship, warmth and a sense of security,” advises Mahaney. Among the drawbacks, he notes lack of space for people to sleep, interruption of normal sleep patterns and the pet’s confusion about its expected place to sleep.

Nip Problems in the Bud

To break a pet of a bed-sleeping habit, Mahaney recommends applying persistence, consistency and the following tips:

A pet’s companionship can reduce levels of stress hormones while enabling people to deal with their emotions and stressful situations. ~ American Heart Association journal, Hypertension n Establish a separate area or bed for the pet to sleep. A cat or dog bed can be as simple as a clean, soft blanket placed nearby. n Use positive reinforcement techniques. Offer a tiny training treat, “gooddog” clicker noise or praise when the animal is comfortably resting in its own bed, to reinforce this desirable behavior. n Immediately address any territorial aggression when co-sleeping with a pet, such as growling or nipping. First, authoritatively say, “No!” Then put the pet on the floor or into its own bed and give the command to sit and stay.

n If problematic behavior persists, seek consultation with a veterinary behavior specialist.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

If a family member decides to share a bed with a pet, Mahaney offers the following recommendations: n Let it sleep on top of the covers, instead of under them. n Be aware of the need to remove environmental debris, including fecal material, on its coat before bedtime. n Give the dog an opportunity to void itself within a reasonable timeframe before going to sleep. A typical healthy dog should not have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate or defecate. n Allow a cat the opportunity to exit the bedroom throughout the night to play, eat, drink and use the litter box. Cats are nocturnal animals and are more likely to be active during lights out.

Erik J. Martin regularly contributes to WebVet.com, from which this was adapted.

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fitbody

Find Your Fitness Style

Workouts that Suit Your Personality

by Wendy Worrall Redal

W

hile some people find repetitious workouts boring, others like doing predictable routines at regular locations. Ensuring that our fitness regimen jives with our “fitness personality” is integral to making exercise a consistent part of our lifestyle, a concept that has traction among exercise experts.

Jonathan Niednagel, founder and director of The Brain Type Institute, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and an athletic consultant for professional teams, explains in his book, Your Key to Sports Success, that understanding our inborn brain type can help us to determine which sport is best suited to motivate us. In Suzanne Brue’s book, The 8 Colors of Fitness, she applies principles

from the Myers-Briggs personality inventory to help readers develop a personalized exercise program. Susan Davis-Ali, Ph.D., in St. Paul, Minnesota, a professional coach for working women, created a Fitness Interest Profile survey for the Life Time Fitness health club chain. She points to research that suggests people that engage in activities appropriate for their personalities enjoy their workouts more and are likely to stay with them longer.

Identifying our fitness personality can help us find a program that suits our rhythms and interests. Based on composites from growing research, here are six categories that assess and capture the way we may feel about exercise; more than one can apply to any individual.

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Disciplined and driven. This is an image to which many of us may aspire, even though not everyone fits the mold.

These exercisers are self-motivated and goal-oriented. Commitment and consistency go hand-in-hand. They like to use devices to track progress, maintain a training log and/or work with a personal trainer in systematic workouts geared to measure improvement. Disciplined types are often early risers; starting the day with regular exercise is second nature. Compatible fitness regimens include cardio workouts, interval and weight training, running, swimming and martial arts.

Relishes routine. While these folks are disciplined and driven in some ways, they tend to be more relaxed

about regimens. The key to success here is consistency. They like order and familiarity in exercise settings and practice and may enjoy reading or watching a screen during workouts.

Whatever the preferred approach, whether it’s a favorite training video, Wii Fit video game, favorite teacher or memorized Pilates moves, these exercisers like to stick with it, even working out at the same time every day—often first thing in the morning or after work—finding that regularity can be habit-forming.

Conscious contemplative. Reflective individuals enjoy quiet, solo activities like long-distance running, biking, hiking and swimming, that allow opportunities to look inward, often without thinking too much about the physical details. Exercise offers a chance to clear the mind and renew the spirit while strengthening the body. These types naturally gravitate to outdoor pursuits, but some indoor practices may also suit them, like yoga, Pilates, tai chi or even karate, which incorporate a strong mind-body component. Workouts are often soothing, rather than intense.

Plays well with others. For many people, exercise is best enjoyed with others, combining the social and fitness benefits of both. Connections and camaraderie get them off the couch, revved up and ready to go. Whether it’s a committed group of friends chat-

ting during water aerobics or a highpowered cardio class that compares notes, motivation comes primarily from the presence—and accountability factor—of others. A lunch-hour class at a nearby studio or gym may be a fun break in the workday. On weekends, consider golf, tennis, dance or a local recreation team.

Compulsive competitor. While the communal aspect is appealing, the greater gratification for this type comes through the thrill and challenge of competition. Trying to win is the great motivator, unlike driven and disciplined types that are happy to push through to their personal best. Team sports are a natural outlet, including soccer, rugby, lacrosse, basketball or swimming, plus disc golf, tennis or racquetball matches and running events.

Avid for adventure. It’s tough for any formal exercise program to keep the attention of adventurers. They crave freshness and spontaneity in fitness venues, activities that engage their interest and animate enthusiasm. It’s crucial for adventurous types to mix things up and not rely on any one exercise practice. Outdoor endeavors such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, inline skating or mountain biking have appeal. They may gravitate to the variables of Nia, Zumba’s highenergy Latin dance groove, kickboxing,

exercise balls or hot yoga. A midday exercise escape can break the work routine. Their key to keeping active is to keep things stimulating.

Wendy Worrall Redal blogs at Gaiam Life (Life.Gaiam.com), from which this was adapted.

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calendarofevents

See monthly, by the day and hour, what’s happening in the Bay area. So many educational and uplifting events to assist with personal and planetary health: enjoy seminars, lectures, workshops, book signings, beauty and nutrition events, leading edge health solutions, spiritual connections, for singles, couples and families. Printed calendar is a gratis feature exclusively for advertisers who make this magazine possible. Non-advertisers are free to use on-line calendar at natampa.com, click on submit calendar tab.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Reiki I & II Usui System — Class Certification and CEUs available for LMT, Provider Number MCE 50-13619. Rev. Maria Antonieta Revello, Reiki, Karuna and Qigong Master, Light Therapist, NLP practitioner. 6-10pm; Reiki IIThurs., Dec. 4, 6-10pm. Info, Maria 813-3347424 or reikishrine@gmail.com.

Gong Immersion with Updesh Kaur — After light yoga and meditation allow the healing and soothing vibrations of the gong to permeate into the trillions of cells of your being to restore, rejuvenate and be filled with love and compassions for self. 6-8pm, Yoga Village, 2760 Daniel St., Clearwater, 727-712-1475.

Thyroid Problems? Free Seminar — Fatigue?

Weight gain? Thinning hair? Feeling cold?

Anxious? Brittle nails? Brain fog? Drs. John & Alex Parker, DC, D.PSc provide answers, 6pm, Free, Synergy Integrated Health, 4343 W Henderson Blvd., Tampa, Seating limited, Reservations, 813-254-5200, tampathyroid.com.

Couples Weekend Getaway & Workshop — Join Richard & Diana Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples, for a romantic beach getaway. Bring greater joy, intimacy and passion to your relationship. Celebrate your love. Connect with your beloved on a soul level. 7pm-Sun 2pm, $695/couple. Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. More info, other dates & locations, brochure, 941-3496804, IntimacyRetreats.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3

Digestive Wellness — Probiotics, Prebiotics, Good Yeast vs Bad Yeast; Why GMO Foods can Destroy Your Health, presented by Dr. Betty-Wedman St Louis, Licensed Nutritionist and Environmental Health Specialist, specializing in Functional Medicine Nutrition, Diabetes and GI disorders, 6pm, Free, Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center, 7600 Bryan Dairy Rd., Largo, 727-826-0838.

Life after Death Lecture — Respected author and lecturer Frank Valentín will take you on a spiritual journey as living proof that there IS life after death in ways never taught before—from his first NDE in 1979 to his most recent spiritual manifest in 2014. Seats are limited; learn more at SearchingTruth.org/lectures/. 10am-1pm, $10, Perkins Family Restaurant, 2375 Curlew Rd.,

Near Death Experiences Lecture

Respected author and lecturer Frank Valentín will take you on a spiritual journey as living proof that there IS life after death in ways never taught beforeÑfrom his Þrst NDE in 1979 to his most recent manifest in 2014.

RSVP ( 8 1 3 ) 4 4 0 - 1 2 9 9 w w w. S e a r c h i n g T r u t h . o r g

Bay Area Oriental Family Practice nd clinical a 20 years xperience e teaching 6 books author of

Yali Fan, AP/DOM

Acupuncture Tuina Massage Herbal Medicine • Qigong Therapy Dietary Therapy and Nutrition Phone: 813-882-8373

MD (in China)

44

P.A.

Tampa Bay Edition

Web: www.baofp.com 5905 Webb Road, Tampa www.natampa.com

Dunedin, Reservations, 24/7 live call center 813440-1299.

Holiday Mystic Fair — Join Mark Robinson, Energetic Restructurer, using intuition and dowsing to remove sabotaging energy and facilitate the changes you want in your life. This offers a way to “fast track” healing physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and environmentally. Noon-5pm, The Evolve Center, 2120 Range Rd (off Belcher Rd), Clearwater, 727-831-6318.

Therapeutic Yoga for Tight Shoulders — Heather Overton, E-RYT200, Certified Personal Trainer, facilitates this yoga workshop designed specifically to reduce stress and tension in the upper body. Find relief with focus on your shoulders, neck and upper back. This therapeutic sequence will help to relax the muscles that so often carry the weight of the world and cause headaches. Perfect for those spending hours at a computer! All levels. Participant number is limited! 3-4:30pm, $20, Yoga4All, 8836 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, Advance Registration Req’d, Heather 727-480-3004, yoga4all.com/workshops.

7th Annual Holiday Spirit Gallery — Come and experience the powerful and healing energy from the Spirit World at Jennifer Farmer’s special Holiday Event. She will share personal insights

from working with the Spirit World, lead the group in an energy meditation, then devote the remainder of the evening to messages from loved ones in Spirit. This fun, spirit-filled evening can be shared with the entire family and friends.

Attendance does not guarantee a message. 6:308:30pm, $25, First Unity Sanctuary, Wings Bookstore, 4500 4th St. N, St. Pete, Advance reservations recommended, WingsBookstore.com, 727-522-6657.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

Life after Death Lecture — Respected author and lecturer Frank Valentín will take you on a spiritual journey as living proof that there IS life after death in ways never taught before—from his first NDE in 1979 to his most recent spiritual manifest in 2014.

Seats are limited; learn more at SearchingTruth. org/lectures/. 10am-1pm, $10, Perkins Family Restaurant, 5002 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, Reservations, 24/7 live call center 813-440-1299.

A Yoga Village Tea Series Presents Divini — Paula Schroeder, World Class Healer, will assist you to free your soul by connecting with source, and help you as she has helped thousands improve their lives by enhancing their personal relationships, releasing negative habits and rebuilding positive patterns of awareness. Meditation by Lenka Imholz. Enjoy delicious tea and tastes. Experience dynamic presentations. Explore the Marketplace and Exotic Trunk Show. 1-4pm, Yoga Village, 2760 Daniel St., Clearwater, 727-712-1475.

Nutritional Blood Evaluations — Brandi Stewart, Nutritional Microscopist & wellness educator, offers a view of your body’s terrain. Utilizing one drop of blood she can show you 42 anomalies of your health, from digestive dysfunction, toxicity, inflammation markers, lymphocytes to health of white blood cells and more. Receive your appointment recorded onto DVD and score sheet.

Live layer $50; Live & Dry layers $90. Abby’s Health & Nutrition, 14374 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, Call for appointment 813-265-4951.

Song Circle — Theo Tillson, NFP Food Service Director, orchestrates this all acoustic gathering of musicians & singers in a free-flowing expression of talent & creativity. Music selections will be driven by group energy & consensus: 50’s–present, Classic Rock, Folk & Blues, are generally on the menu as well as some original compositions. 6:30pm, Free, Nature’s Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

Holiday Appetizers — Need something healthy to bring to a holiday dinner or party? Brad Myers, the Vegabond Chef, shows how to make the vegan versions of your favorite holiday appetizers! 6:30pm, Free, Nature’s Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

Mini Massages — Pamper yourself while doing your holiday shopping! Stop into our Wellness Department from 10am-1pm for free mini massages by Kimberly French, LMT/NMT, Facilitated Therapies. Nature’s Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com.

Thyroid Problems? Free Seminar — Fatigue?

Weight gain? Thinning hair? Feeling cold?

Anxious? Brittle nails? Brain fog? Drs. John & Alex Parker, DC, D.PSc provide answers, 6pm, Free, Synergy Integrated Health, 4343 W Henderson Blvd., Tampa, Seating limited, Reservations, 813-254-5200, tampathyroid.com.

Taller del Perdon — Dra. Marta Alarcon, Reiki Master, Consejera Familiar, Hipnoterapista y Terapista de Luz. Como liberar emociones negativas, incoherentes para lograr una vida mas saludable. 1-3pm. Llame para reservación, Marta 813-425-2596.

The Reynolds’ Kitchen — Combining the principles of Chinese Medicine with seasonal cooking, Dr. Paul & Cara Reynolds, thereynoldskitchen.com, prepare a menu to be determined based on fresh produce available. Gluten- & dairy-free! 6:30pm, Free, Nature’s Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6703, naturesfoodpatch.com.

Glimpsing Your Soul: Exploring Past Life Memories — Have you ever had a glimpse of a past life? Do you have a deep feeling inside that this is not your only lifetime? Have you ever met someone and felt like you have known them throughout all of time? In this intimate evening exploration, we will dive deeply into the possibility that as a soul, each of us has lived many lifetimes. Join inspirational author and teacher Laurel Geise as she leads the group in a past life session opening energetic doorways for you to explore the many dimensions of you. 6:308:30pm, $22, Wings Bookstore, 4500 4th St. N, St. Pete, WingsBookstore.com, 727-522-6657.

  



Need Guidance on Life Issues, Lessons or Purpose?    





www.journeyswithanna.com

natural awakenings

December 2014

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 Yoga for Awakening from the Anxious Mind — Julianna Stoll 500-RYT, a Self-empowering workshop to explore mind-body-breath-life yogic tools for overcoming anxiety. What yoga really offers the anxious mind is not a temporary fix, bandaid, or short-lived peace after class, rather the power to Self-reveal and Self-dismantle the very behaviors and thought patterns keeping us anxious. 1-4pm, $35/advance, $40/door. Sign-up StPeteYoga.com, info@stpeteyoga.com, 727-894-9642.

Yummy Restorative Yoga with Yoga Nidra Meditation — with Nancy MacDonald ERYT 500, Yoga Therapist. Give the gift of restoration to yourself with yoga postures using blankets, bolsters, neck pillows, hand pillows and more to allow you to surrender into stillness and peace. After melting away tension from your body the session ends with a yoga nidra meditation, balancing and harmonizing body, mind and spirit, leaving you refreshed, vibrant and healthy. 2:30-5:30pm, $35, Yoga4All, 8836 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, yoga4all.com under events.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 Yoga to Stretch the Mind — Ashley McHan 500RYT, LMHC facilitates a workshop to stretch your understanding of yoga. Until recently yogic practices were designed to first examine and then adjust the mind. Like scientists, these yogis over thousands of years have gained huge insight into the aspects of the mental self, and mastering it. 1-4pm, $35/ advance, $40/door. Sign-up StPeteYoga.com, info@ stpeteyoga.com, 727-894-9642.

Women’s Temple with Amy Pfaelzer — Gather in the circle of women to explore a sacred and real way of coming together into the space of

no-mind through connection with our bodies and each other, truly nourishing space to melt into the feminine heart. 6-8pm, Yoga Village, 2760 Daniel St., Clearwater, 727-712-1475.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 HAPPY HANUKKAH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 Awakening Feminine Heart with Amy Pfaelzer — An Awakening Woman is a spiritual rebellion engaged in a glowing and embodied, nothing-heldback love affair with the great mystery. Perhaps you feel it, that yearning from the deep warmth of you, the call for awakening? Join us for this series exploring what it means to live as a yogini, an awakening woman. 1:30-3pm, Yoga Village, 2760 Daniel St., Clearwater, 727-712-1475.

Winter Solstice — Experience Winter Solstice with a Gong Celebration, yoga, warm tea and Indian food! Ancient civilizations revered the solstice as a time of heightened celestial energy, and the winter solstice is also a time to bask in the calming, soothing, feminine energy of the moon while anticipating the shift of daylight hours, welcoming the return of the sun. Experience this astrological event while allowing the pure vibrations and energy of the gong to help you reach a profound state of meditation and healing. 7-9pm, $20, Yoga4All, 8836 Seminole Blvd, Advance Registration Req’d, Lisa 727-595-6036, yoga4all.com/workshops.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 Playful Laughter Yoga — Laughter Yoga is a blend of yogic deep breathing, easy stretching, guided laughter exercises with intentionally cultivated

Unless we make Christmas an

occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white’. ~Bing Crosby 46

Tampa Bay Edition

www.natampa.com

childlike playfulness. Anyone can laugh. You don’t need a reason nor do you need to feel good first. The health-building laughter can relieve stress, reduce pain, improve lung capacity and is contagious like yawning and is FUN! Unconditional laughter facilitated Anna Laing, RYT, Laughter Yoga Teacher, is truly for everyone. 1-2pm $10, Yoga4All, 8836 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, Info, Anna 727-5641596, yoga4all.com/workshops.

Nutritional Blood Evaluations — Brandi Stewart, Nutritional Microscopist & wellness educator, offers a view of your body’s terrain. Utilizing one drop of blood she can show you 42 anomalies of your health, from digestive dysfunction, toxicity, inflammation markers, lymphocytes to health of white blood cells and more. Receive your appointment recorded onto DVD and score sheet. Live layer $50; Live & Dry layers $90. Bailey’s Naturals, 470 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor, Call for appointment 727-725-1617.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 Spirit Speaks — Join Emily Rivera Andrews, inspirational speaker, intuitive guide and energy healer for an evening filled with enlightened messages from beyond. During this powerful seminar, Emily will make direct connection with Spirit, and demonstrate her ability to channel messages from Angels, Guides, Masters and loved ones by answering questions from the audience. All who attend can experience healing and expansion.

7pm, $22, Wings Bookstore, 4500 4th St. N, St. Pete, WingsBookstore.com, 727-522-6657.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4

HAPPY KWANZAA New Years’ Couples Getaway & Workshop — Join Richard & Diana Daffner, authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples. Rekindle your passion.

Celebrate your love. Connect with your beloved on a soul level. Transform your relationship into a love affair. 7pm-Sun 2pm, $695/couple, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. More info, other dates & locations, brochure, 941-349-6804, IntimacyRetreats.com.

New Year’s Eve Gong Immersion & Meditation with Updesh Kaur — Come join us and welcome in the New Year with consciousness; clear away the negative thought patterns of the past year, set your intentions for 2015 and meditate to create and celebrate your new vision.

6:30-8:30pm & 9:30-11:30pm, Yoga Village, 2760 Daniel St., Clearwater, 727-712-1475.

Free Hypnosis-NLP Seminars Benefit Hospice — Join UP Hypnosis Institute for a day of informative talks about “Your Unlimited Mind”. Learn how hypnosis & NLP are used in behavioral and medical issues with top local experts. Free hypnosis sessions with donation to Hospice. Refreshments, Q&A & prizes. 1-5 pm, UP Hypnosis Institute, 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd., Palm Harbor, 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.

PLAN AHEAD

Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing — Robert Austin, sound healer and Nancy MacDonald, certified restorative yoga teacher are combining their gifts to open the doors to your personal healing.

While you are lingering in the healing restorative postures Robert plays crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls and other instruments bringing harmony to the physical, mental and emotional body. 3-5:30pm, $35, The Lotus Pond, 6201 Lynn Rd., Tampa, Advance registration required, LotusPondYoga.com under events, Nancy 727-542-0116.

Nutritional Blood Evaluations — Brandi Stewart, Nutritional Microscopist & wellness educator, offers a view of your body’s terrain. Utilizing one drop of blood she can show you 42 anomalies of your health, from digestive dysfunction, toxicity, inflammation markers, lymphocytes to health of white blood cells and more. Receive your appointment recorded onto DVD and score sheet.

Live layer $50; Live & Dry layers $90. Nature’s Store House, 9131 Little Rd., New Port Richey, Call for appointment 727-863-6878.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 Yin Yang Yoga Workshop with Linda Hutton — Explore ways to achieve harmony in your body, combining passive and active Yoga.

Yin focuses on identifying where you hold tension. Using the breath and observing the inner silence, surrender into postures for longer periods of time and open yourself up to releasing the deeply held, stagnant energy. Yang transitions you into a flow that allows you to integrate the openness and awareness created in Yin. 3-5pm, Yoga Village, 2760 Daniel St., Clearwater, 727712-1475.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 JOY, PEACE & PROSPERITY in the NEW YEAR SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 Treasure Island Energetic Healing Fair — Join Mark Robinson, Energetic Restructurer, using intuition and dowsing to remove sabotaging energy and facilitate the changes you want in your life. Other practitioners include empathic energy healing for emotional issues & physical pain; angel practitioner; spiritual healer; Reiki Master. 10am-4pm, 20 minute sessions/$20, Treasure Island Community Center, 1 Park Pl. & 106th Ave., Treasure Island, 727-831-6318.

Free Hypnosis-NLP Seminars Benefit Hospice — Join UP Hypnosis Institute for a day of informative talks about “Your Unlimited Mind”. Learn how hypnosis & NLP are used in behavioral and medical issues with top local experts. Free hypnosis sessions with donation to Hospice. Refreshments, Q&A & prizes. 1-5 pm, UP Hypnosis Institute, 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd., Palm Harbor. 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 Modern Secrets of IV Nutrition — Explore the vital role of IV nutrition in improved immunity, energy, and weight-loss. Discover IV therapy’s role in recovery from chronic illness and overindulgence. Learn from leading Functional Medicine/IV Nutrition expert, Dr. Les Cole, MD about the importance of IV vitamins in all inflammatory, cancer and chronic diseases.

Understand the new availability of standard IV “cocktails” that you can use to maximize and improve health. 6-7:30pm, Free, St. Petersburg Health & Wellness, 222 2nd St. N., St Pete, 727551-0857, stpetehw.com.

Couples’ Retreats!

Led by Richard & Diana Daffner, M.A. authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples

Create Magic in your Relationship!

Romantic Vacation Workshops

Siesta Key

Dec 5-7

Dec 26-28

Jan 9 -11

Mexico

January 24-31, 2015 Call for ADD’L DATES & Free Brochure: 941-349-6804 Intimac yRetreats .com

natural awakenings

December 2014

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ongoingevents sunday Introduction to The Presence Process - (3rd Sunday) The Presence Process is a very specific selffacilitated 10 week journey that combines breathing, short meditation sessions and “conscious responses” to help you integrate your “emotional charges” that are preventing you from being your greater self. The book is available for purchase $19.95.5pm, Love Offering, Wings Bookstore, 4500 4th St N, St Pete, WingsBookstore.com, 727-522-6657.

Mindfulness Meditation and Buddhist Teaching – in the spirit of Thich Nhat Hanh with Fred Eppsteiner. Mindfulness practice helps one to cultivate compassion, develop inner peace and experience joy in daily life. 10am-Noon, 6501 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, Info tampa-updates@floridamindfulness.org or visit floridamindfulness.org.

Advance Reiki Training, Reiki II, Karuna Reiki – by request with Rev Maria Antonieta Revello, member of ICRT, Reiki, Karuna & Qigong Master, NLP practitioner and instructor. Call for reservations, location, times, Maria 813-334-7424, reikishrine@gmail.com.

monday Inner Wisdom Coaching Circle – Join Coach Dianne Kipp in a “telecoaching” group each month to discover your internal wisdom, while learning how to overcome your “Monkey Mind” negative self-talk. You will learn the foundations of Ontological coaching, as well experience what it is like to “be coached”. Bring your life challenges, desires, and dreams and we’ll get you on the road to your success! 6-8pm, $30 per person per month; 3 or 6 month commitment required. Contact Coach Dianne 727-481-1646 or coach@diannekipp.com.

Create Your Ideal Healthy Body! – Mind-Body Cohesion© System developed by Patricia V Scott combines Hypnosis, NLP, Pivotal Response Conditioning & more for weight, diet, cravings, confidence, exercise motivation. Initial 5 classes: $155 prepaid; $175 same day; $135 Members. Continue with discounted repeat classes. 6:30-8:30pm, UP Hypnosis Institute, 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd, Palm Harbor, 727-943-5003, Info@ UPHypnosis.com, map uphypnosis.com.

Yoga — with Osiris Albrecht. Bring your mat and enjoy healthy stretch and relaxation. 6:30-7:40pm, RSVP Osiris 813-545-3261 or Maria 813-334-7424.

Embrace Your Infinite Potential — (3rd Monday) Awaken yourself to a New Way of Being during this session designed to ignite and inspire your full potential. Each session will include the gift of Vibrational Alignment shared by Andi Schenbeck, aligning you with your highest potential by transmuting lifetimes of unconscious beliefs and energies that no longer serve you. 7pm, Love Offering, Wings Bookstore, 4500 4th St N, St Pete, WingsBookstore.com, 727-522-6657.

Free Being Meditation — Practice inner being health through deep relaxation. Offering seated Yoga Nidra meditations; on the first Monday of every month we practice with recorded chanting or background music. 7-8pm, Door opens 6:45pm to get settled, Love offering, First Unity Campus Bldg. (next to Wings Bookstore), 4500 4th St N.,

48

Tampa Bay Edition

Rm. 400, FirstUnity.org, meetup.com/Free-BeingMeditation-St-Petersburg-FL. Yum Yum Yoga — Recovering from illness or injury? Stressed, overwhelmed or suffering from back pain? This therapeutic class taught by Yoga Therapist Nancy MacDonald ERYT 500 might be just what you need. Leave class feeling yummy and peaceful, with tools to support you and your journey of health. 7-8:15pm, Yoga4All, 8836 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, shantivinyasa.com.

Attention Coaches and Want-a-Be Coaches! – Join Coach Dianne Kipp, experienced, certified and mentoring coach on a monthly “coaches conversation call” to build community, exchange ideas and gain insight to solving difficult client challenges.

Details 727-481-1646, diannekipp.com.

tuesday Inspiration Radio – Listen to Dr Tracie J Leonhardt, DO, on 1110 AM; call in with questions on topic of the day, 7:30am.

Tuesday Fresh Market - Over 70 vendors, including local produce, artisan foods, health & wellness, art & crafts, live music. Year-round, 9am-3pm, 3000 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport Waterfront Village. Clothing swap second Tuesday monthly, 9am-1pm. Info GulfportMA. com, FreshMarket@GulfportMA.com, 727-453-9093.

Reiki I & II Usui System – Class Certification and CEUs available for LMT, Provider #MCE 50–77, for Reiki credits. Rev Maria Antonieta Revello, Reiki, Karuna & Qigong Master. Reiki I, Tuesday; Reiki II, Thursday; 6-10pm, RSVP 813-334-7424.

Acupuncture Intern Clinic $25 + Cost of Herbs — Students spend about an hour or two using the Chinese medicine system of evaluation to see what herbs and herbal formulas to recommend for you.

They are supervised by one of our experienced acupuncture & herbal practitioners. Appointments only. 6-8pm, St. Petersburg Health & Wellness, 222 2nd St. N., St. Pete, 727-551-0857, stpetehw.com.

Acupressure Training – (1st & 3rd Tuesdays) Acupressure and acupuncture treatments can help improve results. Hands on training with Dr Yali Fan, MD, professor in China, author of six Chinese Medical books, 23 years teaching/clinical experience, Tuina, acupressure. 7-8pm, $20 (bring one or two guests; no charge), 5905 Webb Rd, Tampa, Limited seating, RSVP 813–882–8373.

The Essential Teachings of Alan Watts — (2nd Tuesday) Dive deeply into the philosophy of Alan Watts as facilitated by Jacob. We begin with a 15 minute meditation, and then move into listening and contemplating on the specific teaching of the night.

Topics vary: The Ego, Meditation, God, etc. Group discussion follows teaching to dig further into these ideas. 7pm, Love Offering, Wings Bookstore, 4500 4th St. N., St. Pete, 727-522-6657, WingsBookstore.com.

Back Pain? Can Yoga Help You? — Essential Low Back Pain Therapy is now in Pinellas, taught by the only Tampa Bay area certified teacher for the National Institute of Health clinically proven back pain program, Nancy MacDonald, ERYT 500, Yoga Therapist. Small groups/private sessions in December; series starting in 2015.

Tree Frog Yoga, Pinellas Park (treefrogyoga.net).

Nancy 727-542-0116 or shantivinyasa.com.

www.natampa.com

wednesday Restorative/Yin Yoga - Join Nancy MacDonald ERYT500, Certified Restorative Yoga teacher as she guides you in the peaceful practice of restorative/yin yoga. Postures will be held so the body can unwind and unfold naturally. 7-8:15pm, Yoga4All, 8836 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, 727-542-0116, Shantivinyasa.com.

Reiki Share – (also every third Saturday) – Experience the most profound, powerful & gentle relaxation technique; feel renewed and lighter. It helps re-establish healthy frequencies to cells and tissues bringing back health. Complements any form of therapy. 10am-2:30pm, Call for appointments & location, 813-425-2596 Dr Marta Alarcon, 813-3347424 Maria, reikishrine@gmail.com Inspiration Radio – Listen to Dr Tracie J Leonhardt, DO, on 1110 AM; call in with your questions on the topic of the day. Also listen daily for her metabolic health minute of the day. 11:30am-Noon.

Joel Chudnow Hosts Hawk Health Hour — Wholistic Health Educator and Natural Lifestyle Counselor Joel Chudnow is back on the radio and web. Joel continues to interview and showcase wholistic healthcare professionals in Tampa Bay. Noon-1pm, WMNF 88.5 HD4 and live streaming HawkRadio.com.

Happy Half Hour Wednesday Group Ear Acupuncture - Five tiny needles in each ear can help with stress & anxiety, and reduce cravings of all kinds, done in a relaxing setting. 5:30pm, $20, Attend 5 sessions get 6th free, Warm Sea Acupuncture, 531 Main St, Ste D, Safety Harbor, 727-726-1676.

Kundalini Yoga with Allison Marie – Open your mind and body to the healing possibilities of yoga. Become more flexible, more joyous, through breath awareness, chanting and the practice of kriya. Awaken the kundalini in you. All levels, 5:306:45pm, $15 walk-ins, memberships or package prices available, First Unity Campus, 4500 4th St N, Rm 401, St Petersburg, 727-421-0721.

Herb Student Clinic $10 + Cost of Herbs — Students spend about an hour or two using the Chinese medicine system of evaluation to see what herbs and herbal formulas to recommend for you.

They are supervised by one of our experienced acupuncture & herbal practitioners. Appointments only. 6-8pm, St. Petersburg Health & Wellness, 222 2nd St. N., St. Pete, 727-551-0857, stpetehw.com.

Hypnosis & NLP Master Class (Public Welcome) – (Last Wednesday monthly) Master Class for

professional development (3 CEUs). Hypnotists expand skills with scripts & practice time & others participate as practice client. $30 UPHI Associates; $35 UPHI Members; $40 General Public). 6-9pm, UP Hypnosis Institute, 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd, Palm Harbor, 727-943-5003, 866-537-7746, Info@ UPHypnosis.com, map uphypnosis.com.

Mindfulness Meditation & Practice – in the spirit of Thich Nhat Hanh. Mindfulness practice helps to cultivate compassion, develop inner peace and experience joy in daily life. 7-8:45pm, UU St Pete, 719 Arlington Ave N, St Petersburg, Info floridamindfulness.org.

thursday A Course In Miracles – A modern day expression of the demonstrations and teachings of Jesus as the path to happiness, love and joy; course focuses on letting go of thoughts and pictures in our minds that cause us to suffer. $5 donation, 7pm, First Unity, 460-46th Ave North, St Pete, 727-527-2222 x101 or FirstUnity.org.

Free Beginners Yoga Class — (also Saturdays).

New to yoga or need a brief review of the basics, join us for this class or any other one class for free.

The class is taught by different studio instructors so you also have the opportunity to experience more than one teacher. Open to all levels. 5:30-6:45pm.

First class in studio (limit one) is FREE to Pinellas residents. Yoga4All, 8836 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, Info, Marty 727-392-9642, yoga4all.com.

Conversations with Purpose - (4 Thursday monthly) Sharing, supporting, inspiring and doing can transpire from these gatherings. 6:30-8:30pm, Info 813-334-7424, reikishrine@gmail.com. th

WHOLE FOODS MARKE T IP, L .P.

Energy Medicine Study Group - (4th Thursday monthly) Interactive class guided by Joyce Claflin,

Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. Learn to practice techniques from Donna Eden’s teachings that can enhance your life: how to reduce stress, increase stamina, relieve pain and more! 7pm, Love Offering, Wings Bookstore, 4500 4th St N, St Pete, WingsBookstore.com, 727-522-6657.

Couples Beach Retreat & Workshop – Transform your relationship through sacred intimacy and conscious loving. Discover Tantra. Friday 7:30pmSunday 1:45pm, $595/couple, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, IntimacyRetreats.com; Dates, other locations, brochure, call 1-877-282-4244.

Medical Qi Gong Seminars – (1st & 3rd Thursdays) Dr Yali Fan, MD & Professor in China, has taught Qi Gong for over 20 years. 7-8pm, 5905 Webb Rd, Tampa, 813-882-8373.

saturday

Back Pain? Can Yoga Help You? — Essential Low Back Pain Therapy is now in Tampa, taught by the only Tampa Bay area certified teacher for the National Institute of Health clinically proven back pain program, Nancy MacDonald, ERYT 500, Yoga Therapist. Private lessons in December; series starting in 2015. The Lotus Pond, 6201 Lynn Rd., Tampa, 727-542-0116 or shantivinyasa.com.

Weight Loss Seminars – (2nd & 4th Thursdays) Lose weight quick & have great health, with Dr Yali Fan, MD & Professor in China who has practiced Chinese Medicine for over 22 years. 7-8pm, 5905 Webb Road, Tampa. 813-882-8373.

friday Community Acupuncture Healing Sessions – patients sit quietly in comfortable recliners and benefit from the synergistic healing energy of a group. 10am-3pm, Payment is made anonymously, based on honor system, Suggest $20–$45, cash only, Mind Body Spirit Care, 3610 Madaca Ln, Tampa, Reservations 813-969-1311.

Gentle Yoga – with Osiris; bring your mat. 8:309:45am, Reservations, Osiris 813-545-3261 or Maria 813-334-7424.

Qi Gong: Supreme Science Qi Gong — Val Mirea, DOM, AP conducts guided group class through powerful and relaxing qi gong positions and techniques. All levels, 9-10am, $10, St. Petersburg Health & Wellness, 222 2nd St. N., St. Pete, 727-551-0857, stpetehw.com.

Migraine and Anxiety Healing with Acupuncture — (4th Saturday Monthly) How Acupuncture can effectively help migraine and anxiety sufferers using a holistic approach, presented by Dr. Guansu Wang, AP, DOM, MD in China, with 25+ total years of experience and 22 years in Bay area. 10-11:30am, 1811 N. Belcher Road, H4, Clearwater, Reservations 727-797-1161.

Reiki Share – (third Saturday) Experience the most profound, powerful & gentle relaxation technique. It helps re-establish healthy frequencies to cells and tissues bringing back health. Complements any form of therapy.

10am-2:30pm, Call for appointment & location, 813765-5166 Maritza, 813-425-2596 Dr Marta Alarcon, 813-334-7424 Maria, or reikishrine@gmail.com.

Self-Hypnosis Training: Your Unlimited Mind! – (Last Saturday monthly) Patricia V Scott, Certified Master Trainer, teaches how to discover untapped potentials, using the power of your Unlimited Mind. $45 prepaid; $55 same day; $35 Members, includes CD/materials, 1-4pm, UP Hypnosis Institute, 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd, Ste A-1, Palm Harbor, 727-943-5003, 866-5377746, Info@UPHypnosis.com, map uphypnosis.com.

YOU CAN DO IT ALL. BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO.

Holiday meals, entrées, sides, desserts, party platters, appetizers and more for in-store pick up.

SHOP.WFM.COM COMING SOON ALTAMONTE SPRINGS • DAVIE • DOWNTOWN MIAMI NORTH WINTER PARK • POMPANO BEACH • WEST PALM BEACH

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BRINGING MORE THAN HOMEWORK HOME

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

sanitizer before eating snacks, lunch and after using a shared computer mouse, pencil sharpener, water fountain or other community objects.

Now, most people know we need to wash our hands, but one thing most people don’t really relate their health to is nasal hygiene. Using a saline spray with xylitol, such as Xlear Nasal Spray, is safe for all ages. Research has shown this natural sweetener is useful in preventing bacterial otitis media (ear infections), among other upper respiratory problems that are most likely to occur in fall and winter months. Additional xylitol studies have also shown a significant reduction in asthma attacks when a xylitol nasal spray is used on a daily basis.

Xylitol affects nose and throat bacteria in two ways:

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

•

Decreases the adherence of harmful bacteria on their surface cells.

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Stimulates the body’s own natural defense system

Since the average American child has six to ten colds a year, using a xylitol nasal spray is a safe and effective way to promote better upper respiratory health, year round.

FINAL HEALTHY TIPS In addition to frequent hand-washing, teach your child some other school health basics: •

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

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

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

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

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

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Our best defense is to stop cold germs where they breed.

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

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www.natampa.com

Even with all of these tips, your kids are bound to come down with something over the course of the school year. We all get sick at some point or another, forming healthier habits and maintaining a positive attitude is all we can do as parents.

For more information, please visit www.xlear.com.

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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 visit www.natampa.com or call 727.865.9339.

ACUPUNCTURE bay area oriental family practice Yali Fan, AP, DOM, MD (China) 5905 Webb Road, Tampa South side of the Town & Country Hospital (813) 882—8373 Baofp.com

Dr. Yali Fan was an associate professor in Shandong University of TCM and the University hospital in China before she arrived in the US in 1996. With 20 years clinical experience, her patients range from 7 day old newborns to 95 year old seniors. See ad page 44.

Jade Tree Wellness Center Tom Elman, AP, LMT 3039 - 49th St. N, St. Petersburg (727) 344—8690 JadeTreeWellness.com

Happy, Healthy, Whole! Acupuncture, Herbs and Massage to help you feel better. We treat everything from asthma to emotional issues, from Acid Reflux to Fibromyalgia. Free Consultations! See ad page 16.

Sunshine Acupuncture Center Dr. Guansu Wang, AP, DOM, MD (China) 1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite H4, Clearwater (727) 797-1161 SunshineAcupunctureCenter.com

25+ years experience practicing and teaching Acupuncture and TCM. In bay area since 1992.

Specializing in Neurological pain, migraine, Arthritis, Anxiety, Insomnia etc. Free consultation.

warm sea acupuncture

Jane Myers, RN, LAc, MAc, AP 531 Main St., Suite D, Safety Harbor (727) 726-1676 WarmSeaAcupuncture.com Jane has been a registered nurse since 1977 and now specializes in Five Element Acupuncture bringing together the whole person: body mind and spirit. Herbal pharmacy on premises. See ad page 45.

alternative medicine LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER

Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 201 S. McDill Ave. (S. Tampa) 3610 Madaca Lane (N. Tampa) (813) 935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com

Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the whole family. Established, comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa. In-network with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.

Natural Med Therapies

Machelle Perkins, D.O.M. 7600 Bryan Dairy Rd # C, Largo, 33777 (727) 541—2211 NaturalMedTherapies.com National & state board certified with 15+ years experience in Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Cold Laser & more.

Bio-Puncture and Mesotherapy to treat pain, ADHD, anxiety, depression. Lab testing, most insurances. Free Nutritional Consultation.

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Dr. David Minkoff Dr. George Springer & Sue Morgan, ARNP 301 Turner Street, Clearwater (727) 466—6789 LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com Specializing in natural hormone replacement therapy: the natural, bioidentical way and other safe, natural nutritional solutions for menopause symptoms, including weight loss, acupuncture, chelation, allergy elimination, and walk-in care.

See ad inside front cover.

Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center Tracie Leonhardt, DO 7600 Bryan Dairy Rd Suite D Largo, Florida 33777 (727) 826-0838 PeaksOfHealth.com

Dr. Leonhardt is Board Certified & Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Offers a personalized program for each individual patient.

Offering: Hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, thyroid, GI issues, Diabetes, infrared sauna, IV nutrition, Anti-aging, Chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and toxicities. See ad page 9.

www.natampa.com

VITAL WELL-BEING CENTER 210 So Pinellas Ave, Suite 106 Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (727) 786-1661 VitalWell-BeingCenter.com

Our intention is to bring together the best of conventional medicine with an alternative approach to create a practice that would empower each patient to bring greater wellness into his or her own life. Call to schedule an appt with one of our physicians today.

Professional Herbalists Training Program

Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies 222 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 (727) 551—0857 AcuHerbals.com

The 2-year program meets one weekend each month for class and Wednesday nights for our hands-on student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbalists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism.

Many open classes. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards.

See ad page 24.

astrology Astrology for Your Soul

Aluna Michaels, M.A., Esoteric Astrologer Dunedin (727) 239-7179 alunamichaels.com Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner.

Over 25 years of experience.

Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”

attorney Law Offices of Steven A. Culbreath, P.A. Steven A. Culbreath Esq. 111 - 2nd Avenue N.E., Suite 900 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 456-6463 steve@saculbreathlaw.com ImmigrationLawTampaBay.com

Member AILA/prestigious AVrating. Authored articles on U.S. immigration law, visa strategies, legislative / regulatory updates, demystifying government agencies, insight into government practices. Visas, Greencards, Citizenship.

blood analysis Stewart Analysis, Ltd.

Brandi Stewart Microscopist/ Insured Wellness Counselor 15511 N.Florida Ave. Suite 2, Tampa (863) 860-6643 brandi@stewartanalysis.com StewartAnalysis.com Specializing in Live and dry layer blood evaluations utilizing applied dark field microscopic technology for health, education and nutritional improvements. Locations available throughout Florida.

David F. Doering, DDS

coaching Dianne M. Kipp, BSN, PCC, CTT

ICF Certified Coach & Business Culture Consultant Dianne M. Kipp & Associates, LLC (727) 481-1646 coach@diannekipp.com DianneKipp.com

Wanting to achieve the best in your personal relationships, professional or business goals? Try coaching with a certified coach.

You will be amazed at the results!

Coaching Courageous Living choices & senior executives for over 8 years. Complimentary Personal Values Assessments & Intro-session available.

Doering Family Dental 1201 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa (813) 933—5365 TampaDentalCare.com Cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Conservative approach to periodontal (gum) treatment. See ad page 17.

Paul T. Rodeghero DDS

Clearwater Family Dental 215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater (727) 442-3363 MyClearwaterFamilyDental.com

chiropractic Conforti Chiropractic and Wellness

4040 Tampa Rd., (813) 818—7499 Benttree Clinic 10935 N. Dale Mabry, (813) 969—2225 Conforti’s Crossroads Chiropractic Center 1811 Healthcare Dr., Trinity (727) 376—9611 Providing affordable family plans. See ad pages 38 and 55.

Natural Living Chiropractic & wellness center Dr. Paula Giusto 2102 S. Mac Dill Ave., Tampa (813) 253—2565 NaturalLivingChiropractic.org

Family chiropractic care, wellness care, nutritional counseling, neuromuscular massage therapy.

Jin Shin Jyutsu & craniosacral therapy.

cleaning We Are CONCIERGE!

Nancy Rosenthal, Nicki Bennett (727) 260-1883 WeAreConcierge@yahoo.com Office cleaning, house cleaning, sitting and open-ups. Day and overnight pet care. Utilizing all natural, green, biodegradable, non-toxic products, safe for your family and pets. Serving the Tampa Bay area.

Our practice is a full service family practice. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may present to us. See ad page 12.

colon Hydrotherapy RENEW LIFE

Bonnie Barrett 1153 NE Cleveland St., Clearwater (727) 461—7227 RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802 MM8132 18 years experience. Specializing in detoxification, digestive care, and weight loss. Services include colon hydrotherapy, lymphatic drainage, massage, Synergie cellulite treatment, infrared sauna for fat burning, and cranial-sacral release.

counseling Willing Heart Counseling

Kerry Knesl, LCSW 105 S. Albany Avenue, Tampa FL 33606 (813) 468-5858 Depression and bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, eating disorders, anxiety and stress, PTSD, relationship problems, women’s issues, grief, self-esteem issues, adolescent issues, bullying and group therapy.

dentists

Ray Behm, DDS

127 N. Garden Ave., Clearwater 33755 (727) 446—6747 AskDrBehm@SaveYourTeeth.com BehmNaturalDentistry.com Improve your overall health with holistic dentistry! Materials are tested for compatibility with your body. We remove toxic metals, treat root canals, and strengthen teeth and gums with state-of-the-art ozone treatments.

See ad page 27.

fertility Dr. Guillermo Caceres, D.O.M., M.D. (Peru)

Tampa Bay Fertility Group, Bloomingdale Acupuncture & Nutrition Wellness Center 114 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 341—2200 TampaFertility.com Specializing in natural fertility.

Discover how to take control of your own fertility and become empowered in making a difference to yourself and your future generations.

herbalist

Beata carlson, DDS

2701 Park Dr. Suite 4, Clearwater, Fl. 33763 (727) 712—3837 NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal. Non-metal crowns, bridges and partials. Be pampered in our Spa-like atmosphere. See ad back cover.

Rose Kalajian—Herbalist

Natural Health Hut Clinic and Herb Farm (813) 991—5177 www.ImHerbalist.com Specializing in growing the herbs used in my clinic practice and in the Herbal Remedies I formulate.

Consultations are available for humans, dog, cats, and horses.

Promoting health through the use of Herbs. See ad pages 18 and 35.

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hypnosis UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES HYPNOSIS, INC.

Patricia V. Scott, President (727) 943—5003, (866) 537—7746 UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com Professional Hypnosis & NLP Certification Training, Weekly classes & Private sessions (Smoking, Weight, Stress, Sports, Habits), Clinical/Medical Hypnotherapy available w/referral. Speaking Services & Corporate Programs.

See ad page 43.

integrative medicine St. Petersburg Health & Wellness

Les Cole, MD 222 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 202-6807 StPeteHW.com.

Board certified in Anti-Aging/ Regenerative and Integrative/ Holistic Medicine. Specializing in men’s & women’s health, bio-identical hormones, weight, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, fatigue, stress, gut health, chelation, IV vitamin C, nutrition.

See ad pages 24 and 31.

Mind Body spirit Care Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 3610 Madaca Lane, Tampa (813) 935—CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com

Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, Fatigue & Stress Management, Weight Loss, Yoga, Nutritional Counseling. Affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital. Most insurance accepted.

meditation Donald J. Glassey, DC, LMT Certified Meditation Instructor 7508 13th Ave. North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (727) 290-6353 dglassey@tampabay.rr.com

Facilitating classes, workshops and presentations on Meditation, an easy to learn process with physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, including stress reduction, strengthening of the body’s immune system, improved concentration, calmer mind, and natural spiritual growth.

See ad page 44.

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Meditation on the Inner Light and Sound 1-877- MEDITATE SantMat.net

Learn how to live in alignment with the soul’s purpose and to experience greater harmony within, with others, and with the environment. Always free, never a charge.

organic produce Tampa Bay Organics

Jessica Papesh (813) 949-1112 TampaBayOrganics.com hello@tampabayorganics.com Tampa Bay Organics delivers fresh, delicious 100% Certified Organic Fruits and Vegetables directly to your home or office.

Customize your delivery schedule and produce preferences to fit your lifestyle! www.TampaBayOrganics.com. See ad page 18.

psychotherapy Lois A. Miller, L.C.S.W., PA

238 E. Davis Blvd. Suite 302, Tampa (813) 258-3906, Fl. Lic. swooo1738 info@mytherapywithheart.com mytherapywithheart.com Integrative and holistic psychotherapy for individuals and couples. Treating anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, trauma, transitioning and more, using EMDR, EFT, mindfulness, and other modalities. See ad page 24.

veterinarian animal alternatives holistic health care Dr. Anne Lampru 238 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa (813) 265—2411 AnimalAlternatives.org

Dr. Anne Lampru has practiced holistic veterinary medicine since 1983. Believing that each pet is unique, she tailors a health restoration or maintenance plan to their individual needs.

See ad page 32.

Medicine River Animal Hospital Shawna L. Green, DVM 14995 Gulf Blvd, Suite J Madeira Beach, FL 33708 (727) 299—9029 MedicineRiverAnimalHospital.com

Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more.

See ad page 40.

weight loss HCG ACCELERATED DIET

LifeWorks Wellness Center Sue Morgan, ARNP Sue Minkoff, RN 301 Turner Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 466 6789 LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com Experience this revolutionary, medically supervised weightloss program, where patients lose 14-20lbs in 24 days.

See ad inside cover.

SUZANNE P. PERSONS, Ph.D., LMHC MH#0423 / since 1982 Psychotherapy / Consultation 1700 Park Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (727) 804—1706

EMDR Therapy for stress, trauma and change. Counseling for people with grief, loss, esteem issues; relationship communication, life assessment, direction and goals, father/daughter relationships.

Real happiness doesn’t come from getting, but from giving. ~Gabrielle Bernstein www.natampa.com

Success by Design

Dr. Tami Horner 9095 Belcher Rd, Pinellas Park (727) 548-0001 SuccessByDesignWeightLoss.com.

Our Medical Weight Loss Program is designed to meet YOUR unique individual needs and lifestyle. It is not a starvation or fad diet. You will not only lose the weight you desire, but you will learn how to change your lifestyle so that you are successful in keeping your weight off. See ad page 14.

How much longer will you be okay with SICK CARE!?

With all of the changes in insurance, making your HEALTH CARE work for you is more important than ever.

We currently have SICK CARE, not HEALTH CARE Last year Americans spent $2.8 trillion on healthcare. That is around $8,000 per person.

So does this mean that we are all healthy and living well?

Absolutely NOT! In fact, we lead the world in heart disease, obesity, and cancer.

Astonishingly, 5 out of 6 Americans will be diagnosed with either heart disease or cancer.

If we were spending the most money in healthcare and had the healthiest people, maybe it would be worth it. But we are spending the most money AND have the unhealthiest people.

In a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, of 37 different developed countries the United States ranked 37th (dead last) in terms of overall health of the population.

SO where are we spending all of this money?

When we are sick or in pain, we go to the doctor. We get prescriptions to help cure and prevent illness and pain. What do we do when that medication has a side effect or no longer works? We go back and get more medications for the next side effect. Americans take up 5% of the world’s population, yet we consume 85% of the world’s medications. You would think that if drugs make you healthy then we would be the healthiest nation, and that is far from the truth. We had 1.1 million people die last year because of drugs and these are not street drugs like heroin or other illegal drugs. These are prescription drugs that were prescribed for the right condition, the right amount, the right time.

Prescriptions are not the only culprit, a large amount of that money is spent in nursing homes and cancer treatment centers.

We have so many sick and ailing people in our population that we are seeing more and more longterm nursing facilities. People may be living longer, but we are not living better.

The focus needs to change. We cannot be okay with a health system that has no regard for health.

It is time to take the focus off of SICK care and focus on health.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH A lot of people believe that genetics are to blame for the disease we see in our society today, but only 2-5% of degenerative illnesses are actually caused by genetics. So that leaves 95-98% of disease that is caused by lifestyle.

The foods we eat, the drinks we drink, and the habits we live are the main cause of the increase in disease.

Our offices are focused on HEALTH care.

We recognize that health is not just about what you eat and whether or not you exercise. Our offices implement maximized mind, maximized nutrition, maximized nerve supply, maximized oxygen and lean muscle. We personalize each care plan and work with our patients to establish health and wellness goals that create a healthy lifestyle that maximizes each patients’ quality of life.

We offer full health and wellness care that excludes drugs, shots, and harmful combinations or both. Our goal is to make sure our patients live the healthiest life possible.

BUT WHAT TRULY SETS US APART FROM ALL OTHER WELLNESS CLINICS It is our dedication to whole health wellness.

Our patients are not just adjusted and sent on their way. We spend time focusing on spinal CORRECTION not just spinal alignment. By providing our patients with in office and at home stretching, strengthening, and lifestyle changes, our patients are the healthiest they can possibly be without introducing toxins. It is truly about balance and focus on health.

What does CORRECTIVE CARE mean?

If your spine and Central Nervous System are “abnormal,” there is a need for corrective chiropractic care. This type of care will restore “normal” spinal position and alignment. By properly restoring normal curves to the spine and aligning the vertebrae, it will eliminate interferences allowing your body to function and heal “normally.” This optimizes your chance to live at 100% of your body’s peak performance.

A healthy spine will allow your body to express a normal body temperature, a normal blood pressure, and other measureable norms for the spine itself.

There are four primary curves of the spine in the lateral (side) view of the spine.

These curves give the spine strength, stability, and flexibility. Any loss of integrity of these curves can affect the function of the nervous system as this is the basis of evolution. These misalignments can put further stress on several aspects of the spine including the soft tissue structures, muscles, ligaments and discs that support the spine and its normal function.

Much like braces straighten teeth, it is our aim to restore the proper alignment of your spine. Recent research allows us to now know the measurements and proper alignment of your spine. There is a normal body temperature, a normal blood pressure, and there are measureable norms for the spine. We take the necessary steps to restore the regions of abnormal alignment to normal through whole health wellness.

Obtaining the level of normal alignment allows us to cure and prevent disease that otherwise leads to a lifetime of harmful shots and pills.

Take the next step and allow your body to function at 100% of peak performance.

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$

THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR ANY PAYMENT OR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OR RESPONDING TO THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, OR REDUCED FEE, SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.

WITH 6 TAMPA BAY AREA LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Conforti Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Inc. 4040 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, FL 34677 813.818.7499 Conforti’s Crossroads 1811 Healthcare Drive, Trinity, FL 34655 727.376.9611 Benttree Clinic 10935 N Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL 813.969.2225 New Tampa Chiropractic and Injury 2312 Crestover Lane #102 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813.994.6111 Palma Ceia Chiropractic and Wellness 1502 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 813.251.0246 St Pete Chiropractic and Injury Center 2206 4th Street North, St. Pete, FL 33704 727.822.6700

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