MATT KAHN

Matt Kahn on Transforming the Planet With Love

by Sandra Yeyati

Author of bestsellers Whatever Arises, Love That and The Universe Always Has a Plan, as well as The Healing Mantra Card Deck, Matt Kahn is a spiritual teacher and empathic healer with a global audience, guiding seekers through in-person events and popular YouTube videos.

What are mantras and how do we use them?

They’re a declaration of our deepest wisdom, highest ideals and most authentic aspirations that we sound into existence as a way of asking the universe for help to embody our next highest level of consciousness. It’s an intention of the person I’m going to become and a request of healing energy from the universe, saying, “Please help me become more of what I declare through my words.” A mantra uses the sound of our voice as vibrational medicine to bring what’s within us out into the open for the purpose of not only transforming our personal circumstances, but improving the quality of the world.

When you say a mantra, it’s embedded in your subconscious mind, which is like a new piece of clothing in your closet. A bunch of other clothes may push it to the background, but the moment you need to wear that article of clothing, it’s going to stick out of the closet and get your attention.

What mantra is resonating for 2021?

No matter what, love always makes it right in the end. If you know that everything is made right by an infinitely wise, loving source, it relaxes you into being open to the journey and allowing yourself to be as aligned as possible to whatever life brings.

What lessons can we learn from turbulent times?

A big lesson is that desire is not a requirement for happiness. The things that most people desire for comfort or stability have been displaced, whether we’re talking about COVID-19 or the wildfires, for example. But happiness is how content and whole we are with ourselves; the constant needing of things pulls us out of happiness. Perhaps we can discover that just being who we were born to be is what we’ve always desired.

No matter how dark the world seems or how insurmountable the odds appear, this is part of a grand transformation of the planet. We love ourselves to remain safe throughout each step along the way, and we offer kindness, compassion and forgiveness to anyone around us, knowing that anyone acting out of character is just acting from a level of unprocessed pain. We love ourselves as a way of uplifting the planet, and we bless others as a way of helping to further the evolution of humanity. As we learn to be inner light workers and healers, we learn to find complete alignment with spirit no matter how the world ebbs and flows.

What’s the difference between our personal spiritual journeys and what you call ascension?

Ascension is when a certain percentage of the world starts to awaken in consciousness. It’s not just a few awake beings scattered across the globe in a fast-driven, goal-oriented society. It’s a world waking up to its true nature on a collective level.

On an individual journey, we’re healing our wounds, seeing through limiting beliefs, forgiving those who mistreated us and daring to treat ourselves better so that we can become active participants in the community of evolving beings we are creating.

Giving brings us together. Each of us has something unique to contribute through the gift of diversity; together, we accomplish more than we ever could individually. The individual spiritual path helps clear distractions and awaken your most infinite power, and then you bring that together in community for this potluck of generosity we each get to experience and share.

What is your advice for political protestors in today’s America?

Gandhi would say, “Be about what you’re for, not what you’re against.” When we protest, we’re saying that something isn’t fair and relying on publicly elected officials to do something about it. I think the gathering together of beings can transform from what isn’t fair to what all of our talents and efforts can do together to create solutions. How can we solve this on a communal level? What can we do to peacefully and consciously use all the power within us to create positive, tangible change so we can start living in the world that we envision? It’s an invitation to quantum-leap out of the identification of problems and into the cultivation of solutions.

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

NOTE: All calendar events must be received by December 10 (for Jan issue) and adhere to our guidelines. To submit listings, email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Costs $20 for 35 words each month. ALWAYS CALL AHEAD BEFORE ATTENDING EVENTS TO AVOID LATE CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES

Canvases with Candace Virtual Art School–We are providing art “at-home” kits. Our kits include online instruction with live teaching and interaction. Enrolling students daily hoping to connect to the home-school population and collaborate with their learning styles and structures. Join on Facebook at Facebook.com/canvaseswithcandace, or contact Candace at 718-924-1752 or CanvasesWithCandace@gmail.com. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-3766293 to schedule an appointment. Jubilee Resumes Sunday Services–11am. Practicing safe distancing and wearing masks. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. Rooted Community Yoga Classes–Sundays, 10am–All Levels Flow with Lindsay; Mondays, 6pm–All Levels Flow with Anne; Tuesdays, 6pm–Yoga Sculpt with Aria; Wednesdays, 9:30am–Pilates with Jessica; Thursdays, 9am–All Levels Flow with Pam; Fridays, 10:30am–All Levels Flow with Anne; Saturdays, 9am–Dynamic All Levels Flow in the Park with Aria. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info/cost: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-3976.

DECEMBER 1 – 31 Holiday Lights on the River–6-10pm. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission will continue its popular Holiday Lights on the River. Drivers can take a journey through more than 400 animated light displays of all shapes and sizes. Fun-filled memories are in store for the entire family to share for years to come. Cost: $20 per car; $40 per 15-passenger van; $60 per bus. Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, 803772-3903, icrc.net.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Introduction to A Course in Miracles–2-4pm. Study group via Zoom. Donations are accepted. Info: Call Joy Connor at 803-447-6499.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Santa's Market Craft Show–8:30am-1pm. Complete your holiday shopping at this annual craft show featuring unique gifts, charming decorations, art prints and paintings, handmade jewelry, ornaments, painted glassware, holiday wreaths, and more. Vendor applications will be accepted until the show is full. We will offer a virtual craft show for those that want to shop from the comfort of their homes. Visit icrc.net through Sunday, Dec 6, to shop for unique gifts from area crafters. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/vendor details: 803-772-3336, icrc.net.

SATURDAYS DECEMBER 5, 12, 19 & 26

Murraywood Health Foods 20% off Satur-

days–10am-6pm. 20% off all grocery items, excluding local honey. Murraywood Shopping Center, 7001 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-732-3847.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Reiki I Class–10am-6pm. Learn how to scan your body for blockages in the energy field and alleviate it. Cost: December special, $210; manual is included. Holistic Wellness and Counseling Center, 519 E Main St, Lexington. Preregistration is required. Info: Contact Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811 or ReikiByJoy.com.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Reiki II Class–10am-6pm. Learn how to scan your body for blockages in the energy field and alleviate it. Cost: December special, $210; manual is included. Holistic Wellness and Counseling Center, 519 E Main St, Lexington. Preregistration is required. Info: Contact Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811 or ReikiByJoy.com.

sunday

Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm. Every 2nd Sunday. In building and online. Spiritual Director Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. A Course in Miracles–Original Edition–4:306pm. Every Sunday. Study group via phone. We read together and discuss questions, insights and experiences. Donations are accepted. Info: Call Joy Connor at 803-447-6499. tuesday

Healthy at Home Facebook Live–7pm. Every Tuesday. Please join Ms Tracy for her Healthy at Home segment live on Facebook. Info: Contact Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@ gmail.com. wednesday

Debtors Anonymous–6-7pm. Every Wednesday. In building and online. Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering. Find relief by working the DA recovery program based on the 12-step principles. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. friday

A Talk on A Course in Miracles–6:30pm. Every 2nd Friday. In building and online. Facilitator Gina Gibson continues a series of monthly talks. Q&A to follow. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. saturday

Yoga in the Park–9am. Every Saturday. Join Aria in Hollywood Park, 216 S Gregg St, Columbia. Info/ cost: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-3976. Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm. Every 2nd Saturday. Workshop held in person at Jubilee and online. Minister Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

Columbia Resilience Integrated Health Com-

munity Clinic–10am-2pm. Every 1st Saturday. CranioSacral Therapy, energy-based modalities, self-care techniques, and a simple meal are offered by trauma-trained practitioners for the relief of chronic stress and post-trauma care. Suggested donation: $15/session. First-come, first-served. Only six participants permitted in clinic at any one time according to COVID-19 guidelines. Call for waiting times. CHI Energy Balance, 1544 Hwy 6, Gaston. Info/appointment: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576. Queen Aarinade Readings–11am. Every 2nd Saturday. Readings with an African system using cowry shells. Cost: $35 for half an hour. 7-Rays, 3701 N Main St, Columbia. Info: 803-404-4519. Health on Digital Radio–1pm. Every Saturday. Health, Hope and Healing digital radio broadcast. WDRB media on iHeart Radio or TuneIn app. Info/cost: Contact Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

To place a classified listing, email content of listing to ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com or mail with payment to Natural Awakenings, P.O. Box 2812, Columbia, SC 29202. $20 for 35 words each month. Additional .50 per word over 35 words. Please include billing contact information. Deadline is the 12th of the month prior.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

Earn Extra Money for the Holidays with Arbonne–8pm. Every Sunday in December. Zoom and discover Arbonne. Earn extra money while making a difference in your life and the life of others. Info: Call Sasha Davis at 803-665-4352.

SPACE AVAILABLE

Massage therapists looking for a like-minded

practitioner to share space in a quiet setting on 12th Street in West Columbia. The room is $300/month and is 10×12 with a shared waiting room and two bathrooms. Serious inquiries only. Please call Debra at 803-318-1664.

Connect with us naturally!

ACUPUNCTURE THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques. He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China. Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 9.

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE 4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, page 3,13, 35 and back page. CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.

DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC Dr. Dowdy Rudolph, DC 1444 Barnwell St, Columbia 803-376-6293 • DowdyRudolphChiro.com Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-theart full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 39. FLEX CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Angela Larson Dr. Felicia Danio 1811 Bull St, Columbia 803-252-0108 • FlexChiros.com With more than 22 years of experience in the chiropractic industry, our team is knowledgeable, experienced and courteous. Combining a passion for healing and alleviating pain with two decades of good oldfashioned know-how, we give you the customized chiropractic treatment you truly deserve. Our vast list of services includes: decompression; Pro Adjuster; pregnancy care; newborns, infants and toddler care; massage therapy; ultrasound; Kinesiology taping; and cold laser. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Larson or Dr. Danio. Let our team help you achieve a happy, healthy life through chiropractic care!

COLLABORATIVE LAW LAW OFFICE OF SHANNON K. BURNETT 109 N Main St, Blythewood 803-786-1758 • ShannonBurnettlaw.com Shannon.skblaw@gmail.com Shannon Burnett helps families through legal issues that normally tend to tear families apart. She works in a collaborative fashion with other trained professionals to minimize the damage done to your family; it is her goal for your family to achieve a successful outcome and healthy resolution. COLON HEALTH SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com All disease begins in the colon. Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Saturday appointments available with an additional small convenience fee. See ad, page 10.

CRANIOSACRAL CHI ENERGY BALANCE Pamila Lorentz, MSW, RN, LMBT 1544 Highway 6, Gaston 803-749-1576 ChiEnergyBalance.com Pamila is a former hospice and home-health nurse who now provides CranioSacral Therapy (CST), energy balancing, and sound vibrational healing techniques at her clinic in Gaston and in in-home settings. CST and sound healing are "light touch" therapies that are offered while the client is fully dressed and resting on a massage table or chair. CST has a profound positive effect in facilitating relief of conditions related to chronic stress, physical and emotional trauma, and neuromuscular and nervous

system impairment. Group sessions for sound and vibrational healing are limited to three participants due to COVID-19 guidelines. Individual home sessions are offered with restrictions. Remote energy healing sessions are scheduled according to the client’s need. Schedule appointments online at ChiEnergyBalance.com or text to 803-749-1576.

DISTANCE HEALING JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229) Touch for Health Instructor and Consultant Reiki Master, A Course In Miracles Teacher Chopra Instructor, Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda 803-447-6499 • JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net Joy is committed to being the "Light of the World" during this time of need, offering miracles (shifts in perception). When we see differently, our mind, emotions and even our body can shift, change and HEAL. While Joy has practiced as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Columbia area for many years, she has also worked with friends and clients around the globe doing healing work. By phone, FaceTime, email, Joy offers healing sessions and consultations from 20 minutes to two hours.

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com A green skin care company that creates high-quality, non-GMO, all-natural products that are gentle to the skin and safer for the environment. Our brands include ingredients such as organic oils, butters, flowers, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Find our products at such stores as Garner’s Natural Life, Four Oaks Farm, Wingard’s Nursery, Whole Foods and more. For a complete list of retail locations, visit our website.

HEALTH FOOD STORE

MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS Richard Beale, Owner • 803-732-3847 7001 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo In Murraywood Shopping Centre Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment. See ad, page 17.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 25. AMANDA RENEA HEALTH COACHING 803-673-8748 arpHealthCoaching@gmail.com AmandaReneaHealthCoaching.com Certified holistic health coach Amanda received her training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She studied more than 100 dietary theories under some of the world's top health and wellness experts. Amanda’s education has equipped her with extensive knowledge and expertise in holistic nutrition, preventive health care and innovative coaching techniques. She partners with clients looking to make lifestyle changes that produce authentic and lasting results—motivating them to focus on their set goals in order to improve their overall quality of life, energy, health, balance and happiness. Give Amanda a call to schedule a free consultation. See ad, page 29.

ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229 OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com OriginalOriginshw.com Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plant-based lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health evaluations, comprehensive cooking experiences, and a comprehensive kitchen evaluation. Your health is your wealth! See ad, page 8.

HOLISTIC FOOT CARE

SWEET FEET FOOT CARE Mona Patterson/Master Pedicurist 9153 Two Notch Rd, Ste 11-C, Columbia 803-394-4421 • SweetFeetCare.com Columbia’s foot care service with a holistic approach. Here at Sweet Feet Foot Care, we focus on Preventive Care, Effective Pedicure Treatments and Cleanliness. With advanced knowledge and skills, we help correct disorders of the feet and lower limbs with pedicure treatments and orthotics. Services are ideal for Diabetics, Seniors and Knee- and Back-Pain Issues. Gel manicures available. Call today to learn more about our services. See ad, page 18. EXPECT WELLNESS Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips. Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms. Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 11.

SPIRITUAL

ECKANKAR THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM Contact Dee 803-749-2459 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/columbia-spiritual-seekers.com Eckankar has suspended ALL group events worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this information as changes occur on our websites listed above and in this Natural Awakenings of Columbia listing.

THERMOGRAPHY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and healthenhancing services. One-onone nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 25. VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE 4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia Trenholm Plaza 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative high-quality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, page 3,13, 35 and back page.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com.

’TIS THE SEASON TO SAVE THE PLANET Eco-Friendly Holiday Ideas

When the holiday classic Jingle Bells starts playing in department stores, Americans deck the landfills with extra trash. According to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), garbage increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day— or about 1 million extra tons each week—including 38,000 miles of ribbon, $11 billion worth of packing material and 15 million discarded Christmas trees.

As this waste decomposes, dangerous greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are emitted, adding to the climate crisis. This season, include Earth on the gift list by reducing holidayrelated waste.

To stop the uptick of mailed catalogs, call stores and request to be removed from mailing lists.

Reusable shopping bags are not just for groceries. Bring them to malls and boutiques to cut down on single-use store bags.

Wrapping paper, ribbons and bows are beautiful, but create waste. Consider eco-friendly alternatives like towels, tablecloths, scarves and even socks.

According to NEEF, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold in the U.S. every year. That’s enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. Be kind to the planet by switching to e-cards or making personal phone calls.

At the holiday table, use cloth napkins and tablecloths instead of paper. They’re festive, elegant and best of all, washable and reusable.

Forgo plastic cutlery, paper plates and single-use plastic cups, too. An extra dishwasher load is better than bags full of trash, plastic being the worst non-biodegradable culprit.

Social-distancing Americans are expected to flock to the internet for gifts. Consider saving the shipping boxes and packing materials for later use or donating them to a mailing center that would be happy to reuse them.

The most environmentally friendly gifts eliminate wrapping and shipping altogether. Here are some favorite low-waste ideas:

n Charitable donations n Cooking, music, craft or other lessons n Passes to museums or amusement parks

n Gift cards for restaurants or bookstores n Music downloads or spa treatments

Most towns recycle Christmas trees and process them into mulch for use in parks. Contact a local waste management agency for details.

It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody. ~Maya Angelou