Natural Awakenings May 2019 Edition

EE H E A L T H Y L I V I N G R F

HEALTHY

PLANET

HER SOUL IN BLOOM Empowering Self-Care Strategies

TOXIC LEGACY

Keeping Abreast of Implant Perils

THE RISING OF DIVINE FEMININE

SPECIAL EDITION

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

May 2019 | Greater Hartford County Edition | NAHRT.com

May 2019

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MANY PATHS MANY TRUTHS ONE BRIDGE

BRIDGE HEALING ARTS CENTER Bridge Healing Arts Center is a diverse holistic wellness center, offering the community many choices of complementary and holistic healing modalities, workshops, events, and classes on their journey to wellness.

Meet some of the Bridge community…

Life & Behavioral Coach

Hypnotherapy

Elizabeth Hill, MSW, ACC Green Heart Living - Compassionate Coaching for Overwhelmed Professionals, Parents, and Caregivers liz@greenheartliving.com www.greenheartliving.com • 860-913-6918

Carl Brown Hypnosis Licensed Hypnotherapist Easily change limiting beliefs.

You can have, be, or do anything you want! www.carlbrownhypnosis.com 860-309-9004

Psychic/Mediumship/Events/Workshops

Reiki/Intuitive Readings

Keiko Broyles, Psychic Spiritual Medium Willows Healing Path, LLC - Owner Tested Member of Shay Parker’s Best American Psychics • Usui Reiki Master Teacher keiko@keikomedium.com www.keikomedium.com • 860-280-5548

Deborah Lyons, RMT Owner/Operator of The Lotus Petal, LLC Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Psychic/Medium, Nutrition Health Coach LotusPetalReiki@gmail.com www.TheLotusPetalReiki.com • 860-335-4060

Spiritual Intuitive, Medium & Psychic Denise Ann Atkinson, Owner of Soul Centered Mediumship. Private and group readings, CT and New York • Reiki Master/Teacher Facebook.com/Deniseaapsychicmedium www.deniseatkinsonmedium.com 860-930-9515

Our Village is Growing!

There is currently a wide variety of services available at The Bridge Healing Arts Center.

Please visit our website at www.BridgeHAC.com for a complete list.

If you are a practitioner who is interested to move your practice to the Bridge, please be in touch today! We have limited space available for you to join our growing village!

��� Main St. | Farmington, CT �6��� | bridgehac.com | 86�-���-���� | info@bridgehac.com 2

Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

September 13–15, 2019 Riverside Park & Mortensen Riverfront Plaza * Hartford, CT

yoga * music * wellness * food * dance Experience the Spirit Festival, a celebration of wellness, yoga, music, and dance — in affiliation with Riverfront Recapture and BaliSpirit Festival. This event will provide a safe and moving space for discovering new paths to harmony, healing, creativity, and community.

spirityogafestival.com

May 2019

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Contents

What’s the hardest part of staying healthy?

16 A CONVERSATION WITH

Maggie Gotterer, Executive Director of Two Coyotes Wilderness School

18 HER SOUL IN BLOOM

Self-Care for All Stages of Life

Showing Up! Commit to Being Strong, Flexible & Happy.

Yoga, Barre & Belly Dance Classes Daily 7 Days, 15 Teachers, 34 Classes, 0 Excuses

50

$

For Your First 30 Days of Classes Offer Expires 5/31/19. Mention “Natural Awakenings”

20 EMOTIONAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Increase Well-Being with 

Come join us on this Mother’s Day weekend as we

celebrate the spirit and wisdom of the Divine EMDR and Behavioral Therapies Feminine. Explore the ancient stories of the goddess.



Participate in movement and song.



View the Divine Feminine art show; meet the artist.



Experience the Salt Cave at The Red Barn.

23 SOURCING PERSONAL

20 28

POWER THROUGH SELF-LOVE 

Paint your face with goddess symbols. Shop for gifts for those you celebrate on this special weekend!

_____________________________________________

Call 860-693-9642

or visit YogaCenterCollinsville.com/new 10 Front Street, 3rd Floor, Collinsville

Event facilitated by Author & Intuitive Gloria Amendola and Janice Juliano, Director of The Red Barn

28 DIVINE FEMININE Admission fee:

$15 by May 4

$20 after May 4

RISING

_______________________________________________



Event venue is The Red Barn in Durham, CT



Event is family-friendly; kids are free

30 SPIRITUAL CALLING

If you don’t take care of you, who will?



Pre-registration encouraged for Salt Cave sessions



FMI or to register: holygrailmary@gmail.com

Shamans and Mystics:

34

Surrender to Grace

32 OCCUPATIONAL

THERAPY AS A MEANS OF EMPOWERMENT

34 SHED OLD ATTITUDES WITH YOUR CLOTHES

Be Empowered by Social Nudism

Let us. You’re in good hands.

Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports & Thai Massage All the luxuries in a beautiful setting

59 For Your First 60-minute Massage

$

Offer Expires 5/31/19. Mention “Natural Awakenings”

Call 860-693-9642

or visit YogaCenterCollinsville.com/bliss 10 Front Street, 3rd Floor, Collinsville 4

Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 13 global briefs 15 health briefs 16 community

spotlight 24 practitioner

profiles

26 healing ways 28 community

spotlight 36 natural pet 37 inspiration 38 calendar 46 ad index

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

18

The Future Dentist is Here Now!

100% Digital Practice Reducing Waste and Chemical Exposure

26

36

• Computerized records mean no paper waste • Digital imaging means no film x-rays, dangerous chemical exposure or waste • Digital radiographs use a fraction of the x-ray exposure of traditional film radiographs • Impressions taken digitally with a laser scanner Solea Laser Technology Eliminates the needle and drilling from many procedures by naturally numbing the teeth.

No contact with the tooth like traditional drills.

Sirona CEREC CAD/CAM Scanner and Milling Machine Digital scans of teeth for orthodontic appliances, crowns, bridges and many other treatments.

We can make crowns in a day!

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact our sales team: Ads@NAHRT.com or 860-507-6392.

Our fax is 860-357-6034.The due date for ads is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Submit articles, news items and ideas to Editor@NAHRT.com or call 860-507-6392. The due date for editorial is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit ALL calendar events on our website at NAHRT.com.

The due date for calendar is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

Sirona Orthophos CBCT Scanner (Cone Bean Computerized Tomography) Takes 3D CAT scans of the entire mouth at 1/3 the exposure of a traditional full set of x-rays.

Cutting-edge Natural Alternatives to Flouride & Restorative Materials free of Bis-GMA & BPAs! These technologies all work together to eliminate many of the traditional things that people fear when going to the dentist.

Visit our website for more detailed information about our state-of-the-art services at: glastonburydentalcenter.com

CALL 860-289-8219

to schedule your appointment

Hugh E. Finch Jr. DDS MBA General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Glastonbury Dental Center 195 Eastern Blvd.

Glastonbury, CT 06033

May 2019

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

D

o you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? I knew in high school that I wanted to be a GREATER HARTFORD writer, but it took several career changes to realize that goal COUNTY EDITION and then expand it to magazine publisher. While my current PUBLISHER Nicole Miale title may be more lofty, some of the day-to-day tasks are EDITOR Michelle Bense reminiscent of my first job after college. As an editorial assistant for three magazines in the telecommunications DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kathleen Fellows

Erica Mills industry, the actual work of writing, editing and producing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paige Dest was satisfying, but the topics did not light my soul on fire.

Kelly McCarthy Nicole Miale In stark contrast, the content of Natural Awakenings does Deana Paqua light my soul up. The many hours spent visioning and compiling each of these issues SALES & MARKETING Shirley R. Bloethe feels joyful and purposeful. For me, the realization of a vocation that intersects with

Alexa Ferrucci Nicole Miale intention and meaning is empowering. I feel truly fortunate to be doing what I do.

In this month’s Women’s Wellness edition, we have dedicated a lot of editorial WEBSITE Erica Mills space to this notion of being empowered to reconnect with self. Too many of us beCONTACT US gin with dreams and get derailed along the way, for a variety of reasons and through 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 a multitude of mechanisms. As a child, you may have known better what was best Ph: 860-507-6392 • Fax: 860-357-6034 for you than the well-meaning adults who had charge of you. As an adult, you have Publisher@NAHRT.com the ability to tap into your essence and consciously manifest what holds meaning for NAHRT.com you and your Self. It may take small steps over a long time to bring yourself to where SUBSCRIPTIONS you want to be, but there is no journey more worth your energy. There are many Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. tools available to support you in creating the life you really want and we offer some suggestions this month.

NATIONAL TEAM

When I was in graduate school, I was particularly fascinated when I had the CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne opportunity to study the synergy of spirituality and health. I had no particular

NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth affinity for any single religion and to that point had little connection with any

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist spiritual matters, so investigating more spiritual and even mystical themes has NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett been a revelation to me over the past decade. We explore some of those topics in

ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope this issue, within the context of rising divine feminine energy.

FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert

My wish for you this month is abundance, joy and blessings. May you receive FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy more than you need and take a moment each day to appreciate all you already NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave possess. To our terrific advertisers, contributors, staff and readers, I send a huge Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation THANK YOU! This growing community resource would not be possible without 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 each of you. You are appreciated, today and every day, and you empower us to do Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 and be better each month.

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2019 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

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

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

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

6

Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

With love and light,

See our display advertiser index on page 46.

Making it easier to find the resources you need.

news briefs

Walter Lübeck Comes to Glastonbury

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ainbow Reiki, a system of spiritual healing based on Traditional Usui Reiki, was developed through research by Walter Lübeck. He will offer Rainbow Reiki classes in Glastonbury in July, and notes that experienced masters of Traditional Usui Reiki will learn about 98 percent new content in a Rainbow Reiki first degree class.

Walter Lübeck Rainbow Reiki First Degree will be held on July 24 and 25.

In this entry class to Rainbow Reiki, participants will learn the history of Usui and Rainbow Reiki, Usui’s five Reiki principles in Japanese, the three RR principles, Gassho and RR meditation with the light beings of Mount Karuma, historic meaning of the Reiki symbol, whole body treatment with positions for specific healing needs and more.

Rainbow Reiki Second Degree will be held on July 26 and 27. Learn how to heal with the three Traditional Usui symbols; the four Rainbow Reiki symbols; mental healing with Kannon and the healing symbol; Quantum Light Bath with Amaterasu and the power symbol; healing with the distant healing symbol; activating kundalini; hip, joint, navel, diaphragm, atlas and skull harmonizations; and more.

Rainbow Reiki Wizard will be held July 28 through 30. This new, advanced class has been developed to maximize healing effects with Rainbow Reiki more quickly and for several people at the same time. Learn how to work on karmic problems from past lives with Advanced Karmic Surgery and Ultrashort Dissolution of Blocks. Learn how to use the power symbol to work directly with the elements, support personality development, regulate and strengthen the body, remove deep seated blocks and more.

Lübeck has taught Reiki since 1989, is a Master/Teacher of Traditional Usui Reiki, founder and Grandmaster of Rainbow Reiki and Shihan-Kaku of Jikiden Reiki.

For more information, contact organizer Marie Marchesseault at 860-933-4349, ReikiMarie@gmail.com or ReikiRejuvenation. massageplanet.com. Find Walter Lübeck on Facebook: Rainbow Reiki Worldwide.

b. kind is a lifestyle brand, helping others to live healthy, joyous and peaceful lives.

WELLNESS BOUTIQUE

Every item is organic, natural and hand-chosen to promote mindfulness and nourish the mind-body-spirit connection.

A wellness boutique and collaborative event space.

1000 Farmington Avenue Suite 100 West Hartford, CT 06107 860-338-5499 b.kindct@gmail.com

We support small businesses across the U.S.A. Victoria Gleixner owner

The Pretty Face Place, llc WIG BOUTIQUE

For medical hair loss and fashion Private Office & In-Home Consultations Licensed Permanent Makeup Clinic

By appointment 860-644-0888 435 Buckland Rd, South Windsor, CT | theprettyfaceplace.com

DEE RANDIS

Astrologer Certified

Over 40 Years Experience in the Interpretation of Birth Charts.

Past, Present and Future

Call 860-274-1690 for appointment 24 Country Drive, Watertown, CT 06795

astrodee24@yahoo.com • www.metaphysicalcntr.net

The only transdermal, FDA-registered product containing the highest legal dose of Homeopathic human growth hormone available without a prescription.

USAGE MAY • Relieve Headaches • Enhance Muscle Mass • Improve Sleep • Heighten Libido • Promote Significant Fat Loss

Contact Shirley R. Bloethe 860-989-0033 or HGH8609890033@gmail.com May 2019

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news briefs

CT Audubon Hosts Migration Madness Weekend Across State

Heartsource

Integrative Wellness LLC Traditional Chinese Medicine Chinese Tui Na Acupressure Usui Ryoho Reiki Medical Qi Gong Therapy Tong Ren Healing System Tai Chi and Qi Gong Instruction Pastoral and Spiritual Counseling

Donna M. Gordon, RMT

Chinese Healing Practitioner

860-978-2938 Bridge Healing Arts Center 304 Main Street Farmington, CT 06032

myheartsourcewellness@gmail.com www.heartsourceintegrative.com

A holistic approach to your health Offering treatments for food sensitivities, digestive problems, allergies, fatigue/stress, hormone imbalance, thyroid disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

• Healing from the inside out • Safe and effective natural

treatments for adults and children • Weight loss programs

Call 860.758.7808 or visit NaturesHelperMedical.com for more information.

Dr. Stacey Munro Naturopathic Physician 178 Mountain Road • Suffield, CT Most major medical insurance accepted.

8 Hartford County Edition NaturesHelper_F_CROPS_181209.indd 1

NAHRT.com 12/9/18 10:17 PM

C

onnecticut Audubon’s second annual Migration Madness Big Weekend, scheduled for May 17 to 19, will feature more than 30 guided bird walks, talks, exhibitions and other programs for all ages and in all parts of the state. The event will be highlighted by a Birdathon, a friendly bird-watching competition to raise money for conservation and environmental education in Connecticut.

The Birdathon is for everyone. The 60 participants in last year’s inaugural Birdathon ranged from age 9 to almost 70, and they raised more than $10,000 for conservation. This year’s goal is to reach 100 participants and raise $20,000 in donations.

Expert birders will have a chance to compete against some of the best birders in the state, and there will be ample opportunities for intermediate level birders, youngsters and people who are new to bird-watching to have fun and win prizes.

Attendees can choose from at least 30 programs and events throughout Migration Madness. Highlights include: beginner bird walk at the Coastal Center on Friday afternoon; late afternoon coastal bird walk at Watch Rock Preserve, led by the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme; full moon walk at the Center of Fairfield on Friday evening; bird banding demonstrations at Birdcraft in Fairfield on Saturday and Sunday and at the Center at Pomfret on Saturday; mid-morning bird walk at the Center at Glastonbury on Saturday; incredible “90-bird day” trip with Andy Rzeznikiewicz at the Center at Pomfret on Sunday; and early-morning and not-so-early guided walks through the highlands of Deer Pond Farm in Sherman.

Many events are free and all are reasonably priced, with discounts for Connecticut Audubon members.

For more information, visit MigrationMadness.CTAudubon.org.

Door Opener Magazine Hosts Soul Light Expo in Farmington

T

he 11th Soul Light Expo will be hosted by the Door Opener Magazine Online on May 19, at the beautiful Farmington Gardens from 10am to 5pm. Come enjoy 68 tables of energy workers, psychics and mediums, aura photography, readers of all kinds, bodyworkers, pet communicators, spiritual products and artwork, jewelry and gemstones, spiritual authors, holistic centers, teas, chocolate truffles, Reiki, tuning forks, wire sculpture trees, candles, music, sound healing, essential oils, spiritual trainings, auriculotherapy, holistic handmade crafts, life and spiritual coaching, the second-hand Book Nook (all books $2), Soul Light t-shirts and much more.

Five workshops are included with the admission fee of $5, held on the hour at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. There will be a complimentary soiree of sorts around 11:30am, featuring 20 kinds of cheeses, crackers, vegetables and fruits, with soda, juice and water free throughout the day. Coffee and tea will be available for purchase. There is plenty of free parking for the event.

For more information, call 860-693-2840, email TheDoorOpener@comcast.net or visit DoorOpenerMagazine.com. Location: Farmington Gardens, 999 Farmington Ave, Farmington.

A Spring Brunch and Wellness Fair

S

haring the Light Wholistic Center will host a Spring Brunch and Wellness Fair on May 5 from 10am to 2pm, at Finnegans Tavern in Burlington. A delicious brunch will be served and the wellness fair will include the chance to sign up for 10-minute increments of: Reiki, hand reflexology, singing bowls, psychic or Angel Card readings and more. At low rates starting at $1 per minute, this is a great way to sample many techniques in one place. A tea cup raffle, doTERRA essential oils, holistic gifts and gift cards are available at special prices during the fair.

Brunch will include: fruit salad, danish, muffins and breads, smoked pastrami, salmon and bagels, waffle bar, roasted potatoes, bacon, sausage, Canadian bacon, roast beef, turkey, vegetables, mixed greens salad and assorted desserts with coffee, tea and juice.

Buy a ticket for $33 in cash or check to reserve your seat now at Sharing The Light or Finnegans Tavern. Pay $40 at the door or with credit card. Limited seating.

Sharing the Light Wholistic Center is a premier healing destination specializing in: Traditional Usui Reiki Practitioner certification classes and sessions, Crystal Dreaming, singing bowls, peace attunement, tai chi, yoga, reflexology, drum building, tarot and psychic readings, meditation and AngelLinks.

For more information, visit SharingTheLightWC.com. Brunch Location: Finnegans Tavern, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington.

See ad, page 34.

Relaunch of Holistic Moms Network East of the River Chapter

T

he Holistic Moms Network (HMN), a nonprofit support and resource network for parents interested in holistic health and green living, has just relaunched its East of the River, CT chapter. HMN East of the River is co-led by Sarah Summers and Alivia Rubino.

HMN helps parents to connect with others who share an interest in holistic health and provides a grassroots community to bring members together with like-minded holistic professionals and business owners to build a sustainable future.

Summers started the EOR chapter in 2016 out of her passion for holistic health and connecting with other like-minded parents.

As a mother of four, she knows how much support new parents need—especially those who share an alternative lifestyle and approach to parenting. Her vision is to create a space where all parents can come to learn, grow, bond and have fun.

Rubino decided to co-lead after being an HMN member for the past couple of years. Her affinity for spreading awareness about a holistic lifestyle blossomed when she had children and began her own healing journey.

The East of the River chapter meets every second Saturday from 4 to 5:30pm at the First Congregational Church of Vernon.

Their May meeting is a special Mother’s Day event, and their June meeting will be a make-and-take skin soothers workshop.

For more information, visit Chapters.HolisticMoms.org/chapters/ ct-east-of-the-river and Facebook.com/HMNEastoftheRiverCT. Location: First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Tpke, Vernon.

Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

Offering a One-Year Certification Program in Sustainable Health & Nutrition This Innovative School Integrates the Science of Nutrition with:

Practicing Sustainable Gardening Methods

Preparing Traditional Kitchen Medicine

Learning Kitchen Culinary Skills

Identifying Nutrient-rich Wild Plants

Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations. Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands-on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, friends, family, yourself and the environment.

Adventures on the Farm

May 25, 10am – 12pm

Now accepting applications for 2019-2020 | Call 860-764-9070 today! | West Granby, CT | www.tiosn.com May 2019

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Bi-annual Statewide Holistic Expo

news briefs

Astrological Society Hosts New Age Fair

T

he Astrological Society of Connecticut will host its quarterly New Age Fair in Wethersfield on May 5, from 10am to 4pm. During the free fair, offered for over 30 years, visitors will find carefully selected tarot, astrology, medium, palm and Angel readers; local vendors offering unique crystals, jewelry, books, dream catchers, doTERRA essential oils, mala beads and art; and popular Aura Photographer, Tim.

Relax with light refreshments in the café or enjoy some time with bodyworkers offering foot reflexology, chair massage and Reiki. Free lectures will be held throughout the day. An astrology class at 1pm will include a look at visitors’ natal charts and $5 off an astrology reading at the fair for just $10.

A nonprofit organization established in 1972 in Hartford, the Astrological Society of Connecticut is dedicated to educating those interested in astrology, offering metaphysical topics during fairs, monthly lectures and workshops.

For more information, visit myasc.org.

Location: The Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main St, Old Wethersfield.

Free parking and entrance.

T

he Holistic Community Professionals are hosting their 4th Biannual Statewide Holistic Expo on May 5 from 10am to 5pm at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bristol. The public is invited to attend the expo, which will feature 75 exhibitors and speakers and free raffles all day, with a grand prize raffle of an overnight stay with breakfast for two. A free sound healing/drumming ceremony will be held on the patio from 4 to 5pm.

Admission is $5 per person online at YourHolisticEvents.com or $7 at the door.

Children under 5 are free. All door proceeds will be donated to the CT Children’s Medical Center (ConnecticutChildrens.org) and Hartford Hospitals Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa (AngiesSpa.org). All funds will be used directly for patient care.

Holistic Community Professionals is a professional team of holistic and natural businesses providing community outreach and education, with members from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All members, led by Executive Director Shirley Bloethe, are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind and spirit in the communities served.

For tickets, visit YourHolisticEvents.com. For more information, call 860-989-0033, email YourHolisticEvents@gmail.com or visit HolisticCommunityProfessionals.com. Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 42 Century Dr, Bristol. See ad, page 14.

Holistic Psychotherapy with Michelle Pellin

M

ichelle Pellin, MS, MA, LPC, LLC has opened a new holistic psychotherapy practice at the Red Barn in Durham. Pellin is an intuitive mental health therapist providing counseling services to children aged 7 and above, adults, couples and families. She is an experienced Reiki Level 2 healer, a Bach flower level 1 trained practitioner and an emotional freedom technique (EFT) clinician.

Pellin began her human service journey as a therapeutic foster parent and provided a home for the most challenged teenagers for 19 years. She then spent many years working as Michelle Pellin a nonprofit social worker with several specialized populations, such as the elderly, the physically challenged, the developmentally delayed and the brain injured. Pellin has held a certification in brain injury for the past three years.

Pellin accepts most insurance plans and offers a low private pay fee.

Pack E n j o y e r o M S LES

For more information, call 860-805-7819 or visit CounselingServicesCT.com. Location: The Red Barn, 352 Main St, Durham.

RECREATION LEAGUE

A family-friendly nudist resort since 1934 65 Ide Perrin Road, Woodstock, CT 06281 860-928-9174 • solair@solairrl.com

Visit Solairrl.com for weekly events!

10 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

Affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation

The Water Lily Holistic Empowerment Center Celebrates Six Months

T

he Water Lily Holistic Empowerment Center is celebrating its six-month anniversary and invites the public to its spring Open House event on May 18 from 10am to 1pm. Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, lemon water or lavender lemonade, snack on homemade appetizers and sweets, and meet the Water Lily practitioners. Take a tour, learn about the services and classes or register for one. Some practitioners will also be offering special discounts off gift certificates and services that are booked that day, and owner Lily Holcomb will be giving free, one-minute readings on a first-come firstserved basis, from 11:30am to 12:30pm.

The Water Lily center offers a variety of non-denominational spiritual services for the mind, body and soul, including: intuitive/ mediumship readings, Shamanic and Usui Reiki, integrated energy therapy healings, massage therapy, life coaching and spiritual counseling, in addition to a variety of groups, classes and events. Holcomb hopes to provide those in the community with a place to connect, learn, heal and grow.

“Awareness, or bringing a topic or issue into our consciousness, is the first step toward healing. Sometimes issues come up over and over again. They can be emotional, physical, spiritual—or all three,” she explains. “That is either because we have not yet learned the lesson or because deeper and deeper truths will be revealed. When we are open, we don’t ever stop learning and evolving. The more we get to know ourselves, what we need and what we are capable of, the more empowered we become.”

For more information, call 860-756-6391 or visit TheWaterLilyCenter.com. Location: 129 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland.

Sea in the Sky, 

z counseling ~ reiki ~ Celtic reiki acupuncture ~ sound healing ~ shamanic healing yoga ~ therapeutic massage ~ spiritual readings meditation ~ classes and workshops

Healing and Wellness Center

269 Church Street, Suite 3 • Hebron, CT by appointment 860-530-1552 • seaintheskyhealing.com

Are you still struggling after weight loss surgery?

Hypnosis Can Help!

Menopause | IBS | Urinary Incontinence | Weight Loss | Smoke Free | Stress Relief I can help you with unresolved issues in life!

Call me TODAY & let’s get acquainted.

860-302-8590 Debbie Kleinman debbiekleinman@aol.com

2433 Main St. Suite 6 | Rocky Hill, CT | enlighteningmindshypnosis.com

45 S. Main Street, West Hartford, CT

$ 32 New Student Special: Tai Chi & Qigong

To Register for Workshops CALL 978-790-8888 center@wuhealing.com wuhealing.com May 2019

11

Psychotherapy Healing Services, LLC founded in 1999 by

Celeste Emelia Mattingly, LCSW Author & Creator of Celestial Psychology® Founder of The Sanctuary for Celestial Empowerment

Tachyon Healing & Anti-Aging Meditation Sessions Relax in a comfy recliner with headset, eye mask & surrounded with TachyonLiving Energy Products—Protect against EMFs, Reverse Aging & Chronic Physical, Mental, Emotional, & Subtle Body Conditions for Increased Wellness Celeste has been hailed as a metaphysical visionary.

She has been in private practice providing state-of-the-art Integrative & Holistic Psychotherapy for over 20 years.

10 Grassmere Avenue, Suite #300 West Hartford, CT 06110 Sign up for the Celestial Empowerment Newsletter for updates on workshops and events Call 860-586-8700 to schedule appointments & for more info https://celestialempowerment.com

news briefs

b. kind Wellness Boutique Grand Opening

O

wner Victoria Gleixner has opened b. kind, LLC, a wellness boutique and collaborative event space located at 1000 Farmington Avenue, in West Hartford, with an all-day grand opening event on June 1. Every item in b. kind is organic, natural and hand-chosen to promote mindfulness and nourish the mind, body and spirit connection. All items are produced free of pesticides and insecticides, including the absence of chemical and toxic dyes.

“I invite you to b. kind to yourself, the community and the world by shopping mindfully, locally and sustainably,” says Gleixner, a wellness enthusiast and positive thinker. “My company promotes a unique way of living—one encompassed by joy, health, wellness and peace.”

Monthly and weekly events will be hosted in the collaborative space, bringing together community members inspired to improve their lives and the lives of others. Most of the products are handmade in the U.S., supporting not only our community of West Hartford, but also other towns and cities across the country. b. kind gives back to the world by using sustainable and up-cycled materials, mostly compostable and reusable.

For more information, email b.kindCT@gmail.com. Location: 1000 Farmington Ave, West Hartford. See ad, pg 7.

Spirit Festival Coming to Riverfront

MONDAZZI An

Book , Bead & Crystal Warehouse Showroom

5000 Square Feet g in z a m a of SHOPPING!

A little bit of everything for the mind, body and spirit.

Beads & Beading Supplies

Hundreds of gemstone beads 50% off strands of beads

Jewelry • Candles Crystals & Minerals

from around the world

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See our website for more information 860-285-0538 • www.mondazzi.com 570 Hayden Station Rd. • Windsor, CT 06095 12 Hartford County Edition

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Tickets are now available for Spirit Festival, a celebration of wellness, yoga, music and dance, which will be held September 13 to 15, along the Connecticut River in Hartford.

Produced in affiliation with BaliSpirit Festival and Riverfront Recapture, the event will provide a safe and moving space for discovering new paths to harmony, healing, creativity and community.

Spirit Festival will feature a diverse array of offerings from conscious teachers, practitioners, performers and artists, including: a kirtan and chanting workshop with internationally celebrated yogi-musician Girish; an immersive sound bath with Integrative Sound Therapist Daniel Lauter; an opportunity to talk and practice with Maya Breuer, founder of the Yoga Retreat for Women of Color at Kripalu; a “get real” workshop with the author of the Indie Spiritualist, Chris Grosso; a grounding workshop for creating a spiritual life with Dr. Brandon Nappi; a participant-driven and technology-infused installation by New Media Artist Balam Soto; an introduction to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga with Randolph Osgood; a high energy experience of Caribbean style SocaRobix with trainer and coach Wasine Mark; children and family yoga instruction with Dragonfly Studios; and an opportunity to turn trash into instruments with Ethnomusicologist Dennis Waring.

Through beneficial and inspirational traditions of yoga, dance and music, the BaliSpirit Festival illustrates the Balinese Hindu concept of Tri Hita Karana: living in harmony with our spiritual, social and natural environments.

For more information, visit SpiritYogaFestival.com. Location: Riverside Park & Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford. See ad, page 3.

Chones/Shutterstock.com

Miners Becoming Beekeepers

As the Appalachian economy struggles with the loss of threefifths of its coal mining jobs in the last three decades, a surprising option is emerging for some: beekeeping. The Appalachian Beekeeping Collective offers beekeeping training, including bees and equipment and ongoing mentoring, for displaced coal miners and low-income residents of mining towns; so far, about 35 people are participating. Landowners are donating property for the beehives, which will be maintained without pesticides or antibiotics. Honey from a single hive can bring in about $750 a season, or $15,000 per 20, and additional money can be made selling the beeswax for candles and lip balm. The beekeeping collective is part of Appalachian Headwaters, a nonprofit formed in 2016 with a $7.5 million lawsuit settlement from coal mine operator Alpha Natural Resources for violations of the Clean Water Act. The money has been used to fund environmental restoration projects and to develop sustainable economic opportunities in the coal mining communities of West Virginia.

Beyond Green Burial A3pfamily/Shutterstock.com

Human Composting at the End of Life

Washington is poised to become the first state to make it legal to compost human remains. A bill allowing for the process, called natural organic reduction, as well as another called water cremation, has passed the state senate and is making its way to the house for a vote. Human composting involves placing a body in a tubular vessel and covering it with natural materials like wood chips and straw. Over several weeks, microbial activity breaks down the body into about a cubic yard of soil.

Recompose, a company that wants to offer the practice as an alternative to traditional methods, worked with Washington State University to test its safety for environmental and human health. Six people donated their bodies for the study.

The method alleviates much of the carbon footprint associated with both cremation and traditional casket burial.

Light Bulb Standards Weakened

Higher federal standards for energy-efficient light bulbs established two years ago are in the process of being rolled back by the U.S. Department of Energy, part of a move toward widespread deregulation by the current administration. Consumers stand to lose about $100 per household per year in electric bill savings if the higher standards are not implemented, say critics.

The wasted energy could result in more power plant pollution, which harms the environment and contributes to health problems like asthma.

The plan would also stifle innovation, eliminating a powerful regulatory incentive for manufacturers and retailers to invest in high-quality, energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

kosolovskyy/Shutterstock.com

Post-Coal Cash

Dim Prospects

Bear Blitz

Climate-Challenged Polar Bears Invade Town

About 50 polar bears that usually hunt seals from ice floes have found new cuisine in the garbage dumps in the remote Russian island military town of Belushya Gubam, about 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow.

Its 2,000 residents, long accustomed to the occasional bear strolling through, now call it a “mass invasion” as the curious bears peer into windows, stare down barking dogs and dig through trash. Russia’s environmental response agency has sent in a crisis team that is studying how to remove the bears without killing them. The Barents Sea that the bears inhabit is undergoing what a recent study called a “rapid climate shift” from Arctic Ocean temperatures to warmer Atlantic Ocean-like temperatures; the entire western side of the island is now ice-free year round.

May 2019

volkova natalia/Shutterstock.com

global briefs

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Holistic Community Professionals HCP

Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education. We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit in the communities we serve. Visit our Site: www.HolisticCommunityProfessionals.com

Angel Connections/Angelic Realm Reclaim Your Personal Power Ambassador Community Outreach & Engagement Holistic Business Consultant 860-484-1182 or LoraHobson@gmail.com Patricia Spiegel (Spanish/English) Angelic Reader/Angelic Realm Workshops 860-559-9425 or patsp77@yahoo.com

CranioSacral Therapy Linda Ciotto, CNHP CranioSacral Therapy, Energy Healing and Classes linda@lifeshealingenergy.com 860-402-1607

Holistic Rehab/Wellness Jennifer C. Hirschberg-Wise, OTR/L, CLT Occupational Therapy, Lymphedema Therapy, Myofascial Release Massage, Reiki, Yoga, Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra Tai Chi, JourneyDance™ RadiantJourneyLLC.com Jennifer@RadiantJourneyLLC.com 860-916-9742

Medical Hypnosis Debbie Kleinman Enlightening Minds Hypnosis, LLC Rocky Hill DebbieKleinman@aol.com EnlighteningMindsHypnosis.com 860-302-8590

Reiki/Sound Therapy Ed Cleveland The Ed Cleveland Reiki & Sound Therapy Training Center, Hartford Sound therapy, Reiki, Classes, Workshops EdReiki3@yahoo.com 860-681-3981 NAHRT.com 14 Hartford County Edition

Astrologist/Psychic/Reiki Practitioner Bren Meadows Psychic Reading Tarot since 1984 Psychic Parties, Individual Sessions, Spiritual Guidance Sessions Terryville, CT or by Skype rainmakers2413@gmail.com 860-983-3030

Crystal/Sound/White Time Bradford W. Tilden, MM, CMT Universal White Time Gemstone, Energy, and Angelic Sound Healing Individual, Remote, Group Sessions Classes, Workshops, Sound Journeys Bradford@CrystalMusicHealing.com CT/MA locations 415-420-6232

Integrative Psychotherapy The Enlightenment Counseling Center, LLC Holistic psychotherapy & alternative medicine to enhance our clinical services.

998 Farmington Ave, West Hartford 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford EnlightenmentCenterCT.com EnlightenmentCenterLLC@gmail.com 860-729-3284

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Naturopathic Provider & Acupuncture Specialist Vis Wellness Center at Nova Spa Rocky Hill DrNicoleKlughers.com DrNicoleKlughers@gmail.com (234)2-ACU-DOC

Transformational Healing Shari Dorman, LPC Inner Mountain Peak Healing, LLC- Owner Licensed Professional Counselor Reiki Master/Teacher InnerMountainPeakHealing.net InnerMountainPeakHealing@gmail.com 860-324-3309

CBD Educator & Distributor Rachel Festa Take advantage of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in the natural hemp plant. Free consultations Educational events kannaway.com/2073303 thebenefitsofcbd@gmail.com 203-651-5803

Healing/Coaching Robin Barros, Spirit of the Lotus Integrative Manual Therapy, Medical Shamanism, Holographic Sound Healing, Advanced Soul Coaching® & Past Life Journeys Medical Intuitive, Medium, Channel SpiritoftheLotus.org Columbia, CT 860-709-3903

Intuitive Psychic Medium Celeste Vernale, Celestial Messages Intuitive Psychic Medium, Healer, Animal Communication,Spiritual Guidance, Home Investigator celestialmessagesct.com celestialmessages@att.net 860-770-8997

Psychic Medium/Reiki Master Teacher Jordan Taylor In-person & phone intuitive readings Psychic parties, Spiritual mentoring, coaching sessions, Reiki/energy sessions, classes, events AngelicSerenity.com jordantaylor@angelicserenity.com 860-778-0738

Treating Acid Reflux Susan Berman, M.Ed., CHHC Find your unique food & lifestyle triggers HealingAcidReflux.com Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com 860-670-4152

health brief

We Welcome You! To join the Holistic Community Professionals, call Shirley R. Bloethe at 860-989-0033 ShirleyBloethe.com

Coaching & Workshops Torin Lee TL Coaching /Zen Events www.MyPathForward.net torin@zenevents.net www.torinlee.com 860-861-9038

Healing & Wellness Center Lily Holcomb, The Water Lily Holistic Empowerment Center, Intuitive & Mediumship Readings, Empowerment Energy Healings, Groups, Classes & Events • 129 Tolland Stage Rd. Tolland, CT thewaterlilycenter.com 860-756-6391 Mind • Body • Soul

Marconic Teacher/Practitioner Julie Oakes Auletta Marconics is a multi-dimensional Ascension energy healing modality, handed down by Spirit, for the evolution of Humanity - The Human Upgrade.

CT & distance healing divine-design.org 144divine@gmail.com 203-533-9633

Quantum Psychotherapy Celeste E. Mattingly, LCSW Creator of Celestial Psychology® State-of-the-art energy medicine & quantum healing techniques with Tachyon Zero-Point-Energy products & traditional talk therapy Insurance accepted celestialempowerment.com 860-586-8700

STATEWIDE HOLISTIC EXPO Passport to Health & Wellness Expo SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2019 10am - 4pm

Closing Event - Drumming on the Patio 4 - 5pm The DoubleTree by Hilton 42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010 Facebook- Passport to Health and Wellness Expo Contact Shirley R Bloethe at 860-989-0033 Email: yourholisticevents@gmail.com

Avoid Acid Reflux and Still Have Fun! What do graduations, bridal showers and weddings all have in common?

That’s right, this is a time when our eating and drinking habits start to kick into high gear. For people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these events can be stressful and difficult to navigate. At many of these occasions, we find foods laden with fats, sugars galore, wine bottles being popped open and possibly stress. How do we enjoy these fun events, yet come out on the other end not feeling ill from acid reflux?

Acid reflux does not always present itself with heartburn; there are many people who suffer from silent acid reflux. These manifestations include constantly clearing of one’s throat, persistent cough, post-nasal drip, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, sour taste in the mouth and possibly asthma symptoms.

There are a number of ways to come away unscathed.

Many foods served at events are filled with bad fats. Dips are usually made with full-fat mayonnaise, sour cream and even full-fat yogurts, usually accompanied by chips. A better alternative is to have low-fat to non-fat dips, along with baked chips. Fat in and of itself relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which then allows acids to flow back up the esophagus. Lots of butter may be used in foods, which also relaxes the LES. Try avoiding sugary foods and drinks. The sugar alone doesn’t cause acid reflux, but the foods they are found in are typically trigger foods.

In terms of alcohol, opt for red wines from a warmer climate, as these tend to be lower in acid. According to The Tasting Group, well-known warm climates by region are: most of California, except Sonoma Coast and Santa Maria Valley; most of Australia, except Western Australia and Victoria; and Mendoza Valley, Argentina.

Beer is a big offender because it is the most acidic and it also bloats the stomach, putting pressure on and loosening the LES, thus pushing stomach acid back up the food pipe. Of all the liquors, gin is the least acidic.

The bottom line is to avoid fatty and sugary foods, be mindful with alcohol selection and don’t overeat.

When we eat too much, the pressure on our stomach will relax the LES, leading to a not-so-fun party.

Susan Berman, Med, CHHC, works with health conscious individuals to help heal their acid reflux or GERD. Connect at 860-670-4152, Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com or HealingAcidReflux.com. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 43.

May 2019

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community spotlight

A CONVERSATION WITH Maggie Gotterer, Executive Director of Two Coyotes Wilderness School

F

ounded in 2000, Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a nonprofit nature mentoring organization dedicated to creating a healthier, more connected future by linking people to nature, community and their personal empowerment, with locations in Newtown, West Granby and Killingworth. We talked with Maggie Gotterer, Executive Director of Two Coyotes, about the importance of a connection to nature, giving all children access to safe outdoor spaces and their new Forest Learning Program.

How did you become so passionate about the importance of nature/ ecotherapy?

I grew up in Connecticut, but was lucky enough to spend weeks every summer at a family cabin with no electricity on an island in Maine. My first real wilderness experience was a week backpacking in the Sierra Nevadas; I was hooked. I became a student guide for the Outdoor Education club at Georgetown and led backpacking trips in the D.C. area as well as at Glacier National Park, Denali State Park and in the Cascade Mountains. I made some of my closest friends (and met my husband) through that program.

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I worked at farm-based summer camps, including New Pond Farm in Redding, where scholarships are provided to children from Danbury, Norwalk and Bridgeport to live on the farm all week. I volunteered at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, at their Hero’s Journey program for teens that have overcome serious illnesses and spend the week camping in the woods, facing challenges they never thought they were capable of. These experiences showed me the outdoors as a place where children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds could thrive and grow.

What was your journey to becoming Executive Director of Two Coyotes?

I moved to Bridgeport after college and spent five years working for a nonprofit where I ran programs to increase access to healthy, local foods in low-income communities across the country. I then spent three years working with community-based organizations that are making Bridgeport a healthier, more economically viable and livable city for its residents.

This gave me incredible hands-on experience helping small organizations develop

the capacity and strategic framework to grow sustainably while addressing systemic harm in their community. When I found out about the Executive Director position at Two Coyotes, it was the perfect time to harness the skills I gained over the years and apply it to a field I am passionate about.

How is Two Coyotes different from other nature-based programs and schools?

In the last 19 years, we have honed our innovative and transformative programs as the school has grown to employ 34 part-time instructors providing long-term mentorship to more than 800 students (birth to 17) through school year, weekend, child and caregiver, rites of passage and summer camp programs. We are committed to ensuring that Two Coyotes programming is accessible, welcoming and inclusive of all children and families.

Our mentors help children understand who they are, what their gifts are and how to bring them to the world. We believe this work is essential to creating a healthier, more connected future.

What needs to happen to bring more people back to awareness of the importance of the natural world in their individual lives/ experience?

Experiential learning in a natural environment is a powerful way to cultivate a set of habits or ways of thinking that you can bring with you into the rest of your life—because it doesn’t end when you leave that program. I think the most important thing we can do is to notice how the natural world shows up, wherever we are, every day. It can be noticing the birds and the bugs in a city backyard, smelling blooming trees on the street, or feeling the breeze while walking to your car. Noticing—raising your awareness, opening your senses— builds a connection between you and the land. You can take that with you wherever you go.

What was the biggest surprise you’ve experienced so far about Two Coyotes?

I had my first child in September, two months after starting my job at Two Coyotes. I knew I would be excited to bring her outdoors when she got older, but when we joined our Coyote Pups program in Newtown this spring, I was surprised to see how powerful the connection is at such a young age. All her senses are activated, taking in everything around her. I’m surprised by how much I’ve learned from her already about how to connect with nature.

What gets you most excited about the work that you do?

I get most excited when I spend time in the field with my staff, watching them mentor the children in our programs. Every day they have a loose outline for what they might accomplish, but that might entirely change when they happen upon a dead animal and turn it into a conversation about death and mourning; or cross a set of tracks and guide the students in picking up clues as to who left them behind; or see a conflict emerge between two students and pause to engage in peacemaking, then play a game to bring unity back to the group.

Which elements of the work frustrate you?

What frustrates me most are the systemic barriers that prevent children from all communities in Connecticut from accessing and having a deep relationship with nature. If we believe that nature connection is our birthright, and that catching frogs, muddy knees and exploring wild places are essential to growing up strong and healthy, and if we believe that long-term nature mentoring can help children to thrive and navigate the many stages of their lives, then our mission is even more urgent for children who lack easy access to safe and welcoming outdoor play spaces due to issues of structural inequality and racism. In the future, I hope to see at Two Coyotes a student body and staff more reflective of the true diversity that we have in this state.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to understand about Two Coyotes?

We have a strong community that has developed over the years around our homeschool programs in Newtown and Granby, and we are growing a new community in Killingworth as well. We saw those programs were also attracting children whose parents chose to take them out of public school one day a week and bring them to Two Coyotes to offer a different learning environment. In response to this growing interest, we launched the Forest Learning Program in Newtown this year and will expand it to Granby in the fall. When students are with us in the woods, we can cultivate an intrinsic love for learning and emotional intelligence that they bring back to the traditional classroom environment.

We’re also excited to provide programming directly in partnership with public schools.

Eclectic Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC Kathleen M. Riley, ND Wilberto Lugo, ND Naturopathic Physicians

48 Christian Lane, Suite 203 Newington, CT 06111 www.kathleenrileynd.com

Call to schedule an appointment

860-665-1254

For more information about Two Coyotes Wilderness School, call 203-843-3112 or visit TwoCoyotes.org. See community resource guide listing, page 45.

4th Bi-annual

Passport to Health & Wellness Statewide Benefit* Holistic Expo Presented by the

Holistic Community Professionals

Sunday | May 5 | 10am - 5pm 75+ Exhibitors and Speakers!

DoubleTree by Hilton 42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010

FREE Sound Healing from 4-5pm on the patio • Speakers all day Free Raffles • Drumming GRAND PRIZE: A Hilton Overnight Stay for Two! *All door donations to benefit: Hartford Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa and CT Children’s Medical Center.

ADMISSION Advance Early Bird $5 p/p $7 p/p at the door Children under 5 are FREE FOR TICKETS: Contact Shirley R. Bloethe at 860-989-0033 Email: yourholisticevents@gmail.com Vendors apply at: yourholisticevents.com FB - Passport to Health and Wellness Expo May 2019

17

T

by Marlaina Donato

o be female is to be Self-care does and college how to take care of blessed with an innate not necessarily themselves. Prioritizing selfcare is so important. I see so gift for multitasking, have to involve many young women with adrebut in our fast-paced, jamtime; it’s a way nal or thyroid burnout and eatpacked world, daily life for ing disorders. All of that comes most women is a juggling act of being. down to stress, relationship to that can come with a steep ~Christine Hassler self and lack of self-care.” price tag if self-care isn’t on

The personal interests of women the to-do list. Depression, anxiety and in their 30s and 40s trying to balance feeling overwhelmed are all too common. motherhood and career often get lost in According to the National Alliance on the tangled underbrush of daily logistics.

Mental Illness, one in eight women expeThere can be a deep longing for identity rience depression during their lifetime— well into the 50s, especially when children twice the rate of men. leave the nest. Fears of aging and loneliSeasons of a Woman’s Life ness often accompany women 60 and Each decade poses unique challenges. older. By passionately and joyously taking For women in their 20s and early 30s, care of body and spirit, women of any comparing and finding one’s own path generation can find renewal. can be significant. “The feminist moveSelf-Care As Bedrock ment of our mothers’ generation opened Women play vital roles in family and doors, but so many 20- and 30-something community, much like the foundation of a women have interpreted that as, ‘I have sound building, and if self-care is not the to do everything and be everything,’” says bedrock, all that is supported by it is likely Christine Hassler, life coach and author of to be compromised. “I believe we’ve taken Expectation Hangover: Overcoming Disapthe bait, the promise that if we arrange our pointment in Work, Love, and Life. life circumstances just so, we’ll feel ease

The San Diego-based motivational speaker views self-care to be as vital as educa- and happiness. We’re getting to a place as a collective where we see a bankruptcy in tion. “Women are not taught in high school 18 Hartford County Edition

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Benefits of Self-Nourishment Many psychologists agree that self-care can help to improve concentration, promote relaxation, fortify relationships and boost productivity. Most women crave more metime, but don’t know how to implement change. “Without a premise of self-care, we react based on stress patterns. We react with more tension, irritability, guilt and obligation. We say, ‘Yes’ when we want to say, ‘No’. However, when we take stock in our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, we’re less reactive,” observes Hassler, who underscores self-care as an investment for life. “Most women have inner critics and a negative relationship with self.

Anna Ismagilova/Shutterstock.com

HER SOUL IN BLOOM Self-Care for All Stages of Life

that,” says Miami-based holistic women’s psychiatrist Dr. Kelly Brogan, bestselling author of A Mind of Your Own: The Truth About Depression and How Women Can Heal Their Bodies to Reclaim Their Lives.

Body-mind-spirit self-care is the heart of Brogan’s approach, and self-love is the lifeblood. “Self-love is quite elusive for most of us, perhaps because our selfesteem is contingent [upon it], and we only feel good about ourselves under certain circumstances. The daily choice to prioritize caring for oneself can ultimately lead to an experience of self-love and wholeness,” says Brogan, who compares a ritualized system of daily self-care that comes first to putting on the proverbial oxygen mask before attempting to meet the needs of others.

“Balancing self-love and caring for others starts with recognizing and accepting that it’s possible for you to effectively do both. Self-love at the soul level is the catalyst for healing on all levels, which in turn drives our level of self-worth,” concurs Teigan Draig, a spiritual life coach and busy home-schooling mom in Spencerville, Ohio. She reminds us that putting our needs above the wants of others is not being selfish, but is an emotional necessity that helps women get out of the loop of self-defeatism and self-sabotage. “The first step to finding your fire is learning to love yourself, all of yourself. Self-care and self-love are a total wellness package.”

Self-care is essential so we can turn down the volume of the inner critic, stop peoplepleasing and make self-honoring choices.”

Balancing motherhood and career or other obligations can leave many women running on empty and resentful. “We would never tell a loved one who desperately needed some TLC to get over it and just keep going. As busy women, when we don’t take the time to care for ourselves, the consequence is our children getting a mom who is preoccupied, anxious and disconnected,” says women’s life coach Veronica Paris, in San Diego. Catering to everyone’s desires and spreading ourselves too thin can backfire. Paris asks, “How do I want my kids to look back on me as a mother?

By taking the time to self-care, we’re taking accountability for how we want to show up in our world rather than shape-shifting from one situation to the next. We can teach our children how to do the same.”

Our Emotions As Wellspring For too many women, another common byproduct of self-neglect can be emotional numbing and feeling “flatlined”. A toxic or addictive relationship to food, alcohol or shopping can be a symptom of a deep need to nourish the self and give a voice to suppressed feelings. “One of our greatest challenges is that we’ve become disconnected from our deep seat of power, which is our capacity to feel,” says Brogan. “We’ve been enculturated to disregard our experience of feeling emotions, and because of this, it’s been reduced to a very narrow bandwidth.”

Brogan believes that it is key for women to reestablish a connection to nature’s rhythms and their own feminine, fluid energy, as well as giving up the need to control. “I think it’s the work of many women to understand that we’re not here to meet the needs of everyone on the planet—and with our loved ones, it disempowers them as much as we’re feeling disempowered.

We’re here to meet our own needs and then offer compassion and caring in a way that comes from a more boundaried space.”

Hassler affirms that when women are fully present, every aspect of life can be

viewed through a clearer lens. “Self-care helps us tap into our super power, which is our intuition, and by doing that, we know what we need and act on that.”

Thrive With Small Changes Beginning the day with self-care can be as simple as taking the time to meditate and breathe deeply for a minute or two before getting out of bed and opting for a healthier breakfast. Feeding our senses and feasting on what gives us joy can be a way of life.

“Self-care does not necessarily have to involve time; it’s a way of being,” says Hassler.

“The more time we spend on self-care tells the subconscious mind that we’re worth it.”

Draig suggests setting personal boundaries, and part of this means reserving time for ourselves. “When I became a new mother, I was running on fumes.

Sometimes my daily me-time was only five minutes here or 10 minutes there, but it saved my sanity. Learn to schedule selfcare time in your calendar as you would anything else,” she says, noting, “My house was not always spotless, but it was a trade I was willing to make so I could take care of myself and be a better mother.”

Being innovative can be an ally.

“Ten minutes walking the dog or taking the baby out in a stroller can become 10 minutes spent saying positive self-affirmations,” suggests Paris. “That 15-minute drive can be spent deep breathing instead of listening to the news on the radio.”

Blooming into our best possible self is returning to our essence. “It’s about taking off the masks, no longer living according to expectations and other people. It’s about radical self-acceptance,” says Hassler.

Each decade poses an invitation to grow and commit to self-nourishment.

“There will be days where you feel like you can’t get the hang of it, but you’ll arrive, and when you do, no matter what age you are, it can be magical,” Draig says.

Marlaina Donato is a composer and author of several books in women’s spirituality and holistic health. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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19

Emotional Health Solutions

Increase Well-Being with EMDR and Behavioral Therapies

by Shawniel Chamanlal

A

ll people desire happiness, fulfillment and success and would like to be seen as strong, independent and stable. This drive can lead to constant comparison, competition, high standards and unrealistic expectations, thereby increasing the risk of depression, anxiety and distress.

We experience a lot of emotions, from feeling happy, love, joy and satisfied, to other times feeling anger, resentment and inadequacy. When we categorize our emotions as bad, it can lead to suppressing negative feelings and experiences, which then affects our overall well-being. When we acknowledge these emotions as human traits that everyone—including the most successful—experiences, we can release the pressures and unrealistic expectations that we place on ourselves. Learning to accept our imperfections and view our challenges as growth opportunities provides us the choice to change course when things are no longer working for us.

According to the American Psycho20 Hartford County Edition

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logical Association (APA), people who are emotionally balanced are more likely to work toward their goals, find solutions to their problems and form deeper connections. This does not mean these people are always happy, but they understand how to deal with their emotions, whether positive or negative. They handle whatever condition life throws at them.

The goal is not to allow our emotions to control us, but for us to face them and deal with the cause instead of suppressing the feelings. By suppressing our emotions, we may have temporary relief, but this creates internal resistance with time. Internal resistance means the ability to justify that we are okay despite the warning signs in our bodies or overwhelming emotions. To some, this resistance can appear as panic attacks, depression, anxiety, pain and other mental or physical disorders. Our emotions want to be heard and tended to, not ignored.

According to Inna Segal, author of The Secret Language of Your Body, “Emotions do not disappear simply because

we don’t feel them or we suppress them.”

Rather, they often stay in the body until they are recognized and dealt with. Acknowledging our sources of emotional pain creates more profound healing. Caring for our own emotional wounds should be treated with the same care and compassion as we would give to a loved one.

Emotions can be a good sign of unresolved trauma, unmet needs or lack of balance in our lives. If we do not acknowledge the sources of our pains, we may create deeper wounds. This entails identifying and being brave enough to open our Pandora’s boxes, being real with ourselves to learn the origins of our guilt and shame, and understanding why it’s so difficult to focus on our needs or why we are so scared to be alone in our thoughts.

According to Rabbi Dov Heller, M.A., “Feelings can be our teachers. The more we understand them, the better we understand ourselves, which is essential to self-discovery and personal growth.”

This self-discovery and healing will take patience and courage. People with good emotional health can admit when something is wrong. Reaching out for help takes much courage. The courage to speak out when we are not okay—asking for help despite the fear of vulnerability or rejection—is brave. It is vital to seek help from people whom we can trust, those who show the willingness to help and those who are supportive.

Recognizing when our problems need the assistance of a trained professional is crucial. Working with a mental health professional can create a safe space to explore and address emotional wounds and deal with current stress.

One notable treatment is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which helps to tackle physical and emotional symptoms that result from unprocessed traumatic memories. These memories can trigger emotional and physical responses in the form of intense emotions, physical pain or negative thoughts and beliefs. EMDR helps patients to learn ways to regulate their emotions, deal with stress and assist

the brain in reprocessing negative memories more functionally. It helps patients realize that they are no longer in danger and gives them the tools to feel confident in future situations.

Other forms of treatment include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy, which allow for deeper understanding of how our thoughts, feelings and actions are all interconnected. These therapies also help teach individuals the

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skills to deal with irrational thoughts and intense feelings as well as in learning radical acceptance.

Whether a person takes a conventional approach to treatment or seeks alternative healing therapies, the most important thing is to work with a trained professional who will support the individual and create a safe medium to explore these challenges without judgment. Find a professional who will help each person learn to practice selfcompassion and self-acceptance.

Shawniel Chamanlal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist who specializes in helping women to become their truest, most authentic selves, getting to the heart of the matter and moving beyond limiting beliefs. Utilizing her advanced training in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, energy healing and mindfulness, she treats anxiety, depression, traumas and relationship issues in a nonjudgmental and safe space. Connect with her at 860-3851472 or WilcoxWellness.com.

the Holistic chamber of commerce is an international organization focused on supporting holistic, complementary, alternative and sustainable professionals, practitioners and businesses in connecticut.

crystal dreaming/Healing K.T. ‘Suli’ Sullivan Release traumas, fears, blockages & negative energies with Crystal Dreaming™ Sharing the Light Wholistic Center, LLC 395 W. Avon Rd, Avon SharingtheLightWC.com 860-936-0012

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President, Lilian Martinez President, Lisa Day-Lewis Contact Lilian at 203-808-1124 Contact Lisa at 860-593-5002 Hamden@HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com Willimantic@HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/Hamden HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/Willimantic

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courage to live the life you choose and to speak your truth. Here are some ways you can strengthen this competency.

Create a success log. Make and keep a list of your successes and what emotions you had in the moment of each success. The point is to recognize how powerful you really are and acknowledge the moments in which you shine.

UNLEASH YOUR POWER!

Emotional Intelligence Is Key to Personal Success

by Paige Dest

D

o you often feel like you’ve given yourself away? Do you nurture others to the point that you neglect your own needs at times? Or perhaps you listen and accept how others describe you? This can lead to negative, and even false, self-talk, but there’s power in defining your own self, and there’s a balance that can be maintained between nurturing others’ emotional well-being and nurturing your own. However, it takes focus, practice and time to train your mind to allow yourself the guilt-free permission to stop the rest of the world, if even just for a moment, and take back your power.

We can often feel our personal energy tank being drained— from everyday tasks to taking care of our family to fulfilling others’ needs—and we may feel guilty or even selfish for taking care of ourselves first. That guilt is an emotion we can perpetuate in our mind, in our own self-talk, and it often speaks untruths to us. Here’s a truth worth telling yourself: you can take back your personal power. One of the best ways to do this is through strengthening your emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the term used to describe a set of competencies, including personal power, which frame our ability to be aware of our emotions and use them as information to make better choices about our thoughts and behaviors.

It’s a fancy term for managing your “self ” in the most effective way, given the direct situation. It’s a genuine way of empowering yourself as a woman, and it can stay with you for a lifetime.

Personal power contains self-confidence and the inner strength of knowing you can handle any situation or challenge. It gives you the 22 Hartford County Edition

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Acknowledge that when you say “yes” to someone or something out of obligation, you are saying “no” to someone or something else. What is your true priority? If you say “yes” to someone else, are you saying “no” to yourself? If so, stop and realize that you are more important than anyone in your life (except perhaps your children, and only in certain moments). Define your needs and what’s important to you first; what do you value?

Then you can move toward where your true priorities lie.

Set boundaries around what is acceptable to you. You can teach others how to treat you. Sometimes they may not want to change, but you can.

Practice self-compassion. Take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. Close your eyes and quiet your mind. When you picture yourself at your most relaxed, what do you picture?

Do that. If you can’t do it because of a limited budget, take a warm bath and think only positive thoughts, or write yourself a “love” letter including what you’re most grateful for about yourself. Remember, you’re still learning how to care for yourself, so be patient with yourself. Don’t fret over the past; it’s gone. You have the choice to define your life and mindset for your future.

Positive affirmation. Pick three of your most positive attributes— the ones that make you smile when you think of them, e.g. smart, kind, great dancer, influential teacher. Write these on a sticky note and add the words “capable” and “important”. Put this sticky note on your bathroom mirror, so you see it a few times a day. Read it, speak it (out loud or in a whisper) and picture it in your mind when you are outside of this room.

Always remember: you are on this Earth for a reason, to serve a purpose. You deserve the power with which you were born, you have the capability to release it and you have the permission to choose it. Speak kindly to yourself and say “yes” to your power.

Paige Dest is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and Core Values Index Practitioner and the owner of BYODestiny—through which she provides emotional intelligence coaching to individuals and presents retreats, workshops and national webinars on emotional intelligence and happiness topics. She is also the founder of The Flutter Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit that supports programs which give our youth better emotional control. Dest will be hosting an Emotional Empowerment Retreat on July 6, on Enders Island in Mystic. Connect at Paige@BYODestiny.com, or purchase tickets at bit.ly/EmotionalEmpowerment201905.

n It can be letting someone else watch your kids so you can have some time to sleep. n It can be making a standing date with a friend or partner, which nothing gets in the way of. n It can be making a standing date with yourself, which nothing gets in the way of. n And, most importantly, loving yourself includes being mindful about the thoughts you have about yourself.

Sourcing Personal Power through Self-Love

M

by Elizabeth B. Hill

any of us are so focused on what we need to check off our to-do lists, the people we need to take care of and just getting through the day that we become our last priority. This drains our energy, leaving us depleted.

This is not only bad for our health and decision-making, but it also limits our ability to care for our loved ones and our professional responsibilities.

Lucille Ball once said, “Love yourself first and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself first to get anything done in this world.” The idea that if we put ourselves first then all other things will be handled may sound like sheer lunacy. This is especially the case if you equate showing yourself love with selfishness or narcissism.

However, true self-love, which is equivalent to showing care and compassion for oneself, does in fact have the power to source you and fuel your ability to do tremendous good in the world, both at home and in the community. This selflove sources your personal power to make a positive impact in the world. n Showing yourself love can mean blocking off an hour to do absolutely nothing. n It can mean taking your to-do list and

cutting it in half. n It can be the oh-so-boring task of balancing your checkbook or cutting up your credit card. n It can be making yourself schedule a dentist appointment and going to it. n It can be setting aside time for a massage or going to a restorative yoga class in which you literally lie on the ground for an hour.

Free Seminars

Whether advancing your career as a therapist/healer or working on personal self-improvement, we have a program to suit your needs. Join us for a free seminar to learn more about HFI and all we have to offer.

It may seem you have no control over these thoughts—that you are just saddled with whatever thoughts float into your mind—but we all have the power to change our thoughts. It just takes practice.

Sourcing our power can be as simple as implementing one of the self-love ideas above on a regular basis. Give it a try and let the results flow your way.

Elizabeth B. Hill is a life and behavioral coach and founder of Green Heart Living.

She helps people reclaim their time and energy and feel like themselves again through her one-on-one coaching and “Love and Order System for Complete Well-Being” online course. She is the author of Green Your Heart, Green Your World: Avoid Burnout, Save the World and Love Your Life. Connect at 860-913-6918 or GreenHeartLiving. com. See listing, page 2.

Wednesday Evenings 6 –7:30 pm

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23

practitioner profiles

Paige Dest, CCP BYODestiny Colchester 1-860-550-1844 Paige@BYODestiny.com BYODestiny.com

Summary/services offered: I offer emotional intelligence coaching to individuals who want to better manage their thoughts and actions. I also conduct group workshops and webinars.

What drew you to this profession?

Our emotions drive our thoughts and actions. I’m passionate about helping people manage their responses to emotions, so they may become their best self.

How does your work differ from others in your profession?

I work with my clients over the phone or video call, so they can remain in their own comfortable space while they learn. I am developing online courses in emotional intelligence and happiness, as well as an online community, which will be available this summer.

What should someone expect from working with you?

They will have someone to accept and guide them in developing strategies for better decisions and a more peaceful and present mindset.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your work?

I am committed to my clients’ learning, and I offer myself as a compassionate and trustworthy partner on their emotional development journey.

I’m very concerned for the future of the Earth and its amazing creatures. We’ve got to be careful and make sure we don’t foul our own nest. ~John Lithgow

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Erin S. Doolittle, LMFT

Compassionate Solutions LLC 1738 Ellington Rd, South Windsor 860-644-3311 SolutionsCompassionate@gmail.com Facebook/Instagram: @Compassionate Solutions Summary/services offered: Initial medical certification and renewals for patients in the CT Medical Marijuana Program, education on how to medicate properly, PTSD evaluation, ongoing groups and individual therapy offered.

What drew you to this profession?

The desire to help people on a really fundamental level. Being a patient of therapy and later, in the medical cannabis program, moved and empowered me to become a professional in the fields. Both are life-changers.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

An MA in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of St. Joseph, training in EMDR therapy, training in Medical Cannabis uses and practices.

How long have you been in practice?

2004-present Do you have a particular specialty?

Trauma is the focus of my private practice which pairs perfectly with the Cannabis education and support we provide at Compassionate Solutions.

What should someone expect from working with you?

Respect, compassion, empathy, and expertise. Healing comes in many forms. Education, destigmatization, and validation that the patients choice to medicate with cannabis is medically legitimate, is the foundation of our practice.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your work?

There’s nothing to be nervous about! The process may seem confusing and intimidating but we make it easy. Just breathe.

Email or call us. We’re here to help.

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB, CLt, RMT 2 Forest Park Dr, Farmington 860-778-0315 Info@AbundantHealthCT.com AbundantHealthCT.com

JUNE

Traditional Chinese Medicine plus: Holistic Vision and Dentistry

Summary/services offered: Licensed Massage Therapist offering Swedish and deep tissue massage, cupping, Reiki, aromatherapy, raindrop technique, lypossage, LypoSlim body wrap, Himalayan salt stone massage and nutraceutical products.

What drew you to this profession?

From a young age, I was interested in holistic health and healing. I have found that massage therapy and Reiki are optimal modalities for treating stress and pain. I wanted to offer clients a drug-free alternative for relaxation and pain relief.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

I am Board Certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). I also hold certifications in the following modalities: medicinal aromatherapy, Reiki Master/Teacher, lypossage, Himalayan salt stone massage and facial cupping rejuvenation.

How long have you been in practice?

I have been practicing massage therapy for 10 years.

Do you have a particular specialty?

I have a few specialties: Deep tissue massage, lypossage, LypoSlim body wrap, Himalayan salt stone massage and facial cupping rejuvenation.

What should someone expect from working with you?

My sessions are customized for each client. I am a very good listener and communicator and will adjust the amount of pressure according to the client’s preference/tolerance. I create a quiet, peaceful environment for my clients. The only time I will speak during a session is to ask the client about using the correct amount of pressure—unless, of course, he/she prefers to converse during the session.

What is most important for Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your work?

Regular scheduled massage sessions will greatly benefit the client—both physically and mentally. In order to achieve this, I offer massage packages. I am a solo practitioner and perform all of the massages myself, so my clients always receive a consistent massage.

Our online booking system is very convenient for clients to schedule their appointments.

I’m offering a special promotion for readers: take $10 off any individual appointment with coupon code NA10. Appointment must be booked online. Offer expires June 29.

LOCAL FOOD ISSUE

JULY

Urban & Suburban Agriculture plus: Natural Beauty

AUGUST

Autism Spectrum plus: Healthy Relationships

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER

860-507-6392 NAHRT.com

May 2019

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TOXIC LEGACY

Breast Implant Warriors Unite

by Linda Sechrist

T

he U.S. Surgeon General’s warning on cigarettes hasn’t prevented individuals from smoking, nor has the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list of risks and complications associated with breast implants kept women from undergoing voluntary breast augmentation. Since 1997, the number of saline- and siliconefilled breast implant surgeries has tripled.

According to the National Center for Health Research (NCHR), more than 400,000 women and teenagers undergo breast implant surgeries every year, with 75 percent for augmentation of healthy breasts and 25 percent for reconstruction after mastectomies.

The marked increase in surgeries implanting these Class III “high risk” medical devices includes many women that undergo procedures to replace old implants that have broken or caused other problems. An estimated 40,000 U.S. women a year have the surgery to remove the implants entirely.

These “explants” stem from a variety of issues, from rupture or delayed wound healing to broken implants that have caused breast pain, capsule contracture, spontaneous deflation, breast lesion, infection, wrinkling/scalloping and necrosis.

Another reason for removal is the growing concern about the reported incidence of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a treatable T-cell lymphoma, and breast implant illness (BII) associated with both silicone and saline implants.

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The FDA first sounded the alarm about the rare lymphoma in 2011, linking it to implants with textured, Velcro-like outer shells. In February, the federal agency issued a letter to healthcare providers seeking to increase awareness “about an association between all breast implants, regardless of filling or texture,” and BIAALCL. On the issue of BII and other problems reported by women with implants, the FDA has remained largely silent, suggesting that “studies would need to be larger and longer than these conducted so far.”

However, the number of women with implants reporting health problems has prompted the FDA to demand that two manufacturers of the devices conduct proper long-term health studies. The agency sent out letters in March warning of deficiencies in FDA-required research and the possibility that their products could be taken off the market.

The move is considered to be a victory for patient activism. Facebook.com/groups/ HealingBreastImplantIllness has become a sanctuary for more than 68,000 women that report a range of symptoms associated with BII. Nicole Daruda, of Vancouver Island, Canada, says she created the group to support women that visited her website, HealingBreastImplantIllness.com, where she told her personal BII story that began with implant surgery in 2005. “I never anticipated an avalanche of women’s stories

about the symptoms that I endured before having my explant surgery in 2015.”

After hearing from other women, Daruda felt affirmed in her suspicions that implants had caused her fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, headaches, joint and muscle pain, hair loss, recurring infections, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, irritable bowel syndrome and problems with thyroid and adrenal glands. “I believe that various doctors pigeonholed my symptoms into the category of autoimmune disorders because few general practitioners are aware of BII.”

Diana Hoppe, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN in Encinitas, California, never heard of BII until earlier this year. “Doctors rely on published, evidence-based study results, and while there are none linking connective tissue disorders and breast implants, I suspect that the outcomes of studies conducted by breast implant manufacturers are equally as suspicious as the outcomes of studies done by the manufacturers of cigarettes.”

One longtime BII combatant says, “My body mounted an all-out war, in the form of a foreign body immune response.”

She learned about BII from Tinyurl.com/ BreastImplantIllness, but is unable to afford the explant surgery that would remove the apparently toxic invaders.

NCHR reports that at the time of explant surgery, approximately three out of five women have had implants and their unhealthy symptoms for 10 years or more.

After explant surgery, 89 percent of the women report improvement. However, explant surgery is just the first step.

Daruda used chelation and the protocols of Gerson Therapy, a natural treatment that activates the body’s ability to heal itself through an organic, plant-based diet, raw juices, coffee enemas and supplements. “It took me four years to recuperate,” she says.

“It didn’t take that long to know the lesson I wanted to share with other women: Self-love and self-worth are more important than society’s false concepts of beauty. The essence of who we are is not tied to any body part.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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healing ways

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community spotlight

A Smile as Sweet as Spring.

Find Your Natural Match!

Come join us on this Mother’s Day weekend as we elebrate the spirit and wisdom of the Divine eminine. Explore the ancient stories of the goddess.

articipate in movement and song.

View the Divine Feminine art show; meet the artist.

xperience the Salt Cave at The Red Barn.

aint your face with goddess symbols. Shop for gifts or those you celebrate on this special weekend!

____________________________________________

vent facilitated by Author & Intuitive Gloria Amendola and Janice Juliano, Director of The Red Barn Admission fee: $15 by May 4

$20 after May 4

_____________________________________________

vent venue is The Red Barn in Durham, CT

vent is family-friendly; kids are free

re-registration encouraged for Salt Cave sessions

MI or to register: holygrailmary@gmail.com

Divine Feminine Rising

I J

oin the largest database of health-conscious and eco-minded, spiritual singles and manifest an extraordinary relationship!

Try it for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 28 Hartford County Edition

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by Nicole Miale

n traditional Catholic teachings, the historical figure Mary Magdalene is presented as a prostitute saved by Jesus Christ. Over the years, scholars and historians have put forth other theories about the woman some call the 13th apostle, who may have actually been Jesus’ wife. There is more mystery than fact known about this pivotal individual from history, and that mystery is what initially drew Milford-based author and intuitive Gloria Amendola to begin studying Mary Magdalene. What began as curiosity has become a life-changing journey.

“The doorway opened for me when someone invited me to support them in attending a Christian evangelical church service,” Amendola explains. “I was struck by the lack of feminine representation in the teachings, which was even more lacking than my own early Catholic upbringing. I decided to research women in the Old and

New Testament with the intention of creating character studies to better understand the stories of these women. My plan was to write a series, but Mary Magdalene immediately showed herself to me.”

The path shown by the spirit of Mary Magdalene led Amendola to write multiple books on her subject, travel to legendary places where Mary Magdalene is supposed to have lived or died, and, since 2006, hold approximately 300 Magdalene Circles around the world. “The Circles began as a way to bring women together,” Amendola says.

“The original idea was for me to present the information I was studying and experiencing, answer questions and have discussion about the topic, then have either a meditation or shamanic drumming experience.”

The circles range from 15 to 22 people in size and meet once per month. The first circle Amendola facilitated was in Milford and it ran for 10 years. A group that still

meets in Manchester at the Ravenwood Holistic Healing Center has been meeting for 12 years, surpassing Amendola’s original expectation. “I thought they would last for a while and then fade out,” she explains. “But the Manchester group didn’t want to stop. It still keeps unfolding.” A recent circle in Manchester focused on sound, specifically some of the sounds of the Essenes—well-trained healers who migrated to the Holy Land and brought their secretive and heart-centered teachings with them.

“When you look back into ancient texts and mystical ways, we find words of power; we find techniques using sound, light and the power of the human voice,” Amendola says. “These healing tools were lost for a long time as the Western medical approach dominated, but they are returning. We are completing a cycle and moving toward a more enlightened time.”

The suppression of Mary Magdalene is indicative of the suppression of the voice of the feminine throughout time, Amendola says. But the old is breaking down, and the new is coming online, making it a critical time for women to awaken to their power and do their inner work. “We as women must find the time and space for our own inner work. I don’t know if we can survive these intense times if we don’t do that,” Amendola says.

“We want awakening to be a spiritual, safe and positive experience. I’ve always been a fierce protector of the light. My job is to prepare a safe and creative atmosphere for people. This allows them to relax, consider new perspectives, and allow for visceral reactions to arise within them, to experience what they never thought they could.”

That may mean surfacing of traumatic memory or past-life recall; Amendola says both have occurred during circles she has facilitated. She works with individuals during the circle and afterward to process and integrate whatever has come up. “I want people to succeed in their personal evolution; I don’t want anyone to crash and burn,” she says.

Despite the tumultuous backdrop of the time we’re living in, a recent visit to the nation’s capital left Amendola feeling more hopeful than dismayed. A peaceful gathering at the Washington Mall representing a wide variety of people reminded her that people have more in common than they are separate. “We’re not divided,” she says. “We keep being told that we are, but I don’t feel it and I didn’t see it in D.C. either. People need hope to move forward. Anything I can do to support growth from a place of love, I’m there. I’m 110 percent there.”

Gloria Amendola is an author, intuitive and group facilitator with a passion for esoteric knowledge, the hidden history of the Divine Feminine and the dreamtime. She is a Reiki Master and shamanic drummer. Amendola has written two novels as well as a channeled trilogy called Mary Magdalene: Revelations from a First Century Avatar, available on Amazon. She will be presenting Celebrating the Divine Feminine on May 11 at The Red Barn in Durham. Admission is $15 before May 4, $20 after. To connect with Amendola or to register for the event, call 203-876-9936 or email HolyGrailMary@gmail.com.

Nicole Miale is publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield/ Housatonic Valley, CT and Natural Awakenings Greater Hartford, CT. Connect at Publisher@NAHRT.com.

Now Accepting Out-of-State Medical Marijuana patients!

For more information visit us at summitri.org Summit Medical Compassion Center 380 Jefferson Blvd. Warwick, RI 02886 401-889-3990

Open: Monday - Friday, 10:30 am - 6:30 pm Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm May 2019

29

The Shaman

Spiritual Calling

Shamans and Mystics: Surrender to Grace

I

by Deana Paqua

n the last several years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the ancient Earth-honoring traditions across the globe, including the path of the Shaman and the Mystic. These terms are being re-defined in popular culture and scholarly writings alike, from books, handmade and commercially produced products and films, to workshops and budding practitioners of all sorts.

While there have been many positives, including renewed interest in being good stewards and caretakers of the Earth, there has also been a great deal of misunderstanding, misinformation, commercialization, cultural appropriation and colonial entitlement in how these ancient traditions have been approached and their knowledge shared.

What many refer to as Shamanism—seeing the interconnectedness of all living things, including human beings, plants, animals, trees, stones, mountains, lakes and rivers, and that all of these beings contain a spark of the Divine—is actually Animism. Many traditional cultures across the globe, including the Eastern traditions, ancient Europeans, Africans, North and South Americans and others, have had this similar perspective and belief that we are all connected—to each other, to the Earth and all of nature. In this view, we are interdependent and are much better working together and in harmony with nature.

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Somewhere in all of us this wisdom exists, and we know more recent societal disregard and destruction of the environment is wrong. We are hurting our relatives, the trees, plants and many species are dying off each day. We have more technology at our disposal, yet we have worse diseases and more depression than ever. We know we have gone astray and are trying to find our way back.

Many of us have lost the ancestral wisdom of healing plants, sacred Earthhonoring rituals and ceremonies, our relationship with our ancestors in spirit and how to honor the change of seasons. This massive separation we have felt for many generations due to our disconnection from nature and our own Divine Source, has helped create this massive state of dis-ease.

We need to also acknowledge and remember that for many of these original practices and traditions—the ones that were not stamped out by governments or churches, or other tribes—many of the people and healers belonging to these tribes have suffered greatly; some were even killed because of their beliefs and practices. We only need to look as far as our own backyards here in the Northeast, to see the history of murder and displacement of the First Nations tribes that lived here on this land we now call home.

These traditional tribes and cultures all had their own unique rituals, ceremonies, healing methods and social structures.

They had unique titles for their healers and spiritual leaders. They are not all called “Shaman”, which is a title for a very specific type of healer from the Evenki region of Siberia, derived from the term Saman. A Shaman goes through a very unique process of initiation, often from childhood—of mysterious illness, visitations of powerful and often disturbing ancestral spirits and a surrendering of their own wishes and desires for a normal life—to honor the path that the spirits or their ancestors have chosen for them. It is a path often of great trial and suffering.

The Shaman goes into a repeated trance state, often with the living being of their drum, sometimes known as the Windhorse, to travel into the spirit world to connect with their powerful spiritual allies—an ancient ancestor who was a healer—to facilitate healing for their community. Shamans do not do “self-healing” through their Shamanic work; their work is in service to their community. It is a path of personal sacrifice and very specific cultural traditions. To show respect and honor to those who have been chosen for this very specific role in these tribes, it is important we avoid taking the name “Shaman” for ourselves as contemporary practitioners and spiritual seekers.

The contemporary practices of Shamanism from the West are often based on Core Shamanism, created by anthropologist Dr. Michael Harner. These practices are simplified meditation and trance-inducing methods without a cultural overlay that most folks can learn to various degrees of efficacy.

It is a wonderful tool, and many folks have flocked to workshops and training programs alike over the past few decades. However, it is important to remember that the traditions of the original Shamans are based on thousands of years of wisdom and practice—not something one learns in a weekend workshop, or even after a few years.

Today, we see the title of Shaman used

as a name for everything including soap, oracle cards, crystals, courses and books of all sorts that may or may not bare any resemblance to the original traditional practices.

It’s important in this age of consumerism and materialism to remember the sacred, and that people given this title properly by their tribe and community have died and suffered.

Even though Shamans and Shamanism seem to have made it into the limelight of recent popular culture, there are many other types of healers both in traditional and contemporary cultures who work with a spiritual foundation of healing. One is not better than the other.

Mystics are one such type of healer.

The Mystic

Mystics find the voice of the Divine everywhere. They seek to surrender, or open themselves completely to the experience of the Divine. They may or may not go into altered states of consciousness to make the connection. They can find the supernatural in the natural, and the Divine in the mundane activities of everyday life—from walking to the mailbox, to drinking a cup of hot tea, to folding laundry. However, Mystics also honor the beauty and sacredness all around them, and may feel a strong connection to the Divine within nature, such as the fiery colors of an evening sunset burning across the sky or a majestic mountain pass with a recent luminous snowfall dusting.

The Mystic can also form strong connections to the spirit realms just as deep as the Shaman. They may not travel through the various dimensions of the spirit worlds, but rather stay fully conscious in this physical world and communicate and connect with the spirits of the trees, mountains and plants all around them. They might facilitate a healing session or a ceremony, praying and calling on their ancestors, spirits of nature and other beings of Light that support their connection to the Divine source, such as guardian angels and spirit guides.

they are welcomed into it, or it may be a more personal spiritual journey that may not look like anything anyone else has seen before. Each of us is unique and is called by the Divine and nature in our own way. The path of the Shaman is one that is specific to a cultural tradition, despite the re-defining of this title by some recent anthropologists, authors and teachers. Studying or learning a contemporary Shamanic or Shamanistic path is something else entirely, but knowing and respecting the difference is important.

Both the Shaman and Mystic know the importance of humility and respect, and the concept of surrendering to a power greater than themselves that can support deep connection and healing. We have much to learn from both spiritual paths as well as others. We each have our own unique spiritual gifts and connection we can cultivate, which we can do by honoring ourselves and what resonates for us, and by respecting ancient traditions and titles. The two don’t need to be mutually exclusive.

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT is a teacher of spiritual and holistic health, shamanic practitioner and teacher, licensed massage therapist, Reiki master and adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) in Danbury.

She has a private practice at Turning Point Healing Arts & Education Center in Ridgefield. Connect at EmbodytheSacred.net.

T

he Q’ero tribe of Peru have lived for hundreds of years at high elevations in the Andes Mountains and are highly revered spiritual healers across the globe.

They are mostly herders and farmers, living generally very simple lives, but lives that are also sacred and spiritual. They are referred to in many cases as Shaman, but technically this is not correct, as they do not journey into the spirit realms to meet the Divine. They are actually more Mystics than Shaman.

They communicate and form deep bonds of connection with the Earth, known as Pachamama, and with the local incredible Andes mountain range, whose grand spirits are known as Apus. Each Q’ero healer forms his or her own connections to Pachamama, the Apus and other cosmic beings and spirits of nature.

They build these relationships over decades and generously share what they know with others, whether from their own tribe, other Andean tribes or from anywhere else in the world.

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31

Occupational Therapy as a Means of Empowerment

E

by Jennifer C. Hirschberg-Wise

mpowerment defined is the ability to control and manage your life in a way that yields the most opportunity, satisfaction and joy. A sense of independence and determination and pursuit of meaningful activities underlie this drive.

What happens if an illness, accident, injury or diagnosis changes the direction of your life and causes you to question everything you thought you knew about your life path?

It’s important to never feel like you are alone and that, indeed, “it takes a village”— plus a lot of patience and compassion. Occupational therapy can support that journey.

Basics of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) is the holistic approach to increasing function following an injury, illness, developmental delay or diagnosis. It is a holistic approach to wellness and living and performing to the best of ability due to any physical, mental or cognitive differences for a person of any age. The term “occupation” means roles and is focused on the person’s interests, preferences and task demands and performance abilities. OT personnel are specifically state licensed and board registered and are certified Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy As32 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

sistants, requiring different educational requirements and responsibilities.

There are multiple areas for this profession to address with a focus on personal routines, abilities and individual goals. The term ADL, or activities of daily living, is focused on the ability to care for oneself and entails dressing, washing, toileting, grooming and feeding—basically, everything you do to care for and maintain your body to survive.

Other tasks can be considered the IADL, or instrumental activities of daily living, which can include: shopping, driving, laundry, household management and cooking.

Imagine that you are effortlessly going through your routine without becoming overly focused on it because it’s already established and you have the physical strength, coordination, visual, attention and mental abilities to sequence and problem solve tasks. You can complete getting up with or without an alarm clock, shower, get dressed, feed pets and make breakfast using whatever appropriate appliance. You can even motivate any children or partners in the house to get up and go about their routine, pack lunch, eat breakfast, check emails, brush teeth and get out of the house to begin the day, which may include driving or walking to your destination.

Now, imagine that you had a cerebrovascular accident or stroke that impacted your ability to use your dominant hand to prepare breakfast or impacted your ability to walk. How would your life and routines change? Could you dress yourself? Eat? Speak? Do the same job? Care for your family in the way you want?

What about the child who has sensory sensitivity and is impacted by the brightness of the sun or the smell of coffee and hides when he hears his sibling’s alarm clock go off? How might this child’s and his caregiver’s routine need to be altered so everyone can complete their morning routine? If the child goes to school, how is the classroom organized and experienced by the child, and how is he or she able to learn?

What about an older adult with the onset of cognitive changes, worried that she may have the beginning of dementia? She has visual changes, falls often because she can’t see the steps and cannot prepare food using the stove—therefore stops eating properly and doesn’t call family or friends for support because she “doesn’t want to be a burden”.

What about a young woman who recently had both legs amputated due to complications from infection following surgery?

How is she going to get into the tub to take a shower and navigate the halls in her school?

How can OT help?

Occupational Therapists work with individuals directly one-on-one or in a group setting to address the impact of an illness, injury or condition to empower individuals to develop new ways of participating in their routines and being able to achieve either the previous level of independence or maximize their ability to complete desired tasks.

When someone encounters a catastrophic or life changing event, or has a developmental delay that will impact their learning and interaction with others and the environment, their world is forever changed. What they were able to do before may not be possible any time soon after the event—or may never be possible. An occupational therapist supports that individual during the rehabilitation and recovery process by teaching them new skills to recover, adapt or compensate abilities.

It is important to grieve the loss of function or what once was normal and to acknowledge it honestly and openly. There is no need to sugarcoat things or pretend to ignore how life may be different.

True empowerment begins when there is a personal commitment to healing and rehabilitation or recovery. It’s the recognition that a person didn’t ask for, want or even imagine the circumstances that occurred, but nevertheless, there will be a “new normal”. There’s still a lot of value to their life and personal goals can be realized.

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, independent and assisted living communities, behavioral health centers, community centers and programs, rehabilitation centers, pediatric and adult outpatient centers and private homes.

Getting Started with OT

In the state of Connecticut, a physician’s order is required to order a medically indicated OT evaluation before a plan of care can be developed. At the time of meeting with an Occupational Therapist, an evaluation or assessment is completed exploring appropriate areas of concern and a person’s physical, cognitive and functional performance in various areas. There is a lot of exploratory questioning, standardized testing to develop baseline scores and plan of care development, in which the frequency and proposed duration of therapy is discussed before proceeding. There is always collaboration between the Occupational Therapist and other members of the medical team, as appropriate. The most critical feature is that the plan of care is designed based on collaboration with the patient, who is expressing his or her goals, preferences, what areas of function are challenging and which areas of life are most important to address.

In a school setting, there is a process of identification of possible barriers to learning and a referral to an Occupational Therapist who is usually on site to evaluate the child with parent’s permission. Results and recommendations are discussed with the student’s parents or guardians to discuss an educational program.

An initial brief screening can take place before a full evaluation is ordered and completed to note any challenges that may be appropriate for further evaluation.

You can begin your conversation with a doctor or student’s teacher and discuss areas of concern. A local membership organization called the Connecticut Occupational Therapist Association and a national advocacy organization, the American Occupational Therapy Association, can provide different resources for patients and clinicians.

Jennifer C. Hirschberg-Wise is the founder of Radiant Journey LLC, Occupational Therapy & Integrative Wellness and is committed to working with you or your loved one to reclaim your life and function after injury, illness or diagnosis. She has experience working with people across the lifespan with a variety of orthopedic, neurological and physical abilities. Connect at 860-916-9742, Jennifer@RadiantJourneyLLC.com or RadiantJourneyLLC.com.

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33

Shed Old Attitudes with Your Clothes Be Empowered

by Social Nudism

W

by Ronna E. Krozy and Nancy Greenhouse

hat comes to mind when you think of personal empowerment? Do you think of someone who is open to new or even unconventional experiences? Who speaks her mind, even when others might disagree?

Are you that person?

Being empowered allows you to be happy with who you are and to recognize the many strengths and resources that dwell right within you. Able to defend your own rights, you are also able to advocate for others. When you feel empow-

ered, you enjoy a sense of well-being.

The first step toward empowerment is understanding that your power lives within. No one gives it to you. It’s something you already have, and the sooner you recognize it, the better.

If your sense of empowerment needs a boost, start by examining your body image. Are you carrying old baggage in the form of self-judgments? Do you worry that you are “too” something—fat, skinny, busty, flat, flabby, wrinkled, scarred or whatever?

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Fortunately, there is a proven path to personal empowerment right within your reach. It is social nudism, an experience— and, for many, a way of life—that helps individuals free themselves of body shame.

Once you do that, you are free to harness your innate inner strength, build selfconfidence and love yourself just as you are. “As a woman who has always been ‘of size’, becoming a nudist was the first time I could truly and thoroughly accept myself and feel comfortable in my own skin,” attests one woman who is now a committed nudist. This sense of self-comfort has been echoed by many others, including men.

Social nudism simply means being free of clothing in the company of other like-minded people, in a safe place, such as Solair Recreation League, in Woodstock, Connecticut, a family-friendly nudist resort in operation since 1934. Nudist resorts like Solair enforce strict codes of appropriate behavior where everyone, including children, are safe and comfortable.

Such resorts are voluntarily regulated by the American Association for Nude Recreation, the largest and oldest organization for nudism advocacy in North America.

When you visit a nudist resort to participate in social nudism, along with your clothing you have the chance to strip yourself of old burdens and restraints of attitude.

From there, additional benefits include: • A sense of belonging—a social benefit.

Social nudism promotes a community where men, women and children share a wholesome, healthy way of life.

• Liberation from old thought patterns— an emotional benefit. Without clothing, everyone is equal, exposed and trusting. When you take off your clothes, you take a leap or “risk” you may never have anticipated. Yet you find yourself relaxed as never before—and even feeling courageous. This is empowerment.

• You de-stress—a physical benefit.

Those who participate in social nudism find that their blood pressure drops, and they absorb more vitamin D. Plus, scientific studies show that when you

sleep naked, your skin temperature cools—a key ingredient for good rest.

• You may also feel spiritual benefits such as a sense of harmony with nature, peacefulness and unity with a creator or greater power.

Social nudism means freeing yourself of old constraints and burdens. Perhaps they are vestiges of your upbringing. When you remove your clothing in a safe setting in the company of other accepting, like-minded people, you give yourself permission to be your whole self. You drop your own notions of perfection that may be obsolete or limiting—and feel empowered.

Social nudism is all about empowerment and wellness, because each emphasizes personal choice, freedom and control.

Personal empowerment means having the freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens to you. It is a component of a healthy self-image. Wellness means living the best possible life you can, under your personal control, including creating the right environment for a healthier lifestyle. Social nudism, or naturism, is a chosen way of life to promote wellness, self-acceptance and freedom.

Increasingly, scientific research confirms what naturists have always known. According to the Journal of Happiness Studies, one of an increasing number of studies about social nudism, “Individuals do experience increases in positive body-image, self-esteem and life satisfaction after participating in real naturist activities.” In addition, according to Nude Recreation from a Woman’s Perspective, social nudism’s greatest contributions to today’s woman are self-acceptance and total relaxation.

“When my husband suggested we visit a nudist resort, I couldn’t imagine baring myself like that,” recalls one woman. “It was more than my body I was afraid of baring. I was afraid of exposing my lack of confidence. But I agreed to try it. Not so long after I took off my clothes, I felt a true sense of warmth. It wasn’t just being one layer closer to the sun, but also a sense of warmth toward myself. In one afternoon, I learned that my body is just fine as it is. That acceptance has led to a feeling of strength in other areas of my life.”

If you decide to give social nudism a try, you may discover within yourself that same personal strength and feeling of satisfaction. By following this path to personal empowerment, you have nothing to lose—except a few articles of clothing and whole lot of self-doubt.

Ronna E. Krozy, EdD, RN is a retired professor of nursing and a Trustee of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR).

Nancy Greenhouse has created development programs for numerous Boston-area nonprofit organizations. Both are long-time members of AANR as well as Solair Recreation League in Woodstock, Connecticut. For more information about Solair, call 860-928-9174 or visit SolairRL.com. For general information about social nudism, visit aanr.com. See ad, page 10.

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May 2019

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natural pet

The Benefits of Reiki for Animals

Reduce Stress, Heal Trauma, Ease Transitions

by Kelly L. McCarthy

R

eiki itself as a healing modality has been used with people for over a century but the use of Reiki with animals has just recently become more prevalent. Some practitioners have been offering Reiki to their own animals over the years, but now we are starting to see practitioners specializing in animal Reiki as their desired profession. Because of its gentle nature, Reiki is a beneficial practice able to be used with all animals, no matter their size or species.

Reiki in Japanese simply means “Spirit Energy”. It is an energetic healing technique that involves the transfer of “chi”, the energy life force within all things to help people, animals and even nature maintain inner balance. This noninvasive, pain-free technique is ideally practiced in a completely stress-free environment.

Since animals are highly sensitive to energy, one cannot “give” an animal Reiki.

For this reason, the “Let Animals Lead” 36 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

approach was created by Kathleen Prasad, founder of The Animal Reiki Source. This approach allows animals to take part in their own treatments at their own pace, taking what they need as they need it, perhaps even for an issue the practitioner may not even be aware of.

Reiki can be performed hands-on or from a distance. While some animals enjoy human touch during treatments, others prefer to be left to enjoy the energetic space from across the room. Reiki energy is limitless and knows no boundaries, so it is as effective overseas as it is in person.

Depending on the issue, there are times where a distance session is a better option for both animal and practitioner.

One example of this is when an animal has suffered a severe trauma or has aggressive tendencies. Reiki can help animals heal from past mental and physical traumas as well as reduce behavioral issues and aggression in animals.

Reiki is also extremely supportive in the dying process of animals, allowing them to pass in peace while being held in love as they cross over. This also helps with the loss felt by their humans and can assist in the grieving process.

Most importantly, Reiki is a complimentary practice for all other treatments—whether conventional or alternative. It should not be used in place of licensed veterinary care for any reason.

Reiki practitioners are non-medical professionals and cannot at any time diagnose or prescribe anything for your pets. Practitioners may offer suggestions, however it is the responsibility of the pet owner to always seek the professional advice and treatment from a licensed veterinarian when needed.

Lastly, if you are ready to invite Reiki into your animal’s life, do not be afraid to ask questions of the practitioner, as not every practitioner will be the right fit for you and your pet. There are different practicing styles of Reiki, just as there are different teaching styles. Some are derived from Japan, while others have found the western style of Reiki to better suit their personal beliefs. Much like an interview, it’s always good to know the practitioner’s lineage (who they trained with), their daily self-practice, what Reiki means to them and any expectations you may have of your pets’ sessions, as well as policies, payments and length of treatment.

Being able to have an open conversation prior to your animal’s treatment is the best way to create the energetic space you want and need between you, the practitioner and your pets, to feel safe and connected along your Reiki journey together.

Kelly L. McCarthy is an animal Reiki practitioner, communicator and educator who travels throughout Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts, and offers distance Reiki from her home in Litchfield County. She is a foster mom for “For The Love of Lab Rescue” and volunteers her services to licensed rescues for animals awaiting their forever homes. Connect at KlarityKollars.com.

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inspiration

The Mother Our Souls Need Connecting With the Energy That Made Us

T

by Christiane Northrup

his Mother’s Day, I want to tell you about a different way to think about your mother and about yourself—a way that is deeply true and liberating, no matter what is going on with your mother.

On a soul level, we’re old friends with our mothers. And they signed up for assisting us on our souls’ journeys big time— by being willing to take on the role of our mother. And no matter

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how well they did or didn’t do that job, we have a job, too: to realize that though we might not have had the mother we wanted, we all got the mother our souls needed.

What’s more, every single one of us can connect right now with the mother energy that made all of our bodies in the first place—the Earth herself.

It has been said that when you lavish your attention on the Earth—on a flower, or a stream or any aspect of nature—that energy loves you right back.

In the book series The Ringing Cedars, Anastasia refers to the land you live on and love as, “Love dissolved in space.” You can feel this when you travel to parks and gardens, farms and yards that have been loved by those who live there. This mothering energy is available to each of us from the Earth and from Mother Nature— no matter what has happened with your biological mother.

So here is my prescription for a glorious Mother’s Day.

Call your mother—in spirit, if she is no longer in a body—or if speaking with her directly is too painful. Here’s a special prayer: “With my Spirit, I send Divine Love to my mother’s Spirit.”

That’s it. Just say this prayer. With your whole heart. And let go of the outcome.

Happy Mother’s Day. Christiane Northrup, M.D., is a leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness. The full text of this excerpt, reprinted with permission, appears at DrNorthrup.com. © Christiane Northrup, Inc. All rights reserved.

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May 2019

37

calendar of events

SUNDAY, MAY 5

NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Submit ALL entries at NAHRT.com

THURSDAY, MAY 2 The Four Agreements for Every Day – 7-8pm.

5-week series. With Kim Patulak, LMT, ERYT500. Read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz and create concrete tools to apply them to our daily lives through journaling and discussion. $10/drop-in; $45/entire series. Body Wisdom Wellness, 642 Hilliard St, Ste 1317, Manchester.

860-372-5288.

FRIDAY, MAY 3 Master Herbalist and Iridologist – 10am-4pm.

With Susan Kiefer, Iridologist and herbalist.

30-minute evaluations for $45. Iridology examines the iris to determine information through a person’s eye to look into their systemic health. Call for reservations. Mondazzi Book & Bead Warehouse Showroom, 570 Hayden Station Rd, Windsor.

860-285-0538.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 Free To Be You Workshop – 10am-12pm.

This workshop is for moms who are living with emotional and physical pain. Start your journey to uncover the reasons why you are living with exhaustion and physical pain. $25 (bring a friend for free). Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Ste 208, Farmington. 860-307-0232. Jacqueline@ JacquelineMKane.com.

Master Herbalist and Iridologist – 10am-4pm.

With Susan Kiefer, Iridologist and herbalist.

30-minute evaluations for $45. Iridology examines the iris to determine information through a person’s eye to look into their systemic health. Call for reservations. Mondazzi Book & Bead Warehouse Showroom, 570 Hayden Station Rd, Windsor.

860-285-0538.

Mediumship Development Class – 5/4-5/5; 10am5pm. With Sharon Farber. For beginners and students seeking a solid foundation or eager to strengthen their skills. Fourteen students max. $185. Dragonfly Healing Arts, 8 Wickett St, Pine Meadow. 860-9892358. DragonflyHealingArts.net.

Vibrational Jewelry Making – 12-5pm. Design your own bracelet or necklace from a wide variety of crystals. Add what is missing from your vibrational energy by selecting stones that are perfect for you. Prices vary, but all materials available.

Sharing the Light, 395 W Avon Rd, Avon. 860936-0012. Cheryl@SharingTheLightWC.com.

SharingtheLightWC.com.

Sacred Sound Awakening – 1-3pm. Expand your vibration, release resistance and align with the highest blueprint of your soul expression through a powerful activation of Divine Energy through the Sacred Sounds of voice, harp and singing bowls. $30/pre-reg; $35/door. Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic. ScheduleBliss.com/index. php/bhakticenterct.

Live Mindfulness Classes Using Indian Classical Music: With Indrani Mukherjee – 5/4, 5/11, 5/18 and 5/25. 3-4pm. These unique Mindfulness Classes through Indian Classical Music can transform your entire world from the inside out. Group class. $60/four classes; $20/drop-in. Sharing the Light, 395 W Avon Rd, Avon. 860-936-0012. Cheryl@ SharingTheLightWC.com. SharingtheLightWC.com.

Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Information Night – Learn about the angelic healing modality called Integrated Energy Therapy. Facilitated by Jennifer Johnson. Free. The Water Lily Holistic Empowerment Center, 129 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland. 860-756-6391. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

markyourcalendar markyourcalendar ASTROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CONNECTICUT NEW AGE FAIR Sunday, May 5 • 10am–4pm Fair produced for over thirty years. Offering selected medium, tarot, astrology, palmistry readers. Local Merchants: aura photography, crystals, books, jewelry, essential oils, art.

Body Workers: foot reflexology, massage, reiki. Astrology class at 1pm ($10) Free lectures, Free parking, Free entrance Keeney Memorial Cultural Center 200 Main St, Wethersfield Like us on Facebook.com/myasc 38 Hartford County Edition

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BE PART OF THE CHANGE: A MORNING ADVENTURE AT THE FARM Saturday, May 25 • 10am-12pm Learn what a day at The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition is like as we take you through a mini session at the farm. We will make a delicious tea to sip, go on a weed walk to learn some of our local weeds and super foods, make something in kitchen medicine, see what is happening with the bees and in the garden and taste something delicious from the kitchen. Our new class begins in September, come be part of the change!

Holcomb Farm 113 Simsbury Rd • West Granby Free RSVP at 860-764-9070 or email Joan@TIOSN.com

A Spring Brunch and Wellness Fair – 10am-2pm.

Full brunch as well as a Wellness Fair. Sign up for 10-minute increments of many modalities and sample many items. Pre-register for $33/includes admission and brunch. $40/at the door. 292 Spielman Highway, Burlington. SharingtheLightWC.com.

A Long Stillness - Writing Workshop – 2pm.

Alison Davis will lead this workshop. The group will use all of their senses and their sense of wonder to feel the amazing natural life at Trail Wood and write about their experiences. Bring a notebook and pencil. $10/CAS members; $20/non-members.

Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton. 860-9284948. CTAudubon.org/Trail-Wood-Home.

Nourishing Your Goddess Heart Mini-Retreat – 2-4pm. A cozy, healing retreat to rejuvenate your spirit and nourish your radiant goddess heart through chakra balancing, restorative yoga and hands-on Reiki healing with Elizabeth Hill and Karla Archambeault. $45. Pre-registration required.

Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-913-6918. GreenHeartLiving.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 Bird Watch for Folks with Limited Mobility – 8am. The group will carpool to various locations to observe numerous bird species from the road.

We’ll call the birds to you. $5/CAS members; $10/ non-members. Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948.

CTAudubon.org/Pomfret-Home.

THURSDAY, MAY 9 Watercolor Workshop: Flowers and Leaves – 6:30-8:30pm. Art is known to decrease stress, help you connect within and manifest creativity in all aspects of your life. Come experience the magic of watercolor and get lost creating a beautiful art piece. $35. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

The Four Agreements for Every Day – 7-8pm.

5-week series. With Kim Patulak, LMT, ERYT500. Read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz and create concrete tools to apply them to our daily lives through journaling and discussion. $10/drop-in; $45/entire series. Body Wisdom Wellness, 642 Hilliard St, Ste 1317, Manchester.

860-372-5288.

90 Minute Slow Flow Yoga – 7-8:30pm. With Gina. Energizing pranayama, release old stagnant energy and 60 minute all levels asanas. $10. The Wellness Center, 72 Center St, Southington.

TheWellnessCenterCT.com.

markyourcalendar SPIRIT FESTIVAL September 13-15 Experience a celebration of wellness, yoga, music and dance – in affiliation with Riverfront Recapture and BaliSpirit Festival.

Riverside Park & Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford SpiritYogaFestival.com

FRIDAY, MAY 10

THURSDAY, MAY 16

doTERRA Make and Take Roller Ball Class – 6:309pm. Perfect way to try oils before you buy them.

Bring a friend and get one 10ml bottle free. Registration required. $10 per 10ml bottle. Sharing the Light, 395 W Avon Rd, Avon. 860-936-0012. Cheryl@ SharingTheLightWC.com. SharingtheLightWC.com.

Intro to Meditation: Befriending Your Mind – 6-7:15pm. New to meditation? This class is for you.

The focus will be understanding meditation’s effect on the brain while building a personal daily practice. $13.17 per class with pre-registration. Vital Life Center, 100 W Main St, Plainville. 860-479-0466.

Blessed Mother Labyrinth Journey – 7-8:30pm.

Let go of issues of motherhood, fertility, loss of a child, and embrace the energy of the Blessed Mother emerging from the labyrinth with a renewed sense of grace. Participants receive Rose quartz, geranium oil and roses. $40. The Wellness Center, 72 Center St, Southington. TheWellnessCenterCT.com.

The Four Agreements for Every Day – 7-8pm.

5-week series. With Kim Patulak, LMT, ERYT-500.

Read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz and create concrete tools to apply them to our daily lives through journaling and discussion. $10/dropin; $45/entire series. Body Wisdom Wellness, 642 Hilliard St, Ste 1317, Manchester. 860-372-5288.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Angel Therapy – 7-8:30pm. With Dr. Renee Mammone, Angel Therapy Practitioner, Theta Healer and Naturopathic Physician. Learn how working with the angels can awaken your intuition and help you receive divine guidance. Free, non-perishable food item requested. Sponsored by Alliance for Holistic Living. Ravenwood Holistic Wellness Center, 199 West Center St, Manchester.

2019 May Day Faerie Festival – 10am-6pm. A Neopagan, family-oriented Beltane vendor faire.

Come in your finest fairy and fantasy attire. Free workshops and a maypole ritual throughout the day.

Free admission. Four Town Fairgrounds, 56 Egypt Rd, Somers. Alchemistica-CT.com/Faerie-Festival.

Mother’s Day Special: Reiki and Massages – 4-5:30pm. Learn practical energy work from Jen Tartakoff, receive Reiki and a massage. Raffle prizes and snacks. Kids welcome. Free. First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Tpke, Vernon. Chapters.HolisticMoms.org/chapters/ ct-east-of-the-river.

SUNDAY, MAY 12 Mother’s Day Bird Walk – 8am. Bring your mother or grandmother out to see the assorted colorful birds of spring. $5/CAS members; $10/ non-members; mothers are free. Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center.

860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org/Pomfret-Home.

MONDAY, MAY 13 Oriental Hatha Yoga for Spring – 6-7:15pm. Wake up your acupuncture meridians, work specific muscles through asanas, and meditate on clearing the liver and gallbladder. $20. The Wellness Center, 72 Center St, Southington. TheWellnessCenterCT.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 14 The Graduate Institute Information Session – 6:30-7:30pm. Enrolling now. Holistic, transformative education, one weekend per month.

Master of Arts, certificates and sixth-year equivalent programs in Integrative Health and Healing, Learning and Thinking, Organizational Leadership, Consciousness Studies, Transpersonal Psychology, Writing and Oral Traditions, Ecotherapy and Coaching with Spirit. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. Learn.edu.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 20 Warbler Day – 6am-2pm. We will search for 20 species of warblers in one day, travelling to numerous locations. $15/CAS members; $30/nonmembers. Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org/Pomfret-Home.

Astrology Lecture with Arlan Wise: Mercury - The Writer’s Friend – 7–9:30pm. Discuss Mercury’s role as the writer’s friend and examine how the planet describes what and how one writes.

Interactively, the audience will look at writing exercises and their own charts to delineate writing skills. Presented by Astrological Society of Connecticut. $10/non-members. Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main St, Wethersfield.

MYASC.org/curr-pgm.

SATURDAY, MAY 18 Birds and Sketchbook Journaling – 1-4pm. Roxanne Steed will show you how to simplify what you see using drawing and watercolor techniques. Call to register and for a list of materials to bring. $10/ CAS members; $20/non-members. Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center.

860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org/Pomfret-Home.

SUNDAY, MAY 19 Spring Cleaning Your Mind – 10:30am. With Rev. Carolyn Scotti. What core beliefs are holding you back from creating a new life? Are you listening to your mental chatter instead of realizing your power?

Discover new tools to change your life today. Stay for coffee and fellowship immediately following the non-denominational sermon. 3​ 95 W Avon Rd, Avon. Cheryl@SharingTheLightWC.com.

Trail Wood Non-Fiction Book Club – 2-4pm. Led by avid non-fiction reader and Hampton resident Jacqueline Jacobsohn, the Book Club combines lively book discussions and leisurely walks on the trails. May book TBA. Call for information. Free/ CAS members; $5/non-members. Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton. 860-928-4948. CTAudubon.org/Trail-Wood-Home.

Full Moon Message Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. It’s a rare Sunday event. Come connect to the full moon energy, open our third eyes and give messages. $20.

TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. ~Wayne Dyer

markyourcalendar LYME CONNECTION’S 13TH ANNUAL PATIENT CONFERENCE & HEALTH FAIR Thursday, May 16 5-9pm Health Fair • 7-9:30pm Program

Featuring Experts in patient care, research, tick control, testing and new product development. Free and open to the community. No registration required.

Western Connecticut State University West Side Campus Student Center University Blvd, Danbury GPS: 41 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury LymeConnection.org

markyourcalendar PASSPORT TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO Sunday, May 5 • 10am-5pm Learn and gain inspiration from exhibitors and speakers at this event to promote healthy living.

75 Exhibitors and Speakers, Free Raffles all day!

Free closing sound healing ceremony on the patio.

Advance Expo tickets are $5 per person. $7 per person at the door. Children under 5 free.

Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton 42 Century Dr, Bristol To register to attend/donate/speak/exhibit or obtain detailed information on the expo: YourHolisticEvents.com/fairs

markyourcalendar 13TH OCTAVE LAHOCHI PRACTITIONER TRAINING With Eilis Philpott Thursday to Sunday, June 20-23 Eilis is one of two teachers approved by Linda Dillon and the Council of Love to teach the 13th Octave LaHoChi. Hidden Gem on Main 33 N. Main St, Suite F, Wallingford $555 investment $100 deposit required to register Payment plans available Book early; these trainings always sell out!

Visit website for more details or to register.

Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com AcademyforSoulHealing.com May 2019

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calendar of events MONDAY, MAY 20 Backyard Medicinal Gardening – 6-8pm. Create a backyard medicine garden suitable to our region for common health issues. Special St. Hildegard healing garden. Organic starter plants sold separately. $40.

The Wellness Center, 72 Center St, Southington.

TheWellnessCenterCT.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21 Djembe Drumming For Beginners – 6-8:30pm.

With Bob Bloom. Learn methods to play joyous rhythms. If you don’t have a djembe, six drums are provided. $17/Mansfield residents; $27/nonresidents. Mansfield Community Center, 10 South Eagleville Rd, Storrs. 860-429-3015. Parks&Rec@ MansfieldCT.org.

Intuitive Development Circle – 6:30-8:30pm.

Learn ways to connect to be able to trust the messages you are receiving. You will take part in various activities to help hone your skills and feel more confident. $20. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 23 Trail Wood Bird Walk – 8am. Join Andy as he points out various birds at Trail Wood and a nearby preserve. Expect to find Hooded Warblers. Free/ CAS members; $5/non-members. Meet at Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton. 860-928-4948.

CTAudubon.org/Trail-Wood-Home.

The Four Agreements for Every Day – 7-8pm.

5-week series. With Kim Patulak, LMT, ERYT-500.

Read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz and create concrete tools to apply them to our daily lives through journaling and discussion. $10/drop-in; $45/ entire series. Body Wisdom Wellness, 642 Hilliard St, Ste 1317, Manchester. 860-372-5288.

SATURDAY, MAY 25 Boston Hollow Bird Watch – 8am. Explore the famous Boston Hollow area of Ashford, where much of the land is owned by Yale. It is a unique area with a Northern forest feel. $7/CAS members; $12/non-members. Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-9284948. CTAudubon.org/Pomfret-Home.

TUESDAY, MAY 28 The Graduate Institute Information Session – 6:30-7:30pm. Enrolling now. Holistic, transformative education, one weekend per month.

Master of Arts, certificates and sixth-year equivalent programs in Integrative Health and Healing, Learning and Thinking, Organizational Leadership, Consciousness Studies, Transpersonal Psychology, Writing and Oral Traditions, Ecotherapy and Coaching with Spirit. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. Learn.edu.

Yoga Basics: 6-Week Series – 7:30-8:45pm. Learn the basic building blocks of yoga to support a strong foundation and promote balance, flexibility, strength and stress release. $13.17 +tax per class with pre-registration. Vital Life Center, 100 W Main St, Plainville. 860-479-0466.

40 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

THURSDAY, MAY 30 The Four Agreements for Every Day – 7-8pm.

5-week series. With Kim Patulak, LMT, ERYT500. Read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz and create concrete tools to apply them to our daily lives through journaling and discussion. $10/drop-in; $45/entire series. Body Wisdom Wellness, 642 Hilliard St, Ste 1317, Manchester.

860-372-5288.

FRIDAY, MAY 31 Embody Your Shakti – 7-9pm. Fellow sisters embrace your inner Shakti, embody the divine feminine and shine to your full potential. Shed layers of emotional trauma, let go and move toward your highest self through chanting, dance and eye gazing. $30. The Wellness Center, 72 Center St, Southington. TheWellnessCenterCT.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 Wonders of Feathers – 11am-3pm. Create your own smudge fan or prayer stick with Kim Tallcouch, Animal Communicator and Shamanic Practitioner. Discuss the metaphysical significance of feathers, then make Native American inspired ceremonial prayer (Paho) sticks, smudge fans or whatever inspires them. $45, includes all materials.

Mondazzi Book & Bead Warehouse Showroom, 570 Hayden Station Rd, Windsor. 860-285-0538.

ongoing events

sunday Bhakti Yoga and Japa Meditation – 8:30-10am.

Donations gratefully accepted. Bhakti Center CT, 750 R Main, Willimantic. 860-593-5002.

Sunday Sadhana – 9-10:15am. This all-levels class combines gentle yoga with mantra, mudra, meditation and shamanism. Each heart-centered class is designed to bring balance and harmony to the mind, body and spirit. $15/drop-in. Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic. 860593-5002.

Qi & Tea – 10am-12pm. First and third Sunday.

Qigong is much more beneficial when practiced in groups. Our mission is to create the qi community and give people from all places an opportunity to learn and share this ancient healing art form. $20/ drop-in. Registration required. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy – 10-12pm.

Second and fourth Saturday. Chinese calligraphy has 5,000 years of history. It’s one of the most beautiful ancient art forms that has lasted to this day. It’s also known as one of best methods to calm one’s heart and release stress. $20/drop-in.

Registration required. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

Create Financial Freedom with Healthy Products – 4-5pm. Learn how to build a business and create financial freedom for you by distributing natural Aloe Vera nutritional supplements to help others be healthy. Free. Bristol (call for address). RSVP: 860-372-8171.

Qigong - All Levels – 5:30-6:30pm. Deep breathing and flowing movements derived from ancient Chinese healing exercises for increased balance, flexibility, muscle and bone strength, immune function, decreased pain and stiffness. $17 drop-in. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville.

860-693-9642.

monday Complete Strength Class – 9:30-10:30am. Total Strength classes are the #1 priority to burn calories and build lean muscle to boost your metabolism for the long-term. $20. YES Fitness, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington. 860-673-4293.

Kundalini Yoga – 9:30-11am. Free. Windham Recovery Community Center, 713 Main St, Willimantic. 860-423-7088 or 860-423-9843 for more info.

Open Play! For Ages 10 Months to 5 Years – 1011:15am. Join open play in our creative arts studio.

Non-instructional play will include gross motor equipment like tunnels and balance beams, dress up and art projects. Donation of canned good. Imagine Studio, 97 South St, West Hartford. ImagineStudioCT.com.

Gentle + Restorative Yoga – 10:30-11:45am.

Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing.

Great for any experience level. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Meditation Monday – 1-5pm. Only $10 Mondays or $15 any day of the week during regular hours.

Our private meditation room is the perfect space for anyone who wants to get away from it all. Schedule an hour with us and choose your modality. Call for more information. Sharing the Light, 395 W Avon Rd, Avon. 860-936-0012. Cheryl@SharingTheLightWC. com. SharingtheLightWC.com.

Boutique Yoga Therapy, Kundalini and Meditation – 5:30-6:30pm. With Leesa Sklover Ph,D, LPC, C-IAYT. By reservation: text 917-860-0488 by 4:30pmam. $18. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentacost St, Branford. DrSklover@gmail.com.

Meditate Through the Madness – 6pm. Hosted by Torin Lee. Learn to manage the stress of life through mediation. $10. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. To register: 860-467-6518.

Meditation Mondays – 7-8pm. First Monday.

Meditation for all. Beginners and drop-ins welcome.

Begin each week with a meditation practice to quiet your mind and let go of all that does not serve.

Facilitated by Melanie VanOstrand. $10. Sea in the Sky Healing and Wellness Center, Hebron. 860530-1552. SeaInTheSkyHealing.com.

Tong Ren Healing Class – 7-8pm. Dr. Ming Wu leads this class focusing on internally healing the body’s energy system by using the collective unconscious. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Vinyasa Yoga For Everyone – 7-8:15pm. Classic yoga postures in flowing sequence linked by breath.

Learn breathing techniques that keep you invigorated and calm in your daily life. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

tuesday Chair Massage – Treat yourself to a relaxing break.

You decide how long. $1/minute. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. Walk-ins welcome or call for an appointment: 860-467-6518.

Express Vinyasa Yoga – 6-7am. Touches on all the essentials of the core standing, balancing, and seated postures. Build strength, heat and focus moving through sun salutations linked with breath and clarity. Some yoga experience recommended. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Tai Chi and Qigong – 11am-12:15pm. Experience the proven benefits of Wu Style Tai Chi and Taoist Neigong practices for health and meditation. Don Myers, Certified Instructor, Bruce Frantzis Energy Arts. $15/class. Universalist Church, 433 Fern St, West Hartford. GreatPondTaiChi.com.

Tai Chi for Kids (Ages 6-12) – 4-4:45pm. Learning the Chinese art of Tai Chi is a great way for children to relax, have fun and strengthen body and mind. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Ayurveda 101 – 5-6pm. 8-week series. Register online at ScheduleBliss.com/BhaktiCenterCT. $108. Bhakti Center CT. 750 Rear Main St, Willimantic. BhaktiCenterCT@gmail.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 6pm. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-4042578. BridgeHAC.com.

Ayurveda 102 – 6-7pm. 8-week series. Register online at ScheduleBliss.com/BhaktiCenterCT. $108. Bhakti Center CT. 750 Rear Main St, Willimantic. BhaktiCenterCT@gmail.com.

Tai Chi with Dr. Ming Wu – 6-7pm. Learn from a Tai Chi master who has studied the art of Tai Chi for more than 40 years. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Authentic Movement – First, second and third Tuesdays. 6-7:15pm. Authentic Movement is a simple, self-guided moving meditation practice. By nurturing presence in our physical bodies, we open pathways for self-understanding, creative expression and inner peace. $12/drop-in. Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic. ScheduleBliss. com/index.php/bhakticenterct.

markyourcalendar

Reiki Share – 6-8:30pm. 3rd Tuesday each month.

Certified Reiki practitioners of all lineages and levels welcome. This is a time to come together with other practitioners as a community, give/receive Reiki. $10. 47 Upson St, 2nd Fl, Bristol. 860-302-1609.

Monthly Information Sessions at The Graduate Institute – 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for an info session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Graduate Institute. Please contact us to let us know that you’ll be attending. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. Call 203-874-4252.

Holistic Cancer Support Group – 6:30-8pm. Do you offer a healing modality or service which will aid those in recovery from cancer? If so, please attend and work with us to build CT’s first holistic cancer support group. BRIDGE Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. Call Rod Kelly, 860-216-8671 or email Rod@EyeOftheEagle.org.

Soul Circle: A Meditation and Journey Group – 6:30-8pm. First Tuesday. Join us for an evening of meditation, journeying, drumming and healing.

Explore power animals and spirit guides, healing light meditations, nature spirit allies and more.

Facilitated by Melanie VanOstrand. At Sea in the Sky Healing and Wellness Center, Hebron. $20.

860-530-1552. SeaInTheSkyHealing.com.

Free Spirit Dance – 7:15-8:30pm. A non-judgmental community gathering to explore our unscripted authentic movement as a heart opening meditation amidst a blend of world music. No experience necessary. All Welcome. Donation based. Luna & Lotus, 50 Depot St, Collinsville. 860-803-9947.

Turbo Kick Boxing with Mary – 7:15-8:15pm. Extreme aerobic workout is fun and will get you in shape.

Great music. Tuesdays are for beginners and Thursdays are advanced classes. $5. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-883-9664.

Guided Meditation – First, second and third Tuesdays. 7:30-8:45pm. Discover how the simple practice of deep presence can open us to profound peace, compassion and love within ourselves. Each class will be different as we explore new pathways to Presence through guided meditation. $12/dropin. Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic. ScheduleBliss.com/index.php/bhakticenterct.

Meditation as a Way of Living with Tom Dest – 7:30-8:45pm. Promoting access to intention from deep inside and heart to heart communication - soft live music. Contemplation on our eternal nature and keys to peace. $15. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 413-822-8486.

HOLISTIC CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

wednesday

Tuesdays • 6:30-8pm

Coffee with Coach – 7am. Early morning session facilitated by Torin Lee, Life Coach. Learn ways to handle stress, navigate change and make each day count. $10. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. To register: 860-467-6518.

Do you offer a healing modality or service which will aid those in recovery from cancer?

If so, please attend and work with us to build CT’s first holistic cancer support group.

BRIDGE Healing Arts Center 304 Main St, Farmington For more information, call Rod Kelly at 860-216-8671 or email Rod@EyeOftheEagle.org

Metabolic ZT – 4:30-5:30pm. Our version of a cardio workout. Monitored by individual heart rate, burn calories, get your metabolism revving, and give you the cardiovascular benefits you are looking for. $20. YES Fitness, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington. 860-673-4293.

Weight Loss Meetings – 5:30-6:15pm. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Join Dr. Stacey Munro for an informational meeting about effective food-based weight loss and body composition change programs. We will go over program basics, cost and answer questions.

All welcome. Please RSVP: 860-758-7808. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic, 178 Mountain Rd, Suffield.

Qigong – 6pm. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578.

BridgeHAC.com.

LivFree All Levels Yoga – 6-7pm. With Tracey.

Recharge your batteries midweek in this energetic, then relaxing yoga class. Walk-ins welcome. $10.

TriCity Massage and Wellness, 220 Hartford Tpke, Vernon. Tri-CityMassage.com.

All Levels Vinyasa – 6-7:15pm. Yoga is quite simply a moving meditation. Vinyasa is a flowing yoga that connects breath with movement to flow from one pose to the next. $15 per class. The Water Lily Holistic Empowerment Center, 129 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland. 860-756-6391.

Epiphany – 6-8:30pm. Second Wednesday. Experience craniosacral therapy, reflexology, Reiki, acupuncture and more. Call for your 30-minute appt during “epiphany”.$20-$40/suggested. 101 River Rd, Canton. 860-693-8040.

Wisdom Wednesday – 7-9pm. New weekly group will explore a wide range of ideas, through a variety of formats, but the emphasis for each is on discussion and conversation. You can join us any Wednesday to share your stories and to hear about the experiences of others. By donation. Sharing The Light Wholistic Center, LLC, 395 W Avon Rd, Avon. 860-936-0012.

Support Group More Better Happy – 7:158:30pm. When people and circumstances are sucking the energy, motivation and life right out of you, come here. You can recharge while getting what you want. Registration required. Free. Yoga Born, 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678.

Mediumship Development Circle – 7:30-9pm.

Mixed level circle with Sharon Farber to develop evidential mediumship. Beginners welcome. Active since May 2012. $10-$15/donation. Dragonfly Healing Arts, 8 Wickett St, Pine Meadow. 860-9892358. DragonflyHealingArts.net.

Qigong Variation – 8-9pm. Class offers students an opportunity to learn different qigong forms.

Each form will be taught over five to 10 class periods, depending on the length of the form. $20/drop-in; $65/monthly. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville.

860-693-9642.

May 2019

41

ongoing events

thursday Complete Strength Class – 5:30-6:30am. Total Strength classes are the #1 priority to burn calories and build lean muscle to boost your metabolism for the long-term. $20. YES Fitness, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington. 860-673-4293.

Boutique Yoga Therapy, Kundalini and Float Yoga and Gong Bath – 8:30-9:30am. With Leesa Sklover Ph,D, LPC, C-IAYT. By reservation: text 917-860-0488 by 10pm night before. $18. Little Bay Annex, Branford. DrSklover@gmail.com.

Gentle Yoga – 9am. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578.

BridgeHAC.com.

Qigong, All Levels – 9:30-10:30am. An ancient practice that has flowing, focused movements that reduce chronic pain, stress and blood pressure, along with creating an overall state of wellness.

In Stafford. Call to register and for directions.

860-970-7383.

Bump Day – 10am-6pm. 60-minute prenatal massage or reflexology by Colleen Dumas, LMT and certified in prenatal care. Refreshments, raffle. $40. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. For an appointment: 860-467-6518.

Tai Chi & Meditation – 10:30-11:30am Instruction is focused on empowering Chi and enhancing health and healing of the mind, body and spirit. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Belly Dance Classes with Elisheva – 6-7pm.

Learn the ancient art of belly dance in this beginner class. All levels and abilities warmly welcomed. $17. Spotlight Dance, Art & Wellness, 45 S Main St, Unionville. Register: 860-967-9424.

Community Acupuncture – 6-7pm. Every other Thursday. 315 E Center St, Manchester. 860533-0179. RSVP required: CTNaturalHealth.com.

Blended Style Yoga Classes – 6-7:15pm. Our many styles meet you where you are. Gentle sound allows tuning and awakening improving life and self.

Also every weekday. See our website. $5 or $8.

Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-649-9600.

Yoga – 6-7pm. Come join us for a Slow Flow Yoga Class focusing on breath and movement. All levels yogis, including beginners, are welcome. $18/dropin; $72/5-class card. Sea in The Sky, 269 Church St, Amston. 860-530-1552.

42 Hartford County Edition

NAHRT.com

Tai Chi and Qigong – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience the proven benefits of Wu Style Tai Chi and Taoist Neigong practices for health and meditation. Don Myers, Certified Instructor, Bruce Frantzis Energy Arts. $15/class. Universalist Church, 433 Fern St, West Hartford. GreatPondTaiChi.com.

Sound Bath Session – 6:30-8:30pm. 3rd Thursday of the month. Enjoy a monthly group sound bath with Karen Fox, Sister of Sound. Let singing bowls, bells, drums, chimes bathe you in angelic healing vibrations. $20 advance, $25 at door. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. 860-467-6518.

Vinyasa Yoga For Everyone – 7-8:15pm. Classic yoga postures in flowing sequence linked by breath.

Learn breathing techniques that keep you invigorated and calm in your daily life. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642

friday

Intelligent Qigong Level 2 – 10-11:15am. Students continue to study “Lifting Qi Up and Pouring Qi Down” method while learning some basic exercises of Intelligent Qigong Level 2, Xing Shen Zhuang, Physical and Spiritual Stance Method. Intelligent Qigong level 1, prerequisite. $20/drop-in; $75/monthly. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

Self-Care Qigong and Shiatsu – 11:15am-12pm.

Class introduces some most profound and easyto-apply methods from Five Element Meridians originated from Traditional Chinese Medicine and shiatsu massage. $20/drop in; $65/monthly. 280 Garden Grove Rd, Manchester. 860-558-6146.

saturday Morning Express Vinyasa Yoga – 7:45-8:45am.

Touches on all the essentials of the core standing, balancing, and seated postures. Build strength, heat and focus moving through sun salutations linked with breath and clarity. $50 for 30 days unlimited classes (new students). Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong – 8-9am. Dr. Ming Wu is a Tai Chi and Qi Gong Master who has dedicated his life to teaching others how to live healing and healthy lives. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.

Massage Ball Yoga – 9am. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-4042578. BridgeHAC.com.

Ellington Farmers’ Market – 9am-12pm. Over 40 vendors bringing local and fresh products in a quaint, shaded country setting. Matching SNAP dollars, Kids Power of Produce Club, weekly themes and entertainment. Arbor Park, Main St, Ellington. EllingtonFarmersMarket.com.

32 Movement Tai Chi Sword with Cynthia – 10am. Laoshi Cynthia will be teaching the 32 movement Tai Chi Sword, which is a competition form she used in the Chengdu, China tournament in

2014. If you have experience with the 24 Yang style, you will be able to learn this sword form. $98/6 classes. $20/drop-in. Sharing The Light Wholistic Center, LLC, 395 W Avon Rd, Avon. 860-936-0012.

Yoga and Meditation – 10-11:30am. All-level class offers an introduction to the Advanced Yoga Practices to support those interested to establish and/or deepen their meditation and yoga practice and knowledge. Modifications of the postures accommodate every level of practice. Drop-ins welcome. Bhakti Center, 750 Rear Main St, Willimantic. YogaPractices.weebly.com.

Qigong, All Levels – 11am-12pm. An ancient practice that has flowing, focused movements that reduce chronic pain, stress and blood pressure, along with creating an overall state of wellness.

In Stafford. Call to register and for directions.

860-970-7383.

Women’s Boutique Yoga Therapy, Kundalini, Float Yoga and Gong Bath – 11:30am-12:30pm.

With Leesa Sklover Ph,D, LPC, C-IAYT. By reservation: text 917-860-0488 by 9am. $18.

Short Beach Union Church and Little Bay Annex, Branford. DrSklover@gmail.com.

See Me As I Am: Meditation and Float Yoga Class (2-3pm) and Women’s Spiritual Wellness Collaboratory (3-4pm) – Experience deep peace in a gentle water themed yoga and meditation class Followed by a women’s group focusing on empowerment, spiritual fitness, creativity through techniques and discussion. Choose one or both. $15/one session. $30/both. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentacost St. Branford.

It’s okay to be confident in yourself. ~Lady Gaga

community resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. Create your Community Resource Guide Listing online at NAHRT.com.

ASTROLOGY PETER MARKS

103 Nova Scotia Hill Rd, Watertown 860-274-3663/203-206-9353 Peter_Mrks@yahoo.com As an Astrologer, Medium, Intuitive and Numerologist, I work with your spirit guides and convey messages from them. We are all born with spirit guides, and with assistance we can understand our karmic mission to achieve the ultimate happiness in our lives. See ad, page 33.

DEE RANDIS

Watertown 860-274-1690 MetaphysicalCntr.net Dee Randis is an astrologer and psychic medium with over 40 years of experience specializing in personal and relationship counseling. She provides guidance on business matters, real estate decisions, legal issues, as well as missing persons. She does private parties and organizes well-attended holistic/psychic fairs.

See ad, page 7.

CHINESE HERBALIST WU HEALING CENTER

Dr. Ming Wu 45 S Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 978-790-8888 • Center@WuHealing.com WuHealing.com Chinese herbal therapy accounts for the majority of treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Dr. Wu is a master herbalist with decades of experience and thousands of years of wisdom. The herbs he prescribes help stimulate the body toward self-healing. See ad, page 11.

EDUCATION ACADEMY FOR SOUL HEALING

Eilis Philpott Fairfield 203-767-5954 • Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com AcademyforSoulHealing.com The academy hosts many trainings including 13th Octave LaHoChi and A Year of Healing in various locations throughout the U.S. The vision for the Academy for Soul Healing is the integration of many modalities, in their purest form, in order to support the growth and expansion of humanity, individually and on a global scale.

HARTFORD FAMILY INSTITUTE

Center for Psychotherapy and Healing Arts 17 South Highland St, West Hartford 203-236-6009 • HartfordFamilyInstitute.com

A cutting-edge psychotherapy and training center since 1969. Treatment includes in-depth body emotional work, energy healing, shamanic spiritual healing, illness and trauma work. Training also offered for psychotherapists and healers. See ad, page 23.

EMOTION CODE KEY ENERGY MEDICINE

Margaret Loos 860-386-8330 KeyEnergyMedicine@yahoo.com The Emotion Code is a simple way to get rid of your emotional baggage, helping you feel freer, happier and healthier. As a Certified Emotion Code practitioner, I am trained to discover and release your trapped emotions. The process is noninvasive, safe and requires very little time or effort on your part.

ENERGY HEALING SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC

Eilis Philpott Fairfield 203-767-5954 • Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com

WU HEALING CENTER

Dr. Ming Wu 45 S. Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 978-790-8888 • Center@WuHealing.com WuHealing.com Combining Western medical science with ancient Eastern insights into life force or chi energy, Dr. Wu uses energy healing techniques such as Tong Ren and quantum energy healing. These modalities help patients achieve rapid, safe and natural cure by stimulating the body toward self-healing. See ad, page 11.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TAMARA SACHS, MD

Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Autoimmune problems, Toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive Personalized Wellness Plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.

HEALING ACID REFLUX HEALING ACID REFLUX NATURALLY

Susan Berman, Med, CHHC 860-670-4152 Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com HealingAcidReflux.com I work with health conscious individuals to help heal their acid reflux or GERD in order to avoid further damage to their esophagus and prevent esophageal cancer. Find your unique food and lifestyle triggers. I work with groups or 1:1 through a virtual classroom so you can be anywhere and still take the program.

Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential.

May 2019

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HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER SEA IN THE SKY, LLC

269 Church St, Ste 3, Hebron 860-530-1552 SeaInTheSkyHealing.com By appointment Experienced practitioners and therapists offering counseling and psychotherapy, Reiki, Celtic Reiki, shamanic healing, sound healing; yoga, massage, acupuncture, spiritual readings, meditation and a variety of classes and workshops.

See ad, page 11.

SHARING THE LIGHT WHOLISTIC CENTER, LLC

395 W Avon Rd, Avon 860-936-0012 Cheryl@SharingTheLightWC.com SharingTheLightWC.com Sharing the Light is your premier healing destination specializing in Traditional Usui Reiki Practitioner certification classes and sessions with Reiki Master Teachers; Crystal Dreaming; singing bowls; tuning forks; tai chi; yoga; reflexology; drum building; psychic readings; and AngelLinks. Visit website to view our calendar of events that includes programs with full-time and part-time practitioners. See ad, page 34.

HOLISTIC HEALTH LOIS GRASSO AKA MIMI STEVENS

HOLISTIC STRESS REDUCTION THE ENLIGHTENMENT COUNSELING CENTER LLC

THE ENLIGHTENMENT COUNSELING CENTER LLC

We are experienced psychotherapists and practitioners providing integrative and holistic psychotherapy clinical services, as well as a wellness center offering complementary alternative medical services. We view mental illness as affecting not just the mind but also the body. We are mindful about the importance of external and internal balance.

We are experienced psychotherapists and practitioners providing integrative and holistic psychotherapy clinical services, as well as a wellness center offering complementary alternative medical services. We view mental illness as affecting not just the mind but also the body. We are mindful about the importance of external and internal balance.

HOLISTIC & WELLNESS CENTER

MASSAGE & BODYWORK

998 Farmington Ave, Ste 207, West Hartford 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford EnlightenmentCenterCT.com EnlightenmentCenterLLC@gmail.com

RAYA CLINIC

200 Queen St, Southington 860-621-2225 RayaClinic.com Our 30-year-old Wellness Center consists of a team of doctors combining chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, food-sensitivity testing, physical therapy, cold-laser, spinal decompression and neuropathy treatments.

HORMONE SUPPORT

Holistic Health Coach, Speaker, Author East Hartford-Glastonbury line 860-796-1480 Lois@LoisGrasso.com LoisGrasso.com

COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS

Eliminate painful symptoms and self-sabotage by transforming your breathing, thinking, and eating patterns into powertools. Experience unconditional acceptance and spiritual connection as together we upgrade your subconscious, using Transformational Breathwork, EFT/Tapping, Anger Clearing, Reverse Therapy and superfoods.

The clinic offers the best of both worlds; our physicians are trained in both conventional and natural approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. We combine science with the wisdom of nature to address the causes of disease, not only the symptoms. See ad, back cover.

315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 CTNaturalHealth.com

Happiness comes only when we push our brains and hearts to the farthest reaches of which we are capable. ~Leo Rosten 44 Hartford County Edition

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INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY

998 Farmington Ave, Ste 207, West Hartford 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford EnlightenmentCenterCT.com EnlightenmentCenterLLC@gmail.com

ABUNDANT HEALTH MASSAGE THERAPY & WELLNESS Kristina Mozzicato, LMT (#5956), BCTMB, CLt, RMT 2 Forest Park Dr, Farmington 860-778-0315 Info@AbundantHealthCT.com AbundantHealthCT.com

Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness offers therapeutic massage, aromatherapy, Face Toning Massage, the Raindrop Technique and Lypossage, a research-based, non-invasive body contouring treatment that helps with diminishing the look of cellulite. It also improves elasticity and skin tone around the face, neck and upper arms. Lypossage cleanses the body of stagnant lymphatic fluid (lymphedema) while toning muscles and firming sagging tissue.

MEDICAL HYPNOSIS DEBBIE KLEINMAN

Enlightening Minds Hypnosis, LLC 2433 Main St, Ste 6, Rocky Hill 860-302-8590 DebbieKleinman@aol.com EnlighteningMindsHypnosis.com Are you struggling with weight, before or after weight loss surgery?

Would you like to stop smoking and relieve your stress? Hypnosis and holistic health counseling with me can help. See ad, page 11.

MEDIUMSHIP KEIKO BROYLES

Willows Healing Path, LLC 860-280-5548 • Keiko@KeikoMedium.com KeikoMedium.com I am a Psychic Spiritual Medium and also a certified Usui Reiki Master and teacher. As a natural psychic and Medium, my sincere wish and desire is to promote healings for people in both the physical and spirit worlds. I am a tested member of Shay Parker’s Best American Psychics. See listing, page 2.

NATURE SCHOOL TWO COYOTES WILDERNESS SCHOOL

P.O. Box 711, Monroe TwoCoyotes.org Facebook.com/TwoCoyotes Instagram.com/TwoCoyotes Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a nonprofit nature organization dedicated to creating a healthier, more connected future by connecting people to nature, community and their personal empowerment. We offer yearround, wilderness-based mentorship programs, including summer camps, for all ages. Now enrolling for summer camp programs at Holcomb Farm in Granby.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS

315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 • CTNaturalHealth.com Receive sustainable and natural solutions for health conditions to address the cause of disease, not only the symptoms. We combine science with the wisdom of nature. See ad, back cover.

ECLECTIC NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL CENTER, LLC

Kathleen M. Riley, ND Wilberto Lugo, ND 48 Christian Ln, Ste 203, Newington 860-665-1254 At ENMC, we specialize in providing gentle, effective treatments for acute and chronic illnesses for pediatrics through geriatrics. The doctors here use nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydro-therapy, acupuncture, Bowen, and Frequency Specific Microcurrent. Our therapies are effective in treating allergies, digestive issues, muscle aches and pains, tick-borne illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions. See ad, page 17.

NICOLE KLUGHERS, ND, PHARMD, MSAC

Vis Wellness Center 1845 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill (234)2-ACU-DOC DrNicoleKlughers.com Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers comprehensive naturopathic care to restore optimal health and prevent disease. Dr. Nicole’s approach addresses the root cause of symptoms with all-natural solutions such as “Food as Medicine” with individualized nutrition, herbal medicine, nutrient therapies, acupuncture and more.

In-depth assessment is often done with detailed testing to evaluate the status of nutrients, hormones, inflammation, food sensitivities, toxins or digestive function.

NATURE’S HELPER MEDICAL CLINIC Stacey Munro, ND 178 Mountain Road, Suffield 860-758-7808 Info@NaturesHelperMedical.com NaturesHelperMedical.com

Dr. Stacey Munro, a Naturopathic Physician, specializes in prevention and treatment of chronic health conditions with safe and effective natural treatments.

She looks at the whole patient, rather than individual parts and tries to address the root cause. Treatments include: dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, herbs, and other natural therapies. Many commercial insurance plans accepted. See ad, page 8.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY/ INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS RADIANT JOURNEY LLC

Jennifer C. Hirschberg-Wise, OTR/L, CLT, Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Serving the Greater Hartford Area & Throughout Connecticut 860-916-9742 Jennifer@RadiantJourneyLLC.com RadiantJourneyLLC.com Using a holistic approach and treatment methods ranging from traditional rehabilitation to integrative approaches, we focus on individual interests, goals and abilities to enhance quality of life with improved functional performance. Includes Occupational Therapy, Complete Decongestive Therapy/Lymphedema Therapy, Myofascial Release, Therapeutic Bodywork, Reiki, Yoga for all ages and abilities, JourneyDance™, Divine Sleep, Yoga Nidra, Tai Chi for Rehabilitation.

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY THE HAPPINESS CLUB

Audrey Carlson 860-841-5894 AudreyBCarlson@cox.net HartfordHappinessClub.com Come to Hartford’s Happiness Club monthly meeting on the first Thursday of every month from 7-8:30pm, at Town and County Club at 22 Woodland St in Hartford. Happiness is a choice… make it yours.

PRIMARY CARE COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS

315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 • CTNaturalHealth.com The clinic offers the best of both worlds; our physicians are trained in conventional and natural approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. We combine science with the wisdom of nature to address the causes of disease, not only the symptoms. See ad, back cover.

QUANTUM PSYCHOTHERAPY PSYCHOTHERAPY HEALING SERVICES, LLC Celeste Emelia Mattingly, LCSW 10 Grassmere Ave, Ste 300, West Hartford 860-586-8700 Fax: 860-236-1909 CMattingly100@comcast.net CelestialEmpowerment.com

The Sanctuary for Celestial Empowerment is a safe, uplifting, high-frequency environment for individual psychotherapy, Tachyon Anti-Aging and Reconnective Energy Healings, workshops and more. Distance healings, evenings and some Saturday appointments available. Celeste accepts insurance including Medicare and Husky. See ad, page 12.

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REFLEXOLOGY

TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING

STEVE M. SYLVESTER, CR 57 Pratt St, Ste 407, Hartford 860-269-7222 ReflexologyWorks.net

HEARTSOURCE INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS

Reflexology is comforting, relaxing and rewarding. I have a private, comfortable studio in downtown Hartford where clients can experience this simple but very helpful modality. I have practiced this art form for many years; come enjoy what I have to offer.

TAI CHI/QIGONG WU HEALING CENTER

Dr. Ming Wu 45 S. Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 978-790-8888 Center@WuHealing.com WuHealing.com Tai chi and qigong focus on empowering Chi, enhancing health and healing the mind, body and spirit using diverse bodywork therapies. Develop physical and mental fitness with calmness, balance and awareness. Dr. Wu is now offering regular classes, workshops and retreats for all levels. See ad, page 11.

THERMOGRAPHY CT THERMOGRAPHY HEALTH SCREENING CENTER April Beaman, CTT, RDH Farmington 860-415-1150 April@ctthermography.com CTThermography.com

Donna MacLean Gordon BRIDGE Healing Arts Center 304 Main St, Farmington 860-978-2938 MyHeartsourceWellness@gmail.com HeartsourceIntegrative.com

Abundant Health Massage Therapy and Wellness

25

b.Kind Wellness Boutique

7

BRIDGE Healing Arts Center

2

Collaborative Natural Health Partners 48 CT Thermography

Eclectic Naturopathic Medical Center 17

Heartsource Integrative Wellness

8

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY LLC

HGH Gel

7

Eilis Philpott 40 Livingston St, Fairfield 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis, a certified Rebirther, has completed Rebirthing and Advanced Rebirthing training.

She is a Reiki Master in Usui/ Raku-kei Reiki and Angelic Reiki. She teaches 13th Octave LaHoChi, Angel Light Healing, chakra balancing and other healing techniques. A transformational healing session supports you in healing all aspects of your life.

YOGA CENTER OF COLLINSVILLE 10 Front St, Collinsville 860-693-YOGA (9642) info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Experience yoga in the vibrant surroundings of historic Collinsville. Morning / evening classes available: Beginners, Gentle, Mixed, Advanced, Yogalates, Belly Dance and Yoga for Kids. Drop-ins welcome! New student special: $50 for one month of unlimited yoga classes. See ad, page 4.

Enlightening Minds Hypnosis LLC

Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer and forgiveness. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr. NAHRT.com

11

Enlightenment Method/Back to Eden 33 Glastonbury Dental Center

5

GO Organic LLC

31

Hartford Family Institute

23

Holistic Chamber of Commerce Holistic Community Professionals

21 14 & 15

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

9

Peter Marks

33

Mondazzi Book, Bead & Crystal Warehouse Showroom

12

Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales 34, 47 Natural Awakenings’ Singles 28 Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic

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Nature’s Rite

37

Passport to Health & Wellness Holistic Expo

17

Philip Stein Sleep Bracelet

35

The Pretty Face Place LLC

7

Psychotherapy Healing Services/ Celeste Mattingley, LCSW

12

Dee Randis/Metaphysical Center

7

Sea in the Sky Holistic Center

11

Sharing the Light Wholistic Center LLC

34

ShopRite 33 Solair Recreation League

46 Hartford County Edition

19

I specialize in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healing modalities such as Tui Na acupressure massage, medical qigong therapy, healing teas, Tong Ren healing, cupping, qigong and tai chi instruction, as well as Reiki healing and pastoral and spiritual counseling. I gently guide clients in the journey to wellness using various modalities, diet and positive lifestyle changes.

See ad, page 8.

YOGA

Thermography is a FDAapproved, radiation free, notouch screening procedure.

Used as part of a routine health screening program, thermography can increase the chances of detecting breast abnormalities, disease and cancer up to 10 years earlier than traditional methods. See ad, page 19.

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Spirit Festival

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Summit Medical Compassion Center 29 Vitalized Performance Group

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Wu Healing Center

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Yoga Center of Collinsville

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