2014-12 Natural Awakenings of Greater Hartford by Nicole Miale

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Gabrielle Bernstein

FREE

on Shifting into

Miracle Mode What the World Needs Now Sacred Activism Merges Divine Love with Action

Guilt-Free FEASTING

Holiday Fare that Brings Joy to the Table

Toxin-Free Beauty Salons Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe

DECEMBER 2014 | Greater Hartford County Edition | www.NAHRT.com

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Call to reserve your space: (860) 236-6009 www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com 2

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Hartford County Edition

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December 2014

letterfrompublisher “Ask and Ye Shall Receive”

contact us Publisher Shawn Cole and Elizabeth Lagasse Publisher@NAHRT.com Managing Editor Linda Webb Editor@NAHRT.com Editorial and Design Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Julie Peterson Kathy Zygmont Stephen Gray Blancet Steve Hagewood Julee Bode Erica Mills Darcy St. Onge Alissa Johnson Colleen Brunetti

We wish you all the happiest, warmest holidays. Naturally Yours, Shawn and Ela

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Advertising and Marketing 860-507-6392 Ads@NAHRT.com Customer Service Hotlines Phone: 860-507-6392 Fax: 860-357-6034 Website: www.NAHRT.com © 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

Hartford County Edition

The season of giving is upon us, but let’s not forget that we are also permitted to ask for what we need. We are very excited to have asked and now received something we have been searching for. The December issue marks the beginning of a new relationship that will allow us to take Natural Awakenings of Hartford to new levels and deliver to you even more wonderful information each month. Please join us in welcoming Linda Webb to our team as the new managing editor! As you read each new issue starting in December, you’ll know that Linda is contributing to every page. Her main focus is to manage monthly production and to plan the local editorial that we include. We’ve given her the challenge to provide more local coverage of the fantastic opportunities we have in Greater Hartford to learn, grow and live a more healthy and natural life. We’re all in good hands. As a former project manager, a current farmer, a yogi and a sustainability champion, Linda understands the importance of living in balance and harmony. We are honored to have her on our team.

I’m honored to join Natural Awakenings of Hartford and especially at such a wonderful time of year. December. For some, the month brings joy and excitement; a desire to gift the season’s light and joy. Others seek a balance to experience both the giving and receiving as they celebrate with loved ones. As always, I wonder where the year went. It’s a blur of the exceptional and the mundane. Yet, here I am at the end of 2014. I’m appreciative to have created a personal intention in August that brought me to the NAH team as managing editor. As a cook and small-plot farmer (my family and I grow many of the foods that we eat all year long), my personal beliefs and sensibilities are wrapped within the pages of this magazine: family, community, health and spiritual well-being. This time of year swells with the possibility of giving and I often wonder how we can do our part to help others and save the earth. My family began a Christmas Eve tradition of each naming a charity that is important to us and immediately making a donation online or writing a check. I invite you to consider creating your own gift of charity this month. Our feature article, Sacred Activism (page 12) encourages combining your passions with causes to change the world. We’ve included a few wonderful organizations right here in Greater Hartford that desperately need your support. I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months. Happy Holidays, Linda

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contents 8

6 newsbriefs

8 healthbriefs

10 globalbriefs

18 greenliving 20 consciouseating 22 wisewords 23 healthykids 24 fitbody

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

12 SACRED ACTIVISM Love in Action Can Change the World by Judith Fertig

18 TOXIN-FREE

BEAUTY SALONS Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

26 calendar

29 classifieds 30 resourceguide

20 HAPPY FEASTING TO ALL

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit by Lane Vail

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 Due dates for ads: the 12th of the month prior to publication

22 OPENING UP

TO MIRACLES

Gabrielle Bernstein on Creating More Happiness

by April Thompson

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

23 CAN-DO KIDS

Submit articles, news items and ideas to Editor@NAHRT.com or call 860-986-6073 Due dates for editorial: the 5th of the month prior to publication

by Ellen Sabin

Changing Our World at Any Age

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit ALL Calendar Events on our website at www.NAHRT.com. Due dates for the calendar: 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 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

24 FIND YOUR

FITNESS STYLE Workouts that Suit Your Personality

by Wendy Worrall Redal

natural awakenings

December 2014

newsbriefs Getting Well and Staying Well

lternative Health is a wellness center that assists clients with weight-loss goals in addition to those who suffer from auto-immune deficiencies. With the philosophy that the body can heal itself and that most health issues are caused by poor life style, experts at Alternative Health work with clients to rebuild the immune system without prescriptions drugs or chemicals. “Our clients lose weight and are able Patty Midwood, to maintain the weight loss once it is gone Manager because they have a healthy body,” states Patty Midwood, Manager. By working with the whole body (including the mental physical and spiritual aspects), as opposed to just the symptoms, staff at Alternative Health works to educate and motivate clients to get well and then stay well for the rest of their lives. “Every symptom is caused by something else that is wrong or malfunctioning within the body,” says Midwood. “I enjoy hearing my clients say that after going through one of my programs they have more energy and no longer have everyday discomfort.” Alternative Health has three locations in CT and MA. For more information, call 860-218-2838 or visit AlternativeHealthSpas.info. See ad on inside cover.

Seeking Donations to Save Organic Farm

rban Oaks Organic Farm is an inner city farm in New Britain located on three and a half acres. The farm’s mission is to provide fresh organic foods to meet the needs of neighbors. After a wonderful 15-year relationship with a generous landlord, the land will be put up for sale next spring. The only hope to save the certified organic farm is for the nonprofit to buy the land. This will require donations, as the farm has put all proceeds from sales back into operations. In the past, grant money and donations have been used, but the hope has been to become financially sustainable within the next five years. The farm has been nurtured using organic practices for more than 15 years to create a fertile, nutrient-rich soil. There are seven on-site greenhouses, a year-round on-site farmers’ market, a mobile market that visits neighborhood sites in addition to a variety of educational programs offered at local public schools. Donations to this valuable non-profit organization can be made at GoFundMe.com/UrbanOaks. Tax-exempt donations should be mailed to Urban Oaks HRA, 225 Oak Street, New Britain, CT 06051. Urban Oaks Farm is located at 207 Oak Street in New Britain. For more information, call 860-223-6200 or visit UrbanOaks.org.

Hartford County Edition

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Emotional Balance Workshop at Hartford Family Institute

tuart Alpert and Naomi Lubin-Alpert are two of the founding partners of Hartford Family Institute (HFI) and the co-creators of In-Depth Body Psychotherapy and Subtle Energy Healing. On January 9-11 in Chester, CT, they will offer a workshop for anyone Stuart Alpert and interested in dealing with Naomi Lubin-Alpert their particular emotional, relationship, physical, mental and spiritual issues. In addition, therapists and healers who attend will come away with a deeper understanding of the transformation process for their clients. In-Depth Psychotherapy incorporates the understanding of the molecular structure of emotional issues as well as understanding how these issues can lead to physical illness. Alpert and Lubin-Alpert will guide participants to the center of their experiences, which generally leads them to leave the workshop feeling more balanced, alive and clear. “We all receive messages from our spirit that let us know when we are out of balance. Emotional, physical and relationship problems are such messages,” states Lubin-Alpert. “Coming home to our deepest place of self-acceptance contributes to a life that embraces health, passion and centered living.” Workshop cost is $750 which includes tuition, room and board. Hartford Family Institute is located at 17 South Highland Street in West Hartford. For more information, call 860-236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com. See ad on inside cover.

Gain Visibility in the 2015 Natural Living Directory!

atural Awakenings Hartford County edition will offer the community a special edition reference guide to practitioners and businesses devoted to natural health, environmentally conscious living and personal empowerment. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your practice and business within the vibrant and evolving Natural Awakenings community. The special annual directory of Natural Awakenings magazine serves as a handy reference for consumers to keep at their fingertips all year long and to locate desired products and services to help live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. April 2015 will mark the first annual Natural Awakenings Natural Living Directory and those involved have the opportunity to reach more than 40,000 engaged, monthly readers in Hartford County at more than 450 distribution points across the region. If you have been contemplating entering the Natural Awakenings community as an advertiser, increased yearround circulation makes the April Natural Living Directory the one issue of 2015 not to miss. Early bird directory listing prices are available until February 12. Discounted profile pricing is also available for current advertisers. For more information email Editor@NAHRT.com or call 860-986-6073 to speak with Linda.

Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken. ~Frank Herbert

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newsbriefs

healthbriefs

Calcium Supplements Raise Risk of Brain Lesions

Collinsville Holiday Celebration

any holiday events and activities will take place Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13, at the Collinsville Holiday Celebration. Get into the holiday spirit by viewing the decorated trees at the Canton Historical Museum’s Gallery of Trees fundraiser, watch Canton’s official Tree Lighting, take a horse drawn carriage tour of the town’s historic places…the list goes on, with something for everyone. Friday is also the Champagne Walk. Get an engraved glass and charm for $20, or bring a glass and purchase a charm for $15. Follow the map to access champagne and tasty bites at participating shops. Warm up at open mic at LaSalle Market or enjoy hot roasted chestnuts at Wilson’s Pub. Saturday will be fun for all ages, including breakfast and photos with Santa and puppet shows. Holiday shopping? Try the craft shows and fairs at Town Hall, the Collinsville Congregational Church, and D.A.N.C.E. by Kristen. The Sweet Shoppe will host a book signing amidst their gallery of gifts and Canton Lion’s Club will serve treats in front of the historical museum’s Gallery of Trees. Numerous other town merchants will be featuring holiday promotions. For a schedule of events, visit VisitCollinsville.com or contact KTaylor105@aol.com. See ad on pages 16 and 17. 8

Hartford County Edition

Duke University study published in the British Journal of Nutrition this summer found that calcium supplements taken by elderly persons may increase the risk of brain lesions that are identified as hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. The researchers studied 227 adults over the age of 60. The patients were assessed for supplemental calcium intake and received brain scans via MRI. Those taking calcium supplements had more lesions of a volume typically associated with hypertension. They noted no dose-dependent relationship between lesion size and the amount of calcium being supplemented. The scientists commented that other studies have found calcium supplementation also associated with greater risk of artery disease. Hyperintensities are observed in normal aging, plus several neurological, psychiatric and autoimmune disorders that affect the brain. They constitute damage to brain tissue caused by restricted blood flow and have been linked to mild cognitive deficits and disturbances.

Knotweed and Hawthorn Outperform Lovastatin in Trial

hinese researchers recently discovered that two herbal extracts may treat atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, as well as or more effectively than the pharmaceutical drug Lovastatin. Sixty-four patients with atherosclerosis of the carotid artery were studied. For six months, half the patients received 20 milligrams of Lovastatin per day, while the other half took an herbal extract combination of Japanese knotweed and hawthorn. After six months, tests showed artery plaque thickness and inflammation were significantly lessened among both groups. However, the herbal extract-treated group showed a greater reduction of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, a marker of risk for cardiovascular disease. Relatively high levels of hs-CRP in otherwise healthy individuals are predictive of heart health crises even when cholesterol levels are within an acceptable range. People with lower values have less of a risk.

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Hospice Care Adds Months for Cancer Patients

Realize Your Power to Get Your Life Moving!

esearchers from Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center determined that hospice care significantly increases survival rates among patients with metastatic (stage IV) melanoma, a difficult-to-treat form of cancer that occurs when melanoma cells have spread through the lymph nodes to other parts of the body. The study’s authors followed 862 metastatic melanoma cancer patients. Of these, 523 patients received one to three days of hospice care, 114 patients received four or more days and 225 people received no hospice care through their survival period. Those that received four or more days had an average survival period, which typically dates from the original diagnosis, of 10.2 months, while those that received none averaged 6.1 months. In addition, the end-of-life hospital costs for those receiving the most hospice visits were nearly half of what was incurred by patients not receiving hospice attention.

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study published in the European Journal of Cancer revealed that a mistletoe extract may lengthen life for patients with severe pancreatic cancer. German researchers tested 220 patients with advanced stage pancreatic cancer, an aggressive, often fatal disease. The patients were divided into two groups; one was given up to 10 milligrams of Viscum album (European mistletoe) three times a week for up to 12 months. Both groups received supportive care throughout the study period. The average length of survival for those taking the mistletoe extract, 4.8 months, was nearly twice that of the other group, 2.7 months; a survival period typically dates from the original diagnosis. Within a group considered to have a good prognosis, the survival period for those that consumed the extract, averaging 6.6 months, was more than double that of the no-extract group, which averaged 3.2 months.

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December 2014

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

Bye-Bye Birdie

230 Avian Species on the National Watch List

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Hartford County Edition

Scientists from 23 organizations, including the federal government, universities and conservation groups, have spent years on the State of the Birds Study, looking at 230 species of birds from different habitats compiling its watch list. Peter Marra, a migratory bird specialist at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo, in Washington, D.C., attributes the population drops of the birds in the most trouble to disappearing habitat or reduced range. Some coastal birds are doing better, and previously endangered wetland birds are recovering due to laws that are protecting them. Marra says, “These populations come back when we create the habitat. The report emphasizes that it’s better to focus on birds that aren’t yet in decline and keep them that way.” Ken Rosenberg, a bird biologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York, and an author of the report, says that hunters, as well as conservationists, deserve credit for preserving ducks. He acknowledges, “We’ve put a tremendous amount of resources and money into wetland and waterfowl conservation because of the hunters that contribute financially.” But lots of songbirds are in trouble, and Florida, where bird habitat is disappearing fast, is a crucial stopover for migrating birds. It’s the kind of place that birds both common and endangered urgently need to survive. Source: National Public Radio

Cultural Roots

Status of Religious Diversity in the U.S. The United States is often described as a religiously free and diverse country, but a new Pew Research Center study reveals that 95 percent of the populace identifies itself as either Christian or unaffiliated (atheist, agnostic or having no particular religion). This ranks the U.S. 68 out of 232 countries and territories in the Pew Religious Diversity Index. Singapore is the world’s most religiously diverse country, followed by Taiwan and Vietnam. The study treats Christian denominations as members of the same religion, which if counted separately, would increase the ranking. But Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism all have internal diversity, as well, and are considered as single religions in the study. There’s an important distinction between religious diversity and religious freedom, which the report does not measure. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to free exercise of religion, which is not always the case in other countries. Source: PewResearch.org

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Green Envy

Don’t Be So Quick to Bash the Rich A survey at social research site Queendom.com reveals that stereotypes of the richest class of society as being uniformly selfish individuals are not entirely accurate. It seems that having money does not necessarily mean that a person has an overactive ego. Actor Will Smith, with an estimated net worth of $200 million, observes, “Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.” Queendom data shows a difference of only a few percentage points between respondents of varying income levels in matters of altruism such as doing and returning favors, putting themselves in others’ shoes, sympathy and empathy. The area where those in a higher socioeconomic status rank at the top is in charitable contributions. Ilona Jerabek, president of parent company PsychTests AIM, says, “Our personality impacts every aspect of our life—the choices we make, the people we surround ourselves with, the career we pursue, the way we respond to life experiences, the way we manage our finances and whether or not we share our good fortune.” Take the survey at Tinyurl.com/AltruismTest.

Feeding Hope

Recognizing Restaurants that Support the Homeless Food Recovery Certified is a new program that rewards restaurants that donate their extra food to those in need with a sticker on their front door. It’s a project of The Food Recovery Network, a national system of college students that takes cafeteria leftovers to homeless people. Founder Ben Simon started the group in 2011 at the University of Maryland, and the network has saved more than 320,000 pounds of food from the dump in its first three years. If a restaurant donates unsold food to the hungry at least once a month, it can apply for the certification. Then Food Recovery Certified verifies with local nonprofits that the donations actually occur before awarding its approval. Simon states, “Every food business should be donating its extra food.” For more information, visit FoodRecoveryCertified.org.

Bamboo Bamboozle ‘Green’ Clothing Made with Toxic Chemicals

Bamboo is rapidly renewable and requires few pesticides to grow. However, bamboo fabric manufacturing is a chemically intensive process that doesn’t provide clear and legitimate product labeling. Misleadingly using the terms eco-friendly and green becomes greenwashing when applied to items such as bamboo clothing. As the Fair Trade Commission describes the overall process, “Most bamboo textile products, if not all, are actually rayon, which typically is made using environmentally toxic chemicals. While different plants, including bamboo, can be used as a source material to create rayon, there’s no trace of the original plant in the finished rayon product.” This example points out the public vigilance required to secure more sustainable, environmentally friendly products. Third-party verification of all claims is recommended. Products made of the bamboo stalk itself, such as poles for furniture or planks for flooring, remain true to their naturally sustainable source. Source: Tinyurl.com/Organic BambooFraud

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Sacred Activism Love in Action Can Change the World by Judith Fertig

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Hartford County Edition

he butterfly, a universal symbol of transformation, reminds us that becoming our best selves is an ongoing process. Yet these delicate, fluttering creatures are suffering a decline, especially the vivid orange and black monarch butterflies that depend on milkweed flowers for sustenance during their migration to and from Mexico and Canada. “When I heard about the monarch butterfly crisis, I also noticed that I had milkweed vines all along my back

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fence,” says Karen Adler, a Kansas City, Missouri, gardener. “In years past, I would have pulled them out because they can strangle other plants. But I talked it over with my neighbor and we agreed to let them grow. This year, we had more monarchs than ever.” These two women might not realize it, but they had engaged in spiritual activism. They became aware of a problem, approached it with compassion, learned about the issue, realized life’s interdependence and committed

“When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.” ~ Carla Goldstein themselves to positive action for a result that is good for all. It’s a process that Andrew Harvey first described in a 2005 talk he gave at the Santuario de Guadalupe, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that’s also reflected in his book, The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism. Born in India, educated at England’s Oxford University and in the religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, he now resides in Melbourne, Arkansas, where he’s founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism. The goal of his international travel is to bring concerned people together to proactively face global crises. Says Harvey, “Sacred activism is a fusion of two of the most powerful fires of the human psyche—the mystic’s passion for God and the activist’s passion for justice.”

Hallmarks of Spiritual Intent The Awakening – Progressing from concerned citizen to spiritual activist is a gradual process. It may begin with an issue to which one feels called. “Our life in the world is a continual call and response,” observes Kabir Helminski, of Santa Cruz, California. He authors and translates books on the Muslim Sufi tradition, which tends to have an open relationship with other religions, and is

a core faculty member of the Spiritual Paths Institute, which encourages seekers to find the sacred traditions that speak to them. “Sometimes events are a waking dream calling for interpretation, and sometimes the heart is directly addressed from within,” says Helminski. Compassion – Once an event moves us, prayer can be a pathway that opens our hearts to compassion, according to Jagadish Dass, of Granada Hills, California. The healer and teacher wrote The Prayer Project: The 3-Minute, 3 Times a Day Solution for World Change, which encourages involvement with something bigger than ourselves. Dass maintains that praying for three minutes, three times a day, will help us transmute into expressing a quiet power. “As we take responsibility for our lives, a transformation occurs within,” he says. We begin to inspire others to also take up the cause of working for change and bringing more peace, joy and love to the world. Likewise, Harvey urges each of us to make a real commitment to daily spiritual practice on the road to spiritual activism. He suggests, “Start with a short prayer that aligns you with the pure deep love that is longing to use you as its instrument in the world.” Options include prayers from many of the world’s spiritual traditions shared in Dass’ book; a free download is provided at

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December 2014

StewardshipOfTheSoul.com. Interconnectedness – Just as everything in the universe is connected by the simple act of being, like-minded people can connect to do good in the world. Sacred activists pursuing their own spiritual paths need to work with others, according to Harvey. “They form empowering and encouraging networks of grace—beings of like heart, brought together by passion, skill and serendipity to pool energies, triumphs, griefs, hopes and resources of all kinds. When people of like mind and heart gather together, sometimes miraculously powerful synergy can result.” Harvey has found that groups of six to 12 people become the most efficient and productive, whether joined together through a profession (such as physicians on medical missions), a passion for animal rights or the environment, or a strong sense of social justice. Knowledge – Knowledge, both inward- and outward-seeking, is another key to doing good for all. Carla Goldstein, JD, chief external affairs officer at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, in Rhinebeck, New York, and cofounder of its Women’s Leadership Center, used her interest in women’s empowerment issues as a springboard to spiritual activism. “For the first 20 years of my profes-

sional life, I focused on public policy and politics,” she says. “But something was missing in the rhetoric of taking care of each other.” Practicing yoga and meditation and receiving support during a personal health crisis prompted what she terms “an awakening understanding of a gap between personal change and systems change.” Goldstein came to question her own “rugged individualism” versus the interconnectedness she felt when people took care of her. “Can we actually move towards integrating these two ideals?” she asked herself. Knowledge about issues is readily available from experts and organizations that experts recommend; she observes, “The big question is: What is needed for us to be of help?” Sometimes listening and understanding can be powerful. Under the auspices of the Omega Women’s Leadership Center, Goldstein invited women on both sides of the reproductive rights issue to meet in 2005. They had been part of the Public Conversations Project in the Boston suburb of Watertown, Massachusetts, begun after medical staff members were killed and wounded at an area women’s health clinic providing abortions in 1994. “Women from the divided community initially came together to tell their stories,” Goldstein relates. “Over time,

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they developed a deep love for each other. Nobody changed their positions, but they did change how they interacted with one another.” They experienced a shift from emotional and verbal turbulence to, if not agreement, feelings of peace and understanding. Since then, the project has grown to facilitate such conversations in 38 states and 15 countries (PublicConversations.org). Positive Action – While many thorny issues take long-term, dedicated efforts to be resolved, others only need smaller individual or collaborative actions for positive outcomes. For Mark Nepo, a New York City poet, philosopher and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Book of Awakening, kindness is the force behind positive action, no matter how modest at first. “Kindness reveals kinship. It gives us connection to everything greater than us and everything else that is kind in the universe,” he says. “I think it’s powerfully effective, yet it’s such a small thing.” Nepo is active in Bread for the Journey, an international nonprofit that encourages community grassroots philanthropic projects that generate micro-grants. One involved a small town in northern New Mexico that sought to improve the lives of local teenagers when the town’s elders wanted to open a youth center as a positive alternative to the drug scene. Just before the center was scheduled to open, the project ran out of money for required floodlights, so Bread for the Journey funded them and the center opened. “Within a few years, the whole culture shifted,” reports Nepo. This small contribution made a big difference to the whole community. Once awakened and nurtured, spiritual activism can become an omnipresent part of our lives. Says Goldstein, “When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.” Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from Overland Park, KS.

Animals

Dog Star Rescue serving Greater Hartford is run by a team of dedicated volunteers who share their unique talents and expertise to help save dogs from high-kill shelters and find them loving and caring forever homes (DogStarRescue.org). Protector of Animals based in East Hartford is a no kill animal shelter and rescue formed in 1975 to rescue abandoned, abused and stray cats and dogs (POAInc.org).

Environment

Farmington River Watershed Association seeks to protect the natural resources of the Farmington River and its watershed forever through research, education and advocacy programs and often needs volunteers for their seasonal programs to repopulate fish and clean up the riverbank (FRWA.org).

Get Active Locally

ur area has many not-for-profit organizations working to better life for people and animals and to protect the environment. Here are a few that put donations to good use. A web search will highlight many other organizations that may align with your spirit. What cause is dear to your heart?

People

In the Greater Hartford area, Foodshare works to end hunger as a part of their overall community effort to alleviate poverty. As the region’s food bank, they help people in two ways: by supplying food to local service bodies and through programs that build self-sufficiency and reduce the need for food (Foodshare.org). House of Bread has been helping the most needy in the community by offering food, housing and shelter, education, along with needed medical, psychological and legal services. The ministry sponsored by The House of Bread has already touched the lives of tens of thousands of men, women and children (HoBread.org).

During this holiday season, local toy drives often need support and volunteers. Look for donation boxes or organized events in your town to support families that need assistance bringing holiday cheer to their homes (ToysForTots.org).

When we fulfill our function, which is to truly love ourselves and share love with others, then true happiness sets in. ~Gabrielle Bernstein

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Find a Local Eco-Salon Hartford County has several well-established, natural and organic salons. Each salon cares about the well being of their clients, staff and the environment. Read what these owners had to say when asked why they chose to use organic or environmentally-friendly products.

Studio 3 Salon

350 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield 860-518-4674 Anna Pitruzzello at Studio 3 wanted to find a way to improve on existing colors and reduce corrosive hair damage. Her chosen line of organic products eliminates hazardous fumes while providing ultimate coverage. See ad on page 14.

Acure Eco Salon

7 South Main Street, West Hartford 860-232-2873 Amanda Eberle at Acure Eco Salon offers services that reduce each individual’s carbon footprint. Everything from hair-care products to the salon’s construction using recycled materials has been thoughtfully considered. The coffee, tea and milk are organic, too.

Rootz Organic Salon

110 Main Street, Collinsville 860-693-8173 With concern for the environment and the health of those around her, Jennifer Gero at Rootz Organic Salon extended her philosophy for organic products to both her highly-trained staff and her clientele. All products and services are environmentally friendly and thoughtfully selected.

TuLulah Salon & Organics 4 Park Place, Granby 860-653-4247

If you shop for organic food, why not extend that to your hair and body care products? Even if you don’t color your hair, Tracey Gangi at TuLulah Salon and Organics invites you to stop in and smell the difference when toxins are removed from the air. 18

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greenliving

Toxin-Free

BEAUTY SALONS Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

hen clients walk into New York City’s Swing Salon, they may be surprised by what they don’t smell—the range of chemicals usually wafting around hair salons. That’s because the owners have decided to use only natural and organic products. While many people may assume that all salon hair and body treatments are regulated and safe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to test cosmetic products for safety, due to loopholes in the Toxic Substances Control Act. So, people are being exposed to dangerous toxins through salon products like nail polish, hair color processors and hair straighteners. Be aware that while labels of overthe-counter body care products are required by law to list ingredients, with the exception of the chemical soup often hidden under the term “fragrance”, the loophole for salon products is large. Jamie Silberberger, with the Women’s Voices for the Earth’s National Healthy Nail & Beauty Salon Alliance, reports, “Products sold for professional use in spas and salons are not required to be labeled with ingredients.” Fortunately, healthy alternatives are available, either by patronizing a green salon or using natural beauty treatments at home.

Hair Straighteners

One salon treatment—Brazilian Blowout hair straightening—can continue to

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expose customers and salon workers to toxic fumes even months after application. It’s among the conventional straightening products that contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. “Exposure to formaldehyde doesn’t end with the treatment—the fumes are reactivated every time heat is applied to the hair,” says Jennifer Arce, a San Diego, California, salon worker who became sick after applying a single Brazilian Blowout treatment. “So, when a client who’s had a Brazilian Blowout done elsewhere comes into the salon to get a haircut or color and has her hair blow-dried, flat-ironed, curled or processed under the hood dryer, the fumes that come out of her hair make me and several of my coworkers sick all over again.” Solution: Avoid chemical hairstraightening treatments. Sign on to the Women’s Voice for the Earth letter campaign petitioning the FDA to remove Brazilian Blowout from U.S. shelves by visiting Tinyurl.com/ BanBrazilianBlowout.

Hair Dyes and Extensions

About two-thirds of conventional hair dyes in the U.S. contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical banned for use in such products in Germany, France and Sweden. Exposure to PPD can cause allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to death by anaphylactic shock, which hap-

pened to a teenager in 2010. When Spain’s University of Santiago de Compostela researchers conducted a metastudy examining the risk of cancer among hairdressers and related workers, all reported that employees had a higher risk of cancer than the general population. Hair extensions also warrant attention. Many adhesives used on extensions may contain 1,4 dioxane, listed as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and styrene, a neurotoxin and suspected endocrine disruptor. Solution: Look for a clean, green salon that uses natural hair color treatments free from synthetic chemicals, ammonia or PPD. Individuals can also order nontoxic organic color kits direct from EcoColors.net.

Nail Polish

When getting a manicure or pedicure, beware of the toxic trio of dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene. Used to help nail products hold color, they’re linked to

reproductive and development problems, plus dizziness and eye and lung irritation, according to the Environmental Working Group. Facing pressure from consumer groups and salon workers, some polish companies are now producing so-called “nontoxic” nail polish, although their labels aren’t verifiable. California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control recently tested 25 nail polishes sold to salons, 12 of which claimed to be toluene-free, including seven said to be free of the toxic trio. The researchers found toluene in 10 of those, and one or more of the three ingredients in five out of the seven. Solution: Customers should bring their own safe nail polish and only patronize well-ventilated salons.

Find a Green Salon

Many conventional body products like shampoos and massage oils contain a

litany of ingredients that add to our chemical exposure. Ask questions to ensure all of a salon’s products are nontoxic or as low in toxicity as possible. For example, a large network of independently owned “concept salons” across America are connected with the Aveda Corporation (Aveda.com), a national leader in developing hair and body products that are free from the most dangerous ingredients. More than 90 percent of Aveda’s essential oils and 89 percent of its raw herbal ingredients are certified organic. Also look for members of the Green Spa Network, a nationwide coalition of spas that pledge to be energy efficient and sustainable in all of their practices (GreenSpaNetwork.org). If a green salon hasn’t yet arrived locally, bring nontoxic products for appointments and ask the stylist to use them. Visit the Skin Deep Database at ewg.org/ skindeep to find the least-toxic products for at-home use. Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist is a freelance writer in Tucson, Arizona.

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December 2014

consciouseating

HAPPY FEASTING TO ALL

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit by Lane Vail

he holiday season is ripe with an array of spiritual, cultural and family rituals. We celebrate, reflect, give gifts and, of course, feast. Fortunately, the media also teems with tips on how to avoid high-calorie holiday goodies, says Dr. Michelle May, author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. For our diet-driven culture to resolve its struggle with food, she says we must learn to honor its intrinsic value. Ritualized eating can help; a recent study published in the journal Psychological Science found that engaging in food rituals evokes mindfulness that enhances the enjoyment of eating.

Pause

Hunger, the body’s fuel gauge, manifests in physical symptoms like a growling stomach or low blood sugar, says May, citing a useful analogy. “You wouldn’t drive around and pull into every gas station you see; you’d check your fuel gauge first. Before filling up with food, pause and check your fuel gauge. Am I actually hungry, or is this 20

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desire coming from something else?” May suggests practicing FEASTing: First, focus on physical sensations, thoughts and emotions; perhaps we’re thirsty, rather than hungry, rationalizing that holiday foods are special, or feeling stressed or lonely. Next, explore why the feelings or thoughts are present, and then accept them without judgment. Strategize ways of satisfying the need and take a small step toward change.

Savor

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

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and celebrating all of December with a homemade Advent calendar. Craft a tree-shaped tower of tiny boxes or a garland of burlap mini-bags clipped with clothespins. Place an almond covered in organic dark chocolate in each container and use the treat as a daily mini-meditation. “Drop into the present moment, fully savor the luxurious, small bite and experience the pleasure of eating,” suggests May. Consider it symbolic of the season’s sweetness.

Connect

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

Sync

According to pagan philosophy, sharing seasonal food with loved ones during the winter solstice on December 21 symbolizes the shared trust that warmth and sunlight will return. Eating warm foods provides physical comfort and eating seasonally and locally connects us to the Earth, observes May. Sync body and spirit with the season by stewing root vegetables, baking breads, sipping hot cider and tea, and nibbling on nuts and dried fruits. “The repetition of predictable foods is reassuring,” remarks Evans, and it celebrates nature’s transitions.

Play

Stir-Up Sunday is a Victorian amusement filled with fun, mystery and mindfulness, says Ban Breathnach. Some

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

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Give

Boxing Day offers something far more meaningful to celebrate than postholiday sales. Originating as a tradition that thrived during the 19th century, “December 26 was a chance for landowners and homeowners to give back to household staff and local tradespeople,” says Evans. “It’s a tradition worth reviving to pause, reflect on our own good fortune and contribute to others’ comfort.” Consider serving a meal at a local soup kitchen, collecting items for a food drive or offering a box of healthy culinary treats to community stewards at a fire station, post office or library. On Christmas Day, says Ban Breathnach, “Our kids have the world lying at their feet.” Boxing Day, she says, provides a natural transition to reach out in charity.

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

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Opening Up to Miracles Gabrielle Bernstein on Creating More Happiness by April Thompson

otivational speaker and bestselling author Gabrielle Bernstein knows the gravitational pull of addiction firsthand. Although introduced to spiritual practices from an early age, she turned away from that upbringing in her 20s, pulled instead into a vortex of drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships while running a public relations firm promoting Manhattan nightclubs. After hitting rock bottom at age 25, Bernstein made the unwavering decision to seek spiritual help and change her life. The entrepreneurial young woman found her groove as a spiritual teacher, introducing millions to new ways of thinking and living through her books, lectures, blogs and videos. Her no-nonsense approach to spirituality and knack for making practices like meditation and prayer accessible to beginners and cynics have attracted a new generation of seekers. Bernstein’s latest book, Miracles Now:108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow, and Finding Your True Purpose, offers simple, yet powerful tips to short-circuit unhealthy thought patterns and take a shortcut to transformational change.

Why do you reframe a miracle as simply a shift in perception? Shifting your perception and choosing again is a core principle from A Course in Miracles, a metaphysical text that I study 22

Hartford County Edition

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

Some people shift away from a harmful relationship with addictive drugs and alcohol like you did, while others take such unhealthy behaviors to the grave; what makes the difference? Often when we get caught in unhealthy behavior, we aren’t willing to ask for help. I think the reason I was able to leave those behaviors behind and create a new path was my willingness to live a different way. I was able to witness my life and see that it wasn’t working. It’s an ongoing process; I’ve been on my current path of turning to spiritual principles for many years, but I’m still constantly working to apply them throughout my moment-tomoment experiences.

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

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What do you struggle with the most and what personal miracle are you still trying to realize? I’m in constant conversation with myself over my thoughts and beliefs about judgment and separation. People are programmed by society to believe we are separate and to judge ourselves and others. My practice suggests a reinterpretation of that general belief system in order to perceive things differently. I also try to forgive limiting thoughts I was holding onto; for example, judging myself for not performing well at a lecture. Talking too much in conversations is a big challenge for me. A practice in my Miracles Now book called WAIT, for “Why am I talking?” reminds me to notice when I’m saying too much, commenting unnecessarily or not supporting the greater good.

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

Do you have a go-to practice that you reach for first when faced with a difficult situation? When I’m faced with a complicated situation or feeling powerless, I say a prayer in stillness. Such a practice asks through prayer and listens through meditation. It’s in that stillness that I can hear the voice of intuition and the voice of forgiveness, and love can come forward. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

healthykids

Can-Do Kids Changing Our World at Any Age by Ellen Sabin

cling and even turning off lights when you leave a room. When we pay attention to the environment around us, we can learn how to respond in a giving way. Ellen Sabin is the founder and president of Watering Can Press (WateringCanPress. com), a publishing company committed to growing kids with character. Her series of award-winning books include The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving; The Greening Book: Being a Friend to Planet Earth; and The Healthy Body Book: Caring for the Coolest Machine You’ll Ever Own.

Fun Activity Who’s Been Giving to You?

This article is written especially for young readers eager to embrace the true spirit of the holiday season. Sharing it with them can help cultivate a lifelong practice of giving.

ave you ever seen someone do something that changed a situation from bad to good? Maybe your parents helped someone whose car broke down, or a teacher spent extra time after class helping you with schoolwork. No matter your age, where you live or what you own, you have the power to do good, too. What you do can make other people happy and make the world a better place. Here are some ideas to help you figure out how.

n A good place to start is to think about what’s important to you. This will help you find a way of giving back that you’ll enjoy and want to do again and again. For example, if you love taking care of animals, offer to walk an elderly person’s dog for them. If you get sad when you think about someone being lonely, visit a neighbor that lives alone or send a special card to a relative as a way to show your love.

n It’s nice to help strangers, but you can also do little things close to home that’ll make life easier and better for your family. You can call your grandma to say hello, help your mom or dad with the dishes or play a favorite game with your little sister or brother. n You can also use your own special talents to help others. If you are a good cook, bake a healthy holiday treat to bring to someone that is feeling sick. You can read out loud a story to a younger child. If you’re strong and have lots of energy, you can help your neighbor take out the trash or do other household chores.

Whether it’s time, love or things, the people around us give to us all the time. Sometimes we don’t stop to think about what people do for us, so we forget to say, “Thank you.” Appreciating what people give us is just as important as giving to others. Here are some questions to ask yourself. After you have answered each question, think about what you can do to thank people for their kindness.

n You can have fun and make an even bigger difference by doing good things with others. One way to get your friends excited about joining you is to plan a “Giving Party”. Ask your parents to help you download a free guide (WateringCanPress.com/html/ parents.html) that has fun ideas and activities for creating a holiday-time or birthday party or rainy day get-together.

Who shared with you? What did they share?

n Giving to other people is important, but the planet needs us, too. You can practice giving by picking up litter, recy-

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

Who taught you something? What did they teach you? Who showed you love? How did they show you love? Who made you happy? How did they make you happy?

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December 2014

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109 B Main St. Collinsville, CT

Hartford County Edition

Find Your Fitness Style

Workouts that Suit Your Personality by Wendy Worrall Redal

hile some people find repetitious workouts boring, others like doing predictable routines at regular locations. Ensuring that our fitness regimen jives with our “fitness personality” is integral to making exercise a consistent part of our lifestyle, a concept that has traction among exercise experts. Jonathan Niednagel, founder and director of The Brain Type Institute, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and an athletic consultant for professional teams, explains in his book, Your Key to Sports Success, that understanding our inborn brain type can help us to determine which sport is best suited to motivate us. In Suzanne Brue’s book, The 8 Colors of Fitness, she applies principles from the Myers-Briggs personality inventory to help readers develop a personalized exercise program. Susan DavisAli, Ph.D., in St. Paul, Minnesota, a professional coach for working women, created a Fitness Interest Profile survey for the Life Time Fitness health club chain. She points to research that suggests people that engage in activities appropriate for their person-

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alities enjoy their workouts more and are likely to stay with them longer. Identifying our fitness personality can help us find a program that suits our rhythms and interests. Based on composites from growing research, here are six categories that assess and capture the way we may feel about exercise; more than one can apply to any individual. Disciplined and driven. This is an image to which many of us may aspire, even though not everyone fits the mold. These exercisers are self-motivated and goal-oriented. Commitment and consistency go hand-in-hand. They like to use devices to track progress, maintain a training log and/or work with a personal trainer in systematic workouts geared to measure improvement. Disciplined types are often early risers; starting the day with regular exercise is second nature. Compatible fitness regimens include cardio workouts, interval and weight training, running, swimming and martial arts. Relishes routine. While these folks are disciplined and driven in some ways, they tend to be more relaxed about regimens. The key to success here is consistency. They like order and familiarity in exercise settings and practice and may enjoy reading or watching a screen during workouts. Whatever the preferred approach, whether it’s a favorite training

video, Wii Fit video game, favorite teacher or memorized Pilates moves, these exercisers like to stick with it, even working out at the same time every day—often first thing in the morning or after work—finding that regularity can be habit-forming. Conscious contemplative. Reflective individuals enjoy quiet, solo activities like long-distance running, biking, hiking and swimming, that allow opportunities to look inward, often without thinking too much about the physical details. Exercise offers a chance to clear the mind and renew the spirit while strengthening the body. These types naturally gravitate to outdoor pursuits, but some indoor practices may also suit them, like yoga, Pilates, tai chi or even karate, which incorporate a strong mind-body component. Workouts are often soothing, rather than intense. Plays well with others. For many people, exercise is best enjoyed with others, combining the social and fitness benefits of both. Connections and camaraderie get them off the couch, revved up and ready to go. Whether it’s a committed group of friends chatting during water aerobics or a high-powered cardio class that compares notes, motivation comes primarily from the presence—and accountability factor—of others. A lunchhour class at a nearby studio or gym may be a fun break in the workday. On

weekends, consider golf, tennis, dance or a local recreation team. Compulsive competitor. While the communal aspect is appealing, the greater gratification for this type comes through the thrill and challenge of competition. Trying to win is the great motivator, unlike driven and disciplined types that are happy to push through to their personal best. Team sports are a natural outlet, including soccer, rugby, lacrosse, basketball or swimming, plus disc golf, tennis or racquetball matches and running events. Avid for adventure. It’s tough for any formal exercise program to keep the attention of adventurers. They crave freshness and spontaneity in fitness venues, activities that engage their interest and animate enthusiasm. It’s crucial for adventurous types to mix things up and not rely on any one exercise practice. Outdoor endeavors such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, inline skating or mountain biking have appeal. They may gravitate to the variables of Nia, Zumba’s high-energy Latin dance groove, kickboxing, exercise balls or hot yoga. A midday exercise escape can break the work routine. Their key to keeping active is to keep things stimulating.

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

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December 2014

calendarofevents 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 www.NAHRT.com

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FREE INTRODUCTION SESSION

OPEN HOUSE CYNDI ROBERTS YOGA

CANDLELIGHT RESTORATIVE YOGA

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling At Hartford Family Institute

Explore One-On-One Yoga Sessions

THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

12-1:30pm

6-7:30pm

Learn how this program advances your knowledge and career with tools and training to expand consciousness and a counseling modality that allows for transformation at the core. Free 17 S Highland St, West Hartford RSVP: 860-236-6009 HartfordFamilyInstitute.com

Meet instructor Cyndi Roberts and tour her private West Hartford yoga studio. Learn about Free RSVP Required: 860-517-9322 YogaWithCR.com

markyourcalendar FREE QiGONG CLASS

Feel Better to Heal Better

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 5:30-6:30pm Calm your mind and energize your body with deep breathing and slow, flowing movements of ancient Chinese healing exercises. Free Event Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 34 Jerome Ave, Ste 305, Bloomfield 860-519-1916

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5:30-7pm

A great way to reset and move through the holiday season with joy. This gentle class is designed to melt away tension and renew your spirit. $20/In advance/$25 Day of Sanctuary Power Yoga, Torrington To Register: SanctuaryPowerYoga.com

markyourcalendar GONG MEDITATION CONCERT with the Conduit Center

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 5:30-7pm

The Conduit musicians use instruments such as ancient Himalayan singing bowls and planetary gongs to guide attendants into a relaxed state. $34 Event location at Canton Town Hall Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

Medicare and Insurance

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

The Conduit’s Gong Meditation Concert – 7-8:30pm. Gong journeymen build a live landscape of sound using meditative instruments such as, ancient singing bowls, gongs, and bells to rebalance, and find mindbody bliss. $20/pre-pay. The Conduit Center, 1227 Burnside Ave, #1, East Hartford. 860-888-4314.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 Sacred Sound Healing Workshop – 1-5pm. Connect, balance and align your whole being as you are immersed in the power of sound through vocal toning, drumming, crystal singing bowls and more. $44. The Mystic Gathering Center, 244 Colonel Ledyard Hwy, Mystic. 860-536-5082.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 Northern Connecticut Vegetarians’ Potluck – 4:30pm. Jane Sirignano, certified Food For Life Instructor of Physicians For Responsible Medicine, will demo delicious holiday dishes. Bring a healthy vegan dish, its ingredients and recipe. Sponsored by Hope’s Place Cancer Support. Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St, Suffield. $8/requested donation, free/children. Info or reservations, Harry: 860-623-8082. Medicine Cabinet Makeover with Essential Oils – 6-7pm. Learn how pure essential oils can greatly enhance your physical and emotional health - naturally, cost-effectively, and without dangerous side effects. Free. Be.Yoga, 17 W Main St, (Route 44), Avon. RSVP, Anna: 860-490-8635.

markyourcalendar YOGA FOR ATHLETES SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 1-2:30pm

Combine energetic sequences that build strength and flexibility in the body while eliminating focus-clouding stress and speeding muscle recovery. $24 Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Free Back Screening! – 12-1pm. Do you have or have you had back pain in the past? Come in for a free physical therapy screening. 51 East Main St, Avon. Call to secure your time: 860-404-2461. Free Seminar - Lose Weight and Keep it Off with Ideal Protein – 6:30-7:30pm. Registered nurse explains how easy it is to lose weight while eating whole foods combined with protein supplements without feeling hungry. Free. Living Healthy Weight Loss Center, 112 S Main St, (Rte 177), Unionville. Reservations: 860-977-9001.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 The Conduit’s Thai Massage Gong Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Experiencing the Conduit’s Gong Meditation while receiving Thai Massage, will assist attendants in releasing into the mats for healing at an even deeper mindbody level. $25/pre-pay. The Conduit Center, 1227 Burnside Ave, #1, East Hartford. 860-888-4314.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 Restorative Yoga Workshop with Christina DuFour – 9am-12pm. Join this yoga workshop to transition into winter. We will utilize gentle yoga, meditative movements and supported poses to bring serenity to mind and body. $30/in advance, $35/day of. Vital Life Center, 100 W Main St, Plainville. 860-479-0466.

markyourcalendar THE CONDUIT’S HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 11am-4pm

Jewelry, clothing, artwork, crystals, skin care, home goods, crystal grids, sound healing instruments and live music. Unique gifts ideas from local holistic crafters and healers! Free The Conduit Center 1227 Burnside Ave, #1, East Hartford 860-888-4314

Medium Spirit Communication – 7-10pm. Certified medium, Rebecca Anne LoCicero, communicates with deceased loved ones on this special evening. $25/advanced reservations, $35. Best Western, 11 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 631-425-7707.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Experiencing Dizziness of Decreased Balance? 121:30pm. Get back in balance with a free fall screening and balance assessment. Apple Rehab Sport and Spa, 51 E Main St, Avon. RSVP: 860-404-2461. Free Seminar - Lose Weight and Keep it Off with Ideal Protein – 6:30-7:30pm. Registered nurse explains how easy it is to lose weight while eating whole foods combined with protein supplements without feeling hungry. Free. Living Healthy Weight Loss Center, 112 S Main St, (Rte 177), Unionville. Reservations: 860-977-9001. The Conduit’s Gong Meditation Concert – 7-8:30pm. Gong journeymen build a live landscape of sound using meditative instruments such as, ancient singing bowls, gongs, and bells to rebalance, and find mindbody bliss. $20/pre-pay. The Conduit Center, 1227 Burnside Ave, #1, East Hartford. 860-888-4314.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

markyourcalendar CONNECT TO YOUR WISDOM, RETURN TO BALANCE Weekend Workshop With Stuart Alpert Psy.D., LCSW and Naomi Lubin-Alpert Psy.D., LMFT

JANUARY 9-11 Learn In-Depth Psychotherapy and how the molecular structure of emotional issues can lead to physical illness. You’ll leave feeling more balanced, alive and clear. $750/Workshop, room and board Location: Guest House 318 W Main St, Chester Register: 860-236-6009 HartfordFamilyInstitute.com

Winter Solstice Yoga Celebration with Sharon Shanti – 7:30-9pm. Practice will include a slow, mindful yoga flow and a quieter more reflective yin/ restorative yoga style. Candles, music and chocolate complete the serene experience. $20/in advance, $25/day of (if space allows). River Rock Yoga, 274 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield. Reserve your space: 860-757-3339.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27

After gentle yoga poses, Yoga Nidra – deep, guided relaxation – will be accompanied by a performance of gongs and other soothing instruments by the musicians of the Conduit.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30 The Conduit’s Gong Meditation Concert – 7-8:30pm. Gong journeymen build a live landscape of sound using meditative instruments such as, ancient singing bowls, gongs, and bells to rebalance, and find mindbody bliss. $20/pre-pay. The Conduit Center, 1227 Burnside Ave, #1, East Hartford. 860-888-4314.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 Free Seminar - Lose Weight and Keep it Off with Ideal Protein – 10-11am. Registered nurse explains how easy it is to lose weight while eating whole foods combined with protein supplements without feeling hungry. Free. Living Healthy Weight Loss Center, 112 S Main St, (Rte177), Unionville. Reservations: 860-977-9001.

YOGA NIDRA WITH GONGS FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 6-7:30pm

$35, $30/Before 1/9 Journey of Yoga 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury 860-680-1482

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Meditation & Yoga For Weight Loss – 6-wk series. 4:30-6:30pm. Through the use of mindfulness meditation and yoga we will explore the deeper patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of over-eating. $25/class, material included. Vital Life Center, 100 W Main St, Plainville. Pre-registration required: 860-479-0466.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 Free Seminar - Lose Weight and Keep it Off with Ideal Protein – 6:30-7:30pm. Registered nurse explains how easy it is to lose weight while eating whole foods combined with protein supplements without feeling hungry. Free. Living Healthy Weight Loss Center, 112 S Main St, (Rte 177), Unionville. Reservations: 860-977-9001.

natural awakenings

December 2014

ongoing events

The Graduate Institute: Fall Accelerated Admissions – Every Tuesday is Accelerated Admissions Day. Receive your admission decision on the spot. Schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor today: 203-874-4252.

sunday Yoga Hikes – Starting 8am. Guided hikes infused with the spirit and practice of yoga. Refresh your senses, restore connection to the natural world, and rejuvenate body, mind, and breath. $30-$40 (student discount available). Locations vary. Register: YogaWithSybil.com. Restorative Yoga - All Levels – 9:30-10:45am. A luxurious class with passive postures done over props for a meditative practice allowing you to surrender layers of deeply held tension. Perfect for beginner and advanced yogis. $40/30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Community Yoga – 3-4pm. Low cost, gentle and all levels classes taught by volunteer teachers. All proceeds to local charities. $6/drop in. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. 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

All-Levels Power Yoga – 9:30-10:45am. Power vinyasa class in a heated room. Baptiste influenced, strong and challenging with an emphasis on compassion and mindfulness. Suitable for all levels, pre-registration not required. $18/drop-in. Sanctuary Power Yoga, 23 Franklin St, Torrington. 860-496-1500. All Levels Yoga – 9:30 -10:45am. Learn to manage stress, decrease aches/pains, release emotional/physical blocks. Class is personalized to your needs. Here is your chance to feel even better. $12-$15/suggested donation, all welcome regardless of ability to pay. Universalist Church of West Hartford. 433 Fern St, West Hartford. SpadaWellness@gmail.com. Gentle + Restorative Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing. Great for any experience level. $40/30 days, unlimited classes/ new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Meditate Through The Madness – 6pm. Hosted by Torin Lee-Lewis. $10. Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. To confirm attendance: 860-467-6518. Tai Chi Class – 6-7pm. Practiced to achieve therapeutic benefits, as well as, to promote balance and to improve flexibility and overall strength. $15. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford. 800-990-9332. 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. $40/30 days, unlimited classes/ new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Hartford County Edition

tuesday

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. $40/30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. 60 Minute Yoga Express – 8-9am. Sun salutes, standing poses, relaxation and more. All levels, including new students. Get in early, get out early, and finish your practice before the day gets started. Class card/membership, $18/drop in. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. Stress Reduction Class – 10-11am. With Liz Lockwood. Class begins with discussion including tips to manage stress. Followed by a 30-minute relaxation practice in comfortable lounge chairs. $10. Simsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 540 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Questions and registration: 860-306-1680. Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement – 12-1pm. Learn gentle yet powerful movements that create strength and flexibility without stretching or straining. $13/drop-in. Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 S Elm Street, Wallingford. Contact Carol Meade: 203-415-8666. Sweat & Surrender Vinyasa Flow – 7:30pm with Kristina Kutsukos. Come breathe, sweat, and surrender in this all levels Vinyasa flow class. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 28 Main St, East Hartford. 860-657-9545. Yoga Tune Up – 7:30-8:45pm. A challenging yet approachable class that addresses those cranky backs, knees, shoulders and necks, using yoga, calisthenics and massage with Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls. $16/ drop in, class cards available. River Rock Yoga, 274 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield. Reserve your space: 860-757-3339. Tinker Time, With Robin Ritz, Certified Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach – 8pm. Call in to join group of others using Small Steps and Breaking Blocks. Work on whatever is calling to you; art, crafts, plans, bills, painting, drawing, writing. Free. For event details: 860-450-6164.

wednesday Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing. $40/30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Clinical Nutritionist Meet & Greet – 12-1pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday. Meet Cindy Mimo, MS, CCN, and learn how clinical nutrition applies nutrition therapeutically to improve gastrointestinal integrity and reach your individual health and wellness goals. My Life Nutrition, 160 Oak St, Ste 204, Glastonbury. Reservations: 860-888-6467.

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Emei Wujigong Qigong Group Practice – 12-1pm. Come experience a qigong form for rebalancing and strengthening body, mind and spirit. All abilities welcome. All Thursdays except the 1st of the month, 6:307:30pm. $5, 1st class free. Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 S Elm St, Wallingford. Info: EmeiQigongChan.com. Nutritional Recovery – 1:30-2:30pm. An educational support group for people struggling with weight management and/or eating disorders. All are welcome. Free. CCAR Windham Recovery Community Center, 713 Main St, Willimantic. 860-423-7088. Free Sessions - Epiphany – 6-8:30pm. 1st Wednesday of the month. CranioSacral therapy, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology, Reiki, and more. 20-minute sessions are provided to promote relaxation, sense of well-being, and to ease discomfort. Children welcome. Free, donations accepted. 225 Commerce Dr, Canton. Iahp.com/ Karen-R-Kramer. Free Seminar - Lose Weight and Keep it Off with Ideal Protein – 6:30-7:30pm. Registered nurse explains how easy it is to lose weight while eating whole foods combined with protein supplements without feeling hungry. Free. Living Healthy Weight Loss Center, 112 S Main St, (Rte 177), Unionville. Reservations: 860-977-9001. Osteotap for Bone Vitality – 7-8pm. Move, breathe, smile, brush, and tap. Manage stress, fortify connective tissues, build bone density and vitality-health benefits proven by NIH research. All abilities welcome. $15. Yoga Room, Malibu Fitness, 15 Executive Dr, Farmington. 860-578-2465. Our Mindful Moves – 7-8pm. Move, breathe, smile, brush, and tap. Manage stress, fortify connective tissues, build bone vitality, gain real health benefits proven by NIH research. All abilities welcome. $15. Yoga Room, Malibu Fitness, 15 Executive Dr, Farmington. 860-578-2465. Slow Flow (Unheated) Yoga – 7-8pm. A slower, gentler flow that still incorporates many of the poses from our traditional power class. Learn alignment while still building strength and increasing flexibility. $18/drop-in. No pre-registration required. Sanctuary Power Yoga, 23 Franklin St, Torrington. 860-496-1500.

thursday 60 Minute Yoga Express – 8-9am. Sun salutes, standing poses, relaxation and more. All levels, including new students. Get in early, get out early, and finish your practice before the day gets started. Class card/membership, $18/drop in. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement – 12-1pm. Learn gentle yet powerful movements that create strength and flexibility without stretching or straining. $13/drop-in. Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 S Elm Street, Wallingford. Contact Carol Meade: 203-415-8666. Stress Reduction Class – 1:30-2:30pm. With Liz Lockwood. Class begins with discussion including tips to manage stress. Followed by a 30-minute relaxation practice in comfortable lounge chairs. $10. Simsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 540 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Questions and registration: 860-306-1680.

Sweat & Surrender Vinyasa Flow – 5pm with Kristina Kutsukos. Come breathe, sweat, and surrender in this all levels Vinyasa flow class. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 28 Main St, East Hartford. 860-657-9545. Gentle Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. With Liz Lockwood. Gentle movement and restorative poses ending with a healing visualization. Class runs September and October. $15. Simsbury Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 540 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. For questions and registration: 860-306-1680. H.U.S.H. Holistic Universal Sound Healing – 6:30-8pm. 2nd Thursday. Restore the inner balance of the body and awaken the spirit with gongs, crystal and brass bowls. $20. Monthly groups in Columbia. For location and reservations, Linda: 860-428-2097. Qigong Group Healing and Silent Meditation – 6:30-8pm. 1st Thursday of the month. All levels of health addressed. No experience necessary. Fee: donation. Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford. Contact Pat for more info if this is 1st attendance: 203-500-6492. 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. $40/30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Cat Adoption Open House – 10am-4pm. Protectors of Animals. 144 Main St, East Hartford. POAinc.org. Belly Dance – 10:45am-12pm. Connect spirit and body through a sensual movement workout. Fusing yoga-based warm ups, belly dance techniques, and a cool-down meditation. Beginners and drop-ins welcome. $40/30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Improve Posture and Balance with the Alexander Technique – 11am-12pm. Learn to prevent aches and pains by aligning your body naturally. Hands-on guidance from teacher will help you too remove tension and move more freely. $15. Miller - Alexander Technique, Farmington. 860-656-6177.

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS AN ENERGY BOOST

Ellington Winter Farmers’ Market – 12/6 & 12/20. 2-4pm. Seafood, beef, pork, poultry, diary, cheeses, produce, baked goods, jams, pickles, preserves, handcrafted soap, specialty foods, ready to eat foods and more. Local and fresh from our community. YMCA, 11 Pinney St, Ellington. Community Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Come get your vinyasa on for a great cause. All donations go to our Powerful Woman Scholarship Fund at South Windsor High School. $5/donation. The Yoga Shop, South Windsor. TheYogaShopct.com.

friday Community Acupuncture Clinic – 10am2pm. Provides in-group setting using points below elbows and knees. Effective for pain, stress, chronic illness, medication side effects and more. $20-40/ sliding scale, + $10/fee first visit. Windham Hospital, 112 Mansfield Ave, Willimantic. 860-456-6002, option 5. CommUnity Siddhanath Yoga & Meditation – 6-7:30pm. With Andrew Burkamp. Come learn chakra meditation and pranic healing techniques from the tradition of Kundalini Kriya yoga. $10/ suggested donation. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 28 Main St, East Hartford. 860-657-9545. H.U.S.H. Holistic Universal Sound Healing – 7-8:30pm. 3rd Friday. Restore the inner balance of the body and awaken the spirit with gongs, crystal and brass bowls. $20. Monthly groups at Unity Church, South Windsor. For location and reservations, Linda: 860-428-2097.

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. $40/30 days unlimited classes (new students). Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Tai Chi Class – 9-10am. Standing Qi Gong exercises for beginners flowing into the short form of Yang Style Tai Chi. $15. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford. 800-990-9332.

classifieds FOR RENT OFFICE SPACE IN WEST HARTFORD CENTER Looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, but who would like to share space with other like-minded professionals (mind/body/spirit). Massage therapist, energy healer, intuitive therapist, cranial sacral, or other healing modality. Suite includes waiting room, internet access, copier, small break room. Ample parking and building is accessible. Elliott Strick at 860-231-8459, www.elliottstrick.com. Email: ElliottStrickLMFT@gmail.com

HELP WANTED SEEKING ADVERTISING SALES AND MEDIA CONSULTANT for Natural Awakenings with 2+ years experience in marketing communications or advertising that has a passion to help small, holistic businesses grow. Must demonstrate skill in consultative sales. Ideal for individual wanting a flexible work schedule of 20 or more hours per week. Position is a 1099 independent contractor and is commission-based. Send resume to ads@nahrt.com. INSIDE SALES ASSOCIATES WANTED to set up appointments for Natural Awakenings Sales staff. Must have professional phone voice and good communication skills. Computer knowledge a plus. All leads provided. Work from home, part-time on your own schedule. Fixed fees paid for appointments scheduled, meetings completed plus bonus paid on final sale. Send resume to ads@nahrt.com.

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Natural Awakenings’ January Health & Wellness Issue To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

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December 2014

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

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THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE (TGI)

Accredited, non-profit graduate school offering holistic programs in contemporary and emerging fields. 203-874-4252 www.Learn.edu

34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 304 Bloomfield, CT 06002 860-269-6544 StrategicImprovementAssociates.com If you’re struggling with profitability or to balance the needs of your business, we can help! We want to be your sustainable business resource. See ad on page 9.

CHIROPRACTIC GARY ITALIA, DC, PHD

TGI offers holistic master’s degrees and certificate programs for adult learners. Programs include Integrative Health and Healing, Ecotherapy and Cultural Sustainability, Writing and Oral Tradition, Organizational Leadership, Integrative Health Coaching and Patient Navigation, and more. See ad on page 6. Medicare Accepted

Connecticut Diagnostics, LLC 2080 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 368 Franklin Avenue, Hartford, CT www.ChiroAndPT.com 860-257-7448 A full service chiropractic office that takes a holistic approach to health and wellness. The office offers chiropractic, rehabilitation/exercise, and nutrition. Most insurances are accepted. See ad on page 13.

ENERGY WORK WHITNEY CHRISTINA

Energetic Being 8 Station St., Simsbuy, CT 06070 860-830-1180 www.EnergeticBeing.org Live your life without cages! Create an exuberate life without constraints. Whitney shows how to turn passions into the key to a life you love. See ad on page 5. See ad on page 12.

DANCE STUDIO

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STUDIO 3 SALON

A family-oriented studio offering recreational and competitive classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Lyrical for ages 3 to adult. See ad on page 24.

A full-service salon offering certified organic colors and perm processes that provide the ultimate coverage with no corrosive hair damage while improving the work environment by eliminating hazardous fumes. See ad on page 14.

EDUCATION HARTFORD FAMILY INSTITUTE

Center for Psychotherapy and Healing Arts 17 South Highland Street West Hartford, CT 06119 203-236-6009 www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com A cutting edge Psychotherapy and Training Center since 1969. Treatment includes indepth body emotional work, energy healing, shamanic spiritual healing and illness and trauma work. Training also offered for psychotherapists, healers, and those interested in becoming a certified counselor. See ad on inside front cover.

Hartford County Edition

350 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, CT 06109 www.studio3-salon.com 860-518-4674

HOLISTIC HEALTH ALTERNATIVE HEALTH, INC 625 New Park Ave West Hartford, CT 06110 860-218-2838 www.AlternativeHealthSpas.info

Restore your health with a customized wellness program to strengthen your immune system. Lose weight, regain energy, improve skin and reduce reliance on prescription medications. See ad on inside front cover.

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and Lifestyle Coaching, and natural health Community Education programs. Some insurance billing available. See ad on page 3.

ONEIDA HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER 16 West Road Marlborough, CT 06447 860-467-6518 www.TheOCenter.net

Using a holistic approach, our community of practitioners addresses your underlying issues that are keeping you from truly thriving and return you to optimum health. See ad on page 10.

SPIRIT OF THE LOTUS

837 Boston Turnpike (RT 44) Bolton CT 06043 860-402-9501 www.SpiritOfTheLotus.org Robin Barros IMT-C, is guided to help you release physical, mental & spiritual baggage, carried for years, lives or generations. Are you living life to it’s fullest? See ad on page 24.

YOGA CENTER OF COLLINSVILLE 10 Front St, Collinsville, CT 06019 860-693-YOGA (9642) info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com www.YogaCenterCollinsville.com/HC

You can accomplish the changes you need for a long, healthy life with the help of our certified health coaches. Three, 50-minute sessions for $79. See ad on page 19.

INSPIRATIONAL SHOPS SIXTH SCENTS

51 East Main Street Avon, CT 06001 860-674-8600 Facebook: SixthScents Awaken and discover your sixth sense of intuition at our modern, new age shop. We offer many products and services to help you heal, inspire and rejuvenate. See ad on page 12.

NUTRITION

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Kristen Ludwig, Registered Dietician 110 Albany Tpke, Canton, CT 06019 860-693-3666 Facebook: JosephFamilyMarkets Kristen.ludwig@wakefern.com

1426 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 860-517-9322 www.YogaWithCR.com Cyndi@YogaWithCR.com One-on-one yoga instruction for stress relief, chronic pain, healing from injury, and pregnancy in her private studio in West Hartford. Sessions by appointment only. See ad on page 13.

ShopRite’s registered dietitian is your resource to answer nutrition questions, provide menu ideas and tips to help your family live healthier. Call today for help. See ad on page 21.

LIFE COACHING JOURNEY OF YOGA

ALEXANDRA LOWRY

Certified Life Coach The Wisdom Alliance 860-559-1264 alexandra@thewisdomalliance.com At midlife and feeling stuck and unfulfilled? Together, we’ll shift your learned behaviors and beliefs to achieve deep and lasting change. Call me to explore. See ad on page 9.

WEIGHT LOSS CENTER LIVING HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS CENTER

112 So. Main St. (Rte.177), Unionville 860-977-9001 www.LivingHealthyWeightLoss.com Lose weight safely with the Ideal Protein weight loss program. Led by a Registered Nurse, you’ll eat a variety of whole foods and Ideal Protein supplements.See ad on page 25.

MASSAGE NATURALLY RELAXED, LLC

Denise J. Glabau 35 Webster Square Rd, Berlin, CT 06037 860-402-0613 Naturally-Relaxed.com Our mission is to help you live pain free for a vibrant, healthier, happier lifestyle. We specialize in biomechanical orientated massage therapy, relieving muscular pain, stiffness, tension. See ad on page 10.

WELLNESS CENTER THE CONDUIT CENTER

Owen James, Director Manchester/East Hartford 860-888-4314 www.TheConduitCenter.com Conduit musicians use gongs, singing bowls and other instruments for effortless relaxation, and personal growth. Sounds deepen other healing practices like yoga and massage therapy. See ad on page 15.

730 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070 www.JourneyOfYoga.com 860-680-1482 Inspiring health and happiness with every individual who steps through our door by offering Beginner, Hot Power, Vinyasa, Gentle, and Restorative classes throughout the day. See ad on page 25.

YOGA CENTER OF COLLINSVILLE 10 Front St, Collinsville, CT 06019 860-693-YOGA (9642) info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com www.YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Experience yoga in the vibrant surroundings of historic Collinsville. Morning / evening classes available: Beginners, Gentle, Mixed, Advanced, Yogalates, BellyDance and yoga for Kids. Drop-ins welcome! New student special: $40 for one month of unlimited yoga classes. See ad on page 19.

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