E R F
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HEALTHY
Awake Parenting
Raising Connected & Confident Kids
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Ways to Make the New Year Sparkle
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
Peace on Earth Resolve Conflicts
in a Healthy & Transformative Way
Conscious Giving Gift Guide
December 2017 | Inland Northwest Edition natural | inwAwakenings.com awakenings December 2017
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contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more 5 newsbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 6 healthbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. 7 globalbriefs 6 8 greenliving 13 13 healingways 10 CONSCIOUS GIVING 14 healthykid GIFT GUIDE 20 readerawakening 13 12 HAPPY HOLIDAY TIPS How to Really Enjoy the Season 21 inspiration by Dianne Bischoff James 7 22 wisewords 14 AWAKE PARENTING 24 fitbody Raising Connected, Confident Kids 16 15 26 naturalpet by Judith Fertig 28 calendar 15 UNDERSTANDING FEVERS by Toby Hallowitz 29 classifieds 16 PEACE ON EARTH 30 resourceguide Conflict Resolutions that
advertising & submissions
Work to Bridge Divides
HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 509-869-4361 or email Publisher@inwAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.
19 PEACE IN THE MIDST
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@inwAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Publisher@inwAwakenings.com or visit inwAwakenings.com for more information. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. 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.
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by Linda Sechrist
by Jane Simmons
20 COMMON GROUND
A Social Experiment Disguised as a Game Show by Dan Garrity
21 INSPIRED LIVING Five Ways to Make
the New Year Sparkle
by Kelly Martinsen
24 CHAMPIONING
HOLISTIC ATHLETES The New Face of Sports Medicine by Marlaina Donato
26 PETS ¤ MUSIC Each Species Grooves to Its Own Beat
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by Sandra Murphy
natural awakenings
December 2017
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letterfrompublisher Finding Common Ground
contact us Publisher Amber McKenzie Editorial Team S. Alison Chabonais Sara Peterson Linda Sechrist Design & Production Stephen Blancett C. Michele Rose Chelsea Rose Sales & Marketing Amber McKenzie Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 Natural Awakenings – Inland Northwest Perry District, Spokane, WA 99202 Phone: 509-869-4361 Publisher@inwAwakenings.com inwAwakenings.com ©2017 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.
Remember that time you were scrolling through your Facebook feed and you came across a political post that made you cringe, so you gave it the angry face emoji? Sorry, Uncle Bob. Or when your second cousin’s neighbor felt compelled to aggressively “correct” a status update you shared on a controversial topic? And now you hope your cousin never invites you to dinner for fear of running into that troll. Good times, right? Wrong. These are polarizing times, and social media platforms have become a battleground. The perfect environment to engage in “us-vs-them” thinking. Cyberspace is where warring factions don’t have to see, feel or acknowledge the power or consequences of their weaponized words. Just drop a bomb from the comfort of a computer, and then off to dinner. December’s issue is about defusing those bombs and learning how to engage conflict in a healthy and productive way. My good friend and colleague Dan Garrity teaches Broadcast Studies at Gonzaga University. He and his students hatched a clever plan to create a TV game show called Common Ground that teamed up two strangers with seemingly opposing political and social viewpoints. I was one of his guinea pigs on the show, and let’s just say their plan worked. It also landed me on the front page of the Spokesman-Review, LOL’ing with my teammate, Mike. Read the article on page 20. In addition, you will find a beautiful sidebar to our feature story on nonviolent communication by Unity Minister Dr. Jane Simmons. She writes about the work it takes to become and maintain peace in the midst of chaos. And speaking of chaos, it’s the holidays! Natural Awakenings has your giving needs covered. Check out our extensive conscious gift guide featuring locally owned and operated businesses offering wellness-oriented gifts and services for everyone on your list—including your precious pet. Dear readers, I hope you enter this final month of 2017 with a joyful heart and playful spirit. May you connect with friends and family in the most meaningful and authentic ways, and may those annoying social media posts help guide you to stop, take a deep breath and find your peace within. Maybe post a heart emoji instead of a frowny face. You’ve got to start somewhere. In peace and health,
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newsbriefs
New Organic Salon in Coeur d’Alene
Student Massage Clinic Now Taking Clients
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herapeutic Connections School of Massage is now taking Student Massage Clinic clients at 505 East 24th Avenue, in Spokane. The classroom is set up and designed for students to provide massage therapy to members of the community at a reduced rate. Individuals may purchase a one-hour massage for $30 or a student massage card for three, one-hour massages for $84. Massage appointments are available Mondays at 6 and 7:15 p.m. and Wednesdays at 12:15 and 1:30 p.m. School owner and teacher Rebecca Dragseth says, “Our students look forward to providing you with an amazing massage!” For appointments, call 509-230-2307. For more information, visit TcMassageSchool.com. See ad, page 19.
Plant-Based Doctor in Spokane
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ngela Eakin, M.D., with the Kaiser Permanente Lidgerwood Medical Center, is one of the few plant-based doctors practicing in the Spokane area. She has studied nutrition and human health for more than 10 years and strongly believes that a plant-based diet and other lifestyle factors are the key to living a long and healthy life. Eakin helped open Barnard Medical Center, the first all-vegan medical clinic in Washington, D.C., before moving to Spokane in 2017. Her goal is to continue to spread the growing knowledge about the health benefits of plant-based diets and teaching patients how to help themselves. She firmly believes plant-based diets are appropriate for all ages and stages of life. Location: 6002 N. Lidgerwood St., Spokane. For appointments, call 509-482-4402. For more information, visit wa.KaiserPermanente.org.
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ia Sommers has opened Urbanity Salon at 206 East Indiana Avenue, Suit 206, in Coeur d’Alene. Sommers decided to open an organic salon, “because I made a commitment to a holistic lifestyle after getting sick 23 years ago with autoimmune issues,” she says. “During that time there were no organic or chemical-free lines in the USA.” Sommers has spent several years researching and trying various organic products, and now offers only the highest-quality organic lines and holistic treatments available. In addition, Sommers has developed an exclusive hair-cutting system where she can cut texture, wave and curl into the hair with curved shears. “I’m somewhat of a texture specialist for wave and curly hair because of my mix of Asian and Scottish decent, along with living and working in Hawaii, where literally every texture can be found,” she says. “The goal of the salon is to bring your wants and needs together so your hair reflects the inner you, as well as your busy lifestyle.” For appointments, call 208-449-2819. For more information, email tisommers@icloud.com or visit UrbanitySalonCda.com.
Natural Awakenings and Wellness Bar Launch Event
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atural Awakenings Inland Northwest and the Wellness Bar are teaming up for a magazine launch and wellness event from 4 to 6 p.m., December 5, at the Wellness Bar, in Hayden, Idaho. Everyone in attendance will receive a copy of our free magazine hot off the press. There will be freshly pressed juice and 25 percent off all wellness bar menu items, plus a chance to meet local holistic service providers and experience a mini meditation or yoga class. Holistic businesses, service providers and nonprofits are encouraged to attend and bring business cards.
please recycle
Admission is free. Location: 8110 N. Government Way, Hayden. For more information or to participate, call 509-869-4361. natural awakenings
December 2017
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healthbriefs
igh-cacao dark chocolate contains high levels of flavanol, a compound known for its heart health benefits, but less is known about diluted foods such as milk chocolate candy. Harvard researchers followed 55,502 subjects for 13 years, comparing levels of high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease to lifestyle traits. They found those eating one to three servings of chocolate a month (including milk chocolate) displayed a 10 percent lower risk of irregular heartbeat than those eating an ounce or less a month. Eating one serving per week of chocolate yielded a 17 percent lower risk and two to six servings a week 20 percent, and then leveled off after eating one or more servings per day. “Eating excessive amounts of chocolate is not recommended, because many chocolate products are high in calories from sugar and fat, and could lead to weight gain and other metabolic problems,” advises Elizabeth Mostofsky, author of the study.
BETTER SLEEP
ands-on massage is an effective form of therapy for multiple conditions, including stress relief, stiff muscles, arthritis, headaches, insomnia, sports injuries and pain. A thermal pressure massage bed includes far-infrared rays and heated jade stone rollers that gently stretch and relax the back and neck muscles using balance gravitational massage. It has been shown to relieve minor muscle and joint pain, stiffness, arthritis, circulation and increase relaxation. The far-infrared rays penetrate deep into the inner tissues, muscles and bones while the heated jade stone rollers massage from the neck down to the base of the spine, targeting and relaxing key muscle groups. According to published studies, far-infrared heat therapy, like thermal pressure massage, is an effective way to increase blood flow, improve circulation and relieve stiff joints, inflammation and arthritis pain. Other benefits include improved blood pressure, enhanced immune function and management of anxiety and depression.
· Falling asleep faster · Increased quality sleep · Waking up more refreshed Recommended by
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If you choose to return your Philip Stein goods, please do so within 30 days of receipt in perfect condition and in the original packaging.
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Alcohol Affects Our Heartbeat
G
erman researchers studied the correlation between cardiac arrhythmia and alcohol consumption by monitoring 3,000 middleaged volunteers for 16 days during Oktoberfest. Portable electrocardiographs and breathalyzer machines tested for heart activity and breath alcohol concentration. Arrhythmia showed up in 30 percent of the participants, significantly higher than an estimated 4 percent or less among the general population according to an earlier study. An irregular heartbeat often causes discomfort in the short term and possible heart failure and stroke later.
Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com
Wearers have experienced:
Inland Northwest
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Pavel Grishko owns and operates Thermal Pressure Massage, located at 780 N. Cecil Rd., Ste. 105, in Post Falls, ID. For more information or to make an appointment, call 208-457-0999.
The Philip Stein Sleep Bracelet can be a natural solution for a truly restful night’s sleep. Its Natural Frequency Technology® promotes overall wellbeing.
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Benefits of Far-Infrared Milk Chocolate Also Benefits Heart Health Thermal Pressure Massage H
Robot Roomies
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Approximately a third of those older than 65 and half of elders at least 85 live alone, as do many people with illnesses and mental disorders. All can suffer from feelings of profound loneliness. Emerging virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies provide avenues to alleviate such isolation, instilling contentment, peace of mind, enrichment, fun, a sense of companionship and contributing to physical and mental health. Instead of passively watching TV, seniors can travel virtually to World Heritage sites, revisit old haunts or even attend family events they would otherwise miss. In terms of benefits attained, VR is predicted to measurably improve seniors’ quality of life. Healthcare applications of AI and telemedicine include reminders to eat, be active or take medications, perhaps assisted by a robotic companion that can share information with practitioners, children, caregivers and emergency personnel. Social applications include helping to form and maintain social connections. It may also serve as a personal concierge by reminding seniors of appointments, playing games with them and initiating dialogue to spark outward engagement.
New Tech May Relieve Elder Isolation
Tiny Baubles
Scientists from the University of Hull and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have published research in the journal Science of the Total Environment showing levels of microplastics are five times higher in the Antarctic than previous estimates. Co-author Dr. Claire Waluda, a BAS biologist, says, “We have monitored the presence of large plastic items in Antarctica for more than 30 years. While we know that bigger pieces can be ingested by seabirds or cause entanglements in seals, the effects of microplastics on marine animals in the Southern Ocean are as yet unknown.� The tiny beads of plastic come from cosmetics or are shreddings from larger plastic items like clothing or bottles. According to United Nations sources, they may number as many as 51 trillion particles across the seafloor, throughout the oceans and on beaches worldwide. They are considered a serious threat to marine life in general. More international monitoring of the situation is needed, including a requirement for all polar research stations to provide waste treatment options. For more information, see Tinyurl.com/PlasticInAntarctica.
Fotos593/Shutterstock.com
Microplastic Mess Threatens World Oceans
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globalbriefs
Your Personal Wellness Begins Here
greenliving
Each practitioner has a unique offering within the center, and is dedicated to helping YOU get the care you need.
Contact us today for a free consultation! j
Dr. Toby Hallowitz, ND, LAc
Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture j
Susan Flerchinger Energy Balancing
j
Brigitte Hallowitz, LET Holistic Skin Care j
Tracy Turner
j
Mark Smith, LMT
Myofascial Release Massage j
Mary Peterson, RN, CCHT Transpersonal Hypnosis
101 N. Evergreen Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99216
Go Eco Like Grandma
Honor Her Wisdom in New Ways by Avery Mack
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“
se it up, wear it out, make do or do without,” was the motto of past generations. Today, it’s recycle, repurpose and reinvent. Nostalgia is making a comeback. It’s tempting to revert to successful old-fashioned ways; it’s even better to update the how-to of natural eco-living.
Preserve Food “There are tradeoffs between convenience and environmental impact,” says Kathleen Hanover, executive creative director at Imagine That Creative Marketing Services, in Dayton, Ohio. “I’d love to freeze all of our family’s produce, but after two power outages, I can veggies, too. Steam canners for jams, jellies, tomatoes and high-acid foods use three inches of water and 10 minutes of energy.” Shel Horowitz, a consultant for Green and Profitable and co-author of Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World, joined a food co-op in the 1970s. Today, it has 9,000 members. “I dehydrate 8
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veggies for soup, pasta, stir-fry dishes or as tomato or zucchini chips,” he says. “Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, celery, kale, hot peppers, tomatillos and fruit were successful; eggplant, cucumbers and rhubarb were not.”
Use It All The Traditional Line menu devised by executive chef Mark Russell, of Great Performances, a sustainability-oriented high-end catering and food service company in New York City, remarks, “Food trends have changed,” noting preserving, freezing, pickling and canning remain sound. He salutes thrifty Depression-era practices. “My grandparents picked dandelion greens to fry in bacon fat,” he says. “A salad with olive oil and fresh tomato is healthier.” Fermented grape leaves can be rolled up into dolmas filled with local grains and feta cheese instead of meat. He also blanches and freezes cauliflower leaves, warmed in butter to serve; he’s then used the whole vegetable.
Lucky Business/Shutterstock.com
Personal Power Renewal
photos by Cynthia O’Connor O’Hara
Nasturtium leaves are fermented, seeds and stems pickled and flowers puréed. “I make nasturtium flower coulis, bright orange and spicy, to dollop on freshwater fish,” Russell says. “Stems are minced into grain salads and seeds sprinkled on slabs of beefsteak tomatoes. Leaves, soft from fermentation, wrap around fresh goat cheese, shred into coleslaw or pair with steamed basmati rice.”
Apply Gardening Tips Containers ease gardening, especially for tomatoes. Hanover repurposes plastic cat litter buckets. “They’re sturdy and hold up in cold weather,” she says. “Alpaca poop fertilizer supplied by a neighbor doesn’t smell and plants thrive.” Ocala, Florida, reiki master and teacher Debi Goldben employs nature’s bounty at home. “Downspouts collect rainwater for the garden, and it’s much better than chemically treated city water,” she says. Some municipalities, including in Colorado, regulate rainwater collection, mandating the size and number of barrels per property “for outdoor use only”.
Sew Up Repairs Anca Gooje, owner of Chid Kala, a natural ingredient lotion maker in Scarborough, Maine, uses colorful patches to repair tears and update the look of her two children’s clothing. She also recompressed their sofa’s inner springs to their original shape by encasing them in fabric. “It was time-
lines. I toss in healthy ingredients and have a simple homemade meal, often vegan, in a minute. Soup, stew, risotto, pasta, chili, pudding, brown rice and oatmeal work well. It doesn’t heat up the kitchen, either.” The Instant Pot works like a crock pot, pressure cooker, steamer, sauté pan, warming pot, rice cooker and yogurt maker, replacing seven appliances.
Employ Onsite Power “My Hadley, Massachusetts, farmhouse, built in 1743, might be the oldest solar home in the country,” muses Horowitz. “Our farmer neighbors have a methane digester to turn cow poop and restaurant waste into electricity and heat. We’ll hook up to it to replace heating oil.”
Make Holiday Décor
consuming, but only cost a few dollars for fabric,” she relates. “Updating avoided creating more landfill. For a fresh look, I made a new cover.”
Multipurpose a Cook Pot “My mother believed pressure cookers would explode, so I bought an Instant Pot and changed the way I cook,” says Sue Ann Jaffarian, a Los Angeles paralegal and mystery writer. “I have a demanding day job and writing dead-
“Retro-style repurposing is smart, fun and easy,” says upstate New York lifestyle writer and cookbook author Cynthia O’Connor O’Hara. “I glued together assorted cups, saucers and plates with glass-specific glue to create tiered servers that double as a centerpiece. Check your house to find dishware that will look nice together.” It’s satisfying to combine experiences with updated technology, save time and support a healthier planet, both during the holidays and year-round. Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.
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Conscious Giving Gift Guide
During this festive time of year, wellness can become less of a priority, and heightened consumption often upstages efforts to go green. To practice conscious consumerism, consider gifts that give back to our community and increase the recipients’ health and wellness. We gathered a few thoughtful, wellness-oriented and practical gift ideas from local businesses and service providers to ease the stress of holiday shopping.
Mark Smith, My Massage & Sports Therapy Gift: One-hour Myofascial Release Massage Perfect for that active friend or family member with muscle tightness, restricted motion or chronic pain. Cost: $45 (regularly $60) Call: 509-370-2207 See ad, page 8.
Holistic Health and Wellness Services
Brigitte Hallowitz Gift: Custom Medi-facial Perfect for those with specific skin needs, including anti-aging, hyperpigmentation brown spots, fine lines, rosacea, acne and sensitive skin. Treatment promotes skin repair resulting in healthier and more lustrous skin. Cost: $60 (regularly $85) Call: 509-688-9856 See ads, pages 8 and 24.
Cyndi Rai, 7RootsLife Gift: Two-hour Meditative Himalayan Sound Massage Perfect for that special someone in need of extended relaxation and pampering. This blissful massage will relax and renew the body, mind and spirit. Cost: $129 Call: 509-979-2223 See ad, page 8.
Susan Flerchinger, Healing Waters Center Gift: “Let it Go” One-hour Energy Healing Body Work Session Perfect for that person in your life looking to release emotional baggage, traumas and fears and open up to their own natural healing and flow of life. Cost: $55 (discounted rate) Call: 509-879-3264 See ad, page 8.
Therapeutic Connections School Intelligent Balance Spinal Care of Massage Gift: Initial Chiropractic Visit Gift: One-hour Massage or Three (3) One-hour Massages in the Student Massage Clinic Perfect for those interested in trying massage for the first time or for those who enjoy weekly massages. The clinic is open for appointments. Cost: $30 for one massage or $84 for a Student Massage Card (three massages) Contact: 509-230-2307 See ad, page 19. 10
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Gift Certificate Perfect for those suffering from headaches, migraines, sciatica, fibromyalgia, lower back, hip and neck pain. Upper cervical chiropractic could be the difference they’ve been seeking. Cost: $97 through Dec. 31 (regularly $297) Contact: 509-924-4443 See ad, page 22.
Life Transformation and Coaching
Conscious Gifts for Pets and Pet Lovers Pawpular Companions
Life Designs With Tracy Turner Gift: Two (2) One-hour Transformative Life-Coaching Sessions Perfect for that special someone looking to move beyond fear and negativity to create new levels of happiness and vitality in their life. By taking small steps, we create momentum and sustained success. Cost: $99 (regularly $120) Call: 509-951-8393 See ad, page 8.
Gift: Dean Russo Pet Rescue T-shirts A portion of all proceeds goes to Best Friends Animal Society – a national leader in reducing the number of animals entering shelters. Perfect for that passionate (and fashionable) rescue pet owner in your life. Find breed specific shirts for kids and adults that promote and support pet adoption. Cost: $25.99 Location: 21950 E. Country Vista Dr., Ste. 100, Liberty Lake. See ad, back cover.
Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile Gift: Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. Fair Trade and Organic Products Twenty percent of all proceeds goes to local pet rescue partners. Perfect for the coffee and dog lovers in your life. Local proceeds go to Pawsitive Dog Prison Training Program in Spokane – a cooperative effort that professionally trains shelter dogs to make them more adoptable. Cost: $5-$18.99 Location: 5608 S. Regal, Ste. 100 or 1206 W. Summit Pkwy., Spokane. See ad, back cover.
Yuppy Puppy
Rebecca Knight, Blue Sky Services Gift: Four (4) One-on-one HeartMath Coaching Sessions Perfect for that busy, overwhelmed parent or professional seeking less stress, better relationships and more balance. HeartMath coaching offers proven techniques and a personalized plan to help clients reclaim their life vision. Cost: $375 (regularly $500) Call: 208-215-1231 See ad, page 14.
Gift: GivePet Premium Dog Treats Every bag sold gives 10 treats to shelter dogs.Perfect for the dog, dog lover and rescue pet owner in your life. GivePet’s goal is to provide millions of shelter dogs with a little extra love, starting with yours. Cost: $9.99 Location: 9511 N. Newport Hwy., Spokane. See ad, back cover.
Put your heart, mind and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success. ~Swami Sivananda
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Gifts that Give Back Hospice of North Idaho Gift: Partial or Full Sponsorship of a Child Attending Hospice Kids Grief Camp this Summer Perfect for supporters of Hospice programs, children in need or those that have lost a loved one. Camp Kanisku runs from July 13 to 15, 2018, at Camp Lutherhaven, on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and is designed for children from 6 to16 that have experienced the loss of a parent, grandparent, sibling or other significant death. It is free to all that attend, supported by generous donations from our community. Cost: Sponsorships range from $20-$500 and cover everything from T-shirts ($20) and registration fees ($150), to full sponsorships ($500). Contact: 208-772-7994 See ad, page 7.
Grocery Outlets Spokane Valley, North Spokane, Downtown & Coeur d’Alene Stores Gift: Beer, Wine, Produce, Name Brand and Natural, Organic, Specialty and Healthy (NOSH) Items at a Savings of 40-70% Perfect for upcoming holiday feasts and stocking stuffer needs. See ad, page 23.
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Wellness Gifts Wellness Bar Gift: A Gift Card to the Wellness Bar This ideal stocking stuffer is good for all three locations in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and Post Falls. Perfect for those current (and future) health nuts in your life who appreciate the benefits of fresh pressed juices, superfood smoothies and delicious açai bowls. Cost: Available in varying amounts. Pick up gift cards at your closest Wellness Bar location! Visit niWellnessBar.com. See ad, page 9.
Wonders of the World Gift: Himalayan Raw Salt Night Light Perfect for that friend or family member who appreciates the benefits of Himalayan salt lamps, which are said to include purified air, better sleep, enhanced mood and an environmentally friendly light source. Cost: $16.99 Location: Flour Mill, 621 W. Mallon, Spokane. See ad and discount offer, page 18.
Coming Next Month
Natural Stress Relief plus: Understanding Nutraceuticals January articles include: Answers for Natural Stress Reduction Solutions for Digestive System Health Just What Are Nutraceuticals?
To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 509-869-4361 12
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healingways
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Sing While We Work Nothing makes meal preparation tasks go faster than crooning along to our favorite carols. Turn up Susan Boyle’s O Holy Night and soon your lungs will be full of air, your heart filled with sentiment, and the turkey stuffed with seasonal goodness will be ready to go into the oven.
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Express Feelings in a Healthy Way Family gatherings can sometimes test our boundaries and patience. Avoid repressing feelings by finding a way to speak a personal truth in the moment, in a calm and healthy fashion. It’s better than returning home stewing about what we wish we could or should have said.
12 Happy Holiday Tips 9
How to Really Enjoy the Season by Dianne Bischoff James
F
eelings of comfort and joy can seem elusive when the holiday to-do list looms or runs amok. The season can seem more like an endless burden than a parade of cheerful events and glad tidings. Amidst celebratory chaos, these simple rules will help restore inner peace and create greater happiness.
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Eschew Perfection Guests are much more interested in filling their stomachs with great food than judging the scuff marks and wall dings. The perfection of the season is found in the special moments when families and friends sit down together.
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Pay Attention to the Smiles The approaching holidays encourage more shared smiles, kind words and thoughtful gestures. While out and about, look for the grins and well wishes. Hold the door open for others and offer a friendly greeting to store clerks. We’ll find ourselves smiling even more, because thoughtfulness is contagious.
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Do Nothing for 15 Minutes It’s amazing how refreshed we feel when we take a few minutes to sit in a comfortable chair and simply expe-
rience a moment of stillness. Inner quiet allows the mind to relax and reinvest energy in the body, so we can return to holiday activities with renewed zest.
Assign Roles to Household Helpers The holiday load is lighter when everyone pitches in. Assign specific roles to household members with clear responsibilities, from taking out the garbage to setting the table and washing up.
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Leave Some Tasks for Later It’s unrealistic to think the house has to be in perfect order after festive gatherings. After guests leave, put the leftovers in the fridge and watch a movie. Cleanup will feel easier and faster after a good night’s rest.
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Give Each Person a Special Gift Think of something thoughtful that both the giver and receiver enjoy doing together and write a promissory note for the shared experience, such as a free backrub, a day spent downtown, a personal manicure or a movie the other person wants to see.
Take Advantage of Extended Shopping Hours To avoid crowds and lines, schedule a late-night power-shopping trip. This is the easiest way to manage a department store visit with sanity, have easy access to the shelves and get immediate service.
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Take a Holiday Binge Day Designate a day with no limits and no self-judgment. For anyone that mentally monitors their calories or sweets, claim a binge day out loud with permission for total holiday munching freedom. The next day, we can reinstate discipline.
Express Gratitude at the Table Loving feelings can never be expressed enough, so use the holiday as an opportunity to tell others how important they are to you. Create a heartfelt moment at the table by sharing at least one thing that you’re truly grateful for, and ask everyone else to do the same. Go Outside for Fun in Nature Hiking in a nearby forest preserve, skating, sledding or building a snow fort with the kids not only burns energy, but is emotionally exhilarating for the whole family. Pick an outdoor activity, don appropriate togs, and share in the laughter and serenity of a sparkling winter day. Dianne Bischoff James is a life transformation coach, actor, business consultant and author of The Real Brass Ring: Change Your Life Course Now. She specializes in facilitating the midlife reboot and lives in Boston, MA.
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healthykids
AWAKE PARENTING Raising Connected, Confident Kids by Judith Fertig
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ne of the greatest challenges parents face is connecting with their children in deep and meaningful ways. The aim of awakened families is to raise strong and emotionally resilient children. Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., author of The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children and The Awakened Family: A Revolution in Parenting, offers mindful approaches
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to benefit the family—and the community. Via her practice in New York City, appearances on Oprah and online courses, Tsabary provides awareness, skills and strategies to revolutionize families. She posts videos and blogs at DrShefali.com.
How do parents know if they’re on the right track? To be awakened or conscious means to realize that we carry emotional baggage and conditioning from childhood that af-
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fects our relationship with our children. Our old ways of thinking and being from our own childhood shape the manner in which we react and interact today. Awakened parents are constantly evolving into their truest and most authentic selves. When parents undertake a daily practice of mindfulness and awareness, they begin to extricate themselves from blind reactivity to see how every problem with their children is a call to their own awakening. Parents will know they are on the right track because they will connect more with their children, empowering them to think and live autonomously—separate from a parent’s fantasies and expectations.
How can each family member connect with their true self? Parents need to understand that the path to creating a connected relationship with their children is to first create one with themselves. Realizing this, they consider their own inner growth a high priority. Children need to learn who they are and what they really enjoy. Parents can help by allowing children to just sit by themselves. If inundated with activities and subjected to numerous lessons, how can young people hope to recognize their authentic voice amid the din of all this “doing”?
How do children benefit from conscious or awakened parenting? Conscious parenting mandates that we place the task of connecting with our children front and center, especially before correcting them. Admonishing and punishing them becomes secondary to the main imperative of conscious connection. It’s crucial we realize we aren’t raising a “mini-me”, but a spirit throbbing with its own signature. Thus, it’s vital to separate in our mind who we are from who each child is. Children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor their raising to their needs, rather than molding them to fit our needs. Children raised in this way grow up to be fearless and infinitely resilient, knowing that their purpose in life is to live in their most authentic and true way. Conflicts decrease and conscious, connected communication increases.
Understanding Fevers by Toby Hallowitz
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A What can parents do when they fall back into old patterns, shaming children or doing other things that create distance? When this happens, parents need to sit with themselves and look deeply within, asking: “What is it about me that feels the need to deride, scorn and shame my children?” In such introspection, they might discover triggers from old wounds that have nothing to do with a child’s behavior. When they can see the internal link, they can begin to make the transformations they need. As a parent, I have learned that my role is to step aside, stay in infinite possibility, heal my own wounds, fill my own bucket and let my child fly.
How can closer, awakened families co-create a better world via the ripple effect?
When children grow up feeling connected with their parents and deeply seen by them, they march into the outer world feeling self-confident and aware of who they truly are, secure in their own inherent inner-connectivity. Children raised in this manner naturally help advocate for peace and harmony in all of their relationships; incidents of bullying, anxiety and discrediting one’s self and others decrease exponentially. Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).
person’s ability to generate a fever is an eloquent demonstration of the body’s innate selfhealing potential. Our immune system response to infection is an amazing and intricate process. Additional white blood cells are manufactured that destroy bacteria and viruses and also remove damaged tissue and irritating materials from the body. With a fever, activity of the white blood cells increases by as much as 20-fold, and they move rapidly to the site of infection. We get sleepy and lose our appetite, which conserves energy for natural defense and repair. The elevated body temperature itself can kill certain bacteria and viruses. Iron is removed from the blood and stored in the liver, and many bacteria need iron for survival. An elevated body temperature is integral to this process. Hippocrates said, “Give me a fever and I can cure any disease.” Ironically, suppressing the fever may interfere with healing and prolong the infection. Fever is part of the body’s normal response to infection; it is a symptom, not a disease, and may not themselves be dangerous. We may be lethargic or flushed, have a rapid and strong heartbeat or even hallucinate during a fever. Naturopathic doctors like to recommend wet sock hydrotherapy, often referred to as “naturopathic Tylenol”, to help stimulate the immune system and healing response during acute infections, while gently decreasing the fever to more comfortable levels.
The underlying cause of a fever and how sick a patient looks are more important than the intensity of the fever. Temperatures of 107 and 108 degrees can cause brain damage and usually result from heat stroke or accidental poisoning. However, routine infections are not likely to produce fevers of this degree. It is normal for one out of 20 healthy children under the age of 5 to have a fever convulsion. These febrile seizures usually last only a few minutes and produce no lasting or harmful effects. Routine fevers are not usually dangerous. The underlying cause of the fever or dehydration from inadequate fluid consumption is the source of most potential problems. Above all, how someone looks and acts determines the likelihood of a serious problem. A child with a temperature of 101 that is abnormally quiet with a vacant stare is much sicker than a child with a fever of 104 that is playing and fully engaged in their environment. It can be difficult to determine the seriousness of an acute illness, so a pediatrician or other healthcare practitioner should be involved in care. Toby K. Hallowitz, ND, MSOM, LAc, practices at CDA Acupuncture & Holistic Healing, located at 225 E. Locust Ave., in Coeur d’Alene, ID., 208-665-2293 as well as Healing Waters Holistic Center, located at 101 N. Evergreen Rd., in Spokane Valley, 509-228-3528. For more information, visit Dr-Toby.com or CdaHealing. com. See ads, pages 8 and 24.
The underlying cause of a fever and how sick a patient looks are more important than the intensity of the fever. natural awakenings
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PEACE ON EARTH Conflict Resolutions that Work to Bridge Divides Healing happens when we handle conflict in a healthy and transformative way.
Call to Action
Roughly 30 years ago, notable voices began urging Americans to embrace a sustainable worldview of unity in diversity, recognizing our core oneness as a solution to an increasingly out-of-balance society. Success in this endeavor depends primarily on the “habits of the heart” of our citizens, developed in local milieus of families, neighborhoods, classrooms, congregations, voluntary associations, workplaces and public places where strangers gather.
Activating Answers
While mainstream media often largely focuses on the negative aspects of conflict—discord, divisiveness, intolerance, violence, incivility, injustice, chaos and complex problems—a countermovement is convening constructive conversations. Participants are initiating dialogue and deliberations intended to resolve conflicts and create cohesiveness, collaboration, cooperation and compromise among local factions that disagree on how to deal with everything from health care and social justice to environmental protection and climate science. Educational training materials and books are giving outdated models of conflict resolution a facelift. In The Revolution Where You Live: Stories from a 12,000 Mile Journey Through a New America, Sarah Van Gelder devotes a chapter to a Greens16
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boro, North Carolina, battle over a story about a deadly, racially charged incident from the city’s recent past. She quotes James Lamar Gibson, a 20-something AfricanAmerican activist and core organizer for the Counter Stories Project: “We’ve been stuck in an old conversation for a couple of decades. We want to have an army of people with restorative conversation skills, so we can get past the divisiveness and imagine together a different sort of Greensboro,” he says. The project began with facilitator training, and then developed story circles in which residents were able to have the difficult discussions that don’t ordinarily take place among the police, city council, churches and social agencies. Today’s conflict resolution experts are discovering that conflict is an essential and powerful call for applying spiritual principles and exercising spiritual practices.
Provocative Questions
“What if we considered conflict as a secret ally or a guidepost, showing us what really matters to us and how much we care? What if our intense emotions are sources of invincible energy, with the power to build the world we want, together? What does having conflict in a healthy and transformative way look like?” queries Ma’ikwe Ludwig, executive director of Commonomics USA,
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an organization which educates and advocates for a world where a commons-based economy creates economic and ecological security for all. “Conflict has the power to bring to the surface what’s really at stake and to unite people toward a common goal,” advises Ludwig. Her thought-provoking questions can help shift perceptions toward the idea that we need to use conflict; maybe even welcome it. Ludwig, author of Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption, recently helped present new perspectives on conflict resolution during a webinar for Transition US members interested in creating inclusive and diverse communities through collaboration. The nonprofit inspires, encourages, supports and provides networking and training for grassroots initiatives seeking to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as oil spills, climate change and economic crises. Courtney Breese, managing director for the nonprofit National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) and her colleagues, together with thousands of innovative thinkers, are helping by introducing people to simple dialogue and deliberation structures, processes and resources that invite meaningful and productive conversations leading to constructive civic
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by Linda Sechrist
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A community is a group that can fight gracefully… Chaos is not just a state; it is an essential process of community development. ~Dr. M. Scott Peck, The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace engagement. Breese remarks, “We’re open to working with anyone interested in learning processes that can help bridge divides. We also like sharing stories about what is working.”
Toolbox
The group’s downloadable free tools help newcomers: A beginner’s guide for exploring dialogue (ncdd.org/rc/ beginners-guide); a how-to-guide for Conversation Café (CC) hosts (Tinyurl. com/ManualForConversationCafe); and the American Library Association Libraries Transforming Communities: Models for Change Project (ala.org/ ltc-models). “To date, we’ve had at least 800 librarians participate in free NCDD webinars,” Breese notes. CC is a simple tool useful in exploring difficult topics and provides a safe space to process different perspectives. “Initial agreement on basic rules includes suspending judgment while listening and seeking to understand others, refraining from persuading or converting and talking only from personal experience,” explains Breese.
One new network member, J. Scott Wagner, author of The Liberal’s Guide to Conservatives, speaks about the importance of using neutral language in dialogue. “I learned from him how words can be emotional triggers and signal one-sided perspectives, leaving some group members feeling angry or excluded because they feel the speaker won’t be open to hearing their perspective,” says Breese. After three tours of the U.S. and hundreds of interviews with conservative individuals, Wagner, founder of the nonprofit Reach the Right, was inspired to use his knowledge of five arenas—neurology/cognitive psychology, personality, bias, social conformity and morality—to help progressives understand conservatives that are not only their political leaders, but also their relatives, partners, friends and managers. He offers a simple explanation for anyone drenched in inaccurate biases. “We inherit unconscious genetic personality characteristics that lead us to develop our ideology, with which we construct our world and align with others that are in agreement. Differences in our personality characteristics are the culprits that create conflict.”
Community Needs Erase Enmity
Drawing on 25 years of experience of enabling sworn enemies to create peace in places such as South Africa, Northern Ireland and Colombia, Adam Kahane, author of Collaborating with the Enemy: How to Work with People You Don’t Agree with or Like or Trust, shares insights into the “enemyfying syndrome” that instigates conflict. This habit of thinking and acting as if people we are dealing with are our enemies and the cause of our problems is all around us and dominates the media. “The enemies are always the others, ‘those people’. Enemyfying, which feels exciting and satisfying— even righteous and heroic—usually obscures, rather than clarifies, the reality of the challenges we face. It amplifies conflicts, narrows the space for problem solving and creativity, and distracts us with unrealizable dreams of decisive victory from the real work we need to do,” observes Kahane.
Kahane sees the challenge of conflict becoming more acute. “People today are generally more free, individualistic and diverse, with stronger voices and less deference. Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity are growing.” Yet, contrary to the common view, it is possible for people that hold contradictory positions to find ways to collaborate. That’s what he and 40 others representing military officers, guerrillas and paramilitaries; activists and politicians; businesspeople and trade unionists; landowners and farmers; and academics, journalists and young people, accomplished in the Destino Colombia project. They organized to contribute to ending their country’s 52-year civil war.
STARTING TOOLS W
orld Café-style conversations used in Conversation Cafés to discuss issues that matter offer a powerful social technology to engage people in meaningful and constructive dialog in corporate, government and community settings. Understanding that conversation is the core process that drives personal, business and organizational life, it’s a way of thinking and being together sourced in a philosophy of conversational leadership. Embracing a combination of these guiding principles can foster collaborative exchanges, active engagement and helpful possibilities for action. n Clarify the Purpose n Create a Hospitable Space n Explore Questions that Matter n Encourage Everyone’s Contribution n Connect Diverse Perspectives n Listen for Insights and Share Discoveries Source: Tinyurl.com/CafeConversation Principles
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Jonathan Bender, founder of The Performance of Your Life, a public speaking and personal development business, has been on a lifelong quest of fostering personal growth and societal transformation. His therapeutic classes and workshops demonstrate how to connect, honor and deeply resonate with others, even if they have different worldviews, and how to listen and hear in the same way we want to be heard. Acknowledging the adrenalin rush that’s a common response to fear of conflict, Bender says, “When we learn to be mindful and speak from our entire body, rather than just from our head, we notice that the voice resonates and originates from a much bigger place. This teaches us to cultivate greater awareness of our emotions and how we express them. “Begin by acknowledging an emotion, and then reduce its intensity through slow, deep breaths, paying attention to the correlating physical sensation. Shifting our focus back to the heart allows us to recognize parts of ourselves e itemin the stories of others and come to n understand that our personal history is
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Motivated to Act
Intense emotions can become sources of invincible energy with the collective power to build the world we want.
the filter through which we ‘enemyfy’,” says Bender, who speaks and presents publicly, educating audiences and clients about the universally challenging performances of everyday life. According to Robert Atkinson, Ph.D., author of The Story of Our Time: From Duality to Interconnectedness to Oneness, today’s rugged individualism amid conflicts comprises a crisis of consciousness. “No longer can we settle only on seeing things in opposition to one another; we need to shift our consciousness to be able to see the parts coming together in a new whole. Accepting the oneness of humanity as a biological fact, a social necessity and a spiritual reality will lead us further along our journey toward lasting world peace.” His observation fits with what Joanna Macy, author and scholar of Buddhism and deep ecology, believes is the call of our time: “As planetary citizens, we are being called to wake up together.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings who blogs at LindaSechrist.com.
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Peace in the Midst by Jane Simmons
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woman that attended a peace rally in the Midwest during the days leading up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq found it to be anything but peaceful. Surrounded by an angry mob of protestors on both sides of the issue, she chose to sit on a blanket in the midst of it all and meditate. Sitting in the eye of the storm, the woman wondered if what she was doing was making any difference at all. Later, she discovered that an artist witnessing the scene had taken a picture of her and painted it as a beautiful depiction of peace. Her example had become a work of art. Daily life can feel like that peace rally. We are bombarded from every direction with media stories of global conflicts, environmental degradation and political and economic strife, as well as our own interpersonal struggles. It is not only possible to find serenity in the midst of such chaos, it is essential. The Buddhist nun Tenzin Palmo wrote, “The answer lies within ourselves. If we
can’t find peace and happiness there, it’s not going to come from the outside.” The work then becomes finding a center of peace within and expressing it, no matter what outer storms may arise in our lives. Whether in our family life, workplace, local community or on the world stage, when we remain calm and serene in the midst of triggering moments, we become peace in action. We get there the same way we reach Carnegie Hall—practice, practice, practice. The woman at the rally was a seasoned meditator, but still had to continually work to settle her mind within the chaotic scene that surrounded her. Closing our eyes in the midst of the unknown takes trust and courage, but can also lead to an amazing discovery— the “I” of the storm is within—there is a place of deep peace that always resides at the center of our being. Just as an ocean at its depths is unperturbed by surface storms, that place of peace within us is never disturbed.
There is a simple practice to access the “I” of the storm. Begin to focus on the breath as it moves in and out. Bring into our mind’s eye an image of someone or something we appreciate. Activate that feeling of appreciation and let it expand and radiate as we create a coherent energetic field of peace. Now more than ever, being a presence of peace in our world is sorely needed. Do not discount the value of creating inner peace and sharing it with the world. As Margaret Mead writes, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Planetary healing emerges through every peaceful heart. Dr. Jane Simmons is an ordained Unity minister and co-ministers with her husband, Dr. Gary Simmons, at Unity Spiritual Center, 2900 S. Bernard St., in Spokane. She holds a doctoral degree in theology from Holos University and is the author of numerous books including her latest, You Can’t Sleep Through Your Awakening. She is also the co-founder of The Q Effect. For more information, visit UnitySpokane.org or TheQEffect.com. See Resource Guide listing, page 31.
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COMMON GROUND
A Social Experiment Disguised as a Game Show by Dan Garrity
The sun and the wind were having an argument about which of them was more powerful. “Look down there,” said the wind. “See that man wearing the overcoat? I’ll bet I can get that coat off him before you can.” The wind blew and blew and blew, but the man only clung more tightly to his overcoat. “My turn,” said the sun. And he beamed gentle rays of warmth down on the man, who decided on his own to remove his overcoat.
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Kate Vanskike-Bunch
players, teams were limited to two, and consisted of individuals with whom there was already a relationship of trust. The adult team was comprised of a teaching colleague and local radio host Mike Fitzsimmons, as well as Amber McKenzie—a Gonzaga alumna and publisher of Natural Awakenings magazine. Two broadcasting majors made up the student team: sophomores Jacob Dizon and Jordan Tolbert. They all agreed Student host Spencer Martin presents to come into the studio for two hours on game show to a live audience. a Saturday and be recorded while they ~paraphrased from Aesop’s Fables went through a series of games, devised by student executive producer Emily Jung. There are increasing numbers of people today that appear to be Like the Heineken video, Common Ground began adopting the wind’s strategy, at least when it comes to political with an ice-breaker designed to help the contestants get to dialogue. Challenged to devise an experiment to address our know each other while the viewer got to know and care country’s deteriorating state of civil discourse, the sun/wind parabout them, as well. Emily’s plan had the teams sit together able and a Heineken commercial provided inspiration. at a table and open a series of envelopes with conversation As a college professor who loves to conduct experiprompts. No areas of disagreement were to be explored in ments with Broadcast Studies majors at Gonzaga University, this segment; it was only meant to help each of them learn carrying out the research usually takes the form of television about the other’s life and approach to life. shows. Students believe in the power of storytelling to bring The second segment had the teams learn a foreign language, about social change, which is why when asked to deliver a then build a block structure using instructions in that language session at an International Conference on Hate Studies, the group chose to make it a game show. The hypothesis: student alone. This was meant as a team-building exercise. Since only one of the players could see the model to be built and only the produced entertainment programming can prove that people other could touch the blocks, they had to get through a frustrating on opposite sides of divisive issues could willingly, even joyexperience together by trusting each other and cooperating. fully, find common ground. The first time any areas of disagreement were to be The show, Common Ground, was a collective attempt by explored came in the third segment. Once the players had the group to follow-up on a viral Heineken video produced begun to care about each other and had a shared, stressful years ago (Tinyurl.com/HeinekenAd). It proved that entertainexperience that they conquered together, the theory was they ing content delivered via social media can get people to pay could safely share perspectives on divisive issues. Teams were attention to issues they otherwise might not face. Seeking to first presented with a series of hot topics to discuss (immigrado the same with a hyper-specific test group of liberals and conservatives, teams were rewarded not for forcing their points tion, professional football, the presidency, etc.) and then asked to guess their teammate’s response to each. This exercise was of view on each other, but rather for exploring areas of agreemeant to help them recognize their own biases regarding prement—deciding for themselves to find common ground. dicting behavior based on political ideology, as well as to help The initial plan involved three teams of two participants, them define the other’s points of view more clearly. each pairing a liberal and conservative. Finding contestants Finally, the teams were challenged to reveal how much proved more difficult than initially imagined. Surprised that neither politically affiliated student group on campus accepted they had in common regarding one of the central issues presently dividing our country: What does it mean to be an the invitation, an assumption was made that maybe their American? Teams had 30 minutes to compose a joint statereluctance was due to the present and often toxic nature of ment answering the question. Whereas people on the left may political dialogue. It’s possible they couldn’t believe they’d be typically say, “The right doesn’t know what it means to be an able to succeed with someone who, on paper, disagrees with them so much. Since the experiment couldn’t succeed without American” and conservatives might say the same thing about
It was exciting to hear that audience members wanted to take the idea and craft it into something they might use in their own communities.
inspiration
INSPIRED LIVING Five Ways to Make the New Year Sparkle by Kelly Martinsen
liberals, this final segment hoped to prove neither statement to be true for the teams involved. Once each show section had been produced and edited, it was time to prepare for the conference presentation. At its core, Common Ground was a class project for Gonzaga broadcasting majors. Emily led her class of eight as they transformed a seminar room at the conference into a television studio. Student host Spencer Martin stepped in front of the cameras to present the show to a live audience; the people who chose to attend the breakout session and who would become the judges for the program. After the taping was complete, it immediately became apparent that the experiment had worked. After witnessing the show, the audience was asked for their overriding emotion. The first man to speak said, “Hope”. Others echoed that thought, thanking the students for the effort, and talking about how important it was to do something like this; to at least try to get to know someone before dismissing their perspective. It was exciting to hear that audience members wanted to take the idea and craft it into something they might use in their own communities. The Common Ground design could easily accommodate many areas of disagreement. While politics was the first focus, sexual identity, religion or even a school board budget disagreement could be the focus. The important thing is to try.
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nspiration may strike anywhere, at any time. The trick is nurturing the process to appear on demand when we need it most. Often, an inspiration is sparked when we perceive someone being selfless, courageous, physically extraordinary or deliciously creative. However, we don’t need to wait for outside stimulus when we can discover internal stirrings by invoking any of these self-inspiring tips. Just Do It – The Nike slogan has never been more appropriate. We all have something we’ve thought about doing or trying. Whether traveling to a new location, trying a different sport, joining a new-to-us group or club, or making more friends, don’t put it off— just do it.
Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and happiness in a large group of American adults, they found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. Journal – People often journal as a way to reflect upon their lives. This can be helpfully revealing, but rather than looking back, look forward, using a journal as a blueprint to manifest the most inspired year yet. Write out plans and dreams with the steps needed to achieve them.
Defeat allodoxaphobia – It’s the fear of others’ negative opinions. Everyone suffers from this to some extent, and it can hinder us from living our best life. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt remarked, “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”
Gratitude – This is the big one. One way to be and stay inspired is by starting off each day in a state of gratitude. Every morning before getting out of bed, think of at least three things to be grateful for. By doing this, we recognize the blessings we have and greet the day in a positive frame of mind. It’s a perfect way to end each day, too. When someone routinely inquires, “How are you?” answer, “I am grateful.” Our time on Earth is not infinite. With only so many days promised, let’s vow to live them inspired.
Volunteer – A common excuse for not volunteering is, “I don’t have the time.” Next year, make the time. When researchers at the London School of
Kelly Martinsen is publisher of Natural Awakenings Long Island and author of the new book A Year of Inspired Living (Publisher@AwakeLI.com).
View the Common Ground game show at youtube.com/watch?v=8wYXw4K0A3g. Art Stocker/Shutterstock.com
Dan Garrity spent a career in television news before becoming a broadcast studies professor at Gonzaga University in 2001. He’s married, with three daughters and three granddaughters and enjoys nothing more than spending time with family. Email him at Garrity@gonzaga.edu. natural awakenings
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Lynne McTaggart on the
POWER OF GROUP INTENTION by April Thompson
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hirty years ago, speaker, author and journalist Lynne McTaggart recovered from an illness using alternative approaches to health. Since then, she’s been exploring the frontiers of healing through consciousness and alternative medicine. In the 1990s, McTaggart, who lives in London, started a newsletter called What Doctors Don’t Tell You, now an international magazine and popular platform at wddty. com that cites thousands of resources showing what works and doesn’t work in conventional and alternative medicine and how to beat chronic conditions naturally. McTaggart’s seven books include The Intention Experiment, The Field, The Bond and most recently, The Power of Eight. Her latest work examines the
transformative power of small groups of people sending thoughts together for a common goal.
Can you summarize the results of your experiments of healing through collective intentions? We’ve done hundreds of experiments using small and large groups; 30 were tightly controlled scientific studies conducted in conjunction with researchers at institutions such as the University of Arizona, University of California and Penn State University. The experiments have involved all kinds of intentions, ranging from the relatively simple to the impossibly complex. The large-scale intention experiments involved upwards of 25,000 participants remotely logging onto a website to view photos of the targets,
sometimes 8,000 miles away, and sending them a well-defined intention, like changing the pH balance of water or healing a war veteran of post-traumatic stress disorder. To date, 26 of those 30 experiments resulted in positive, measurable, mainly scientifically significant effects. We’ve seen the pH of water change by a full pH number and seen seeds grow twice as much as control seeds. We also conducted three peace intention experiments with interesting results: After our eight-day intention for Sri Lanka during its civil war, violence levels fell; the government had won several decisive battles that week; and within a few months that 25-year war was over. We can’t say with certainty that we had a hand in this, but our other peace experiments showed similar results. If it happens a few more times, that becomes compelling.
What conditions were the most conducive to manifesting positive results? Was it intention, the power of the group or altruism? I think it’s a little of all of these. We’ve found that larger groups do not have a larger effect, which brought about the “power of eight” concept. I’ve discovered all that’s needed is a group, whether it’s eight or 8,000. In a group, we seem to lose our sense of individuality and separation from the world. We experience an overwhelming sense of oneness with the other intenders, which may be why our influence then becomes more powerful.
How did the act of sending positive intentions affect the senders? I was most surprised by the rebound effects reported by participants, whom I started surveying after the Sri Lankan peace experiment. Thousands of extraordinary comments related not only how participants felt during the activity, but also afterwards; they were experiencing major shifts in their relationships, health, careers and well-being. All they had done was sit individually in front of their computer holding an 22
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intention, yet they experienced the altered and mystical states of consciousness described by psychologist Abraham Maslow as “peak experiences”. Life University, a large chiropractic university in Atlanta, worked with us to study the brainwaves of participants in six “power of eight” groups and found that senders had decreased activity in their frontal and parietal lobes, which govern the sense of self. It was like the boundaries between participants were dissolving into a state of oneness. To me, this partly explained the sense of oneness, compassion and love they experienced. Andrew Newberg, director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, in Philadelphia, recorded similar effects in Sufi masters, and nuns and monks engaged in prayer and meditation, but only after years of learning certain techniques. My participants, all novices, were primed only by watching a 13-minute YouTube video of me explaining how to send intention in a group. Group intention appears to be a fast-track to the miraculous—no experience necessary.
Why does “groupthink” have such a powerful, multiplicative effect? I think a huge part of it has to do with the power of getting off of yourself and setting an intention for someone else. Another is the connection created in a group. When we engage together in an activity like praying or setting altruistic intentions, we create a powerful virtual circle that proves healing to both the receivers and senders. Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.
If you are interested in learning more about joining an intention setting group inspired by McTaggart’s work through Unity Spiritual Center, please contact Tara Wear at Twear@ UnitySpokane.org or call 509-838-6518. natural awakenings
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Return to Nature
fitbody
Naturopathic Medicine, Chinese Medicine
Nelson Comerci, LAc Chinese Medicine
Brigitte Hallowitz, LET Holistic Skin Care
225 E. Locust Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 Ph: 208.665.2293
www.cdahealing.com
CHAMPIONING HOLISTIC ATHLETES The New Face of Sports Medicine by Marlaina Donato
From college athletics to Olympic training, sports medicine has a new, holistic face.
C
oaches and athletes nationwide are attributing quicker recovery time, less inflammation and better focus to a whole body approach to health care. A nutrient-dense diet tailored to individual needs is at the heart of overall fitness. Like Venus Williams and Tom Brady, tennis and football superstars who prefer raw vegan and organic whole foods, respectively, many of today’s outstanding athletes choose to eat clean and incorporate mind-body practices.
Telling Triumphs
Paralympic snowboard cross racer gold medalist, world champion and International Ski Federation para Nordic World Cup gold medalist Evan Strong, of Nevada City, California, was raised on an organic farm in Hawaii and continues to adopt many holistic practices. “I have a superfood smoothie every day. Liquid food helps me feel lighter and I have more usable energy for training,” says Strong. His regimen also includes organic produce, sprouted grains, occasional raw goat milk products, homeopathic formulas and wildcrafted medicinal herbs. 24
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Strong credits achieving his personal best to a healthy lifestyle and recovery from an automobile accident that led to amputation of his lower left leg as a teen. “After the accident, my family and I opened a raw vegetarian restaurant. We produced as many cultured foods as possible—sauerkraut, kombucha and kefir. Improving my gut health gave me the biggest strides in healing. Yoga and meditation also contributed. It all saved me.” Six-time Ironman triathlete, U.S. Senior Olympic gold medalist and marathoner Ruth Heidrich, Ph.D., of Honolulu, attributes surviving stage IV breast cancer primarily to her low-fat vegan diet. Already an avid runner and nutritionally conscious, Heidrich was shocked to hear the diagnosis. “I was 47 years old when I was told the results of the biopsy. I thought I was going to die because of the symptoms I was experiencing,” recalls the 82-year-old, who not only beat multiple malignancies without chemotherapy or radiation, but was the first cancer patient to complete an Ironman Triathlon. This “Ironlady’s” holistic approach in-
Webitect/Shutterstock.com
Dr. Toby K. Hallowitz, ND, LAc
photo by Tesh
On the Road
Ruth Heidrich cludes a whole food, 100 percent plantbased diet, featuring oats, quinoa and brown rice. “When we give our body its proper fuel, it will function at its optimal level,” remarks Heidrich, who has dedicated her life to re-educating others about diet and investing in her ongoing athletic achievements.
Maintaining good habits while traveling can be challenging. Strong adds healthy salts to structure his drinking water and brings along superfoods such as green vegetable powders to use when he can’t access organic produce. To optimize his air quality while away from home, Strong uses a personalized air purifier that creates ozone. San Francisco-based, three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist and world champion Natalie Coughlin remains dedicated to better diet choices without deprivation. “When I travel, I always bring my own snacks. I like dark chocolate-covered almonds, a natural sweet that also supplies protein and fiber. To stay hydrated, I drink herbal teas, especially mint,” says Coughlin, who also incorporates a tart green smoothie every morning with kale, parsley, collards, celery, citrus and frozen pineapple. At home, “I like to be informed about where my meat comes from and how the conditions are for the animal. If I roast a chicken, I will use every part, including the bones, to make a stock,” she says. Her holistic approach includes
a consistent yoga regimen, meditation and application of essential oils.
High Expectations
Even under the best of circumstances, professional athletes encounter difficulties, but when faced with enormous obstacles, the best can get even better. “I’ve faced injuries and illness during pivotal times in my life and career, but I always approached it with the intention to be proactive, rather than being reactive,” advises Coughlin. For Strong, confronting tragedy with the right attitude offers possibility. “Thirteen years ago, I was hit by a car and lost my leg, but now I see that moment as a blessing instead of a curse. It was a hardship that tested my limits, but in the end, it propelled me to achieving dreams I didn’t even know I had.” Nearly four decades after her grim diagnosis, Heidrich embodies hope for all of us when she says, “It is never too late to adopt a better way.” Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.
ATHLETES BENEFIT FROM AÇAI SUPERFOOD by Monica Lang Engebretsen ot every superfood tastes as good as it feels, but the açai berry is an exception. This small, deep purple berry, grown in Central and South America has gained popularity over the years thanks to its jam-packed nutritional content and great flavor. Açai ranks as the seventh-highest antioxidant superfood on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity chart, just below turmeric. In addition, açai offers loads of anti-inflammatory nutrients, vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, electrolytes, trace minerals and amino acids. When it comes to exercise, studies show açai is absorbed very quickly by the body and aids athletes with increased energy and metabolic function. During the 2016
Chandler Baird from SpokaneEats
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Olympic Games, in Rio de Janeiro, where the açai berry is a dietary staple, athletes from all over the world enjoyed the Brazilian delicacy and showed their enthusiasm through social media posts. U.S. womens’ soccer forward Alex Morgan, diver David Boudia and Australian BMX cyclist Caroline Buchanan all posted photos of açai bowls topped with local tropical fruit, honey, granola and nuts.
Monica Lang Engebretsen owns and operates the Wellness Bar, in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden, ID, specializing in fresh pressed juice, super food smoothies and açai bowls. For more information, visit niWellnessBar.com. See ad, page 9.
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naturalpet
PETS ¤ MUSIC Each Species Grooves to Its Own Beat
Rabbits Hear Up to 42,000 Hz
by Sandra Murphy
He could tell by the way animals walked that they were keeping time to some kind of music. Maybe it was the song in their own hearts that they walked to.
Horses Hear Up to 33,500 Hz Marlow found that horses prefer rhythmic pieces matching their natural movements. “When a Tennessee walking horse breeder played music during a birth, the foal and mother recovered faster than usual.” After that, “The horses ran to the barn upon hearing the same music.” Sally Morgan, a physical therapist and advanced certified Tellington TTouch practitioner in Northampton, Massachusetts, who has enjoyed freestyle performance riding, says, “I liked to play our songs in the barn. Five CD players can keep horses relaxed most 26
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~Laura Adams Armer
Makushin Alexey/Shutterstock.com
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ust as dogs’ and cats’ noses are more efficient than ours, they also have better hearing, reacting to a broader and higher range of frequencies and vibrations. “We sense our world from where our ears are. Our plane is generally five to six feet high; animals closer to the ground hear things differently,” says Janet Marlow, founder and CEO of Pet Acoustics, in Washington Depot, Connecticut. The internationally renowned musician, composer and sound behaviorist has invented species-specific music based on her 30 years of research. Humans hear up to 23,000 Hertz (Hz), which differs substantially from that of many other creatures (lsu.edu/deafness/ HearingRange.html). A Hertz is a standard unit of frequency set at one cycle per second.
of the day. They don’t like countrywestern music; it’s often sad and in the wrong cadence. Classical music like Bach is calming. When I played Pachelbel’s Canon in D on my flute, my Morgan gelding, Ten Penny Moonshine, listened for hours.”
“Rescued rabbits like long tones, common in music accompanying yoga or reiki,” Morgan relates. “Long tones hold a chord with layers of notes on top.”
Dogs Hear Up to 45,000 Hz “People hear in stereo, animals in mono,” says Marlow. It’s why dogs tilt their heads left to right—to allow more sound waves into their ears—collecting information from various angles. Sound frequency and intensity keeps an animal alive in nature; they learn to flee in another direction, not analyze. Separation anxiety is often due to a sound the dog doesn’t recognize, Marlow explains. Sound triggers behavior, whether good or bad, as dogs relax or are stressed. Music releases tension from their being ever-vigilant as seen in their posture. To understand what a dog hears, sit or crawl on the floor. Electronic speakers are usually positioned at heights conducive for our ears, not theirs. “For the holidays, my dogs and horses like We Three Kings, The Holly and the Ivy and especially Greensleeves for their baroque roots and repeating patterns,” notes Morgan.
Cats Hear Up to 64,000 Hz Marlow credits her cat, Osborn, with inspiring her interest in music for animals. When Osborn was injured, she visited the veterinary hospital and sang to him to keep him calm. Her home state’s Litchfield Veterinary Hospital became her initial testing ground for species-specific music. “We use Pet Acoustics music boxes in the cat ward, recovery rooms and exam rooms,” says Heather
Aquarium Fish Hear Up to 3,000 Hz “Fish are frantic animals that must always anticipate their next meal,” says Sam Williamson, a former marine biologist in Edinburgh, Scotland. “When I started playing classical music at feeding time, I noticed my three betas became calmer. A piece by Benjamin Britten, started two minutes before feeding, led to them expect food only when the music played.”
Domesticated Birds Hear Up to 8,500 Hz In the wild, birds are part of a flock. At home, they’re often solitary. “Birds are the most musical and communicative of all animals,” remarks Marlow. “Without companionship, birds can get neurotic and pull their feathers out. Provide a sense of the outdoors by including nature sounds in played music.” “Animals need us to be aware of their hearing,” Marlow advises. “Holistic pet people have addressed improved diet and medical procedures. Understanding how music supports their well-being also enables us to better care for them.” Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.
~Advertorial~ Roman Pyshchyk/Shutterstock.com
Florkowski, a certified technician at the facility. “In our experience, stress inhibits the healing process. Like people, animals are anxious when ill and visiting the doctor’s office. Music helps ease their stress. At home, when I move the music box to another room, my dog follows it.” “During a TTouch session, cats are completely relaxed when I play New Age music for them,” says Morgan. “Pick music that fits the cat’s personality. You can tell what they like from their body language; it’s not always what you’d expect.”
Philip Stein is a Leader in Sleep Technology by Linda Sechrist
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rom computers, cell phones, smart TVs, DVR players and programmable appliances to a seemingly endless list of other electronic gadgets, we are in constant contact with unnatural electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) generated by technology. In today’s 24/7 society, invisible EMFs are inescapable; they permeate our working and living spaces. What we may not know is how they negatively impact our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle: suppressing melatonin, the hormone that controls the natural circadian rhythm, disturbing slumber and even affecting weight gain, according to University of Tel Aviv research. On the brighter side, some new technological products promise to restore balance to the body, including deeper and more restful sleep. From the Philip Stein sleep bracelet, sleep number beds and portable sleep trackers to sleep-related apps, devices and applications, user-friendly innovations are addressing America’s sleep deprivation problem. “Philip Stein lifestyle accessories such as the sleep bracelet are designed to contribute to a better quality of life. The unique technology inside each one channels beneficial natural frequencies in the environment into your body,” says Will Stein, co-founder and president of the Philip Stein Group. “The result is to help the individual feel cen-
tered, balanced, grounded and more easily able to maintain a sense of well-being.” The company defines optimal wellbeing as a state of harmony achieved through physical, emotional, mental and spiritual alignment. Although natural-frequency technology was developed earlier by a group of engineers and scientists exploring various frequencies’ influence on water, the initial discovery has been attributed to ancient sages in India that intuited them. For example, 7.83 Hz, the frequency of “om”, happens to be Mother Earth’s natural heartbeat rhythm, now known as the Schumann Resonance. Aligned with the brain’s alpha and theta states, this technology of resonating frequencies has been carefully tuned and tested by Philip Stein researchers, technicians and sleep experts. Today, it is at the core of all Philip Stein products. Philip Stein’s tuning technology picks up and channels the beneficial natural frequencies that have always surrounded human beings. “We believe that all organisms have evolved or grown accustomed to these natural frequencies, and our systems are tuned to operate best with them, rather than with the increasing number of manmade frequencies we experience in the modern world,” explains Stein. For more information, visit PhilipStein.com. See ad, page 6.
W e still do not know one thousandth
of one percent of what nature has revealed to us. ~Albert Einstein natural awakenings
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calendarofevents FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 Holly Berry Ball – 6-9pm. Enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, dessert, silent auction, raffle and live music at this yearly holiday party. 21 and over. All proceeds go to Unity Spiritual Center. $40-$45. 5303 S Hatch Rd, Spokane. Tickets: 509-838-6518. UnitySpokane.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 2017 Jingle Bell Run – 9am. The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive while raising funds for arthritis. $20-$75 registration fee. Riverfront Park, 507 N Howard St, Spokane. Register: jbr.org. DIY Essential Oil Workshop – 4pm. Learn about essential oils, and how to make your own gifts, and DIY crafts at this fun workshop. $20/advance, $25/ door. 10 participant limit. Optimal Living Institute, 3882 N Schreiber Way, Ste 101, Coeur d’ Alene. RSVP: Karina: 208-770-7072 or RootsShootsLeavesCDA@gmail.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4
savethedate MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 Healing Waters Holistic Center Open House – 4-7pm. Join the practitioners at Healing Waters Holistic Center for an open house, and learn more about each practice and their healing services. There will be coupons, discounted gift certificates (perfect for holiday gifts), a spritzer bar, door prizes and goodies. Free. 101 N Evergreen Rd, Spokane Valley. Info: 509-228-3516 or HealingWatersHolisticCenter.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Natural Awakenings Launch and Wellness Event – 4-6pm. Join Natural Awakenings Inland Northwest and the Wellness Bar in Hayden, Idaho for the
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
December magazine launch and wellness event. Enjoy fresh pressed juice samples and a 25 percent discount on all menu items. Meet local holistic service providers and experience a mini meditation and yoga class. Free. Wellness Bar, 8110 N Government Way, Hayden, ID. Questions: 509-869-4361.
Healthy for the Holidays Recipe Night and Nutrition Workshop – 5:30-7pm. Dr Erin Sousley and nutrition enthusiast Melissa Sandford will show attendees how to get through the holidays without putting on that extra hibernation weight that plagues so many of us during this season. Free. Summit Family Chiropractic, 2634 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID. Register: EventBrite.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Kids Holiday Celebration – 4-6pm. Kick-off the holiday season with My Fresh Basket. Decorate a holiday cookie with frosting and sprinkles, and don’t forget to have your picture taken with Santa. Free. 1030 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane. MyFreshSpokane.com. Hands Against Trafficking (HAT) Christmas Market – Dec 8-9. 4-8pm, Fri; 9am-2pm, Sat. Hosted by the Jonah Project and JP Fundraising. Enjoy a chair massage or paraffin wax treatment, yummy food from Garland Sandwich Shoppe, craft projects and lots of shopping opportunities right before Christmas. Free. 1047 W Garland Ave, Spokane.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Advanced Healing Techniques for the Reiki Healer – Dec 9-10. 10am-5pm. This class provides training for techniques used in our treatment rooms. Refresh your training while learning new skills under the guidance of experienced, practicing angelic reiki master/teachers. $333 tuition. Lunch provided. Compass Rose Holistic Healing Center, Inc, 909 N Pines Rd, Spokane Valley. Info: 509926-9803 or ChangeYourCompass.com. Register: MindBodyOnline.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Heart Chakra Healing with Crystals and Essential Oils – 3-6pm. Jennifer Brown will share her knowledge of healing arts, crystals for amplification and the healing properties of essential oils. Learn about the heart chakra (Anahata) and how crystals and essential oils can magnify, clear and balance you on your journey. $17. Gaia’s Rock’n Crystals, next to 912 Northwest Blvd, Coeur d’Alene. RSVP: 208-691-8865.
Meet Your
Natural Match On Our Newly Upgraded Website
We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members. Winter is here; be proactive by joining today. Your natural match is waiting to meet you!
Holiday World Foods Dinner Series – 6-10pm. Adam Hegsted presents small plates paired with wines of the world. Doors open to a champagne toast at 6pm, small plate service starts at 6:30pm. Must be over 21. $50/person. The Wandering Table, 1242 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane. RSVP: 443-4410.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 DIY Essential Oil Workshop – 4pm. See Dec 2 listing. Optimal Living Institute, 3882 N Schreiber Way, Ste 101 in Coeur d’ Alene. RSVP: Karina: 208770-7072 or RootsShootsLeavesCDA@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 INVeg Holiday Potluck Party and Vegan Baking Auction – 5-8pm. Join for a special holiday potluck feast with live band Stuntcoaster. Bring your favorite vegan, plant-based holiday dish (no dairy, eggs, animal meat, gelatin or honey) to share with the community. Free. Spokane Woman’s Club, 1428 W 9th Ave, Spokane.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 Family Skate Night – 5-8pm. Check out the new Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon with free ice skating admission for the first 500 attendees courtesy of Washington Trust Bank. Skate rental additional $4.50. 507 N Howard St, Spokane.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Story Time at Well Read Moose – 4:30-5:15pm. Join for stories about Christmastime. Free. Well Read Moose, 20148 N Main St, Coeur d’Alene. WellReadMoose.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 First Night Spokane – 7pm-1am. First Night Spokane is celebrating 17 years hosting the largest Visual and Performing Arts Festival in the downtown core of Spokane. With family and adult zones, there is something for all ages. Admission: $15/advance, /$18/day of event. Info/tickets: FirstNightSpokane.org.
plan ahead FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Introductory Primordial Sound Meditation Course – Jan 19-21. Meditation has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, increase focus, concentration and creativity. 2018 is the perfect time to develop your own practice. Ideal for those new to meditation. $249. RSVP: 509-979-2223. 7RootsLife.com.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27
Try for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 28
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Celebrate You Retreat 2018 – 10am-3pm. A fivehour retreat that celebrates the uniqueness of each woman. Brainstorm ideas to deal with issues, set clear intentions and create your most vibrant life. $125. RSVP: 509-951-8393.
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Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@inwAwakenings.com.
tuesday
OPPORTUNITIES
7Roots Restorative Yoga and Sound Bath – 6-7pm. Join this December for a reprieve from the holiday chaos. Hosted by Cyndi Rai, LMP, NTP. Donation. 23801 E Appleway Ave, Ste 220 (middle door), Liberty Lake. 509-979-2223. 7RootsLife.com.
sunday Unity Center of North Spokane Group Service – 8:45am & 11am. 8:45am is a contemplative meditation service; 11am is a more social celebration service; youth services at 11am. 4123 E Lincoln Rd, Spokane. 509-489-6964. TheUnityCenter.org. Unity Spiritual Center Group Service – 9am & 11am. Join for joy-filled music that opens the heart, a time of stillness to quiet the mind and body, and dynamic messages that both uplift and yet challenge us to make our lives, and thus our world, better. Childcare available. 2900 S Bernard St, Spokane. 509-838-6518. UnitySpokane.org.
wednesday 7Roots All Levels Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 9am. See Monday description. $5. 23801 E Appleway Ave, Ste 220 (middle door), Liberty Lake. 509-979-2223. 7RootsLife.com. Health is Simple Workshop – 6-7pm. Every other Wed. (12/6 & 12/20). Led by Dr Larry Callaway, this workshop is designed to help participants take five simple steps to make changes in their health and wellness. Bring a partner/friend. Free. Intelligent Balance Spinal Care, 2310 N Molter Rd, Ste 108, Liberty Lake. RSVP: 509-924-4443. IntelligentBalance.com.
thursday
Unitarian Universalist Church – 9:15am & 11am. A dynamic, welcoming, and supportive faith community that values the worth and dignity of every person and every individual’s right to freely search for truth and meaning in their lives. 4340 W Fort George Wright Dr, Spokane. 509-325-6383. UuSpokane.org.
North Spokane Grocery Outlet Wine Tasting – 3-5pm. Join for a weekly wine tasting at the North Division location. 7810 N Division. 509-484-4850.
Unity Spiritual Center of North Idaho Group Service – 10am. Our Sunday Services are a celebration of living where we explore our connection with Spirit and learn practical ways to apply ancient wisdom to thrive in the here and now. 4465 N 15th St, Coeur d’Alene, ID. 208664-1125. UnityCenter.org.
friday
Spokane Buddhist Temple – 10:30am. The main temple hall is called a Hondo where we gather for services. The shrine, Gohonzon, is located in the front center. The ringing of the Kansho signifies the beginning of service. Begin with a moment of quiet meditation, then chanting of the Sutras. 927 S Perry St, Spokane. 509-534-7954. SpokaneBuddhistTemple.org.
monday 7Roots All Levels Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 9am. Relieve stress and stay healthy this holiday season with weekly yoga. $5. 23801 E Appleway Ave, Ste 220 (middle door), Liberty Lake. 509-979-2223. 7RootsLife.com. Half-Hour to Health – 6-6:30pm. 1st Mon. 30-minute workshop led by Dr Ellis at Clear Chiropractic. Learn how your body works to heal itself with chiropractic care. If you’re tired of taking medications that mask your symptoms and don’t actually heal your body, join to learn more. Free. 2503 E 27th Ave, Spokane. 509-315-8166. ClearChiroSpokane.com.
Half-Hour to Health – 6-6:30pm. 3rd Thurs. See Monday listing. 2503 E 27th Ave, Spokane. 509315-8166. ClearChiroSpokane.com.
7Roots All Levels Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 9am. See Monday description. $5. 23801 E Appleway Ave, Ste 220 (middle door), Liberty Lake. 509-979-2223. 7RootsLife.com.
ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise in Natural Awakenings classified ad section. To place an ad, email Publisher@inwAwakenings.com. START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business, complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsmag.com/MyMagazine.
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First Friday – 5-8pm. 1st Fri. Downtown retailers and restaurants stay open, feature artists and musicians and offer special promotions. Free admission. Downtown Spokane. 509-456-0580. Second Friday – 5-8pm. 2nd Fri. Stroll through downtown Coeur d’Alene and experience the vibrant arts community. Support the downtown shops, restaurants and businesses. Look for the official yellow ArtWalk balloons. A family-friendly event. Free. CdaDowntown.com.
saturday Relax, Release, Restore – 4-6pm. 1st Sat. With Peggy Raye. Monthly gathering for those interested in creating a happier, healthier, more joy-filled life. Combines restorative and therapeutic yoga poses, guided meditations and Native American drum circle. $20. 23801 E Appleway Ave, Set 220 (middle door), Liberty Lake. 509-979-2223. 7RootsLife.com.
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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@inwAwakenings.com to request our media kit.
ENERGY HEALERS
ACUPUNCTURE NELSON COMERCI, LAC
CDA Acupuncture & Holistic Healing 225 E. Locust Ave, Coeur d’Alene 208-665-2293 • CDAHealing.com Nelson offers traditional oriental medical techniques for a variety of imbalances including physical, mental and emotional. He specializes in acute and chronic pain; digestive, gynecological, mental health, hepatic-gallbladder disorders; autoimmune syndromes and substance misuse including cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. See ad, page 24.
LILAC CITY ACUPUNCTURE
2925 N Monroe St, Spokane 509-535-4055 • LilacCityAcu.com Spokane’s first dedicated community acupuncture clinic, offering $20 acupuncture treatments in an open, relaxing setting. Appointments can be made easily on our website and same-day appointments are often available. There is a one-time $10 paperwork fee.
LISE TAKASHINA, LAC
Peony Acupuncture & Apothecary 302 N 5th St, Coeur d’Alene • 208-292-4829 PeonyAcupuncture.com Find health, balance, and inner vibrancy through a range of holistic treatments including acupuncture, herbal medicine, Moxa, cupping, essential oil therapy, guasha and other modalities. Takashina is passionate about women’s health and holistic internal medicine including pain management, digestive health, and natural hormone regulation.
CHIROPRACTIC INTELLIGENT BALANCE SPINAL CARE 2310 N Molter Rd, Ste 108 Liberty Lake • 509-924-4443 Info@IntelligentBalance.com IntelligentBalance.com
Not all forms of chiropractic care are the same. Intelligent Balance treats patients using upper cervical chiropractic care by performing the QSM3 technique, which focuses on body balancing. They also specialize in a progression of the NUCCA chiropractic technique that achieves measurable results in a comfortable setting. Schedule a free consultation today. See ad, page 22.
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SUSAN FLERCHINGER
Healing Waters Holistic Center 101 N Evergreen Rd, Spokane Valley 509-879-3264 • SusansEnergy@aol.com HealingWatersCenter.com My mission is to facilitate healing for you (and the Earth) to help propel you into a life you love. Through energetic releasing of emotional baggage, traumas, other’s energies and fears, we open the flow for your own natural healing to take place. See ad, page 8.
HEALTHY FOODS GROCERY OUTLET
Downtown Spokane: 1617 W 3rd Ave 509-624-4222 North Spokane: 7810 N Division St 509-484-4850 Spokane Valley: 12115 E Sprague Ave 509-703-7185 Coeur d’Alene: 410 W Neider Ave 208-765-3141 GroceryOutlet.com Check out the best first stop on your next health-seeking shopping trip. Grocery Outlet offers a huge selection of NOSH (natural, organic, specialty and healthy) products at deeply discounted prices. NOSH foods support specific health-promoting diets and include a variety of gluten- and dairy-free options. See ad, page 23.
HOLISTIC SKIN CARE BRIGITTE HALLOWITZ, LE
Healing Waters Holistic Center 101 N Evergreen Rd, Spokane Valley Coeur d’Alene Acupuncture & Holistic Healing 225 E Locust Ave, Coeur d’Alene 509-688-9856 • SkinBNatural.com Holistic skin care is the philosophy of treating the body and skin as one cohesive unit – what happens inside our body is reflected on our skin. Brigitte focuses on helping the skin to function optimally by stimulating the healing power of nature with performance, resultsdriven natural skin care products, facials and microcurrent treatments. See ads, pages 8 and 24.
inwAwakenings.com
HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTERS HEALING WATERS HOLISTIC CENTER 101 N Evergreen Rd Spokane Valley • 509-228-3516 HealingWatersHolisticCenter.com
Your personal wellness begins here! Each practitioner has their own business and unique offerings within the center, which include naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, energy balancing and healing, life coaching and personal power renewal, holistic skin care, hypnotherapy and myofascial release massage therapy. See ad, page 8.
HOSPICE HOSPICE OF NORTH IDAHO
9493 N Government Way, Hayden, ID 208-772-7994 HospiceOfNorthIdaho.org Our community’s trusted hospice for 36 years. As the area’s only community-owned hospice, we serve the seriously ill and those touched by loss. Our patients receive expert care at any age, regardless of financial circumstances. See ad, page 7.
HYPNOTHERAPY JAMES BARFOOT, CHT
Intentional Hypnosis 915 W 2nd Ave, Ste 7, Spokane 509-230-5053 • IntentionalHypnosis.com My goal is to help you on your journey to a more productive and vital life. I use personal hypno-sis sessions and powerful personal coaching to permanently change undesired habits and behav-iors on a conscious and subconscious level.
MARY PETERSON, RN, CCHT
Hypnosis For Self Care Healing Waters Holistic Center 101 N Evergreen Rd, Spokane Valley 509-370-8351 • Hyp.Maryt@gmail.com HypnosisForSelfCare.com Transpersonal hypnosis for accessing inner strength and deep insights, in conjunction with Emotional Freedom Technique, sometimes called tapping, allowing faster relief of emotional challenges. See ad, page 8.
JUICE BARS THE WELLNESS BAR
Coeur d’Alene • Post Falls • Hayden, ID niWellnessBar.com Our mission is to bring healthy options to your entire family with the best raw ingredients available, blended into amazing flavors that you’ll love. Find out why our fresh, healthy, made-to-order juices and smoothies are prized in our community. See ad, page 9.
LIFE TRANSFORMATIONS
NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS
LIFE DESIGNS WITH TRACY TURNER
ANALISA AZZOPARDI, ND, BSC, MSC
Certified Expressive Arts Practitioner Healing Waters Holistic Center 101 N Evergreen Rd, Spokane Valley 509-951-8393 • LifeDesignsWithTracyTurner.com I am passionate about helping clients transform the shame, fear, limits and negative energy of past life experiences into joyful and loving self acceptance. Let’s get started today building the life you have always imagined and creating new levels of vitality and happiness. See ad, page 8.
MASSAGE SCHOOLS THERAPEUTIC CONNECTIONS SCHOOL OF MASSAGE
505 E 24th Ave, Spokane 509-230-2307 • tcMassageSchool.com Are you ready to pursue a career in massage therapy? A new era of growth, innovation and education awaits and it’s time to step up and own the success that you deserve. The Professional Massage Practitioner Program will arm you with the skills and psychology necessary to thrive in this ever-evolving field of health care. See ad, page 19.
MASSAGE THERAPY MARK SMITH, LMP
My Massage & Sports Therapy Healing Waters Holistic Center 101 N Evergreen Rd, Spokane Valley 509-370-2207 MyMassageSportsTherapy.com
Medical Healing Arts The Liberty Building, Ste 200L 203 N Washington, Spokane 510-316-1676 • Facebook.com/AzzopardiND
Dr. Azzopardi specializes in nutritional counseling, allergies and sensitivities, genetic and epigenetic information and women’s and children’s health. Helping clients achieve their overall health and nutrition goals leads to stronger immune systems, less illness and a better quality of life.
TOBY K. HALLOWITZ, ND, LAC
Healing Waters Holistic Center 101 N Evergreen Rd, Spokane Valley 509-228-3528 • Dr-Toby.com Coeur d’Alene Acupuncture & Holistic Healing 225 E Locust Ave, Coeur d’Alene 208-665-2293 • CDAHealing.com Dr. Hallowitz is a naturopathic doctor (ND), classically trained Chinese medicine practitioner and licensed acupuncturist. He concentrates on whole-patient wellness, evidence-based clinical naturopathic and Chinese medicine with emphasis on prevention and restoration of balance to the body, mind and spirit. See ads, pages 8 and 24.
ORGANIC SKIN CARE CARING COCONUT Spokane Valley CaringCoconut.com
Mark Smith specializes in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release approach to eliminate or reduce soft tissue pain in client’s bodies. Myofascial Release treats the fascial restriction that causes pain allowing a return to a pain-free lifestyle. See ad, page 8.
We hand craft organic skin care for mothers and children. Each item is specially handcrafted with naturaland organic-lovers in mind, so you can rest easy that we’ve chosen only the best for you and your family. Find all of our products at CaringCoconut.com, and use coupon code NATURAL to save 10% off your total purchase.
MINERAL THERAPY
PETS
WONDERS OF THE WORLD
Located in the Flour Mill 621 W Mallon Ave, Spokane 509-325-2867 • WondersOfTheWorldInc.com Quartz is said to be the “master healer” amplifying energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals. It is believed to absorb, store, release and regulate energy. It is the stone of personal empowerment. See ad, page 18.
PAWPULAR COMPANIONS
21950 E Country Vista Dr, Ste 100 Liberty Lake • 509-927-8890 PawpularCompanions@gmail.com PawpularCompanions.com We carry a large variety of food and treats for all life stages and diets, including many grain-free options, raw food, canned food and freeze-dried kibble. Let us be your local resource for high-quality, natural and organic pet food and supplies. See ad, back cover.
PRAIRIE DOG PET MERCANTILE 5608 S Regal, Ste 100, Spokane 1206 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane 509-443-9663 • PDogPet.com
At Prairie Dog, we are passionate about holistic support for your whole pet and believe in the vital importance of nutrition. We’ve learned that animals thrive on diets honoring their evolutionary development, which is why our focus is on quality foods free from cheap fillers—with an emphasis on raw food. Certified professional dog trainers are on staff. See ad, back cover.
YUPPY PUPPY
9511 N Newport Hwy, Spokane 509-467-8221 • YuppyPuppySpokane.com The Yuppy Puppy is a locally owned pet supply store, doggy daycare and dog wash staffed by an outgoing, eclectic and fairly obnoxious group of funloving pet people who truly care about the lifetime well-being of your furry family members. See ad, back cover.
RETREATS 7ROOTS RETREATS
Cyndi Rai 23801 E Appleway Ave, Ste 220, Liberty Lake 509-979-2223 • CyndiRai@gmail.com 7RootsLife.com Experience the healing presence of Cyndi Rai as she trains you in the 7Roots Lifestyle to help you recover from loss and move through grief. Rai is a certified Chopra Center meditation ins t r u c t o r, y o g a i n s t r u c t o r, reflexologist, energy worker and licensed massage practitioner who specializes in two-hour grief massages. See ad, page 8.
SELF-IMPROVEMENT BLUE SKY SERVICES
Rebecca Knight Spokane • CdA • Sandpoint 208-215-1231 Are you seeking less stress, better relationships and improved outcomes in your personal and professional life? HeartMath certified coach, Rebecca Knight, is here to guide you with proven techniques and a personalized plan to discover and reclaim your unique life vision. Call/text for a complementary consultation. See ad, page 14.
SPIRITUAL CENTERS UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER
2900 S Bernard St, Spokane 509-838-6518 • UnitySpokane.org
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. ~Dalai Lama
Unity offers practical, spiritual teachings that empower abundant and meaningful living. If you are looking for a transformative, spiritual home and want to build a better life and world, please join us. We are an open and affirming community. Everyone is welcome.
natural awakenings
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PETS ARE WELCOME!
We carry everything you need for a happy healthy pet Liberty Lake
PAWPULAR COMPANIONS
21950 E Country Vista Dr Ste 100 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 509-927-8890 PawpularCompanions.com
South Hill & Kendall Yards
PRAIRIE DOG PET MERCANTILE
5608 S Regal Ste 100 509-443-9663 1206 W. Summit Pkwy Spokane, WA PDogPet.com
Northside
YUPPY PUPPY
9511 N Newport Hwy Spokane, WA 99218 509-467-8221 YuppyPuppySpokane.com