Natural Awakenings Inland Northwest December 2020 Issue

EE H HE EA AL LT TH HY Y L L II V V II N NG G R F

HE EA AL LT TH HY Y P PL LA AN NE ET T H

MINDFUL WORKOUTS

BRING BETTER RESULTS

’TIS THE SEASON TO SAVE THE PLANET

MATT KAHN

on Transforming the Planet with Love

WRITING A NEW

WORLD STORY

THAT HEALS US AND THE PLANET

December 2020 | Inland Northwest Edition | inwAwakenings.com

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December 2020

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

Thank you, Shane O’Neill

INLAND NORTHWEST

Publisher Amber McKenzie

Editorial Team S. Alison Chabonais

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

O

n Saturday, October 31 at approximately 8:30 p.m. under the full blue moon, a wonderful man, father, grandfather, husband, friend, son, brother, uncle, realtor, and all-around Spokane legend, Shane O’Neill, lifted off—back to Spirit, back to light, back to God.

Shane was my father-in-law and friend, and like many, I loved him dearly. He was a beautiful reminder of what it means to be fully human, experiencing life with an open heart and a genuine appreciation for all it has to offer—the highs and the lows. He was everywhere present for his family—especially his kids and grandkids. Never missing an opportunity to support the ones he loved—or to take them out for a Happy Meal afterwards—Shane attended everything from kindergarten graduations, talent shows and science fairs to Active4Youth track meets, Christmas plays and other performances. He was even an advertiser in this magazine—one of the many ways he showed his support for me.

Shane and his incredible wife, Patty Rose, took care of my girls during the final days of my mom’s life. I will never forget their compassion and help during that very painful time.

I hope they felt the tremendous outpouring of love and adoration that so many of us sent their way during the final weeks and days of his life.

If I could say one thing to Shane right now, and I know his spirit is listening, it would be the biggest ever thank you. Thank you for showing me and your granddaughters what it means to live with an open and generous heart. Thank you for lighting up every time you saw your grandkids and for loving them all unconditionally. Thank you for making everyone you came into contact with feel special and cared for and like we mattered. And finally, thank you for providing us with memories that will last a lifetime. Your light, your joy, your love and your memory lives on within us now and always. You are our hearts’ greatest treasure.

With deep, soul-filled love, Amber, Zeni and Solea

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Contents 11 20 20

11 FRESH RITUALS FOR A NEW YEAR 12 THE NEW STORY FOR THE WORLD

Re-Visioning the Script for a Healthier Society and Planet

16 PAY WHERE WE PLAY

16

Boosting the Hometown Economy

18 MIND-BODY FITNESS

How Mindfulness Benefits Workouts

20 REINVENT THE HOLIDAYS

More Meaning, Less Stuff

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22 MATT KAHN

on Transforming the Planet With Love

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DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 global briefs 10 health briefs 11 inspiration 16 green living 18 fit body 20 healthy kids 22 wise words 24 calendar of events 24 ongoing events 25 classifieds 26 resource guide

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December 2020

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news briefs

Drs. Jane and Gary Simmons

Beloved Unity Ministers Retire

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Richard Seaman

Unity Spokane Welcomes Transformational Speakers Every Sunday

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eginning December 20, Unity Spiritual Center on Spokane’s South Hill welcomes transformational speakers to deliver the Sunday message each week at 10 a.m.

“We’re headed into a transition period where we celebrate the retirement of our amazing ministers, Drs. Gary and Jane Simmons, and begin the process of hiring a new minister for our spiritual center,” shares Amber McKenzie, volunteer leader of the Unity Sunday Service team. “During this time, we’re excited to bring dynamic, spirituallyfocused speakers from our region and beyond to share their wisdom, spiritual practices and transformational messages.”

On December 27, award-winning spiritual teacher, author and master coach, Richard Seaman, will give part one of a two-part series titled, Are you Spiritually Reliable?

This series is based on his book, Spiritual Reliability: Learning to Become God’s Employee.

Part two of his talk will be held on January 17.

“My mission in life is to train people to transform their lives personally, professionally and spiritually,” explains Seaman, founder of Seattle Life Coach Training. “If I’m able to put a dent into someone’s consciousness that results in a beneficial shift or change in their life, then I know I’m living my higher purpose as God’s employee. I look forward to speaking more about this topic at Unity Spokane.”

Are you Spiritually Reliable? Part One: December 27 at 10 a.m.; Part Two: January 17 at 10 a.m. For more information or replays of Sunday services, visit UnitySpokane.org or watch the livestream at Facebook.com/UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane. See ad, page 31.

For more information about Richard Seaman and his training opportunities, visit SeattleLifeCoachTraining.com.

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rs. Gary and Jane Simmons, co-ministers at Unity Spiritual Center Spokane for the past five years, are retiring after decades of service to numerous Unity spiritual centers in Canada and the United States.

The Simmons final Sunday service will be held on December 13 at 10 a.m. and will be livestreamed on the Unity Spokane Facebook page.

Following the service at 3 p.m., a virtual retirement ceremony and Zoom call will be held in their honor. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the virtual celebrations.

Dr. Gary Simmons is a renowned peacemaker and spiritual leader whose teachings and ground-breaking Integral Model of Ministry are transforming church organizations and helping leaders to grow the emotional and spiritual maturity of their communities. He is the author of several books, including The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace and The Soul’s Conspiracy.

Dr. Jane Simmons is a powerful speaker, writer and educator with a passion for multi-generational and heart-centered approaches to personal transformation. She is the author of You Can’t Sleep Through Your Awakening and co-author of the best-selling book, Who Have You Come Here to Be, 101 Possibilities for Contemplation.

Retirement Service: December 13 at 10 a.m. Zoom Retirement Celebration: 3 p.m. For more information or to receive the Zoom link, visit UnitySpokane.org or watch the livestream service at Facebook.com/ UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane. See ad, page 31.

Transformational Retreat Offers Ancient Teachings

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irginia Ellen, spiritual teacher, modern day mystic, energy healer and author, is excited to announce her upcoming 2021 Ascended Masters Retreat being held January 9 to 13 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. “2021 will be one of the darkest years we have experienced, but we can turn this around by learning the laws of the Heavenly Realms,” she explains. “In these higher dimensions, we’re able to bring peace and love to the Virginia Ellen Earth for all of humanity.”

Ellen channels ancient teachings from master teachers including Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mother Mary and Joseph, the father of Jesus. “Each day of the retreat, one of the masters will be teaching a pulse of consciousness that is not on Earth,” she explains. “This pulse will be felt like a soft, sweet balm of peace, joy, love and abundant life. We will play and learn in an illuminated light that is new to humanity.”

Ellen’s passion to share these teachings stems from a near death experience that occurred in 1988. “As I entered the light field, I came face-to-face with Jesus,” she shares.

“He showed me that the choices I’d made in my life were made from a mental state and not my heart. He then showed me what my life would have looked like if I’d made more decisions with my heart and spirit. I realized I’d missed an abundant life filled with perfection, joy, love and peace.”

Ellen asked Jesus if she could go back and do it over again and he agreed—only if she was willing to change every concept of her life. “I said that I would. When I returned to my body, I truly felt how healthy and well it was,” she says. The next morning, during meditation, Jesus returned and began to teach her the laws of the Universe and the secrets that he knew and lived—the Lost Science of Miracles.

Retreat dates: January 9 to 13. Early bird discount available until December 20. Limited to 10 participants. Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. For more information, costs and registration, visit LostScienceOfMiracles.com or call 208-786-2906. See ad, page 17.

Holistic Chamber Meeting Offers Mini Rejuvenation Sessions

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he Spokane Chapter of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) will hold its December meeting via Zoom from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on December 8.

HCC members and visitors will have the opportunity to share and receive mini rejuvenation sessions.

“We are closing out 2020 doing what we do best – supporting the vitality, health and wellness of our holistic community,” explains shamanic practitioner and HCC vice president, Nona Lowe. “In an effort to help rejuvenate ourselves and each other, we are offering mini rejuvenation healing sessions for the December meeting and encourage anyone who is interested in energetic support to attend.”

Mini rejuvenation sessions include reiki, extraction work, healing meditations and more.

RSVP required to receive Zoom link. Free. Call/text 509-869-4361, email Spokane@ HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com or visit HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/Spokane.

See Resource Guide listing, page 29.

Lose Weight and Gain Wellness in 2021

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uring the month of December, Process to Wellness owner and results-focused wellness coach, Sheryl Quesnel, is offering Natural Awakenings readers a 20 percent discount on 12-weekly sessions of coaching.

“Every year during the holidays, many people experience a cycle of weight gain with the intention of weight loss in the New Year, only to be disappointed by their failed attempts,” shares Quesnel. “But what if there’s another way? What if there’s an easier, more effective process that doesn’t include calorie restriction or an intensive exercise program? This is what I offer— and the best part? It actually works!”

Quesnel tailors her 12-week program based on each client’s unique needs, goals and lifestyle. “In addition to weekly coaching guidance, my clients receive in-depth education, a clear and manageable action plan, troubleshooting advice as well as support for their long-term weight loss and wellness gain goals and success.”

“I am almost 69 years old, insulin resistant and have hypothyroid,” shares Karen, one of Quesnel’s most enthusiastic clients. “I’ve struggled with weight since menopause and tried multiple diets despite being a nurse practitioner with a background in helping patients manage their insulin resistance and weight issues.” During quarantine, she reached her highest weight yet. “That’s when I called Sheryl.

In four weeks, I lost seven pounds and two inches off my waist. I’m eating a great whole foods diet and am never hungry. No more joint pain either. I couldn’t be happier! I plan to eat this way the rest of my life. I recommend her to anyone looking for an effective program and coach.”

The regular cost for 12-weekly coaching sessions is $770. Natural Awakenings readers that sign up prior to December 31 will receive a 20 percent discount, bringing the total down to $616. For more information or for a free consultation, visit ProcessToWellness.com or call 208-2671990 to start your coaching program. See resource guide listing, page 30.

December 2020

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global briefs

Conscientious Director Amazon Climate Label Facilitates Greener Choices

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Amazon is labeling approximately 25,000 products with a Climate Pledge Friendly (CPF) designation to meet a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2040. The selection includes grocery, household, fashion, beauty and personal electronics products, as well as from brands such as Seventh Generation and Burt’s Bees Baby. CPF products are clearly labeled in shopping results, have additional sustainability information on their product page and are featured in a dedicated section of the online store.

The Seattle company, which currently delivers 10 billion items a year, has an enormous carbon footprint due to its commitment to speedy deliveries, transportation-related emissions and data centers. A paper in Environmental Science & Technology, published by the American Chemical Society, found that going to a physical store actually has a lower carbon footprint than shopping on Amazon because customers tend to buy fewer items at a time online. When they go to a store, they’re more likely to stock up and reduce the need for more trips.

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California governor Gavin Newsom has signed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act into law, which bans 24 ingredients from cosmetics and personal care products sold within the state. The list includes mercury, formaldehyde, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, endocrine-disrupting phthalates and long-chain parabens used as preservatives, among other chemicals.

Many have been linked to breast cancer, reproductive and neurological damage, birth defects, organ system toxicity and developmental delays.

National standards lag behind the rest of the world and have not been updated since being created in 1938.

Despite the industry’s immense size, only two pages of the 829-page Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act govern cosmetics. The new California law will make products safer for everyone, but Black women stand to benefit more because they represent the biggest U.S. market for cosmetics. Environmental watchdog Treehugger notes that Black women account for an estimated 22 percent of the country’s $42-billion per year personal care products market, despite comprising less than 7 percent of the national population.

laura chouette/Unsplash.com

California Passes Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act

Weather Wanderers The U.S. Geological Survey predicts that global sea levels would rise by about 230 feet if all the glaciers and ice caps on Earth melted, flooding almost every coastal city in the world. This disastrous possibility forces us to confront where current coastal dwellers would go if their cities become uninhabitable uninhabitable. In 2017, of the 68.5 million people that were displaced by sudden weather events that included floods, forest fires and intense storms, more than one-third of them were forced to leave their homes behind.

A 2018 World Bank report found that without tangible climate action, more than 143 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America will be forced to move to escape the impacts of climate change by 2050. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, more than 1 billion people worldwide will live in countries with insufficient infrastructure to withstand climate change by 2050 (see Tinyurl.com/EcologicalThreatMap). The Pacific Islands are expected to be impacted especially hard because sea levels there are already rising at almost half an inch each year.

Shining Example

WellExplorer App Can Warn of Toxic Drinking Water

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has created WellExplorer, a new, interactive tool that allows residents and scientists to find out what toxins have been deposited in their drinking water as a result of hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Exposure to fracking fluid in drinking water has been shown to increase the risk of respiratory problems, premature births, congenital heart defects and other health problems.

Different fracking sites use a diverse mix of chemical ingredients, and individuals and researchers are often uninformed about the exact health consequences of living near a particular well. People can view the closest fracking sites in their state, learn which chemicals are used at those sites and view their levels of toxicity by entering their zip code.

WellExplorer can be obtained for free at WellExplorer.org or downloaded on Apple’s App store.

A recent study published in the journal Database found that operators of wells in Alabama use a disproportionately high number of chemicals that target estrogen pathways, as do those in Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania in impacting testosterone pathways. The information found through WellExplorer might be particularly relevant for those that use private water wells.

Saving Arctic Ice Using Glass Beads

The California nonprofit Arctic Ice Project is proposing to scatter a thin layer of reflective silica glass particles over parts of the Arctic in an effort to protect it from the sun and help ice to re-form. Engineer Leslie Field, an adjunct lecturer and chief technical officer at Stanford University, says they are trying to break a self-destructive feedback loop.

An underrated feature of Arctic sea ice is the ability of its bright, white surface to reflect light. The frigid poles have acted for millennia as a massive umbrella that helps keep the planet cool and climate stable. Now much of that ice is rapidly melting. As temperatures rise, the reflective white ice dissolves into darker blue water that absorbs more of the sun’s energy instead of reflecting it into space. Warmer water accelerates melting, which means yet more absorption of heat, which drives further melting, in a cycle that is part of the reason why the Arctic is warming about twice as fast as the rest of the planet. In July, the ice cover was as low as it has ever been at the same time of year. matt holmes/Unsplash.com

Tainted Taps

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pixabay/Pexels.com

Climate Refugees Could Reach One Billion by 2050

December 2020

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health briefs

For a Healthy Baby, Take a Multivitamin, Exercise and Ditch the Devices

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The simple step of taking a daily multivitamin during pregnancy can reduce the risk of autism in newborns by 38 percent, report Chinese researchers that analyzed nine studies of 231,163 children, of which 4,459 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Another study from Kings College, London, of 1,555 obese, pregnant women, concluded that when they improved their diet and exercised, their children three years later had an average resting pulse rate of five beats per minute lower than the other children, a better glycemic response and slightly less obesity. Israeli research, published in the online journal Sleep, involving 116 men ages 21 to 59, found those that used smartphones and tablets in the evening and after bedtime had lower sperm quality with reduced counts and motility. Watching TV, another light-emitting source, during the evening also correlated with lower sperm concentration.

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For normal nighttime sleepers, taking a midday snooze for more than one hour may hurt cardiovascular health, reports a surprising new study from Guangzhou Medical University, in China. After analyzing 20 studies of 313,651 people, researchers found those people that napped longer than 60 minutes after sleeping more than six hours at night had a 30 percent greater risk of death from any cause and a 34 percent higher risk of heart disease. However, for people sleeping less than six hours at night, naps of 30 to 45 minutes “might improve heart health,” says study author Zhe Pan. Napping, long thought to be healthy, is under increasing scrutiny, with some research linking it to high blood pressure, diabetes and poor overall physical health. A 2019 Swiss study, published in Heart, of 3,500 people concluded that napping once or twice a week reduces heart disease risk by 48 percent, but benefits decline with more frequent naps, perhaps because ongoing sleepiness can point to underlying health disorders.

Practice Yoga to Improve Atrial Fibrillation Yoga postures and breathing may significantly reduce episodes of atrial fibrillation, suggests a new study—good news for the one in 11 Americans that suffer from its anxiety-producing palpitations, racing pulses, dizziness and shortness of breath. In the study, which was presented to the European Society of Cardiology, 538 patients underwent 12 weeks without yoga and then 16 weeks of attending 30-minute yoga classes every other day. During the yoga period, their fibrillation episodes were halved, dropping on average to eight as compared to 15 in the non-yoga period. Average blood pressure was 11/6 millimeters of mercury lower after yoga training. The patients also reported improved moods and energy. “Our study suggests that yoga has wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits for patients with atrial fibrillation, and could be added on top of usual therapies,” says study author Naresh Sen, M.D., of Sunil Memorial Superspecialty Hospital, in Jaipur, India. elly fairytale/Pexels.com

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Nap Less for Heart Health

inspiration

that spirit, this is a good time to gather clothing, books and other items collecting dust and donate them to a local charity where they may be useful to someone else.

Fresh Rituals for a New Year

ksenia makagonova/Unsplash.com

Formally invite prosperity. Many cultures around the world celebrate New Year’s Day with rituals that are meant to ward off bad luck and attract good fortune.

Some of them espouse throwing money over the threshold the first time someone enters their home after the new year has begun. Here’s a modern twist: Gather the family together and bless a few coins or paper bills, either through prayer or as a statement of hope and anticipation. Then, donate the money to charity as a way to spiritually pay it forward.

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he end of one year and the beginning of another marks a hopeful transition that many of us choose to celebrate with fireworks and glitzy parties. Here are several New Year’s rituals to help us connect more deeply to our loved ones, to ourselves and to a richer sense of purpose as we embrace the promise of 2021.

Reevaluate the past year. While many people focus only on what lies ahead on New Year’s Day, consider taking a therapeutic and spiritual look at the past 12 months, evaluating personal accomplishments and deviations from goals and aspirations. Take note of lessons learned and challenges faced, as well as the top 10 highlights of the year.

Declutter. In Italy, people throw things out of their windows on New Year’s Eve; getting rid of items that are no longer of service is just as important as welcoming the new. In

Spend New Year’s Eve in meditation.

Quiet meditation or prayer is a great way to usher in a sense of peace and harmony.

Make sure the session begins before midnight and extends into the new year. This can be done at home alone, with friends or at a local meet-up group, yoga center or spiritual organization.

Place special emphasis on the first 12 days. For many people, the first 12 days of a new year represent each of the 12 months to come. To set a positive course for 2021, spend each of those days exhibiting aspirations for the coming year, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen to manifest an interest in being more charitable, or reading a book about immigrants to become more culturally sensitive.

Adapted from an Arcadia Publishing contribution.

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A New Story for the World

Re-Visioning the Script for a Healthier Society and Planet

by Linda Sechrist

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lightscience/AdobeStock.com

he most familiar form of human activity and the most natural way to describe what happens in our lives is through telling stories. Toddlers listen to stories that have contained the same archetypal characters acting out similar plots for millennia. In literature, folktales and myths all over the world, stories serve the purpose of providing life instructions and answering humanity’s fundamental questions about the nature of existence, such as who we are, where we came from, the definition of our purpose and the nature of our reality.

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In the 1980s, author and cultural historian Thomas Berry declared that humanity needed a new story that is less destructive and dysfunctional. Berry filled lecture halls, telling attendees, “We are in trouble now because we don’t have a good story. The old story, the account of how the world came to be and how we fit into it, isn’t functioning properly. What once sustained us, shaped our emotional attitude, provided us with life purpose, energized action, consecrated suffering, integrated knowledge and guided education is no longer serving humanity.” As we are discovering globally through hard experience, the old stories of rugged individualism and conquering and dominating the natural world have run their course with grim results.

In the last four decades, fragments of a new story have been slowly emerging.

Because it isn’t deemed worthy of mainstream media, the public is left in the dark about new, life-instructing stories capable of altering human civilization in positive ways. Were these story fragments woven together in an anthology, chapters on climate, economy, religion, environment, science, politics, medicine, education, conscious evolution and community would constitute a useful account of ideas and concepts capable of bringing about a brighter future for humanity and the planet. These possibilities would surely capture readers’ imaginations.

New Climate Story In Climate: A New Story, writer and activist Charles Eisenstein suggests that we need a new story that makes possible the

agents of our destiny. Lifting the fog of our self-image as consumers of stuff gives humans the rights and responsibilities to live out our full co-creative humanity.

New Science Story

A Global Commons Sharing Solutions

Evolution biologist Elisabet Sahtouris’ stories about science shine a light on the broader perspective of life and science gained from studying multiple worldviews.

A scholar of ancient sciences, Sahtouris reminds us that the original purpose of science was to find guidance for human affairs by studying nature. During a recent conversation with Ubiquity University founder Jim Garrison in the online Humanity Rising’s Global Solutions Summit, she says, “We have acted in opposition and made ecology subservient to our economy, using ecology as a set of resources for human economics. When we make our economy fit into nature’s economy, which we call ecology, we’ll have ecosophy, the ‘wisdom of the Earth itself ’ that occurs when a man knows how to listen with love.”

Sahtouris teaches corporations about ecosophy’s new view of a conscious universe and a living Earth in which we are co-creators. This, she believes, takes humans out of fatalistic victimhood so that we can become consciously active

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more beautiful world our hearts know is achievable. The story, which he believes is attainable, calls for people, governments and organizations to embrace a partnership paradigm to protect, restore, regenerate and repair damages to our planet’s natural world, which we call the environment. Using indigenous wisdom, organizations such as the Pachamama Alliance and Bioneers are helping individuals worldwide to recognize that humanity is here to be in service to life. Creating the right conditions for revitalizing life is the opposite of our collective story that views the natural world only as a resource.

Eisenstein’s ideas for regenerative agriculture match those described in environmentalist Paul Hawken’s Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. In October, Drawdown Georgia became the first state-centered effort to crowd-solve for climate change, with solutions tailored to Georgia’s unique natural, economic and social resources.

Through the daily sharing of stories with keynote speakers and panel discussions, Garrison increases the momentum of the Humanity Rising movement, which includes Ubiquity University students, program participants and more than 400 organizations that come together as a “global commons” to take counsel and share what they are developing for their own networks.

Humanity Rising was launched to try to leverage the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic into an opportunity for human renewal and increase our resilience to future challenges. This new form of real-life competency education delivered in TED Talk-style presentations, moderated dialogues, working groups, blogs, ongoing conversations, group discussions and other interactions provides participants a wide scope of possibilities and activities for working together for global solutions.

Economics Story If British economist Kate Raworth writes a follow-up to her bestselling book Donut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist, she’ll certainly add a case study of her consulting work in Amsterdam, where her donut model is now embraced as the starting point for public policy decisions. Amsterdam is the world’s first city to make a commitment to Raworth’s concepts: “Out with the global attachment to economic growth and laws of supply and demand, and in with … what it means for countries, cities and people to thrive in balance with the planet,” as reported in The Guardian. The simple central premise of Raworth’s alternative to growth economics is that the goal of economic activity should be to meet the core needs of all within the means of the planet.

Interconnectedness Author Robert Atkinson’s contribution to the new story is his understanding of the underlying unity in all religions and all humanity, expressed throughout his book The December 2020

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Story of Our Time: From Duality to Interconnectedness to Oneness. “Nature is an embodiment of the divine, and the whole Earth is sacred. Its vast resources are our common heritage entrusted to us,” he says. “Humanity is one family. Having passed through the stage of childhood, humanity is now struggling to leave behind its adolescent ways while taking on new patterns of thought and action in approaching its maturity. 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 peace.”

Atkinson believes global harmony is inevitable when we exercise our obligation to independently investigate reality and stop blindly and uncritically following various traditions, movements and opinions. He says, “I consider this as one of the main sources of world conflict.”

Undivided Wholeness In a world engulfed by fragmentation, the film Infinite Potential: The Life & Ideas of David Bohm is a healing balm with the potential to overturn our ideas about the world and ourselves. “The core work of David Bohm, considered one of the most significant theoretical physicists of the 20th century, is our essential interconnectedness and undivided wholeness from which we get a sense of our own interconnectivity,” says producer and director Paul Howard. “This realization makes it logical to start taking better care of ourselves, each other and planet Earth.”

Howard notes, “David was interested in the nature of thought and consciousness. Realizing that he wanted to develop full expression of his interests, he explored wider domains and investigated different worldviews with sages, philosophers and spiritual leaders such as the Dalai Lama, who called David his ‘science guru’. A lifelong concern with social and political change led him to develop the Bohm Dialogue, a form of communication aiming to break through our collective modes of habitual thought. He also spent time with indigenous people, searching for a new form of language in which to express his ideas in a more process-oriented way.”

Indigenous Wisdom While the early church developed and grew in numbers by assimilating the wisdom of the world about it, including paganism, it neglected to assimilate the intuitive ways in that indigenous people knew the natural world, how it functioned and how intimately they were integrated with it.

Tribes around the globe have ancient extinction stories that foretold the crises we are collectively experiencing, as well as potential outcomes and possible solutions. In Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change, Sherri Mitchell (Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset) tells the story of the Mohawk Seventh Generation Prophecy. “The Onkwehonwe, or real people, rise up and demand their wisdom and way of life be respected and that the natural way of the Earth and way of life be fully restored. Teachings on the indigenous way of life are being sought after, and all that remains is that we work together to restore the Earth to a state of balance and good health,” she says.

Medicine and Community Thousands of people are gathering in online intentional communities associated with personal growth, healing and spiritual awakening. Jennifer Phelps, M.D., owner and director of Phelps MD Integrative Medicine, in Redding, Connecticut, practices mind-body medicine and is a faculty member of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, in Washington, D.C. A trained facilitator of small groups, she has been teaching trauma and stress healing via Zoom calls during the pandemic.

Initially, Phelps was concerned about how the levels of intimacy, trust and vulnerability necessary for individuals to develop a sense of cohesiveness and bonding could be formed via computer screens. By using the center’s model of self-care, self-awareness and mutual support that has its roots in indigenous culture, she felt her concern dissipate as group members began to bond quickly. “Our guidelines call for no cross-talking and no interrupting. Confidentiality is sacred. I’m a facilitator and a participant, which most models don’t allow,” says Phelps.

She speculates that the success of online bonding might be due

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BETTER LIFE THROUGH BETTER DENTISTRY

to participants feeling safer in their homes with a little extra anonymity, noting, “Not being face-to-face seems to allow people to share more freely. These weird times are creating a commonality and a sense of community connection.”

Conscious Choice Leah Lamb, a sacred storyteller in Topanga, California, defines her role as a seer far beyond the present moment. In Lamb’s online classes with her storytelling community, she loves sharing quotes by other storytellers such as Rebecca Solnit, “We think we tell stories; but stories often tell us … Too often stories saddle us, and they ride us and whip us onward and tell us what to do and we do it without questioning. The task of learning to be free is to learn to hear them; to question them, to pause and hear silence, to name them and then become a storyteller of your own story.”

“In our role of storyteller, we can’t be without understanding that we tell stories about how we are in the world as much as stories tell us how to be in world. Identify and notice your stories, then understand how they are running you, so you can consciously choose your place in them,” advises Lamb, who encourages her students to discover the genius of their own calling.

These are only some chapters in the new story that calls for each of us to be aware of the stories we live by, as well as those we tell ourselves and others. It also begs us to ask what is our role in the new story.

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

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PAY WHERE WE PLAY Boosting the Hometown Economy

by Sandra Yeyati

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message we hear throughout the year, but especially during the holidays, is, “Buy local.” The idea is to purchase from locally owned and operated businesses. Facing competition from big chains like Walmart or internet companies like Amazon, they need our support. But it’s not just a nice thing to do; consumers that buy local help build robust hometown economies with a long list of impressive benefits.

“About three dozen studies have found that two to four times more money stays in the economy for every dollar spent in a locally owned business rather than a nonlocal one,” says economist Michael Shuman, author of The Small-Mart Revolution, Put Your Money Where Your Life Is and The Local Economy Solution. “What’s more, the community enjoys a multiplier effect, generating two to four times more job opportunities, two to four times more income and two to four times greater tax collections. If your interest is in reducing poverty and raising social equality, locally owned businesses are your ticket to doing so.”

According to Shuman, cities that rely on just one or two large companies to drive their economies are far less self-reliant and less resilient than towns that support a diversified base of smaller, locally owned businesses. “The more you have control over your economy, the less likely you’re going to be hurt if one big company splits for Mexico,” he explains.

Cities that have many thriving local businesses enjoy other benefits, too. “We know

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from political science studies that they have higher rates of voting participation and volunteering,” Shuman says. “Sociology studies show lower crime and greater degrees of social organization and civil society. Health studies reveal that local business communities replace a lot of unhealthy, imported food with healthier, fresher, less-packaged food that lowers rates of diabetes and obesity. Unique local businesses attract tourists. And because they shorten the lines of distribution and supply, we know they bring down carbon footprint.”

Phoenix business leader Kimber Lanning, who opened a record store in 1987 and an art gallery in 1999, has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of local commerce. “Doing business with people we know heightens our connection to place, and when we care about place, we’re more likely to vote, volunteer and give charitably.”

In 2003, Lanning founded the nonprofit Local First Arizona (LFA) to help local businesses thrive and eventually eliminate city, state and federal subsidies that multinational companies were receiving.

“Big chains move in, claiming they’re going to drive so much sales tax revenue that the city should pay them to be there,” she explains. “Cabela’s [the outfitter chain] got a $68 million subsidy from Glendale to open one retail location. These sweetheart deals extract money out of the community that

could have been spent on parks, libraries and fire departments, but instead goes to shareholders living elsewhere.” Responding to political pressure by LFA and others, Arizona passed a law banning these subsidies five years ago—a major victory—leveling the playing field for smaller businesses, according to Lanning.

As the author of 13 destination guidebooks, Florida-based travel journalist Karen T. Bartlett helps people discover

the often-hidden flavors and experiences unique to their own region, meeting neighbors and supporting the local economy along the way. “From kayak adventures and foodie tours to community theater productions and galleries featuring local artists, fun and meaningful ways to enjoy the distinctive offerings of home abound,” she says.

“Think local first,” Lanning says. “Spend your money with people you know in your community—from haircuts to oil changes.

Use a local pharmacy. Go to the farmers’ market and move your money to community banks and credit unions.”

“For people to get excited about the purchase of a five-dollar hammer and not pay attention to where they have their mortgage is utterly irrational. Rank [in] order your business expenditures, which starts with your home, then probably goes to your car and then health care, and think about ways of localizing those things, rather than every grocery item,” Shuman advises.

“Usually, you find cheaper, better-quality goods and services, or at the very least, comparable options,” he says, adding that even if a purchase is slightly more expensive or a bit less convenient, favoring the neighborhood vendor is always going to benefit the local economy.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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Tapping into Contentment

Mind-Body Fitness How Mindfulness Benefits Workouts

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by Marlaina Donato hen mindfulness approaches are applied to fitness training—which can be as simple as breathing consciously and tuning into subtle body sensations— the results can be fewer injuries, improved immunity, a lowered stress response, a brighter mood and a deeper commitment to staying fit. Being in the present moment can also spark enjoyment.

Research shows that mindfulness training can also significantly raise self-esteem, and women that cultivate meditative self-compassion experience a boost in acceptance of and satisfaction with their bodies.

“In nature, the bigger the eye of the storm, the more powerful the winds, suggesting that our workout potential and enjoyment is dependent not on how hard we push, but how calm and self-aware we can be,” says John Douillard, DC, author of Body, Mind, and Sport and the founder of LifeSpa, in Boulder, Colorado. “Slowing down and being aware of the body allows the mind to attend to muscles, which can increase blood supply, lymph drainage and replace a potentially damaging fight-or-flight response during a workout with a rejuvenating parasympathetic response.”

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Mindful fitness instructor Ellen Barrett, in Washington Depot, Connecticut, offers clients a full-body experience with a fusion of movement forms and weight training.

“We think mindfulness is some sort of yoga thing, but everything can become mindful. Jumping jacks and biceps curls can be mindful. It’s not the movement, but the awareness behind the movement.

Mindfulness is about being present.”

Adding in balance training, tai chi and Pilates, and swapping a bit less time on the treadmill for a few moments of meditation or visualizing positive results can go a long way, say fitness experts. Debbie Rosas, founder and co-creator of Nia—a bodymind conditioning program anchored in martial arts and modern dance—underscores the importance of listening to cues.

“Notice any areas that feel tight, blocked, rigid and bound. This wisdom through felt sense and awareness will immediately alert you to stop, adjust and slow down.”

The Portland-based co-author of The Nia Technique points to the fun factor. “I believe that when you stop exercising and start moving, anything you do can bring you enjoyment. Do things that leave you feeling successful and motivated to do them again.”

Breath as a Compass Practicing conscious breathing fortifies the positive impact of exercise and can prevent injuries like hernias that can arise when the breath is held during heavy lifting. “One of the most powerful tools for mindfulness during a workout is following your breath. Mindfulness is the key, but it’s hard to be mindful when you’re breathing 26,000 times a day into the upper chest, activating a fight-or-flight response,” says Douillard.

Breathing through the nose instead of the mouth during exercise bolsters mindfulness, and as Do illard has demonstrated in studies, causes brain waves to shift from stressed beta waves to a meditative alpha

state. “It takes longer to fully inhale and exhale during nose breathing, which creates a baseline of calm,” she says. “Don’t rush. Be aware of the body breathing and feel each muscle contracting and relaxing with each rep and stretch.”

Chicago-based fitness expert Stephanie Mansour, host of the PBS weekly Step it Up with Steph show, concurs. “Sync your breath with your movement. Mindfully transition from exercise to exercise.” Mansour also suggests working out next to a mirror to improve alignment and avoiding the distraction that can come with having a workout buddy. “Another trick to improve form is to put on headphones and zone out by listening to white noise so that you have no distraction,” she says.

Exercising with deep body-presence is something we do for ourselves. “If you’re really paying attention, you can steer yourself towards invigoration and away from irritation. The body is always providing feedback, but we’re often too ‘out of body’ to notice. Giving full attention to your body is a big gift of self-love,” says Barrett.

“Breathe. Move. Be free,” adds Mansour.

“This is your dedicated ‘me’ time and you can use it to feel good about yourself.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

More Helpful Tips Body scan from Ellen Barrett: Establish a body scan ritual before working out. Either sitting or standing, close your eyes and take a second or two to focus on each part of the body with your mind’s eye.

Start with the feet and then move up to the ankles, legs, spine, etc.

Nasal breathing from John Douillard: Establish a comfortable, slow, nasal breathing rhythm in the beginning of your workout and try to maintain that throughout your practice. Give it time. It will take about three weeks of nose breathing practice to begin to run at the same pace or lift the same weight as you did before as a fight-or-flight mouth breather.

To begin: Breathe deeply in and out through the nose with each rep on the weight machine and lengthen your nasal breathing during cardio [workouts]. As soon as your nasal breath rhythm begins to speed up or you have to open your mouth to breathe, slow down and reestablish a comfortable rhythm of nasal breathing again. Once the mindful calm has been reset, begin to increase your intensity, letting the nose breathing set the pace.

Breathing tip from Stephanie Mansour: Inhale on the easier movement and exhale on the more challenging movement. For example, inhale as you bend down into a squat and exhale as you press up to standing.

Pull your belly button in toward your spine in all workouts. Engage your core whether you’re working your legs, arms, back or chest.

Workout advice from Debbie Rosas: Do some research if you are new to working out. Go online and look for a teacher you feel aligned with in philosophy and workout approach.

Build slowly. Exercise teachers are trained to inspire you. Their inspiration can push you. Always do less than what you see and build when your body says, “I am ready for more. Let’s move faster and in a larger range of motion.”

JANUARY

Coming Next Month Health & Wellness on a Budget Plus: Holistic Hospital Care December 2020

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healthy kids

Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy. “Perhaps most important is to have a conversation with children about buying less stuff and avoiding waste,” she adds.

“They may have their own ideas about how to reduce waste and relish the challenge of thinking about what they really want.”

REINVENT THE HOLIDAYS More Meaning, Less Stuff

Getting Creative

dglimages/AdobeStock.com

by Ronica O’Hara

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ike many parents, Alicia Hough, a corporate wellness expert in New York, used to go overboard plying her kids with gifts at Christmas. “I was always busy with work, which is why I thought that buying my children the latest or most trending toy in the market will make up for the time I’ve lost,” she recalls. “As kids, they indeed get excited with material gifts, but that joy is just temporary, and that’s what I realized throughout this pandemic. In the end, it’s the relationship with people you value that matters, and not these material things or celebrations.”

Hough, who considers the pandemic a turning point, is not alone. In this turbulent year, holiday celebrations will likely be smaller, quieter and less opulent for many families.

Yet the crisis has also set the stage for families “to create a holiday that is more in keeping with their values, finding deeper connection and meaning with less rushing around and spending less money,” says Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids.

Besides passing up traveling and parties for cozy pajama times, many families are seriously rethinking their gift-giving habits. Although presents are a beloved part of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations, many families have come to wonder how the shopping and spending has gotten so out of hand. According to Investopedia, in 2019, the average American spent $942 on holiday gifts, a figure that has steadily mounted in the last decade to total $1 trillion. An estimated $16 billion worth of those gifts are unappreciated and tossed aside, reports Moneyish.

This pandemic season offers “a chance to reset expectations if festive gift-giving has become excessive in recent years,” says Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas and a 20

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For Evan Porter, of Milton, Georgia, a parenting writer at DadFixesEverything.com, “Less clutter and fewer gifts are something we’ve been working toward anyway.” This year, he and his wife plan to drastically pare down their kids’ gifts, possibly using this formula: “Something to read, something to wear, something you want and something you need.” Instead of presents under a tree, Dawna Campbell, of Bigfork, Montana, founder of ThetaHeartHealing.com, will give her kids an unplugged (and coronavirus-compliant) nature retreat where they can investigate the natural environment, work with animals and journal about how to make the world a better place.

For parents that want to embrace creativity, low costs and sustainability this holiday season, Kempton suggests the following gift-giving ideas: n Build anticipation with a treasure hunt or by opening presents over a period of time. n Incorporate a sense of wonderment with a wooden magic set or a storybook written by either or both parents that stars the child. n Surprise the children by transforming a room in the house into a winter wonderland or turning the garden shed into Santa’s grotto. n Offer a parent’s time, skills and attention in the form of promissory notes or a small token that indicates a future shared experience, such as a jar of homemade marshmallows tied with a label promising a family camping trip. n Give children items that they can use or eat that are handmade by the parents. n Invoke a sense of nostalgia that

prompts family storytelling, such as a jigsaw that summons memories of putting together a puzzle with a grandfather 50 years ago. n Celebrate environmental stewardship by planting and growing a Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush.

Even gift wrapping can become a fun and eco-smart family game by challenging everyone to creatively repurpose everything from old maps and fabrics to magazines and paper bags, perhaps decorated with artwork and nature finds. If every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However they are wrapped, gifts demonstrate in these unprecedented times that deep joy comes not from acquiring new stuff, but from caring for and giving to each other—especially our children. “In the end, the most precious gift parents can give their children this holiday is their attention, infused with a little bit of festive magic,” says Kempton.

Ronica O’Hara, a Denver-based health writer, can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Gentle Self-Care for Parents It’s been a long, hard year for many parents, and working to make the holidays special for the children may add another layer of stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s key to acknowledge any sadness one is experiencing.

“Feelings of melancholy are a reality for many people over the holidays, and this year it is likely to affect more of us than usual, given how so many of us have lost someone or something this year,” says Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy. “It is vital to acknowledge these feelings and accommodate them, whilst also making space for joy. This comes down to talking about it, letting people know what you need or asking what they need and being prepared for the emotions to rise to the surface in the middle of things.” She suggests “putting some slack in your schedule, taking extra care of your health, reaching out for support and giving yourself permission to do things differently this year.”

Instilling the Giving Spirit in Kids

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hildren love getting gifts, but they also love the feeling of giving them, and the holidays are an optimal time to encourage this natural human impulse. Giving helps build their empathy and compassion muscles, which in turn makes for happier, more fulfilled lives, studies show.

Bridging the hug gap. With grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends less likely to be sitting around the table this year, having kids open those presents when the loved ones are on the other side of the Zoom or FaceTime screen can help ease the pain of the time apart. Or children can put together a love package for them that includes drawings and notes to be opened on the other end of a livestream virtual gathering.

Care for the community. “So many families have been devastated by COVID-19 and fires this year. And many of us have become aware of the cost of institutional racism to families of color,” says psychologist Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids.

“Why not discuss and decide on a family gift to make the world a better place? You could decide how much you would normally have spent on presents and give some portion of that away to help people who are struggling or support a cause that is important to you.”

Simple steps like giving neighbors homemade cookies or candies tied with ribbons can also do much to lift holiday spirits. With her kids, Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A Little Book of Festive Joy, makes up a batch of mince pie to share. “We might be wearing masks, along with Santa hats, and leaving the holiday treats on doorsteps instead of going in our neighbors’ homes this year, but we can still share holiday cheer,” she says. Alexandra Fung, CEO of the parent networking site UpParent.com, says her family in Chicago will provide gift boxes for families in need through their church or a local nonprofit and may work together to make blankets for traumatized and ill children using patterns supplied by the nonprofit Project Linus.

We are the world. Another approach is to give children a small sum to donate, perhaps $10 or $20, and encourage them to find a cause they care about in town or by researching online—from putting money in a Salvation Army Christmas kettle to saving rainforest animals. Or encourage them to find a humanitarian or environmental project to focus on over the holidays. At UpParent.com, kids can find 11 ways to help others around the world without leaving the house, like turning old jeans into shoes to help Ugandan children fight parasites or helping to track animals in the wild. The National Environmental Education Foundation at NeefUSA.org lists dozens of at-home projects for kids, such as doing a home-energy audit, creating a compost pile and helping to identify wildlife caught on camera for a digital database.

December 2020

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wise words

Matt Kahn on Transforming the Planet With Love

by Sandra Yeyati

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

What are mantras and how do we use them?

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

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

What mantra is resonating for 2021?

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

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What lessons can we learn from turbulent times?

A big lesson is that desire is not a requirement for happiness. The things that most people desire for comfort or stability have been displaced, whether we’re talking about COVID-19 or the wildfires, for example. But happiness is how content and whole we are with ourselves; the constant needing of things pulls us out of happiness.

Perhaps we can discover that just being who we were born to be is what we’ve always desired.

No matter how dark the world seems or how insurmountable the odds appear, this is part of a grand transformation of the planet. We love ourselves to remain safe throughout each step along the way, and we offer kindness, compassion and forgiveness to anyone around us, knowing that anyone acting out of character is just acting from a level of unprocessed pain.

We love ourselves as a way of uplifting the planet, and we bless others as a way of helping to further the evolution of humanity. As we learn to be inner light workers

and healers, we learn to find complete alignment with spirit no matter how the world ebbs and flows.

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

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

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

Giving brings us together. Each of us has something unique to contribute through the gift of diversity; together, we accomplish more than we ever could individually.

The individual spiritual path helps clear distractions and awaken your most infinite power, and then you bring that together in community for this potluck of generosity we each get to experience and share.

If the Christ or Buddha returned today, would you recognize Him? In the midst of the chaos, fear and separatism gripping the world, a Teacher comes, once again, to show humanity a new way to live together in peace...

“This is simpler than you imagine, my friends, for it requires only the acceptance of sharing.

Sharing, indeed, is divine” —Maitreya the World Teacher 1-888-242-8272 - www.share-international.org

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

Gandhi would say, “Be about what you’re for, not what you’re against.” When we protest, we’re saying that something isn’t fair and relying on publicly elected officials to do something about it. I think the gathering together of beings can transform from what isn’t fair to what all of our talents and efforts can do together to create solutions.

How can we solve this on a communal level? What can we do to peacefully and consciously use all the power within us to create positive, tangible change so we can start living in the world that we envision?

It’s an invitation to quantum-leap out of the identification of problems and into the cultivation of solutions.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

December 2020

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calendar of events NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines for submissions at inwAwakenings.com or email Publisher@inwAwakenings.com for more information.

PLANS CHANGE

Please call ahead to confirm date and times

Zoom Retirement Celebration for Drs. Gary and Jane Simmons – 3pm. Wish the Unity ministers farewell during our retirement zoom celebration. Call 509-838-6518 for zoom link.

UnitySpokane.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 Due to ongoing COVID-19 guidance and limited gatherings, please be sure to contact businesses in advance of any in-person events. Please visit inwAwakenings.com/calendar for updated events.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Transformational Speaker Series: The Sign of Christmas is a Star – 10am. Retired Unity minister emeritus, Rev. David McClure, will give this transformational Sunday talk in preparation for Christmas. Register: UnitySpokane. org. Join the livestream at Facebook.com/ UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane.

Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki I and II Certificate Training – Dec 5-6. 9am-5pm. This beginning certification is one of the most thorough and comprehensive available. Includes Reiki I and II and is a combination of western and Japanese styles. Tuition: $410 contact for early registration discounts. A Spiritual Touch, 923 E Sherman Ave, CdA, ID. Register: 208-691-8865.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

TUEDAY, DECEMBER 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27

Holistic Chamber of Commerce Zoom Meeting – 6-7:30pm. Mini rejuvenation healing sessions will be the focus of this month’s HCC meeting. RSVP required. Text/call 509-869-4361.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Virtual Retirement Sunday Service - Drs. Gary and Jane Simmons – 10am. Join Unity Spiritual Center for the final Sunday message from Drs. Gary and Jane Simmons and retirement ceremony. Join the livestream at Facebook.com/ UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane.

Itex

Christmas Eve Service at Unity Spiritual Center – 7pm. Offering a virtual and in-person Christmas Eve service (pre-registration for inperson service required). Register: UnitySpokane. org. Join the livestream at Facebook.com/ UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane.

Transformational Speaker Series: Are You Spiritually Reliable? Part One – 10am. Awardwinning spiritual teacher, author and master coach, Richard Seaman, will give the Sunday message at Unity Spiritual Center based on his book, Spiritual Reliability: Learning to Become God’s Employee.

Register for in-person service: UnitySpokane. org. Join the livestream service at Facebook.com/ UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane.

IS

plan ahead featuredevent SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 (Jan 9-13)

Ascended Masters Retreat with Virginia Ellen

Join modern day mystic, energy healer, teacher and author, Virginia Ellen, for her life-changing retreat as she shares channeled teachings from Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mother Mary and Joseph. Limited to 10.

Coeur d’Alene, ID Register before Dec 20 for discount Call 208-786-2906 or visit LostScienceOfMiracles

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki I and II Certificate Training – Jan 9-10. 9am-5pm. See Dec 5 listing.

Tuition: $410 contact for early registration discounts. A Spiritual Touch, 923 E Sherman Ave, CdA, ID. Register: 208-691-8865.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki I and II Certificate Training in Spokane Valley – Jan 16-17. 9am-5pm.

See Dec 5 listing. Tuition: $410 contact for early registration discounts. A Spiritual Touch Healing Boutique, 9803 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley.

Register: 509-475-4529.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 Transformational Speaker Series: Are You Spiritually Reliable? Part Two – 10am. See Dec 27 listing. Join Unity Spiritual Center for part two of Richard Seaman’s Spiritual Reliability: Learning to Become God’s Employee Sunday message.

Register for in-person service: UnitySpokane. org. Join the livestream service at Facebook.com/ UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane.

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inwAwakenings.com

Contact Arthur Shaw

509.995.3914 arthur.shaw@itex.net

ongoing events Due to ongoing COVID-19 guidance and limited gatherings, please be sure to contact businesses in advance of any in-person events.

sunday

Holistic Chamber of Commerce Networking Meeting.

2nd Tues. 6-7:30pm. Join local holistic practitioners and service providers for networking, meaningful connections and business building tools and guidance. $10/visitors; Free/members.

RSVP: 509-869-4361 HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/Spokane

CALENDAR

Please visit inwAwakenings.com/calendar for updated events.

Unity Center of North Spokane Group Service –11am. In person and live streamed via Facebook page. 4123 E Lincoln Rd, Spokane. 509-489-6964.

TheUnityCenter.org.

Holy Fire Meditation with Himalayan Singing Bowls – 6:30-8pm. 2nd Tues. Contact for details.

A Spiritual Touch, 932 E Sherman Ave, Ste 200, CdA. Call/text 208-691-8865.

Unity Spiritual Center Live-Stream Service – 10am; Transforming lives and inspiring people to make a positive difference in the world. Join us on Facebook live. Facebook.com/ UnitySpiritualCenterSpokane. UnitySpokane.org.

Thursday Tea, Talk & Things – 6:30-8pm. 4th Thurs. Ladies, let’s take some time each month to drink tea, talk about important topics, and learn from each other. $10. A Spiritual Touch Healing Boutique. 9803 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley.

Facebook.com/ASTHealingBoutique.

wednesday

friday

Women’s Soul Circle – 9:30-11:30pm. Honoring the sacred feminine together in community. Grab a cup of coffee and join for the theme of the month.

Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane.

Donation. SoulsCenter.com.

HeartMind Meditations – 10-11am. What the mind knows. What the heart resists knowing.

HeartMind meditations are designed to bring the mind and heart into more balance and harmony.

Donation. Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane. SoulsCenter.com.

SatiSeva Support Group – 10-11:30am. 3rd Sun. A spiritually minded community supporting people who struggle with addiction. Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane. Donation. SoulsCenter.com.

Unity Spiritual Center of North Idaho Group Service – 10am. Our Sunday services are a celebration of living with spirit. 4465 N 15th St, CdA, ID. 208-664-1125. UnityCenter.org.

Spokane Buddhist Temple – 10:30am. Our main temple hall is called a Hondo where we gather for services. 927 S Perry St, Spokane. 509-534-7954.

SpokaneBuddhistTemple.org.

Church of Truth Service – 11am. We believe all people are filled with the Spirit of God, and our church helps people search for that connection within.

523 E Garden, CdA. IdahoChurchOfTruth.com.

monday Recovery Dharma Meeting – 6-7pm. A Buddhistinspired approach to recovery from addictions of all kinds. Donation. Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane. SoulsCenter.com or Facebook.com/ RecoveryDharmaOfSpokane.

Grateful Wizardly Share – 6:30. 2nd Mon. A Spiritual Touch, 932 E Sherman Ave, Ste 200, CdA. By donation. Call/text 208-691-8865.

Gathering of Like-Minded Souls Spiritual Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. 3rd Mon. Join to hold space and raise consciousness within by sharing your gifts and stories. A Spiritual Touch, 932 E Sherman Ave, Ste 200, CdA. By donation. Call/text 208-691-8865.

Reiki Share – 6:30-8pm. 4th Mon. Come and relax as Holy Fire Reiki surrounds you in love. For everyone interested or practicing reiki. A Spiritual Touch, 932 E Sherman Ave, Ste 200, CdA. By donation. Call/text 208-691-8865.

tuesday Recovery Dharma Meeting – 6-7pm. See Monday listing. Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane.

Donation. SoulsCenter.com or Facebook.com/ RecoveryDharmaOfSpokane.

Recovery Dharma Meeting – 1-2pm. See Monday listing. Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane.

Donation. SoulsCenter.com or Facebook.com/ RecoveryDharmaOfSpokane.

Wellness Wednesdays – 7-8pm. 2nd and 4th Wed. Join Infused Plant Based Wellness for their monthly education classes covering a variety of important health topics. Classes include a hot herbal tea and Infused Knowledge info card and coupon. $12. 413 W Hastings Rd, Spokane. RSVP: 509-863-9027.

Infused-Wellness.com.

thursday Recovery Dharma Meeting – 10:30-11:30am. See Monday listing. Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane. Donation. SoulsCenter.com or Facebook. com/RecoveryDharmaOfSpokane.

Talking to the Fire – Weekly Ascension Soul Speak – 6-7pm. Join Becca Lynn of Soul Based Life in a sacred space of inner work and exploration.

Focusing on advanced ascension practices and support around varying topics. Zoom sessions with occasional field trips. $33/month. Subscribe: withBecca.com/classesworkshops.

Oracle Vibrationz – 6:30-8pm. 1st Thurs. Are you a card reader or interested in reading oracle cards?

This is your place to have fun with the Oracle. By donation. A Spiritual Touch Healing Boutique. 9803 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley. Facebook.com/ ASTHealingBoutique.

Monthly Reiki Share – 6:30-8pm. 2nd Thurs.

Come and relax as Holy Fire Reiki surrounds you in love. For everyone interested or practicing reiki. By donation. A Spiritual Touch Healing Boutique. 9803 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley.

208-691-8865 or 509- 475-4529. Facebook.com/ ASTHealingBoutique.

Sound Vibrationz – 6:30-8pm. 3rd Thurs. Bathe in the loving sounds of singing bowls. $15. A Spiritual Touch Healing Boutique. 9803 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley. 208-691-8865 or 509- 475-4529.

Facebook.com/ASTHealingBoutique.

Recovery Dharma Meeting – 11:30am-12:30pm.

See Monday listing. Donation. Souls Center, 707 N Cedar, Ste 2, Spokane. SoulsCenter.com or Facebook.com/RecoveryDharmaOfSpokane.

Reiki Share – 6:30-8:30pm. 2nd Fri. See Monday description. A Spiritual Touch, 932 E Sherman Ave, Ste 200, CdA. By donation. Call/text 208-691-8865.

Holy Fire Meditation with Himalayan Singing Bowls – 6:30-8pm. Last Fri. Contact for details. A Spiritual Touch, 932 E Sherman Ave, Ste 200, CdA. Call/text 208-691-8865.

saturday Mystic Mentoring – 2:30-3:30pm. 2nd Sat. A safe space to talk about your gifts and be mentored by one another. By donation. A Spiritual Touch Healing Boutique. 9803 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley.

Facebook.com/ASTHealingBoutique.

classifieds 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.

OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise your personal/business needs in Natural Awakenings classified ad section. To place an ad, email Publisher@inwAwakenings.com.

RENTAL SPACE STUDIO AND OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE AT THE LOTUS – Ideal for those building their healing arts practice. Affordable rental space for workshops, classes and private sessions. Email Sam@TheLotusSpokane.com.

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community resource guide 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.

ACUPUNCTURE LISE TAKASHINA, LAC

AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS JULIE GEORGE, ND

Peony Acupuncture & Apothecary 302 N 5th St, Coeur d’Alene 208-292-4829 PeonyAcupuncture.com

Rivercreek Wellness 521 N Argonne Rd, Ste B105 Spokane Valley • 509-919-1385 RivercreekWellness.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.

Dr. Julie George helps patients restore their health by utilizing naturopathic and environmental medicine protocols. She provides advanced testing, detoxification, supplementation, nutritional/ botanical treatments, and lifestyle education. See ad, page 19.

ANIMALS, PETS AND HUMANS – HOLISTIC REMEDIES CRITTER APOTHECARY

Inside Only Local Farmers Market 464138 U.S. Hwy. 95, Sagle, ID 208-265-2277 OnlyLocal.Farm/CritterApothecary Offering the finest in organic and herbal remedies, the Critter Apothecary caters to the health of both twoand four-legged creatures and is the exclusive regional dealer for Dr. Paul’s Lab products. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. See ad, page 8.

GOVINDA MILLER

Priest River, ID • 208-448-2093 Govinda@AstrologyWithGovinda.com AstrologyWithGovinda.com

Govinda has more than 45 years’ experience as a professional spiritual astrologer and counselor. He is known internationally for his intuitive and compassionate guidance and remarkable accuracy. He offers a variety of astrological services to meet your specific needs.

Available for in-person and phone appointments.

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HEALING HEARTS TOGETHER MYOFASCIAL RELEASE & LYMPHATIC THERAPY CENTER OF NORTHERN IDAHO

Dawn-Marie Hancock 9297 Government Way, Ste D, Hayden, ID 480698 Highway 95, Sandpoint, ID 208-389-8234 • HealingHeartsTogether.org Myofascial Release and Lymphatic Drainage are gentle specialized full body tissue treatments that create positive healing by restoring pain free function and enhanced immune system. With 30 years of experience, your treatment is individualized for your body and wellness goals. Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member.

CBD OILS & CANNABIS LOCAL’S CANNA HOUSE

BARTER & TRADE COMMUNITY PRIME TRADE NORTHWEST

1869 E Seltice Way, Ste 374 Post Falls • 208-699-9692 Arthur.Shaw@ITEX.net PrimeTradeNW.com

The goal at Prime Trade Northwest is to promote you and your business. Their team works hard to connect you with other members in need of your products and services. They also help find ways to offset your cash costs with other members in the ITEX community. See ad, page 24.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SMART THERAPY

ASTROLOGY FOR THE SOUL

BODY WORK MYOFASCIAL RELEASE & LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

9708 N Nevada St, Ste 205 Spokane • 509-466-0226 SmartTherapyGroup.net Smart Therapy specializes in natural approaches to treat mental health issues, which may include a combination of talk therapy, nutritional supplements, diet, exercise and more. Their licensed therapists have a wide range of specialties and experience. Most major insurance plans accepted. Call for more information or to schedule an appointment. Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member. See ad, page 16.

inwAwakenings.com

9619 E Sprague Ave Spokane Valley • 509-413-2796 LocalsCannaHouse.com Featuring the highest quality CBD oils, capsules, tinctures and bath salts to help with inflammation, sore muscles, sleep, pain relief, relaxation and more. Allow the friendly Local’s staff to assist in finding the CBD products that are right for you! Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member. See ad, page 31.

CBD TOPICAL PAIN RELIEF & TINCTURES NAKED SCIENCE CBD

Timothy Hedrick & Tracy Sirrine Spokane • 833-333-7335 NakedScienceCBD.com Made in Spokane!

Naked Science creates CBDinfused skin care products and tinctures utilizing high-quality natural ingredients. Every batch is lab tested to ensure CBD potency, no pesticides or heavy metals. Available at Super One Foods and Rosauers on 29th, Huckleberry’s, Piece of Mind, Northwest Heads and online!

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 6.

SMART THERAPY

Wayne Lindell, DC 9708 N Nevada St, Ste 205 Spokane • 509-466-0226 SmartTherapyGroup.net Dr. Wayne Lindell is an experienced chiropractor with more than 25 years’ serving the Inland Northwest. His specialties include accident and injury recovery, pain relief, sports performance, pre-natal, weight-loss management and overall wellness. Most major insurance plans accepted. Book online or call for an appointment. Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member. See ad, page 16.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY DEBORAH A. MARTINEZ, MD, LLC 2020 E 29th Ave, Ste 225 Spokane • 509-724-3946 DrDebbie@CredibleComplementary Therapy.com CredibleComplementaryTherapy.com

Offering complementary therapy consultations, therapeutics and referrals - Created for individuals who want to take responsibility for their health and wellness using complementary therapy backed by science. Personalized program for health and wellness concerns and goals. Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member. See ad, page 23.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY SIXTH AVENUE MEDICAL PHARMACY

508 W 6th Ave, Spokane 509-455-9345 • 1-844-250-9007 SixthAvenuePharmacy.com A full-service medical pharmacy, providing custom compounded medications and traditional retail prescriptions.

They use the finest, high quality ingredients to make each specially compounded medication, including LDN, bio-identical hormones, veterinary, dental, sports medicine, dermatology, chronic pain and more. See ad, page 2.

CRYSTALS, GIFTS & MORE A SPIRITUAL TOUCH HEALING BOUTIQUE 9803 E Sprague Ave Spokane Valley • 509-475-4529 Facebook.com/ASTHealingBoutique

Come and find your Zen through crystals, art from local artists, jewelry, oracle cards, singing bowls, clothing and more. Local healers offer Reiki and other light work by appt and walk-ins. Open WedSun, noon to 6 pm and by appointment.

EMOTION CODE & STRESS REDUCTION MIND-BODY WELLNESS

Jennifer Burrows 319 W Hastings, Ste A112 Spokane • 509-242-0856 SpokaneBiofeedback.com

Jennifer Burrows offers holistic stress reduction support that takes into account the whole person – mind, body, spirit. Learn how Emotion Code, HeartMath, integrative nutrition coaching and quantum biofeedback can transform your life. Call for a complimentary 30-minute wellness consultation. Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member. See ad, page 17.

ENERGY HEALERS SHERRI ARTER

Call//text: 208-661-1338 LightLoveTruth1@gmail.com Sherri is a gifted energy healer who reads, sees, feels and hears energy, working from only pure love and light for over 30 years.

Clients receive guidance, healing techniques and answers to what they need most for their best and highest good. Call or text today! See ad, page 11.

SUSAN FLERCHINGER

509-879-3264 SusansEnergy@gmail.com SusanFlerchinger.com Ready to create a life you love?

Don’t let anxiety, trauma, fear, or illness stop you from the health and happiness you seek. Susan Flerchinger is a conduit of divine service, specializing in remote energy healing to create emotional, physical and spiritual balance. Call for a free consultation.

ENERGY READINGS ELEMENT INTUITIVE

Melinda Bienkowski Inland Northwest • 970-210-3508 MelindaBienkowski@gmail.com ElementIntuitive.com Melinda offers highly intuitive psychic energy readings and reiki. She provides a deeper perspective into each client’s life to help guide them in relationships, career, life purpose, relocation decisions, financial issues, spiritual gifts and more. Her Let us help you with your services are offered by phone and remotely.

Chronic Symptoms

FAR INFRARED (FIR) SAUNAS

Naturopathic Medicine & Far Infrared Sauna

INCREASE ENERGY

RIVERCREEK WELLNESS IMPROVE GUT HEALTH

521 NWEIGHT Argonne Rd, Ste B105 LOSE DECREASE Valley CHRONIC• PAIN Spokane 509-919-1385 IMPROVE HEALTH RivercreekWellness.com FIR sauna is an affordable treatment for chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression, detoxification, high blood pressure, skin conditions, weight loss and more. The FIR Sauna at Rivercreek Wellness is non-toxic, low EMF, and made of nonallergenic wood. See ad, page 19.

Call Now

509-919-1385 FREQUENCY MEDICINE & STRESS MANAGEMENT

KRISTEN FULLER

112 N Bowdish Rd Spokane Valley • 509-926-5392 KSalonOrganic.com Kristen Fuller is passionate about helping clients heal their mind, body and spirit through frequency medicine. She specializes in stress management, biofeedback, sound healing and teaching clients how to heal through raising their vibration. Now offering three frequency medicine packages for only $99.

FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION & WELLNESS KATIE NELSON, RD

Sixth Avenue Medical Pharmacy 508 W 6th Ave, Spokane 509-455-9345 • 1-844-250-9007 SixthAvenuePharmacy.com

Katie Nelson specializes in nutrition counseling for optimal health, weight loss, sports performance, food allergies/sensitivities, ketogenic diets, anti-inflammatory diets and microbiome repair. She offers nutrient evaluations and supplement counseling and is available for speaking engagements and special events. See ad, page 2.

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THIS E V O L E U R FIND T

Find your natural match this holiday season!

Join the largest holistic, conscious, spiritual and green networking site online.

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inwAwakenings.com

HALOTHERAPY/ INTUITIVE CLARITY SALTROOM OF SPOKANE

Salt Crystal Cottage 2838 N Ruby Spokane • 509-255-0505 SaltroomOfSpokane.appointy.com Dry saline aerosol, or Halotherapy, provides a gentle respiratory cleanse, beneficial for relieving respiratory conditions. For your energetic wellness journey, experience Intuitive Clarity sessions in the Salt Crystal Cottage. Visit website, the Salt Crystal Cottage FB page or call for more info. Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member.

HEALTH, WELLNESS & NUTRITION AMY LOVE, RN

The Low Carb Nurse 509-954-4244 AmyLove@TheLowCarbNurse.com CustomizedHealthAndWellness.com Amy is a health and wellness nurse who educates and empowers clients seeking long-term solutions to their struggles with food, weight, and chronic metabolic illness. She helps clients reclaim their health using a low carb intermittent fasting approach. Contact today!

INFUSED PLANT BASED WELLNESS 413 W Hastings Rd Spokane • 509-863-9027 Infused-Wellness.com

Infused Wellness believes your body’s ability to heal is greater than anyone has permitted you to believe.

They are a multifaceted health and wellness boutique offering organic herbs, teas, health products, support and education to help customers achieve optimal health. Visit website for upcoming classes! See ad, page 16.

HOLISTIC CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC LIFECENTER, INC. Dr. Patrick Dougherty 2110 N Washington St, Ste 1 Spokane • 509-327-4373 Spokane-Chiropractic.com

Chiropractors heal nothing. They align you with your innate healing abilities. Dr. Patrick Dougherty utilizes muscle testing to interpret your needs for adjustments, nutrition and more. Suffering from aches, pains, fatigue, brain fog, more? Dr. Pat can help! New patient special available. See ad, page 14.

HYPNOTHERAPY JAMES BARFOOT, CHT

Intentional Hypnosis 827 W 1st Ave, Ste 203 Spokane • 509-230-5035 IntentionalHypnosis.com

James Barfoot’s goal is to help you on your journey to a more productive and vital life. He uses personal hypnosis sessions and powerful personal coaching to permanently change undesired habits and behaviors on a conscious and subconscious level.

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC DENTISTRY DEFELICE DENTISTRY Dr. Louise DeFelice 4703 N Maple St Spokane • 509-850-0918 DeFeliceDentistry.com

At DeFelice Dentistry, the mission is to provide state-of-the-art conventional and holistic dental care in a warm and friendly environment. Their team is committed to safety and integrity in dentistry and to honoring the importance of every person they have the privilege to serve. See ad, page 15.

INTUITIVE COUNSELING SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE COUNSELING

Linda Christine 509-496-8138 LindaChristine@LindaChristineStudios.com Facebook.com/ search Linda Christine Studios Linda Christine is an accomplished therapeutic professional and clinical hypnotherapist who has spent more than 25 years working with human behaviors and addictions. Skilled in both group and private counseling, she relies heavily on her gifted awareness and follows Divine Guidance. Call to make your appointment today!

MINERAL THERAPY WONDERS OF THE WORLD Located in the Flour Mill 621 W Mallon Ave Spokane • 509-325-2867 WondersOfTheWorldInc.com

Celestite is the stone of peace. Wonders wishes you a peaceful holiday season. See ad, page 2.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE MY MASSAGE & SPORTS THERAPY Mark Smith, LMT Healing Waters Holistic Center 101 N. Evergreen Rd. Spokane Valley • 509-370-2207 MyMassageSportsTherapy.com

Mark Smith specializes in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release approach to eliminate or reduce soft t i ssu e p a in . M y o f a s c ia l Release treats the fascial restriction that causes pain allowing a return to a painfree lifestyle. New client introductory special of foryoua with 60-minute session. See ad, page 22.

Let$35 us help your

Chronic Symptoms DOCTORS NATUROPATHIC JULIE GEORGE, ND TREVOR GEORGE, ND INCREASE ENERGY

Naturopathic Medicine & Far Infrared Sauna

Rivercreek IMPROVE GUTWellness HEALTH 521 NWEIGHT Argonne Rd, Ste B105 LOSE DECREASE Valley CHRONIC• PAIN Spokane 509-919-1385 IMPROVE HEALTH RivercreekWellness.com

The naturopathic doctors at Rivercreek Wellness work with chronic conditions while giving hope to the patient. They focus on autoimmune disorders, chronic symptoms, mental health conditions, and holistic addiction education. See ad, page 19.

NETWORKING GROUPS Call Now 509-919-1385

MASSAGE THERAPY SMART THERAPY

9708 N Nevada St, Ste 205 Spokane • 509-466-0226 SmartTherapyGroup.net Massage can alleviate pain, increase flexibility, improve immune function, decrease depression and anxiety, improve health and more. Their professional therapists have a wide range of specialties and experience. Most major insurance plans accepted. Book online or call for an appointment.

Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member. See ad, page 16.

HOLISTIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPOKANE CHAPTER

Amber McKenzie • 509-869-4361 Spokane@HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/Spokane The Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) is an international trade organization for holistically-minded professionals, business owners, and resource providers. They are member-focused through their ever-expanding national online presence and network of local chapters. The Spokane Chapter meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30pm. Join today!

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ORGANIC SKINCARE & MEDICAL AESTHETICS EMILY ELIZABETH SKINCARE STUDIO

30 E Sprague Ave, Ste C Spokane • 509-475-3284 EmilyElizabethSkincare.com

Emily Elizabeth is a Medically Trained Master Aesthetician with more than 16 years experience in the spa industry. Her natural approach to skincare is complemented by high quality medical-grade and organic skincare products. Treat your skin to a luxury facial and book online today! See ad, page 14.

PAIN FREE & ACTIVE TREVOR GEORGE, ND

Rivercreek Wellness 521 N Argonne Rd, Ste B105 Spokane Valley • 509-919-1385 RivercreekWellness.com Are you having knee pain but fear surgery? Proliferative therapy is a non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.

Joint pain, arthritis, sprains, strains, overuse injury, degeneration and/or inability to heal after surgery. Contact us to learn more. See ad, page 19.

REIKI A SPIRITUAL TOUCH

DEFIANT COFFEE

Through Reiki, aromatherapy and spiritual counseling, Jennifer helps clients relax, find balance, peace and manifest their true dreams and fall in love everday.

Offering Reiki education, meditation classes and sacred gatherings. Visit Facebook for details.

Organically grown, fairtrade coffee locally roasted in small batches and upgraded for maximum health benefits and energy. Mushroom Coffee Blend with chaga, lion’s mane and cordyceps for brain and immune health and the Collagen Blend for gut health and new cell growth. Online coupon code: awaken.

Jennifer Brown 923 E Sherman • CdA 208-691-8865 Facebook.com/HealingCenterOfLove

REIKI & INTUITIVE COUNSEL PAM FLOWERDAY INTUITIVE COUNSEL & HEALINGS

3026 E 5th Avenue Spokane • 510-701-0204 PamFlowerday.com

Wi t h m o r e t h a n 2 0 y e a r s experience as a clairvoyant and Reiki master, Pam offers a higher spiritual perspective regarding clients’ issues and support moving forward. Hands-on energy work and Reiki releases stress and physical blocks, restoring balance and wellbeing in body, mind and spirit. Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member.

PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS FLOURISH PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS

Dr. Sarah Hayward 3418 S. Grand Blvd Spokane • 509-385-2823 FlourishPhysicalTherapyAndWellness.com Certified in vestibular rehab (vertigo) and customized pain programs, Dr. Sarah is dedicated to providing her patients with one-on-one appointments focused on the highest-quality care. Her clinic operates outof-network with no insurance companies calling the shots, so she has total freedom in treating patients.

PSYCHIC READINGS PSYCHIC ANGEL READINGS Cindy Gardner Nine Mile Falls, WA 509-468-9001 HolisticFestivals.com

Cindy Gardner is a gifted psychic known for her compassionate accurate readings, covering such topics as: love, career, pets, dreams, past lives, life goals and angels.

Her helpful guidance and coaching empower people in making decisions and understanding their life situations.

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SPECIALTY COFFEE

SOUL AWAKENING SOUL BASED LIFE

Becca Lynn, LMT, CcHt 59 Queen Ave, Ste 104 • Spokane 808-250-8344 • WithBecca.com Specializing in awakening the Soul and connecting clients to their higher self through Quantum Healing Hypnosis (QHHT), Human Design Charts, Soul Coaching, Intuitive Soul Readings, House Clearings and Setting Sacred Spaces. Contact me today for a free consultation!

SHAMANIC HEALING & SOUL RETRIEVAL LIFE SPRING AWAKENING Nona Lowe Spokane • 425-791-0413 LifeSpringAwakening.com

Soul retrieval is a shamanic ceremony using ancient methods to return a person’s fragmented self to wholeness.

This deeply healing ceremony is for those with a true desire and commitment to heal. Contact for a free 30-minute consultation.

Active Holistic Chamber of Commerce Member.

inwAwakenings.com

Post Falls • 702-401-4224 DefiantCoffee.co Facebook.com/DefiantCoffee

SPIRITUAL CENTERS SOULS CENTER

Julia Hayes 707 N Cedar, Ste 2 Spokane • SoulsCenter.com Founded by Julia Hayes, the vision of Soul Circles is to offer a variety of opportunities for women to explore and promote spiritual empowerment through small groups, movement, creative expression, spiritual teachings, retreats, workshops, recovery groups and more. See full calendar on website.

UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER 2900 S Bernard St, Spokane 509-838-6518 UnitySpokane.org

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.

WEIGHT LOSS & WELLNESS GAIN PROCESS TO WELLNESS Sheryl Quesnel 208-267-1990 ProcessToWellness.com

Sheryl is trained to solve your stubborn weight loss problems.

Her encouraging personal coaching method frees clients from stubborn fat and tedious workouts. Improve hormonal balance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, immune strength, sleep quality, weight loss and more! Free consultation.

December 2020

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IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR PARTNER HAS LAUNCHED ®

TRANSFORMING YOUR HEALTH CARE TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH & WELL-BEING Natural Awakenings is honored to give our dedicated readers the opportunity to be among the first members welcomed into the KnoWEwell community. With gratitude for our 26 years of readership and support, through our mission-aligned collaborative partnership with KnoWEwell, we are pleased to gift both individuals and providers with:

FREE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP - FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

“There is no simple way to describe KnoWEwell but Think Big! WebMD, meets Match.com, HomeAdvisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Indeed for Regenerative Whole Health, all in one place for the benefit of everyone.”

Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp., COO

Join for FREE at KnoWEwell.com INDIVIDUALS ENTER CODE: NAPUB60 (a $60 value)

PROVIDERS ENTER CODE: NAPUB300 (a $300 value)

A Top 50 Healthcare Company 2019

The KnoWEwell Collaborative with benefits for all in the RWH and well-being ecosystem.