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letter from the publisher
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie
As our April edition focuses on eco-travel— whether far away or close by, by water or by land—we at Natural Awakenings have our own new adventure starting this month. Just as I celebrate my first year as the publisher and owner of the New Haven/Middlesex Counties edition, we are already expanding into familiar and new Connecticut counties starting with this first Central and Eastern Connecticut edition! The magazine returns to Hartford County as well as expands its reach to three new counties: New London, Tolland and Windham. My past experiences as an editor, writer, business owner and reflexologist have enabled me to peacefully, energetically and meaningfully be there today for our amazing readers and business owners. With you, our present is helping to create an amazing vision for tomorrow of great content, connections and community. I am truly grateful.
Our content continues to inspire change and curiosity in all of us. A local article by Christina Bafumo focuses on ways to explore the waterways of the United States while another article offers advice for sustainable travel. In our Eco-Tip section, see what you can check off on your “doing better” checklist with your foods and goods, water use, energy use, toxins, and transportation. Want to get messy on vacation? Explore agritourism options with the Farm Vacations article. We also cover best farming practices, connecting to the earth, single-use plastics and preparing for outdoor treks. For our Healthy Kids section, we look at nurturing healthy minds through travel.
Due to continued demand, we decided to extend our free ad size upgrade campaign for new advertisers by another month. Be a part of the expanded magazine reaching thousands of readers and potential clients in six counties. Reach out before April 15th to secure this great deal.
Follow us on Facebook (@NANewHaven) and Instagram (@NaturalAwakeningsNewHaven) to keep up to date with articles, happenings and more.
Continue to inspire yourselves as we welcome spring’s arrival and the promise of outdoor exploration and fun!
All the best,
Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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Erin Schuster is leading a new prenatal and postnatal series in May in Guilford, Connecticut. Taking place May 16, 23 and 30 from 9-10 a.m., the series is open to mothers of all ages and stages, including new moms, birthing parents and those who are ready to become mothers.
The series focuses on gentle stretching, strengthening techniques and stress-reducing exercises specially designed to support your body through the changes that occur during pregnancy and to reconnect with their bodies after giving birth. You will experience gentle and restorative yoga (safe for all trimesters and postnatal), pelvic floor and thigh exercises with fitballs, relaxing breathing techniques, and guided meditation for moms.
Schuster has over 1,000 hours in trainings and has been teaching Kripalu yoga and meditation since 2012. She offers wellness workshops, prenatal and postnatal yoga, corporate and teen yoga programs, and retreats.
For more information, visit ShorelineCTYoga.com/Events. Registration is required at CenterYogaWellness.com/ Workshops/2024/PrenatalPostnatal-Yoga-Series. Location: 647 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT.
Catherine Steinberg has opened up registration for her Nourishment for Mind, Body & Soul Women’s Retreat in Taos, New Mexico, which will take place September 16-20, 2024.
This retreat will be limited to six to eight women with a focus on relaxation and restoration. You will adventure into the land and soak in the natural hot springs of northern New Mexico. There will be rituals honoring the earth and yourselves through shamanic drumming, journey, and creative expressions such as painting and writing. Solo reflective time will be balanced with group activity and process. There will be opportunity for a Taos massage before or after the retreat dates.
Once you register, you will receive more detailed information on Taos accommodations, restaurants and contact information for the massage therapist. The retreat begins at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 16, with a light dinner, orientation and shamanic journey at Steinberg’s home in Taos. The cost of the retreat is $600 (excluding hotels, meals, transportation). Send $100 to register to Catherine Steinberg, 142 N. Madison Rd., Guilford, CT 06437. The balance of $500 is due by May 1.
For more information, visit CatherineNSteinberg.com. To register, call 203-623-1472 or email CTCL@Comcast.net.
SacredCocoonHealing,
LLC’s Katie Cavenagh is launching the Sacred Cocoon, a new space at the Red Barn in Durham, where she will offer spiritual and personal development services, sound and energy healing, workshops, and hypnosis. She will be focusing on bringing education to the forefront of her new business with “retreatstyle” classes and events.
“The idea is to give people a chance to immerse themselves with a weekend of healing and learning. Some people may opt to pop in for just one class or event, while others may be in search of a deeper, cumulative experience. We all need something different,” says Cavenagh.
Adding hypnosis to her list of services, Cavenagh hopes to empower people to take control of their lives in a different way, by helping them to remember how powerful they are. “The beautiful thing about hypnosis is that it’s all self-hypnosis, and we hypnotize ourselves more often than we think. By tapping into our own power source, we can make significant changes to various aspects of our lives like confidence, athletic performance, weight or pain management, financial abundance, success, and so much more.”
For more information or to book an appointment, email Katie@FeelYourLight.com or text 860-655-5527. Visit Sacred-Cocoon.com for upcoming class and event schedules. Location: Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT.
On April 2 at 6:30 p.m., the New Haven County chapter of Holistic Moms Network chapter will focus on mental health from a diet and lifestyle perspective with nutritionist Tori Lawlor, MS, LDN, CNS, owner of Your Wellness Way. Did you know that we make more serotonin in our guts than in our brains? Are you aware that up to one-third of people with depression have chronic constipation? Did you know that inflammation can affect stress and sex hormone levels (e.g., cortisol, estrogen), impacting mood and cognition? Have you heard of the gutbrain axis or that the gut is our second brain? Learn how the food we eat and lifestyle choices we make can support or impair our mental health.
Lawlor is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Bridgeport with a master’s in clinical nutrition and an undergraduate degree from Brown University. Your Wellness Way was born from her passion to help others find holistic real-life solutions to truly be well. Through functional nutrition, each individual’s diet, biochemistry, medical history, genetics, environment, stress and lifestyle are assessed to create a plan of small, sustainable changes.
The chapter meetings are open to the public and take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Walnut Beach Wellness & Boutique in Milford, Connecticut.
The mission of Holistic Moms Network, a nonprofit support and discussion network, is to connect parents and others who are interested in holistic health and green living. It welcomes people wherever they are on their own holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The monthly meetings, open to the public, are held the first Tuesday evening of each month.
For more information, visit HolisticMoms.org or Facebook.com/ HMNNewHaven. RSVP for the event on the Events page on the Facebook page or message the chapter on Facebook Messenger. Location: Walnut Beach Wellness & Boutique, 41 Naugatuck Ave., #3 A, Milford, CT.
The keynote headliner for Holistic Community Professionals’ (HCP) The Passport to Health & Wellness Expo on May 5 is Jefferey Jaxen, an investigative reporter for the internationally available weekly podcast, The Highwire.com. Jaxen’s Navigating Health Choices in Uncertain Times keynote speech will bring his in-depth reporting and investigative journalism to the expo at 1 p.m. The expo will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Bristol, Connecticut.
Jaxen will share the information discovered from over a decade as an investigative health journalist. From consumer products to common medical interventions, get a factual view of the other side of the conversation corporations would rather you not hear. His lecture will have a slide presentation as well as a Q&A following his lecture.
Jefferey Jaxen is a researcher, investigative journalist and writer consistently on the front lines of the health, wellness and news sectors for over a decade. An early adopter of “new media,” he has shared his talents to create a unique online brand of health journalism working to spotlight the untold, censored and under-reported stories of our time. Jaxen’s investigative voice, original content and reporting abilities are now a staple for people walking their own unique paths investigating the world around them.
The expo is free to the public. A limited number of reserved seats will be offered for $20 per person with the proceeds donated to the nonprofit ICanDecide.org. With items donated from all the exhibitors, the tea cup raffle will also benefit the nonprofit. Tickets may be purchased at EventBrite.com/e/ Passport-to-Health-and-Wellness-Expo-Tickets-53794206921.
The Passport to Health & Wellness Expo is scheduled for May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bristol. Presented by HCP, it will feature speakers on the half-hour beginning at 11 a.m., with the keynote speaker at 1 p.m. The event will have more than 75 vendors offering hands-on body workers as well as holistic wellness products and treatments. A free, interactive/ collaborative drumming Soundscape Collective with Katie Cavanagh will be offered at 4 p.m. (bring your drums).
For more information, call Shirley Bloethe at 860-9890033, email YourHolisticEvents@gmail.com or visit YourHolisticEvents.com/Fairs-CT. Location: The DoubleTree by Hilton, 42 Century Dr., Bristol, CT.
According to a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found to be a welltolerated treatment option that can be as effective as commonly prescribed anxiety medications. The study involved 276 adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders that were randomly assigned to either an eight-week MBSR course or treatment with escitalopram, a first-line anxiety medication. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scale (CGI-S).
At the end of the study, both the MBSR and escitalopram groups experienced a reduction in their mean CGI-S score, with no significant difference between the two groups. MBSR was welltolerated, with no dropouts due to adverse events, whereas a higher percentage of participants in the escitalopram group reported adverse events. The results demonstrated that MBSR was not inferior to escitalopram in reducing anxiety symptoms.
An estimated 301 million people worldwide are affected by anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic and agoraphobia, causing significant distress, impaired functioning and elevated risk of suicide.
A radical new approach to managing Type 2 diabetes developed by Daniel J. Cox, Ph.D., from UVA Health, has received $3.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health for a large-scale clinical trial. The approach focuses on educating individuals about making wise dietary and exercise choices to control blood sugar and potentially alter the course of the disease. Rather than prioritizing weight loss or medication, it aims to reduce post-meal blood glucose levels, which are linked to cardiovascular risk and high levels of AIC, a marker of blood sugar over time.
Known as Glucose Everyday Matters (GEM), the approach combines educated food and drink selections with physical activity to prevent blood sugar spikes and hasten recovery if they occur. A small, initial trial involving 17 recently diagnosed adults with Type 2 diabetes showed promise, with 67 percent achieving remission after three months, and only one participant requiring medication. This trial was the first testing of self-administration instead of face-to-face delivery by medical providers.
This research offers promising hope for managing Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle interventions, providing patients with new options for controlling and potentially achieving remission from the disease. Cox’s personal success with the approach, maintaining consistently low A1C levels without medication for the past 13 years, further supports its potential.
Deep below the icy expanse of the Arctic lies a hidden danger that could have catastrophic consequences for our planet. Layers of methane gas are trapped beneath the permafrost, and as the landscape changes, this sea of methane has the potential to be unleashed, wreaking havoc on the world.
Studying the permafrost beneath the islands of Svalbard, researchers found an immense reservoir of methane that could reach several million cubic feet. Currently, the leakage from below the permafrost is minimal, but glacial retreat and permafrost thawing could “lift the lid” on this hidden danger, according to Thomas Birchall, a geologist at Norway’s University Center in Svalbard and lead author of a study published in Frontiers in Earth Science.
Ocean currents can thin the permafrost, creating patchy and unpredictable regions. Geographical features can also allow gas produced by underlying rocks to escape. Even in areas with continuous permafrost, methane gas can migrate beneath the cold seal of the permafrost, creating the potential for escape.
A large-scale seepage would initiate a dangerous feedback loop of warming—a cycle where methane release leads to further permafrost thaw, resulting in additional gas emissions. While the focus of the study was on Norway, the researchers believe that migrating deposits of methane are likely present in other parts of the Arctic region as well.
On April 8, millions of Americans along a 100-milewide path across 13 states from Texas to Maine will have an opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse. Thanks to a team from the Harvard University Astronomy Lab, people with visual impairments will be able to experience the celestial event, too, thanks to a smartphone-sized device called LightSound, which translates ambient brightness into sound.
Users of the LightSound device will hear a piping flute for daylight that will transition to a clarinet as the light dims when the moon passes in between the Earth and sun. As the eclipse reaches its zenith, LightSound will emit soft clicks to represent total darkness. The device is designed to complement the multi-sensory event, which may include a drop in temperature and the sounds of nighttime creatures like crickets and owls.
To make astronomy more inclusive, the Harvard team plans to distribute more than 700 LightSound devices at no cost. In addition, the device and its code are open-source so those with the skills can make their own. To learn more, visit Astrolab.fas.Harvard.edu/LightSound.html.
Coming in May
Our current systems and practices are depleting the Earth’s resources at an increasing rate well beyond its capacity to renew itself. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes a year-and-ahalf to generate the resources we use in one year. That’s an unsustainable path for the planet’s future.
The world needs topsoil to grow 95 percent of its food, and yet the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated in 2019 that 90 percent of the Earth’s topsoil is likely to be at risk by 2050.
Such statistics seem daunting, but if each of us reduces their individual ecological footprint, together we can make a difference. Here is an action checklist. Consult it often and complete one action at a time. Think of incremental change as hope.
Plant a produce garden for homegrown sustenance.
Build a compost bin in the yard.
Shop at local farms and farmers markets.
Join a community-supported agriculture group.
Eat a meatless meal at least once a week.
Recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metals.
Use reusable water bottles.
R Shop with reusable bags.
R
Buy organic and regenerative organic foods.
R Buy local, sustainably sourced and packaged products.
R Choose products with less packaging to reduce waste.
R Take fewer and shorter showers.
R
Run the dishwasher only when it is full.
R Fix leaks throughout the house.
R Buy natural-fabric clothing; avoid synthetic garments.
R
Wash clothes in larger loads, on shorter cycles and in cold water; add a filter to absorb most microfibers.
R
Wash the car less often.
R Avoid watering the lawn or power washing the home and walkways.
R Set up a rain barrel to catch water for the garden.
R Plant droughttolerant plants.
R Walk, bike and take public transportation over driving.
R Drive a small car; turn off the engine when idling more than 30 seconds.
R Regularly service the car; change air filters, fill tires and maintain emission control systems.
R
Avoid short airplane trips; take a bus or train instead.
R Choose energy-saving light bulbs and appliances.
R Insulate walls, windows and ceilings.
R Consider double-paned windows.
R Keep thermostat low in winter and high in summer and strategically open windows.
R Unplug electronics when not in use.
R Hang-dry clothes.
R Choose sustainably produced, nontoxic furniture.
R Use biodegradable, nontoxic cleaning products.
• Earth Overshoot Day, when humanity exhausts nature’s budget for the year, and how to #MoveTheDate at EarthOvershootDay.org.
• The personal footprint calculator at FootprintCalculator.org.
• Rodale Institute’s organic-growing resources at RodaleInstitute.org.
Working with clients with massage, reiki and readings to empower and equip them with tools for their self-discovery journey.
Embarking on a journey toward healthier eating often begins with a quest for a better understanding of food-labeling and food-sourcing options. For those taking their first steps into the world of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture, terms like grass-fed, organic and regenerative can be both intriguing and perplexing. Understanding these distinctions empowers consumers to make choices aligned with their values and priorities when selecting food products.
“Conventional farming practices involve very heavy equipment, heavy tillage and a lot of inputs—chemical fertilizers, herbicides
and pesticides,” says Elizabeth Whitlow, the executive director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance. “Despite its high outputs, conventional farming does not necessarily guarantee nutritious, healthy crops.”
A majority of our meat originates from animal feeding operations (AFOs), where animals are commonly raised in confinement and fed genetically modified grains, as opposed to grazing or foraging in pastures or rangelands. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Manure and wastewater from [AFOs] have the potential to contribute pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, organic matter, sediments, pathogens, hormones and antibiotics to the environment.”
Grass-fed farming focuses on feeding livestock grass rather than grains and, in some cases, allowing them to forage for their food, which is considered more humane than AFOs. Rotational grazing, common in grass-fed farming, contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting soil fertility and biodiversity.
According to a 2019 review published in Nutrition Journal that compared the nutritional profiles of grass-fed and grainfed beef, scientists from the California State University College of Agriculture noted that grass-fed beef tends to be lower in overall fat and higher in several heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, including omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid, precursors for vitamins A and E, and glutathione. The authors also note, “To maximize the favorable lipid profile and to guarantee the elevated antioxidant content, animals should be finished [fed before slaughter] in 100 percent grass or pasture-based diets.”
While there is no federal standard for a grass-fed label, third-party certifiers that may lend a level of reliability include the American Grassfed Association and A Greener World. Look for 100 percent grass-fed and grass-finished certification, and remember that a grass-fed label doesn’t automatically mean that the product is organic or regenerative organic.
Established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1990, the USDA Organic certification and farming practices focus on soil health, biodiversity and natural methods of pest and weed control, rather than using synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, or genetically modified organisms. According to the USDA, 17,445 certified organic farms operated a total of 4.9 million acres in 2021, amounting to less than 1 percent of U.S. farmland. From 2019 to 2021, sales of organic crops increased 5 percent to $6.1 billion.
A 2019 study published in the journal Environmental Research reported that an organic diet may reduce exposure to a range of pesticides in children and adults. A 2024 review of studies published in the journal Food noted that certain health benefits have been associated with a higher consumption of organic foods, including a reduction in obesity, improvements in blood nutrient composition and a reduction in the development of nonHodgkin lymphoma and colorectal cancers. Rodale Institute’s Vegetable Systems Trial, a long-term, side-by-side comparison of conventional and organic methods, is designed to analyze nutrient density and explore the links between soil health and human health.
In addition to adhering to the core principles of organic farming, regenerative agriculture sets out to actively rejuvenate and improve ecosystems, nurture soil health, foster biodiversity and promote water retention, with the added benefit of sequestering environmental carbon by
returning it to the soil. According to Kegan Hilaire, a small-farms consultant for Rodale Institute, this type of farming prioritizes human health, farmworker conditions, animal welfare and animal integration into farming methods. Farms and products that bear the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) label “meet the highest standards in soil health, animal welfare and social fairness,” Whitlow explains. As of 2023, 156 farms and about 1.1 million acres have received this certification, which is overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a nonprofit group of experts in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare, and farmer and worker fairness.
Hilaire points out that only about 1 percent of the U.S. population are
farmers, fewer are certified organic or regenerative, and many small farms employ these methods without getting the official paperwork. “The best certification is meeting your farmer and deciding if you trust where your food is coming from,” he suggests.
Grass-fed, organic and regenerative organic foods each offer unique benefits, from improved nutrition to environmental sustainability. Every purchase becomes a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By selecting products aligned with our values, we can collectively drive positive change in the food system and shape a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Sara English is the owner of Wild Roots Farm Marketing, a digital marketing firm for regenerative farmers and ranchers. Connect at WildRootsFarmMarketing.com.
This easy, slow-cooker recipe fills the home with delightful aromas while providing a nutrient-dense broth. Using organic chicken supports farming practices that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
YIELD: 8 SERVINGS
1-2 lbs organic whole chicken bones (leftovers from a whole chicken roast is perfect)
1 onion, roughly chopped
3 carrots, roughly chopped
3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp salt
Optional: fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for extra flavor
Place the chicken bones in a large six-quart slow cooker. Add the vegetables, herbs (if using), garlic, apple cider vinegar, black peppercorns and salt on top of the bones and mix to combine. Fill the slow cooker with filtered water until the ingredients are submerged. Cover with the lid and set to low heat for 12 hours.
Once done cooking, let it cool for about 45 minutes before straining through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Discard the solids. The liquid should be thick and gelatinous. Once cooled, transfer to jars or other containers, labeled with the date and contents, and store in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat before serving.
Recipe courtesy of Sara English.
This frittata is bursting with farm-fresh goodness. Savor the superior taste and nutrition of organic eggs, supporting regenerative farming practices with every delicious bite.
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
1 lb organic pork breakfast sausage, chopped
1 Tbsp grass-fed ghee or butter
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups spinach leaves, chopped
8 large organic eggs
½ cup grass-fed cheddar cheese, shredded Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large skillet on medium heat, add ghee or butter and onions. Cook until onions have softened, about four minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add in chopped spinach leaves, stirring until wilted down, about one minute.
Place cooked mixture into a greased nine-by-13-inch baking dish and spread out evenly. Place sausage around edges of the pan and in-between gaps of the spinach-onion mixture for an even layer of sausage throughout the pan.
Crack eight eggs into a medium bowl and lightly beat together using a whisk or fork. Pour eggs over top of the sausage-spinach-onion mixture, ensuring all ingredients are covered in egg evenly and completely. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place dish in oven and cook for 25 minutes or until eggs are set through the center and golden brown on top.
Recipe courtesy of Sara English.
Tvirbickis / CanvaPro
Each April, Mother Nature spills blossoms from her apron as songbirds trill the songs of their ancestors and prepare for the next generation. Contrary to widespread human assumption, many animal species grieve, express empathy and form bonds that still elude our complete understanding. Trees communicate through complex
root systems. Plants respond to environmental and emotional stimuli. Wolves howl their soul-song, and particles of desert sand emit bell-like frequencies if the wind’s provocation is just right. Our planet is alive on levels beyond our senses or scientific instruments.
To the ancient Greeks, Gaia (also known as Gaea) was a living being
separate from the gods that ruled the Earth—a primordial, maternal entity from which all life springs. Through the centuries, luminaries such as Plato or 1970s scientist James Lovelock have endeavored to define this life force, but perhaps 12th-century abbess and visionary Hildegard von Bingen came closest when she coined the word veriditas to denote “the greening power of nature”. Whether we see this innate energy as simple photosynthesis or handiwork of a higher power, sentient Earth is our allproviding, intelligent resource from cradle to grave.
Many of us can remember a moment in childhood when nature startled our consciousness, be it in a drop of pond water under a microscope or in the shocking power of a summer thunderstorm. We ran barefoot over her grassy lap, made wishes on stars and boggled our minds trying to grasp the concept of light years. This intimate relationship with the planet and her cosmic connections may dwindle in adulthood, but something deep within our souls—if we are honest with ourselves—longs to reunite with anima, Earth’s ever-present, pervasive energy.
Earth Day is an invitation to sync our hearts to Gaia’s force, feel the holy purpose of roots beneath our footsteps and witness her sanctity by planting a simple container garden or inhaling her breath of spring deeply into our lungs, exhaling gratitude.
Marlaina Donato is an author, multimedia expressionist and a cultivator of wild well-being. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Whether travel is enjoyed for much-needed relaxation, cultural immersion or the opportunity to volunteer in an ecoprogram spotlighting permaculture or farming, journeying to places far and near greatly enriches our human experience. During these environmentally critical times, our travels may carry a hefty price tag that the planet can no longer afford. This does not mean we need to sacrifice adventure. Every traveler can make a difference not only for the Earth but for the local communities they visit.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, 8.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to travel and tourism. Being in the know and taking more responsibility for our environmental impact can be easier than commonly assumed, all the while inviting unexpected enjoyment.
Amanda Reiser, a global sustainable tourism specialist based in Pennsylvania, encourages her clients to consider the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environment, economy and equity. “We all can play a part in fostering sustainable tourism and
creating a more sustainable world," she explains, noting that a green-minded approach benefits not only the traveler but also the destination. "Ask yourself: Does my participation in this activity create a negative impact on the natural environment? Are there any actions to help reduce my environmental impact?"
A traveler’s footprint extends to the socio-cultural fabric of the destination, too. Reiser reminds travelers, “You may be in your destination for only a week, but the people who live there year-round feel the impacts of visitors every day, for better or worse.” By respecting local traditions and engaging locals in a respectful and inclusive manner, tourists can contribute positively to the cultural integrity of the communities they visit.
Instead of hitting all the trendy, transportation-reliant sights, opt to slow down and stay in one place for a longer period. This not only invites a richer, deeper experience but minimizes the need to hop onto another plane or bus. To support the local economy of a desired destination, buy locally produced items and book small, private hotels and inns, rather than international chains. Dining at locally owned eateries supports small business while giving travelers higherquality fare and a more authentic cultural experience.
When planning a trip, contemplate the many treasures of domestic travel or choose a location that is not drowning in overtourism. The influx of tourists can significantly strain fragile ecosystems, deplete resources and disrupt the lives of local communities. Consider destinations that can be crossed via boat, train or bus, such as the New York-Montreal border or clusters of countries in Europe or Southeast Asia.
Making small choices even when packing a suitcase goes a long way. Bring ecofriendly sunscreen and opt for brands that avoid chemicals harmful to coral reefs and tropical environments. Pack a
cloth tote bag for daily excursions and a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics. Remember that by using plastic containers more than once, we reduce the amount of waste that is released over time. Try not to overpack—bring only the most necessary items, preferably those that can be recycled, reused and disposed of properly.
To avoid getaway glitches, become acquainted with local laws and regulations. When planning a fishing excursion, for example, identify the legally designated fishing spots and avoid harming endangered species, which are heavily protected under national and international regulations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) offers an interactive map to show where legal fishing areas are by state (fws.gov/fishing/map). Historical resources should also be taken into consideration. For instance, the Florida Keys require special permits for cultural, maritime, heritage and archeological explorations, including snorkeling expeditions of ancient shipwrecks and other unique, underwater sites.
It is always best to ask whether a destination is a naturally protected sanctuary or requires special permits. The FSW is a good reference site for information on activities in national wildlife refuges and the endangered animals that live there. To enjoy these areas to their fullest, make sure to find a knowledgeable local tour guide that understands the laws of the land.
Traveling consciously involves personal responsibility toward the environment through individual actions. “You can make a difference,” says David Knight, a professor of tourism management at Colorado State University. “Regenerative travel is not just leaving things the way you found them. It’s a matter of giving more than you take.”
Greenwashing is a corrupt practice by companies that claim to support conscious tourism but fail to live up to their claims. Vetting businesses when planning a trip means delving into third-party research and reports to check the fine print. Before booking, make sure the ecolodge or ecotouring company being considered
has a legitimate certification on their website. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sets global standards and provides accreditations for destination managers, hotels and tour operators. There are also certifying groups in specific locations, such as the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii, and others that are accredited by the GSTC, like Preferred by Nature.
For tourism operations that have not been certified, the onus is on the
traveler. “Check with the local chambers of commerce. They should know who is working toward sustainability and can direct you to those aligned with what you are looking for,” says Claudia Gil Arroyo, an agricultural agent for the Rutgers University Cooperative Extension, in New Jersey. “If a tour operator or destination does not have a clear goal on how they’re contributing to the environment, it is unlikely that they are actually green.”
For tourism to be truly sustainable, it must also be economically viable for local communities. Economic sustainability ensures that tourism dollars benefit the local economy, creating fair wages, local sourcing and community empowerment, and allowing communities to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage. When traveling, support local, eco-friendly businesses that provide sustainable products. A good example is agritourism—a vacation stay at a participating local farm—which can provide exciting, hands-on learning experiences. “Get out there. Look for your local growers and check out the services and activities they offer,” says Gil Arroyo. “People have this idea that agritourism is just picking your pumpkins and that’s it, and there’s so much more that can be done at a farm.”
North America is home to many national parks—63 in the United States and 48 in Canada. Here are five exceptional examples that provide a sustainable, eco-friendly vacation experience.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. It also
Maria Kray / CanvaPro
has a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves and herds of bison. This U.S. park has implemented sustainable practices such as renewable energy installations, waste management programs and educational initiatives to promote conservation.
Great Bear Rainforest is a temperate locale on the central and northern coasts of British Columbia, Canada. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear. The park works closely with First Nations communities, implementing conservation measures to protect biodiversity and support ecoconscious businesses.
Everglades National Park is a unique wetland ecosystem in Florida known as the “River of Grass”. It provides habitat for numerous endangered species, such as the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee. The park employs restoration efforts to preserve the natural water flow and conserve wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for eco-friendly recreational activities like kayaking and hiking.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located on the northern tip of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs and stunning hiking trails. The park implements waste reduction, energy conservation, ecological restoration and educational programs to promote environmental stewardship.
Redwood National and State Parks, in California, are home to the tallest trees on Earth, the majestic coast redwoods. Sustainable eco-practices include trail maintenance and restoration, wildlife protection, interpretation programs to educate visitors about the delicate ecosystem, and conservation efforts to combat climate change and preserve redwood habitat.
Sara Kaplan is an environmentally conscious freelance writer and eco-traveler from Fort Collins, CO.
Let’s start with the river that is closest to Connecticut and the Northeast as we travel on the Hudson River in New York. Explore the beauty of the Catskill mountains on the western shores and the Taconic and Berkshire hills on the eastern shores. This cruise takes place in the fall so you can experience the beautiful fall foliage. You will also get to explore excursions to the home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the U.S.’ 32nd President, which is on the national historic list in Hyde Park, New York. Also on the agenda is an exploration of the famous military academy of West Point, which was originally a fort during the American Revolutionary War.
Maybe it is the mighty Mississippi River that interests you. This river can be traveled in many ways: you can cruise the entire Mississippi River from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, or the upper or lower parts of the river. There are also many different cruises on smaller rivers that lead into the Mississippi River. No matter which way you travel— whether on a paddle-wheeler or a cruise ship—the cruise will remind you of the Mark Twain classics. In Hannibal, Missouri, you can visit the famous author’s home. Continue traveling down and you will get to the great music town of Memphis, Tennessee. Explore Beale Street, the land where great rhythm and blues music originated. It’s only three blocks long but has so much history and attractions. Take a detour to visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Graceland is a must-see not only for Elvis fans, but just to visit and see how talented the King of Rock & Roll truly was. The
rooms that contain all his special awards and records are impressive. The home itself still has some of his family staying there at different times.
Stop in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the setting of the blood siege in the Civil War. President Lincoln said, “Vicksburg is the key. The was can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket… They can defy us from Vicksburg…As valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so.” Visit the national military park where a bloody 47-day siege occurred during the Civil War.
Continue down the muddy Mississippi to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, then end your cruise in New Orleans, the home of Mardi Gras. Visit the French Quarters and enjoy a carriage ride through the quarters or hop on a streetcar through the Garden District before a flight back home.
As the Mississippi is filled with history of the Civil War, the Snake and Columbia Rivers are the Lewis & Clark expedition
Niagara Falls, the Great Lakes cruiserivers. Start in Clarkston, Washington, with a jet boat ride down Hell’s Canyon. This is the deepest canyon in North America. The landscape is a sight to see from mountain peaks to remote wilderness areas.
Take an excursion to Pendleton, Oregon, to visit the underground tunnels created centuries ago. Make a stop in Dalles, Oregon, the last stop on the Oregan Trail. You will get to see Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams from the ship and at your stop in Dalles. This historic town has many murals painted on their buildings. Continue into Washington to visit Mt. Saint Helens, learn more about the explosion of this volcano that erupted in 1980, and its impact on the environment and the lives of people there. This is the volcano that didn’t erupt on the top; she blew out on the side. The crater is still there.
You will then continue to Astoria, Washington, which is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Explore Fort Clatsop the winter camp of Lewis & Clark in 1805-1806. Your cruise will end in Portland, Oregon.
You may want to cruise on our wonderful Great Lakes. This isn’t a river cruise, but rather an exploration type of cruise. The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater system in the world; we are so lucky to have not just one but five of them. There are many different itineraries for exploration of these lakes. When traveling between Lake Michigan and Lake Heron, you will get a day to explore Mackinac Island, an island that even to this day has no vehicles (except emergency vehicles). You can call a taxi, but give yourself plenty of time; it is a horse and buggy taxi. Bikes and horse-drawn wagons
are allowed. Visiting the Grand Hotel, you will have to pay a fee to go on the porch—if you have lunch or dinner there, the fee will be deducted from your bill. This is the famous hotel in the movie Somewhere in Time, with Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. They did need special permission to have vehicles there for their movie.
Lake Superior will bring you to Thunder Bay in Canada, which is known as “Canada’s Gateway to the West.” Enjoy Niagara Falls while on Lake Ontario. Take a ride on the Maid of the Mist which will bring you close to the Canadian Falls.
Lake Erie will take you into Ohio, at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. The Cuyahoga River caught on fire a total of 13 times, dating all the way back to 1868. The last fire in 1969 helped in the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972. This is the shallowest lake of the five.
There are so many ways to explore the waterways of the United States. Our great country allows you to discover all we have to offer, whether it be a paddlewheeler on the Mississippi or an exploration ship in the Great Lakes. There is something for everyone. Whatever you decide, you are helping tourism in the areas you take an excursion. The local economy looks forward to you enjoying their cities and towns.
Christina Bafumo is a travel advisor and vacation planner for Cruise Planners - The Traveling Buddies. She is a master cruise counselor with CLIA, verified travel advisor with ASTA and a certified travel advisor with Travel University as well as being certified in autistic travel planning. Connect at 860-5733199, Chris.Bafumo@CruisePlanners.com, TheTravelingBuddies.com.
Mackinac Island on a Great Lakes Cruise
The Mississippi cruise
Long a staple of European travel, agritourism is growing in popularity in the United States, as concrete-weary urbanites seek out a taste of country living and a way to support small-scale farms. The concept broadly covers any activity linking agriculture with tourism, and it takes as many forms as there are farms. Farm-stay options run the gamut from helping with farm chores like feeding chickens and collecting eggs to structured classes on weaving, soap making or beekeeping.
“Living in towns and cities, most Americans are very disconnected from nature and agriculture. Farm stays are helping to make an important urban-rural connection,” says Scottie
Jones, founder of Farm Stay USA, an association connecting travelers with working farms and ranches that offer hands-on opportunities and overnight accommodations.
Since 2007, Jones has operated her own farm stay, the 70-acre Leaping Lamb Farm, in Alsea, Oregon. She has been surprised at many guests’ “agricultural illiteracy”, underscoring the importance of the educational experiences that farm stays like hers offer. “I used to send guests off to graze in the garden alone, but then realized many people don’t know what carrots look like in the field,” says Jones. “I would get questions like, ‘Don’t you need a brown cow to make chocolate milk?’”
More than one in three guests to Leaping Lamb Farm return for subsequent stays, a very high retention rate for the lodging industry. “We get to watch families grow up as they return to the farm year after year. That has a real impact, as we need the next generation to get involved in farming and food systems,” Jones notes.
Justin Bolois, of Los Angeles, got introduced to agritourism in Tuscany, later seeking out the farm experience closer to home. “We had been living in New York City at the time and came to value the expansive countryside being in Italy,” he says. “The family, which ran a vineyard, would cook incredible meals for us. Vacations are great when they mirror the experience of living in a place, and agritourism is one of the closest ways to access that.”
Bolois and his wife later discovered Straus Home Ranch, in Marshall, California, and fell in love with the place and its people so deeply they hosted their wedding there. The ranch was founded by a pair
of pioneers in organic farming and land conservation in Marin County, and it was later revitalized to include a farm stay by siblings Vivien, Miriam and Michael Straus after their parents’ deaths. “You can tell that Vivian and Michael not only care about what they do, they also care about you, and about you enjoying their life mission. That’s a very special bond to develop with an agritourism owner,” Bolois says.
The ranch features special touches, including a beautifully equipped kitchen to shuck local oysters or to host private chefs for farm-fresh meals served on a handcrafted table made of reclaimed redwood from their old hay barn. There is no cellphone reception on the ranch, encouraging guests to kayak, hike, birdwatch and stargaze.
“After being cooped up during COVID, people want to see wildlife and biodiversity again. People are aching to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with nature— what we call ‘dirt therapy’,” says Ashley Walsh, president and founder of
Poconos Organics, one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified farms on the continent, sprawling across 380 acres in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
Walsh built the boutique resort, The Village at Pocono, with her grandfather when she was 25 as a sister destination to the farm. The accommodations feature full kitchens where guests can cook a cornucopia of produce fresh from the fields. Visitors can enjoy luxurious amenities on site, then pop over to the farm to attend hands-on cooking classes, wellness retreats, farm tours and more.
Beyond connecting with rural life, farm stays are a meaningful, mutually beneficial way for farmers and consumers to reconnect on a personal level. “Agritourism puts a face to farming. We want to educate people so they can make better choices in food and get to experience what really fresh food tastes like,” Jones says.
Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
As the founder of Pocono Organics, a leading regenerative organic farm in Pennsylvania, Ashley Walsh understands that the way food is grown can determine its nutritional properties and significantly impact the environment. Her own journey from illness to wellness led her to organic foods and responsible farming practices. It is a remarkable story of triumph over adversity and can inspire others on the path to lifelong well-being.
In her late 20s, Walsh was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a devastating condition that involves the partial paralysis of the stomach, making every meal a painful prospect. “I couldn’t digest most fruits, vegetables or meat, and was in excruciating pain with vomiting and nausea, which led to malnutrition,” she recalls.
Desperate for help, Walsh exhausted every treatment Western medicine had to offer. “I cycled through medications without relief and even tried Botox.
When my doctors recommended
feeding tubes and cutting out parts of my stomach, I turned to functional medicine,” she explains. “After experimenting with juicing and smoothies, I was finally able to get nutrients and nourishment from real food. This led to a broader detox. I cut out processed food, additives and dyes and introduced plant-based supplements and non-toxic personal care items.”
The more Walsh moved toward an organic diet and lifestyle, the better she felt. “I started seeing undeniable results
Ashley Walsh-PoconoOrganics
and went from feeling sick five days a week to having symptoms only five days a month. My whole life, I’d eaten low-quality food like corn chips, cheese sandwiches and pizza, not realizing what I was putting in my body,” she muses.
While she transitioned to a healthier lifestyle, Walsh was assistant director at Fox Sports, a job that required constant travel, and finding the healthy ingredients she needed was difficult. “I was frustrated that the supply did not meet the demand for nutritious, whole food. At the same time, I wanted to share my passion for using food as medicine, and it was in the back of my mind to start a small community farm for a while,” she recalls.
At a 2015 impact investing conference, Walsh learned how a business could help people and the planet, while still making a profit. “This truly resonated with me, and the seed was planted,” she explains. “I leased a 50-acre parcel of land from the family business and called Rodale
Institute, the leader in organic and regenerative farming practices, for consultation.”
Pocono Organics opened its gates to the public in 2019 and has flourished ever since. The 380-acre farm hosts tours, community events, cooking classes, an organic market and a café. It is a global center for research and discovery, as well as an agritourism destination for guest retreats. “Pocono Organics creates moments and experiences that inspire change and transform lives through wellness, health, food diversity and sustainability,” Walsh asserts. “We give people emotional souvenirs through experiences where they can taste and touch real foods and learn why things like soil health are important. Guests develop a connection with nature and see where their food comes from.”
Walsh hopes to instill preventative wellness and lifelong healthy habits in a younger generation. “We have a program called Clean Foods, Healthy Hands,
which teaches kids to plant, harvest and cook in a healthy way. From an early age, they’re out in the fields eating raw broccoli and cauliflower! They can still have their favorite foods, but they learn to add squash to the macaroni and cheese and end up liking it better. These habits stay with them their whole lives,” she says.
More than anything, Walsh wants people to be mindful of the impact their food choices have. “Every day you have at least three opportunities to make a difference in how you nourish yourself,” she says. “The more we can get food from farms and not factories, the better we can live and work in harmony with nature. Food truly is medicine, and making an investment in your health helps the planet, and therefore other people, too.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
We might be tempted to bring plastic forks to a picnic or succumb to the expediency of prepackaged chips for our kids’ lunches, but single-use plastics wreak havoc on the environment and human health. Although marketed as disposable, most of these fossil fuel-derived, non-biodegradable items are not being recycled, so they languish indefinitely in landfills or pollute our waterways in the form of microplastics. “Plastic pollution has been linked to everything from infertility and cancer in humans to severe injury and death in wildlife,” says Veena Singla, senior scientist for the National Resources Defense Council, in New York.
Roughly 30 percent of garbage in the U.S. comes from single-use plastics,” says Shawn Flood, a partner and vice president of operations and customer care
at SBC Waste Solutions, a waste collection company based in Broadview, Illinois. Marketed for their inexpensive, lightweight, flexible and impermeable qualities, we have come to rely on plastic grocery bags, shrink wrapping, drink bottles, stickers, K-cups, straws, gloves, takeout containers and other throwaway products. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 380 billion plastic bags and wraps are used annually, which require 12 million barrels of oil to make.
Many plastic products that could be recycled are still getting tossed into the landfill. “The biggest problem is contamination,” Flood explains. “When someone puts a plastic milk jug into the recycling bin and there’s still milk inside of it, that ends up getting trashed. Those
products become single-use plastics when consumers don’t do the correct job of washing recyclables.”
Over the past few decades, countries including Costa Rica, France and Italy, as well as some U.S. states, have introduced laws that prohibit or tax single-use plastics. “They are banning single-use plastics in California,” Flood notes. “Everything is paper. Basically, you cannot find a plastic straw,” Flood notes.
Other states following the trend to ban certain plastics include Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, New Jersey and Vermont.
The U.S. Department of the Interior is phasing out single-use plastics on public lands, including national parks, by 2032. A Los Angeles County public works study reports that a ban on plastic bags in San
Jose has led to reductions of plastic bags found in storm drains (89 percent), rivers (60 percent) and residential areas (59 percent).
Some states, however, have chosen to protect the continued use of these items. For example, Indiana passed a bill in 2016 prohibiting city and county officials from taxing or restricting the use of disposable plastic bags by certain retailers. Similar laws have been enacted or proposed in Wisconsin, Idaho, Florida and Arizona.
New single-use products are continually being introduced that claim to be better for the environment, but consumers need to be cautious of such promises, says Brandon Leeds, co-founder of SOFi Paper Products, based in Miami, Florida. “There’s a tremendous amount of greenwashing going on,” he explains. “They stamp the products as eco-friendly. For example, some agave straws are predominantly made with plastic and just mixed with agave.”
SOFi manufactures straws and drinking cups that are 100 percent paper, 100
percent plastic free and 100 percent compostable. They sell to 4,000 businesses in the U.S., including mom-and-pop coffee shops, high-end restaurants, convenience stores and popular food chains. Leeds remarks, “Our company mission is to educate people.”
Alternatives to plastic, such as cotton or paper bags, also have environmental impacts, and the jury is out on whether single-use plastic bans can really improve the environment, according to Enhesa, a company that helps businesses with regulatory compliance.
A study commissioned by the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance, a group that represents U.S. manufacturers and recyclers of plastic bags, found that New Jersey’s ban resulted in a 60 percent decline in bag volume. However, the study also found six times more woven and non-woven polypropylene plastic was used to produce reusable bags, which are not widely recycled. The non-woven bags consume 15 times more plastic, and
their production generates five times the greenhouse gas emissions per bag than the thin plastic bags.
Flood says one solution may be “to go back to the early days when glass was used for everything, and it could be used over and over.” Several states have created container deposit laws related to glass and plastic. In Oregon, for example, nearly every business that sells certain beverages in redeemable sealed containers is legally required to accept returned containers that can be recycled or reused.
The bottom line, Flood asserts, is that people need to move away from a throwaway mentality and stop using single-use plastics. “The consumer has the power to do anything,” he says. “When I go on vacation and I’m walking on the beach, I’m picking up pieces of plastic everywhere.”
Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore. wordpress.com.
Hitting the trails offers something for everyone, whether it’s hiking for the day or backpacking and roughing it overnight in remote areas. According to the 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, getting up close and personal with Mother Nature is more popular than ever in the States, with 58.7 million hikers and 10.3 million backpackers in 2021.
With health benefits like stronger heart health, a lower risk of respiratory ailments and a boost in mental health, hiking is a fun way to stay fit, but prepping for the physical demands of local trails or wilderness is essential for both endurance and injury prevention. “A strong, well-conditioned body is your best ally when crossing rough terrain and overcoming unexpected challenges,” says Larry Pringle, a certified
fitness trainer and founder of Perfect Fit Training and Nutrition, a holistic training hub for busy entrepreneurs.
With great diversity of trail challenges to choose from, hiking is doable for most people. “If you're generally healthy, no matter your age, you can complete any hike you’ve always wanted to do,” says Fit for Trips hiking coach Marcus Shapiro. “I have had the privilege of working with many individuals who are over 70 years old, and they have successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the base camp of Mount Everest.”
Shapiro estimates an eight-to-12-week training regimen for younger hikers and 12 to 16 weeks of preparation for older
enthusiasts. For the best fitness outcome, he underscores the importance of choosing the right exercises for the sport, explaining, “Every recreational activity requires a unique training approach for best results. It’s called ‘specificity of training’.” His Fit for Trips training includes inclines, stairs, lunges, distance and high-intensity interval training.
To meet the challenge of walking for hours at a time, cardiovascular conditioning like jogging, brisk walking, time on the treadmill or cycling is a good place to begin. Adding a heavy backpack of survival supplies to the equation requires extra strength in the legs, core and upper body and is best achieved through squats, planks, lunges and push-ups. Full body stretching with emphasis on hamstrings, quadriceps, hips and back are also essential.
To avoid weekend warrior injuries, it is wise to adopt a hiker’s mentality in everyday life. “Start slow and find ways to incorporate more movement into your daily life,” advises Maggie Peikon, communications director of American Hiking Society. “Skip the escalator or elevator and opt for taking the stairs instead. You’ll be glad to have gotten those extra steps in when you’re taking on uphill climbs out on the trail.” She also hails the perks of biking to the store with a backpack or walking to the park for a lunch break if it is safe and feasible. Most of all, Peikon stresses the value of going slow and listening to the body.
The benefits of getting outdoors goes beyond physical health and spills over into positive impacts on the environment. Peikon muses, “When we hike, our connection to the places we explore grows. When we feel connected to a place— whether a trail or a favorite spot outdoors— we are more likely to step forward to protect the environment and change our behavior to lessen our negative impacts.”
For Pringle, having a strong body carries over into other areas of living. “Getting ready for the trails means getting ready for life. Before you hit those paths, hit the gym. It’s not just about reaching mountaintops; it’s about reaching for your best self.”
June 1 is National Trails Day, a day of service for hometown trails and the people that love them. Promoted by the American Hiking Society, public events throughout the country offer opportunities for tens of thousands of participants to come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain and clean up public lands and trails. To learn more and find a nearby event, visit AmericanHiking.org/national-trails-day.
Check out these sites for detailed information about hometown trails that match the hiker’s level of ability.
• AllTrails.com
• FaroutGuides.com
• HikingProject.com
• Sturdy, appropriate footwear—from trail shoes for moderate terrain to heavy hiking boots for strenuous climbs
• Nutrient-dense food
• Rain gear and dry-fast layers for changing weather
• Means to start an emergency fire
• Whistle
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Multi-tool or knife
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunprotective clothing
• Lightweight protection from the elements
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Committee’s mission is to enhance community connection to high-quality health and wellness businesses to ensure a healthy Greater Milford Region. Learn more at MilfordCT.com .
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When Desiree Miller and her daughter visited Rome, they met a couple from Ukraine celebrating their honeymoon. There was talk of a possible war, so they chatted about what that might mean for the newlyweds. Later that day, her daughter asked their Italian driver his thoughts about the impending conflict in Ukraine with Russia, and he said he didn’t like it because it was going to raise gas prices.
“Traveling feels like it shrinks the world,” says Miller, an Atlanta-based travel writer, vlogger, digital streaming producer, co-host of the “Time to Talk Travel” podcast and mother of four. “So many children these days only know what’s in their backyard or their general neighborhood or community, the school they go to, and that’s the extent of
their communication with other people. But when I take my daughter to other countries, she gets to experience people from those countries and beyond.”
According to the 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey released by the Family Travel Association, 80 percent of the respondents indicated that travel helps children see the world from a broader perspective, and 67 percent said their children have become more interested in other cultures because of their travel experiences.
Nasreen Stump agrees that travel expands a child’s worldview. “I want my kids to be curious, because curiosity leads to lifelong learning,” says the mother of four, a content creator and co-host of the “Time to Talk Travel” podcast. “When you’re in different places, and you see something that’s
different, you think, ‘Oh, what’s that?’ and want to learn more about it. It’s the same with similarities.”
Families need not break the bank to enjoy meaningful experiences away from home. Here are a few money-saving travel ideas suggested by Stump and Miller.
• Take shorter trips. As they’ve grown older, each of Stump’s children have developed different interests, so instead of traveling as a family all the time, she takes each of them on oneon-one trips based on their interests. When the family does come together for an excursion, a day trip or weekend getaway is a more affordable option.
• Hop on the internet. Miller’s youngest daughter, now 18 years old, loves using TikTok as a jumping-off point to research travel destinations, local restaurants, activities and events. Other kids rely on YouTube to get ideas or travel virtually.
• Enjoy a staycation. For families that can’t afford multiple plane tickets, closer-to-home experiences offer fun learning opportunities such as attending a multicultural fair to watch live performances or trying a new cuisine at a nearby restaurant or in a cooking class.
• Take advantage of free or discounted deals. Some libraries offer free passes to museums for library card holders. National parks have free entrance days throughout the year. Check nps.gov for upcoming dates. Flights and hotels are often discounted during the shoulder season—the period between a region’s peak season and offseason. Some credit cards allow members to use their reward points for travel-related discounts.
• Research destinations. Bookmark areas of interest on a Google map or add them to a Pinterest board. Read books, magazine articles and travel blogs about different locales.
• Sample the cuisine. Much can be learned about a culture through food.
Experiment with new ingredients by visiting specialized grocery stores that cater to different cultures, or join a snack subscription with selections from around the world.
• Learn a new language. Check out apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone.
Life is full of challenges, and traveling, especially to foreign ports, can test anyone’s patience. Some of Miller’s children don’t love to travel because of flight delays or other unexpected mishaps. Her youngest is more adaptable. According to Miller, dealing with adversity is part of life, and travel is a great teacher. Traveling allows kids to get out of their comfort zones, and for many, that sense of adventure is powerful. Whether exploring historical landmarks, taking part in hiking excursions, trying new foods, hearing different languages and dialects, or meeting new people, family travel can help children feel more comfortable, less isolated and see the world in a new light.
Children love to collect souvenirs on their travels as a way to remember their experiences. Miller and her daughter usually buy a piece of jewelry because it is small and doesn’t take up any suitcase space. Stump’s family likes to take lots of photographs and bring home candy from the culture. Rocks or shells, if permitted, also make wonderful keepsakes.
Memories go beyond objects. Multigenerational travel allows children to see their grandparents from a fresh perspective. Kids will remember travel experiences long after they return home. “Travel gives you a real appreciation of the world beyond what you see every day,” Miller says, adding that her daughter has befriended other travelers with whom she still stays in contact.
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses.
Calendar of Events
Break Free Weight Loss: Release the Barriers Holding Back Your Weight Loss Success. Join Dr. Beata in this captivating Free Masterclass Series starting April 1 and running through April 30 as she unveils the hidden keys to weight loss success and keeping the weight off holistically. Info, register: bit.ly/BreakFreeWeightLoss.
Intro to Pilates Reformer. 5-6 p.m. With Amy Neikrie. April 2, 9, 16, 23 course to learn the six basic Pilates principles of centering, control, breath, concentration, breathing and flow. After 4-week session, you can enroll in the Pilates Refomer classes. $120/4-session series. Fuller Yoga Pilates and Massage, 39 New London Tpk., Glen Lochen, Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: FullerYoga.com/Events.
Holistic Moms Network: How Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health. 6:30 p.m. First Tuesdays. Join Holistic Moms Network’s New Haven County chapter for a focus on mental health from a diet and lifestyle perspective with nutritionist Tori Lawlor, MS, LDN, CNS, owner of Your Wellness Way. Open to the public. Chimichurri (formerly NP Café and Nate’s Plates), 2 Schooner Ln., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: Facebook. com/HMNNewHaven, Events tab.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
Sound Healing Sessions w/Kelvin Young & Maria del Carmen. 6-7:30 p.m. Every other Thursday. Create a safe space during a sound healing gathering to share feelings and hold space for each other while sipping on cacao. Relax to the sounds by Kelvin Young, RSS and Maria Del Carmen, MBA. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info, register: BridgeHAC. com/Event/Sound-Healing-Kelvin-Young/2024-04-04.
A Social Support Group for Empowerment. 7-9 p.m. First Thursdays. Be a part of a group of like-minded individuals, looking for conversation and support without judgment; to express your spiritual beliefs, listen to those of others, and work together to gain a deeper understanding. We discuss different topics from our practitioners who offer their services to teach selfempowerment techniques. Fee: small offering. Mystics by the Sea, 394 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-980-6272, MysticsBytheSea.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
Watertown/Oakville Wake Up Your Business Networking for Professionals. 8-9 a.m. First Fridays
The Watertown/Oakville Chamber invites business owners, representatives and potential members to make new connections, grow your business and create more visibility. The Local Sixty-Three Bar & Restaurant, 465 Main St., Watertown, CT. Registration: free, closes 4 p.m. on Feb. 29. Questions, late RSVP: contact Member Director Laura Brown at 203-7570701, Ext. 305, or LBrown@WaterburyChamber. com. WaterburyCTCoC.wliinc30.com/Events.
Virtual Training: Restorative Justice Integrated: In Our Policies, Relationships & Daily Lives. 9 a.m.noon. With Marlee Liss and Connecticut Women’s Consortium. Virtual class worth 3 credits. Participants will learn about a restorative justice experience, restorative and punitive principles, and create a community vision that disrupts violence and shame cycles. Participants will integrate restorative justice principles at various levels. $70. Info, RSVP: WomensConsortium.Configio.com.
Mindful Craft Class: Seed of Life Crystal Grid & Poetry. 1-3 p.m. With Kathy Sabo. Learn about sacred geometry. Experience a meditation to define intention and add gemstones/crystals to seed of life grid to amplify vibrational energy. Learn to work with crystal grids. Write a poem about grid using sacred geometry. $31.91, includes tax and supplies for a 4-inch grid & crystals. Pre-payment required via cash, check, Venmo or Eventbrite.com/e/Mindful-Craft-Class-Seed-of-LifeCrystal-Grid-Poetry-Tickets-812615192917. Email HeartwoodHappenings@gmail.com. Call/text with questions: 475-222-6503.
Personal Mandala Making. 1-5 p.m. Making a mandala with symbols and inner language can lead to personal discovery. Meditating with the mandala can center and ground you. Limited to 5 participants. $50. Bring colored pencils and/or collage materials. Heavy stock paper will be supplied. To register, send a $50 check to Catherine Steinberg, 142 N. Madison Rd., Guilford, CT 06437 (workshop address). Info, and payment via Venmo: 203-623-1472, CatherineNSteinberg.com.
Animal Shelter Building – Woodlands Edition 2:30-4:30 p.m. Participants will identify areas where a selected woodland site lacks suitable shelter for animals, such as songbirds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Using hand tools, work together to cut invasive plants and construct woodland shelters to provide sanctuary for these creatures. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. Register: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/ Animal-Shelter-Building.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 6-7
Universal White Time Energy Healing Level 2. 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Prerequisite UWT Energy Healing Level 1. In this course, healers begin to work on creating with the mind and get an upgrade to enhances your sensitivity for the techniques you are learning. $500. Register by April 1: tinyurl.com/UWTHL2April2024. Crystal Music Healing Sanctuary, 92 North Summit St., Southington, CT. Info: Bradford at 860-830-5841 or Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
Salty Restoration & Relaxation With Vee. 10:3011:45 a.m. Indulge in a luxurious escape with Peace of Royalty’s exclusive offering at Revive Salt Therapy & Wellness healing space. Experience the blissful synergy of restorative yoga, soothing sound baths and rejuvenating massages. Let go of stress, unwind and embark on a journey of total relaxation. $69.13. Revive Salt Therapy, 374 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. RSVP: ReviveSaltTherapy.com/Healing-Events/ Salty-Restoration-Amp-Relaxation-With-Vee.
Shamanic Journeying Circle . 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Small group circle for participants who learned the shamanic journey continual practice to strengthen shamanic journey practice for their own inner healing work. April’s theme is commitment/being loyal to oneself. $20/person. Hidden Gem on Main, 33 N. Main St. Wallingford, CT. Register: Forms.gle/kUfEGZ9KxznGpomY8. Info: HiddenGemOnMain.com/ Pages/Events-Workshops.
Reiki Level 1/1st degree. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 2-day class on April 7 and 14 with Eileen Anderson. Learn reiki for treatment of self and others, including benefits, precepts and history of reiki treatments. Ample practice time for table, chair and self-treatments. Receive a certificate to practice reiki upon completion of classes. The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, CT. Info, register: 203-314-5401, eilande@comcast.net, ReikiWithEileenAnderson.com. Needle Felted Mushrooms. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the art of needle felting with Ranger Dawn by making your own felted mushroom. Each attendee will get a complete kit with wool and felting needles. Adult program. $20, payable in advance in person; cash or check made to the Ansonia Nature Center. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. Register: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/ Needle-Felted-Mushrooms.
Sunday Guided Hike: Explore Vernal Pools. 1-2 p.m. Come learn about local amphibians and their importance during a hike to Ansonia Nature Center’s vernal pools. Help the center’s staff lift rocks and logs to find these slippery creatures beneath. Wear old clothes and shoes as you will get wet and dirty. Free. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. Register: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/Sunday-GuidedHike-Explore-Vernal-Pools.
Total Solar Eclipse. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Join Ranger Jeremy at Ansonia Nature Center for an afternoon viewing during the solar eclipse’s totality. You will craft proper viewing instruments; supplies are limited, so bring your own cereal (or similar) cardboard box. Class suitable for all ages. Free. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. Register: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/ Calendar/Sunday-Guided-Hike-Explore-Vernal-Pools.
Cosmic Awakening Solar Eclipse Ceremony. 2:304:30 p.m. Join for an intentional crystal and sound meditation activation during the observance of the Solar Eclipse. View the celestial phenomena with like-minded community. Bring your favorite crystal, preferably Lemurian. Other crystals will be available for purchase. $33. Register: Crystal Music Healing, 92 North Summit St., Studio West, Southington, CT. Info, RSVP: 860 -830-5841, Info@CrystalMusicHealing. com, tinyurl.com/AprilEclipseCMH.
Yoga Deep Dive. 7-8:15 p.m. Runs April 8-May 20. Get ready for a deep dive to explore some ancient yogic teachings and how they are applicable to your practice and our daily lives. Short meditation/mantra and reflections on your practice. Some previous yoga experience encouraged but not required. Modifications of the poses will be given. All are welcome. $80. Raven’s Wing Yoga, 27 South Main St., Branford, CT. Info, RSVP: RavensWingYoga.com/Workshop/ Yoga-Deep-Dive.
TUESDAY, APRIL 9
New Haven County TLC Networking Lunch in Milford. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Second Tuesdays. Opportunity to meet other healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners at Tribe TLC’s networking lunch event in Milford at Stonebridge Restaurant. Info: 203TLC. com. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203-856-9566 (call/text), TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.
Holistic Community Professionals Gathering/Open House. 5:30 p.m. Meet, greet, snacks, tours, learn about HCP; 6:15 p.m. Introductions, Tachyon, free drawing for complimentary Tachyon Chamber session; 6:30 p.m. Networking, pizza, salads and desserts. Meet new and experienced holistic practitioners in an informal meeting. Guests are welcome to attend as well as current members. Light snacks (can bring food or beverages to share) and beverages available. Free. 1533 New Britain Avenue, Suites 1, 3 and 4, Farmington, CT. Info: facebook.com/events/428252932913792RSVP: Shirley at 860-989-0033 (call/text) or Celeste at 860-798-6176.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 10
Spiritual Learning - Healing With Crystals. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With Kathy Sabo. Learn crystals’ healing properties, basics of cleansing and charging, balancing chakras, aiding physical healing, and using crystal grids to heal. Release unhelpful attachments through a cord-cutting ritual/meditation. $20+tax ($21.27 total). Info: 475-2226503. Hidden Gem on Main, 33 N. Main St. Wallingford, CT. Prepayment required via cash, check, Venmo, credit card or Eventbrite.com/e/Spiritual-Learning-HealingWith-Crystals-Tickets-812625854807.
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
Sound Healing Meditation. 6-7 p.m. Every other Thursday. Join master sound healer Bradford Tilden for a restorative sound healing meditation. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. Register: tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundHealing2024. Walk-ins welcome. $20-$35. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 12
Waterbury Wake Up Your Business Networking for Professionals. 8-9 a.m. Second Fridays. The Waterbury Regional Chamber invites business owners, representatives and potential members to make new connections, introduce and grow your business, and create more visibility. Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattress Store, 410 Reidville Dr., Waterbury, CT. Registration: free, closes 4 p.m. on March 7. Questions, late RSVP: contact Member Director Laura Brown at 203-7570701, Ext. 305, or LBrown@WaterburyChamber.com. WaterburyCTCoC.wliinc30.com/Events.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 12-14
13th Octave LaHoChi Training - Level 1 & 2. Fri. 3-6 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. With Dr. Eilis Philpott. Ancient, quantum healing modality that brings in a high frequency of light into one’s physical and energetic bodies. Combination of lecture, experiential instruction, discussion, meditation and attunement. $500. Level 1 (self-healing) needed for Level 2 (practitioner training), Level 2 needed for Level 3 (advanced training). The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info, RSVP: SoulHealingJourney.com/13th-Octave-LaHoChi-Training.
SATURDAY APRIL 13
Yoga in a Salt Cave. 8:30-9:30 a.m. or 10-11 a.m. The monthly class includes gentle yoga, breath work, meditation and halo-therapy with dry salt air dispersed into the room by a halo-generator. Beginners welcome. White socks required due to the salt floor; extra layer recommended to stay warm. Cost: $60. The Healing Salt Cave and Wellness Center, 260 River St., Guilford, CT. Pre-register: ShorelineCTYoga@gmail.com. ShorelineCTYoga.com/SaltYoga.
Young Living Essential Oils. 9:30-11 a.m. With Gayle Franceschetti. Help align your mind, body and spirit. Learn to take control of your health with therapeuticgrade oils. Free class. 36 Cheshire Rd., Wallingford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-631-7803, Return2Love3@gmail.com.
All About Bluebirds. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join Ansonia Nature Center’s Ranger Evelyn for a fun, educational presentation. Take a walk through the center’s bluebird habitat and look for these harbingers of spring. Dress for the weather. Binoculars are available to borrow. Class suitable for all ages. Free. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. Register: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/All-About-Bluebirds.
Intro to Tarot. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. With Mark Iwanicki. Come join us for a class that will explore why tarot works, how it can be customized to your own style of reading, and 3 simple spreads to elicit powerful readings. $25 for new students, $10 for repeat students. Hidden Gem on Main, 33 N. Main St., Wallingford, CT. Info: HiddenGemOnMain.com/Pages/EventsWorkshops. Call or text to register: 617-230-1765.
Shamanic Painting & Dreaming. 1-5 p.m. Shamanic painting is a meditative approach to expressing inner images, words, emotions and sensory experiences with paint on canvas. You will alternate shamanic journeying and painting impressions from your journey and dreams. Limited to 5 participants. $70. To register, send a $70 check to Catherine Steinberg, 142 N. Madison Rd., Guilford, CT 06437 (workshop address). Info, Venmo: 203-623-1472. CatherineNSteinberg.com.
Kids Yoga – Rainbow Yoga. 9:30-10:15 a.m. With Becca Barnard of The Yoga Patch. Children learn the basics of yoga through traditional poses, breathing techniques, music, creative movement and games. Practice fine and gross motor skills, and learn mindfulness and meditation. Ages 4-8. $14. Evolution Yoga & Wellness Co., 122 Market Sq., Newington, CT. Info, register: EvolutionYogaAndWellness.com/Service-Page/Kids-Yoga-April-Class.
Sound Healing. 11 a.m-4 p.m. Classes with sound healing fundamentals for personal and professional practice. Second Sunday of each month. $250 investment per class. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. More details: FeelYourLight.com. Register: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.
Reiki Share. Noon-1:30 p.m. With Laura Ramirez. A monthly gathering at Evolution Wellness & Yoga Co. to do a reiki share. $20/person, plans available. Info, register: LauraRamirezLLC.com. Evolution Wellness & Yoga Co., 122 Market Sq., Newington, CT.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
Crystal Music Healing Open House. 5:30-7 p.m. Visit the newly opened Crystal Music Healing space and discover vibrational wellness solutions. Free. Sanctuary of Crystal Music Healing, 92 North Summit St., Studio West, Southington, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-830-5841, Bradford@CrystalMusicHealing.com, CrystalMusicHealing.com
Holistic Community Professional Gathering/Two Open Houses. 5:30 p.m. Meet & greet, snacks. 6 p.m. Introductions and tour of Sanare Wellness and Crystal Music Healing Center. 6:15 p.m. Networking. Come and meet new and experienced holistic practitioners in an informal meeting. Guests are welcome to attend as well as current members. Light snacks (can bring food or beverages to share) and beverages will be available. Free. Sanare Wellness, 92 North Summit St., Southington, CT. RSVP: 860-989-0033 (call/text), ShirleyBloethe@gmail.com.
mark your calendar CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH FAIR VENDORS
May 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Looking for:
● nutritionists
● tai chi, qigong and other practitioners
● writers and children’s book authors helping others with trauma
● volunteers
Provide a service, item or practice to help others with mental health and well-being?
Contact Cathy Mortimer at MilfordMentalHealth@gmail.com or 203-400-5909.
No fee for participation. Event is free and open to the public.
Location: Jonathan Law High School, Milford, CT
Exploring Alternative Healing Practices: An Experiential Workshop. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. With Gina Ferrara. Introduction to integrative healing practices for professional and personal growth. Learn about several integrative practices, with accompanying experiential sessions and research into health and self-care benefits. Learn strategies for utilizing these practices at home, at work and in high-stress environments. 6 credits. $100. Connecticut Women’s Consortium, 2321 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. Info, RSVP: WomensConsortium.Configio.com.
Sound Healing Sessions w/Kelvin Young & Maria del Carmen . 6-7:30 p.m. Every other Thursday
Create a safe space during a sound healing gathering to share feelings and hold space for each other while sipping on cacao. Relax to the sounds by Kelvin Young, RSS and Maria Del Carmen, MBA. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info, register: BridgeHAC.com/Event/Sound-HealingKelvin-Young/2024-04-18.
Southbury Wake Up Your Business Networking for Professionals . 8-9 a.m. Third Fridays
The Southbury Chamber invites business owners, representatives and potential members to make new connections, introduce and grow your business, and create more visibility. Calvary Southbury, 354 Kettletown Rd., Southbury, CT. Registration: free, closes 4 p.m. on March 14. Questions, late RSVP: contact Member Director Laura Brown at 203-7570701, Ext. 305, or LBrown@WaterburyChamber. com. WaterburyCTCoC.wliinc30.com/Events.
Restorative Yoga + Sound Healing. 6-7:30 p.m. With Erin Schuster. Relax in a calming combination of gentle Kripalu and restorative yoga, guided meditation and pranayama, breath work, and sound healing. No prior yoga experience necessary. $35. CENTER Yoga + Wellness, 36 Nod Rd., Clinton, CT. Info, RSVP: ShorelineCTYoga.com/Events.
Earth Day Celebration. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The theme of Ansonia Nature Center’s Earth Day celebration this year is Legacy: Past, Present, and Future. Enjoy hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors, local vendors, a raffle and food trucks. It will feature Ojibwe flute artist Allan Madahbee and a new mural painted by artist Amie Ziner. Family-friendly festival. Raindate: Sunday, April 21. No park admission fee. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ln., Ansonia, CT. Register: AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/Earth-Day-Celebration.
Intro to Energy and Healing. 1:30-3:30 p.m. With energy healer Carrie Purcell. Understand energy; chakra and aura systems; and connection between energy, emotions and physical health. Learn how energy can be shared between people and pets, a technique to develop your ability to sense and perceive energy, and a visualization to facilitate self-healing. Beginner-level class. $45. Fuller Yoga Pilates and Massage, 39 New London Tpk., Glen Lochen, Glastonbury, CT. Register: FullerYoga.com/Events.
Qigong for Chronic Pain Certification Course. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 4. Qigong is the practice of moving energy in the body to promote self-healing. Course is designed to help people that may have physical limitations due to chronic pain or chronic illness, or those who just want to learn this ancient Chinese healing modality. $497. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiForHealing.com, Erik@ChiForHealing.com, 860-593-8397.
Mandalas & Tea. 1-3 p.m. With Sierra Marie Robinson. Third Sundays. Make your own artwork while learning a new meditation technique that is relaxing and fun. Sip delicious tea while you create. No artistic ability required. $25, includes all materials and tea. In the Kitchen Cafe area at The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: BridgeHAC.com/Event/Mandalas-Tea-2/2024-04-21. RSVP: Paypal.me/smarie444.
Family Drum Circle. 2-3 p.m. With Melinda Alcosser. Join CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) and LifeCatalyst Coaching for a family drum experience. Open to all ages. Drums provided or bring your own. Explore rhythm and playing in a group using hand drums and percussion. No prior musical experience necessary. Suggested donation: $20/family. Proceeds benefit CT Center for Nonviolence. Raven’s Wing Yoga, 27 South Main St., Branford, CT. Info, RSVP: RavensWingYoga.com/Schedule.
TUESDAY, APRIL 23
Full Moon Meditation. 6:30-8 p.m. With Gayle Franceschetti. Align with new energies of the full moon. Opportunities for allowing spiritual energies to reach human hearts and minds. Tap into this vast pool of energy. $25. 36 Cheshire Rd., Wallingford, CT or on Zoom. Info, register: 203-631-7803, Return2Love3@gmail.com.
Reiki 1. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn the history, theory and application of reiki with reiki master teacher Hilary Rudenauer. Explore energetic protection, pendulum work, ethics, chakra system, reiki session process, and more. Students will be attuned to reiki energy and can practice giving reiki to themselves and others. Participants will be certified Reiki 1 practitioners. 7 credits. $200. Connecticut Women’s Consortium, 2321 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. Info, RSVP: WomensConsortium.Configio.com.
Sound Healing Meditation. 6-7 p.m. Every other Thursday. Master sound healer Bradford Tilden’s April 25 restorative sound healing meditation class will be led by sound healer Katie Cavenagh. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. Register: tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundHealing2024. Walk-ins welcome. $20-$35. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.
Naugatuck Wake Up Your Business Networking for Professionals. 8-9 a.m. Fourth Fridays
The Naugatuck Chamber invites business owners, representatives and potential members to make new connections, grow your business and create more visibility. The Ion Bank Community Room, 270 Church St., Naugatuck, CT. Registration: free, closes 4 p.m. on March 21. Questions, late RSVP: contact Member Director Laura Brown at 203-757-0701, Ext. 305, or LBrown@WaterburyChamber.com. WaterburyCTCoC.wliinc30.com/Events.
Reimagining You, Planting Seeds for What’s Possible: A Transformational Retreat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. With Laura Campbell & Karen Senteio. Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation surrounded by a circle of amazing women? Join for a day that’s all about you. $487. Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Suites 202/203/206, Farmington, CT. Info, RSVP: BridgeHAC.com/Event/Reimagining-You-Planting-Seedsfor-Whats-Possible.
Personal Mandala Making . 1-5 p.m. Making a mandala with symbols and inner language can lead to personal discovery. Meditating with the mandala can center and ground you. Limited to 5 participants. $50. Bring colored pencils and/or collage materials. Heavy stock paper will be supplied. To register, send a $50 check to Catherine Steinberg, 142 N. Madison Rd., Guilford, CT 06437 (workshop address). Info, and payment via Venmo: 203-623-1472, CatherineNSteinberg.com.
Renew Your Aging Dog’s Vitality. 2-4 p.m. Pet parents learn simple energy healing, acupressure and aromatherapy techniques. Workshop is for those wanting to keep older dogs active and healthy; with pets showing signs of mobility or age-related issues; and who are interested in natural, holistic and complementary techniques you can do at home. No previous experience necessary. $55 in advance. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Pre- register by emailing Carrie@CarriePurcell.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Alignment: A Flower Essence Journey Through the Chakras. Noon-2 p.m. A 7-session series running one Sunday each month (committing to the entire series is not required). Working with BiolumenEssence flower essences and aromatic blends, you’ll shift your energy from stagnation to alignment, leaving you lighter and brighter. $35. Hidden Gem on Main, 33 N. Main St., Wallingford, CT. Info, register with Julie: 203-514-8787, Julie@BiolumenEssence.com, BiolumenEssence.com.
Finding Your Higher Self to Overcome Mental Obstacles. 1-2:30 p.m. Fourth Sundays. With Chris Giorno. Have you struggled with mental health? The key to overcoming your struggles is through spiritual development by finding your higher self. Your higher self allows you to see from a higher perspective, allowing you to overcome obstacles and transverse problems easily. $20. Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: BridgeHAC.com/Event/Finding-Your-Higher-Selfto-Overcome-Mental-Obstacles/2024-04-28. Payment: PayPal @Christopher880.
Inversions and Insight Meditation. 1:30-3:30 p.m. With Sally Noel. Move through a session of yoga, breath, proper alignment, variations, support and mindfulness meditation to develop an inversion practice. Explore shoulderstand, plow and headstand. Early bird pricing: $40 by April 14l $50 thereafter. Raven’s Wing Yoga, 27 South Main St., Branford, CT. Info, RSVP: RavensWingYoga.com/Schedule.
Dream Catchers & Dream Interpretation. 1-3 p.m. With Kathy Sabo. Learn the Native American history and spirituality of the dream catcher. Experience a meditation to add intentionality as you create one. Discussion on dreams, dreaming and interpretations. $30+tax ($31.91), which includes supplies to create an 8-inch dream catcher. Prepayment required via cash, check, Venmo or purchasing tickets through Eventbrite.com/e/Mindful-CraftClass-Dream-Catcher-Tickets-846137278377. Reserve spot via HeartwoodHappenings@gmail.com. Call/text 475-222-6503 with questions.
Shamanic Painting & Dreaming. 1-5 p.m. Shamanic painting is a meditative approach to expressing inner images, words, emotions and sensory experiences with paint on canvas. You will alternate shamanic journeying and painting impressions from your journey and dreams. Limited to 5 participants. $70. To register, send a $70 check to Catherine Steinberg, 142 N. Madison Rd., Guilford, CT 06437 (workshop address). Info, Venmo: 203-623-1472. CatherineNSteinberg.com.
The Wellness By Design Mini-Retreat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Receive your health and wellness vision and anchor it into your identity using guided meditation, energy work and mindfulness. Virtual tickets or in-person at the Bridge Healing Arts Center, Farmington, CT. Info, RSVP: bit.ly/WellnessByDesignMay2024.
Mindful Self-Compassion Training. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Offered at Connecticut Women’s Consortium and virtual. With Tracey Meyers, PsyD, and Alicia Feller, LCSW, MA-IHH. Participants learn three core practices: mindfulness; recognizing that suffering and imperfections are part of common humanity and we are not alone in our suffering; and how to bring self-kindness through our attitudes, intentions and actions. 6 CECs. $100. Onsite location: Connecticut Women’s Consortium, 2321 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. Info, RSVP: WomensConsortium.Configio.com.
Solstice Meditation in the Salt Cave. 4-5:30 p.m. The mediation will begin with qigong exercises. There will then be a guided meditation with a combination of sound healing instruments, aromatherapy, crystal healing, salt therapy, and an inspirational reading at the end. $65. The Solshine Salt Cave at Red Barn In Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiForHealing.com, Erik@ ChiForHealing.com, 860-593-8397.
All-Level Flow Yoga. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With Lisa Ordazzo. Other times available. A well-balanced flow that will engage your entire body. Offering up several variations of the poses as well as guidance with props. Class accessible to everyone. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.
Gentle Yoga & Japa Meditation. 7-8:15 p.m. With Lauren Dailey. Move through gentle hatha yoga postures and nourishing breathwork. End your practice with a potent guided japa meditation (also known as mantra meditation). Japa is a form of meditation where resonant sounds are repeated, providing a healing vibration in the body. Beginners welcome. Raven’s Wing Yoga, 27 South Main St., Branford, CT. Info, register: FillUpYourCup.org/Events.
Mojo Monday Meditation Online. Zoom at 8 p.m. Join online on Mondays for a relaxing, uplifting meditation and optional energy healing wave with host Annie Mojo. Optional fun, spiritual community chat after. Suggested Donation: $10 per live meditation session. Apr/May dates: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27. For online link, contact Mojo@EmpathicMojo.com. 475-335-6656, Mojo@EmpathicMojo.com, EmpathicMojo.com, Heal. me/EmpathicMojo.
All Abilities Chair Yoga. 4:30-5:15 p.m. Using a chair and yoga props, you will take part in postures and breathwork. No experience necessary. All postures modified to each individual and their abilities, building up to a level of comfort that your body allows. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary.com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/ Booking-Calendar/All-Levels-Chair-Yoga.
Restorative Yoga. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Gather to support one another through the practice of movement, breath and meditative body scans with Mary from Mindful Movement & Meditation. Class opens with a few minutes of finding your space and grounding your breath, followed by gentle yoga sequences and a final resting pose. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary.com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/Booking-Calendar/Restorative-Yoga.
Yin + Meditation. 6-7:15 p.m. With Tracy Blasioli. This slow-paced, meditative practice explores yin yoga postures with vinyasa flow movements, breathing practices and mindful reflection. Classes informed by yoga, mindfulness, ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoism. Yin Yoga involves longer, more passive holds in yoga postures to target the connective tissues rather than focusing on the muscles. $20. Blissworks Yoga & Healing Arts, 228 State St., New London, CT. RSVP: BlissworksYoga.org/Schedule.
Weekly Sound Healing Meditation . 7-8:15 p.m. Relax and let the sound waves take you on a journey within. Rotating weekly topics. Plan to arrive early and bring a mat, blanket, pillow and water. $35/session or $100/4 sessions (use within 3 months). The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Register: Katie@ FeelYourLight.com.
Qi Gong Class. 10-11 a.m. Qi gong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. There will be a meditation with a combination of singing bowls, aromatherapy and an inspirational reading at the end of class. $15/class or $40/month. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiForHealing.com, Erik@ChiForHealing.com, 860-593-8397.
All Level Flow. 5:15-6:15 p.m. With Lenora Clark. This class is a moderate-paced flow where you will be guided through sequences and modifications will be offered for different levels of practitioners. Some previous yoga experience is beneficial. $15. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.
Develop Your Intuition. 6:30-8 p.m. 5 classes on April 3, 10, 17 and 24, and May 1. With Gayle Franceschetti. Tap onto your innate ability of “knowing.” Through meditation, sharing and experiential exercises, master techniques of accessing creativity and intuition. $97 for series. On Zoom. Info, RSVP: 203-631-7803, Return2Love3@gmail.com.
Explore Health Challenges Guidance Call. On Thursdays, sign up for a free 15-minute guidance call with Dr. Beata Harasim to explore your health and wellness challenges, and get the exact steps to improve your well-being using holistic and integrative approaches. Use code GUIDANCE at bit.ly/DrBeataGuidanceCall.
Thursday Morning Yoga Flow. 9-10 a.m. Start off the morning with Mary from Mindful Movement & Meditation in an awakening meditation that leads into an invigorating yoga flow, utilizing fluid, repeated sequences to warm your body and breath. Ages 16+. All abilities welcome. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary.com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/ Booking-Calendar/Thursday-Yoga-Flow.
Hatha Yoga. 5:15-6:15 p.m. With Kelly Warters. Hatha yoga is considered the umbrella to many styles of yoga, including vinyasa. Hatha is often practiced at a slower pace than flow classes, focusing on the proper alignment of the asana (pose). $15. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@ gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.
Sound Meditation for Conscious Healing. 6:45-8 p.m. Every other Thursday. Through the utilization of energy medicine practices and reiki, guided meditation, aromatherapy, and sound healing, participants are guided to a state of healing with Kristin Vece. Yoga mats, meditation seats available. Bring zero-gravity chairs, pillows, blankets, props, etc. to make you more comfortable. Elevate Healing Arts, 75 Berlin Rd., Cromwell, CT. RSVP: BookUs.page/ElevateHealingArts/Events/SoundMeditation-Group-Healing-Session.
Intermediate Flow Yoga. 9-10 a.m. With Diane Carlson. Intermediate class for students that understand the relationship between breath and movement, have a solid understanding of the basic yoga postures, and have begun to explore a wider variety of poses and styles including arm balances and inversions. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.
Goat Yoga. 10-11 a.m. With Linda Obedzinski. Join Bradley Mountain Farm’s baby goats and the friendly goat herd for a silly yoga session. Upbeat yoga practice tailored for all levels, outdoors on the farm. After yoga, you will get to meet the goats and take pictures. Recommended age: 10+. $35. Bradley Mountain Farm, 537 Shuttle Meadow Rd., Southington, CT. Register, info: BradleyMountainFarm.com/Goat-Yoga.
Goats N’ Pajama Party. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Every other Saturday on April 6 and 20. Brush, feed and dress up the goats in pajamas, tutus and costumes. Possible goat parade weather permitting. Meet and learn about the goat herd members on the farm. All ages welcome. $20/person. More info, register: BradleyMountainFarm.com/Goats-N-Pajamas-1.
Yang Yin Yoga. 10:30-11:45 a.m. With Lauren Dailey in person or virtual through Raven’s Wing. Warm up through invigorating movement and postures and then slow down for more passive postures. Relaxation and meditation end the session. Beginners welcome. Raven’s Wing Yoga, 27 South Main St., Branford, CT. Info, RSVP: FillUpYourCup.org/Events.
Gentle Yoga. 9 a.m. Offered at other times during the week. A slower flowing practice to give all levels of practitioners the ability to find proper alignment in their bodies. This class is great for those who are new to yoga. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.
Goat Yoga. 10-11 a.m. With Linda Obedzinski. Join Bradley Mountain Farm’s baby goats and the friendly goat herd for a silly yoga session. Upbeat yoga practice tailored for all levels, outdoors on the farm. After yoga, you will get to meet the goats and take pictures. Recommended age: 10+. $35. Bradley Mountain Farm, 537 Shuttle Meadow Rd., Southington, CT. Register, info: BradleyMountainFarm.com/Goat-Yoga.
Goats N’ Pajama Party. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Every other Sunday on April 14 and 28. Brush, feed and dress up the goats in pajamas, tutus and costumes. Possible goat parade weather permitting. Meet and learn about the goat herd members on the farm. All ages welcome. $20/person. More info, register: BradleyMountainFarm.com/Goats-N-Pajamas-1.
Women’s Group. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. This women’s group, facilitated by reiki master and psychic medium Jill Andrzejewski, LMT, of A Moment In Time Massage, is a place to gather, have fun and meet others on their personal journey to self-help and healing. $20/ person. Reserve your spot: 203-909-1108.
35 April 2024
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication.
CARRIE PURCELL
Certified Animal Aromatherapy Specialist
Reiki Master, Energy Medicine Practitioner Animal Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach
CarriePurcell.com
Carrie teaches pet parents and those called to work with animals holistic techniques, including animal communication, energy healing, aromatherapy, acupressure and nutrition, to help animals live healthy, happy, high quality lives. Pet owners can learn how to use simple, at-home techniques in her Pet Parent class series. No experience with aromatherapy or energy healing needed to support your pet and witness positive changes. In person and online classes. See ad on page 23.
Kevin Healy, DC
17 Woodland Rd., Madison, CT 203-245-9317
KevinHealy@sbcglobal.net
DrHealMe.com
Applied kinesiology is a neurological evaluation to find and treat dysfunction, addressing causes instead of chasing pains. Dr. Healy tests if a therapy alleviates dysfunction, finding immediate answers as to which provides the most improvement. Chiropractic, craniosacral, myofascial and acupressure are among the therapies Dr. Healy uses. Generally, no single cure exists as disease and dysfunction typically involve multiple areas of the body. The goal of any therapy—physical, chemical or emotional—is to improve function; a combination of therapies typically yields the best results. See ad on page 6.
Erik Harris
The Red Barn in Durham
352 Main St. Durham, CT
Erik@ChiforHealing.com
ChiforHealing.com
Chi for Healing integrates Chinese medicine with holistic healing practices to provide a multifaceted program to take back your health. Erik specializes in helping people suffering from chronic pain/illness to find and treat the root cause of dis-ease. He offers in-person and virtual consultations.
ELIZABETH REGAL
I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist
Roots Natural Medical Center, Columbia, CT 860-634-7523
SourceColonHydrotherapy@gmail.com
RootsMedicalCenter.com/Team/ Elizabeth-Regal
Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle, water-washing of the large intestine. Purified water promotes hydration of the colon and loosening of the waste matter, assisting elimination by natural peristalsis of the colon. It is helpful for constipation and may also be an alternative preparation method for colonoscopy. More info and videos on colonics at RootsMedicalCenter.com.
THE WORKING COMPUTER, LLC
Gregg Allen
646-320-3639
GTA@GTA.earth
GTA.earth
Computer slow and glitchy? We can assess your Apple or Windows system, and provide options to repair, upgrade or repurpose your computer. We partner with you for your technology needs, system optimization and backup solutions for a secure and private personal computer setup. We can also help with data recovery. See ad on page 11.
EAGLE FLIGHT HEALING, LLC
Cathy Stubbs
Remote-based healing
203-535-8849
Info@EagleFlightHealing.com
EagleFlightHealing.com
Eagle Flight Healing’s shamanic energy healing service provides transformative energy work helping clients resolve the traumas, pain, shame and struggles of the past. They experience new self-value and mattering, and feel more vitality, happiness and joy with which to enjoy life and dream the future. Make an appointment today to change your life. See ad on page 31.
EMPATHIC MOJO, LLC
Annie Mojo, HMPO
Milford, CT or remote Mojo@EmpathicMojo.com
EmpathicMojo.com
Heal.me/EmpathicMojo
Energy healing meditations, intuitive guidance, medical intuitive, psychicmedium, spiritual counselor, intuitive business coaching, pet readings, * New Beach Meditations. Empower the inner you, and bring out a more fulfilling life. Contact today for your FREE 20-minute consultation. Find your Mojo! See ad on page 17.
RONA JAN
Danbury, CT
IntuitiveArtsbyRonaJan.com
RJLIntuitiveArts@gmail.com
Increase the investment in your own well-being by partnering with Rona to support your unique pathway to healing, spiritual development and increasing your own wellness toolkit. Rona is an intuitive, channel, Reiki master, shamanic practitioner, certified yoga/meditation teacher and educator. She weaves her talents, wisdom and skill to co-create your practical and userfriendly “Healing Toolkit.” See ad on page 11.
KATHY STALTER
Sanaré Wellness, LLC
Southington, CT 860-600-0106
Kathy@Sanare.Life
Sanare.life
The Future of Energy Medicine is here! This 24-unit Energy Enhancement System creates multiple bioactive, regenerative energy fields, including scalar waves and biophotons, that can assist your body’s ability to repair and heal itself from disease. The body can become capable of rejuvenating and recalibrating itself back to homeostasis. Appointment only.
BRADFORD W. TILDEN, MM, CMT, UWT
Crystal Music Healing
Southington, CT and via Zoom
860-830-5841
info@CrystalMusicHealing.com
CrystalMusicHealing.com
Want spiritual healing and growth? Release anxiety, stress and trauma with the energy and benefits of Universal White Time (UWT). Receive spiritual development support through gemstone healing, energy work, sound and guided visualization. Schedule your free discovery call! Bradford also offers certification courses in UWT for people to transform their lives or professions.
MARCIA PUC
Rewind Wellness
Certified Integrative Health Coach & Professional Chef 203-577-8344
Marcia@RewindWellness.com RewindWellness.com
Work with women to address weight management, nutrition, sleep, nervous system restoration, stress and hormone balance. Holistic approach with an emphasis on creating mindset shifts and lasting habit changes for lifelong health. Book a free 30-minute consultation at RewindWellness.com to see how we can work together to achieve your wellness goals in a non-judgmental, caring space. See ad on page 17.
RENEE EDGE
Edge to Health
860-681-3427
Renee@EdgeToHealth.com
EdgeToHealth.com
Board-certified health/wellness coach with certifications from Cornell University (nutrition/ healthy living), Epidemic Answers (nutritional impacts on childhood illnesses) and Mindfulness Educators (mindfulness facilitator). Partnering with individuals and families to bring about positive health changes with functional nutrition and mindfulness. Help remediate the biological and behavioral impacts of trauma, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and more to improve physical, mental and emotional health. See ad on page 19
LAUREN MAGEL
Holistic Hemp Wellness
Green Compass Advocate
631-877-0441
LaurenMagel.GreenCompassGlobal.com/ share/191341
Lauren offers small group education sessions and individual consultations in Connecticut and online to help you identify products to feel your best every day with a full line of USDA-certified organic hemp wellness products, including full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, collagen, skin care, topicals and drink powders. Let’s get you started with a CBD brand you can trust.
Shirley R. Bloethe, Executive Director
860-989-0033
HCPinc.ORG@gmail.com
HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org
Holistic Community Professionals is an organization of holistic practitioners and businesses focused on improving health and wellness with products and services throughout New England. We also connect consumers with a wide variety of modalities, holistic products, and services as well as offering two expos a year at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. See website for details. See ad on page 19.
DR. BEATA HARASIM, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
Holistic & Integrative Doctor of Physical Therapy
860-266-7745
Beata@HolisticDrBeata.com
www.HolisticDrBeata.com
Specializing in gut health, nutrition, nervous system regulation and alternative modalities. Provides expert care for chronic fatigue; autoimmune, digestive and skin conditions; food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances; anxiety; depression; acute and chronic pain; colic; reflux; eczema; and more. Feel empowered, calm and confident with your custom health plan for you or your family. See ad on page 6.
Lynda Mettler, ACC Transformation Coach, Reiki Master
Lynda@YourWisdomCoaching.com
Specializing in Internal Family Systems, Reiki energy and meditation. Guiding clients to transform their inner view to embody self-compassion and trust. Ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure to ignite your spark and unleash your talents? This coaching is for you. Now offering Clarity Coaching, a single session to ease decision-making stress.
Karuna Holistic Therapies LLC
808-382-4614
KarunaHolisticTherapies.com
KarunaHolisticTherapies@gmail.com
The RoXiva lamp uses flickering light to simulate the brain’s natural production of neurochemicals. Experience deep meditation, let go of stress and anxiety and improve mental health. Light therapy is combined with sound for an immersive light and sound journey. Karuna Holistic Therapies also offers massage, Reiki, NLP, yoga, grief recovery, channeling, meditation and nutritional counseling.
Jill Andrzejewski, LMT, RMT, Psychic 3490 Whitney Ave., Ste. 205, Hamden, CT 203-909-1108
JillaMomentinTimeMassage@gmail.com
AMomentinTimeMassage.org
We partner to set physical, mental and spiritual goals to empower you. I advocate gentle stretching, crystals and breath work to maintain grounded, calm feelings. Services: massage; Reiki; chakra balancing; angel tarot, oracle card and tea leaf readings; group events/classes. A Moment In Time Treasures items available for purchase. Appointment only.
Wallingford, CT 203-415-8666
Massage2Movement.com
Celebrating 30 years as a licensed massage therapist, Carol focuses on restorative massage, her Feldenkrais Method training and movement education to guide individuals from a state of pain to feeling freer and more empowered in their bodies. She offers restorative massage, group and individual Feldenkrais lessons, cranial sacral therapy, and manual lymph drainage. Call/ email Carol for your next appointment.
CHERYL CUOZZO, MSN, APRN, ANP-C, FNP-C, FAIHM Integrative Medicine Nurse Practitioner Berlin, CT and remote 203-484-2069
Info@CuozzoHealth.com CuozzoHealth.com
CT’s first FAIHM-credentialed NP! Focus on chronic multi-symptom illnesses, undiagnosable conditions and military service-related issues. Personalized treatment plans, vitamin and herbal therapies, acupuncture, cupping. Cost-saving memberships, packages and military discounts available. Cuozzo sees adult patients in Berlin, CT. Virtual visits available. See ad on page 23.
CATY POOLE, B.A., TISON, MASTER BEEKEEPER
215-694-5549 (call/text)
Catys_Creations_Ct@yahoo.com
CatysCreations.com
Caty left big pharma for a life in organic farming with a passion for healthy eating and a healthy planet. She utilizes fresh seasonal ingredients in her innovative, budget-friendly cooking instruction classes. Taking an integrated approach, she combines individual wellness with environmental health. She leads coursework in wildcrafting, gardening, herbalism and more. Private and group sessions.
AIPING TAI CHI
Shirley Chock, CCWS
49 Research Dr., Milford, CT 203-795-0203
AipingTaiChi.com/links
Info@AipingTaiChi.com
Discover Aiping Tai Chi, recommended by The New York Times for Tai Chi beginners. For nearly three decades, we’ve been a trusted authority, imparting authentic Tai Chi, Qigong, and internal martial arts. We were founded by the renown Chinese Martial Arts Grandmaster Aiping Cheng and presently led by her disciple, “The Stressbender” Shifu Shirley Chock. Experience our inclusive international community, uniting 150K+ followers of diverse backgrounds, ages and genders on our social media platforms (@aipingtaichi). When you are ready to let go of tension and cultivate resilience, we can teach you how to be strong not hard, soft not weak. See ad on page 10.
TERRI O’BRIEN
MasterJoyandSuccess.com
Terri@MasterJoyandSuccess.com
Terri’s specialty is using her fear and hypnotherapy training to produce audio and instructional courses to rewire your internal mindset, tell yourself a better story and stomp our fear. Vastly improve your life and productivity by using these inspirational, creative and confidence-building courses. Visit the MindSHOP on the website to experience the sample audio course, Breathe, Relax and Let Go.
B WELL THERMOGRAPHY LLC
Shirley Faith Prendergast, CTT, INHC Milford, CT
203-915-9712
Shirley@BWellThermography.com
BWellThermography.com
Whole health thermal imaging analyzes skin surface temperatures; a trained thermologist interprets areas for further clinical evaluation. Thermography is a radiationfree, non-invasive screening that captures heat images of the breast and body to aid in the detection of cancer, toxicity and inflammation, and to monitor whole body health. See ad on page 6.
REV. SHIRLEY R. BLOETHE
Pass It On LLC
860-989-0033
PassItOnLLC.com
Shirley has the intuitive ability to find just the right referral for anyone looking for health and wellness support. Whether it is a new or existing business owner (or the general public), her extensive resources will likely be a great match for your needs. She also is able to offer low-budget, effective solutions for holistic businesses and practitioners.
CRUISE PLANNERSTHE TRAVELING BUDDIES
Christina & Chip Bafumo
860-573-3199
Chris.Bafumo@CruisePlanners.com
TheTravelingBuddies.com
Interested in an escorted tour, or a resort, rail vacation, river, ocean or exploration cruise? We plan vacations on all 7 continents. Let us take the stress away; you can start relaxing now. Specials announced on website and Facebook.com/TheTravelingBuddies page. Get deals and quarterly Cruise Planners contests: TheTravelingBuddies.com/TravelDeals/OptIn. See ad on page 23.
HIDEYUKI TOKIGAWA
NARRATED BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ
"Like so many families, I have been deeply affected by Alzheimer's, so I was thrilled to become a part of this film when I realized that there's hope, and it's not just a death sentence."- Michael Bublé
Dr. Dale Bredesen
Dr. Dale Bredesen
New York Times
Bestselling author of The End of Alzheimer’s
Therasage is the gold standard for energy healing, naturally healing infrared, negative ions and eliminating EMFs.
Therasage.com
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Sensiband is the simple, affordable, at-home self-test for metal allergies before joint replacement surgery.
Sensiband.com
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Founded in 1932, Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines, is best known for its popular Arnicare® line of pain relievers and Oscillococcinum® flu reliever.
BoironUSA.com
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