FINDING CALM

FINDING CALM During Trying Times

From the moment we wake up and log on to our day, we are flooded with news about people whose days started off much the same, with an expectation of going from point A to point B, to lunch, to point C and then back home.

But something happened. A tornado touched down in the neighborhood. Or a train derailed in a cousin’s hometown. Or, like now, an invisible killer stalks the globe, threatening to take our life or the life of someone we know.

Within seconds, we are flooded with horror and helplessness. Unable to stop the cascade of acute stress hormones, our bodies shift into fight-or-flight mode or leave us frozen like deer in the headlights. Whether we see what is happening online, on screen or in real time, we feel unsafe in our own skin. Although disturbing images can be swiped away, when something bad happens to us, we don’t know what to do. We can’t change the channel. Even during these tough times, we can find opportunities to develop new strengths and grow individually and together. To start with, we need emotional first aid to help us find calm quickly. We can do this by locating the tension points in our body and asking them what color would help them feel calm. Then we can inhale that color, letting it find its way within to soothe our cells, and exhale our stress by breathing out a different color. We can repeat this technique as long and as often as needed. Teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, report that this really works for kids, too. To heal means to make whole. It doesn’t mean to make something go away. Hardship is part of life’s journey. Even this global pandemic can serve as our spiritual wake-up call to learn how different spiritual traditions heal from life-shattering events. Five gifts offer us the keys to wholeness: n Humility helps us accept what we cannot change. n Patience takes the edge off when the hurt lasts longer than we want. n Empathy keeps us connected for the long haul. n Forgiveness means forgiving ourselves, our leaders and God. n Growth lets us look back with thanks for what we learned when the journey of life was anything but comfortable and easy. Let’s journey together. Laurie Nadel, a Manhattan psychotherapist, is the author of The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes. by Laurie Nadel

Susane Grasso

R E I K I MASTE R

Relaxation Therapy Chakra Balancing Aura Readings

203.500.6950

2489 Boston Post Road Suite F Guilford CT 06437

Peace begins with a smile.

Advanced Physical Medicine Dr. Julian Cano, N.D., LAc 117 Washington Avenue, Suite 19 North Haven, CT 201-273-0243 DrCanond@gmail.com DrCano.net

Practice summary/ Primary services offered:

Dr. Cano established his practice in 2013, he offers acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, naturopathic medicine and TCM herbal medicine.

What drew you to this profession?

I worked as an EMT for nine years and noticed that patients were getting sicker and sicker, so I decide to pursue the holistic route to prevent illness and treat people using natural therapies.

How is your work different from others in your profession?

In my practice, I utilize physical medicine and traditional Chinese medicine as my primary tool to address patient’s health concerns without the need to run blood tests.

What should a patient expect from working with you?

I’m not a healer, I am just a catalyst to help the patient’s inner healer to assist them to restore their health.

How is your practice evolving in 2020?

I opened my second practice in North Haven where I primarily provide acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

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

There is always a way to restore health by means of a good diet, exercise, and getting the right natural therapy at the right time.

CT Experiential Learning Center Middle School (CELC) 28 School Street, Branford, CT 203-433-4658 mandm@CTExperiential.org CTExperiential.org

Summary of education offered:

CELC Middle School caters only to middle school-aged students, using highly qualified middle school teachers who discover and nurture the gifts of each student in and out of the classroom learning environment.

What is different about the education you offer?

Imagine the Middle School Years

n where your child excels socially and academically, not retreats or hides, n personalized to your child’s individual learning style, n where each student learns not what to learn, but how to learn, n as joyful, exciting, and boundless, n transformational to your child’s future.

It happens here. There is such a school.

What is in place to meet the needs of the current situation of physical distancing in the continuation of your work?

Current use of online learning is something we did not anticipate, yet CELC as a small school remains sturdy and able to keep students connected, engaged, learning and growing, both individually and together. Although we are not in-person currently, scheduled classes commence, including energized discussions, project work, and collaborative activities. CELC continues to work with a teacher who lives in Antigua, Guatemala; now, instead of Professor Billy being projected into the classroom via Skype, he teaches Spanish class on Zoom from his Guatemala home.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your school?

We invite prospective students and parents to visit our online classroom! We encourage interested families to be in contact. Openings are available and applications are being accepted for 2020-21. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or 203-433-4658 to schedule a “visit” and for more information.

Eagle Flight Healing LLC Cathy Stubbs, RN, Reiki Master, Shaman Certified Light Body Healer 203-535-8849 EagleFlightHealing@gmail.com EagleFlightHealing.com

Practice summary/ Primary services offered:

Light body healing, shamanic energy work, releases unresolved emotions and old traumas retained in our physical body and energy field. They affect not only our physical, mental and emotional health but also how we see ourselves and how we live life. Chakra illumination and soul retrieval are 2 methods I use in my healing practice to release trauma, fear, pain, shame and to discover self limiting beliefs and find lost aspects of self.

What first drew you to Shamanic Energy Healing?

In my reiki practice, I was “seeing” the constricted emotions of clients in their livers and pancreas. I felt called to study shamanic energy work and am inspired by its efficacy.

Special training/certifications

I am a licensed RN, certified Reiki Master, Certified Light Body Healer, Shaman.

How does your work differ from others in your profession and what should a client expect from working with you?

Sessions are guided by a client’s intention and by their higher consciousness and guides. Clients learn a breathe technique which aids the releasing desired. Expect to feel lighter, freer, peaceful, more vitality, happier, more present with a new perspective.

How is your practice evolving in 2020?

My practice continues to evolve in the use of visual imagery for releasing pain from various ages of the client’s inner child.

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

I establish a safe, loving environment. Intentions do not need to be shared with me. Sessions are via phone or in person.

Elm City Wellness 774 Orange Street New Haven, CT 203-691-7653 ElmCityWellness@gmail.com ElmCityWellness.com

Practice summary/ Primary services offered:

Elm City Wellness focuses on whole-body wellness, providing custom bodywork, acupuncture and skin care all under one roof. Our wellness store features locally made gifts, self-care supplies and a wide range of quality CBD oils, creams, gummies and more.

How does your work differ from others in your profession?

We place a heavy emphasis on self-care at Elm City Wellness, because practitioners who take care of themselves have the energy to care for others joyfully because that caregiving doesn’t come at their own expense.

What benefits should customers/clients expect from your services and/or products?

We are a one-stop shop for New Haven’s wellness seekers. Our skilled massage therapists, acupuncturists and estheticians offer sessions that are thoughtful, compassionate and client-centered.

How is your holistic center evolving in 2020?

We are in constant evolution. We now offer a wide spectrum of wellness lectures to our calendar and will be expanding our presence in New Haven by opening a second location in 2020!

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

After a session at Elm City Wellness, many clients walk away with a deeper understanding of their bodies and new ways to care for them. Our intention is to make Elm City Wellness a place to relax and heal. Questions about running low on CBD during social distancing? Call us Monday-Friday 10am-3pm to ask questions or purchase products availalbe for curbside pick up or delivery.

Ground Force Medicine Sara B. Frawley, ND 80 Shunpike Road, Suite 101, Cromwell, CT 850 N. Main Street Ext., Bldg 2, Suite 3C, Wallingford, CT 203-293-7293 DrSaraND.com & GroundForceSupplements.com

Practice summary/ Primary services offered:

I am a Naturopathic Doctor who prides herself on treating the whole person and getting to the root cause with food sensitivity, neurotransmitter and nutrient testing. I practice the philosophy of “doing no harm” by helping the body to restore itself with herbs, nutrients and energy healing.

What drew you to this profession?

I found this profession while on my own journey towards health. As an ex-fast food junky, I started figuring out in my 20’s that what I was eating had a huge impact on my mental health. I came across this profession while looking at graduate schools and just knew, this was what I was supposed to do for the rest of my life.

How is your work different from others in your profession?

While I treat the whole person, like all good Naturopaths, as a recovering chemist, my knowledge of biochemistry and research allows me to be your medical detective. I investigate what is going on with you, specifically. Also, I do take most major insurances and offer appointments via telemedicine.

What should a patient expect from working with you?

To do “the work”. You’re the player. I’m just the coach.

How is your practice evolving in 2020?

Telemedicine is now available! During this new time of social distancing, we can now do virtual appointments.

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

I understand the struggles to grow and heal. At my practice, I will accept you for who you are and where you are on your journey.

Hypnosis & EFT in Connecticut Hypnosis / EFT / Emotion Code Therese Baumgart Certified Hypnotist & EFT Tapping Coach 3074 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 203-710-7438 HypnosisAndEFTct.com

Practice summary / Primary services offered:

I meet you where you are to achieve your goals in an atmosphere of safety, respect and collaboration. Weight, smoking, pain, relationships, stress, and career are areas that respond well to the powerful and gentle methods of Emotion Code, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping), and Hypnosis.

What drew you to this profession?

For me it was a natural evolution over the years from my own meditation practice to learning new skills to work on a deep level with the thoughts and emotions of others.

How does your work differ from others in your profession and what should a client expect from working with you?

The focus of my work is meeting the client where they are, a nonjudgmental attitude, and assisting them to accomplish their goals. The methods that I use are creative and fun. The client should expect a great experience!

How is your practice evolving in 2020?

I am expanding my practice to include remote sessions by phone, Face-Time, Skype and Zoom. I am also offering sessions in Spanish.

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

My methods include subconscious mind tools to guide you in accomplishing your goals free from inner conflicts, objections and self-sabotage. I’ve been in practice since 2005 and I feel privileged to do this work.

KC Chiropractic & Wellness Kevin Healy, DC 17 Woodland Road, Madison, CT 203-245-9317 Kevinhealy@sbcglobal.net DrHealMe.com

Practice summary / Primary services offered:

Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiology, nutrition counseling. Help patients address chronic and acute conditions ranging from back, knee, shoulder or arm pain to digestive, endocrine, immunity conditions like IBS, fibromyalgia, and, of course, seasonal allergies.

What drew you to this profession?

Applied Kinesiology (AK) as a diagnostic and therapeutic technique, sets me apart and helps my patients realize a higher level of health. I discovered AK when traditional treatment for my faulty cardiac artery failed to stave off numerous cardiac infarctions. AK was used to diagnose and treat underlying issues and I soon returned to a normal life.

How does your work differ from others in your profession and what should a client expect from working with you?

Applied Kinesiology uses the body’s nervous system to diagnose and treat issues. In most cases, after an informational interview and clinical exam, a personalized treatment plan with a mix of chiropractic, AK and nutritional components will be devised. Doc Healy will also make recommendations on additional therapies you should explore to augment in-office care.

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

Chiropractic and AK are 100% natural, holistic alternatives to traditional treatments like pharmaceuticals. Since 1997 I have been helping to reduce inflammation that is systemic with origination’s from the GI tract, keeping the immune system strong for over 20 years. If you’d like a more natural approach to allergy treatment, this route could be for you. Please get in touch.

Redeeming Life Nutrition, LLC Drew Mulvey, Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist Southbury, CT Drew.Mulvey@RedeemingLifeNutrition.com RedeemingLifeNutrition.com

Practice summary/Primary services offered:

We take a whole-body, systems-based approach to your health. Our goal is to help you see food as sustenance and a life force that can help the body function properly as a unit and create a positive relationship with food. We offer nutrition counseling services, grocery store tours, in-home cooking tutorials based on personalized recommendations, and coaching programs to help guide the individual

What drew you to this profession?

I was drawn to nutrition because of my own health battles. Since age 14, I have been diagnosed with health conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS and hypothalamic amenorrhea as well as being medicated for ADHD, insomnia and depression. It was alternative care, incorporation of foods and recipes for therapeutic purposes, and digging deeper into study by acquiring a masters in human nutrition. It helped me address underlying causes for these symptoms, create lifestyle changes, diminish medications and be more in tune with my body.

How does your work differ from others in your profession?

I am licensed in Connecticut as a Certified Nutritionist and will be a Certified Nutrition Specialist by the end of the year. I look a t the body functioning as a whole while including mental, emotional and spiritual health to get to the root of issues.

What should a client expect from working with you?

During the initial consult review, a health history form helps identify underlying problems. The client is provided with personalized lifestyle modifications, dietary guidance, educational material, and product and activity suggestions. The grocery store tour educates individuals on alternative items to purchase and reading labels. The in-home cooking will teach them how to put all the knowledge from the initial consult and the grocery store tour into practice.

How is your practice evolving in 2020?

We are looking to expand to a hybrid counseling platform, coaching and accountability programs.

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

We specialize in gut health, food sensitivities and autoimmunity. We offer in-person consultations and telehealth sessions.

Reiki With Eileen Anderson Eileen Anderson, RN, CCRN Alumnus Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center Wallingford Adult Education at Sheehan High School Treatment sessions at Orange Chiropractic Center 203-314-5401 eilande@comcast.net ReikiWithEileenAnderson.com

Practice summary/Primary services offered:

In response to Covid-19, I am offering support to clients with distant Reiki treatment and private consultations. I look forward to resuming Reiki1 and 2 classes when this crisis resolves. I offer small-sized classes and individualized instruction with ample practice time.

What drew you to this profession?

A nurse colleague, a Reiki Master, taught four other nurses and me to become Reiki practitioners. We then treated patients, families and staff, promoting a calm, restful environment within the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Yale New Haven Hospital.

How does your work differ from others in your profession?

As a retired critical care nurse, I bring my Reiki practice from the hospital setting to the community. I teach Reiki classes in the traditional style of practice as a single healing modality for rest, relaxation and stress reduction.

What should students expect from working with you?

Students will learn to conduct Reiki sessions in a calm, restful environment. Teaching is done informally with ample time for practice and discussion. No preparation is required. Students will learn the foundation of Reiki practice.

How is your practice evolving in 2020?

I now offer individual private Reiki 1 and 2 classes at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center. I facilitate monthly Reiki shares for my students to practice in a safe environment at the Buttonwood Center.

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

My work as a Critical Care Nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital has inspired me to take a holistic approach to health care. I also offer Reiki treatments in various public clinics, Orange Chiropractic Center and Wallingford Senior Center. I have expanded my practice to teach Reiki on two levels. I adjust my teaching and sessions to fit the individual person or group.

Practice/business summary of primary services offered:

Robin Barros is a hands-on healer, Medical intuitive, Shaman, Medium and Spiritually Guided Coach. She also works with clients around the world doing distance healing.

What drew you to this profession?

Robin lost her parents to Cancer, found herself broken and unhealthy. 15 years later she’s healthier and has her own practice.

How is your work different from that of others in your profession?

Robin works with Tramatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury, Cancer Patients, Chronic Pain and PTSD. Using distance healing she can treat anyone anywhere. Skeptical? She offers one free session per family.

There are few practitioners that can feel, hear, touch and heal the levels of body and consciousness that Robin has learned to reach. Her skills as a medical intuitive and medium adds to her ability as a healer.

What should a client expect from working with you?

So many of Robin’s clients come to her at wits end, having lost all hope to ever feeling better—Her clients leave feeling better, with their hope restored and with a plan for becoming the best version of themselves they could have ever imagined.

How is your holistic practice evolving in 2020?

Spirit of the Lotus is working with people around the world on Online Teaching Seminars, facebook lives and speaking engagements. We all need new perspectives in healing.

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

Natural Awakenings’ readers—You should know you are worth the time and the cost to heal, expand and become more enlightened. You are worth the cost to nourish yourselves, even when it means “asking” for something better. May you know you are loved.

Susane Grasso, RMT Reiki / Acupressure / Theta Healing® Sound Healing / Distance Healing 2489 Boston Post Road, Suite F, Guilford, CT 203-500-6950

Visioning Crystals Lauri Ingram Hamden, CT 203-435-5650 Lauri@VisioningCrystals.com VisioningCrystals.com

Practice summary/ Primary services offered:

Stress is the plague of the 21st century and the cause of physical and emotional woes. Because of this my sessions combine my ability to see auras with Reiki, Theta Healing®, Acupressure, and Sound/Vibrational Healing to provide deep relaxation and balance. “Tension out! Wellness in” is more than a phrase. For my clients it is a statement of fact.

What drew you to this profession?

My chronic pain from Lyme Disease was alleviated by a Reiki Practitioner which made a believer out of me.

How does your work differ from others in your profession and what should a client expect from working with you?

Each session is individually tailored to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of my client. During the session the chakras are balanced and the aura cleansed of blockages. The deep relaxation that follows provides focus and tranquility.

How is your practice evolving in 2020?

I have added the dimension of sound, sympathetic resonance, to my practice via Tibetan singing bowls. Theta Healing® has also been integrated to add another dimension to chakra maintenance and well-being. I will continue to explore other energy healing modalities and I am now offering distance Reiki.

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

It is an honor to provide relaxation therapy for my clients. Working with them to maintain and strengthen their aura is my primary goal. I love watching an energy signature go from ragged and wispy to whole and vital.

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Practice summary/ Primary services offered:

Spiritual Counseling (Offered via Zoom) – Spiritual counseling is reflective listening and inquiry, that helps remind an individual that we are immersed in Spirit and the Divine is always present in every situation, as a constant resource and a mirror to guide us in what needs to be healed or learned. Crystal Dreaming – Using a precise alignment of stones arranged in a powerful crystal grid, you are gently led into an altered state, resulting in a profound shift in consciousness while being safely guided through a very personal shamanic journey. Master Etheric Crystal Light – Etheric Crystal Healing Light Therapy combines the benefits of color, light, and crystal therapies to create beneficial stimulation on both a physical and energetic level. Minister Services – Offering custom interfaith/Interspiritual weddings, memorial services, baby blessings and other ceremonies to celebrate life events. Hand Selected Crystals (shop via zoom) – Offering a curated selection of crystals for sale.

What drew you to this profession?

My own journey of self-discovery led me to help others find their own divine light.

How does your work differ from others in your profession?

As an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister, I am combined a unique set of offerings and services that combine spiritual exploration, crystals, light, color and sound.

What should a client expect from working with you?

Working with me is a journey of self-discovery; I believe we all have the answers we seek within.

How is your holistic business evolving in 2020?

This year I will be exploring incorporating creative arts into my offerings as another way to explore

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

As an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister, I believe there is much to learn as we journey through life. It begins with openness, curiosity, and deep self-compassion. My commitment is to using my life skills, experience, and training to create safe and sacred space for self-discovery, as I companion others along the way.