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Awakening Humanity Green Merry-Making Retro-Fresh Family Traditions
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Touching HEAVEN Proof of Life After Death
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December 2013
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Breakthrough toYou
A LifesPathTM Retreat
Friday, January 31st 4pm through Sunday, February 2nd 12pm at Dolce Resort, 32 Weed Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 Join Juliette for a three-day retreat to dive deep, unleash your soul, realize your passions and discover what direction to take to follow your true LifesPathTM. Enjoy a single-occupant suite, scrumptious meals and allthe amenities at Dolce while working with Juliette to challenge your self, suspend your beliefs, and find your true self.*
$625 early bird price; $1200 regular price *Includes a private one on one activation and reading session beforehand, valued at $800
Register by January 3rd for early bird price Contact juliette@juliettestorch.com Attendance is limited to 13 people.
Juliette Storch is a Certified Intuitive Healer and Life Coach. As a Modern Mystic, Muse & Medium her method is untraditional, powerful, and rooted firmly in the tradition of her Huguenot forebears—witches and wise women. With an open channel to dimensions beyond this one, Juliette brings messages of those who have passed from this life, connects you with your guides and uncovers negative energies that still affect you from past millennia. By magically blending Eastern essences with Spirit, she activates your chakras and channels the beings and voices that are the pieces of the puzzle of you. Sharing space and words with Saints and Archetypes, Juliette tells the story of your heart, your essence, your very Soul… and opens the gateway to flowing Spirit, ready to guide you to your next elevation.
Juliette Storch
Manifest Your ABUNDANT LifesPathTM
Working with Juliette is an unexpected experience. It’s a leap into the darkness... because you must change the dark before your heart can fill with light. Take the veil away from your eyes and see the magical life that you want... let Juliette open the door to manifest your TM ! ABUNDANT LifesPathnatural 3 awakenings December 2013
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contact us Publisher - Gail Heard Gail@naturalnewhaven.com Editor - Nancy Cohen Editor@naturalnewhaven.com Advertising - Gail Heard Ads@naturalnewhaven.com Design & Production - Gail Heard Printer - Trumbull Printing, Inc. Franchise Sales - 239.530.1377
To contact Natural Awakenings New Haven/Middlesex Counties: Natural Awakenings PO Box 525 North Branford, CT 06471 Phone: 203.988.1808 Gail@NaturalNewHaven.com NaturalNewHaven.com © 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
This time of the year, the yins and yangs of joy/heartache, relaxation/stress and community/loneliness seem more prevalent, making it difficult to sustain balance. To help find some perspective, we welcome you to this month’s Natural Awakenings, a holiday season edition which also addresses Awakening Humanity. During the last century, technological advances have reached stratospheric levels (through brilliant inventions), but the development of human consciousness has not seemed to keep pace with these advances. That is cause for concern. We are capable of wreaking havoc on ourselves and the planet with our inventions, especially given the seeming race to acquire more, faster, which has intensified our desire for instant gratification and the feeling of never having (or being) enough. This issue contains articles addressing how to awaken, rather than deny or fear the problems occurring at this historical juncture. It encourages celebration and finding our way forward. You can read about enhancing energy, creating “Green” traditions, near-death experiences, their confirmation of the universality of love and connection and how to tap into these omnipresent qualities. Two locally written pieces address this awakening, one by going inward to deepen self-love and acceptance, and the other by extending that love outward to create community. Reiki Practitioner Susane Grasso offers simple and fun practices (done alone or with company) to balance the heart chakra and enhance relationships. Mother Clare Watts of Centers of Light delivers a message of urgency about the evolution of consciousness and creating healing communities. Imagine our world if we focused energy and attention on developing compassion and conscious awareness, rather than having more and getting it all faster. We are, after all, human beings, not human doings… Living in a healthier world means we not only care for ourselves, each other and the planet, but also our animal companions. In this edition you will find information on holistic home care for pets, pet nutrition (see back cover advertiser Lock Stock & Barrel) and an announcement of the opening for Dr. Kris Klie and Connie Busch’s Holistic Veterinary Wellness Center. I am grateful to Kris and Connie for their support during my beloved cat Guapo’s recent transition. Their personal touch and gentleness made a time of sadness more bearable. How lucky that local residents with animal companions will have the option to obtain holistic care so their beloved pets can remain healthful and active. Nature is a healer. To bring that healing indoors, check out Natureworks garden center, which offers an array of natural items to integrate into home holiday décor. It’s also a great season to get outside and enhance aliveness by engaging the senses: see colorful seasonal lights or bare tree branches; hear the quiet during snowfall or the laughter of children playing; feel the cool air on your skin; taste a falling snowflake or a hot chocolate (read health briefs for cocoa’s benefits!); smell the scent of pine… delicious!! May you feel that vibrancy and find a multitude of ways to keep the light shining within and around you during this season and into the New Year.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available for $30 ( for 12 issues ). Please call 203.988.1808 with credit card information. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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contents 16
6 newsbriefs
16 healthbriefs
18 globalbriefs
18 20 greenliving
24 healingways 31 wisewords 32 healthykids 34 naturalpet
22 35 fitbody
36 calendar 43 classifieds
44 resourceguide
advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203.988.1808 or email Ads@NaturalNewHaven.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to Editor@NaturalNewHaven.com Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month.
Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
20 GREEN MERRY-MAKING 28 Retro-Fresh Family Traditions by Claire O’Neil
22 PUT THE HO HO HO INTO YOUR HEART THIS HOLIDAY
by Susane O. Grasso
24 ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE WISE
20
A Prime Time to Rejuvenate and Birth Creativity by Lane Vail
26 HUMANITY IS AWAKENING
Are You Ready?
by Mother Clare Watts
28 NEAR-DEATH
EXPERIENCES
32
Proof of Life after Death by Linda Sechrist
31 HUMANITY’S
ETERNAL QUEST
Eckhart Tolle on the Kingdom of Heaven Within by Eric Nelson
calendar submissions Submit calendar events online at NaturalNewHaven.com. To revise or discontinue a calendar listing email Calendar@NaturalNewHaven.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.
32 SWEET SLUMBER
regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239.449.8309. For franchising opportunities call 239.530.1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
All-Natural Home Health Care
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Co-Sleeping in the Family Bed by Mark Sisson
34 PET FIRST-AID KITS
34
by Sandra Murphy
35 TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS? Exercise Helps Keep Family Holidays Merry by Sarah Todd
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newsbriefs Holistic Veterinary Wellness Center Now Open
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r. Kristen Klie and Connie Busch are pleased to announce the opening of Connecticut Holistic Veterinary Wellness Center in Bethany. With an aim to provide safe, effective, natural healthcare options for animal companions, they offer acupuncture, veterinary spinal manipulative therapy (animal chiropractic), laser therapy and nutrition therapy, as well as natural supplements, remedies and food. Acupuncture helps alleviate issues, such as: gastrointestinal disorders; musculoskeletal problems; respiratory ailments; and, dermatological issues. Animal chiropractic can realign and return range of motion, enhance performance and improve quality of life. Laser and pulsed signal therapies stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, offering relief from pain (from injury or disease) or trauma and increasing mobility and healing. Nutrition, the foundation of well-being, can avert issues such as Diabetes, heart, respiratory, or kidney disease, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal problems. Klie and Busch will also work in tandem with a client’s regular veterinarian to ensure the most effective treatments.
Dr. Klie, founder of Final Journey LLC, an in-home euthanasia service for animal companions, received her Doctorate of Veterinary in 1996 and has completed certification in the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s advanced course, as a food therapist and in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Connie Busch is a board-certified holistic nutrition practitioner and licensed massage therapist (for humans…at her practice, Simple Solutions Nutrition). A lifelong animal lover, she has experience working in the conventional veterinary field and has studied animal naturopathy, carnivore nutrition and homeopathy for animal companions. The Center’s location is 9 Amity Road in Bethany, CT, 203.891.7320, ctholisticvet.com. See ad on page 11.
Concerts Celebrate the Season
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he New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) welcomes the season with several festive concerts in December. Performances of Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicolas and Ceremony of Carols (with Trinity Church Choirs) begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 5 (Trinity Church on the New Haven Green), Friday, December 6 (Sacred Heart University), and Saturday, December 7 (First Congregational Church of Madison). Concert proceeds benefit the New Haven non-profit ‘R Kids CT. A Holiday Brass concert benefitting the Community Soup Kitchen will be held on Sunday, December 8 at 6 p.m. (Christ Church, New Haven) with the Christ Church Choir joining NHSO Brass Quintet for secular and sacred holiday favorites. A fundraising reception precedes the concert, with hors d’oeuvres, desserts, open wine bar and premium concert seating, all for $60. (Single ticket: $30-$45). This performance will also be part of programs on Sundays, December 1 at Essex Meadows (EssexMeadows.com), December 7 at Elim Park’s Nelson Hall (NelsonHallElimPark.org) and December 22 at Infinity Hall (InfinityHall.com). The NHSO’s “Holiday Extravaganza – A Mensch’s Christmas” will take place on Saturday, December 14 at 2:30 p.m. (Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Hamden Middle School) and Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m. (Shelton Intermediate School). Celebrate a white Christmas with songs by Jewish composers Irving Berlin, Sammy Cahn, Jules Stine and others conducted by Michael Barrett (formerly Leonard Bernstein’s assistant conductor). Tickets to Sacred Heart ($35): Edgertoncenter.org/special_ events. Other single tickets: ($35-$45): 203.865.0831x10, NewHavenSymphony.org (students: $10, KidTix: ages 6-17 free with paying adult, Blue Star: families of active duty military free).
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Natural Holiday Décor at Natureworks in Northford
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his year, why not decorate for the holidays using natural materials? Natureworks in Northford harvests fresh greenery, pods, cones and berries, using them to create naturalistic décor as in their following suggestions. Make a wreath using a crimped wreath ring or circle of grapevines. Gather an assortment of evergreen boughs (favorites include pines, cypress, fir, spruce, juniper, cedar). If boughs contain berries or cones…even better! Using green florist wire, attach bunches of mixed evergreens to the wreath ring. Take additional pine cones and wire them to the wreath. Add holly berries and a red burlap bow for a festive touch. Another holiday option? Fireside Baskets, arrangements in lined baskets, use floral foam to provide water so greens stay fresh for weeks. Soak the foam until fully saturated. Add different textures and colors of evergreens. Fresh win-
Spiritual and Specialty Giſts
A Specialty Giſt Shop
Angels, Aura Sprays, Books, Candles, Cards, CDs, Christian and Jewish Giſt Items, Classes, Crystals, Essential Oils, Fair Trade Items, Incense, Intuitive Readings, Jewelry, Journals, Oracle Cards, Sacred Image Cards, Singing Bowls, Wind Chimes, Word Stones
www.enchantedguilfordct.com
203-453-4000 Strawberry Hill Plaza 1250 Boston Post Rd Guilford, CT 06437
terberry branches add long-lasting red color. Dried pomegranates, artichokes, lotus pods and statice wired to long sticks can enhance the design, which can be completed by bright red stems of red twigged dogwood and twisty branches of curly willow. Emptying window boxes/deck pots? Consider studding them with evergreens and berries or planting them with winter evergreens. Make sure to use frost-proof containers (plastic or wood work best). Stuff assorted cut evergreen branches, bright red winterberry stems, and pine cones in containers. Another alternative is to plant containers with miniature evergreens, native cranberry plants with cascading foliage and wintergreen and add to gardens in the spring. Visit Natureworks at 518 Forest Road in Northford, CT, Naturework.com. See ad on page 21.
Demystifying Health Care
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ooking for insurance, but feel overwhelmed by the amount of information regarding the Affordable Care Act? The New Haven Public Library, along with other libraries, social service groups and organizations throughout the state, is aiming to make it easier for everyone to get accurate information and assistance. They have an Assister, who can help people learn to navigate the system for free (by appointment), as well as offering “Healthy Chats,” patient navigation information sessions held at branch locations. Chats include free discussion about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, how Connecticut is implementing that, plus available insurance options and their criteria. Scheduled talks, normally from 4 natural awakenings
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newsbriefs to 5 p.m., include: Ives Main Library (133 Elm Street, every Tuesday); Fair Haven (182 Grand Avenue, first Thursday monthly); Mitchell (37 Harrison Street, second Thursday monthly); Wilson (303 Washington Avenue, third Thursday monthly); and, Stetson (200 Dixwell Avenue, on Wednesday, December 11). Additionally, Accesshealthct.com is a website also offering free assistance for those who are looking for general help with obtaining insurance. The site offers choices of Navigators or in-person Assisters to answer questions about The Affordable Care Act, as well as licensed insurance brokers to help with plan selection for clients and/or their families. To create an exchange account or select an Assister, simply visit the website or call 1.855.805.4325. Individuals with a hearing disability may contact the call center via the TTY at 1.855.789.2428. For information about library resources regarding the healthcare exchange, or to make an appointment with the library’s Assister, visit nhfpl.org.
side and leave it at any participating business to be eligible to win. Additional happenings include Friday night’s: horse and carriage rides around the Green with Mrs. Santa (board at High Street or the top of Broad Street); Connecticut Yuletide Carolers dressed in 19th Century garb; Cornerstone Christian Adult and Youth Choirs performing on the steps of Milford Photo; Milford Senior Center Chorale group “The Lamplight Strollers” performing throughout downtown; and, entertainment in the gazebo on the Green. For more information, call 203.878.9686, or visit downtownmilfordct.org. See ad on page 37.
Skating on Champion Ice
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hough winter and ice skating go together, this chosen activity for many seeking exercise, active time with family and friends, relaxation, or competitive sport, is one that can also be done year-round at sports complexes like Cromwell’s Champions Skating Center. Champions houses two ice rinks (one NHL-sized and one Olympic-sized), a fitness center
Lamplight Strolling in Milford
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veryone is invited to enjoy a classic New England tradition at the 12th Annual Downtown Milford Lamplight Stroll. This Downtown Milford Business Association event, celebrating the holiday season in festive style, is scheduled for Friday, December 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many of Downtown Milford’s shops, spas and salons will greet visitors over the weekend with refreshments, holiday cheer, specials and a unique holiday shopping experience, including the chance to win a gift basket - worth hundreds of dollars - filled with gift certificates, goodies, surprises and treats from downtown businesses. Visitors can collect a gift basket “passport” at any participating shop or business. Then, during the weekend’s Stroll, shoppers can go from shop to shop to get their passport stamped. Holders with completed passports can fill out the reverse
with pool and several sports related businesses. It offers a public skating session weekdays from 12 to 1:20 p.m. ($5, skate rental free), as well as lessons for all level of skater from beginner to elite. These include: The Basic Skills course (ages 4+); Adult/Teen Learn to Skate; Skating for Tots (3-5 years old); Hockey Learn to Skate; Juniors Program (supplementing training with a class combining warm-up, rotating stations focused on different aspects like jumps, spins, artistry and edges, and music interpretation); and, Premier Class (advance at a faster pace). The Center is also available for group functions and birthday parties. Champions is home to several youth hockey programs, an adult hockey league, and a renowned figure skating program. It is the official practice facility for the New York Rangers AHL farm team, the Hartford Wolf Pack (visitors can watch practices for free). They have hosted USA Olympic hockey teams and several Olympic and national champion skaters. The Learn-to-Skate programs are designed by U.S. Figure Skating to serve the needs of both recreational and competitive skaters. Champions Skating Center is located at 6 Progress Drive in Cromwell, CT. For information, call 860.632.0323, or visit Championsskatingcenter.com.
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Energizing Connecticut
Learn an
d Discuss
the Man
L
ooking for ways to save money and use clean energy? Energize Connecticut (1.877.wise.use, EnergizeCT.com) is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the state, and local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. It offers discounts on, and information about, energy-saving programs, such as encouraging residents to install ENERGY STAR®-certified compact florescent lights (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs) for measurable results. LEDs are the latest in energy-efficient lighting technology and do not contain mercury or hazardous materials. They are said to use up to 80 percent less energy and last longer than standard incandescent bulbs. LEDs light up immediately and remain cool to touch. Most are dimmable. Additionally, as part of the Energize Connecticut initiative, the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund will help residents get started on reducing energy usage and costs by providing free conservation kits to those who take a self-guided tour of the SmartLiving™ Center in Orange (supplies limited). Learn about energy and electricity, safety, sources, conservation and choosing energy-efficient products. Then, receive a free conservation kit with an energy-efficient light bulb, foam weather-stripping, shower timer and other items. For homeowners seeking additional savings, the Home Energy Solutions (HES) program offers home energy assessments and on-the-spot services to homeowners/ renters for immediate savings, as well as rebates and additional resources. Interested? Call the SmartLiving Center (203.799.0460) for information.
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Finding Balance Learn stress reduction techniques and create more joy and peace in your life, Life affirming goal setting, The role of sleep, nutrition, and fitness related to wellness, Mindfulness techniques/meditation
The Healthy Mind 900 Straits Turnpike Suite D Middlebury, CT
(860) 490-2538
Presenter: Robert De Matteo Integrative Health & Wellness Coach, OTRL, MA Every Wednesday Evening from 7 to 8:30 (18 and up) all welcome!!! $20 dollars per class (come once, or come often) no minimum
I don’t know what your spiritual beliefs are, but I believe that when I leave this world, I’m going to somehow measure my success by those I’ve helped along the way. John R. Voell II
The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!
Whole-Body Dentistry® provides comprehensive oral health care using traditional and holistic approaches. We understand the “mouth-body connection.”
Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Speaker and best-selling author of Whole-Body Dentistry® Mercury-free for over 30 years, Dr. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry.
WholeBodyDentistry.com • 203-371-0300
5520 Park Ave., Trumbull / Fairfield town line at Exit 47 off Merritt Pkwy
The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center Naturopathic Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing
Get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments & therapies. FREE CDs on our approach to Lyme Disease
Watch our therapy videos on our website!
Drs. Adam Breiner, Elena Sokolova, and David Brady
WholeBodyMed.com • 203-371-8258 natural awakenings
Office located on the Fairfield / Trumbull line
December 2013
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New Healing Introduced at Bethany Body Works
J
ennifer Kriz, licensed massage therapist and owner of Bethany Body Works, has over 20 years of training and experience in many healing modalities, including advanced cranial sacral therapy, myofascial release and deep tissue massage. In order to customize her sessions to meet each client’s unique needs and stay apprised of cutting edge modalities, she continually updates her training, including recently learning about percussion therapy with the VibraCussor percussion instrument. Fascia is a connective tissue throughout the body that when contracted or in spasm may have a ropy consistency, or feel hard and tender when palpated. Fascial restrictions underlie many chronic pain syndromes. Using the VibraCussor in combination with massage or other manual therapies allows for release of both superficial and deep fascia. By integrating this instrument into her sessions, Kriz is better able to help individuals who suffer from trigger points, muscle spasms, scar tissue and adhesions, post exertion muscle fatigue and other myofascial tenderness. Results can include: improved ease of movement; quality of life; and, decreased need for pain medication. To share
more about the VibraCussor percussion instrument, Bethany Body Works will host a free demonstration and informational meeting on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30pm. Everyone is invited to come and learn about this technique and how it provides relief for aches and pains. Bethany Body Works is located at 41 Village Lane in Bethany, CT. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call 203.393.1500. For information regarding Jennifer Kriz, visit ‘Jennifer Kriz Massage Therapist’ on Facebook. See ad in lower left column.
Connecticut is Solarizing
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hen considering planetary sustainability, many municipalities and residents are turning to solar energy, generating clean, renewable energy from the sun shining on one’s home, a change that may also help reduce electricity costs. Many Connecticut towns have been selected to participate in Solarize Connecticut, a group solar buying program sponsored by the state through the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. Solarize programs aim to make it easy and affordable for residents to add solar to their homes. Homeowners in Ashford, Chaplin, Cheshire, Columbia, Easton, Enfield, Greenwich, Glastonbury, Hamden, Hampton, Lebanon Manchester, Newtown, Pomfret, Redding, Roxbury, Stafford, Stamford, Trumbull, Washington, West Hartford and West Haven can benefit from discounted pricing and also help their town earn a free municipal installation. Each Solarize program features a limited-time offer, with deadlines falling between January and April 2014. Residents can choose to purchase or lease their solar system, taking advantage of state and federal incentives, as well as flexible financing options, for little or no money down. They must, however, sign their contract by their community’s deadline. Community leaders have worked with the state to pre-select qualified, certified installers who will do all of the Solarize installations for their community. Installers are selected through a competitive bidding process and offer significant discounts to residents in exchange for the town’s outreach support. To learn more about Solarize, visit Solarizect.com. Anyone wanting to bring Solarize to their community can contact Erin O’Sullivan at eosullivan@smartpower.org.
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Finding Serenity by Surrendering to the Float
Dieting doesn’t work! I found what does! Let me show you how!
F
loating, spending about an hour lying quietly in the dark, suspended (floating effortlessly) in a warm solution of Epsom salt, has been called “the closest thing to drifting in outer space that you can experience on this planet.” On Sunday, December 1, a new Guilford business, Surrender to the Float, will open two of the largest float tanks in the country. During a float, a tank contains water so saturated with Epsom salts that it is said to be more buoyant than the Dead Sea. The Book of Floating summarizes the process as “a rapid, easily mastered, reliable, safe tool to make [participants] feel very good.” About 30 minutes into the float, the brain starts producing extra dopamine and endorphins, which boost mood. Brainwaves slowly switch over to theta waves, which are normally
My services include: One-on-One and Group Coaching Seasonal Whole Food Cleanses Health Food/Grocery Store Tours Pantry Makeovers Cooking Demos and Workshops
Gina Ledwith Certified Holistic Health Coach
133 State Street Guilford, CT
www.holisticallywell.com
203-278-2195
Call for your FREE Health Consultation!
Manifesting Intentions
A New Way to Gather with Friends! Socialize, Learn, Be Creative and Have Fun. Clearing the way to your dreams.
Small Personalized Feng Shui Party Events. Call Astrid at 203-836-4195
Connecticut Holistic Veterinary Wellness Center
Kristen Klie, DVM 9 Amity Road Bethany, CT 06524
203-891-7320 Jocelyn Rustemeyer and Jeremy Spang
www.ctholisticvet.com
We offer acupuncture, animal chiropractic, laser and magnetic pulse therapy, nutrition therapy, natural health care products, and more!
produced while drifting off to sleep or in deep meditation. Numerous studies over the last 40 years have claimed to show a variety of benefits to floating. Physically, the float tank has been shown to relieve stress, accelerate recovery from injuries, fight addiction, eliminate chronic pain and more. Mental benefits include enhanced concentration and information absorption. Co-founder Jocelyn Rustemeyer has been involved in alternative healing for 12 years and says “Floating is one of the best ways to center yourself…to find insight, relaxation, inner peace, or even chronic pain relief.” Surrender to the Float’s location is 236 Church Street in Guilford, CT. For information, or to book a float, contact Founder Jeremy Spang at 203.506.9142, info@letitfloat.com, Letitfloat.com.
TRIM
*Vistaprint is not responsible for guides layer left in customer’s document
natural awakenings
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Contemplating Connection in the Labyrinth
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or thousands of years, people have walked labyrinths as a type of journey to moments of reflection, serenity, focus and spiritual centering. Labyrinths are unicursal, one line that twists/folds back on itself several times, with one meandering path in to the center and then back again. On Tuesday, December 17, from 7 to 8 p.m., Sarah Heiman will lead a Full Moon Labyrinth Walk at Mercy Center at Madison. Everyone who is interested in participating/learning more is invited to contemplate their connection to creation by joining in this evening’s non-denominational walk, which is open to all (free will offering). The event will begin with an introduction to, and overview of, the labyrinth and guided
meditation. Participants will then walk the labyrinth at their own pace. The evening will close with a communal reflection. No prior experience is necessary. It is suggested that attendees dress for the outdoors, bring a flashlight, if desired, and check in at the front desk upon arrival. Sarah Heiman serves as a Program Associate in the Awakenings Institute at Mercy Center. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and has facilitated many educational experiences, especially for youth and young adults. In 2012 she co-authored a chapter on youth in Vatican II: A Universal Call to Holiness. Mercy Center at Madison is located at 167 Neck Road in Madison, CT. For information, or to pre-register, call 203.245.0401, or visit Mercybythesea.org.
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Abolishing Addiction
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egardless of when and how it begins, anyone who has experienced their own, or a loved one’s, drug, gambling or other addiction knows how severely it can negatively affect relationships, health, career, freedom and financial stability. A person can become almost unrecognizable, choosing to use despite often devastating consequences both to their self and those around them. Recovery can seem overwhelming, especially to those trying to do it on their own. According to local EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) certified clinician and Meadows-trained therapist Seth Weinstein, recovery requires honesty, acceptance, accountability, boundaries and support. Weinstein specializes in the treatment of addictions, grief, trauma and codependency issues. He works with clients in a comprehensive way, not merely to treat symptoms but to look deeper in to the underlying issues behind life-long patterns of self-destructive behaviors. To do this, he utilizes a combination of therapies to unlock the potential for growth, healing and transformation. Anyone wanting to see if this therapy is right for them is invited to contact Mr. Weinstein for an initial session, which may include: discussion of significant events that brought the client into therapy and why they are interested in working on these issues; an opportunity to ask questions about the therapeutic process and Weinstein’s experience; clarification of primary goals for therapy and specific concerns; queries about fees and protection of confidentiality. Seth A. Weinstein is reachable at 134 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, CT, 860.395.4700, Sethaweinstein.com. See ad on page 29.
Touring Essex Houses at the Holidays
O
n Saturday, December 7, come to Essex Village for a festive self-guided walking tour featuring seven homes— from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries—all decorated for the holidays. Homes on this “Essex Holiday House Tour” will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., rain, snow, or shine. The tour also includes The Essex Historical Society’s Pratt House and the Connecticut River Museum. House Tour tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 the day of the tour (15 or more people in a group: $20/ticket). Additionally, from 9:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be a boutique at Essex Town Hall where visitors can shop for the holidays and find unique gifts of handcrafted jewelry, table linens, clothing, whimsical holiday arrangements and more. House Tour proceeds will benefit Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, which offers programs to residents of New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. The agency deals with the prevention of child abuse, treatment of family violence, teen pregnancy, children’s physical and mental health care, childcare and parent education.
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To purchase tickets, visit website: eventbrite.com/ event/9013388287, mail a check in advance (with selfaddressed, stamped envelope) to Essex Holiday House Tour, 168 River Road, Essex, CT 06426, or visit childandfamilyagency.org (includes a list of shops where tickets are available).
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Clarifications and Corrections
E
very attempt is made to ensure accurate information in each monthly issue of Natural Awakenings. To that end, we are including this brief simply to let you know of two items - one correction and one update - changes in information that was printed in two recent editions. First, we apologize for an error in the previously published article, “Energy Healing Comes of Age.” (October 2013, p. 24). Donna Eden founded the Energy Medicine Institute, not Energy Medicine University. Second, in the November 2013 edition news briefs (p. 6) we included details about a new location for Enchanted in Guilford. We have since been informed that, although still in the works, the move has been delayed until after the New Year. Enchanted remains open at its current Guilford location in Strawberry Hill Plaza (1250 Boston Post Road in Guilford, CT, 203.453.4000, Enchantedguilfordct. com). Enchanted’s owners, Roni Landino a retired nurse, and her daughter, Dawn Ross, a counselor and massage therapist, continue to offer workshops, classes and readings to deepen personal spirituality, as well as a range of gift options from scarves and jewelry to crystals, wall hangings, books, candles and more. Thank you to all Natural Awakenings readers and advertisers – for your support, feedback and participation, individually and collectively, in creating a healthier, more joyous and peace-filled world! Wishing all of you (and your friends and families) much to be grateful for, and cherish, during this wintry season and any holiday(s) you celebrate.
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December 2013
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2014 Resource Directory
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It will be referred to by readers throughout the year... and it’s a great opportunity to inform them about your services, products and offerings.
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December 2013
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healthbriefs
Sprinkle Cinnamon to Avert Alzheimer’s
C
innamon is known as an excellent antioxidant that improves fasting blood sugar levels and prevents heart disease. Now new research offers yet another benefit and reason to add this potent spice to our daily diet. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have confirmed that cinnamon helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease. They found that the cinnamon compounds cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin help stop the formation of “tangles” of tau protein in the brain, hallmarks of the memory-robbing neurodegenerative disease. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, says these powerful antioxidants that give cinnamon its potent flavor and scent defend mental function in a unique way. “Take, for example, sunburn, a form of oxidative damage,” explains Roshni Graves, of the university’s Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. “If you wore a hat, you could protect your face and head from oxidation. In a sense, this cinnamaldehyde is like a cap,” protecting against tau proteins. The findings suggest that sufficient cinnamon consumption might stop the progression of Alzheimer’s or even prevent it.
Cocoa Calms Inflammation
F
ew can say no to a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night. “Enjoy!” say Penn State researchers. They have found that a little bit of cocoa may be a powerful diet aid in helping to control inflammation and ameliorate related diseases, including diabetes. Numerous current studies link obesity to inflammation in the body. Cocoa, although a common ingredient of chocolate, by itself has low-calorie, low-fat and high-fiber content. The researchers fed laboratory mice the human equivalent of 10 tablespoons of cocoa powder—about four or five cups of hot cocoa—along with a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The control group ate the same diet without the cocoa. Lead researcher Joshua Lambert, Penn State associate professor of food science, says the study results surprised the team, which did not expect the “dramatic reduction of inflammation and fatty liver disease” associated with obesity. Although the animals lost no weight, the cocoa powder supplement reduced liver triglycerides by 32 percent and plasma insulin levels by 27 percent, indicating it might be a powerful obesityfighting tool. But there is a catch: Adding sugar, an inflammatory substance in itself, to healthy cocoa will likely neutralize the benefits. Try stevia as a sweetener instead; it’s been used for decades to lower blood sugar. 16
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Meditation Helps Heal Traumatized Veterans
T
ranscendental Meditation (TM) has a dramatic healing effect on people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can also result in lower blood pressure, according to two new studies. TM—a technique to avoid distracting thoughts, decrease stress and promote a state of relaxed awareness— reduced PTSD symptoms in combat veterans by as much as 50 percent in just eight weeks, according to a study from Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., published in the journal Military Medicine. The veterans also reported decreased depression and improved quality of life, with a greater ability to come back to their civilian lives after returning from duty. Vietnam War vets randomly assigned to TM sessions at a Denver Veterans Center also experienced greater reductions in alcohol usage, insomnia and depression than those in conventional counseling. At the conclusion of a landmark three-month study, 70 percent of the meditating veterans felt they no longer required the services of the center. A separate American Heart Association report on the general U.S. population showed that the practice of TM generally reduced systolic blood pressure in subjects by five points and diastolic by three points, enough to put many of them into normal range. Previous clinical trials have shown that lower blood pressure through TM practice is associated with significantly lower rates of death, heart attack and stroke. TM is usually practiced for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day by sitting comfortably and focusing on an individually selected word or series of words.
Empower Your Neti Pot
U
sed for centuries in Asian cultures to support nasal health and eliminate toxins from the nasal mucosa, neti pots have recently become popular in the Western world and are recognized for their value in preventing and relieving sinus infections. Typically, a mild solution of unrefined sea salt and purified or distilled water is poured from one nostril through the other to flush out unwanted mucus, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Herbalist Steven Frank, of Nature’s Rite, points to a powerful new paradigm that helps neti pot users deal even more effectively with infection: a regimen of aqueous, colloidal silver and soothing herbal and plant extracts. Frank recommends using the neti pot with a colloidal silver wash that is retained in the nostrils for several minutes. “Bacteria and fungus stick rather well to the nasal mucosa and few are flushed out with simple saline flushes,” he explains. “Most of these nasty pathogens adhere to the mucosa with what is called a biofilm. Within this slime layer, they are well protected and thrive in the warm moist sinuses, so a small saline bath once a day doesn’t bother them much. However, colloidal silver disables certain enzymes needed by anaerobic bacteria, viruses, yeasts and fungus, resulting in their destruction. And, unlike antibiotics, silver does not allow resistant ‘super bugs’ to develop.” He also suggests soothing the sinuses with restorative herbal decoctions. Calendula, plantain and aloe contain vital nutrients that soothe and heal, while Echinacea root and grapefruit seed extract offer antimicrobial benefits. Frank emphasizes the importance of using a neti pot safely and responsibly and warns against table salt, which can irritate nasal membranes, and tap water, which may contain contaminants.
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December 2013
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globalbriefs Susane Grasso REIKI MASTER
Relaxation Therapy Chakra Balancing Aura Readings
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Genuinely Greenwashed Six Ploys to Avoid in Eco-Purchases
A report by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing exposes these six “greenwashing” marketing ploys to watch out for when shopping: 1. Hidden Trade Off: A refurbished plasma TV might reduce the need of buying new at first, but new or not, such TVs are energy hogs. 2. No Proof: Can a third party verify claims such as “organic” or “all-natural”? 3. Vagueness: Beware of products claiming to be “chemical-free” or “no hormones added”. 4. Irrelevance: Claims that have no relationship to the product or might be made with any other product in the same category, such as [chlorofluorocarbon] CFC-free shaving gel. 5. Fibbing: A falsehood that can’t be backed up, such as “certified organic” for products for which no such certification exists. 6. Lesser of Two Evils: An attempt to put a green twist on a product that’s inherently harmful to humans and the environment, such as organic cigarettes.
Escalating Thirst
Endangered Western Tree Habitats
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Gratitude is the heart’s money.
French Proverb
A team of scientists at the University of Grenoble, in France, have isolated ultrasonic pops 100 times faster than what a human can hear in slivers of dead pine wood bathed in a hydrogel to simulate the conditions of a living tree. They exposed the gel to an artificially dry environment and listened for the noises that occurred as air bubbles built up, blocking water uptake, similar to what occurs to trees during drought. As leaves on a tree collect carbon dioxide, they open their pores, a process that leaves them particularly vulnerable to water loss. Douglas firs and pine trees can repair this damage as frequently as every hour, says Katherine McCulloh, a plant ecophysiologist at Oregon State University. However, the bubbles are deadly for other species. Today, the typical forest in the often thirsty American West contains an unnaturally high density of 112 to 172 trees per acre. Besides intercepting rain and snow that would otherwise enter the groundwater supply, such an overabundance threatens native species. “Deprived of [the effect of] low-intensity, naturally occurring fires, aspen, lupine, sequoia and fireweed can’t reproduce,” notes Jamie Workman, of the Environmental Defense Fund. “Deer lose edge habitat. Threatened owls and raptors can’t navigate through increasingly dense thickets.” Workman argues that thinning out small trees is the answer. Contributing source: Utne.com
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TYPHOON HAIYAN
Since 1945, CARE has worked to deliver lasting change to families and communities in need around the world. When disaster strikes, like super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, CARE is among the first to arrive and the last to leave, bringing immediate relief to those hardest hit. Your donation to CARE will give survivors a chance to rebuild their lives.
DELIVER LASTING CHANGE Visit care.org or call 800.521.CARE
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Erik De Castro, courtesy Trust.org
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natural awakenings
December 2013
19
Coming Next Month
greenliving
GREEN
Merry-Making Retro-Fresh Family Traditions by Claire O’Neil
SPECIAL EDITION
Health & Wellness Rev Up Healthy Choices in the New Year Local & National Experts Show You How
For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
203-988-1808 20
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T
hroughout the year, Santa’s good girls and boys of all ages make every effort to buy only what’s needed, plus recycle, reuse and repurpose. Then the holidays hit and discipline often gives way to indulgences. The season seems consumed by uptempo decorating, feasting, shopping, gift-giving and merrymaking at any cost. Yet, creative green living experts show us how easy it is to tweak timehonored family traditions to align with the green way we wish to live and feel even more satisfied with festivities.
Decking the Halls
For Danny Seo, author of Upcycling Celebrations: A Use-What-You-Have Guide to Decorating, Gift-Giving & Entertaining, “Upcycling is basically a form of recycling that elevates something to a better level than before.” Based in New York City and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Seo always has an eye out for green possibilities. “Opt for vintage pieces and re-imagine them in new and interesting ways,” he advises. For example, he likes to upcycle a vintage glass cake stand with a collection of bright ornaments for a unique holiday focal point. Michele Johansen, a lifestyle writer in Bellevue, Washington, suggests bringing in the outdoors. Instead of decorating the tree with tinsel and the home with plastic faux greenery, she suggests stringing popcorn and cranberries on the tree and decking the halls with fresh wreaths and garlands
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accented with boughs of holly. “Local nurseries are good sources for holiday décor that you can later mulch or put in yard waste bins,” she says. “The smells are much more authentic and festive.” Save energy by using LED lights whenever possible, suggests Sheryl Eisenberg, a writer for the National Resources Defense Council. Plug lights and electronics into a power strip, and then unplug it when not in use to save “ghost” energy pulled by electronics that are plugged in, but not activated. Buy a live tree to later plant or recycle, Seo suggests. This supports regional Christmas tree farmers while retaining the integrity of local forests. Many communities offer recycling of holiday trees to provide mulch or habitat for aquatic life in local lakes.
Keeping the Feast
Organize a cookie exchange to get together and save time and energy on holiday baking, suggests Sara Novak, a food policy and health writer at SereneKitchen.com, from Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Generally, a hostess asks guests to bring several dozen of their favorite cookies. Once gathered, attendees share the treats and recipes, taking home several of each variety. To “green it up”, Novak recommends emailing the recipes rather than printing them, encouraging invitees to use fresh and local ingredients and bring favorite reusable containers from home, like a colorful, time-honored cookie tin.
For the holiday table, mix and match settings of plates, glasses, linens and cutlery. “Use the real thing,” Eisenberg recommends, “and recruit guests to help wash up afterwards.” She recalls that while growing up, her mother supplemented her silverware with grandmother’s for large holiday dinners. Save your own energy (and sanity) by asking family and friends to bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert. The hostess can assign a dish and corresponding recipe or use a potluck approach, says Eisenberg. Leftovers go home in non-plastic, reusable containers.
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Learning
Gift Giving
Many families enjoy giving traditional gifts to children at certain ages, like dollhouses or train sets. Re-imagine these and, when possible, buy local to save energy and support area businesses, suggests Eisenberg. Cintia Gonzalez, an Australian mom, crafted a dollhouse from an old suitcase, inventively using black chalkboard paint for the exterior, wooden shelves as floors and fast food ketchup cups as lampshades (Tinyurl.com/ UpcycleDollhouse). Another mom transformed a discarded coffee table into a painted train table for her boys. Upcycle paint chip cards into colorful gift tags, suggests Seo. Plus, use gift wraps that become part of the gift itself, such as placemats swaddling a bottle of wine, fabric to encase quilting supplies or sheet music enveloping concert tickets. As a general rule, “Give experiences, not gifts,” counsels Eisenberg. “Giving loved ones experiences reduces wrapping paper, ribbon and packaging and is an easy way to be a bit more personal over the holidays. Your teenage niece may love a spa day, complete with hair styling, while your favorite aunt and uncle may be thrilled to attend a local wine tasting. If you think a young child can tolerate a few less presents in exchange for a pass to an ice show or dance class, go for it.” “It’s the holiday experience that counts,” counsels Seo. “It’s what makes memories.”
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Claire O’Neil is a freelance writer from Kansas City, MO. natural awakenings
December 2013
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Put the
Ho Ho Ho into Your
Heart
This Holiday by Susane O. Grasso
S
plurge! Get ready to give yourself the best holiday present ever… something that’s sure to fit, always in style and good for all occasions.
Intrigued? It’s not new. You’ve had this present in your possession since… forever. You just may not have known where to look for it or how to make it work. Come on now, think. No, it’s not an article of clothing… or an accessory. It’s far more valuable. It’s a balanced heart chakra.
Chakras are energy centers within the body that control specific physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. The heart chakra represents our ability to love ourselves and others. A balanced heart chakra can enhance all relationships. You may be familiar with the role this chakra plays in your relationship with others. Did you know that its primary function is even more important… developing and enhancing your relationship with yourself? What better gift could you give the most important person in your world other than love and self-approval? Of course, if you can, without reservation, say “I love myself just the way I am” you need not read any further. You’re one of a rare group that naturally has inner 22
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peace. If not, read on and prepare to give yourself the best presents imaginable: love and self-acceptance. When the heart chakra is unbalanced you get stuck in a rut. “I’m not enough” is the typical lament. No matter how hard you try, that little voice in the back of your head keeps telling you you’re not worthy. Now is the time to balance this heart center by using vibratory energy to heal. Everything you do, see, hear, say or think is vibratory energy. Each chakra in your body has its own unique energy signature, including the heart chakra. It balances in response to specific movements, colors, sounds, mantras and affirmations that are its “energy role models.” I’m by no means suggesting that chakra balancing is a substitute for losing that surplus five pounds or doing things you’ve always dreamed of. What I’m talking about is freeing your self from the bonds of conditional self love. When you “love yourself just the way you are,” changes come with grace and joy and dreams CAN come true. When you free yourself from the bonds of conditional love you change your life. Balancing the heart chakra is a multi-level endeavor. You can work with an energy healer, such as a Reiki practitioner, EMF balancer, acupressurist, etc. However, an important addendum to any professional work received is doing some self help. When you are an active participant in an endeavor, results can come faster and last longer. The same holds true for energy work. What follows is information about the heart chakra, energy tools you can use to balance it and some fun, easy ways to use those tools.
THE HEART CHAKRA Sanskrit Name/Translation: Anahara/Unstuck Location: center of chest, mid-sternum Spiritual/emotional/mental functions: love and forgiveness; mercy and compassion Balanced chakra benefits: self love and self acceptance; ability to express love; acknowledgment of the physical, emotional and spiritual components of love/compassion; forgiveness of self; and, mercy/compassion toward others Manifestation of chakra imbalance: loneliness; bitterness; lack of trust in self and/or others; inconsistent (unstable) behavior Physically affects: thymus; lungs; heart; hands; immune system; arms Energy tools compatible with the heart chakra: Mantra: yam (“yum”), ay (as in hay); the note FA — Air, the vehicle for transmitting sound vibrations, is the main element of the heart chakra. What better way to begin than by repeating compatible heart chakra sounds/notes? You can sing, chant or think the specific sounds, or just sing a song. Some people can burst forth vocally while others are a bit more hesitant. Find your own level of sound and sing, chant or hum out loud or to yourself. Meditation: Be conscious of the air around you — Gesture and experience the air as it moves with you and against you. Feel free to sense the air as it moves around you when you’re outside, especially when walking in the woods or by the seashore. The acknowledgement of the air triggers the air element energy so dear to this chakra. Affirmation: “I love myself just the way I am” — When you say or think an affirmation, you are reproducing sounds and a concept that resonate with the heart chakra. To help remember, write the affirmation on a card and tape it to the bathroom mirror. The more you say an affirmation, the stronger and more real it becomes. Visualization: Imagine yourself on a mountain — Sense the wind and open your arms to embrace it. Slowly open your fingers and feel the wind press against your hands. Allow it to sweep and remove the “dust” from your auric field. This can be combined with the meditation exercise. Acknowledge and participate with the air energy and you create a powerful “double whammy” for chakra balancing.
Movement: The breath (air) and the arms are all within the vibratory scope of the heart chakra — The following exercises are simple and fun. Do each 3x a day (or more). Chest Opener: Hug yourself. Wrap your arms around your torso. Fling your arms open, taking in a deep breath through the nose. Exhale through your lips as you return your arms to the hug position. Windmill: Standing up straight, rotate your right arm in a large circle, breathe in through the nose and out through the lips as you do so. Rotate your left arm in a large circle repeating the previous breath pattern. Rotate both arms at the same time repeating the same breath pattern. Color: Check out your wardrobe — What do you have that’s pink or green? Visually, these are the colors dearest to the heart chakra. If you own anything in those colors, try using the tone as an accessory. Or, take it a step further and use the colors for bath towels or soap. Every little bit helps. Stones: Rose quartz; malachite; kunzite — Wear the stone as a pendant near your heart chakra or carry one (or more!) in your pocket. That way, the stone’s vibrational impact will be constant. To be even more focused, create a gem elixir: wash the stone and place it in a glass of water; set the glass on a window sill so the mixture is infused with sunlight (yang healing) and moonlight (yin healing); and, then, after 24 hours, remove the stone and drink the vibrationally infused water. It works! The above are ways of using the five senses to help the energy of your heart chakra resonate to all of the right vibrations. You can use one, or all, of your senses to enhance energy. The choice is yours. Have fun! Healing is, and should be, an adventure. Now is the time to give yourself the best present ever… a vital, centered and loving you. Susane Grasso is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher and practitioner. She teaches and works at Therapeutic & Sports in Guilford, CT and presents a variety of metaphysical classes and readings at Enchanted in Guilford. Grasso can be reached at 203.500.6950. See ad on page 18.
Foods: Vegetables; fowl; lemon; lemongrass — Mindful eating is a fun way to help this chakra. Imagine actually helping your self esteem by eating some delicious Lemon Chicken?!!! Go figure! Green vegetables are especially compatible with this chakra’s vibratory signature. Incense: lavender; orris root; musk — Try burning the incense while sitting or taking a luxurious bubble bath, or use essential oils in the given fragrances. natural awakenings
December 2013
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(203) 736-1053 AnsoniaNatureCenter.org
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healingways
‘Tis the Season to Be Wise A Prime Time to Rejuvenate and Birth Creativity by Lane Vail
F
or California acupuncturist Daniela Freda, counseling patients that grapple with low energy during winter is routine. “They’re often concerned something is wrong, since our society expects us to feel the same way year-round,” says Freda, who maintains a private practice in San Francisco. “But in fact,” she adds, “everything is right.” According to a study published in Psychiatry Research, only 4 to 6 percent of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), characterized by a predictable seasonal pattern of major depressive or bipolar disorder. For the vast majority of the population, a slight seasonal variance in mood and behavior is normal, confirms Kathryn Roecklein, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and prominent SAD researcher at Pennsylvania’s University of Pittsburg. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), like Freda, view decreased energy in nature’s wintertime as a reflection of the season’s energy. In this philosophy, rising (yang) and falling (yin) energies cycle as the seasons turn. Winter is governed by quiet, slow, introspective and creative yin energy. As winter yields to spring, the bright, fast, expansive and extroverted yang energy gains momentum to peak in summer. “Nature expresses universal energies in a big way,” says research psychologist and mind-body medicine expert
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Joseph Cardillo, Ph.D., author of The Five Seasons. Who can ignore a blossoming spring or an abundant autumn? “Those same energetic cycles,” says Cardillo, “are mirrored in the microcosmic human body and human experience.”
Chill Out
Although the December 21 winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, temperatures in most of the U.S. continue to fall through February. Cardillo advises embracing winter’s chill because it diverts our attention from daily activities so that we pause to consider what’s important. “The effect is similar to splashing cold water on our face,” he remarks. As the cold draws animals into hibernation and plants into dormancy, it also beckons us to enjoy extra sleep, notes Freda, as we follow the sun’s path: Earlier to bed; later to rise. She encourages her clients to incorporate restorative activities into daily routines. “Intentionally set aside time to connect with the breath and quiet the mind,” she counsels. Try gentle yoga or t’ai chi, listen to relaxing music, curl up with a cozy book or take nature walks, flush with fresh sensory experiences. Cardillo explains that slowing down naturally creates space for the contemplative and creative qualities of yin energy to rise. Meditating, visualizing and journaling promote access to one’s inner
Spring is a time for new Find Balance points out that within the strong beginnings, summer a time Freda yin energy of winter, “There are yang for growth, autumn for moments, celebratory moments, to us going.” An imbalance can gathering abundance and keep occur when the slowness of winter is winter for introspection. completely counteracted by too much ~Joseph Cardillo wisdom. “Winter is a perfect time to examine the myriad ideas you’ve dreamt up and assemble them into a new you,” says Cardillo. “Now you are prepared to use the robust energy of spring to scatter those ideas abroad.”
Reflect on Water
In TCM, the element of water, symbolizing focus and purity, is closely associated with winter. Highly adaptable, water can be solid, liquid or formless vapor; it can flow over, under, around or through obstacles with ease; and it can be still and contained. Contemplating the power of water in any of its forms can help synchronize one’s consciousness with the season’s gifts. “When your mind is unstuck and flowing like water, your dreams start becoming real to you, simply because you’re in the flow, the present moment,” observes Cardillo, who also authored Be Like Water. He suggests looking to water for guidance in creating solutions, sharpening focus or moving effortlessly on to the next step.
Four Week Jump Start Your LifesPath Program:
high-energy socializing, working or rushing through the day. “An excess of yang during the winter,” counsels Freda, “rather than a glimpse of it, can deplete us,” contributing to stress, fatigue and depression. Conversely, for those with an already predominantly yin personality (quiet, introverted, low energy) that overindulge in the yin energy of winter, an attempt at restoration and quietude can lead to lethargy and isolation. “I see this clinically,” says Freda. “Instead of embracing a little extra rest and relaxation, some people become exhausted and lose their motivation altogether. They become stuck in the yin.” Cardillo recommends that such individuals engage in mood-brightening outdoor activities to help restore balance. Roecklein agrees, noting that SAD sufferers undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (which emphasizes positive thinking and beneficial behaviors) likewise are encouraged to participate in physical and social activities that bring joy and meaning. Lane Vail is a freelance writer in South Carolina. Connect at WriterLane.com.
Rituals Reverse Winter’s Blues Unpleasant winter memories can affect one’s emotional experience of the season every year like clockwork, says Dr. John Sharp, a physician, psychiatrist and author of The Emotional Calendar. Fortunately, it is possible to take a personal inventory, be aware of such behaviors, innovate on traditions and create a new experience. Holistic Psychologist Joseph Cardillo goes further, suggesting that we create a “personal prescription” to mindfully manage difficult emotions during wintertime. He encourages activating the senses and combining two or more sensory experiences to amplify the effectiveness. Appealing options include: n Light scented candles or diffuse
essential oils (citrus brightens; lavender soothes) n Invite bright colors into living
spaces (reds excite; greens, blues and whites calm) n Nourish the palate with winter
vegetable stews n Create a playlist of soothing nature
sounds or uplifting music n Warm up near a cheery fire after
spending time in the frosty outdoors
Receive one-on-one Transformational Intuitive Coaching with Juliette Storch and Reiki with Reiki Master Debbie Dobieski, along with a special introduction and learning session by Debbie and Juliette. Engage in Group discussion and activate manifesting the life of your dreams by creating your personal vision board which will take place on week three. A social hour and group discussion with wine and cheese on week four concludes this month long journey to a new you.
TM
January 6th through 28th, 4 sessions
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For more information or to enroll Contact Juliette at 203.305.8091 juliette@juliettestorch.com
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Manifest Your ABUNDANT LifesPathTM
natural awakenings
December 2013
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Humanit y isAwakening Are you
READY?
by Mother Clare Watts
E
rvin László, who is best known for his work on the evolution of consciousness, is predicting that we have five years to change humankind or be a failed species. Some other experts think it will take ten years, maybe fifteen. On a daily basis, the news shows the scope of the messes humanity is making on many fronts, including the environment we continue to plunder, the economic un-sustainability we continue to ignore, the wars, violence, and violations of human rights we perpetuate, and the depletion of spirit and connectedness that has become epidemic in our highly mechanized, consumer-driven culture. No matter who is right about how long it will take, they are unanimous in seeing that we need to make big changes in all of these areas quickly, or risk finding ourselves struggling with hardship from societal and environmental breakdown such as never seen before. For anyone coming awake, realizing the imminence of this potential disintegration, the sensation can be likened to that of parents who are watching with ever-increasing apprehension as their adolescent child foolishly careens toward their own downfall, resisting offers of help and guidance. On the one hand, we watch our species with awe and pride as it develops astonishing capacities for creativity and power. On the other hand, we watch with dread as we see the folly, recklessness, and often outright meanness with which people treat themselves, each other and the planet. The good news and the bad news is that we are the adolescent. If, when contemplating the future, we feel ill
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about the prospects and react by either blithely refusing to acknowledge any problem or flinging ourselves into fear or despondency, we become ineffective. This is the real crime…that anyone beginning to awaken would allow their energies and essential gifts to be taken down by marinating in denial, fear or despair. If this temptation grips, we won’t have the energy to change ourselves or the planet. However, there is a viable and productive hope. It is accessible to anyone, anywhere, regardless of their stage of development. So, if you have a glimmer of a wish that you could do something to make a difference, step out with your desire. Say, “I want it”, and commit to being vibrantly active in this unique opportunity to help save our species and the earth. Here’s how… Hundreds of spiritual teachers from different paths now agree on what is needed. All of us must: n expand our minds and consciousness as never before; n actively learn to open our hearts and consciously create
through love; n connect with God-Self-Source within and follow inner
guidance. It sounds simple, perhaps even cliché, but these are by far the most potent actions that we, as individuals, can do to promote conditions of the world in which we want to live. We will populate this new world, so we have to become
“Any person who learns to connect with the Source within can experience freedom from fear and profound inspiration for powerful action that makes despair impossible.” the shining, loving, responsible, and powerful beings that will thrive there. Any person who learns to connect to the Source within can experience freedom from fear and profound inspiration for powerful action that makes despair impossible. How is this accomplished? We need spiritual community in which to learn and practice these skills and create conscious habits and relationships. We need to connect with others whether or not we have the same spiritual path. The three essential skills are common to all inner spiritual paths, though we may call them by different names and practice them in different ways. Only through collaboration will humanity survive. So, let’s gather in small groups and in circles of consciousness, joining in resonance of heart and mind and supporting each other to bring our own unique pieces of the puzzle to the new world in this next step of evolution. Coming together in small circles provides structure and support that helps individuals commit to their own growth, as well as offering a concrete way for people to share strengths and practice meaningful service in the world. If many band together in intimate and approachable circles to create pockets of increasing consciousness, willingness for collaboration, and small-scale activity for change, the very fabric of society can transform as the landscape within each circle alters and cooperates with the circles around it. We are many. We are powerful. We can each accomplish a piece of the transformation by joining or starting a small circle right where we are, in some area that compels us and engages our passion. Spiritual community, or circles based on consciousness, are especially potent, for inherent within them is the commitment of individuals to evolve themselves and to support each other’s personal evolution with love. Imagine if our world were populated by people with this mind-set! I commit to doing this. Will you join me and act on that commitment now? Time is short, but through our love and dedication we can change the world. Mother Clare Watts is the Director of the Centers of Light throughout North America, which offer spiritual community, classes in consciousness and spirituality, and an integrated ecumenical training program for aspiring spiritual leaders, counselors and healers. She is the author of Giving Birth to God and Mystical Roses of Peace. Mother Clare will speak at the Center of Light in New Haven the weekend of December 20. For information, visit CentersOfLight.org. See ad on right. natural awakenings
December 2013
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Near Death Experiences Proof of Life after Death by Linda Sechrist
Through his research, he has identified numerous common elements that occur in NDEs—an out-of-body experience, the sensation of traveling through a tunnel, encountering a bright light (usually interpreted as God, Jesus or an angel), communicating with deceased relatives, feeling emotions such as profound peace, well-being and love, plus a flood of knowledge about life and the nature of the universe. Perhaps the most significant element he reports is the supremely conscious and superbly blissful state that exists beyond both limitations of the senses and intellect and the confines of space and time— the pure conscious form of each one’s truly real Self.
Life as Love
T
he advice that the White Queen gave to young Alice in Lewis Carroll’s Through the LookingGlass might be some of the best to offer non-believers and skeptics that question the credibility of near-death experiences (NDE). When Alice protests, “One can’t believe impossible things,” the White Queen famously retorts, “I daresay you haven’t had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
Glimpses of Grace
The majority of physicians and clinical researchers in the medical community continue to consider NDEs as impossible and merely pure fantasies generated by a surge of electrical activity as a dying brain runs out of oxygen. However, according to a Gallup poll, the 8 million Americans whose transcendental NDEs freed their consciousness to leave the body and enter into a wondrous reality that exists completely free of physicality, believe them to be real, meaningful and lifechanging experiences. Recently, the renowned NDE narratives of Anita Moorjani, author of Dying to Be Me: My Journey from 28
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I was overwhelmed by the realization that God isn’t a being, but a state of being… and I am that state of being… pure consciousness. ~ Anita Moorjani Cancer to Near Death, to True Healing, and Dr. Eben Alexander, author of Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife, have sparked fresh public interest in NDEs, a word coined by Raymond Moody, Ph.D., in his 1975 classic, Life After Life. Moody, a psychiatrist and professor of philosophy who has spent nearly 50 years investigating what happens when people die, has interviewed thousands of individuals that have personally experienced an NDE. “Over the past 20 years there have been enormous strides in resuscitation technology. Defibrillators and public access defibrillation programs, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, are major factors that allow modern medicine to bring people back from a state that 100 years ago would have been labeled death,” observes Moody.
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Rushed to the hospital in a coma, Moorjani, whose body had been devoured for four years by cancer of the lymphatic system, describes the real self that she discovered during her NDE. “There I was, without my body or any physical traits, yet my pure essence continued to exist. It was not a reduced element of my whole self; in fact, it felt far greater and more intense and expansive than my physical being. “I felt eternal, as if I’d always existed and always would, without a beginning or end. I was filled with the knowledge that I was simply magnificent,” explains Moorjani, whose cancer completely disappeared within five weeks after her release from the hospital. “Not only did I come back with a clean slate, I brought back one of my biggest lessons—to love myself and be an instrument of love. I also returned to life here with a sense of purpose—to fearlessly be as authentically me as I can be. This means,” she clarifies, “that in whatever I do, I am acting from my sense of passion and the sheer joy of doing it.” During Alexander’s seven-day coma in a hospital, brought about by antibiotic-resistant E. coli meningitis that attacked his brain, he left his mortal identity behind. “My brain wasn’t working at all,” he relates. “My entire neo-cortex, the part that makes us human, was entirely shut down. I had no language, emotions, logic or memories of who I was. Such an empty slate granted me full access to the true
cosmic being that I am, that we all are,” says Alexander. He further recalls that as his NDE unfolded, it occurred to him that he was being granted a grand overview of the invisible side of existence. He also had a lovely ethereal companion that floated along on a butterfly wing, telepathically teaching him to accept the universal truth that, “You are eternally loved and cherished, you have nothing to fear, and there is nothing you can do wrong.” “If I had to boil the whole message down to just one word, it would be Love—the incomprehensibly glorious truth of truths that lives and breathes at the core of everything that exists or will ever exist. No remotely accurate understanding of who we are and what we are can be achieved by anyone who does not know it and embody it in all their actions,” Alexander now understands. Prior to his life-threatening illness, this neurosurgeon’s sophisticated medical training had led him to dismiss the possibility of NDEs. Today, he works at returning to his NDE state of oneness and unconditional love by using meditation and sacred acoustics, as well as quantum mechanics, to explore the nature of consciousness and higher brain function. Like Moody, Alexander studies the ancient Greek philosophers Parmenides, Pythagoras and Plato, who took the notion of an afterlife seriously and questioned “what” survives
“We need to accept—at least hypothetically—that the brain itself doesn’t produce consciousness.” ~ Dr. Eben Alexander bodily death. Alexander’s consequent nonprofit organization, Eternea, fosters cooperation between science and spirituality by sponsoring research and education about spiritually transformative experiences and holistic consciousness beyond conventional definitions. “I had to learn a whole lot more about consciousness than I had to know about neuroscience,” quips Alexander, who now believes that the brain blocks access to knowledge of higher worlds. “We need to accept—at least hypothetically—that the brain itself doesn’t produce consciousness. That it is, instead, a kind of reducing valve or filter that dumbs down consciousness for the duration of our human experience. “Neuroscience can’t give you the first sentence about how the physical brain creates consciousness,” he states, while many are finding how science and spirituality strengthen each other. At age 37, a blood vessel exploded in the left hemisphere of Jill Bolte Taylor’s brain. A Ph.D. Harvard-trained scientist specializing in anatomy of the brain, she was fascinated to observe the breakdown of her brain-related functions.
346 Quinnipiac St. Bld. 1, Flr. 2, Wallingford, CT, 06492
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
Hamilton Wright Mable
natural awakenings
December 2013
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“In touch with our wholeness, illness can’t remain—in ourselves, others or the planet.” ~Anita Moorjani As described in her book, My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey, she became the witness to her stroke, which initially left her unable to talk, walk, read, write or remember anything prior to that occurrence. As her left brain shut down, Taylor lost her ability to process all language; with her mind suspended in newfound silence, she experienced an unprecedented sense of deep peace. She also experienced an inability to visually distinguish edges and boundaries between herself and the outer world. Absent conventional orientation, “I could actually see that my skin was not my physical boundary. “As a result of such a glorious state of blissful realization that I am—as we all are—connected to everything and everyone around us, I no longer see myself as a single, solid entity, separate from other human beings,” advises Taylor. “Although my left mind still thinks of me as a fragile individual, capable of losing my life, my right mind realizes the essence of my being as eternal life.” She now understands that she is part of the cosmic flow of energy, which she characterizes as a tranquil sea of euphoria.
Present Possibility
In The Hidden Face of God: Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth, author Gerald L. Schroeder, Ph.D., suggests that each of us is a part of the universe seeking and finding itself. Could it be that without the mental filter and self-limiting beliefs, we are free to consciously know our higher state of wholeness and the truth of our magnificence? Upwards of 8 million people that have experienced their own NDE are trending the world toward a tipping point into the comforting awareness that anything is possible. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe. com for the recorded interviews. 30
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INSIGHTS WORTH SHARING by Linda Sechrist
A
sked why she “I’ve become focused just my own enthought she ergy manifesting on seeing the perfection as cancer, because had cancer, Anita Moorjani, of life in this moment.” my fears weren’t author of Dying to allowing me to exBe Me, sums up press myself as the her answer in one word: Fear. “I was magnificent force I was meant to be,” killing myself, and cancer saved me,” advises Moorjani. says Moorjani, whose book documents She hopes that her presentaher near-death experience (NDE) and tions to medical professionals and the higher realm she encountered public speaking will influence how when her body shut down. Allowed the health profession views cancer to identify with her true magnificence, and other diseases and illnesses. undistorted by the fear generated “Treatment needs to be about more by her own lifelong self-judgment, than medicine, because so much of self-criticism, worry and lack of selfdisease has to do with our emotions,” forgiveness, she returned with a vital, she imparts, “especially the ones we heartfelt message. direct toward ourselves.” “Everyone is an amazing, mag Through this life-enhancing expenificent being, with great capacity for rience, Moorjani came to understand health, happiness and joy. Although why she owes it to herself, everyone we’ve been conditioned to believe that she meets and life itself to always exwe need to pursue success and learn press her own unique essence. “Trying to improve ourselves to be happy, such to be anything or anyone else doesn’t steps are unnecessary, because we make me better—it just deprives me already are all we are trying to attain,” of my true self and keeps me from she says. interacting authentically with others,” “I’d spent a lifetime feeling she explains. inadequate, beating myself up for Moorjani now knows that all life not meeting my own expectations,” in the universe is one and our core she continues. Through the clarity is love. “I was overwhelmed by the of dwelling in the NDE realm, she realization that God isn’t a being, but understood that the cancer wasn’t a state of being… and I am that state a punishment for anything. “It was of being… pure consciousness.”
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wisewords
Humanity’s Eternal Quest Eckhart Tolle on the Kingdom of Heaven Within by Eric Nelson “That is the real spiritual awakening, when something emerges from within you that is deeper than who you thought you were,” says Tolle. “So, the person is still there, but one could almost say that something more powerful shines through the person.” The good news, according to Tolle, is that in order to experience this awakening, “You don’t have to wait for the diagnosis by the doctor or to be put in prison… nor do you have to do 30,000 hours of meditation or live in an ashram for 20 years. Once you get a glimpse of it, you can invite it into your daily life.” For a growing number of people, it’s this understanding of the always present “spiritual you” shining through that has led to significant improvements in their lives, not the least of which is better health. This would seem to indicate that these kinds of spiritual insights aren’t the least bit ethereal or elusive, but decidedly practical. “Spirituality and religion belong in the healing paradigm,” writes Airdre Grant, Ph.D., of Australia’s Southern Cross University, in a study published in the Journal of the Australian TraditionalMedicine Society. “They are determinants of health and they are factors in recovery, well-being and longevity.” So where do these insights come from? Is it simply a matter of wishful thinking? Or is it perhaps something more reliable, more effective than that? “Jesus said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is photo by David Ellingsen
T
o listen to Eckhart Tolle is to be reminded that anything is possible—for anyone. We’re not talking about living a life of leisure, filled with expensive cars, beach homes and extravagant vacations, but an experience brimming with the kind of spiritual insights that make this life not only worth living, but decidedly more fulfilling. The problem is that when people hear the words “spiritual insight”, there’s often an assumption that it’s about something too ethereal to be practical or too elusive to be achieved in this lifetime. This is exactly the point that Tolle, one of the world’s most well-known spiritual teachers and authors, rebuffed during a talk earlier this year at California’s Stanford University. “Some people awaken spiritually without ever coming into contact with any meditation technique or any spiritual teaching,” he said. “They may awaken simply because they can’t stand the suffering anymore.” He went on to cite examples of those that have either been told they have a short time to live or have been given an exceptionally long prison sentence. In both cases, any thought of a future has been effectively dashed, forcing these individuals into what Tolle describes as an intense awareness that there is only the present moment, with no more future to escape into mentally. The result is a lot less suffering.
Spiritual insights aren’t the least bit ethereal or elusive, but decidedly practical. within you,’” observes Tolle, implying that this health-inducing understanding may be a lot closer than we thought. “I think if he lived nowadays, instead of ‘kingdom’, he would have said, ‘dimension’. And ‘heaven’ refers to a sense of vastness or spaciousness. So if we retranslate the words of Jesus into modern terms, [it would be] ‘the dimension of spaciousness is within you.’” “And then Jesus said—when they asked him, ‘Where is the kingdom of heaven and when is it going to come?’— he said, ‘The kingdom of heaven does not come with signs to be perceived. You cannot say, ah, it’s over there or look, it’s over there, for I tell you the kingdom of heaven is within you.’” How comforting it is to be reminded that the proverbial “kingdom of heaven” we’ve been hearing about for at least two millennia—this “dimension of spaciousness”, or what might be characterized as the understanding of our true spiritual identity—is “within you.” It’s within us all, here and now. All that remains is the willingness— and the humility—to put this insight into practice. Eric Nelson is a Christian Science healing practitioner from Los Altos, CA, whose articles on the link between spiritual consciousness and health appear regularly in national online publications. Connect at norcalcs.org.
natural awakenings
December 2013
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editorial calendar
2014
healthykids
JANUARY
health & wellness
plus: health coaches FEBRUARY
rethinking heart health plus: stress relief MARCH
food & garden
plus: gluten-free foods APRIL
green living
plus: healthy home MAY
Sweet Slumber Co-Sleeping in the Family Bed
women’s wellness plus: bodywork JUNE
inspired living
plus: men’s wellness JULY
food watch
by Mark Sisson
plus: natural medicine cabinet AUGUST
transformative education plus: children’s health SEPTEMBER
conscious caretaking plus: yoga
OCTOBER
sustainable communities plus: chiropractic and acupuncture NOVEMBER
personal empowerment plus: beauty
DECEMBER
awakening humanity plus: holiday themes
E
very young mammal on Earth sleeps in close contact with its mother and other family members. They’ve been co-sleeping for security, warmth, comfort and protection for millions of years of evolution. Although it is generally frowned upon in the United States, many human cultures, including most in East Asia, the Pacific islands, South America, Africa and much of southern Europe, have a rich tradition of co-sleeping. In At Home: A Short History of Private Life, Bill Bryson relates that until very recently, most domiciles centered around a central room, or hall, where everyone slept together. Even today, adults and children almost always sleep together in the same beds in non-industrialized, traditional societies worldwide. The modern practice of placing babies in separate rooms at night, often to cry themselves to sleep, appears to be a historical aberration. Co-sleeping, conversely, is the age-old norm because it offers so many benefits to both parents and children.
Co-sleeping makes breastfeeding easier. Studies published by
the Acta Paediatrica, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Journal of 32
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Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics confirm a consistent link between cosleeping and breastfeeding in countries as disparate as Brazil, Britain, Malaysia and Sweden. Breast milk provides immunological benefits, transfers symbiotic gut bacteria and promotes bonding between mother and child. It’s especially nutritious if the mother’s diet is healthy, and breast milk is the only food experts agree the human body is unquestionably designed to consume.
Co-sleeping improves sleep. A
mother that can breastfeed without leaving the bed will get more sleep. Also, more research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows a lower incidence of sudden infant death syndrome when breastfeeding is practiced. In the clinical experience of James McKenna, Ph.D., a University of Notre Dame professor and leading anthropologist in the field, “Breastfeeding mothers typically keep their babies away from pillows, positioning their infants on their backs, while placing them below the parents’ shoulders and raising their arms above them.” Plus, the adults “lay on their sides in ways that can prevent accidental overlays.”
Safe Co-Sleeping Habits
Co-sleeping builds parent-child bonds. Research published by the
Sleep Research Society shows that mothers who co-sleep with their babies are more attuned to their sleep/wake habits and can respond quicker to their needs. According to the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, skinto-skin touch increases the secretion of oxytocin, a bond-building hormone.
Co-sleeping fosters maturation.
Studies in the Infant and Child Development journal show that kids that share a bed or sleep in the same room with their parents grow up to be more selfreliant and socially independent, better behaved, less anxious about intimacy as adults and more likely to be happy. Parents that are nervous about sharing beds can try room sharing, where the baby sleeps in an adjoining crib or cot; family members will experience many of the same benefits. Mark Sisson is a former marathon runner and triathlete. He is the author of the bestselling health and fitness book, The Primal Blueprint, and publisher of the health blog, MarksDailyApple.com.
M IDDLE SCHOOL
by Mark Sisson
DON’T:
4 Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs that affect awareness and judgment, especially before bed. 4 Don’t smoke tobacco. The tars and toxins cling to an adult’s body, hair and clothes, exposing the baby to dangerous chemicals that increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 4 Don’t co-sleep if the parent is sleep-deprived, a heavy sleeper, has sleep apnea or is obese. 4 Don’t allow pets or other children to sleep next to babies. 4 Don’t co-sleep on a sofa, loveseat or reclining chair. The cushions create crevices for infant heads to slip into and the elevation creates a fall risk. 4 Don’t use overly soft mattresses that babies can sink into. Think firm. 4 Don’t use thick bedding, which can cause rapid overheating or lead to smothering. 4 Don’t co-sleep unless everyone is on board. If a spouse isn’t agreeable, try a room share instead.
DO:
4 Provide a big enough bed to afford ample space for all co-sleepers. 4 Keep the mattress low or place it on the floor. 4 Eliminate all crevices that a baby might be able to fall into; push the mattress snug against one or more walls. 4 Use a firm mattress, a tight-fitting sheet and light bedding. 4 Place the baby on its back to sleep.
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December 2013
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naturalpet
Pet First-Aid Kits All-Natural Home Health Care by Sandra Murphy
F
“
irst-aid is the first thing you can do to help an injured animal if you are prepared,” says Dr. Jason Nicholas, owner of The Preventive Vet, in Portland, Oregon. Attention in cases of injury or sudden illness can help a dog or cat stay more comfortable, stop bleeding and provide temporary relief. A pet first-aid kit can resemble a pantry more than a medicine cabinet. Natural components include: Cool water. Purified water kept in a spray bottle can cool overheated pets. For the fastest results, spray near the pulse points, the “armpits” and where fur is the thinnest. Further, a vet will assess if clinical hydration is needed beyond the water bowl. Saline solution. Versatile saline is available at the vet’s office or any pharmacy, and also easy and inexpensive to make at home. Use it to flush debris from eyes, clean wounds and promote healing from incisions. Two teaspoons of non-iodized salt in four cups of boiled water mimics body fluids. The Ohio State University Medical Center website provides a recipe for normal saline solution at Tinyurl.com/SalineRecipe. Vinegar. It acts as a drying agent, especially for floppyeared dogs taking a dip in a pool or natural waterway, which can leave the inner ear moist. “Don’t use vinegar if the skin is red or broken because it will be painful,” says Dr. Jules Benson, vice president of veterinary services
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at Petplan Pet Insurance, in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Never use it more than twice a week. Honey. Apply this sweet unguent to gums to help counteract low blood sugar and shock, particularly when a diabetic pet’s insulin levels are off. Maple syrup is a good substitute. Sugar. Although not recommended in a regular pet diet, sugar can be a topical antibacterial for the short term. Sugar draws water from the wound and dehydrates bacteria, supporting growth of new tissue. Plain yogurt. Adding this healthy refrigerated topping to dry food will activate a sluggish appetite and supply needed cultures to help balance the digestive system. Cornstarch. This non-toxic remedy helps stop minor bleeding from cuts, scrapes and pedicure accidents. Calendula. Also known as pot marigold, calendula cream may be used as an anti-inflammatory. Bug bites, scrapes, sunburn and itching from allergies also benefit from its application. Aloe. Easily grown in a garden or pot and available in gel form, aloe sooths burns, prevents blisters and speeds healing. It also serves as canine Chapstick. “Older dogs often have cracked skin on their noses,” notes Benson. “Aloe helps to heal the skin and keeps the dog comfortable.” Rescue Remedy. Illness or injury brings stress, and one common solution is Rescue Remedy. To relieve fear or anxiety, rub it onto a paw, nose or ears or add the recommended number of drops to water, a treat
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or food. It helps dogs, cats, horses, birds, fish and even iguanas. Dosage relies on the extent of stress rather than weight or species. Clean cloths. For bee stings or insect bites on the body, cool compresses can reduce swelling and itching. Wet a washcloth with cold water or for larger welts, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply for a few minutes at a time. For stings on the face or mouth, it’s best to go to the vet’s office immediately, so that airways don’t swell up and hinder breathing. Miscellaneous supplies. Keep on hand gauze, tape, small scissors, tweezers (for removing objects from the roof of the mouth or splinters), a small flashlight, clean socks to cover a bandage and disposable gloves to keep human germs out of open wounds. A dog in pain may bite without realizing it. Nicholas recommends a basket muzzle, so the dog can easily breathe and pant. When a pet eats or drinks non-food items or foods they shouldn’t, such as chocolate, grapes or onions, head to the local vet. Veterinarian Jeff Levy, in New York City, who is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist, counsels, “Always keep contact information for your vet, an emergency hospital and animal poison control center handy.” Also, find out where emergency services are located when traveling. Pets can go into shock just like humans. To prevent or reduce the impact, keep the animal warm and provide a deep massage of the ears, at the base, where ears meet the head. A couple of drops of lavender oil on a collar or bandana will help everyone relax. Do not put essential oils directly on the pet, especially cats, as it can be toxic. Just like children, pets may have accidents or get sick after office hours. Stay calm, head for the natural pet pantry and then call the family’s holistic veterinarian. Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect at StLSandyM@ yahoo.com.
fitbody
Too Much Togetherness?
Exercise Helps Keep Family Holidays Merry by Sarah Todd
G
iven family hopes and often unrealistic expectations that everything will go perfectly, holiday gatherings can sometimes be a recipe for untoward stress. One of the best ways to keep potential ’tis-the-season tensions under control is to carve out some time for exercise, a move supported by research findings at Princeton University. Other experts suggest that from practicing a favorite Eastern modality to taking a natural spin around the neighborhood, we all have instant access to foolproof tactics for staying relaxed, healthy and more even-keeled among kin this winter. To mend nerves frayed by debates at the dinner table, slip into a nearby bedroom for a calming yoga workout. Yoga’s emphasis on controlled breathing makes it ideal for treating family dynamics straight out of Silver Linings Playbook. The Mayo Clinic reports that deep breathing increases the flow of oxygen into the bloodstream, easing headaches, muscular tension and chest tightness. Yogic breathing patterns also are shown to lower resting heart rates, which helps practitioners stay composed in the face of any intrafamily disagreements or other stressors. For a quick, relaxing yoga routine, begin with a
few breathing exercises before moving into a sun salutation—a sequence of full-body poses, or asanas, performed in a smooth, continuous flow. Begin standing, palms pressed together in the tadasana, or mountain, pose. Then move through a series of motions that sweep the arms over the head, expanding the chest, before dipping into downward dog and plank poses, which help increase flexibility and strength. End lying down in the shavasana, or resting, pose with eyes closed and let the quiet settle in. Resistance-training exercises are another option. Release pent up tension by pushing against a wall. Stand about three feet away, lean in and push. Position feet at an angle so that a straight body line forms the hypotenuse of a triangle with the wall and floor. This activity drains the limbs of tightness and stretches out hamstrings and calf muscles, enabling us to walk away feeling light and limber. While some people can happily greet and maintain cheerfulness throughout holiday family times, others may feel a bit anxious. For a sure-fire endorphin boost, try a cardiovascular workout like running, which German researchers
published in Cerebral Cortex confirm produces a flood of euphoria on cue. A quick jog or spirited walk outside helps elevate mood while strengthening the immune system, helping to keep feelings of melancholy at bay. Before heading for the door, those stretching their legs outside in colder climates need to dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer than the thermometer reads. This helps prevent the body from overheating, especially after being sedentary for an extended period. To get the blood flowing beforehand, do some simple stretching or take a few trips up and down the stairs. Exercisers that prefer to stay sheltered from wintry weather entirely have a solid alternative; an indoor cardiovascular workout can mimic jogging’s mood-lifting effects. Try alternating 12 reps of jumping jacks, lunges, squats and crunches to get the heart pumping. Consider a second series for a higher intensity workout. All of it will give muscles that often go slack during holiday loafing a chance to flex. Because these moves don’t require any equipment, such electives are as portable as a travel hair dryer during holiday visits anywhere. After one or more of these solo workouts, many revelers may be ready to up the ante on family togetherness. For a healthy dose of quality time, round up the gang and enlist them in a high-energy outdoor activity like hiking, sledding or even Ultimate Frisbee. Participating in friendly family competition is healthy fun and gives everyone something else to talk about later. Sarah Todd is a freelance writer in Brooklyn, NY. Connect at SarahToddInk.com.
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calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our calendar guidelines. Submit calendar events online at: NaturalNewHaven.com. To revise or discontinue calendar listings email: Calendar@NaturalNewHaven.com. No phone calls or faxes please.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 Come Visit ENCHANTED (same location… move is delayed) – Enchanted of Guilford’s move to a new location has been delayed, but they are still open at Strawberry Hill Plaza. Stop by to get beautiful & meaningful holiday gifts! Enchanted. 1250 Boston Post Rd. Glfrd. 203.453.4000, Enchantedguilfordct.com. A Day of Mindfulness Meditation w/Beth Roth – 10am-4pm. A day of silence and meditation. $65 by 11/24, $80/after. There is a class limit of 40 people. Fresh Yoga (info@freshyoga.com). 319 Peck St. New Haven. Please register in advance: Freshyoga.com/workshops_day_of_mindfulness. New England Alpacas – 11am-3pm. Visit w/the alpacas, Q&A w/staff, watch fiber processing demonstrations, children’s activities, hot cocoa. Free! 14 Bethke Rd. Killingworth (signs will be posted on Rtes. 148 and 81 directing visitors to the farm). Info: 860.663.3482, nealpacas.com. History Hike – 1pm. w/Ranger Martin. Explore the recorded historical events which took place in & near Ansonia Nature Ctr.’s park. For families w/ older children & adults. Free. Ansonia Nature Ctr. 10 Deerfield Rd. Ansonia. 203.736.1053.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 Free Shoulder Consultation at PT Services of Guilford – Why suffer with shoulder pain when something can be done about it? Come see staff for a FREE shoulder consultation. Find pain relief without medication! PT Services of Guilford. 500 East Main St. Ste. 310. Branford. 203.315.7727. Circle of Love/Spiritual Empowerment Group w/ Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30-8pm (&12/16). Delve w/in to enhance ability to tap into divine energy. Join the unconditional loving energy of this open & evolving group lead by spirit. $15. 36 Cheshire Rd. Wallingford. 203.265.2729, sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 Exercise to Health – 5:15-6:15pm (Tuesdays). Family HEALTHercise: Dance the way to health with the C Scott Hill Center. Ages 6+. New Haven Free Public Library. Wilson Branch. 303 Washington Ave. New Haven. Info: John Jessen 203.946.6541, nhfpl.org. Ascended Masters Meditation – 6:30-8:30pm. Connect w/loving & powerful ascended beings & the multidimensional assistance and lessons given. With other like minded friends, attendees are downloaded w/loving channeled messages. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd. Wallingford. 203.265.2927, sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net. Book Discussion w/Mark Schenker – 7pm. The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes is a short but nuanced examination of one man’s past, narrated by Tony Webster who learns, & fails to learn, some
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things about the complexity of memory. Free. Reg. required. Woodbridge Library. 203.389.3433.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Lock Stock & Barrel is Now Open! – Come in for a large selection of pet food & accessories (including grain-free, holistic, & frozen raw food), plus winter items for houses & farms (snowblowers, generators, power equipment & more!). 770 Amity Rd. Bethany. 203.393.0002, Facebook.com/lsbfarmsupply. First Wednesday Bird Walk: Hammonasset State Park – 8am. Explore this birding hotspot for fall migrants. Free. Meet at park entrance off of I-95, exit 62. Madison. Tina Green 203.247.2660.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 Bethany Body Works Free Demo and Informational Meeting – 7:30pm. Bethany Body Works will host a free demonstration and informational meeting featuring the VibraCussor percussor massage instrument. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, please call: 203.393.1500. New Haven Community Circle Dance – 7:309:30pm. Move in the footsteps of ancestors. Enjoy traditional cultural dances/contemp. pcs. choreographed in the spirit of ancient folk dance. No exper. nec. $8. Friends Meetinghouse. 225 East Grand Ave. New Haven. 203.467.1069, nhcircledance.yolasite.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 Monthly Restorative Class w/Ellen Lenson – 9:30-11am. Begin the week with a nurturing 90-minute restorative practice. Let go of the stress from the previous week. $19 or class card. Fresh Yoga. 49 Orange St. New Haven. info@freshyoga.com. Nature’s Child: Birdfeeders – 10:30am. w/ Ranger Wendy. Construct a simple birdfeeder out of recycled materials. $6/family ($4 for Ansonia residents or current family-level FANCI members). Please register in advance. Ansonia Nature Ctr. 10 Deerfield Rd. Ansonia. 203.736.1053. 12th Annual Downtown Milford Lamplight Stroll – 5-9pm (& 10am-5pm on 12/7). Enjoy a Classic New England Tradition! horse & carriage rides around the Green w/Mrs. Santa. Live entertainment, incl. Yuletide carolers & local choral groups; specials at participating shops & more! Downtownmilfordct.org. Healthy Children & Their Microbes – 7pm. Dr. Elizabeth Roberts of SCSU will teach about normal flora & how microbes can often be beneficial. Are bacteria enemies or friends? Is society too afraid of germs? Come find out! School-age kids & adults. Free. Pre-reg. req. Ansonia Nature Ctr. 203.736.1053.
NaturalNewHaven.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 The Annual Winter Walk – 10am visitor ctr. opens. As part of CT state parks’ 100th celebration, enjoy a tour of Putnam Memorial State Park (oldest in CT) w/Dan Cruson. Learn about its history (since 1778!) & the Revolutionary War camps at Redding. Rtes. 58 & 107. Redding. Putnampark.org. 12th Annual Downtown Milford Lamplight Stroll – 10am-5pm (& 5-9pm on 12/6). Enjoy a Classic New England Tradition! horse & carriage rides around the Green w/Mrs. Santa. Live entertainment, incl. Yuletide carolers & local choral groups; specials at participating shops & more! Downtownmilfordct.org. FREE Reiki Clinic w/Anita Jones, RMT – 11am3pm. Enjoy a 10-15 min. session of Reiki and learn about healing energy. Thyme and Season. 3040 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Info: 203.415.4791. Back to Basics: Needle Felting – 1pm. Bring a dose of unique creativity for this class based on an ancient craft. Dawn Sotir, needlecraft wizard, will inspire w/her beautiful & practical items made from natural fibers. Create a 3D animal. $8. Pre-reg. only. Ansonia Nature Ctr. 203.736.1053. Restoring Yin Yang Balance Workshop – 2-4pm. Explore a dynamic practice including yin postures, vinyasa, restorative poses and pranayama to prepare the body to enter into the most yin season (Winter). Breathingroomct.com. Enchanted Will be a Vendor at Hearts of Hope to Cure Friedreich’s Ataxia – 4-9pm. Come by for shopping, food, music, friendship & good will! Enchanted will be participating as a vendor. 1 North St. North Branford. Info: Meirbode@aol.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 Reiki I Class w/Anita Jones, RMT – Learn about Reiki energy, its history and how to use it for self and others. Attunements given. Certificate and manual included. Hamden. $125. Info/Registration: 203.415.4791. Wadsworth Mansion’s Annual Holiday Bazaar – 10am-3pm. Nearly 30 vendors selling handmade products – silks, hats, jewelry, clothing, furniture, crafts & more! 421 Wadsworth St. Middletown. Details: 860.347.1064, Wadsworthmansion.com. Holiday Hike & Social – 1:30pm. 1 ½ hr. hike followed by refreshments, carols, a warm fire & good cheer. Free. Station avail. for donations of non-perishable food items for the homeless. Meet at bulletin bd./pk. entrance. Sleeping Giant Park. Mt. Carmel Ave. N. Hamden. sgpa.org.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 Experiencing Back Pain? Come in for a FREE Back Consultation w/PT Services of Guilford – Stop back pain NOW! Come visit for a FREE consultation. Find pain relief without medication! PT Services of Guilford. 500 East Main St. Ste. 310. Branford. 203.315.7727.
Save w/Go Green Monday – Phone or in-person session w/aromatherapy: reading, Reiki, EFT, meditation, w/RMT/Holistic Coach Diane Esposito. Rec. up to $33 in crystals/stones/chakra florals when purchase 1 hr. session by Dec. 9th (Mon - Sat. by appt.). Wlgfd. 203.913.3869, PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Palmistry Made Easy w/Susan Margaret – 7-8:30pm. Learn to read palms using Susan’s simple method! Written instructions. $20. Enchanted. 1250 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. 203.453.4000, info@enchantedguilfordct.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Soul of Happiness Salon: Live Your Most Authentic and Abundant Life – 7-9pm. Each month, join a different conversation re: the spirit of happiness. Café Atlantique. Milford. 203.305.8091, juliette@juliettestorch.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 Bead Swap! Free! – 5:30-7pm. Come swap tired old beads, supplies and beading tools for new ones with a friend from this crafty community! Bring a friend, the more the merrier. KanduBeads. 346 Quinnipiac St. Bld. 1, Flr. 2. Wallingford. 203.793.7348, KanduBeads.com. Group Past Life Regression – 6:30-8:30pm. w/ Gayle Franceschetti. Discover reasons for current fears, recurring dreams and personality tendencies. Explore past lives, learn reasons for repeating patterns or behaviors. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd. Wallingford. 203.265.2729, sunnsipirit@sbcglobal.net. Gina Nichol: “How to Get Close to the Bird” – 7pm. Local birding guide discusses techniques for observing birds at close range. Free. Whitney Center Cultural Arts Center. 200 Leeder Hill Dr. Hamden. Info: 203.230.1697.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Holographic Sound Healing w/Randeane Tetu – 7:30-8:30pm. Vibrational sound assists the body’s natural healing ability, nourishes emotional self & nurtures the soul’s highest purpose. Release old patterning/balance energy/stimulate healing. $15. Enchanted. 1250 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. 203.453.4000.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Blood Drive – 10am-3pm. Common Ground teams w/the Amer. Red Cross to host its 1st blood drive. Donating 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives. Get into the holiday spirit & help those in need. Held in conjunct. w/wreath making & holiday craft fair. 358 Springside Ave. New Haven. Commongroundct.org. Beaded Hoop Wire Earrings Class – 11am-12pm. Use wire and beads to create chic and unique beaded hoop earrings. Bring a friend, the more the merrier! $10. KanduBeads. 346 Quinnipiac St. Bld. 1, Flr. 2. Wallingford. 203.793.7348, KanduBeads.com. Winter Tree Identification Hike & Lesson – 2pm. Join Alison for this fun-filled way to brush up on tree identification skills, learn about branching habits, leaf scars, bark, and other helpful field characteristics to learn trees. Free. Ansonia Nature Ctr. 10 Deerfield Rd. Reg.: 203.736.1053.
New Haven Christmas Bird Count – 5pm. Results sent to National Audubon Society. Compilation dinner at Whitney Center Cultural Arts Center. 200 Leeder Hill Dr. Hamden. Info: Chris Loscalzo 203.389.6508. Yogi Brian’s 6th Annual Dharma Yoga Maha Sadhana Benefit – 6-9pm. Sita’s Light Live! Proceeds benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Tory Brook Medical Center. 88 Noble Ave. Milford. Info: 203.838.9644.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Reiki II Class w/Anita Jones, RMT – Increase Reiki knowledge and energy. Learn the basic symbols and distant healing. Attunement given. Certificate and manual included. Hamden. $150. Info/Registration: 203.415.4791. Gift Certificate Special: Angel Reading/EFT/ Reiki/Reflexology: w/RMT Diane Esposito – Rec. $25 2hr.-meditation class w/purchase of 1/ hr. session when order by 12/15. Receive pampering head to toe. Release stress, pain. Improve sleep/energy, detoxify. Reg.: 203.913.3869, PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Free Manual Therapy Therapeutic Consultation – Had physical therapy w/o relief? Try manual therapy, hands-on treatment. 40 minutes one-on-one w/staff. Feel better. Experience the difference! Call for FREE consultation. PT Services of Guilford. 500 East Main St. Ste. 310. Branford. 203.315.7727. Gentle Yoga Basics Class – 4-5pm (Mondays). Gentle yoga poses/mvmnt. + breathing techniques. Support regaining of tone & flexibility, soothe aches/pains & release tension/stress. $80/8-wk. series, $12/drop-in. Bethany Senior Ctr./ Town Hall. 40 Peck Rd. Bethany. 203.488.1700, Creativeedgeyoga.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Drop-in Pilates – 6-8pm. Drop-in for a free introductory Pilates class w/Kris Reaske. Registration is not required. Please bring appropriate mat, apparel & hand weights. The Henry Carter Hull Library Community Rm. 10 Killingworth Tnpke. Clinton. 860.669.2342, hchlibrary.org. Full Moon Meditation w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30-8:30pm. Align with the energies of the full moon. Opportunities for allowing divine spiritual energies to reach human hearts and minds. Tap into this vast pool of energy. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd. Wallingford. 203.265.2927, sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 MS Support Group – 5:30-7:30pm (3rd Wednesday monthly). New members welcome. James Blackstone Memorial Library.758 Main St. Branford. Info: Cheryl Horner 203.535.3053, Branfordmsgroup@gmail.com, Blackstonelibrary.org. Guided Meditation w/Feng Shui for the Chakras – 6:30-8:30pm. w/Diane Esposito, RMT/Holistic Coach. Engage w/[+]Energy insights/skills/habits for lasting, healthy transformation. Create more love for self & others. $25, 2@$20/Cls. Wlgfd. Reg.: 203.913.3869, PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Enjoy a Classic
New England Tradition! Milford Downtown Business Association Presents
The 12th Annual Downtown Milford Lamplight Stroll FRIDAY, DEC 6 5-9pm And
SATURDAY, DEC 7 10am-5pm Horse & Carriage rides around the Green with Mrs. Santa. Live entertainment, including Yuletide Carolers & local choral groups. Specials (and holiday cheer!!) at participating shops, spas & salons and much more!
Downtownmilfordct.org
A Circle of Women – 7-9pm. Join in sacred space to discover & strengthen authentic self, celebrate “womens’ ways,” live in rhythm with the seasons. Self care for the holidays! Healing the world one woman at a time! $25. Holistic Therapies. 15 S. Elm St. Wallingford. Register: Susan 203.645.1230.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 Paper Boxes/Ribbon Star – 3pm. Young adult crafts just in time for the holidays! Acton Public Library. 60 Old Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook. Details: 860.395.3184, Oldsaybrookct.org (town departments). Winter Solstice Meditation – 6:30-8:30pm. As the sun aligns with the Galactic Center, universal energies facilitate illumination and new initiation. Align with the center and meditate with changes of the dark to the light. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd. Wallingford. 203.265.2927, sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Yin & Yang Yoga Monthly Intensive w/Melissa Hall – 9:30-11am. Balance strength, stretch and restoration. $19 or class card. Fresh Yoga. 49 Orange St. New Haven. info@freshyoga.com. Winter Solstice Drumming Circle – 6pm. As the season of long, cold nights begins, come make some music by the fire. Children 12+ w/adults are welcome. Dress for the outdoors. Free, but bring a canned food donation for the homeless. Call to register w/Ranger Dawn. Ansonia Nature Ctr. 203.736.1053.
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Full Cold Moon Hike – 7pm. w/Rangers Martin & Wendy. Learn to identity trees by their shapes in the moonlight. Listen for Great Horned Owls. Limited to 30, including families. Free. Pre-reg. req. Ansonia Nature Ctr. 203.736.1053.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Reiki II Cert. w/RMT, Holistic Coach Diane Esposito – 9am-3pm (or two ½ days/eves). Receive empowering keys to mental-emotional clarity & balance rooted in love that transcend time/space w/support for empathic challenges. Wlgfd. $175. Pre-class cons./Reg.: 203.913.3869, PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com. Pearl Knotting Class – 11am-12pm. Learn to make a beautiful strand of pearls incorporating stopper knots for use in jewelry design or to be worn by itself. Bring a friend! $10. KanduBeads. 346 Quinnipiac St. Bld. 1, Flr. 2. Wallingford. 203.793.7348, KanduBeads.com. FREE Reiki Clinic w/Anita Jones, RMT – 11am3pm. Enjoy a 10-15 min. session of Reiki and learn about healing energy. Thyme and Season. 3040 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Info: 203.415.4791. Winter Solstice Practice – 4-5:15pm. Solstice marks the onset of winter, the shortest day & longest night of the year. Come welcome the season in a warm & loving studio with a mixed level practice. Breathingroomct.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Reiki III class w/Anita Jones, RMT – Deepen Reiki knowledge. Learn meditations and techniques for enhancing Reiki energy. Attunement given. Certificate and manual included. Hamden. $250. Info/Registration: 203.415.4791. Winter Solstice Celebration: Drumming Circle and Sound Therapy Session – 3:30-5:30pm. Men and women welcome! $30/participant. Therapeutic Recreation Center. 19 Hazel Terr. Woodbridge. 203.804.5343.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 Free Foot Screening at PT Services of Guilford – Call today to find out more about Anodyne Therapy for foot pain. Increase circulation, reduce pain & stiffness. Feel better! PT Services of Guilford. 500 East Main St. Ste. 310. Branford. 203.315.7727.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 Teen Gaming Club – 3-5pm. Every Tues. in the 2nd floor program rm., play games on Wii or Xbox Kinect. Board & card games also available & everyone is encouraged to bring their own games to share. New Haven Free Public Library. 133 Elm St. New Haven. Angelina 203.946.8130, nhfpl.org. Shine w/Angelspeake™ w/Diane Esposito – 6:308:30pm. Rec.up to $8 in crystals/stones/chakra floral if purchase by 12/24. Classes 2nd Tues. fr. 1/14. Rec. loving messages/guidance from angels/guides/loved ones. Develop spiritual senses. $33 w/mats. Wlfgd. Reg.: 203.913.3869, PersonalHarmonyand.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Annual Fantasy of Lights – 5-9pm SunThurs., 5-10pm Fri/Sat. thru 12/31. Nearly 1 mi. drive of colorful light displays. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals/Goodwill. Lighthouse Point Pk. New Haven. $10/car, $25/psngr. van,
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$50/full bus. 3D glasses $2. 203.777.2000, Eastersealsgoodwill.org/fantasyoflights.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 SAVE THE DATE! Wire Sculpting Class w/Tony Thibodeau on Jan. 25, 2014 – 2-4pm. Learn to create ornate jewelry pieces from sculpted wire by Wire Wrapping & Filigree Artist Tony Thibodeau. Bring a friend! KanduBeads. 346 Quinnipiac St. Wallingford. Please Info/Cost: 203.793.7348, KanduBeads.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 The Art of Picture Books: Creative Process in Visual Storytelling – 9am-5pm. Exhibit of 8 awardwinning local children’s book artists re: the fascinating process of creating picture books for young readers. Free. Sumner McKnight Crosby Jr. Gallery. 70 Audubon St. 203.772.2788, .Newhavenarts.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Reiki III ART Cert. w/RMT Holistic Coach Diane Esposito – 9am-3pm (or two ½ days/ eves). Promote/deepen personal & client lasting, healthy transformations. Advanced techniques w/ crystal/stone healing & manifesting grids. $200. Wlgfd. Pre-class consult/Reg.: 203.913.3869, PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 Job Group – 9:30am-12pm (10-11am guest speaker). Weekly opportunity to network w/other job seekers & receive advice from professionals. Expert guest speakers focus on the job market & provide industry info. Russell Library. Hubbard Rm. 123 Broad St. Middletown. 860.347.2528, Russelllibrary.org. OCD Support Group – 3-4pm.Patient support group moderated by clinic staff, but primarily peer support. Individuals w/OCD share experiences, struggles, coping strategies & successes. CT Mental Health Ctr. 3rd flr. conf. rm. 34 Park St. New Haven. Suzanne 203.974.7523, suzanne.wasylink@yale.edu.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 Introductory Massage Special! – Massage Savvy offers affordable, quality massage. Introductory special: $49/one hour Swedish or firm, $59/deep muscle. Loyalty program w/discount on multiple massages. 2514 Boston Post. Rd. Guilford. (rear entrance). Sched. an appt.: 203.453.8667, Massagesavvyct.com.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
Kinky Bead Making! Not What You Think...– 11am-12pm. Learn to make beads and jewelry from kinked wire. Bring a friend, the more the merrier! $10. KanduBeads. 346 Quinnipiac St. Bld. 1, Flr. 2. Wallingford. 203.793.7348, KanduBeads.com.
The Bob Kolb Jazz Trio plays “Jazz at the Movies” – 3pm (snow date 1/11). A special family event w/musicians Bob Kolb (tenor sax), Dave Childs (piano) & Steve Roan (bass & guitar). Refreshments served. Proceeds benefit NH Public Library. $15, $25/family. Info/Tix: 203.946.7454, cmeade@nhfpl.org.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
Lulu’s Ride by Elm City Cycling – 10am. Elm City Cycling organizes Lulu’s Ride, weekly 2-4 hr. rides for all levels (17-19 mph average). Free. Leave from Lulu’s European Café as a single group; no one is dropped. 49 Cottage St. New Haven. Call to confirm: 203.773.9288, Elmcitycycling.org.
Free! Open Arts Day – 1-3pm. Guilford Art Ctr.’s studios will be open w/instructor-artists demonstrating their craft & offering hands-on art projects. Pottery, blacksmithing, drawing/painting, beading, sewing, kids’ classes & more. 411 Church St. Guilford. 203.453.5947, Guilfordartcenter.org.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30
MONDAY, JANUARY 6
PT Services of Guilford Offers Free Hand Pain Screening – Hands always aching? Want to find relief without injections or medications? Come in for a FREE hand pain screening. Feel better! 500 East Main St. Ste. 310. Branford. 203.315.7727.
Qigong for Health – 7-8pm. 4-week series. Learn an easy practice to connect the mind and body, invigorate the internal energy, and relieve stress with focused intention. $55. Shoreline Center for Wholistic Health. 35 Boston St. Guilford. Tranquil Mountain Internal Arts 860.301.6433. tmiarts.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Tri-City Alkathon – 12pm 12/31/13-3pm 1/1/14 (& Christmas eve/day). Holidays can be particularly difficult for many alcoholics. Alkathons provide a safe, sober place to celebrate. Refreshments, dinner, light snacks (during overnight hrs.). Cheshire Grange. Wallingford Rd. Cheshire. Info: ct-aa.org.
Sacred Harp Singing – 7-9pm (Mons. thru 5/27). New singers & visitors welcome (no exper./ability req.) to join in singing from The Sacred Harp-an American shape-note songbook 1st published in 1844. Free. Stoeckel Hall. Rm. B01. 96 Wall St. New Haven. Info: Ian: 203.824.3426, ian.quinn@ yale.edu.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7
29th Annual Frosty 5K – Hosted by the Guilford Rotary Club. Includes a certified 5K road race, 2K health walk & free Kids’ Fun Run all beginning on the Guilford Green. After-race awards & brunch at the Community Center. Info: guilfordctrotary.com.
“Patterns in a Lonely Crowd” Gallery Exhibition – thru 3/14/14. Lucy Phillips uses portraiture to communicate ideas of social dynamics & human relationships. Free. Reception 1/17 at 5:30pm. Paul Mellon Arts Ctr. Gallery. Choate Rosemary Hall. 333 Christian St. Wallingford. 203.697.2000, Choate.edu.
Chilly Chili Run – 10:30am: 2-mile walk or 5K run. 2-mile: $12/race fee + $2.50 sign-up. 5K: $20/race fee + $2.50 sign-up. High Plains Community Ctr. Orange. tom@hitekracing.com, runsignup.com/Race/CT/Orange/ChillyChiliRun.
NaturalNewHaven.com
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ongoingevents
wednesday
IMPORTANT: Please submit all NEW ongoing calendar listings online at NaturalNewHaven.com (click Events Calendar button on home page). After originally submitting a listing you must notify editor, Nancy Cohen at: Calendar@naturalnewhaven.com by the 10th of each month in order to keep the listing in the next upcoming edition and/or make any changes. Listings that are not confirmed each month will automatically be deleted. For questions contact Nancy Cohen: 203.710.5038.
sunday
tuesday
Sunday Morning Yoga – 8-9am. This Kripalu based practice will stretch & tone muscles, relieve stress & anxiety. Class geared toward all levels, modifications always given. Hour-long class will leave attendees feeling restored & replenished. IFoundFitness. 190 Main St. Deep River. Info: 860.961.4507.
Intuitive Readings w/Susan Margaret – 11am3pm (12/3, 10 & 17 & Sat. 12/21). Susan is a medium who has been doing psychic readings for 43 years. She uses playing cards, reads palms and uses basic astrology in her readings. $1/min. Enchanted. 1250 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. 203.453.4000.
Prenatal Yoga – 9:30-11am. Students practice poses and movements that appropriately stretch and strengthen the body while preparing for delivery physically and psychologically. No yoga experience needed. Yoga in Middletown. 438 Main St. 860.347. YOGA (9642), Yogainmiddletown.com.
Yin Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Take a shape, relax deeply into stillness, learn how to be w/self. Class creates positive stress on the body’s connective tissue to help rejuvenate & find a new experience of flexibility. $30/2-wks. unlimited classes. Fresh Yoga. 49 Orange St. New Haven. 203.776.9642.
monday Guided Hikes – 1pm. Ansonia Nature Center. 10 Deerfield Rd. Ansonia. Info: 203.736.1053. Vinyasa – 9:30-10:45am. w/Melissa. Move, flow and refresh for the rest of the day! New student special: $30/2-weeks unlimited classes. Fresh Yoga. 319 Peck St. New Haven. 203.776.9642. Yoga with Marlene – 10:30am/7:15pm (classes also offered Tues. 9:30am/6:30pm, Wed. 6:30pm, Thurs.10am/6:30pm, & Fri. 9:30am). Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk. Guilford. Info: 203.453.5360. $5 Community Flow at Fresh Yoga – 12:151:15pm. All are welcome. All students will be encouraged to move mindfully, feel every breath and explore their own unique expression of each yoga pose. No experience necessary. Fresh Yoga. 49 Orange St. New Haven. 203.776.9642. Qigong – 7-8pm. Learn a practice that invigorates the internal energy, relieves stress, tones and stretches the muscles, and connects the mind and body. $15/class. Shoreline Center for Wholistic Health. 35 Boston St. Guilford. Info: Tranquil Mountain Internal Arts 860.301.6433, tmiarts.com.
Power Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. A yoga class that will MOST CERTAINLY make one SWEAT! A circuit based workout incorporating cardio bursts and light weights within a yoga practice. Take practice to a whole NEW level! IFoundFitness. 190 Main St. Deep River. Info: 860.961.4507. Meditation Group – 7pm. Awaken the body and mind through yoga, movement, and meditation. Vipassana, jhanas, Osho meditations, kundalini and more. Fun, refreshing, all levels welcome. By donation. Originals Art and Yoga Studio. 2096 Durham Rd. Madison. Info: Originalyoga.net. Holistic Moms Network, Middlesex County CT – 7-9pm (last Tuesdays). Nonprofit organization connecting parents interested in holistic health and green living. 1st meeting free. United Church of Chester. 29 West Main St. Chester. To contact, confirm dates or see topics, visit Holisticmoms.org. Restorative Yoga w/Ellen – 7:15-8:30pm. Restorative yoga is about moving mind/body away from normal activity and into a relaxed state of being. Poses held for 5-20 minutes w/props. New students $30/2-weeks unlimited classes. Fresh Yoga. 319 Peck St. New Haven.203.776.9642. Free Reiki Sessions: The Universal Reiki Plan – 7:30-8:30pm (& 8:30-9:30pm Thurs.). Reiki teachers Jeannette & Jim of ReikiOvertones & students offer free Reiki sessions. Appt. only. Love offering appreciated. 95 Harris St. Fairfield. Details: Jim & Jeannette 203.254.3958, Info@ReikiOvertones.com. T’ai Chi Ch’uan/Qigong – 7:35-8:35pm. Beginner class. A martial art w/relaxed movement helps to focus mind, reduce stress, improve balance, and strengthen the body. East/West Healing Arts Center. 410 State St. North Haven. Call to confirm details: Bob 860.301.6433.
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Wednesdays are Open House Days at CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) of Branford – Dynamic middle school. Small classes, exceptional academics, hands-on and real-world learning.5th-8th grade. REGISTER NOW for 2014-15. Schedule a visit/for more information: mandm@CTExperiential.org. Introductory Massage Special! – Massage Savvy offers affordable, quality massage. Introductory special: $49/one hour Swedish or firm, $59/deep muscle. Loyalty program w/discount on multiple massages. 2514 Boston Post. Rd. Guilford. (rear entrance). Sched. an appt.: 203.453.8667, Massagesavvyct.com. Emei Wujigong Qigong Group Practice – 121pm (except 12/25 & 1/1) & 6:30pm Thurs. except 1st of mo. & 12/26. Experience a qigong form to rebalance/strengthen body/mind/spirit. All abilities/health levels. 1st class free (reg. $5). Holistic Therapies Classrm. 15 S. Elm St. Wlgfrd. EmeiQigongChan.com. Qi gong – 7:30-8:15am. Exercise system including mvmt., healing posture, self massage, breathing techniques, relaxation, energy meditation. All ages/levels. Beneficial for many illnesses/disorders/dysfunctions. Helps release deep emotions/ stress. IFoundFitness. 190 Main St. Deep River. 860.961.4507. Moderate Yoga – 8:45-9:45am & 6-7pm. A Kripalu inspired class that unites breath with movement. This is a well-rounded class that both tones and stretches the body. IFoundFitness. 190 Main St. Deep River. Info: 860.961.4507. Library Yoga at New Haven Public Library – 1-2pm. Drop-ins welcome. Bring a mat. Instructors vary. 133 Elm St. New Haven. Call for details and to ensure class will take place as scheduled: 203.946.8835, cbrown@nhfpl.org. Intuitive Readings w/Barbara D’Addio – 2:305pm (12/4, 11 & 18). Psychic/Intuitive, Shaman practitioner, Energy worker, Reiki Master, National Certified Hypnotist, Cert. Past Life Regression Therapist, EFT, Numerology, In Touch Therapy. $1/ min. Enchanted. 1250 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. 203.453.4000. Intermediate & Advanced Yoga – 5:30-7:15pm. w/Sandra Kopell, Iyengar Teacher Training Graduate. Refine practice with in-depth instruction and sophisticated sequencing in fully equipped studio. Yoga in Middletown. 438 Main St. 860.347.YOGA (9642), Yogainmiddletown.com. Stony Creek Yoga for Stress Relief – 5:457pm. Classes taught by Gina Macdonald MA, LPC will emphasize the breath with flowing movement (pranayama). $10/session. Basic yoga required. Willoughby Wallace Library. 146 Thimble Island Rd. Stony Creek. Contact: Gina Macdonald 203.710.6665. Yoga with Marlene – 6:30pm (classes also offered Mon. 10:30am/7:15pm, Tues. 9:30am/6:30pm, Thurs.10am/6:30pm, & Fri. 9:30am). Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk. Guilford. Info: 203.453.5360.
Finding Balance Wellness Group – 7-8:30pm (every Wed.). Learn stress reduction techniques and create more joy and peace in life. Come join in & explore philosophies of healing. $20/ session. The Healthy Mind. 900 Straits Tnpk. Suite D. Middlebury. Call for details: 860.490.2538.
thursday
saturday Power Vinyasa – 4:30-5:45pm. Heated (80+ deg.) flowing class based on Baptiste Vinyasa Power Yoga. Vigorous, fast-paced series of poses condition the whole body, offer peace of mind & the ability to move more powerfully/authentically. Fresh Yoga. 49 Orange St. New Haven. 203.776.9642, Freshyoga.com.
Healthy-Steps, The Lebed Method – w/Susan Sandel. Gentle therapeutic exercise/mvmnt prog. Helpful for breast cancer survivors/chronic health conditions. Free. Sponsor: Mddlsx. Hosp. Ctr. for Survivorship & Integrative Medicine. Classes in Middletown & Madison. CALL for DETAILS: 203.457.1656.
Introductory Massage Special! – Massage Savvy offers affordable, quality massage. Introductory special: $49/one hour Swedish or firm, $59/deep muscle. Loyalty program w/discount on multiple massages. 2514 Boston Post. Rd. Guilford. (rear entrance). Sched. an appt.: 203.453.8667, Massagesavvyct.com.
The Milford Chamber’s ‘Health & Wellness Council’ – 8:30-9:30am. (2nd Thurs. monthly). Group is comprised of businesses in the health and wellness industry. 5 Broad St. Milford. 203.878.0681, prisco@priscopr.com, Milfordct.com.
Reiki Practitioner Cert. – With RMT/Holistic Coach Diane Esposito. Why Reiki? When mental/emotional/energetic clarity & balance are awakened w/the power of love, anything is possible, even w/prickly people/challenges/changes. Wlgfd. Free Pre-class consult: 203.913.3869, PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.
Iyengar Yoga – 5:30pm: Back Care & Fundamentals, ongoing, 7pm: Restorative Yoga (most weeks). All levels. Align and awaken self. Yoga in Middletown. 438 Main St. 860.347.YOGA (9642), Yogainmiddletown.com. Spin/Yoga Class – 5:45-6:45pm. Spend 30 min. on the indoor cycle working up a great sweat with energizing music. The 2nd half of the class is strengthening, stretching yoga moves with a final relaxation period. Truly a mind/body workout! IFoundFitness. 190 Main St. Deep River. Info: 860.961.4507. Yoga for Your Health – 6:30pm. Ansonia Nature Center. 10 Deerfield Rd. Ansonia. Call to confirm details: Pam 203.888.4124. Emei Wujigong Qigong Group Practice – 6:30-7:30pm (all Thursdays except the 1st of the month & no class December 26). Schedule available online. 1st class free, regularly $5. Holistic Therapies Classroom. 15 South Elm St. Wallingford. Info: EmeiQigongChan.com.
friday Yoga with Marlene – 9:30am (classes also offered Mon. 10:30am/7:15pm, Tues. 9:30am/6:30pm, Wed. 6:30pm, & Thurs.10am/6:30pm). Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk. Guilford. Info: 203.453.5360. Intuitive Readings w/Susane Grasso – 11am-3pm (plus Sat. 12/7 & Sun. 12/22). Usui & Karuna Reiki Master & Clairvoyant Susane sees auras/mirrors of soul/emotions & physical being. $1/min. Enchanted. 1250 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. 203.453.4000, Enchantedguilfordct.com.
Nei-jia in Shelton at the Slab – 8am. Chinese arts of moving meditation and self-defense. Tai-chi stresses slow, balanced and relaxed postures. Pakua employs horizontal actions emphasizing the open palm. Hsing-I uses rolling, vertical actions emphasizing the fists. Free. Info: 985.210.8089.
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MindMattersHypnosis.com
Stony Creek Intermediate Level Hatha Yoga Classes with Gina Macdonald MA, LPC – 8:3010am. Walk-ins welcome. $10/session. Willoughby Wallace Library. 146 Thimble Island Rd. Stony Creek. Contact: Gina 203.710.6665. Saturday Skill Builder Jewelry Making Class – 11am-12pm (every Sat.). Learn an easy, basic jewelry making technique every week. More fun with friends! Full jewelry studio and classroom workspace. $10. KanduBeads. 346 Quinnipiac St. Bldg 1, Flr 2. Wallingford. 203.793.7348, KanduBeads.com. ReikiShare: The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am1:30pm. Pre-register to share Reiki & join in a FREE workshop to make it a Reiki day! The 3rd Sat. of every month. Free (“love offering”). Bloodroot Rest. 85 Ferris St. Bridgeport. Reservation only: Jim or Jeannette 203.254.3958, Info@ReikiOvertones.com. Creature Features – 12pm. Ansonia Nature Center. 10 Deerfield Rd. Ansonia. Info: 203.736.1053. Intuitive Readings w/Lisa Morrison – 12-4pm (Dec. date: 12/14). Goddess, Tarot, Rune & Past Life Readings. Lisa believes readings should balance humor, healing & inspiration. Her intention is to help restore balance/encourage wholeness. $1/ min. Enchanted. 1250 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. 203.453.4000.
You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~Mahatma Gandhi
Pilates – 1-2pm. w/Certified Pilates Instructor. Pilates exercises develop strength, flexibility and breath control as they address both spinal mobility and stability. Beginners welcome. Yoga in Middletown. 438 Main St. 860.347.YOGA (9642), Yogainmiddletown.com.
natural awakenings
December 2013
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New Haven / Middlesex
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classifieds Fee for classifieds is $15 for up to 300 characters & spaces and 5 cents per extra character & space. Submit online at NaturalNewHaven.com. Deadline is the 12th of the month.
ADOPTION SERVICES CONNECTICUT ADOPTION & FAMILY SERVICES – Mission: to create, strengthen & support families through the adoption/permanent placement of children in safe & loving homes. Free info. sess. 7pm, 1st Thurs. monthly. Panera. 1201 Boston Post Rd. Milford. Reg. by 3pm Wed.: 860.444.0553, ctadoptions.org.
ALS SUPPORT THE ALS ASSOCIATION CONNECTICUT CHAPTER – Leading the fight to treat & cure ALS through research & advocacy while empowering people w/Lou Gehrig’s Disease & their families to live fuller lives w/compassionate care & support. 4 Oxford Road, Unit D4. Milford. 203.874.5050, WebCT.alsa.org.
A QUESTION OF ETHICS “THOU SHALL NOT KILL” Is it ethical for animals to end up on our table? www.DoNotEatUs.org www.Universal-Spirit.org 800.846.2691.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BHcare – A state-licensed, non-profit behavioral health care provider serving Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven & Shoreline communities. It provides comprehensive behavioral health, prevention & domestic violence services to improve the lives & health of individuals, families & communities. 203.446.9739, bhcare.org. CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM – Aim: ensure the behavioral health system responds to the needs of women & the people & organizations that affect them. Eliminate discrimination/promote excellence in care for women through educ., training, advocacy & policy dev. 203.909.6888, Womensconsortium.org.
CT PARKS 100TH CT STATE PARKS CENTENNIAL – Honor the past, present & future of CT State Parks, which are celebrating 100 years! Rediscover the natural wonders, outdoor adventures & inspiring history that can be found throughout CT. Info: ct.gov/deep.
EMERGENCY SHELTER
LYME DISEASE
WALLINGFORD EMERGENCY SHELTER – Provides temporary housing/warm meals during winter months to those who are in a state of emergency as the result of a crisis situation or extreme difficulty. Vltrs. desired, as well. 203.294.0102, Wallingfordshelter.org.
AMERICAN LYME DISEASE FOUNDATION – Dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment, of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. Lyme, CT. Info: aldf.com.
FOOD ISSUES T H E N E W H AV E N F O O D P O L I C Y COUNCIL – A volunteer advisory board addressing local & regional food issues & impacts on individuals, communities, businesses, the environment & local government. Meets 3rd Wed. 8-9:45am/ City Hall – public welcome. 203.773.3736, staff@NHFoodPolicyCouncil.org. NEW HAVEN FARMS, INC. – Promotes health & community dev. through urban agriculture. Affordable fresh fruits/vegetables for those affected by diet-related chronic disease. A community response to intersecting crises: diabetes/obesity/ environmental degradation/poverty. 203.915.1892, Newhavenfarms.org.
CT LYME RIDERS, INC. – Founded in 2007 by motorcyclists Sandy Brule & Tony Gargano. A 501(c)(3) non profit public charity aiming to bring awareness to the public about Lyme Disease. Events & info. 860.537.0255, ctlymeriders.com.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING ANNAHAVEN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES – Provides treatment for depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), ADHD, Obesity, spiritual counseling and anger management for adults and children. Call now to schedule an appointment. 203.606.2071. You have the right to be HAPPY. CounselingwithAnnaHaven.com.
OFFICE FOR RENT
FOR SALE AUTHENTIC, BEAUTIFUL, HAND-CARVED, DJEMBES FOR SALE – For information on available drums and prices: Mark@drummingspirit.com.
HEALING FROM GRIEF COVE CENTER FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN – Provides hope/healing for grieving children/teens. Helps them understand the grieving process, how to communicate/ask for help/avoid negative effects of unresolved childhood grief & offers support in a safe, healing environment. Meriden. 800.750.2683, covect.org. CT HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS – New groups offered periodically throughout the year including day/eve groups serving adults who’ve lost a loved one (spouse, parent/ family member, partner, or friend). Registration required. Free. Branford. Info: 203.315.7544.
OFFICE SPACE AMITY – Dynamic, integrative practice expanding, currently ND LMT Bowen Reiki. Looking for like-minded practitioners. Newly renovated well lit w/ground level entrance, views of West Rock. Easy access to Routes 15, 69, 63 Whalley Ave. Searching for Integrative Medicine, NP, CNM, DO, PA or MSW, etc. Please contact clinic director Dr. Lou Cofrancesco. drlou@cofrancescochiropractic.com
VETERANS HEALINGCOMBATTRAUMA.COM – website providing therapeutic resources to veterans w/combat-based post-traumatic stress (PTSD) & military sexual trauma (MST), their supporters/ loved ones, healthcare practitioners & decisionmakers. Focus on integrative medicine & hope.
IN HOME TUTORING IS YOUR CHILD GETTING THE GRADES S/HE NEEDS TO SUCCEED? – Tutor Doctor is CT’s premier in home tutoring service. We specialize in working with students of all ages in a oneon-one environment with a customized curriculum to meet each individual’s needs. We have qualified tutors available to assist students in all subjects, test prep and overall organization & study skills. 203.283.4039, hometutorsct.com.
natural awakenings
December 2013
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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide visit our website NaturalNewHaven.com and click our Advertise menu. ALLERGY
APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
ADVANCED ALLERGY RELIEF
Kevin Healy, DC
Do you have asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, excema or other allergy symptoms? Are you careful about what you eat because of food allergies or intolerances? At Advanced Allergy Relief, we offer a safe, rapid elimination of allergic reactions. No medication, No Needles, Child friendly, Effective.
Applied Kinesiology is neurological evaluation to find dysfunction. It addresses problems instead of chasing pains. Dr. Healy tests if a therapy benefits the dysfunction and finds immediate answers about which result in the most improvement. Chiropractic, craniosacral, myofascial, and acupressure are among the therapies Dr. Healy uses. No single cure exists since disease (which includes a state of dysfunction) typically involves many areas of the body. The goal of any therapy-physical, chemical, or emotional-is to improve function, and a combination of therapies has the best results. See ad on page 33.
Anne Mitchell, ND North Haven and West Hartford Offices 203.239.3400 aarct.com
Shoreline Natural Health Care, LLC
Specializing in Advanced Allergy Therapeutics Betty Brainerd, ND Guilford, CT 203.738.0020 DrBrainerd.com
EDUCATION
Are you suffering from allergies or sensitivites? Would you like to live life without medications or the need to avoid certain foods, animals, or other offending substances? We can help you. Our Advanced Allergy Therapeutics results in elimination of allergic reactions. Noninvasive, no needles, safe for all ages.
ALTERNATIVE HEALING ARTS PERSONALHARMONYANDHEALTH.COM Wallingford, CT 203.913.3869
Improve your quality of life w/ empowering guidance & support. Move to the Heart of Healing w/ Diane Esposito, RMT/Holistic Coach/author of Play, Heal, Love! The Art of Creating Healthy Relationships. Be inspired; create habits & boundaries that heal w/in-person or phone Readings, Reiki, Reflexology, EFT, Angelspeake, Meditation. See ad on page 13.
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New Haven / Middlesex
Madison, CT 203.245.9317 kevinhealy@sbcglobal.net DrHealMe.com
CONNECTICUT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CENTER 28 School Street Branford, CT 06405 203.433.4658 mandm@CTExperiential.org http://CTEXperiential.org
CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) of Branford is a dynamic middle school program that provides small classes and combines exceptional academics with hands-on and real-world learning experiences to fit the academic, social, and emotional needs of the 5th–8th grade student. Contact us to schedule a visit or for more information at: mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203.433.4658. See ad on page 33.
NaturalNewHaven.com
HEALTH COACHING HOLISTICALLY WELL Gina Ledwith 133 State Street Guilford, CT 203.278.2195 HolisticallyWell.com
Ready to be free of dieting restrictions and deprivation? Gina will show you how to easily lose weight with a whole foods approach that will leave you feeling satisfied and amazing! She specializes in weight loss, digestive health and healing with food. Change your life! Call today for a free session! See ad on page 11.
HEALTH FOOD thyme and season natural market
3040 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 203.407.8128 Our 16th year! Open 7 days : M-F 8:00-7:30; Sat 9-7; Sun 10-5 ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com One of the largest selections of natural, organic, non-GMO, glutenfree & vegan foods in the area - local produce, organic & free-range meats / poultry, local artisan cheese, sustainable fish, organic baby food, quality pet food & remedies, safe cleaning & paper products, fair trade chocolate & coffee. Vitamin, mineral, herb and whole food supplements, homeopathic & ayurvedic remedies and a Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you; Health Talks by health profs Thurs eves Spring & Fall. Pick up a healthy hot breakfast or lunch MonSat: 4 entrees & 6 soups plus salads, sandwiches, sushi, & wraps. A dedicated helpful staff.
communityresourceguide HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT
MASSAGE THERAPY
63 Church Street, Guilford, CT 203.453.0232 Skarzynski@sbcglobal.net
2514 Boston Post Rd Guilford, CT 203.453.8667 MassageSavvyct.com
Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer. His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold worldwide. See ad on page 9.
A dynamic network of licensed therapists offers quality massage to reduce tension/anxiety, relax body & mind, enhance immune system, lessen muscle pain/tension, offer headache relief, improve sleep. Programs include: Intro. special $49/one hour, multiple massage discounts & corporate on-site chair/event massage. See ad on page 17.
HOLISTIC PEDIATRICIAN
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS
Diana Lopusny, M.D., F.A.A.P. 88 Noble Avenue, Suite 101, Milford, CT 203.874.2800 PreferredPediatricsofct.com Dr. Diana Lopusny, a board certified pediatrician, has years of hands-on experience with infants and children ages 0-22. Her personalized blend of conventional and homeopathic medicine offers her patients traditional, loving, and modern care.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE DIAGNOSTICS FOR LIFE Clark Springgate, MD Madison, CT 203.887.6441 ClarkMDPhD@gmail.com
PAT I E N T A D V O C AT E . Dr. Clark Springgate has over 25 years experience as a Patient Advocate. To get the right diagnosis and treatment in America in 2013 you definitely need a patient advocate. To Schedule an Appointment, call 203.887.6441.
NUTRITION DR. ROBERT SKARZYNSKI, DC
MASSAGE SAVVY
5520 Park Ave, Ste 301, Ffld Town Line Merritt Pkwy, Exit 47 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com
PREFERRED PEDIATRICS
continued
Shoreline Natural Health Care, LLC
Nutrition Response Testing is a non-invasive system of analyzing the body to determine the underlying causes of ill or non-optimum health. Causes include foods, metals, chemicals, immune challenges, allergies, and more. The doctor works one on one to make meaningful and educated changes as needed in the patient’s diet. The majority of supplements used are organic whole food. The system determines when supplements are needed or no longer needed. Results have been outstanding!
linda myers
Betty Brainerd, ND Guilford, CT 203.738.0020 DrBrainerd.com
New breakthrough advanced allergy treatment for the whole family! ADD/ADHD, digestive, skin and respiratory problems, PMS/menopause, fatique, high cholesterol, and more. Cleansing and detox programs. Therapeutic far infrared sauna. Botanical medicine, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, acupuncture, Bowen therapy (the homeopathy of bodywork).
WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC
Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared P h o t o t h e r a p y, F u n c t i o n a l Medicine, Herbal Medicine, H o m e o p a t h y, H o r m o n a l Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, RealTime EEG Neurofeedback, and other therapies. See ad on page 9.
Certified Nutrition Counselor, FiFHi Thyme and Season Natural Market 3040 Whitney Avenue Hamden (Rt. 10, Mt Carmel) CT 06518 203.407.8128 Ext. 2 Supplements.Thyme@gmail.com ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com Complimentary Counseling Mon. through Fri. 9am – 4:30pm. Nutrition plus vitamin, mineral, herb and whole food supplements, homeopathic & ayurvedic remedies; Fellow of the Institute for Human Individuality. Supplement and H&B Manager; Director of our Wellness Outreach Lecture Program now in its 30th series, offered free, most Thursday evenings each Spring and Fall. Call for possible participation; check website for schedule.
ORGANIC HAIR SALON ORGANIC HAIR SALON
Everlastings, by Arlene Bouley The Carriage House At The Gate House West 2614 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 203.458.1298 EverlastingsSalon.com Everlastings offers a Full Service, Holistic, and Organic Approach to Hair and Body, and Features, Organic and Dimensional Color, Highlights, Bodywaves, Relaxers and Razor cuts. Please call for your individual consultation. See ad on page 11.
natural awakenings
December 2013
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communityresourceguide PHYSICAL THERAPIST
TRANSFORMATIONAL INTUITIVE
PHYSICAL THERAPY OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT
JULIETTE STORCH
Linda Maude, PT 111 New Haven Ave. Derby, CT 06418 203.735.8336 PhysicalTherapySoCT.com
203.305.8091 juliette@juliettestorch.com JulietteStorch.com
Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, craniosacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening and overall rehabilitation.
RECREATION CENTER THE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION CENTER 203.804.5343 TherapeuticRecreationCenter.com
Center unites Beth Patella Center for Music & Animal Assisted Therapy Services. Innovative programs for all children & adults, including those w/disabilities. Early Childhood Music; Music for persons w/Disabilities; Drumming; Sound Therapy; Canine/Equine Assisted Therapy; Veterans Wounded Warrior Equine Project & more. See ad on page 21.
Juliette Storch is a Certified Intuitive Healer and Life Coach. As a Modern Mystic, Muse & Medium her method is untraditional, powerful, and rooted firmly in the tradition of her Huguenot forebears—witches and wise women. With an open channel to dimensions beyond this one, Juliette brings messages of those who have passed from this life, connects you with your guides and uncovers negative energies that still affect you from past millennia. By magically blending Eastern essences with Spirit, she activates your chakras and channels the beings and voices that are the pieces of the puzzle of you. Sharing space and words with Saints and Archetypes, Juliette tells the story of your heart, your essence, your very Soul… and opens the gateway to flowing Spirit, ready to guide you to your next elevation. Working with Juliette is an unexpected experience. It’s a leap into the darkness... because you must change the dark before your heart can fill with light. Take the veil away from your eyes and see the magical life that you want...Let Juliette open the door to manifest your ABUNDANT LifesPath! See ads on page 3 and 25.
WEIGHT LOSS A LIFE CENTER
Jenna Henderson, ND 2 Broadway, North Haven, CT 1007 Farmington Ave, Suite 7A, West Hartford, CT 203.239.3400 info@thelifecenterofct.com TheLifeCenterofct.com Get off the dieting merry-goround and FINALLY achieve your ideal weight. We offer a medically supervised weight loss program with whole foods, individualized nutrition, emotional eating support, meal planning and weight loss coaching. MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED See ad on page 17.
YOGA RAVEN’S WING YOGA
19 South Main St. Branford, CT 203.488.9642 RavensWingYoga.com Rooted in the sacred teachings of yoga, Raven’s Wing is an inviting & safe place for all who desire positive change. Gentle, beginner, moderate and vigorous classes offered, as well as monthly workshops, kirtan and seasonal celebrations. Ayurveda and private instruction also offered. See ad on page 33.
REIKI INTUITIVE HEALING EVERRITE HEALING THERAPY Debbie Dobieski 203.510.8555
Debbie is a Reiki Master Practitioner and Intuitive Empath with a unique blend of techniques that provide deep healing and insight to inspire growth and clarity to help you move forward on your path and embrace life with a positive outlook. She gets to the core of your issues and unblocks what is holding you back. Start a session and change your life.
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New Haven / Middlesex
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Meet Some Who Have Already Joined Our Family: ADVANCED PHYSICAL MEDICINE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER
DOROTHY MARTIN-NEVILLE, PhD
Dr. Candice Pollack, D.C. North Haven, CT 203.691.5581 Apmct.com
Psychotherapy-Adults in Transition Emotional & Spiritual Aspects in Health Care Essex, CT 860.461.7569 DrDorothyct.com
COASTAL CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS
DURHAM NATUROPATHIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Keith Mirante, D.C. Madison, CT 203.245.8217 DrMirante.com
COLOR ESSENCE
Joan S. Gilbert Hamden, CT 828.551.0420 JoanSusan.star@gmail.com
CONNECTICUT YOGA CENTER
Middletown, CT 860.986.2017 CTYogaCenter.com
CT FARM FRESH EXPRESS, LLC East Haddam, CT 860.873.8760 CTFFE.com
DENNY CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE Dr. Eileen Denny, D.C. Hamden, CT 203.407.8468 DennyWellness.com
Dr. Jason Belejack, N.D. Durham, CT 203.824.7428 DurhamNaturopathichealth.com
LIFETIME HEALTH
Venice Walters 203.507.0889 YORHealth.com/LifetimeHealth1
MARY ELLEN MONEYMAKER HYPNOTIST Middlefield, CT 860.349.7039 SolutionsByHypnosis.com
MASSAGE SAVVY
Guilford, CT 203.453.8667 MassageSavvyCT.com
EMPOWER MASSAGE
Christopher Chialastri, LMT#005812 Home Visits for Massage Therapy East Haven, CT 203.430.3163 EmpowerMassage.abmp.com
NATURAL FAMILY HEALTH
INNER HARMONY HOLISTIC WELLNESS
PERSONAL HARMONY AND HEALTH, LLC
Karen Obier, Reflexologist North Haven, CT 203.645.2188 InnerHarmonyHolisticWellness.abmp.com
JUNE CAN CHANNEL
Dr. Leigh White, N.D. North Haven, CT 203.980.0465 NaturalFamilyHealth.net
Diane Esposito 203.913.3869 PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com
ZAHAVAH RAW BEAUTY
June Can Reiki Master Practitioner International Channel & Medium 203.230.1197 http://junecanchannel.blogspot.com
Aadil Al-Alim & Faith Bredwood 203.389.0089 Zahavah.co
natural awakenings
December 2013
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A FULL~LINE FARM SUPPLY STORE
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New Haven / Middlesex