Natural Awakenings Central & Eastern Connecticut - November 2024

Holistic Community Professionals

Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education. We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind and spirit in the communities we serve.

MASSAGE THERAPY NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

Jill Andrzejewski

LMT, RMT, Psychic Massage Therapy

Reiki & Chakra Balancing Angel Tarot, Oracle Card and Tea Leaf Readings

A Moment In Time Treasures items for self-care and healing workshops and classes

203-909-1108

JillAMomentInTimeMassage@gmail.com AMomentInTimeMassage.com

QUANTUM PSYCHOTHERAPY

Celeste Emelia

Mattingly, LCSW

Creator of Celestial Psychology Psychotherapy Healing Services, LLC, Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare, LLC

Insurance accepted for in-person and Telehealth Psychotherapy only. 860-470-5404

CelestialEmpowerment.com

INTUITIVE COUNSELOR & HEALER

Gayle Franceschetti MEd, CHt

Hypnotherapy, Meditations, Reiki/Energy Sessions, Essential Oils, Group Past Life Regression, Individual Past Life Regression, Workshops, Spiritual Power Journeys

Private mentoring & counseling 203-631-7803

Return2Love3@gmail.com Return2Love.com

ENERGY HEALING

Kathy Stalter Owner

Scalar/biophotonic energy field system that creates an environment for cells to recharge and restore, so the body can heal itself.

Sanaré Wellness, LLC

860-600-0106

Kathy@Sanare.life Sanare.life

Nicole Klughers

ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center

Rocky Hill & Virtual Visits Your Health Detective. Listens, Takes Time, Finds You Answers. Uses Detailed Testing, Not Guessing. Discovers the Root Cause of Symptoms. 234-222-8362

Hello@DrNicoleKlughers.com DrNicoleKlughers.com

SPIRITUAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Rev. Bradford W. Tilden MM, CMT, UWT

Starseed support Universal White Time

Crystal Healing Sound Healing

Sessions and trainings

860-830-5841

CrystalMusicHealing.com

Linktr.ee/BradfordTilden

CENTRAL & EASTERN CONNECTICUT

serving New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford, New London, Tolland & Windham Counties

Publisher/ Editor Ariana Rawls Fine

Administrative Asst. Carolyn Coogan

Contributing Writer Ariana Rawls Fine

Layout & Production Courtney Ayers Design

Distributor Man In Motion, LLC

CONTACT US

Tel: 203-900-4525 / 888-994-8664

Fax: 203-456-8509

Editorial@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com

Ads@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com

Calendar@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

National Editor Sandra Yeyati Editor Brooke Goode

Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin Layout Flip180 Media

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921

Ph: 239-206-2000

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

Being Grateful M

y how fall is flying by. The leaves finally fell from the trees in the typical late October windiness. The temperature ups and downs we experienced so far have fluctuated greatly from below freezing to the 70s as we enter November. In a comparable way, many of us are experiencing the ups and downs of aging. Some things are expected while other aspects are surprises—at least for some of us! How can we age gracefully and gratefully?

We address that question in one of our features about learning wisdom as we age, nature’s lessons and the importance of self-care. Another article centers on finding gratitude even when experiencing hardships while our Healthy Kids section delves into teaching appreciation to our younger generation. I am particularly excited about our Conscious Eating section this month with its focus on healthy soups that fortify us, including apple parsnip cream with chorizo sausage, Brazilian black bean stew and mellow sweet potato soup. (What shall I make first?)

With November 11, we express gratitude to our military veterans and thank them for their service. But what about the rest of the year? How can we support them here in Connecticut? We focus on several organizations you can contribute to with your time and financial support that are giving back to and supporting veterans of all ages and abilities.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Don’t forget to read our article on Thanksgiving décor and handcrafted ways to make the holiday special for your family. Make sure to tag our Facebook and Instagram pages if you share your creations on social media! Also, we have some great things happening in our community so please check out the news briefs and calendars!

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.

—Karl Bart

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

ADVERTISING

To advertise or request a media kit, email Ads@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email article pitches and news briefs to Editorial@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Submit calendar events to Calendar@NaturalAwakeningsCT.com

DEADLINE: the 12th of the month.

NATIONAL 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 239-206-2000. For franchising opportunities, call 239-206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com

Consortium Presents Healing/Recovery Through Integrative Medicine Conference

On December 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., The Connecticut Women’s Consortium is offering an interactive day of wellness and recovery that includes inspirational presentations and healing arts activities that spotlight alternative therapies to promote mental health and recovery from addiction. Program highlights include Healing in the Margins: Redefining Well-Being, Resilience and Recovery Amidst Chronic Stress with keynote speaker Nikki Myers, MBA, E-RYT 500, a yoga therapist, somatic experiencing practitioner, addictions recovery specialist and ayurvedic specialist. In addition, there is a live panel discussion and two presentations.

In the 60-minute Fostering Healing Through a Decolonized Mindset, Community and Trauma-Informed Care interactive workshop, Tawanna Woolfolk, LCSW, aims to create an attuned and healing environment for both providers and clients by integrating decolonized strategies, cultural humility and traumainformed approaches. Participants will experience practices that promote nonhierarchical relationships, culturally affirming intake methods, and grounding techniques to address trauma and dissociation. This workshop is for licensed mental health providers and clients.

Dr. Nancy Grechko, PsyD, hosts Low Energy Neurofeedback (LENS): Individualized Nervous System Regulation as the second presentation. Low energy neurofeedback (LENS) is FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that utilizes our unique brainwaves to support the brain in auto-correction. This auto-correction supports emotional resiliency, executive functioning and brain optimization. LENS supports wellness and recovery goals where it counts in your nervous system.

The conference is $25 per attendee. In addition, there will be vendors with various products and a healing arts space available with sound healing, movement and reiki.

For more information and to register, visit WomensConsortium.configio.com/ pd/1156/On-Site-2024-Holistic-Healing-and-Recovery-Through-IntegrativeMedicine-Conference. Location: The Connecticut Women’s Consortium, 2321 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT.

BellaVitaAlchemy@gmail.com

BellaVitaAlchemy.com 914-419-9665 • Farmington, CT and remote

beyond awareness with a trusted guide into action and purpose.

• Psychic/Tarot Readings

• Energy Healing/Reiki

• Mentoring/Spiritual Coach

Joanne Cortes MS, CSC, RMT

Explore Taro’Chi, LLC l Higganum, CT

ExploreTaro.Chi@gmail.com

Nourishment means a quality of life; consistency in the way we treat ourselves.

—Kelis Rogers

Gearing Up for the Holidays with The Red Barn in Durham

Join in the festivities at The Red Barn in Durham when it holds its holiday fair on December 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event includes artisans, readers and holistic practitioners providing healing services. Attendees are invited to come in to find that perfect gift, get a reading and receive a healing service. Gift certificates will also be available. In addition, there will be a raffle with proceeds going to benefit the Wholistic Journey Inc. nonprofit.

The Red Barn in Durham, a new earth holistic therapies and art center, is a collaborative of like-minded businesses that have come together under one roof to provide full holistic care for the mind, body and soul.

Janice Juliano, MSW, LCSW, is the founder and director of The Red Barn in Durham. Services at the center includes psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, skin care, reiki and energy work, Soulshine Salt Cavern, nutritional and herbal health, essential oils, personal spiritual development, meditation, and The Art Center at Red Barn.

For more information, visit TheRedBarninDurham.com/ Classes/2024/12/8/Holiday-Fair.

Location: The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT.

TLC Introduces Membership Tiers for Holistic Practitioners

TribeTLC has launched a new TLC Membership tiered membership structure with three levels to choose from as well as new benefits. Founded in 1997 by Beth Leas, the healthy living resource network has evolved into a growing community of over 180 holistic practitioners and wellness entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut, New York and beyond.

With the TLC Global membership level, you have access to online networking events with Tribe TLC Holistic Networking Events via Zoom. Included at this level is an online directory listing, monthly online networking events, business brainstorm sessions, members-only discounts and a members-only FB group.

With TLC Premium, you can participate in person as well as part of Online Tribe TLC Holistic Networking. This level gives you access to all in-person events and all the benefits of the Global level. In addition, you have the option to participate in the network’s TLC Barter Bonanzas in June and December, after-hours community events, email marketing, and discounted monthly advertising with Natural Awakenings

With TLC VIP, enjoy all the benefits of Tribe TLC Premium Membership plus monthly virtual VIP roundtable gatherings, be a guest speaker at TLC events, be part of monthly TLC SuperStar posts on social media, gain access to TLC VIP events, quarterly marketing strategy calls, and more.

Tribe TLC offers many opportunities for members to get together for conversations, connection and collaboration. They have 11 monthly networking gatherings every month, specifically geared toward holistic practitioners and wellness entrepreneurs. The meetings are all days of the week and times of day so it’s easy to find a time that works for every schedule.

For more information and to join, call/text 203-856-9566, email TLCBethLeas@gmail.com or visit TribeTLC.com.

Cranial/Structural Therapy Now Available for Children

Timothy

Tynan of The Sanctuary Center has completed specialty training in cranial/structural therapy, extending his ability to work with children as young as 7. For children, this therapy is highly effective in addressing autism, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, concussions, concentration difficulties and eye-focusing problems, to name a few.

Cranial/structural therapy is unique in that it fully unwinds deep-rooted cranial holding patterns, allowing for open and fluid movement in the cranium. This creates a reciprocal effect throughout the entire body, causing a systemic unwinding of all the connective tissues. When cranial movement is fully restored, more specialized techniques are applied to enhance the brain’s detoxification process. This helps the brain heal from injuries, toxins and stress. By restoring space around the brain and removing waste products, the body can begin to heal and recover from these and many other issues. When used in conjunction with other healing modalities, its effectiveness is even greater. This is true for adults as well.

For more information, visit SanctuaryCenterCT.com. Sessions can be booked online, or by calling 860-458-3826 or emailing Timothy@SanctuaryCenterCT.com. Offices are located in Portland and Southport, CT.

Holistic Moms Network: Parenting with

Homeopathy and Being Holistic on a Budget

On November 12 at 6:30 p.m., join the New Haven County chapter of Holistic Moms Network to learn the ways homeopathy can help with parenting with Yashasvi (Yaashi) Jhangiani. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Re:mind Wellness Boutique in Milford, Connecticut. Your own temperament, mood and daily pressures influence how you interpret and respond to your children’s behavior. Learn more about remedies to manage your own stress and to deal with most childhood issues including tantrums, moodiness, fear, anxiety, anger, defiance, irritability, obstinance, impatience, sibling rivalry, impulsiveness and restlessness.

New Program Addresses Holistic Breast Health

Jhangiani, a homeopathic educator who has been practicing since 1994, has a bachelor’s degree in homeopathy from Mumbai University. In addition to being board certified by the Council for Homeopathic as a CCH (certified classical homeopath), she is registered with the North American Society of Homeopaths and the National Center of Homeopathy. She has been an EMT with Westport EMS since 2003 and also teaches their American Heart Association-affiliated CPR and First aid program.

On December 3, join the chapter at 6:30 p.m. for the Holistic Living on a Budget meeting in Milford. As a group, you will explore how to align your budget with your priorities, understand more about your budgeting attitudes, and share ideas about budgeting for your holistic needs in Connecticut. Bring information that has helped you, local and online resources, and more ideas that have enabled you to thrive with your holistic lifestyle within your budget, especially around the holidays.

The mission of Holistic Moms Network, a nonprofit support and discussion network, is to connect people who are interested in holistic health and green living. It welcomes you wherever you are on your own holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The New Haven County chapter follows the Holistic Moms Network’s drive to encourage parents to use their innate sense of what is best for their children and the Earth while learning more about healthcare and parenting options. Living healthy and living green is an ongoing journey.

The general chapter meetings, open to the public, are normally held on the first Tuesday of each month in Milford, CT. RSVP on Facebook.com/ HMNNewHaven’s event tab or email tdavisca@aol.com.

The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment,

festivity, safety and satisfaction. A person cooking is a person giving: Even the simplest food is a gift.

—Laurie Colwin

Dr. Artemis Morris, a Milford-based naturopath and owner of Artemis Wellness Center, is launching a new breast health program in February 2025 in collaboration with Rachel Mazzarelli of Whole Health Thermography LLC. This program integrates diet, lifestyle medicine and holistic treatments to empower women with tools for prevention and early detection.

Beyond typical screenings, the program addresses “hidden” cancer risk factors such as endocrine-disrupting toxins that impact hormone health and metabolism. Highlights include the low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet, toxin minimization, integrative functional diagnostics, Eastern medicine, acupuncture, and personalized supplements to optimize metabolism and detoxification. Artemis Wellness Center’s personalized approach is designed to enhance health, reduce cancer risks and support women’s well-being.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Connecticut was third in the nation in breast cancer rates from 2016 to 2020 despite high rates of breast screenings. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, the World Health Organization notes that up to 50% of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes, including diet. Women with dense breast tissue may be at a higher risk since dense tissue, making it more challenging to detect cancer through mammograms. Thanks to advocacy from the “Are You Dense?” Foundation, the National Dense Breast Disclosure Law ensures women are informed about their breast density to pursue appropriate screening, including early detection.

For more information and to stay informed, sign up for the free newsletter or contact the office at ArtemisWellnessCenter.com. Check out Dr. Morris’ informative interview on local TV with Kara’s Cures at Youtu.be/mAEOnXUPMU?si=RJ8dTHu4ac6XRLZD and Youtube.com/ live/VZoxAZEW4WI?si=SmbZmppZmEfNV7Ab.

Microplastics Found in Part of the Brain

According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, Brazilian scientists discovered microplastics in the olfactory bulb, a rounded structure of the brain above each nasal cavity that receives information from the nose and relays it to the brain. Upon analyzing samples of olfactory bulb tissue from 15 deceased individuals, the researchers found tiny microplastics in eight of them, including polypropylene, polyamide, nylon and polyethylene vinyl acetate. Whether these plastics can reach the brain through the olfactory bulb is not clear, but the potential is worrying. While microplastics have been found in the bloodstream and other tissue, their presence in the human brain has not yet been documented.

Physiological Response to Spirituality

A 2023 study in Integrative Medicine Reports involving 68 undergraduate college students evaluated the physiological effects of an eight-week wellness intervention called Awakened Awareness for Adolescents and Emerging Adults designed to help participants develop a personal relationship with their higher self and a higher power, while broadening their awareness toward outward accomplishments. At the beginning of the study, the researchers collected selfreported information about clinical, psychological and spiritual well-being from the participants and measured their heart rate variability (HRV)—the slight variation in time between heartbeats. HRV is an indirect measure of stress because it indicates the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the nervous system. A person in a fight-or-flight mode will have lower HRV, whereas a relaxed person may have higher HRV. Participants attended weekly, 90-minute group sessions. After the last session, the same HRV and well-being data were collected. Significant improvements were noted in the participants’ HRV, suggesting improvements in the ability to recover from stress and spiritual decline. Further research is required to fully understand the role of spirituality in resilience and recovery from stress.

Relax, Reset and Rejuvenate Through the Transformative Power of Sound

Individual & Group Sound Healing

Billion Photos/Olena Sakhnenko from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Homeopathy for Arm Fracture

Fractures of the upper end of the humerus, or upper arm bone, that connects to the shoulder joint are the third-most common fractures among the elderly. In a case report published in Integrative Medicine Reports , a 53-year-old patient with multiple fractures of the humerus selected homeopathy rather than surgery to repair the fractures, which consisted of keeping the arm and

Nadia

Making Hospice Care Sustainable

The hospice industry is witnessing a surge in environmental sustainability efforts. Providers like Agrace Hospice & Supportive Care and Amedisys, Inc. are making strides toward long-term ecological responsibility. Despite the need for initial investments, hospices anticipate cost savings from reduced energy consumption and enhanced staff recruitment and retention. Agrace aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 by investing in renewable energy sources and transitioning to electric vehicles. Similarly, Amedisys has plans to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Other examples, like Hospice of the Western Reserve, demonstrate the ripple effects of sustainability initiatives on the community, aligning with the mission to promote quality of life and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Marine Life Migration Blocked by Infrastructure

Karissa Lear, an aquatic ecologist at Australia’s Murdoch University, observed that a long jetty and rock wall built for a marine loading facility disrupted the migration patterns of young green sawfish in Western Australia. Afraid of predators, these juvenile fish were unable or unwilling to swim around the manmade barrier to get from their shallow nursery to essential feeding grounds. Lear believes that marine animals need a hand in getting around human infrastructure, much like wildlife-crossing bridges help animals cross highways and fish ladders help salmon bypass dams on their way to spawn. Modifications to the design and construction of infrastructure are needed to ensure the sustainability of our oceans.

Female Sharks Found Sleeping on a Seabed

Scientists from the University of Tasmania Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies stumbled upon thousands of female Port Jackson sharks sleeping on the seabed. The discovery was made using an underwater robot while on an expedition to Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve, a protected area off the coast of Victoria, Australia, and Tasmania. Scientists are puzzled as to why so many sharks were there and why there were only females. One theory is that they had been feasting on local scallops before heading elsewhere to lay their eggs.

pixelshot/CanvaPro

Anurag Modak from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Nigel Marsh from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro

Handcrafted Thanksgiving Decor

For much of the country, autumn is a wonderful season of falling temperatures and the changing colors of leaves in nature’s last hurrah. Celebrate this Thanksgiving with ecofriendly, handmade decorations that commemorate the season and honor our living planet.

Acorn Wreath

Welcome guests to the house with a wreath that can last for years. Collect acorns from the yard or purchase them

from a craft shop. Using a glue gun, randomly affix the acorns one at a time around a 12-inch grapevine wreath, ensuring even coverage. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving. Add a bow by cutting burlap or another festive cloth into a 4-by-20-inch strip. Fold the strip lengthwise and add double-sided tape to hold the ends together. Pinch the middle of the strip and wrap it with a separate 2-by-5inch burlap strip, then glue it in place on the wreath.

Clove Apple

To add a wonderful, sweet smell to the house, use a bamboo skewer to poke holes in an apple and stick cloves, stem first, into the holes. To ensure the apple will last, the cloves must be fairly close together but do not need to touch. Once the apple is covered in cloves, tie twine or ribbon to the stem for added pizzazz.

Gratitude Place Cards

Giving and receiving thanks is good for the body and soul, and these place cards are a great way to introduce gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. Cut scrap card stock into 2-by-3-inch pieces and write a guest’s name on the front. With a serrated knife, slice off one quarter of a wine bottle cork lengthwise so it can lie flat on the table. Make a cut about halfway through on the rounded side and slide a place card into the cut. Encourage guests to flip over their card and write down what they are thankful for. When everyone is done, ask them to share their gratitude with the table.

Hand-Turkey Tablecloth

Get the kids in the holiday spirit with this fun project. First, gather the supplies: a new tablecloth, assorted fabric paints, paintbrushes and fabric pens. Paint a child’s palm and fingers, then help them press their hand firmly onto the tablecloth to make an imprint. Slowly peel their hand off the tablecloth to prevent smudges. Using a fabric pen, add an eye, wattle and feet to the hand turkey. Write the child’s name and the year next to their imprint. Fill the tablecloth over time to see how their hands grow and remind the family of their blessings.

Rising to the Calling

Earning Wisdom as We Age

by Carrie Jackson

With knowledge that extends beyond any classroom and humility that provokes a familiar kinship, wise elders have been the pillars of communities for millennia. Their nurturing energy, loving warmth and eternal wisdom provide a foundation for learning and growth. By harnessing a connection to nature, reframing cultural roles and cultivating grace and self-care, we all have the capacity to embody the role of a wise elder in our own way.

Nature’s Lessons

“Wise elders are repositories of how to live a good life within nature, and not against it. They are able to perceive and act according to the bigger picture and see the impact of actions now on future generations,” says Dr. Darcia Narvaez, professor of psychology emerita at the University of Notre Dame,

president of the nonprofit Kindred World and founder of its initiative, The Evolved Nest.

In her book, The Evolved Nest: Nature’s Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities, Narvaez and co-author G.A. Bradshaw, Ph.D., examine how we can restore natural wellness in our families and communities by living in harmony with nature. She points to the idea of “nestedness” as an inspiration for reexamining our own systems of nurturing, understanding and caring for our young and one another.

“A wise elder is one who is deeply nested. They display horizontal nestedness in that they attend to honoring ancestral wisdom and to living for the well-being of future generations. They display vertical nestedness in that they honor and live with Earth’s cycles and nature’s laws, but also feel connected to and confident in the cosmos,” Narvaez explains.

Instead of teaching, wise elders act as guides and model behavior for others. “Wise elders know everyone’s path is unique, and everyone has a gift to uncover, develop and share with the community,” advises Narvaez. “They encourage us toward love and openness, instead of bracing against change. They inspire us to work through our fears and know that words matter. It is easy to discourage the spiritual development of others with words. Stories provide an invitation, instead of persuasion or coercion.”

This wisdom often comes from lessons they have embraced when facing challenges. “It’s not that wise elders are naive livers of life. They are scarred. To become self-actualized, one must accept suffering and learn from it,” she says.

At the same time, they acknowledge that every moment is a gift and live life to the fullest. “Wise elders know enjoyment and

want others to experience it, too, whether it’s ice cream, cookies or a sunset. After all, if you are not experiencing foundational joy in your life, something is quite wrong,” asserts Narvaez.

Seeds of Wisdom

A wise elder’s connection with nature is deeply rooted—grounded by the land and inspired by the promise of cultivation. “Seeds are our 400 million-year-old ancestors and elders. Gardens grow us more than we grow them. They nod and bow to seeds; and gardens as teachers are gardens as elders,” says Petra Page-Mann, co-owner of Fruition Seeds, a farm in Naples, New York, that grows and shares regionally adapted seeds.

Founded in 2012, Fruition Seeds is rooted in the idea that each seed, like each of us, is meant to change the world. In August 2024, they shifted from seed sales to sharing seeds as an embodied gift practice, honoring the co-owners’ desire to respect the seeds and practice reciprocity. “This move deliberately mirrors and honors what the seeds are teaching us,” Page-Mann explains. “They are gifts to the Earth, as we all are, and not ours to buy and sell. It’s a way to practice remembering and reimagining a culture of care and belonging. We are rehydrating our relationship with seeds and the land and moving away from a transactional being to an open place of giving and receiving.”

Page-Mann says, “I think of an elder as someone who inspires, challenges, uplifts and comforts. They are people who can accompany us into our challenges and through them, and not just try to fix problems. I see our relationship to wise elders in the way a river flows and changes on a whim. Sometimes it flows quickly, and at other times it moves smoothly and slowly. There might be rocks under the surface or waterfalls and dams along the way. At any moment in our lives, we experience different elements of that river. The river holds us as elders do: always present, offering diverse forms of medicine. There might be a lightning bolt of wisdom or awareness, followed by a cascade of insight. Other times, it’s just

sweet meandering; but we don’t need to paddle or swim because we are held by their flow.”

Rising From Adversity

Wise elders teach us that by leaning into challenges, we can reframe the risks associated with growth. “If we are in our comfort zone, we are safe, and if we are in our panic zone, we are not safe. There’s a discomfort in between. Wise elders are constantly extending their comfort zones and window of tolerance a little wider, so they can move and breathe more freely in that space,” says Page-Mann.

Although anyone can step into elderhood, Page-Mann believes that society needs to reframe its priorities in order to nurture the process. “We don’t have a cohesive cultural fabric for the role of a wise elder,” she points out. “It’s a capitalist and supremacy culture not grounded in love and belonging. Elders have been eroded from our lives. We’re all really shrunken, disconnected versions of ourselves.”

By challenging current priorities and shifting back to the organic flow of the Earth, we can embrace and embody the traits we seek and become role models and guides for others. “There is a natural progression of maturation where we play different roles in the community and can accompany each other with those

roles. If we are held in a cohesive cultural fabric of love and belonging, we can step into whatever role is calling us,” PageMann asserts.

Self-Care Comes First

While wise elders are generous with their time and attention, they value staying grounded. Cheryl Richardson, the Massachusetts-based author of Self-Care for the Wisdom Years: Practical Ways to Celebrate the Mystery and Wonder of Aging, says that doing inner work allows elders to become more available for others. “Wise elders are full of life,

steeped in gratitude, eager and excited for new adventures, and able to respond to anything placed before them with wisdom and grace,” she says. “They face aging and mortality with open eyes and a curious heart. They are self-reflective, committed to personal growth and anxious to invest time and energy into their inner lives. They are also happy to share what they’ve learned about life and aging with others. They make their greatest contribution to society by being a powerful example of what it means to embrace aging and the wisdom it provides.”

According to Richardson, “Wise elders see aging as a gift and an opportunity to learn about themselves in new and different ways. They are able to step back, take a deep breath and check their reactions before responding to life’s challenges. They consciously cultivate patience and self-reflection when faced with adversity. The wisdom years are an excellent time to challenge the voices that cling to old ways of life. It’s an opportunity to focus less on where you should be and more on where you are and what your soul wants. That’s when the magic of the moment sweeps you off your feet.”

Time Is Essential

At a time when we are living longer than ever, Richardson sees an opportunity to maximize our later years. “Now that longevity affords us a second adult life, we have time to evolve even more before we die. When people age consciously and prioritize their emotional and physical health, inner life, intimate connections with others and managing their minds, they age with far less fear and much more aliveness, peace and emotional freedom,” she explains.

Wise elders are in tune with their own capacity and availability, and they understand the importance of setting limits. “The gift of mortality is that it makes it easier to say no to those things that are no longer important. Therefore, boundary-setting becomes easier,” Rchardson says. “When you know you have limited time left, you are passionate about spending it wisely. Wise elders have a unique ability to let go of responsibilities that are no longer theirs, and to make space and sit with it. They know when enough is enough and can set firm, loving boundaries. Cultivating these capabilities will not only help us make the most out of our remaining years, but they’ll also mold us into the kind of wise elders so many of us wish we had growing up.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings . Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

Supporting Our Local Veterans Beyond Veterans Day

By Ariana Rawls Fine

Thank a veteran in your life and/ or in the community. While the thanks should be voiced frequently, November 11 is one day set aside nationally to officially recognize our U.S. Armed Forces veterans. Another way to care for our veterans at other times of the year is through organizations that provide resources, therapies, services and other support. When they return to civilian life—whether it was a long time ago or recently—they face unique physical, mental and emotional challenges. How can we help our Connecticut-based veterans beyond the programs and support services offered through the U.S. Veterans Administration, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legions and others? For this November 11, we spotlight ways you can help organizations that are focused on utilizing the earth, animals, yoga and art to support veterans in our state.

Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (CT RC&D) runs the Connecticut Veteran Grown program to help veterans research, launch and invest in their own farming endeavors. Funded through an U.S. Small Business Administration grant, the 3-year CT RC&D program is also a collaborative effort with Connecticut Farmer Veteran Coalition to create a resource hub, networking

opportunities, job training, financial help and more. The coalition was recently awarded a State of Connecticut Agricultural Viability Grant Program-funded agricultural enhancement grant. With the matching grant program, Farmer Veteran Coalition will help prospective and current farmer veterans with registering, permitting, grant writing, operations expansions and more.

“Their unique skill set, discipline and resilience make them well-suited for the challenges of farming, especially in a state that has seen an increase in periods of drought, flooding events and other intense storms due to our changing climate,” states Sarah Layton, CT RC&D’s agricultural programs coordinator.

It is well-known and documented the healing and helpful effects that welltrained animals have on those needing support; this includes veterans who may be coping with PTSD, other psychological traumas and physical issues. These companion pets and/or service animals offer veterans physical and emotion help, purpose, and hopefulness.

Pets for Patriots, Inc. works with veterans to help with their companion pet wellness care, training, food, adopting out and other resources, including aiding with moving with pets or foster care for deployments or

Veterans pose with Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services volunteers, staff and horses after an activity. Credit: Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services.

The Healing Power of Veterans Yoga Project

Ahardship situations. In addition, there are local organizations that raise funds and resources for those needing therapy dogs, including the Norwich-based Veterans Helping Veterans. Individual and corporate donations as well as funds raised at the golf tournament and other events enable the nonprofit to collaborate on bringing therapy dogs to veterans who need them.

When it comes to horses, the Gales Ferry-based Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services brings therapeutic healing to veterans with instructors and trained volunteers working with them in horse-related activities. The nonprofit’s co-founder, executive director and lead instructor, Thor Torgersen, has seen how the veterans form bonds with the horses that transcend the reaches of traditional therapies.

“There’s a quiet wisdom in the horses’ presence—a way they teach us life lessons that no other form of therapy can replicate,” explains Torgersen. “Whether it’s through the meditative practice of archery, the grounding experience of outdoor skills, or the sense of community found in sharing a meal, each of these elements helps veterans reconnect with themselves and discover a better path forward.”

Bringing in the therapeutic benefits of art is behind a state effort to utilize it as a trauma healing tool with multiple twomonth workshops for veterans and their adult/young adult family members. The Art of Wellbeing for Veterans and Their Families is a collaborative effort in Bridgeport between Mental Health Connecticut and Homes for the Brave, and partially funded by Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network. The 8-week, trauma-informed workshops include drawing, writing, movement, drumming and more.

As community members, is it not our civic duty to help those who have defended us and served this country? Whether you donate, volunteer and/or spread the word about these and other local, regional and national organizations, your support can literally help save lives in Connecticut.

To our veterans and active duty military members, thank you for your service.

decade ago, Natural Awakenings spotlighted the efforts of Dr. Daniel J. Libby as he focused on bringing the healing powers of yoga to veterans. He was a postdoctoral fellow with the Yale University Department of Psychiatry at the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut. In his psychotherapy work with PTSD, he observed how some veterans’ self-regulating practices enabled them to deal better with stress and symptoms. He launched Veterans Yoga Project (VYP) as a way to give skills and knowledge to yoga instructors to teach the modality with veterans’ unique challenges and adaptations in mind. What began as teaching yoga teachers has expanded to encourage veterans to teach yoga, and now includes monthly continuing education training, local and international classes, and much more.

VYP has grown immensely since its first Mindful Yoga Therapy training in October 2010 in Connecticut. The first VYP veterans retreat happened in 2013 before the organization had its first training in Canada in July 2014, followed by the First Veterans Gratitude week raising about $20,000 from 96 classes across 25 states that November. The organization continued to grow with grants, additional classes and participation in various studies on veterans, yoga, pain and more. The first advanced training summit took place in June 2017, followed by another milestone reaching 20,000 veteran visits for the year in December 2018. The Veterans Yoga Project Teacher Alliance started in 2019, resulting in Veterans Gratitude Week holding over 600 classes in 50 states and three continents that year.

The first 200-hour Mindful Resilience Yoga Teacher Training program for veterans, by veterans, launched in 2020. With the pandemic, the organization debuted its Online Streaming Classes virtual programming with free live classes for veterans, first responders, caregivers, active duty, families and communities. That year alone, they livestreamed more than 1,800 classes.

From 2021 to the present, VYP introduced its online Mindful Resilience for Compassion Fatigue course as well as an online studio and phone app. Brianna Renner was named as CEO. By the end of 2023, it reached over 47,000 veteran, service member, military family and community member encounters. In addition to signing collaborative agreements with DogTag and Student Veterans of America in 2024, VYP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the VA in July.

VYP’s growth is a testament to the need out there and the hard work of the organization’s founder, CEO, staff and yoga teachers.

Find out more about their efforts and support VYP at VeteransYogaProject.org.

Connecticut.

Ariana Rawls Fine is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Central-Eastern

One of Connecticut Veteran Grown’s recipients, Stephen Thompson, feeds a lamb on his Torrington-based Thy Neighbors Farm. Credit: Lisa Nichols, Bread & Beast Photography.

Blissful Bowls

Celebrating With Soup

by Marlaina Donato

Whether we showcase winter’s root vegetables or come home to comfort food simmering on the stove, soup is a language of love with many dialects: from under-the-weather broths and velvety bisques to slow-cooked stews and stick-to-the-ribs chowders. A bowl of soup can bridge the mundane and the magical, inviting us to slow our fast-paced lives, share the bounty with loved ones and honor recipes of generations past.

“Every time I make soup, even if it’s one I’ve made over and over, it fills me with a sense of wonder that a bunch of disparate ingredients— legumes, grains, raw vegetables, onions, garlic, seasonings—always meld in a way that seems almost miraculous,” marvels Nava Atlas, the Hudson Valley, New York-based author of more than 10 cookbooks, including Vegan Soups and Stews for all Seasons .

Making Vegetables Shine

Eating seasonally can help our bodies transition into winter, and soups that incorporate cold-weather crops offer delicious versatility. “Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to be thankful for the harvest. Soups in the fall are typically a hearty mix of what you may have grown in your garden. These could be rich and creamy tomato, pumpkin or pea soups,” says Sharon Hapton, founder and CEO of nonprofit Soup Sisters, a foodassistance program in 27 cities across Canada. The author of The Soup

Sisters and Broth Brothers Cookbook attests that taking a little time to make soup “is a great way to nourish our spirits and reconnect with the food.” In any combination, rainbow carrots, rutabaga, parsnips, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, leeks and winter squashes pack a punch in flavor, color and texture. Special-occasion soups can be simple childhood favorites dressed up with the pungent tastes of sage, rosemary, ginger, chiles or coriander seeds. Creamy soups, whether traditional or vegan, pair beautifully with wild rice, roasted pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans. Atlas suggests combining vegetables in surprising ways to take advantage of contrasting flavors, such as adding sweet potatoes and bell peppers to a black bean stew.

Broth Versus Stock

Although broths and stocks can be made using vegetables and/or bones and seasoned with salt and pepper, a broth is thinner in consistency and requires a shorter simmering time, whereas a stock can be simmered for four to six hours, resulting in a heavier texture. Nutritional bone broth is usually simmered for 12 to 36 hours to create a collagen-rich stock. All of these can be sipped for a soothing repast or incorporated into other recipes.

Bringing Out Flavor With Salt

Atlas notes, “Most soups benefit from judicious salting to bring out the flavors, but I suggest waiting until the end to add salt, giving the soup time to develop flavor first. And it’s surprising how

much of a lift lemon and lime juice can give to soup broth.” For those monitoring their sodium, she recommends salt-free seasoning blends, like Dash, or Spike, a zesty low-sodium option found at health food stores.

The Legacy of a Treasured Recipe

Holiday time can be bittersweet, especially when lost family members are not at the table, but taking out an old, handed-down recipe is a wonderful way to preserve culinary customs and commemorate the family’s heritage. “Creating delicious food like soup from a loved one’s recipe is more than the ingredient list on a card,” says Hapton. “Use the silver spoon handed down from family to stir the love and rekindle the memories of loved ones. A natural flow of storytelling happens when we cook together, and the ‘dash of this and that’ can make its own lively conversation.”

According to Atlas, “Food traditions are a way to embrace each person’s unique history—where their ancestors were from, what was available to them, what they felt comforted by. Yet, despite all the different traditions, food is a great uniter, a fantastic way to connect us as humans.”

Presenting soup in an elegant tureen and putting out toppings such as chopped fragrant herbs or crushed pink peppercorns at each place setting gives soup a festive, gourmet touch. “Don’t wait for a special occasion to bring out the good dinnerware,” Hapton suggests. “Enjoy it every day, even in some small way.” Ultimately, gratitude is the most important ingredient. This Thanksgiving, invite each guest at the table to ladle a bowl of soup for the person next to them, offering a single word of appreciation as a form of grace. Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

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Brazilian Black Bean Stew

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This vegan version of Brazil’s famous national dish, feijoada, is an abundantly nourishing stew. Optional embellishments include steamed fresh greens and slices of mango and/or papaya.

YIELD: 6 TO 8 SERVINGS FOR THE RICE

1 cup tomato juice or tomato sauce

3 cups water

1½ cups raw brown rice, rinsed FOR THE STEW

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1½ cups water

3 to 3½ cups black beans, cooked, or 2 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed

1 medium red bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips

1 medium green or yellow bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips

1 cup diced tomatoes

2 small fresh hot green chili peppers, seeded and thinly sliced, divided

1½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp dried thyme

½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

For the rice, combine the tomato juice with the water in a large saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Add the rice, then lower the heat and simmer gently with the cover ajar until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 30 minutes. Cover and set the cooked rice aside.

For the stew, heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until both are golden. Stir in the sweet potatoes and water. Bring stew to a slow boil, then lower the heat. Simmer gently over low heat with the cover ajar until the sweet potatoes are just tender but still firm, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Add the beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, one of the chili peppers, cumin and thyme. Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes longer, uncovered. The stew should have the consistency of a thick chili. Add a bit more water if it is too thick.

Stir in half of the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve over the hot cooked rice in shallow bowls and garnish each serving with a little extra parsley and a few slices of the reserved chili pepper. Recipe and image courtesy of Nava Atlas.

Courtesy of Nava Atlas

Mellow Sweet Potato Soup

Subtly spiced with a colorful garnish, this warming soup tempts the eye with an appealing golden color and pleases the palate with the delectable flavor of sweet potatoes.

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

SOUP

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

1 large celery stalk, diced

A handful of celery leaves

3 to 4 medium-large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 6 cups)

1 tsp ground cumin

TOPPING

1 Tbsp olive oil

½ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk, or as needed

½ lime, juiced

½ lime, sliced thinly for garnish

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

6 kale leaves, preferably lacinato, stemmed and thinly sliced

1½ cups fresh or frozen (thawed) corn kernels

2 scallions, thinly sliced ¼ cup cilantro leaves

Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onions, carrots and celery, and sauté over medium-low heat until all are golden.

Add the celery leaves and diced sweet potato. Add just enough water to cover all but about an inch of the vegetables. Bring to a slow boil. Stir in the cumin, thyme and nutmeg, then lower the heat. Simmer gently over low heat with the cover ajar until the sweet potatoes and vegetables are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Transfer the solid ingredients from the soup pot to a food processor or blender with about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Process until smoothly pureed (or leave a bit chunky), then stir back into the soup pot. Alternatively, skip the food processor and insert an immersion blender into the pot and blend the soup until pureed to preferred consistency. Add enough plant-based milk to give the soup a slightly thick consistency. Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes longer.

For the topping, heat the oil in a medium skillet. Add the kale and sauté until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the corn and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes longer. Add the scallions and sauté for another minute. Stir in the cilantro and remove from the heat. Mound a little of this topping mixture on each serving of soup, along with a thin slice or two of fresh lime.

Recipe is from Vegan Soups and Stews for All Seasons (5th edition) by Nava Atlas. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky © 2024 Amberwood Press, reprinted by permission.

Hannah Kaminsky

Apple Parsnip Cream With Chorizo Sausage

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

¼ cup butter

2 Gala apples, peeled, cored and diced

2 cups parsnips, peeled and diced

½ large onion, finely chopped

2 Tbsp shallots, finely chopped

2 Tbsp roasted red pepper, minced

1 Tbsp roasted garlic, minced

1½ tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated

½ tsp ground allspice

¼ tsp dried thyme

2½ cups chicken stock

1 cup whipping cream with 35 percent milk fat

½ cup dry vermouth

½ cup olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 chorizo sausage, uncooked, casing removed

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp pepper

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add apples, onion, shallots, red pepper, garlic, ginger, allspice and thyme. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened.

Add the stock and cream and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the apples and parsnips are tender, about 20 minutes.

Transfer the soup ingredients to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Return soup to the pot and add vermouth, olive oil and lemon juice. Reheat gently.

Meanwhile, crumble the chorizo sausage in a small skillet. Cook, stirring often, over medium heat until the sausage is cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter the chorizo over the top.

Recipe by chef Liana Robberecht and photo by Julie Van Rosendaal from The Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers Cookbook published by Appetite by Random House, used with permission.

—Willie Nelson

Julie Van Rosendaal

Finding Grace in Hardship

by Marlaina Donato

With the season of gratitude comes an annual flurry of festivities. Many of us feel obligated to show up at the table when we might prefer retreating into a corner of solitude. Finding a shred of gratitude may feel like an obligatory or even impossible feat if we are buckling beneath the weight of personal problems. Well-meaning loved ones might point out the blessings in our lives, and it is easy to be snared into feeling guilty if we cannot appreciate the good. Being thankful for crumbs when we have been denied a feast might seem a task reserved for saints, but simply having faith in an hour of plenty that is yet to come can soften the sharp edge of our hunger. Feeling gratitude for bounty that has not yet arrived, and for all that is on its way to us in its rightful season, provides us with an opportunity to see the light beyond the shadow. According to the Buddhist proverb, “Enough is a feast.”

Seeing “enough” on the table, in the mirror, in each other and in each day is a spiritual practice worth cultivating. Reaching beyond our comfort zone by loving others when we do not feel loved or supporting someone else when we feel less-than can bring us closer to all that is slightly out of reach. Taking time to observe nature’s complex

patterns—fractals within flowers, textures of trees or the edible geometry of a cauliflower—reminds us that we, too, are part of the universal order.

Finding fragments of beauty along the wayside—a child’s pure laugh, the drop of sweet honey left on the spoon or a bird’s wing reflecting the morning light—invites us to look beyond the chaotic, current chapter to see the bigger story. Choosing to remember that all chapters come to a close can help us decide what we want to write in the next one.

Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

Feeling gratitude for bounty that has not yet arrived, and for all that is on its way to us in its rightful season, provides us with an opportunity to see the light beyond the shadow.

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Green Gadgets for the Home

Smart Choices to Save Money and Preserve Resources

by Deborah Bevilacqua

Many consumers are taking personal action to benefit the environment, such as reducing consumption, altering eating practices and modifying travel. In response to consumer demand, technology and product companies are creating new offerings to reduce carbon footprints, protect the planet and safeguard the environment for future generations. Here is a look at some of those products and technologies.

Dryer Balls: When dropped into the dryer, these spiky rubber balls separate

clothes to expedite drying and keep them soft. Because they are reusable, they save money and replace the need for dryer sheets that are made from non-woven polyester and coated with liquid softeners, fragrance and, in some cases, volatile organic compounds. Eliminating dryer-sheet use reduces the release of microplastics and waste to landfills and waterways.

Hand-Powered Shredders: With a twist of the wrist, documents containing confidential and personal information can be destroyed while conserving energy.

Smart Control Plugs: According to Honey-well, about 25 percent of energy usage in a building comes from pluggedin electronics that sap energy when not in use. Smart plugs and power strips can detect when a plugged-in device is not in use and shut off its power or can be set to turn off using a timer, saving energy and money. They also provide energy monitoring features that allow users to track their energy consumption and identify high-energy-consuming devices.

Solar-Powered Device Chargers:

Solar power used in portable chargers provides energy on the go. It also can be built into devices such as wireless speakers, laptop computer cases and other small electronics, eliminating the need to plug a charger into an outlet or use disposable batteries.

Green Navigation: Global positioning systems (GPS) units are being upgraded to not only help drivers get from point A to B and avoid traffic, but also to provide the most fuel-efficient routes.

Smart Thermostats: These devices allow home or office temperatures to be set remotely from a smartphone app that tracks user preferences and energy usage, allowing people to reduce their heating and cooling bills. Smart thermostat producer ecobee estimates that its products save more than 26 percent on

Jittawit.21/CanvaPro

energy costs compared to simply setting a fixed temperature of 72° F.

Solar Water Heaters: While initially more costly to purchase and install, solar water heating systems can benefit the planet and the pocketbook for years. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that they can reduce water heating bills by 50 to 80 percent and protect homeowners from fuel shortages and price hikes.

Green Living Apps: A growing list of phone apps help people live more sustainably, such as Too Good To Go and Olio for sharing surplus food; the Ecosia search engine that applies a portion of their profits to planting trees; Ailuna and AWorld, which help users form longlasting eco-friendly habits; and HappyCow to locate vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

Water Monitors: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that undetected water leaks in the average household waste approximately 10,000 gallons of water annually. Installing a water monitoring system uses ultrasonic sensors to find leaks.

Energy-Saving Televisions: ENERGY STAR certification is not just for refrigerators and dryers. These TVs are 25 percent more efficient than conventional

models and include the industry’s most popular features.

Greener Smartphones: Although obligatory in today’s world, smartphones come with an environmental cost. When upgrading to the next model, look for brands that use recycled materials, support responsible mining, and recycle and repair their products.

Electric Transportation: Using electric bikes and scooters around town reduces the need for cars and public transportation, and reduces traffic congestion and pollution. Remember to wear a helmet while operating these zeroemission alternatives that cut costs and the rider’s carbon footprint.

Kitchen Composter: The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates food loss and waste at the retail and consumer levels to be more than 30 percent. Kitchen composters turn that waste into nutrient-rich compost for the garden by grinding and drying it. These appliances use activated charcoal filters to eliminate odors and sensors to monitor temperature, moisture and oxygen levels to optimize microbial activity and decomposition.

Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

PET PARENTS

Benefits of Compression Therapy

Improving Lymphatic Circulation for Better Health and Fitness

by Maya Whitman Healing Ways

Adequate cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation is key for all matters of well-being, including heart health, wound healing, fluid balance and muscle recovery after a workout. To address circulation issues, the advent of compression therapy began as early as 1950 with the invention of compression socks by German engineer and varicose vein sufferer Conrad Jobst. Today, the use of compression gear in the form of boots, leggings, sleeves, bandages, wraps and suits is surging in

athletics, as well as physical therapy. In medical settings, the Cleveland Clinic recommends the use of compression bandages, stockings and inflatable wraps to treat swelling and pain in patients experiencing the poor circulation that is often associated with conditions ranging from pregnancy to diabetes and congestive heart failure.

According to market research company SNS Insider, the global compression therapy market—driven not only by athletic demand but also by the rising

occurrence of diabetes, lymphedema, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis in an aging population—is predicted to expand to $7.86 billion by 2032.

Lymphedema and Diabetic Swelling

The lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and tissues that work in conjunction with the circulatory system to maintain healthy fluid levels, filter out waste products and abnormal cells, help the body absorb fats and support the immune system. “It is like the body’s waste-water treatment system,” explains Brittany Curwen, a certified lymphedema therapist and registered occupational therapist at Therapy Achievements, in Decatur, Alabama. “Compression helps keep the right amount of pressure on the blood vessels to make sure the valves inside the veins work in one direction, so blood and lymphatic fluid gets where it needs to go.”

Inflammatory response is normal during the healing process, but when the lymph vessels are unable to drain, lymph fluid in an arm, leg or other body part may cause painful swelling called lymphedema. This condition is commonly caused by cancer, radiation treatments, surgery and, in developing countries, parasites. “After surgery, a light elastic compression garment worn during the daytime hours can help [treat lymphedema]. For someone without a history of lymphedema, a garment that applies 10 to 15 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) of pressure can help. These are often found at drugstores or online,” says Curwen, noting that such garments can be worn for several weeks during waking hours until the swelling subsides and normal activity is resumed. “For someone with more severe swelling, a medicalgrade garment is essential to prevent the lymphedema from progressing and causing changes in the skin texture. A medical-grade garment should be prescribed by a physician.”

Swelling is a common occurrence when diabetes is accompanied by other diseases that impact circulation, such as

Sergey Ryzhov

/Shutterstock

cardiovascular disease or kidney disease, which can promote pooling of fluid in the legs and feet. A 2023 meta-review published in International Wound Journal found sustained graduated compression to be useful in healing diabetic-related leg sores from pooled blood.

Active Lifestyles

While hitting the gym or going for a long hike does a body good, most people want to avoid post-workout discomfort, and that is where compression clothing can help. By applying pressure to specific body parts, this clothing improves circulation and ultimately supports muscle recovery. “After intense physical activity, lactic acid is produced as a byproduct of anaerobic respiration, which occurs when your muscles need more energy than your body can supply through oxygen alone,” explains Tabitha Eaves, owner of Rise Up Wellness, in Bloomfield, Michigan. “Lactic acid buildup can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness during and after exercise. The recovery process involves the body

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Compression helps keep the right amount of pressure on the blood vessels to make sure the valves inside the veins work in one direction, so blood and lymphatic fluid gets where it needs to go.

clearing out this lactic acid and other metabolic waste products, which helps to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation and swelling, speeding up the overall recovery time.”

A 2021 study published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation involving mostly endurance athletes— predominately runners—reported that compression garments were worn on their lower extremities to prevent injury or reduce symptoms of a current injury,

and users perceived a faster post-exercise recovery (more than 80 percent), as well as improved sports performance (more than 70 percent).

Eaves specializes in Normatec compression therapy, which uses air to apply pressure to a body part, thereby mimicking a natural muscle-pump action. She suggests that this type of pneumatic compression typically can be used three to four times a week. Some athletes employ it daily, especially during periods of intense training. She adds, “Posttherapy, most users report feeling relaxed, with some experiencing a slight tingling sensation as circulation increases.”

While compression therapy is generally safe for most people, Curwen cautions anyone with peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, advanced kidney disease or unmanaged high blood pressure to obtain a physician’s approval before using compression therapy or compression garments.

Maya Whitman is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

The brain has its own cleaning system, known as the glymphatic system. Its job is to remove waste products, scar tissue and swelling that accumulates over time, allowing the body to process them out. However, when we experience head injuries; are exposed to environmental toxins, unhealthy food or medication; or just suffer from poor sleep, the glymphatic system may become less effective. As this system deteriorates, it can lead to more serious issues and neurological disorders.

Structural Energetic Therapy® offers specialized cranial/ structural techniques designed to address the breakdown of the glymphatic system. These techniques work by first unwinding pathways to allow waste products to flow, then initiating and assisting the movement of these waste products through those pathways, creating space around the brain. Think of it like unkinking a pipe and then applying pressure to drain out what was stuck, restoring the free flow of fluid.

After receiving these treatments, the brain has the space it needs to begin healing itself. This can significantly reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of most, if not all, cognitive disorders. In some cases, it can even reduce symptoms of more severe conditions like autism, early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease

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Raising Children To Be Thankful

Benefits of Feeling and Expressing Appreciation

by Christina Connors

American adults are feeling increasingly troubled. According to a 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll, approximately 43 percent of respondents say they are more anxious now than in previous years (up from 32 percent in 2022), with current events like the economy, elections and gun violence driving 70 percent of worries. As is often the case, children can be

affected by the emotional state of adults in their lives. A 2022 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders reported that children of anxious parents are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders and twice as likely to have anxiety problems than children of non-anxious parents.

To mitigate this trend, parents, guardians and teachers have a powerful tool at their disposal: gratitude.

By championing, modeling and encouraging a grateful heart, they can teach kids to temper episodes of anxiety and regain a sense of safety.

Benefits of Gratitude

“Gratitude is one of these microbehaviors that creates macro-change,” says Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a Connecticut-based certified school psychologist, neurofeedback provider, author, speaker and podcast host specializing in childhood mental health. “When we have gratitude, there are a lot of overall benefits to our health. Research has shown that gratitude can trigger the brain to release hormones and neurotransmitters that are associated with happiness, such as dopamine and serotonin. Having a gratitude practice as a family can even break negative patterns in the family ecosystem, moving toward generational mental wealth.”

“Humans are hardwired to notice and acknowledge negative experiences due to our natural instinct for survival, but we can overcome our negative biases by incorporating gratitude into our daily routines,” says Andrea Trank, an integrative medicine health coach, HeartMath trainer and trauma-sensitive practitioner in Norfolk, Virginia. “We can shift from feelings of sadness, anxiety and anger to feelings of hope and calm simply by focusing on what we are grateful for. Gratitude also supports immune health, helps us respond, rather than react, to life’s stressors, and shifts the rhythm of the heart into physiological coherence, resulting in the release of oxytocin and DHEA [dehydroepiandrosterone], which promote positive feelings.”

Modeling Gratitude

One of the most effective ways to teach children to be grateful is to express our own gratitude with actions and words. “Forcing our children to be grateful doesn’t work. Model gratitude in a natural and authentic way,” Trank advises. “Notice the little things, and

when you are out as a family, slow down and verbally point out the moments of beauty and generosity you see around you. Showing gratitude through action is the way your child will naturally be inspired to do the same.”

Practicing gratitude as a family can be fun, and it’s a great way to connect deeply with one another. Invite everyone around the dinner table to identify the things for which they are grateful or reflect on moments of gratitude that they witnessed throughout the day. Such positive conversations help develop optimistic outlooks for the whole family. Make it a routine for each family member to simply say “Thank you” upon waking, and to jot down thoughts of gratitude in a journal before the lights go off at the end of the day.

The Thank-You Note

Handwritten thank-you notes are being replaced by texts, emails and emojis as a means of expressing gratitude, but if parents encourage their daughters and sons to see the value of a written note at a young age, this worthwhile activity can become second nature for a child. While it takes a little more time than composing a text, scribing a thoughtful and meaningful written message that expresses gratitude can be read over and over again and reminds the recipient that they matter. When we receive gratitude from others, we are accepting a gift that strengthens the bonds of connection.

Research in 2018 published in Psychological Science points out that people underestimate the power of expressing gratitude and overestimate how awkward it will be, which may keep them from engaging in this impactful practice. This Thanksgiving, embrace the power of gratitude and share it with the next generation to make a positive impact on everyone’s mental health.

Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of a YouTube series for children. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.

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ALLY KOSAKOWSKI

Ally’s Earth Touch Massage Licensed Massage Therapist for 20+ years

Cranial Sacral Therapy, Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Cupping, Raindrop Therapy

203-824-8293

AllyFand@gmail.com AllysEarthTreasures.com

MILFORD BODY THERAPY

Therapeutic

Massage, Myofascial Therapy, Cellulite Reduction, Manual Lymphatic Drainage

318 New Haven Ave., Unit D Milford, CT • 203-874-3096

MilfordBodyTherapy.com

TAI CHI

AIPING TAI CHI

Shirley Chock, CCWS Stressbender

Discover authentic Tai Chi, Qigong and internal martial arts.

AipingTaiChi.com/Links

Shirley@AipingTaiChi.com

Talk/Text: 203-795-0203

Calendar of Events

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Healing Through Divorce: TLC Lunch and Learn Noon-1:30 p.m. On Zoom. With Atty. Sharon DeFala and Beth Leas. Join for a gathering designed to help you understand the divorce process and approach it in a holistic way. Explore powerful tools for transformation and visualization and meditation skills that will support you. $25 (free for TLC VIP Members). Register: BethLeas.com/Registration/Healing-ThroughDivorce-a-Holistic-Approach.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Beyond the Veil With Rick Florentine. 1-3 p.m. Have you wondered what happens after you die? Florentine will discuss his experience from “dying” for a few minutes and share lessons that dying and resuscitation have made in his personal and professional life. Suggested donation: $10 for nonprofit Wholistic Journey Inc. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, register: TheRedBarninDurham.com/Classes/2024/11/2/Beyond-the-Veil-With-Rick-Florentine Book Launch & Reading. 2-5 p.m. Catherine Steinberg, psychotherapist, shamanic practitioner, artist and author, writes about spiritual awakening through loss, becoming a mother, self-identity and karmic resolution in her new book, Eating Chocolate and Watching the Moon. Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford, CT. Info: CatherineNSteinberg.com/Memoir.htm.

Vibration of Wholeness. 6-8 p.m. A shamanic channeling, heart chakra healing experience with sound bowls with Mountain Flower Medicine Woman. For healers and yogis looking for a deep, soulful connection; those seeking divine support, and people wanting to connect with beloveds who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. New London, CT. Info, RSVP: LeslieKarenHammond.com/Events.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Spiritual Empowerment Consciousness-Raising Meetup. 2:30-4:30 p.m. First Sundays. The meetup will be in the high-frequency Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare location. Light fare and a raffle ticket to win a 30-minute Tachyon Chamber session are included. Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare, LLC, Ste. #3, 1533 New Britain Ave., Farmington, CT. Call/text for info: 860-798-6176. RSVP: shorturl.at/quxFF.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Learn How to Experience Shamanic Journey Level Two. 7-8:30 p.m. This class expands on the basic teachings of journeying techniques found in the Ancient Celtic Tradition. Prerequisite: Shamanic Journey Level One. $30. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info: Journey-insights. com. Register with Jim Powers: 860-967-7103, JPowers1741@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

TLC Networking Lunch in Guilford. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. First Thursdays. Calling all healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners to recharge, meet, mingle and connect. Tribe TLC, a group of over 150 likeminded holistic wellness professionals and entrepreneurs, offers healthy living resources for body, mind and spirit in CT and NY. Shoreline Diner, Guilford, CT. Info: TribeTLC.com. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

Shamanic Crystal-Sound Bath. 6-7:15 p.m. Every other Thursday. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field with master crystal and sound healer, Bradford Tilden. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. $25 (walk-in: $30). The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com. Register: tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundHealing2024.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Beginners Astrology Class and Refresher Course 11 a.m.-2 p.m. With Cat Mortimer. This beginning astrology workshop will cover the 12 signs of the zodiac, the planets that rule the signs, the 12 houses of an astrology chart, and more. Natal chart is necessary to study from. Study group follows course. No previous knowledge necessary. Intermediate level covered as needed. $75. Mystics by the Sea, 394 New Haven Ave. #8, Milford, CT. Reservations required: SunnyCatKnight@gmail.com.

Book Signing. Noon-2 p.m. Book signing event with Catherine Steinberg, psychotherapist, shamanic practitioner, artist and author, writes about spiritual awakening through loss, becoming a mother, selfidentity and karmic resolution in her new book, Eating Chocolate and Watching the Moon. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford, CT. Info: CatherineNSteinberg.com/Memoir.htm.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Intro to Singing Bowls. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Learn the basics of playing the singing bowls (bronze and crystal) as well as exercises for your personal or professional practice. Full certifications available. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own bowls to learn on. $125. The Sacred Cocoon at The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info: SacredCocoon.com. Register: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11

TLC Networking Morning. 8:30-10 a.m. Online via Zoom. Second Mondays. Looking for a community of healthy living practitioners and solopreneurs? Be prepared for a morning of connection and adventure. Tribe TLC is a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, affordable marketing opportunities and fun. Come as a guest for the first time and then become a TLC member. Info: TribeTLC.com. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

TLC Networking Lunch in Milford. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Second Tuesdays. Calling all healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners to recharge, meet, mingle and connect. Tribe TLC, a group of over 150 like-minded holistic wellness professionals and entrepreneurs, offers healthy living resources for body, mind and spirit in CT and NY. Stonebridge Restaurant, Milford, CT. Info: TribeTLC.com. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203-8569566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

Come Learn Health Series. 5-6:30 p.m. Second Tuesdays. Learn how to have a healthy turkey day and what to do at the beginning of “sick season.” Seasoned nutritional kinesiologist Carolyn Finch will do muscle testing to determine foods that create indigestion, food sensitivity, bloating and elimination challenges. $30. Nature’s Goods Market, 860 Straits Tpke., Middlebury, CT. Info, register: 203-577-2000.

Holistic Moms Network: Parenting with Homeopathy. 6:30-8 p.m. Join the New Haven County chapter to learn the ways homeopathy can help with parenting with Yashasvi (Yaashi) Jhangiani. Whether you have young, older or no kids, come network with like-minded, non-judgmental people during the monthly meeting. Free. Location: Re:mind Wellness Boutique, 460 Naugatuck Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven.

Gemstone Healing Circle . 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bimonthly healing circle featuring White Time Energy and Gemstone healing. October’s gemstone layout is Increasing Brain Capacity #1. All are welcome. Facilitated by Bradford Tilden. $30. Crystal Music Healing 92 North Summit St., Southington, CT. Info: 860-830-5841, Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com, Register: CrystalMusicHealing.com/Event/GemstoneHealing-Circle-Southington-CT-Nov-12.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Peptide & Nutrition Program Meetup. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Second Wednesdays. Come talk about peptides, mindfulness and nutrition with Dr. Vitali and Dr. Young to support you on your weight-loss journey. Info, RSVP: CTNaturalHealth.com/Events/PeptideNutrition-Program-Meetup-Wednesday.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Sound Healing Sessions w/Kelvin Young & Maria del Carmen. 6-7:30 p.m. Every other Thursday Create a safe space during a sound healing gathering to share feelings and hold space for each other while sipping on cacao. Relax to the sounds by Kelvin Young, RSS and Maria Del Carmen, MBA. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info, register: BridgeHAC.com/Event/SoundHealing-Kelvin-Young/2024-11-14.

Tong Ren Healing Class. 7-8 p.m. Second Thursdays With Erik Harris. Distance energy healing modality that taps into the bio-electrical system for healing. Start with a meditative relaxed state. Comment with 3 things you would like healed and 3 people you would like to send healing. $10. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-5938397, Erik@ChiforHealing.com, ChiforHealing.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Herbal Remedies. 6:30- 8 p.m. Third Thursdays. Monthly series on seasonal herbal remedy preparation and creation. Learn techniques to grow and process herbs to make herbal remedies, including when to harvest, how to dry and preserve herbs, and how to make products. Includes items made in class to take home and workbook instructional pages. $50/session. Virtual or in-person at Bridget Healthing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, NY. Info, RSVP: BellaVitaAlchemy.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15-17

Universal White Time Healing Certification Level 1. UWT is a powerful energy healing modality to heal yourself and others on a deep soul level that works with all frequencies of color and time to grow beyond current limits in life and healing practice. Crystal Music Healing, 92 North Summit St., Southington, CT. Info: 860-830-5841, Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com. Register: tinyurl.com/ClassDeposit50 (deadline: Nov. 8).

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Tonics, Tinctures & Oxymels. 9:30 a.m. Build body’s immunity for the coming winter months by preparing your own tonics and more. Begin with discovering what compromises your immune system and what you can add to bolster it. Take home a jar of fresh fire cider. Massaro Community Farm, 41 Ford Rd., Woodbridge, CT. $0-$35/person. Register (discount info in online event description): bit.ly/ MassaroNutrition24.

Psychic Saturday Featuring John Moore! Tea Leaves/Celtic Runes/Cards. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. John Moore will be offering readings. Encouraged to take notes or record the sessions. Call/text to RSVP: 860-6388911. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: TheRedBarnInDurham.com/Classes.

Learn How to Read the Akashic Records. 1-5 p.m. With Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan, owner of Autumn Sage LLC. Explanation of history, definitions of the Akashic records, what to expect, guidelines. Opening meditation/visual imagery and breathwork. Akashic one-card oracle reading. Discussion and practice in groups. $50. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info: TheRedBarninDurham.com/Classes/2024/11/16/Learn-How-to-Read-the-AkashicRecords. RSVP: RosallyKaplan@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Community Acupuncture (Manchester). Selected acupuncture points will be used from the knees down and elbows down. Wear clothing that is conducive to these areas. Shoes and socks are usually removed. Do not need to be a current patient. Sliding scale payment model: $20, $25 or $30. Collaborative Natural Health Partners, 315 East Center St., Manchester, CT. Info, register: CTNaturalHealth.com/Events/CommunityAcupuncture-Manchester-30.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

TLC Networking Evening. 6-7:30 p.m. Online via Zoom. Last Wednesdays. Looking for a community of healthy living practitioners and solopreneurs? Invite a holistic practitioner/entrepreneur friend and be prepared for an evening of connection, adventure and laughter. Info: TribeTLC.com. RSVP to Beth Leas for login info: 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

Learn How to Experience Shamanic Journey Level Two. 7-8:30 p.m. This class expands on the basic teachings of journeying techniques found in the Ancient Celtic Tradition. Prerequisite: Shamanic Journey Level One. $30. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info: Journey-insights. com. Register with Jim Powers: 860-967-7103, JPowers1741@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Shamanic Crystal-Sound Bath. 6-7:15 p.m. Every other Thursday . Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field with master crystal and sound healer, Bradford Tilden. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. $25 (walk-in: $30). The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: 860404-2578. BridgeHAC.com. Register: tinyurl.com/ BridgeSoundHealing2024.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Salt and Sound Elemental Chakra Cleanse and Gallery Reading. 6-7:30 p.m. With Katie Cavenagh. Elemental chakra cleanse sound healing meditation in zero gravity chairs while receiving a salt session alongside a guided sound meditation. Wear white socks in salt cave. Bring a blanket and water. Arrive early to set up. $75. The SoulShine Salt Cavern at The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Reservation required: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Peptide & Nutrition Program Meetup. 8-9 a.m. Fourth Thursdays. Come talk about peptides, mindfulness and nutrition with Dr. Vitali and Dr. Young to support you on your weight-loss journey. Info, RSVP: CTNaturalHealth.com/Events/Peptide-NutritionProgram-Meet-Up-Friday.

Sound Healing Sessions w/Kelvin Young & Maria del Carmen. 6-7:30 p.m. Every other Thursday Create a safe space during a sound healing gathering to share feelings and hold space for each other while sipping on cacao. Relax to the sounds by Kelvin Young, RSS and Maria Del Carmen, MBA. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info, register: BridgeHAC.com/Event/SoundHealing-Kelvin-Young/2024-11-28.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

Spiritual Empowerment Consciousness-Raising Meetup. 2:30-4:30 p.m. First Sundays. The meetup will be in the high-frequency Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare location. Light fare and a raffle ticket to win a 30-minute Tachyon Chamber session are included. Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare, LLC, Ste. #3, 1533 New Britain Ave., Farmington, CT. Call/text for info: 860-798-6176. RSVP: shorturl.at/quxFF.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

TLC Networking Lunch in Guilford. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. First Thursdays. Calling all healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners to recharge, meet, mingle and connect. Tribe TLC, a group of over 150 likeminded holistic wellness professionals and entrepreneurs, offers healthy living resources for body, mind

and spirit in CT and NY. Shoreline Diner, Guilford, CT. Info: TribeTLC.com. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

Shamanic Crystal-Sound Bath. 6-7:15 p.m. Every other Thursday. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field with master crystal and sound healer, Bradford Tilden. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. $25 (walk-in: $30). The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. Info: 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com. Register: tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundHealing2024.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

2024 Holistic Healing and Recovery Through Integrative Medicine Conference. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Interactive day of wellness and recovery with presentations and healing arts activities that spotlight alternative therapies to promote mental health and recovery from addiction. Program include keynote speaker, a live panel discussion and two presentations. The Connecticut Women’s Consortium, 2321 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. $25. Info/RSVP: WomensConsortium.configio. com/pd/1156/On-Site-2024-Holistic-Healing-andRecovery-Through-Integrative-Medicine-Conference.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10

TLC Networking Lunch in Milford. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Second Tuesdays . Calling all healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners to recharge, meet, mingle and connect. Tribe TLC, a group of over 150 like-minded holistic wellness professionals and entrepreneurs, offers healthy living resources for body, mind and spirit in CT and NY. Stonebridge Restaurant, Milford, CT. Info: TribeTLC.com. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@ gmail.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

Bend a Fork! Harness the Power of Your Intentions. 1-5 p.m. Making metal malleable helps us glimpse into the quantum reality of infinite possibilities. The cost includes four forks, refreshments, handouts and a Tachyonized gift. Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare, LLC, Ste. #3, 1533 New Britain Ave., Farmington, CT. Call/text for info: 860-798-6176. Advance registration required: tinyurl.com/4nf55y8s.

Ongoing Events

mondays

Gentle Yoga. 9:30-10:30 a.m. This class is designed for everyone. It’s a great practice for beginners as the pace is slower and allows for you start to understand the poses and learn proper alignment. This class is great for those who are new to yoga. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

All-Level Flow Yoga. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With Lisa Ordazzo. Other times available. A well-balanced flow that will engage your entire body. Offering up several variations of the poses as well as guidance with props. Class accessible to everyone. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

Grief Support Group. 6:30-8 p.m. Every other Monday. Join Rosie and Marisol for an evening of sharing, meditation, reiki and sound healing. They will share coping skills to help navigate through grief. You will be heard and held with the support of community. $20 self-care exchange required to hold your spot. The Roots of Life Foundation, 1056 Durham Rd., Wallingford, CT. Info: TheRootsofLifeFoundation. org/Calendar. RSVP: 631-882-0574.

tuesdays

Salt & Sound Morning Meditations. Weekly. 1111:45 a.m. Balance & Restore and 12:15 - 1 p.m. Reiki Sound Bath. Minimum of 3 participants to run a session. $60/session. Info: Sacred-Cocoon.com. Located at the SoulShine Salt Cavern at The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

All Abilities Chair Yoga. 4:30-5:15 p.m. Using a chair and yoga props, you will take part in postures and breathwork. No experience necessary. All postures modified to each individual and their abilities, building up to a level of comfort that your body allows. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary. com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/ Booking-Calendar/All-Levels-Chair-Yoga.

All Level Flow. 5:15-6:15 p.m. With Melissa Andersen. This class is a moderate-paced flow where you will be guided through sequences and modifications will be offered for different levels of practitioners. Some previous yoga experience is beneficial. $15. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203-693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

Restorative Yoga. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Gather to support one another through the practice of movement, breath and meditative body scans with Mary from Mindful Movement & Meditation. Class opens with a few minutes of finding your space and grounding your breath, followed by gentle yoga sequences and a final resting pose. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary.com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary. com/Booking-Calendar/Restorative-Yoga.

Group Coaching Session. 7-8 p.m. Virtual. Join like-minded women to hold space and share in this no judgment, supportive environment, and learn how to thrive in your busy life. Certified professional health coach, Jennifer Lima, will help you activate internal strengths and external resources to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle behavior changes. $25/session. Info, RSVP: BellaVitaAlchemy.com.

Weekly Sound Healing Meditation. 7-8:15 p.m. Relax, restore and receive healing energy. Rotating weekly topics. Plan to arrive early and bring a mat, blanket, pillow and water. $35/session or $100/4 sessions (use within 3 months). Location: The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main Street, Durham. Register: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

wednesdays

Qigong Class. 10-11 a.m. Qigong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. There will be a meditation with a combination of singing bowls, aromatherapy and an inspirational reading at the end of class. $20/class, $50/month. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiforHealing.com, Erik@ChiforHealing.com, 860-593-8397.

Meditations on Impermanence. 7-8:15 p.m. With resident teacher Matthew Stein. Explore Buddha’s meditations on impermanence. Understanding the truth of impermanence helps us relate to ourselves and the world around us in a flexible and light way. Everyone welcome. $12/class. Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, MeditationInConnecticut.org.

thursdays

Thursday Morning Yoga Flow. 9-10 a.m. Start off the morning with Mary from Mindful Movement & Meditation in an awakening meditation that leads into an invigorating yoga flow, utilizing fluid, repeated sequences to warm your body and breath. Ages 16+. All abilities welcome. $20. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Info: MindfulWithMary.com. Registration required: MindfulWithMary.com/Booking-Calendar/Thursday-Yoga-Flow.

Salt & Sound Morning Meditations. Weekly at 10-10:45 a.m. Pause & Breathe. Minimum of 3 participants to run a session. $60/session. More info at Sacred-Cocoon.com. Located at the SoulShine Salt Cavern at The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main Street, Durham. RSVP to Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

Qigong Class. 6-7 p.m. Qigong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. Meditation with a combination of singing bowls, aromatherapy and an inspirational reading at the end of class. $20/class, $50/month. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: ChiforHealing.com, Erik@ChiforHealing.com, 860-593-8397.

Spiritual Awakening Circle. 6-7 p.m. With Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan. Are you looking for a place to gather with other spiritually minded people? Are you opening up to new things that are somehow familiar? $5. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: TheRedBarnInDurham.com/Classes.

Meditation Toolkit. 7-8 p.m. Program designed to support those who wish to develop and sustain an enduring meditation practice. Study the Lamrim system of 21 meditations. Each week includes guided meditation, short teaching, discussion, and Q&A time. Everyone is welcome. $12/class. Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, MeditationInConnecticut.org.

fridays

Gentle Yoga. 9:30-10:30 a.m. With Nancy Werfel. This class is designed for everyone. It’s a great practice for beginners as the pace is slower and allows for you start to understand the poses and learn proper alignment. Just Be Yoga & Wellness, 234 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. Info, RSVP: 203693-3174, JustBeYogaandWellness@gmail.com, JustBeYogaandWellness.com.

saturdays

Cards and Coffee: Tarot Collaboration. 10-11:30 a.m. Bring your coffee and cards. Learn, practice, study, share. Open to anyone with an interest in tarot or oracle cards. All levels welcome. Donation: $10. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Info, RSVP: TheRedBarnInDurham.com/Classes.

sundays

Sunday Morning Meditation. 10-11:15 a.m. Class will look at Buddha’s teachings contained in the text Eight Verses of Training the Mind and its commentary The New Eight Steps to Happiness. Guided breathing meditation, teaching on how to access inner calm and kindness, Q&A, and contemplative time. $12/ class. Odiyana Buddhist Center, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT. Info, RSVP: 860-266-6041, MeditationInConnecticut.org.

Classifieds:

Attention Energy Medicine Practitioners! Hourly or daily rates are available for Psychotherapy Healing Services, LLC’s high-frequency, beautifully decorated, shared second office space. It is not conducive to sound healing or massage with oils. Call/text Celeste: 860-798-6176. Visit CelestialEmpowerment.com/Rental-Available/ High-Energy-Beautiful-Office-Space-for-RentAvailable-Immediately-2.

Attention Energy Medicine Practitioners and Workshop Presenters! Daily rates are now available for Celestial Empowerment Quantum Healthcare, LLC’s high-frequency, beautifully decorated 1100 sq. ft. Suite #3. Amenities include a kitchenette, projector, 120-inch screen, whiteboard, training tables, folding chairs, surround sound and Wi-Fi. Call/text Celeste: 860-798-6176.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

CARRIE PURCELL

Certified Animal Aromatherapy Specialist

Reiki Master, Energy Medicine Practitioner

Animal Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach

CarriePurcell.com

Carrie teaches pet parents and those called to work with animals holistic techniques, including animal communication, energy healing, aromatherapy, acupressure and nutrition, to help animals live healthy, happy, high quality lives. Pet owners can learn how to use simple, at-home techniques in her Pet Parent class series. No experience with aromatherapy or energy healing needed to support your pet and witness positive changes. In person and online classes. See ad on page 25.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

SOURCE COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Elizabeth Regal

106 Rte. 66 East, Columbia, CT

860-634-7523

SourceColonHydrotherapy@gmail.com

SourceColonHydrotherapy.com

Colonics promote hydration and loosening of waste matter, assisting elimination by natural peristalsis of the colon. Sessions are offered at Roots Natural Medical Center in Columbia on an FDA-approved closed system device. I-ACT certified hydrotherapist. More info and videos on colonics at RootsMedicalCenter.com.

ENERGY HEALING

EAGLE FLIGHT HEALING, LLC

Cathy Stubbs

Remote-based healing

203-535-8849

Info@EagleFlightHealing.com

EagleFlightHealing.com

Eagle Flight Healing’s shamanic energy healing service provides transformative energy work helping clients resolve the traumas, pain, shame and struggles of the past. They experience new self-value and mattering, and feel more vitality, happiness and joy with which to enjoy life and dream the future. Make an appointment today to change your life. See ad on page 16.

EMPATHIC MOJO, LLC

Annie Mojo, HMPO

Milford, CT or remote (475)-3EM-MOJO

Mojo@EmpathicMojo.com

EmpathicMojo.com

Heal.me/EmpathicMojo

Energy healing, intuitive guidance, medical intuitive, psychic-medium, spiritual counselor, intuitive business coaching, pet readings, meditation music. Empower the inner you! Find your Mojo! Contact today for your FREE 20-minute consultation. See ad on page 19.

KATHY STALTER

Sanaré Wellness, LLC

Southington, CT

860-600-0106

Kathy@Sanare.Life Sanare.life

The Future of Energy Medicine is here! This 24-unit Energy Enhancement System creates multiple bioactive, regenerative energy fields, including scalar waves and biophotons, that can assist your body’s ability to repair and heal itself from disease. The body can become capable of rejuvenating and recalibrating itself back to homeostasis. Appointment only.

BRADFORD W. TILDEN, MM, CMT, UWT

Crystal Music Healing

Southington, CT and via Zoom 860-830-5841

info@CrystalMusicHealing.com CrystalMusicHealing.com

Want spiritual healing and growth? Release anxiety, stress and trauma with the energy and benefits of Universal White Time (UWT). Receive spiritual development support through gemstone healing, energy work, sound and guided visualization. Schedule your free discovery call! Bradford also offers certification courses in UWT for people to transform their lives or professions.

HEALTH COACH

BELLA VITA ALCHEMY, LLC

Jennifer Lima, MPH

In person and remote Bristol, CT 914-419-9665

BellaVitaAlchemy@gmail.com

BellaVitaAlchemy.com

Create alignment between actions and desired outcomes through coaching, classes and resources. Certified professional health coach, practicing herbalist and clinical researcher. Focus on living an authentic life, connecting to the earth through plants and plant-based wellness. A guide to help you be your best self and thrive in your daily life. See ad on page 5.

CATHERINE SHAW NTP

Root Wisdom LLC

Nutritionist, Health Coach, Biofield Tuning Plantsville, CT (+ remotely) 386-479-9019

Catherine.Shaw@mailfence.com

RootWisdomHealth.com

Body-mind-spirit are all connected. I help people heal the root of their suffering through nutrition therapy, lifestyle choices and a profound modality called Biofield Tuning. It can shift mindsets/beliefs and ease physical ailments. Let me help you liberate your true potential for vibrant health and raise your voltage!

MARCIA PUC

Rewind Wellness

Certified Integrative Health Coach & Professional Chef

203-577-8344

Marcia@RewindWellness.com

RewindWellness.com

Work with women to address weight management, nutrition, sleep, nervous system restoration, stress and hormone balance. Holistic approach with an emphasis on creating mindset shifts and lasting habit changes for lifelong health. Book a free 30-minute consultation at RewindWellness.com to see how we can work together to achieve your wellness goals in a non-judgmental, caring space. See ad on page 5.

RENEE EDGE

Edge to Health

860-681-3427

Renee@EdgeToHealth.com

EdgeToHealth.com

Board-certified health/wellness coach with certifications from Cornell University (nutrition/healthy living), Epidemic Answers (nutritional impacts on childhood illnesses) and Mindfulness Educators (mindfulness facilitator). Partnering with individuals and families to bring about positive health changes with functional nutrition and mindfulness. Help remediate the biological and behavioral impacts of trauma, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and more to improve physical, mental and emotional health. See ad on page 13.

HEMP WELLNESS

LAUREN MAGEL

Holistic Hemp Wellness Green Compass Advocate

631-877-0441

LaurenMagel.GreenCompassGlobal.com/ share/191341

Lauren offers small group education sessions and individual consultations in Connecticut and online to help you identify products to feel your best every day with a full line of USDA-certified organic hemp wellness products, including full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, collagen, skin care, topicals and drink powders. Let’s get you started with a CBD brand you can trust.

LIFE COACHING

CHANNELING YOUR WISDOM COACHING

Lynda Mettler, ACC Transformation Coach, Reiki Master Lynda@YourWisdomCoaching.com

Specializing in Internal Family Systems, Reiki energy and meditation. Guiding clients to transform their inner view to embody self-compassion and trust. Ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure to ignite your spark and unleash your talents? This coaching is for you. Now offering Clarity Coaching, a single session to ease decision-making stress.

JEANNINE

LIGHT THERAPY

JAMESON-BUCKLEY, HHP, RM

Karuna Holistic Therapies LLC 808-382-4614

KarunaHolisticTherapies.com KarunaHolisticTherapies@gmail.com

The RoXiva lamp uses flickering light to simulate the brain’s natural production of neurochemicals. Experience deep meditation, let go of stress and anxiety and improve mental health. Light therapy is combined with sound for an immersive light and sound journey. Karuna Holistic Therapies also offers Reiki, NLP, yoga, grief recovery, channeling, meditation and nutritional counseling.

MASSAGE THERAPY

A MOMENT IN TIME MASSAGE, LLC

Jill Andrzejewski, LMT, RMT, Psychic Medium 3490 Whitney Ave., Ste. 205, Hamden, CT 203-909-1108

JillaMomentinTimeMassage@gmail.com AMomentinTimeMassage.org

We partner to set physical, mental and spiritual goals to empower you. I advocate gentle stretching, crystals and breath work to maintain grounded, calm feelings. Services: massage; Reiki; chakra balancing; angel tarot, oracle card and tea leaf readings; group events/classes. A Moment In Time Treasures items available for purchase. Appointment only. See ad on page 33.

CAROL MEADE

Massage2Movement Wallingford, CT 203-415-8666

Massage2Movement.com

Celebrating 30 years as a licensed massage therapist, Carol focuses on restorative massage, her Feldenkrais Method training and movement education to guide individuals from a state of pain to feeling freer and more empowered in their bodies. She offers restorative massage, group and individual Feldenkrais lessons, cranial sacral therapy, and manual lymph drainage. Call/email Carol for your next appointment.

NURSE PRACTITIONER

CHERYL CUOZZO, MSN, APRN, ANP-C, FNP-C, FAIHM Integrative Medicine Nurse Practitioner Berlin, CT and remote 203-484-2069

Info@CuozzoHealth.com

CuozzoHealth.com

CT’s first FAIHM-credentialed NP! Focus on chronic multi-symptom illnesses, undiagnosable conditions and military service-related issues. Personalized treatment plans, vitamin and herbal therapies, acupuncture, cupping. Costsaving memberships, packages and military discounts available. Cuozzo sees adult patients in Berlin, CT. Virtual visits available. See ad on page 22.

QUANTUM PSYCHOTHERAPY

CELESTIAL EMPOWERMENT QUANTUM HEALTHCARE

Celeste Emelia Mattingly, LCSW 860-470-5404

CMattingly100@comcast.net

CelestialEmpowerment.com

Take a quantum leap to improve your quality of life with Celestial Psychology and Tachyon Chamber Zero Point Energy technology. Celeste incorporates standard psychotherapy with state-ofthe-art holistic modalities, including Tachyon and anti-aging products and tools. Come meditate in New England’s largest Tachyon Chamber. Stay tuned for workshops, lectures and special events. Accept most insurance plans for psychotherapy, including Medicare and CT Medicaid. See ad on page 21.

SKIN CARE

ESTHER NICHOLLS, MASTER NURSE ESTHETICIAN

Intuitive Skin Care Coach

Intuitive Skin Care And More West Hartford, CT 860-951-9355

IntuitiveSkinCare4u.com

Energy balancing, age spot removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, permanent makeup, skin care coaching, natural handcrafted skin care products, meditation and chakra balancing, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, non-surgical laser lipo, energy guided product and, service selection, eyelash extensions, and more! Happily serving CT and the world since 1997.

SOUND HEALING

SACRED COCOON HEALING, LLC

352 Main Street, Durham, CT 860-655-5527

Katie@FeelYourLight.com

Sacred-Cocoon.com

Focus on personal development and transformation through spiritual healing practices, hypnosis, sound healing, energy/card readings and education. Unlearn your patterns, shift timelines, heal your body and manifest your dream life. Group classes and personalized individual services. Sound healing training and certification program available. ICBCHcertified hypnotist. Copywriting and spiritual business consulting. Apprenticeships for sound healing, magick/energy work and business.

SPIRITUAL READINGS

JOANNE CORTES, MS, CSC, RMT

Explore Taro’Chi, LLC Higganum, CT 203-896-0577 (call/text) ExploreTaro.Chi@gmail.com ExploreTaroChi.com

Move beyond awareness into action and purpose with psychic/tarot readings with shamanism/astrology/numerology/mediumship elements, energy healing/reiki and mentoring/spiritual coaching. Psychic clairvoyant/clairaudient and Master Tarot Reader for three decades. Individual & couples work, classes & private parties, virtual & in-person. Reach out today to better understand your current situation and healing potential. See ad on page 5.

TAI CHI

AIPING TAI CHI

Shirley Chock, CCWS 49 Research Dr., Milford, CT 203-795-0203 AipingTaiChi.com/links Info@AipingTaiChi.com

Discover Aiping Tai Chi, recommended by The New York Times for Tai Chi beginners. For nearly three decades, we’ve been a trusted authority, imparting authentic Tai Chi, Qigong, and internal martial arts. We were founded by the renown Chinese Martial Arts Grandmaster Aiping Cheng and presently led by her disciple, “The Stressbender” Shifu Shirley Chock. Experience our inclusive international community, uniting 150K+ followers of diverse backgrounds, ages and genders on our social media platforms (@aipingtaichi). When you are ready to let go of tension and cultivate resilience, we can teach you how to be strong not hard, soft not weak. See ad on page 28.

Part Two of

Whole Health Approaches to Women’s Infertility

by Dr. Susan Fox, DACM, LAc., FABORM

For many couples, starting a family marks a beautiful chapter of life. However, the path is not always straightforward for everyone. Tackling infertility can be an emotional rollercoaster, with emotions ranging from hope to heartache.

For women, the causes of infertility may range from health conditions like hormonal imbalances, ovarian dysfunction and endometriosis; and lifestyle causes such as poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins and weight management; to emotional and mental causes including anxiety, depression, stress and trauma.

Understanding the root causes of infertility is crucial; it’s about unraveling the complex web of underlying issues. In addition to standard blood tests, there are new functional medicine tests for finding the root causes of infertility challenges, including a comprehensive assessment of hormonal imbalances, a test to assess microbiome and detect gastrointestinal pathogens, and a test that provides both insights into nutritional deficiencies and guidance on diet and supplementation.

Research indicates that obesity makes it harder to conceive and leads to more miscarriages. Being underweight increases the risk of ovulatory disorder. A functional medicine or integrative health approach includes managing diet and improving nutrition that also works to balance hormones and microbiomes.

Lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol and caffeine consumption are also addressed.

A mother’s toxic load can be passed to an unborn child through the umbilical cord. Detoxification prior to trying to conceive can improve not only the mother’s whole health, but her fertile health and the health of her baby.

While not fully understood, research has indicated a correlation between increased stress and decreased likelihood of egg fertilization. Incorporating exercise and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga is part of a comprehensive approach to creating the ideal environment for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Susan Fox is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at HealthYouniversity.co and DrSusanFox.com.

There is hope! Learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-25 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code.

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