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Welcome to the August issue of Natural Awakenings! As summer winds down, it's time to soak up the last rays of sunshine and savor the remaining warmth. Our team has put together a fantastic lineup of articles to educate, inspire, and entertain you. So, grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and dive into this month’s edition, peppered with a bit of humor to keep things light and engaging.
Our feature story, “The Power of Community: Finding a Path to Meaningful Connection” (pg. 24), explores the importance of community in our lives. In an age where social media often replaces face-to-face interactions, rediscovering the joy and support of a real community can be life-changing. Complementing our feature story is “The Power of Healing Circles: Resilience and Enjoyment in Nurturing Company” (pg. 22).
Our Conscious Eating section takes a fascinating turn with “In Search of the Healthiest Diet: Sustenance and Habits Inspired by Blue Zones” (pg. 30). Have you ever wondered why some communities enjoy longer, healthier lives? The secret lies in their diet and lifestyle. And no, it doesn’t involve drinking a magical potion or moving to a remote Greek island, although that does sound tempting.
For those looking to boost both brain and body, “Cross-Brain Fitness: An Integrative Workout for the Mind and Body” (pg. 38) is a must-read. This article explores exercises that challenge both physical and mental faculties, ensuring you stay sharp and fit. Think of it as Sudoku with a side of squats.
Our Healthy Kids section addresses a pressing issue in “Overcoming Generation Z Loneliness: Prioritizing Human Interactions Over Screen Time” (pg. 34). In an era dominated by screens, it’s crucial to encourage children to engage in real-life interactions. The article provides practical advice on fostering connections beyond the digital realm. Remember, those group chats can’t replace the joy of an old-fashioned playdate or the thrill of a real, live game of tag.
And, if you’re looking to deepen your yoga practice or become a teacher, don’t miss “Yoga By You Studios: Teacher Training” (pg. 18). This comprehensive training program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to guide others on their yoga journey. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals and maybe finally nail that elusive Crow Pose.
Lastly, in our Therapy Spotlight, we explore “Harnessing Oxygen: The Healing Potential of Hyperbaric Therapy” (pg. 20). Hyperbaric therapy has shown promise in treating various conditions by increasing oxygen levels in the body.
We hope this issue of Natural Awakenings brings you joy, knowledge, and a few chuckles. Remember to take time for yourself, connect with your community, and embrace the wisdom around you.
Here’s to a fantastic August!
Daralyn & Scott
CONTACT US
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NORTHWEST FLORIDA EDITION
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Upcoming Hyperbaric Therapy and Functional Medicine Conference
Industry experts and thought leaders in hyperbaric and regenerative medicine will gather from October 9 to 12 at the Hilton Hotel in Pensacola Beach, FL, for the 15th Annual Hyperbaric Therapy and Functional Medicine Conference. During this informative event, presenters will share insights, strategies and tools to help attendees achieve optimal health and well-being.
This gathering will cover a range of topics in functional and regenerative medicine as they relate to overall health and wellness. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panelists for a dynamic and interactive experience. “Whether you are a healthcare professional, wellness coach, or simply passionate about living a healthier life, this conference offers a unique platform to expand your knowledge, foster connections, celebrate the power of functional medicine, and empower you to take action to elevate your health journey,” affirms IHA board member Dr. Jason Sonners.
For more information about the conference, visit IHAUSA.org.
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Lifestyle, Nutrition and Bone Density
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, bones that contain more minerals are denser, stronger and less likely to break. With age or certain medical conditions, bones can become less dense, and osteoporosis can develop, causing them to become weak and brittle.
A study published in the journal Nutrients evaluated the role of lifestyle and nutrition on women’s bone mineral density. The study included a cross-section of more than 850 healthy premenopausal Saudi women divided into two age groups: 20-to30-year-olds and 30-to-40-year-olds. Participants had their bone mineral density measured, provided a blood sample and self-reported sociodemographic, medical history, lifestyle, diet and physical activity information. The results showed that adequate vitamin D levels, physical activity and proper nutrition positively influence bone mineral density values, which can impact bone health later in life.
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Join our community of contributors and reach thousands dedicated to healthy, sustainable living. Your contribution can educate, inspire, and empower others. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Natural Awakenings family. Submit your news today and be a catalyst for positive change!
Harmful Chemicals in Decaffeinated Coffee
Environmental activist groups filed petitions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove two chemicals from their safe list that are used in the production of decaffeinated coffee. Trichloroethylene and methylene chloride were found to cause cancer decades ago by the National Cancer Institute. Notably, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently banned the use of methylene chloride for industrial use due to its risk of causing cancer and other serious health conditions. Safer methods for decaffeinating coffee exist, and some brands, like Peet’s Coffee, have made the switch. To find out how a brand of coffee is decaffeinated, consumers can visit CheckYourDecaf.org or contact the producer.
August of another summer, and once again I am drinking the sun and the lilies again are spread across the water.
—Mary Oliver
Africa images/CanvaPro
Western Diet and Colorectal Cancer
Researchers from Ohio State University (OSU) have provided another reason to choose a more natural, plant-based diet: lowering the risk of colorectal cancer. Twenty percent of colorectal patients are under age 55, and the rate is increasing, according to the American Cancer Society. OSU scientists believe that the Western diet upsets the balance of gut bacteria, which, in turn, causes inflammation and accelerated cell aging, making individuals more susceptible to cancer. The researchers found that colorectal cancer patients were biologically 15 years older than their chronological age.
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A study in the journal Nutrients characterized a Western diet as “high intakes of pre-packaged foods, refined grains, red meat, processed meat, high-sugar drinks, candy, sweets, fried foods, conventionally raised animal products, high-fat dairy products and high-fructose products.”
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SKINNY DROPS
We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has and 70 percent of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50 percent.
Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessments. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation to identify the potential for brain pathway improvement. Once a treatment program is put in place, many patients see notable improvements within a few weeks, but the benefits can last a lifetime.
Designer Handbags Use Mushroom Leather
Mycelium, the soft, dense and strong roots of fungi, are being used in mycotextiles, a potential replacement for leather. MycoWorks, a South Carolina-based biotechnology company, is working on a scalable approach to grow uniform sheets of interwoven mycelium that are customizable for varying thickness, surface features and dimensions. The goal is to produce a more ethical, environmentally sustainable and efficient alternative to animal leather. The fungus is grown in sterilized agricultural waste such as sawdust and bran, and the growth process ends when the sheets of mycelium are peeled off the sawdust block, at which point they can be tanned and crafted into a range of marketable products. To date, MycoWorks materials have been used in designer handbags for Hermès, making them biodegradable at the end of their life cycle.
Natalia Kopyltsova from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Drought at the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal, a 51-mile waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, transports $270 billion of cargo annually. Located at each end of the canal, locks lift and lower ships, moving them into and out of Gatun Lake, an artificial freshwater lake. A severe drought during the May to December 2023 rainy season has resulted in the lake being six feet below its pre-drought levels. As a result, the Panama Canal Authority has restricted the number and size of ships that are able to pass through the canal since June 2023, causing ships to have to travel around the tip of South America to reach their destinations, adding delays at other ports and escalating the demand for trucking and rail services—all of which have increased greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of imported goods. In addition, water in the locks that is usually flushed into the oceans is being recycled to maintain Gatun Lake’s water level, and because this reused water can become saltier, it poses a threat to Panama’s main source of drinking water.
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Refreezing the Arctic
Human-caused warming of the air, oceans and land is heating the Arctic region faster than anywhere else on the planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently reported the warmest surface air temperature ever observed in the Arctic during the region’s sixth-warmest year on record. Scientists agree that the loss of Arctic ice will increase the rate of warming for the rest of the planet.
To combat the issue, geoengineers are experimenting with ways to slow the melt in conjunction with efforts to reduce carbon output and recapture carbon already found in the atmosphere. One experiment by Arctic Reflections, a Dutch company, involves pumping water onto the surface of existing ice sheets to form a protective layer of new ice. The inspiration for their experiment comes from a method the Dutch have used for decades to make ice for skating marathons. Another experiment uses reflective glass beads scattered on top of snow and ice to reflect the sun’s rays. In early testing, the beads reflected 30 percent more sunlight than the snow alone.
Yoga By You Studios Teacher Training
Journey within Therapeutic 200 Hour Advanced Education
by Erin Lehn
Coming September 13th, Vanessa Murray, owner of Yoga By You Studios in Niceville, FL, leads another transformative experience designed to deepen students’ yoga practice and empower them to share its profound benefits with others. This comprehensive training program is meticulously crafted to cater to both aspiring yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners looking to enhance their understanding of yoga’s therapeutic potential.
Murray, a seasoned and compassionate teacher, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this training. With a background in various yoga styles, she
integrates her extensive expertise into the curriculum, ensuring a holistic and enriching learning journey. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the healing power of yoga, making her an exceptional guide on this transformative path.
“One of the unique aspects of this training is its focus on the therapeutic applications of yoga,” explains Murray, who is dedicated to teaching the therapeutic benefits of yoga, emphasizing how it can support physical, mental and emotional well-being. “Through detailed instruction and experiential learning, participants will learn how to adapt yoga
practices to meet the individual needs of students, making yoga accessible and beneficial for everyone.”
The anatomy and physiology module is another cornerstone of the program. This section is led by Heidi Banks, a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with over 10 years of experience and a Speech Pathologist. “Heidi is a Yoga Alliance Certified Education Provider, guaranteeing a comprehensive learning experience,” says Murray. “With a strong emphasis on understanding the human body, trainees will study the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and the effects of yoga on these systems.”
Teaching methodology is a key component of the training, where participants will develop their skills in class planning, sequencing and effective communication. “My approach is student-centered, encouraging trainees to find their unique voice and teaching style,” says Murray. Practical teaching sessions provide ample opportunities for trainees to practice and refine their skills, receiving constructive feedback to build confidence and competence.
Murray encourages all the experienced yoga instructors at her studio to engage in specialized training within their expertise. Denica Vega, a 200-hour RYT and licensed massage therapist focusing on myofascial release, leads the yin yoga sessions. Lauren Brunke, a 500-hour RYT, licensed funeral director, and death doula, guides students in chakras and energetic pathways for overall body and soul wellness. Josephina Wild, a 200-hour RYT and advanced reiki practitioner, instructs students in the energetic healing practice of reiki.
“The supportive and inclusive community that forms during the training is one of its most cherished aspects, creating a vibrant learning environment where everyone feels valued and supported,” affirms Murray, who attests that graduates of the Yoga By You: Journey Within Therapeutic 200-Hour Teacher Training leave the program not only as skilled yoga instructors but also as empowered individuals ready to make a positive impact in their communities. “Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of yoga’s therapeutic potential, they are prepared to guide others on their own paths to healing and self-discovery.”
Location: 1605 Partin Dr. N., Niceville, FL. Payment plans available. To register and for more information, call 850-3531767 or visit YogaByYouNiceville.com/ journeywithintherapeutic200hrytt.
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Harnessing Oxygen
The Healing Potential of Hyperbaric Therapy
• No Harsh Fumes
by Dr. Jason Sonners
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT or HBO) involves exposing a person to increased atmospheric pressure and a higher percentage of oxygen, resulting in a higher partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) than what is typically experienced in their environment. This change in oxygen pressure affects the entire body, with the overall benefits of hyperbaric oxygen based on three variables: pressure, percentage of oxygen, and time.
Improved cellular energy and mitochondrial efficiency, enhanced DNA replication and repair, increases in stem cells, increased telomere length, and improved cellular signaling capacity are all associated with better cellular physiology and repair. Studies have shown that hyperbaric therapy can assist with all these processes.
In the last 10 to 15 years, interest in hyperbarics has grown to explore its potential uses for chronic, non-life-threatening conditions. While these conditions may not be acute, they still significantly impact the quality of life for those affected and cost patients and the medical system billions of dollars annually. Hyperbaric therapy offers a high potential for impact and—compared to many alternatives—is a safe, relatively affordable, and effective treatment strategy for the majority of chronic illnesses.
For 20 years, the International Hyperbarics Association (IHA) has worked to educate the community on the benefits of hyperbaric therapy, aiming to provide accessibility for those in need to improve health and wellness.
Dr. Jason Sonners, DC, DIBAK, DCBCN, is an IHA board member. To learn more about hyperbaric therapy or the International Hyperbarics Association, visit IHAUSA.org.
The Power of Healing Circles
Resilience and Enjoyment in Nurturing Company
by Maya Whitman
Throughout history, cultures around the globe have used the circle to represent wholeness, vital energy and community. When humans of like hearts gather in a circle, this timeless geometric symbol becomes embodied, lessening the space between individuals. In today’s challenging times, healing circles echo ancient traditions by offering support from the deep well of human bonds. People from all walks of life are coming together to tap into their own healing potential by picking up a hand drum, sharing the cancer treatment journey, dancing to
tribal beats or expressing the deeper self with colorful paints.
Circles with inspired focus can help us navigate the rough waters of addiction, grief, illness and transitions by breaking down the protective walls we so often build in the name of survival. “We humans are a social species, and whether you are extroverted or introverted, the experience of belonging amongst others brings an impactful sense of purpose,” says Natalie Lain, executive director at Amethyst Retreat Center, in Duncannon,
Pennsylvania. She relates that seeking communal bonds in gatherings like ecstatic dance events isn’t about covering up hardship with false positives, but rather finding grace by “cultivating a foundation of inner strength and ease.”
Drumming Through Tough Times
Inspired by diverse cultural traditions, drum circles are offered at medical centers, hospitals and nursing homes for people with cancer, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia and viral-based illnesses, including AIDS. In a 2001 study at an outpatient medical facility in Pennsylvania, researchers found that group drumming that followed a music-therapy protocol boosted the body’s natural killer cell activity and lowered the stress response among participants. Japanese research published in 2020 in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience shows that drumming communication programs help older people with dementia experience improved cognitive function and body composition.
Family members and caregivers can find much-needed relief by releasing challenging emotions through rhythmic drumming. “It’s been very rewarding hosting drum circles with those navigating dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Laura Cerrano, a reiki practitioner and healing drum circle facilitator in New York City and Long Island. “We’ve seen improved social interactions, joy, acknowledgment, feeling more present and restoring dignity.”
A Place To Be Ourselves
Some healing circles use the arts for selfexpression and restorative benefits. In such settings, it is not necessary to aim for excellence or have any special talents; simply being present in the moment will suffice. Whether it’s a free-form dance gathering or painting session, the main objective is being in our skin, and this,
Cerrano notes, initiates “a greater capacity for heart-to-heart connections and healing.”
Lain concurs, saying, “Creative healing circles are all about learning how to accept ourselves as we are and remembering to nurture our inner child. We open up our hearts in these circles and let ourselves experience the joy of pure expression, shedding layers of self-criticism and competitiveness.”
Expanding our capacity to love is a running thread through cacao ceremonies—gatherings that incorporate the consumption of unadulterated chocolate in its purest form, often prepared as a warm, frothy beverage. In the ancient Americas, cacao was used both ceremonially and medicinally. Modern cacao circles are highly diverse and go beyond religious structure. Often interwoven with music, dance, prayer or meditation, these gatherings inspire reflection and self-exploration.
Online circles can also provide deep emotional sustenance, especially for those unable to attend local events. Cerrano, who has been hosting reiki circles since 2014, saw a need to expand virtually when the world came to a halt in 2020. “The pandemic inspired me to provide weekly virtual reiki circles because people needed a place to gather, feel safe and be heard.”
Whether online or in the neighborhood, healing circles offer something for everyone, and starting up a circle can be just as rewarding. “One of the most important things as a host of mindfulness-focused events is to embody the idea that we are all each other’s teachers,” advises Lain. “It’s important to create an inviting, safe space within your group where people can feel at ease and let their guard down.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Jozef Klopacka/Shutterstock
The Power of Community
Finding a Path to Meaningful Connection
by Thais Harris, BCHN
Despite society’s increasing emphasis on individualism, the concept of community remains a powerful force for personal and collective well-being. Loneliness is detrimental to both mental and physical health and comparable to smoking or obesity in terms of risk factors. Among older adults, isolation is associated with an increased probability of dementia.
In his book Project Unlonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection, Dr. Jeremy Noble discusses the public health and economic impacts of widespread seclusion, as well as the importance of building meaningful connections. He advocates making loneliness screening a routine part of health care and prescribing social activities such as museum visits, classes and nature walks for patients. These measures have been effectively used in the United Kingdom.
There is a growing movement that encourages us to find our tribe—those that resonate with our own core values, interests and lifestyle. While historically associated with Indigenous groups, a “tribe” is defined as a social division consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect. The point is to surround ourselves with supportive individuals that uplift us and provide a sense of belonging.
Multigenerational Communion
Family is, in a sense, our original tribe, serving a crucial role in our sense of belonging throughout life. Regardless of interpersonal dynamics, maintaining consistent connection with relatives can ease loneliness and improve longevity and other health outcomes. In the world’s Blue Zones, where people live the longest and have a better overall quality of life, the happiest centenarians build their lives around their families, and multigenerational households are common.
To remain anchored in our heritage, it is essential to regularly share moments and activities with kin, enjoying family meals, holiday parties, game nights, walks around the neighborhood or even living room hangouts. Simply spending time together allows us to share family stories, learn from each other and create traditions. Outside the family, there are many ways to find or create a tribe of cheerful acquaintances and deeply held friendships that form a safety net to shield us from drifting into isolation.
Serving Others
Volunteering is a powerful way to engage in activities that align with our passions and values while also connecting with like-minded people and helping a
cause or deserving group of individuals. One example is Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), founded in 2003, which brings together 70 medical professionals and approximately 100 community stakeholders that volunteer their time to provide free health care for the uninsured people of the Berkshires, in Massachusetts. While the practitioners treat patients—in-person and online—the others serve as interpreters, drivers and receptionists. The generosity of these individuals addresses an important need in the community and keeps people out of hospitals.
“By engaging in VIM’s mission, volunteers find purpose and meaning through the act of giving back, enhancing their own lives while improving others,” shares VIM Executive Director Ilana Steinhauer. “The opportunity to serve the community not only fulfills a personal desire to help those in need, but also fosters a deep sense of connection and community among volunteers. This camaraderie and shared mission enrich the volunteers’ lives, creating a ripple effect of positivity that strengthens the entire community fabric, making it a cornerstone of community and personal development.”
Another example is nonprofit Citizen University, which equips Americans to be cultural catalysts. Their Local Civic Collaboratory aims to shift the paradigm of success from individual achievement to shared triumph. Through collaborative gatherings, participants are empowered to address local issues, launch educational initiatives and spark artistic endeavors while relishing in deep conversations, forging meaningful bonds and launching networks of unified action.
Making Deep Connections
Coming together around shared beliefs or devotional practices can be another avenue to step away from seclusion and into a loving fraternity. Some people with shared values and goals choose to live
with each other in what is known as intentional communities, many of which emphasize sustainability, cooperation and mutual support. The Foundation for Intentional Community offers an online directory to find the right living situation based on multiple criteria, including geographical location, community type, dietary preferences, educational styles, religious or spiritual beliefs and renewable energy sources.
The Kindness of Strangers
When we are out and about, we encounter people we don’t know—strangers in supermarket aisles, bank lines or walking their dogs in the local park. Instead of passing by without acknowledging them, we have the choice to say hello or exchange pleasantries. On his podcast “Hidden Brain”, Shankar Vedantam explores how these tiny encounters can impact our lives. Smiling at people in the
street, expressing gratitude for small acts of kindness or complimenting someone’s style elevates both parties. Studies by Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing and psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, and Nicholas Epley, professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, highlight the beneficial, long-term impact of small acts of kindness and positive interactions on recipients and givers.
Bonding Online and In Person
If friendships were lost during the pandemic, rebuilding a tribe will require intentionality and creativity. Reaching out with purpose to create community might just be what saves us and the planet. When we feel a sense of belonging, we can collaborate for the common good and boost our ability to protect nature, innovate and find solutions for
the world’s problems. How we network is limited only by our imagination: Take classes at the local library, community college or arts organization; find a fun activity on MeetUp.com; or form a group to make new friends that share a common interest.
While online tribes can offer accessibility and a broader reach, thus facilitating connections with people from different geographies and backgrounds, face-toface interactions are essential to our wellbeing. Holistic psychologist Victoria Kar shares, “Never in history has humanity been more disconnected from each other than now. The predominance of urban lifestyles creates barriers for deep social connections, and technology creates a false sense of belonging—where we can reach someone on the other side of the world on a screen—yet have no one to hold next to us.”
In-person communities provide a more heartfelt sense of fellowship. When we are present, we emit energetic fields, and the heart radiates perhaps the most powerful energy. Studies conducted by the HeartMath Institute have shown that the heart’s magnetic field can be detected by other individuals up to five feet away, igniting our sense of belonging in a way that is not possible online.
In his recent advisory report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Hallegere Murthy notes that, across age groups, people are spending less time with each other in person than two decades ago, and this is most pronounced among young people aged 15 to 24 that are engaging in 70 percent fewer interactions with friends. Murthy points out, “The impact of this lack of social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces and organizations, where performance, productivity and engagement are diminished.”
The report outlines six recommendations to enhance social connection, including:
• Urging for greater social infrastructure at parks, libraries and public programs
• Enacting pro-connection public policies at every level of government such as
access to public transport and paid family leave
• Mobilizing the health sector to address needs stemming from isolation
• Reforming digital environments
• Investing in research to deepen our understanding of social isolation
• Cultivating a culture of connection
In his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Murthy identifies three types of
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connections that play a crucial role in our lives: intimate (close friends and family), relational (friends and acquaintances) and collective (communities). Factors such as work culture, social media and urbanization can hinder meaningful connections, contributing to a growing sense of isolation.
As a solution, he emphasizes the importance of small, consistent actions such as active listening, expressing gratitude and engaging with community. True connection is a source of healing. The Surgeon General urges, “Answer that phone call from a friend. Make time to share a meal. Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service. Express yourself authentically.”
Finding a tribe can significantly impact our health and happiness, providing support, joy and inclusion. The connections we choose to nurture can enrich our lives in profound ways, ensuring we thrive in body, mind and spirit.
Thais Harris is a board-certified holistic nutritionist, bestselling author and international speaker. Connect at NourishTogether.com.
thanks you
Ilarion Merculieff
on The Wisdom of the Elders
by Sandra Yeyati
Ilarion Merculieff is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and the harmonious relationship with Mother Earth. For decades, he has served his people—the Unangan (Aleuts) of the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea—and other Indigenous peoples in a number of capacities. He was city manager of Saint Paul Island, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development and chairman of the board of The Aleut Corporation.
Merculieff has chaired global climate change summits, led Indigenous gatherings for the healing of Mother Earth, participated in sacred ceremonies around the world, given keynote addresses at government conferences and lectured about traditional ways of knowing at universities. His many articles and books include Wisdom Keeper: One Man’s Journey to Honor the Untold History of the Unangan People.
Today, Merculieff is president and founder of the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership & Lifeways, and as the co-founder of Wisdom Weavers of the World, he collaborates with Indigenous Elders to propagate their vital messages.
Could you describe your Unangan upbringing on St. Paul Island?
I come from a remarkable people. Unangan means “people by the sea”. We’ve lived in the Bering Sea for over 10,000 years, and we’re still there. My generation was the last to have a fully intact traditional upbringing. The adults’ job was to create the space for a child to learn, not to tell them what to learn, how to learn or to define anything.
At age 5, I had a traditional mentor, my Aachaa, who took me under his wing until age 13. He taught me much of what I know about being a man, reverence for life, hunting and fishing, and the ethics and values of being Unangan, and yet he may have
said no more than 200 words to me that whole time. I learned by watching and listening.
Why is it important to be present in the moment and in the heart?
Our people understand that the heart never guides us wrong. It is a place of love, compassion, patience and understanding. When you’re out of the mind and in the heart, present in the moment, that’s when you commune with all that is, or as we call it, the Maker. The heart receives things and communicates them to the mind. Traditionally, all people around the world used to have the heart tell the mind what to do. Today, the mind tells the heart what to do, which is a masculine imbalance, because it’s top-down, it’s control, it’s fear. Today, we have shut off the communication vehicle for receiving information.
Courtesy of Ilarion Merculieff
Can you explain the Hopi saying: “Seek not to fight evil, let goodness take its place”?
We are energy beings. When we focus our energy on stopping wars, political corruption or the violation of women, we are taking our mental, physical and spiritual energy and putting it into those things, which increases the power of the negative things that we’re trying to stop. Instead, the Hopi say, just focus on the world you wish to see without reaction to anything else, and then we will see real change happen. When we are in alignment and in harmony with the vibrational field of Mother Earth, then we will have real impact. Even the smallest thing that you do that is positive, that is not in reaction against something, adds to this effort.
How should we approach the problem of climate change?
People are depending upon governments and science and technology to figure out a way out of global climate change, but the Elders know that this is not going to be the answer. What we understand is that we must let go of this thing that everybody is attached to, which is the mind. What we call state-of-the-art technologies is nothing but the old regurgitated as new. For example, when the U.S. committed to hybrid fuel, that was considered good environmentally, but the Elders understood that this was going to have repercussions. Many of the world’s farmers stopped raising food crops to raise fuel crops like corn, and that led to food shortages, starvation and increased food prices around the world.
Depending on logic and rationality to guide us is the wrong place to look. The answers are in our hearts. When we access that place, when we receive that information, we will have a gift to give to the world. Each and every person is needed now. You cannot do anything about climate change until you receive your gift. It’s challenging because, accepting that as a paradigm, you have to do things that your heart is telling you to do, and it might be something that people think is crazy, like going around dancing in a circle or leaving a good job. You might be worried about where you’re going to get your food the next day.
When you stop worrying and just trust by being present in the moment and in the heart, you will contribute to the survival of the human race. Each person that does that changes the vibration that the world now is surrounded by, which is in a masculine imbalance. We need to change our consciousness now.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com/Wise-words.
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The average life expectancy is 77.5 years in the United States, but residents of the Seventh-Day Adventist city, Loma Linda, California, are outliving the rest of the country by 10 years. Like other regions of the world classified as Blue Zones, Loma Linda’s soil and water aren’t sprinkled with magic, but daily lifestyle and dietary habits might be key contributing factors.
Coined by National Geographic explorer and researcher Dan Buettner, the term “Blue Zones” is bestowed upon intriguing corners of the world where people reach their ninth decade and beyond without suffering from chronic illness and disease. While no definitive formula for longevity exists in Loma Linda or any of the other four Blue Zones—Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Ikaria, Greece—commonalities include staying physically active, eating unprocessed food and enjoying a vibrant social network.
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“By prioritizing physical activity, encouraging plant-based diets and creating spaces that promote social interactions, communities can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being,” says Buettner, author of The Blue Zones Kitchen, who found his life’s work traveling the world in search of centenarian secrets.
Delicious Simplicity
In 2023, JAMA Internal Medicine published the findings of a long-term study involving more than 75,000 women and 44,000 men over 36 years, which determined that adherence to one of four plantbased and Mediterranean dietary patterns can lower the risk of premature death. All of the dietary guidelines in this study included whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Growing evidence suggests that nutrient-dense, unprocessed meals play a major role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
“Diets in Blue Zones are predominantly plant-based, with a heavy emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. They also eat a variety of beans, which are a staple in their diets and an excellent source of protein and fiber,” Buettner points out, adding that moderate portion sizes, unhurried mealtime and leaving the table when 80 percent full are also highlights of the Blue Zone lifestyle.
Anna Freedman, a natural-food chef, educator and founder of Wholefood Harmony, in London, England, specializes in a health-supporting macrobiotic approach based on ancient Japanese philosophy and developed in the 1920s by George Ohsawa. She says, “Whole foods are essential to health and longevity. Plants capture the sun’s energy, so consuming vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains bestows both nutrition and vibrancy upon the body. These foods are alkalizing and directly nourish the cells, restoring the blood quality and supporting health and longevity.”
Macrobiotic favorites like lentils, chickpeas, whole grains and dark, leafy greens echo Blue Zone dietary models and are believed to promote overall systemic balance. The macrobiotic approach, adds Freedman, “can be adjusted to focus on improving a certain health condition or adapted to meet climate, phase of life or another factor.” In her work with clients, she encourages the consumption of a wide range of plant ingredients and cooking styles, and even incorporates certain animal proteins, to accommodate client preferences.
Diets that seek to promote a longer, healthier life usually include powerhouse ingredients such as naturally fermented sauerkraut and kimchi, legumes like lentils and split peas, and whole grains, especially barley, millet and oats.
Social Sustenance
In our modern world, feelings of isolation are reaching epidemic proportions, and in the medical community, loneliness is now seen as a risk factor for mortality that is equal to the effects of obesity, smoking or a sedentary lifestyle. Through Blue Zone research, it is understood that emotional nourishment is vital to good health. According to Buettner, “In Blue Zones, people often engage in regular social interactions, whether it’s through communal meals, faith-based gatherings or simply spending time with neighbors and family.” A table of
delicious food surrounded by loved ones is an inspiring way to eat and age gracefully.
For Gladys McGarey, M.D., cofounder of the American Holistic Medical Association, who is still practicing medicine at 103 years of age, our thoughts are also a form of nourishment. “What we feed our minds grows and lives, and we become it,” says the author of the bestseller The Well- Lived Life. “It has to do with love, the whole process of life. Love must be shared to flow,
and life is the same. We must not only create community, but live it.”
Freedman sums it up saying, “Eating and togetherness is a key feature of humanity, which is alarmingly in sharp decline. Food was always meant to be enjoyed together, and doing so serves up much more than simply nutrition.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings magazine.
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• In a craft cocktail; Drizzled over fruit or in yogurt
• On toasted bread with butter; Mixed in a salad dressing
Immune-Boosting Soup With Miso and Ginger Scent
This macrobiotic soup combines all the healing and digestive benefits of miso and ginger. Noodles, fish and a variation of vegetables can be added, too.
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
Dash sesame oil
1 leek, finely sliced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 zucchini or summer squash, finely diced
3-inch portion of wakame sea vegetable, rinsed and cut into small strips
3 cups boiling water
Spring onions, finely cut for garnish
4 tsp brown rice miso paste
1 inch ginger root, juiced
Heat the sesame oil and sauté the leek for one minute. Add the other vegetables and wakame. To make a broth, add water to cover the ingredients, bring to a boil then simmer for 4 minutes.
Remove one ladle of broth and place in a bowl. Add the miso to this broth, stirring to dissolve and incorporate the paste into the broth, and then pour it back into the original pot of cooked vegetables. Add ginger juice and simmer for another minute or so. Garnish with spring onion.
Recipe courtesy of Anna Freedman.
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Bean and Squash Tortillas With Papaya Salsa
This recipe calls for the use of nixtamal corn tortillas, a staple in Mexican cooking. The masa is made by cooking and soaking dried corn kernels with calcium hydroxide or another alkali, which significantly increases its nutritional benefits. The tortillas can be made at home from scratch or purchased ready-made. Look for products made with nixtamalized corn masa.
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
1 small ripe papaya, peeled, halved, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup)
1 small red bell pepper, stemmed, cored and diced (about ½ cup)
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1½ cups canned black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium yellow squash, chopped (appx 4 oz)
1 cup corn kernels cut from the ear or frozen kernels, thawed
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded through the large holes of a box grater
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground dried cayenne (or less, to taste)
¼ tsp salt
6 nixtamal corn tortillas
Stir the papaya, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Cover this salsa and set aside at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
Warm 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the beans, squash, corn, carrots, cumin, cayenne and salt. Cook, stirring often, until the squash is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the papaya salsa and set aside off the heat.
Set the oven rack 4 to 6 inches from the broiler element; heat the broiler for a few minutes. Lay the tortillas on a large, lipped baking sheet and brush them with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Broil until warmed and lightly toasted, about 30 seconds. Transfer the tortillas to serving plates and top each with a sixth of the bean mixture to serve.
Recipe courtesy of Dan Buettner.
Toasted Spiced Chickpeas (Sardinia Side Dish)
YIELD: 1½ CUPS
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
Toss the chickpeas, oil, cumin, garlic salt, chili powder and black pepper in a large bowl until well coated and uniform. Pour the mixture onto a large, lipped baking sheet and spread into one layer. Bake 45 to 60 minutes until browned and crisp, stirring occasionally.
Set the baking sheet on a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chickpeas to a serving bowl. Serve warm or at room temperature with plenty of napkins.
Recipe courtesy of Dan Buettner.
Overcoming Generation Z Loneliness
Prioritizing Human Interactions Over Screen Time
by Thais Harris, BCHN
Generation Z, defined as those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, has grown up in a digital era characterized by constant connectivity, yet accompanied by profound isolation. The pervasive use of social media, economic uncertainty, hybrid work environments, climate change anxiety and societal pressures contribute to this sense of loneliness.
The Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index found that nearly eight in 10 Gen Zers (79 percent) are lonely. Schools reported that between 2012 and 2018 nearly double the number of high school students worldwide expressed a sense of loneliness compared to the previous decade. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression,
anxiety and premature death. Those that experience social isolation have a 32 percent higher risk of early death.
A leading theory for this phenomenon is that 2012 was the first year when more than 50 percent of Americans had access to a smartphone, and the use of social media platforms reached critical mass. While these platforms offer connection, they often lack the depth and authenticity required for meaningful relationships. They give us the illusion of being connected while having our heads down, focused on our devices and ignoring the people and experiences around us. The curated nature of online profiles also can foster feelings of inadequacy and increasing loneliness.
To address this epidemic, it is essential to focus on creating environments that encourage genuine interactions and a sense of belonging. Understanding our needs and triggers, while also nourishing a sense of connection from within, can open the possibility to greater social connection and deeper interactions in the world. Here are some strategies:
Engage in community. Active participation in local activities can significantly reduce feelings of isolation. Volunteering, joining clubs or participating in neighborhood events foster a sense of purpose and connection. Engaging in community service can enhance social networks and provide emotional support while helping others.
Share interests and hobbies. Finding and participating in groups centered around shared interests can lead to deeper connections. Whether it’s a book club, sports team or foreign language class, these gatherings offer opportunities for meaningful interactions and friendships. Researchers from The University of Queensland, in Australia, found that engaging in activities that align with personal interests helps to form a coherent social identity and reduces feelings of isolation.
Talk to strangers. Contrary to what older generations taught their children, talking to strangers is not necessarily a dangerous endeavor. It might seem easier to interact with our devices than start a conversation with someone new, but the results of the latter provide a greater sense of well-being and a feeling of belonging. Happier people spend more time talking to others, and when people have more conversations with others, they report being happier.
Be authentic, kind and open. Building genuine relationships requires authenticity. Being open and honest about our
feelings and experiences fosters trust and deeper connection. When unsure about what to say, a random act of kindness can profoundly impact the day for the better, creating a ripple effect in the community.
Start from within. “Our epidemic of loneliness corresponds to an epidemic of self-neglect. This isn’t just about being out of touch with others, but with our own body’s needs. Screen time can invade the space for adequate sleep and movement, leading to less resilience and reduced immunity,” says Peter Sholley, a psychotherapist in Massachusetts. “The gut biome is directly implicated, affected by low-nutrition foods, antibiotics, and sleep and exercise deficiencies. Many studies point to a connection between a compromised gut biome and lack of microbial diversity with an increase in depression and anxiety.”
The Power of Community
A strong, in-person community provides a support system, reduces stress and promotes overall well-being. To combat the loneliness epidemic among Generation Z, we can start by extending a kind greeting to everyone we meet—on a bus, in the classroom or in the checkout line.
Thais Harris is a holistic nutritionist and author. Learn more at NourishTogether.com.
Pet Posse
Building a Network Around Our Animal Companions
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Like the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child,” it takes a village to raise a pet, too. Pet ownership involves much more than just feeding and walking them. It requires a holistic approach that includes training, socialization, health care and emotional well-being. A supportive community can play a crucial role in raising a pet by offering a diverse set of skills and resources that contribute to their comprehensive care.
Pets Build Community
A 2017 study across urban sites in the U.S. and Australia found that pet owners have significantly higher “social capital” than non-pet owners. Defined as the “connections among individuals, social networks, and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them,” social capital is crucial for community well-being.
The study describes how pets can facilitate social interactions, acting as catalysts for building social networks and fostering a sense of community. Such interactions extend beyond simply breaking the ice between strangers; they contribute to a wider social trust and the ties that bind communities together.
A recent report by Mars Incorporated, makers of human and pet food, highlights the power of pets to bring people together and alleviate the loneliness epidemic. Nearly nine in 10 adults say pets are one of the easiest conversation-starters, and pet parents say pets made them more familiar with their neighbors (85 percent) and more invested in their community (70 percent).
Benefits of a Pet Community
A supportive pet community enhances the quality of life for pets and their owners.
• Socialization for Pets and Owners: Pets need social interaction to thrive. Regular
playdates, dog park visits and community events help pets interact with other animals, improving behavior, reducing anxiety and boosting happiness. For owners, these gatherings can foster lasting friendships and a supportive network.
• Shared Knowledge and Resources: Experienced pet owners share advice on training techniques, veterinarians, pet-sitting services, groomers and petfriendly activities, helping pets receive the best care.
• Emotional Support: Pet ownership can be challenging. A community offers much-needed emotional support, empathy and practical advice during difficult times, such as dealing with a sick pet or behavioral issues.
• Active Lifestyle: Pet communities promote an active lifestyle that includes group walks, hiking clubs and outdoor events that keep pets and owners physically healthier and happier.
• Advocacy and Education: Pet communities organize events for spaying and neutering, raise awareness about pet adoption and host workshops on pet care. These efforts contribute to the well-being of pets and promote responsible pet ownership.
Finding the Right Tribe
Joining a meetup hosted by a dog park or local pet club is an excellent starting point to find a pet community nearby. Websites like Meetup and Facebook help connect pet owners in the area. Online communities, including breed-specific forums and pet care groups, offer platforms to share experiences, seek advice and build friendships worldwide. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok also host vibrant pet communities.
Veterinary clinics and pet stores often act as local pet community hubs, hosting
events and providing bulletin boards for announcements. Participating in petfriendly festivals, charity walks and adoption fairs offers great opportunities to meet other pet owners and learn about local resources. These activities not only help in finding a pet tribe, but also enhance a pet’s social life and well-being.
The right pet community includes professionals such as veterinarians, pet trainers and nutritionists to provide access to highquality, accurate and reliable information and support. These experts stay updated with the latest research and best practices, allowing pet owners to benefit from the most recent advancements in pet care.
Building a Strong Community
If an existing community doesn’t fit specific needs, consider organizing personal events. Starting a weekly dog walk, hosting a pet playdate in the backyard or planning
a pet-friendly picnic can create a supportive network of pet owners with shared interests. Volunteering at animal shelters, rescue organizations or pet adoption events is another excellent way to connect with other passionate pet owners while contributing to a worthy cause.
The power of community in pet ownership is undeniable. Embracing the collective care model ensures a healthier, happier and more connected life for all involved.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
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Cross-Brain Fitness
An Integrative Workout for the Mind and Body
by David J. Sautter, NASM (CPT, FNS, PES), ACE (SCS)
Holistic approaches to health and well-being that consider the entire person—body, mind and spirit—are especially effective in cultivating creativity and mental equilibrium. Cross-brain fitness training encourages the use of both the left and right hemispheres of the brain in tandem to improve body and brain function.
One study published in Advances in Physical Education suggests that exercises involving movements across the middle of the body improved the ability to transfer motor skills from one hand to the other, most likely due to improved communication between the two sides of the brain.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Exercise, Nutrition and Biochemistry found that a 12-week brain health
exercise program for seniors improved lower and upper body strength, as well as aerobic endurance, while also increasing cognitive function and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that plays an important role in neuronal survival and growth.
Engaging Sports
Physical activities that engage both brain hemispheres boost health and enhance creativity by integrating analytical and creative thinking. Team sports such as soccer and basketball are excellent for cross-brain development. They demand strategic planning and logical thinking, activities typically associated with the left hemisphere. At the same time, they require players to use spatial awareness
and creativity—skills linked to the right hemisphere. This combination encourages players to continuously switch between different modes of thinking, thereby improving brain agility and coordination.
“Team sports require players to analyze the game situation, anticipate opponents’ moves and strategize accordingly,” says Danielle Smith, a registered dietitian and personal trainer. “Players need to understand the rules of the game, their positionspecific responsibilities and how to execute plays effectively. Team sports offer a great way for these skills to develop naturally in a fun environment.”
Rock climbing is a prime example of an activity that blends cognitive demands. It requires meticulous problem-solving and advanced planning (left-brain activities) to choose the best routes and techniques for ascent. Simultaneously, climbers must employ spatial awareness and adaptability (right-brain activities) to navigate and adjust to new challenges on the fly, making it a comprehensive brain exercise.
Sailing combines the technical knowledge and analytical thinking characteristic of the left brain, such as navigating and understanding sailing mechanics, with the intuitive grasp of environmental elements like wind and water, a rightbrain activity. Sailors must continuously interpret these dynamic elements and adjust their strategies accordingly,
promoting an advanced level of hemispheric integration.
Implementing a Routine
Incorporating a variety of cross-brain training activities into a regular fitness routine is crucial for engaging different parts of the brain and maximizing cognitive development. Here are some tips and strategies for creating an effective crossbrain fitness routine:
• Add variety. Rotate between activities that challenge different cognitive skills. For example, blend team sports, which enhance strategic thinking and cooperation, with individual pursuits like rock climbing or sailing that require problem-solving and adaptability. This diversity not only prevents boredom but also stimulates different brain areas.
• Be consistent. Schedule brain-stimulating physical activities several times a week. This regular engagement helps to encourage new neural connections and improve brain function over time.
• Progress gradually. Start with simpler tasks and gradually increase the
complexity of the activities as cognitive and physical abilities improve. This progression keeps the brain challenged and engaged as training advances.
• Track results. Use a journal or digital app to record the types of activities performed, their duration and any noticeable improvements in thinking, problem-solving or creative output. Also reflect on changes in emotional and mental well-being. Such monitoring is essential to appreciate the benefits of a cross-brain fitness routine.
• Check cognitive progress. Consider periodic cognitive assessments to formally measure cognitive improvements. These can be simple online tests designed to evaluate brain functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving and creativity.
Holistic Support
Cross-brain fitness can be supported by other activities during the day. Regular meditation, for example, quiets the mind’s chatter, allowing both sides of the brain to work in harmony, thus enhancing the ability to generate new ideas and solve problems creatively. “Meditation
and mindfulness practices are associated with strengthening the brain’s connectivity,” explains Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian specializing in women’s health, sports nutrition and digestive health. “This can improve attention, memory, decision-making and general mindfulness. Regular practitioners often have improved emotional control, lower stress and clearer thinking.”
What we eat significantly impacts our brain function and overall health. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and proteins can enhance cognitive function and support both the logical and creative faculties of the brain. Foods like blueberries, nuts, fish and green leafy vegetables boost brain health and foster mental clarity.
Adequate sleep helps consolidate memories and clear brain fog, making room for new ideas and creative thinking. Sleep also balances the emotional states, ensuring that both the analytical and creative sides of the brain can function optimally without the interference of stress or anxiety.
David J. Sautter is a certified trainer, fitness-nutrition specialist, and health and fitness writer.
Wednesday, August 8
Angels 101 w/Felicia – 8/7,8/14,8/21,8/28. 5:30-7:30pm. Deepen your connection to the angels. Learn about Archangel Michael, Gabriel, Uriel & Raphael. Channeling techniques, history and special activation meditations. Receive messages for yourself and others. $222. Pre-registration required at TherapyForTheSoul.org or 850240-9180. Fort Walton Beach area.
Saturday, August 10
Level One Reiki Training w/Felicia – 11am5pm. Reiki 1 unlocks and unblocks the potential within the heart. It is a universal reset and attunement to the healing vibration of Reiki, the source energy of the Universe. $222. Pre-registration required at TherapyForTheSoul.org or 850-2409180. Fort Walton Beach area.
Friday, August 16
ThetaHealing: Basic DNA w/Felicia –8/16-18, 3 full days. Remove long held limiting beliefs through the science of the Theta brainwave. Tap into the subconscious minds and change at miraculous levels. Create the reality you desire. $444. Pre-registration required at TherapyForTheSoul.org or 850-240-9180. Fort Walton Beach area.
Ongoing Events
Sunday
30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Closed 12/25/2022 and 1/1/2023. Find local grassfed beef; whole chickens; eggs; goat milk; cheese; produce; hydroponic lettuce; herbs; microgreens; local and regional honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. 28 N Barrett Sq, Rosemary Beach. 850499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.co. 30AFarmersMarket.com.
Free Yoga in Maritime Park – 9:3010:30am. First Sun of the month. Sponsored by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center, this one-hour yoga class is open to all ages and experience levels. BYOM (bring your own mat), water, and other props you enjoy. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St, Pensacola. Facebook.com/PlayPColaParks.
Community Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. Enjoy a yoga class and support a charity at the same time, with donations for this class going to PAWS, Children in Crisis, Headstart, Southern Dog Rescue and more. Donations accepted. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.
Monday
Veterans Talking Circle – noon-1pm. For and by veterans discussing veteran issues that affect your daily life. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. 850863-1044. RootsShoppe.com.
Celebrate Recovery – 6pm. Open to everyone as a safe place to heal from hurts, habits and hang-ups. This is a 12step program that uses the traditional steps and 8 Principles in the Beatitudes from the bible. We recognize Jesus Christ as our higher power. Dinner is also available from 5:15-5:45pm, $5-adults,
$3-children, and no one turned away. Community Life Church, 4115 Soundside Dr, Gulf Breeze. Facebook. com/CRatCommunityLifeChurch/
Tuesday
Okaloosa County Farmers’ Market –7am-2pm. Tue, Thur & Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits and flowers. Free. 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach. 850-689-5850.
Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market –8am-1pm. 2nd and 4th Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits, handcrafted jams, hot sauces and local honey. Free. 139 Brooks St SE, FWB.
Refuge Recovery Meeting – 6:307:30pm. A Buddhist-oriented, nontheistic recovery program offering recovery from all forms of addiction. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. RefugeRecovery.org.
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Ongoing Events
Let’s Talk about Gut Health (Zoom) – 7pm. Weekly discussions about gut health and why it matters. Also, we will discuss the science of the microbiome and disease. Free. Email to register: PCBPlexus@gmail.com.
Wednesday
‘Movers’ & ‘Shakers’ Low Impact Dance Fitness – 9-9:45am. Wed. Join instructor Emily Mixon for an interactive and low impact dance class for seniors 55+. Free. Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E Lloyd Street, Pensacola. 850-436-5190.
Friday
Walton County Farmers Market – 1-5pm. Find locally grown fruits; vegetables; grassfed meat; local vendors; and small businesses. Free. 3001 Brown Rd, Defuniak Springs. 850834-2084. PonceDeLeonFL.com.
Essential Oils for Beginners – 6:30pm every 3rd Friday. Culver's in FWB hosts an Essential Oils class for both humans and pets. Natural ways to improve your health. HH Arts, 100 Beal Pkwy, FWB. 850-543-1619.
Saturday
Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market –9am-1pm. Find grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 600 Grand Blvd (in Grand Park between Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo), Miramar Beach. 850-4994697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. GrandBoulevardFarmersMarket.com.
Niceville Florida Community Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Local and regional produce, honey, mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, bakery items, teas, fresh local seafood and hand-crafted jewelry. Free. Palm Plaza, 1003 C. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville.
Palafox Market – 9am-2pm. Find live plants; local fruit; vegetables; herbs; fine art; and antiques. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on N Palafox St between Wright St and Garden St, Pensacola. 850-4345371. PalafoxMarket.com.
2024 Editorial Calendar
January
Health & Wellness
February
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
March
Food & Nutrition
April
Eco-Travel
May
Women’s Wellness
June
Men’s Health
July
Keeping It Cool
August
Finding Your Tribe
September
Emotional Healing
October
Whole Body Alignment
November
Grateful Aging
December
Reconnect & Rejuvenate
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Advertising@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com to request our media kit.
Navarre Acupuncture and Wellness: Bridging the gap to optimal health with acupuncture, dry needling, moxibustion, cupping, injection therapy, and lifestyle guidance.
ORGANIC CONCEPTS BY CAMY AT LE VOGUE SALON 609 W Chase St, Pensacola 850-582-0177
CamyKilker@gmail.com
Providing an organic solution to beauty in a world full of chemicals. Organic Salon Systems gives you clean and healthy hair with ammonia-free hair color and chemical-free styling products. See ad, page 20.
SculpSure is a non-surgical laser treatment for the reduction of stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, love handles, back, and inner and outer thighs; and chin contouring. Amazing results with zero down time and without drugs. See ad, page 2.
Bodyworks
CAROL THOMAS LMT, CST AT NAVARRE HEALING ARTS
7552 Navarre Pkwy Ste, Ste 44, 850-936-5300
NavarreHealingArts.com
Specializes in balancing mind, body, and spirit with more than 30 years of experience in lymphatic drainage, orthopedic relief of chronic pain and sportsrelated injuries, cupping, pre-natal, structural integration, and myofascial release. Schedule an appointment today. 5-star reviews are available online and on Yelp. MA83196 / MM38857
Brain Health
BE WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN
KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
4641 Gulfstarr Dr, #105, Destin 850-786-2051
CompleteKetamineDestin@gmail.com
CompleteKetamineSolutions.com
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. See ad, page 9
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
(Located inside Path to Wellness) 240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our non-invasive, drug-free approach helps brain injury patients improve speech, balance, limb and finger control, memory and mental focus, plus the restoration of personality traits. See ad, page 14.
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola
850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
The application of the Energy Enhancement System and Brain Tap sessions allows you to relax and recharge in a room filled with amazing energy and give your body the energy it needs to heal itself. People have reported improvement in Autism, brain fog, chronic fatigue, depression, MS, nervous system disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and pain relief. See ad, page 4.
Breast Screening
RADIANT BODY THERMOGRAPHY
Candace Parmer
Clinical Thermographic Technician
503-775-1812
RadiantBodyThermography.com
CBD Oil
Call to learn how we can assist you and your doctor in protecting breasts from disease, excess hormonal activity and over diagnos breast cancer. See ad, page 19.
Providing the largest selection of CBD oils, tinctures, sprays, softgels, balms and vape liquid in the area, including high-dose options for pain, anxiety, sleep and much more. See ad, page 3.
Chiropractic
HENARD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
Dr Karen Henard-Carter, DC 4566 Hwy 20 E, Ste 205, Niceville 850-897-1105 • HenardChiro.com
A second-generation chiropractor, Dr Henard is committed to chiropractic wellness for the family, improving health naturally. More than 23 years’ experience in pediatrics, sports and automobile injuries. Most insurance accepted and affordable cash plans.
DR GABRIEL WATERMAN, DC
850-565-9600
Info@DiscoverDynamic.com
DiscoverDynamic.com
Dr. Gabriel and his team focus on the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, nerves and the spinal structure that protects this delicate system—essential to the body’s ability to function, restore and preserve health. We help individuals and families overcome health obstacles and reach their fullest health potential. See ad, page 10.
Cleaning Products
NORWEX
Abbie Robinson 850-341-9211
AbbieRobinson.norwex.biz
A deeper clean with only water for a healthier home with fewer harmful chemicals, less plastic and less worry. Text or call Abbie for more information. See ad, page 37.
. Colon Irrigation
COYLE INSTITUTE
9295 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola 850-637-8258
CoyleInstitute.com
Colon Hydrotherapy (CHT)—a safe process for colon cleansing. CHT works by gently introducing warm water into the colon for the purpose of softening and eliminating waste. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Coyle, DO, our patients are in the best possible hands. Call to schedule your session today. See ad, page 15.
Counseling
FLOW FREE AND CLEAR
167-C Brooks St SE 850-499-4418
FlowFreeAndClear.com
Rapid Resolution is a specialized protocol designed to clear the lingering effects of emotional disturbance.This is a lifechanging conversation. See ad, page 13.
Craniosacral
CAROL THOMAS LMT, CST AT NAVARRE HEALING ARTS
7552 Navarre Pkwy Ste, Ste 44, 850-936-5300
NavarreHealingArts.com
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tension deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health. It alleviates the aches and pains of life, trauma recovery from whiplash, fibromyalgia, TMJ, scoliosis, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, to name a few. Schedule today and experience the benefits of this holistic therapy. MA83196/ MM38857.
Dementia
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
(Located inside Path to Wellness) 240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our non-invasive, drug-free approach helps dementia patients that originally scored in the teens on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment be restored to the point of scoring normal (26-30). See ad, page 14.
Depression
BE WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
4641 Gulfstarr Dr, #105, Destin 850-786-2051
CompleteKetamineDestin@gmail.com
CompleteKetamineSolutions.com
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. See ad, page 9.
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
(Located inside Path to Wellness)
240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL
251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Offering Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Brainsway—a proven tool in the fight against depression that is non-invasive, painless and drug-free) with functional medicine and brain pathway rehabilitation for the most robust changes possible. See ad, page 14.
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
The application of the Energy Enhancement System and Brain Tap sessions allows you to relax and recharge in a room filled with amazing energy and give your body the energy it needs to heal itself. People have reported improvement in Autism, brain fog, chronic fatigue, depression, MS, nervous system disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and pain relief. See ad, page 4.
Energy Healing
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
Elevate your vitality by harnessing the power of our energy enhancement system for relaxation and selfhealing. Users report improved health with conditions such as arthritis, autism, depression, diabetic neuropathy, brain fog, and more through this rejuvenating process. See ad, page 4.
THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND
Jeff Nursey, Customer Service Sales@tnymb.com 850-207-6621 • TNYB.com
Change your frequency, change your life. Our products have an integrated charged disk to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance.
Farmers’ Markets
30A FARMERS’ MARKETS
850-499-4697
30AFarmersMarket.com
Locations:
•30A Farmers’ Market at Palm Plaza
1003C John Sims Pwy, Niceville 9am-1pm Saturdays (Year Round)
•Sandestin Grand Boulevard Hwy 98
600 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach 9am-1pm Saturdays (Year Round)
Serene, beautiful, distinctive and exclusive is the best way to describe the 30A Farmers’ Market Family. European and coastal-inspired markets feature local farmers, makers, bakers, and specialty vendors in an inviting market experience. See ad, page 26.
Food & Supplements
BODY-B-HEALTHY
Natural Alternative Wellness Center 2225 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview 850-682-8893 • Find us on Facebook We offer cutting-edge. t e s t i n g / s c r e e n i n g s , iridology and wellness coaching, along with all natural supplements, homeopathic solutions and anti-aging products. Let our knowledgeable staff can help guide your selection of trusted products.
EARTHQUAKE EDDIE BEE
Pollen Based Nutritional Supplements 112 E Shipwreck Rd, Santa Rosa Beach 850-582-6765
Info@EEBSF.com
We utilize bee pollen, Royal Jelly and other plant-based foods that are full of life-sustaining nutrients in all of our formulations. Our formulations include a generous portion of bee pollen due to its active role in promoting a strong immune system, increased energy and an overall feeling of good health. See ad, page 12.
Natural supplements, herbs, skin care and essential oils, plus organic and specialty foods. In-store 100% organic café (weekdays 9-4) with juices, smoothies, etc. Very knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 3.
HONEYMED
Rosemary and Grand Blvd
Farmers’ Market
850-797-2786
HoneyMedBiz@gmail.com
HoneyMedBiz.com
HoneyMed is a delicious blend of raw honey and three powerful superfoods: turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper. HoneyMed is true nature’s medicine with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, revitalizing and immunity-boosting properties. See ad, page 31.
STAFF OF LIFE HEALTH FOOD STORE
(New Location)
1107 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville 850-678-8411
Niceville's only fully stocked health food and supplement store. In our new expanded location providing all of your favorite brands, and hard-to-find products to keep you healthy. We also carry local farm-raised beef (grass-fed & finished), pork, chicken, eggs and dairy products. Knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 17.
THE VITAMIN SHOPPE-FWB
417 Mary Esther Cutt Off NW 850-243-0009
Insta: VitaminShoppeFortWaltonBeach Enjoy 20% Off Every Month On The 28th (All 1st Responders, Emt And Hospital Workers.) 20% Off Military Monday’s! Enjoy 20% Off Every Month On The 7th For All Teachers, Educators And Staff. See ad, page 35.
Handyman
KELLEY HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC
John and Sherri Kelley-Owners
KelleyHandyman@gmail.com 850-378-6262
KelleyHandyman.com
BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of Handy Man repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms and kitchens. Honest, affordable and with a smile we provide estimates you can count on. See ad, page 12.
Empowering your wellness journey with personalized guidance, sustainable habits, and holistic health strategies for a balanced and vibrant life. See ad, page 15.
Health Insurance
HEALTH INSURANCE
Michael Denniston
Serving all of Northwest Florida 850-819-3438
info@MikeDenniston.com
Medicare Parts A, B, C, D. Medicare Supplement plans, MAPD Medicare Advantage. PDP plans, Zero premium plans, Gap plans, Burial Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance. See ad, page 10.
KarenKennedyMD.com
Board-Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for an appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
Our bodies are energy, and our cells need energy to function. the energy enhancement system allows you to relax, recharge, and give your body the energy it needs to heal itself! people have reported improvement in arthritis, autism, auto-immune disorders, blood disorders, brain fog, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, injury recovery, Lyme, MS, nervous system disorders, and pain relief. See ad, page 4.
Home Repair
KELLEY HANDYMAN
SERVICES LLC
John and Sherri Kelley-Owners KelleyHandyman@gmail.com 850-378-6262
KelleyHandyman.com
Hormone Therapy
AGELESS SOLUTIONS
Cave, MD • Barber, MD
Janis Cook, RN 8990 Ortego Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770
Ageless Navarre.com
We offer multiple techniques and programs to get you on the right track to better health and a better body. Our services include behavioral therapies, nutritional strategies, hormone replacement pellet therapy, stem cell therapy, prescription medications and, best of all, the support of a caring staff. See ad, page 41.
Board Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for an appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.
Hot Yoga Studio
HOT YOGA OM
222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown Fort Walton Beach 850-430-9434 • HotYogaOM.com
BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of Handy Man repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchens. Honest, affordable and with a smile we provide estimates you can count on. See ad, page 12.
Hot Yoga Om features far infrared heat, radiant heat, radiant life. Daily classes, amazing teachers, great benefits. Experience it for yourself. See ad, page 23. Summer
has always been good to me, even t he bittersweet end, with the slanted yellow light.
—Paul Monette
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
BE WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
4641 Gulfstarr Dr, #105, Destin 850-786-2051
CompleteKetamineDestin@gmail.com
CompleteKetamineSolutions.com
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. See ad, page 9..
Hypnosis
BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS
700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com
BaysideHypnosis.com
A full-service weight-loss, smoking-cessation, and anxiety-reduction center. We also help people with changing habits, personal development, confidence and self esteem improvement. See ad, page 5.
Ketamine Therapy
BE WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
4641 Gulfstarr Dr, #105, Destin 850-786-2051
CompleteKetamineDestin@gmail.com
CompleteKetamineSolutions.com
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. See ad, page 9.
Metaphysical Shop
STONE SOUP INTUITIVE SPIRITUAL CENTER
314 Carmel Dr, FWB
850-533-6565
IntuitiveSpiritualCenter@gmail.com
Fort Walton’s newest eclectic intuitive center.
Locally made crafts by local artisans. Intuitive readings, jewelry, paintings, incense, crystals, pottery, semi-precious stones, wind chimes, diaper cakes and hand-painted furniture. See ad, page 19.
Myofascial Release
LAURA TYREE
Myofascial Release Massage Therapist LauraTyree Health in Hot Yoga Om (Downtown FWB) 850-642-1015 • LauraTyree.com
A healing sanctuary that relieves stress and alleviates damage caused by tension and strain. Fostering physical, mental and emotional relaxation while performing postures and breathing techniques with the underlying philosophy and relaxed attitude continuing outside of the studio into life. Classes for all levels and private classes upon request. See ad, page 23.
Dr. Michael Coyle, DO FACOOG, FPMRS 9295 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola 850-637-8258
CoyleInstitute.com
Dr. Coyle offers an unparalleled level of medical care to women all over the Gulf Coast, hoping that, in providing his patients with treatment and relief from the conditions that have so greatly affected their ability to live free from pain, he is offering them renewed hope and enriching their lives. See ad, page 15.
A medical clinic that treats pain naturally through remedies such as prolotherapy, prolozone, ozone, platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments. See ad, page 8.
No one can believe that God is not good when the August gardens are in their heyday.
—Gladys Taber
KarenKennedyMD.com
Board-Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.
Pilates Studio
PURE PILATES
Gulf Breeze Proper
221 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, 850-932-3424
Downtown Pensacola
426 S Palafox, 850-607-2772
PurePilatesPensacola.com
Reiki
Join us at Pure to experience the largest Pilates studio on the coast. Variety of equipment and mat classes are offered 6 days a week. Tone your core with Pure.
FELICIA CRAWFORD
850-240-9180
TherapyForTheSoul.org
Therapy for the Soul sessions are a combination of Reiki energy healing, medical intuition, ThetaHealing and Channeled Angelic communication customized and personalized for each client.
Spiritual Center Gifts
STONE SOUP INTUITIVE SPIRITUAL CENTER
314 Carmel Dr, FWB 850-533-6565
IntuitiveSpiritualCenter@gmail.com
Fort Walton’s newest eclectic intuitive center. Locally made crafts by local artisans. Intuitive readings, jewelry, paintings, incense, crystals, pottery, semi-precious stones, wind chimes, diaper cakes and hand-painted furniture. See ad, page 19.
UNITY OF PENSACOLA
Jamie Sanders, Minister
3298 Summit Blvd, Ste 16
850-438-2277
UnityOfPensacola.org
Unity of Pensacola offers spiritual teachings that empower abundant and meaningful living. We provide philosophy that is spiritual, not religious, and love-based, not fear-based. Rev Jamie Sanders offers spiritual counseling. See ad, page 41.
Stem Cell Therapy is utilized to seek out inflammation in the body and regenerate any damaged tissue, applying our body’s natural internal repair system. Our services include behavioral therapies, nutritional strategies, hormone replacement pellet therapy, stem cell therapy, prescription medications and, best of all, the support of a caring staff. See ad, page 41.
Thermography
RADIANT BODY
THERMOGRAPHY
Candace Parmer
Clinical Thermographic Technician
503-775-1812
RadiantBodyThermography.com
Medical Infrared (MIR) technology developed by NASA provides an early, objective warning system that may show neurochemical signals far in advance of damage to the body. See ad, page 19.
Theta-Healing
FELICIA CRAWFORD
850-240-9180
TherapyForTheSoul.org
Therapy for the Soul sessions are a combination of Reiki energy healing, medical intuition, ThetaHealing and Channeled Angelic communication customized and personalized for each client.
LAURA TYREE
ThetaHealing Healer
LauraTyree Health in Hot Yoga Om (Downtown FWB) 850-642-1015
• LauraTyree.com
ThetaHealing is a meditation technique and spirituality philosophy, accepting of all religions, with the purpose of getting closer to your beliefs Creator. A holistic healing technique allowing you to clear limiting beliefs with meditation and prayer. See ad, page 23.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
(Located inside Path to Wellness)
240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
FLOW WITH ANIESE
224-234-4996
FlowWithAniese.com
IG: @FlowWithAniese
Achieve lasting weight loss with tailored goals, mindful eating, and supportive coaching. Balance, health, and confidence start here. See ad, page 15.
SLENDERIIZ® SKINNY DROPS
167-C Brooks St SE 850-499-4418
DTMS increases the brain’s ability to regenerate and release neurotransmitters. We pair this with brain pathway correction and the nutritional program of Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen for quick, profound, positive results. See ad, page 14.
Weight Management
AGELESS SOLUTIONS
8990 Ortega Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770
AgelessNavarre.com
More than 20 years of medical assistance with a weight-loss program that helps you reach your perfect weight while maintaining your energy and health. See ad, page 41.
BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS
700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com BaysideHypnosis.com
Hypnotic weight-loss works because it combines common sense, realistic nutrition, and teaches how to think like a naturally thin person with the most advanced hypnotic technology available, performed by skilled, experienced master hypnotists. See ad, page 5.
Slenderiiz® provides a cutting-edge advantage to weight loss. Safe, effective and long lasting, these drops easily fit into your onthe-go lifestyle with proven weight loss results. See ad, page 13.
Yoga Studios
DRAGONFLY YOGA STUDIES
184 Brooks St SE, Bldg 2 Downtown FWB • 850-244-0184
DragonFlyYoga.com
Serene environment for the study and practice of hatha yoga. Certified instructors. Owner/Director Laura Tyree, E-RYT 500. See ad, page 23.
HOT YOGA OM
222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown FWB • 850-430-9434
HotYogaOM.com
Hot Yoga Om features far infrared heat, radiant heat, radiant life. Daily classes, amazing teachers, great benefits. Experience it for yourself. See ad, page 23.
YOGA BY YOU STUDIOS
1605 Partin Dr Nth, Niceville 850-353-1767
https://www.yogabyyouniceville.com
A therapeutic Yoga studio that welcomes everybody and makes each class feel like we designed it just for you. See ad, page 20.
