Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida- December 2022

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“When I came here, I was a hot mess with emotional baggage and health issues. I literally feel like a plug has been pulled out of my head to let all the garbage out. I feel lighter and more relaxed... Oh, and I’ve lost 40 lbs in 5 months!”

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Happy holiday season! As I write this, I’m excitedly anticipating all kinds of festive goodness especially gatherings with friends, community events, and holiday decorating and baking.

Speaking of baking, I’m glad I read the health brief on page 14 before Thanksgiving as a friendly reminder not to load up on ultra-processed foods. As someone who’s vocation revolves around healthy living, at this time of year I can easily succumb to the temptations of calorie, fat and sugar-laden desserts, cocktails, casseroles, and the like. And while I’ll in dulge a little, I know I don’t have to over-indulge to appreciate whatever delicious dish or baked goody comes across my path. Merry Brunching, on page 34, offers healthy swaps for classic mid-morning meals followed by a few yummy holiday recipes. And we didn’t forget about our furry family members with some simple ideas for holiday pet treats on page 42.

& Scott Chase

From Pensacola to Panama City

Publishers

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Scott & Daralyn Chase

Scott Chase Erin Lehn Courtney Ayers Daralyn Chase

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 945 Destin, FL 32540 Ph: 850-687-0825 Scott@NWFNaturally.com NWFNATURALLY.COM

During the holidays, I often feel frozen in empathy for all the suffering in the world. Many of us want to make a difference but we don’t always know what to do or where to be gin. Oftentimes, this means we end up doing nothing. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

This month’s eco tip Holiday Volunteering: The Gift of Giving on page 19, inspired me to action. The holidays are the perfect time for us to show our generosity. They’re here to remind us that we’re all connected. And what better way to demonstrate this than to help our fellow earth inhabitants. The Best Gift of All, on page 38 explains how researchers discovered the many ways children benefit physically, mentally and emo tionally from kindness. And for an inspiring read, check out Linda Sechrist’s article titled Transforming Our World: Working Together for Meaningful Change on page 26. It’s truly uplifting.

Speaking of uplifting, check out this month’s business spotlight featuring Ed Berry, founder of Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods on page 20. This passionate entrepreneur is a shining example of someone dedicated to making the world healthier.

In addition, there are so many amazing events happening this month—including the Sleigh the Litter Second Annual Beach Cleanup taking place December 3 on Pensacola Beach, WinterFest being held on December 17 at Stone Soup in Fort Walton Beach, and the Blessed Yule/Christmas to You Holiday Sale at Mystical Paths of Pea Ridge in Milton December 17 and 18.

We hope you’re able to spark that holiday spirit by embracing the wonder and magic of the season. There’s a lot of chaos going on in the world, but we can shine some light into that darkness, starting right here in our own community. Like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, let’s allow our hearts to grow three sizes—or more—and fill the world with as much love, joy and laughter as we can this holiday season.

Cheers and see you in the new year!

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Scott & Daralyn

Natural Awakenings is a network of holistic lifestyle magazines providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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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

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REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportuni ties call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com

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WinterFest Returns to Stone Soup in Fort

Walton Beach

WinterFest

is being held December 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stone Soup Intuitive Spiritual Center in Ft. Walton Beach. This festive event will feature eclectic vendors, aura photography, artists, intuitive readings, and healthy food options. There will also be games and a kid’s craft area.

“Come and celebrate the winter solstice with us. We’ve reached that time of year when Mother Earth takes this time to rest and rejuvenate as we choose to get together and celebrate the season,” says Jan Meyers, Stone Soup CEO and founder. “As we approach the holidays, we also like to share with those in need. Our donation station, located in the Healing Hut, accepts nonperishable/unexpired food, gently worn clothing, lightly used toys, pet supplies, and more.” Two bins will be available for smaller items. For larger items, Meyers suggests contacting the store to arrange a drop-off.

Throughout the year, Stone Soup Intuitive Spiritual Center hosts a wide variety of workshops, classes, trainings, massage therapy, energy healing, intuitive readings, and special events. “Visit our website to see our event calendar and check back of ten. Our calendar is always full of so many amazing offerings,” adds Meyers. “We look forward to seeing you soon!”

WinterFest Admission: Free. Location: 314 Carmel Dr., Ft. Walton Beach, FL. For more information, visit IntuitiveSpiritu alCenter.org.

Crystal © Elena Ray Microstock Library

Elena Ray | Dreamstime.com

Sleigh the Litter Second Annual Beach Cleanup

Those who have been naughty this year still have a chance to get on Santa’s Nice List by participating in Our Corner’s Second Annual Sleigh the Litter Beach Cleanup being held December 3 from 10 a.m. to noon at Park West on Pensacola Beach.

“Our goal for this cleanup is to grow from last year,” says Madison Williams, Our Corner's education and outreach coordinator. “As a special gift, we’ll have an environmental-themed book for children who participate in the cleanup while supplies last, as well as a guarantee to make it onto Santa's Nice List.” Wil liams adds that festive holiday attire is highly encouraged.

Participants are reminded to wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Reusable water bottles and sunscreen are recommended. All volunteers must sign in at Park West and any minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Our Corner is a 501(c)3 serving Escambia County for over 40 years and specializes in litter reduction, recycling education, and beautification projects in the community.

Location: Park West, 1334 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach, FL. To sign up, find this event post on VolunteerMatch. org. Visit the Our Corner Facebook page for weather and event updates. For more information, email volunteer@Our CornerEscambia.org or call 850-438-1178.

Nopadol Uengbunchoo

Kindness is like snow; it beautifies everything it covers.

~Kahlil Gibran

Holiday Sale at Milton Metaphysical Shop

In the spirit of the holidays, Mystical Paths of Pea Ridge in Milton will host their an nual Blessed Yule/Christmas to You sale on December 17 and 18. During this two-day sales event, store visitors will receive a 20 percent discount on items storewide.

This one-stop metaphysi cal shop offers a vast selec tion of books, herbs, essen tial oils and sprays, stones, gems, incense, candles, oracle cards, bones, runes, jewelry, crystals, cloths and more.

Dwayne Willcox, co-founder of Mystical Paths of Pea Ridge, shares, “We have so many unique offerings available this holiday season, including tourmaline and turquoise nugget bracelets, crystal singing bowls, aura quartz clusters, square selenite charging plates, distinctive drinking horns, and so much more. We have new merchan dise arriving all the time, so be sure to visit our Facebook page to see our new arrivals.”

In addition, on December 17 Krystal Kat will be available for intuitive readings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for only $45 per session. “We had a lot of great feedback on Kat's readings that took place on September 24. We’re so glad to have her on our expanding team,” says Willcox.

“We look forward to seeing you during our Blessed Yule/Christmas to You sales event,” adds Willcox. “And if you’re not sure what to get that special someone, we also have gift cards.”

Location: 5151 Dogwood Dr., Milton, FL. The sale does not include readings, classes or workshops, just store merchandise. For more information, call 850-586-6224 or visit Facebook.com/mysticalpathss. See ad, page 35.

To Live Arthritis Free”

Healthier Living Through Iridology

Jessica Halpern, Dip.H.Ir, CCI, INHC, is the Chief Iridologist at MyEyeRead, a nationally recognized company specializing in Iridology readings to enhance physical, emotional and spiritual health. is top-rated iridologist—whose mission is to provide services that truly improve the lives of others—shares, “I’ve su ered with various health issues that traditional providers were unable to help me resolve.” With this in mind, she’s made it her life’s goal to support others in achieving superior health and wellness.

Jessica Halpern

preceded it,” says Jessica. “ e eyes are connected to the brain via the optic nerve and act like monitors that can be read to see how your ‘programs’ and ‘operating systems’ are functioning.” She attests that Iridology has helped hundreds of thousands of people that have had less than stellar results with traditional medicine.

details valuable information about your underlying conditions and how to address them from a holistic approach.

“Our goal at MyEyeRead is to inform clients about their genetic predispositions and, with that information, help them to become healthier individuals,” says Jessica. “Quality is number one for MyEyeRead; when dealing with our client’s health, there is no room for error.” With so many satis ed clients, it is no wonder that MyEyeRead is a perfect 5.0 rated provider of Iridology services.

What is Iridology?

Iridology is the science of the study of the iris of the eye. It is used as an assessment tool. “ e irises reveal the genetic predispositions of the entire body. Your eyes are your blueprint; no two irises are exactly alike—just like ngerprints,” explains Jessica. “By looking at the ber structure, color, markings, and pigmentations, we can discover your inherent strengths and weaknesses. ese genetic predispositions allow us to recognize acquired conditions, determine root causes, and potentially correct them.”

Jessica and her team can look for and analyze personality traits and emotional tendencies. “Behind every physical issue is a thought followed by an emotion that

“Our job as Iridologists is to read the data displayed on the iris monitor and determine what’s functioning correctly and what may be malfunctioning,” shares Jessica. “Additionally, we look for systems that could be in jeopardy of breakdown. Once we have this information, we can help you to repair and prevent health and emotional issues.”

e team at MyEyeRead practices Iridology from a holistic standpoint. “We look at the system as a whole,” assures Jessica. “ is allows us to connect the dots and create a total picture of the body’s operating system rather than focus on any individual point. With this approach, we create a physical and spiritual understanding and awakening which brings you in touch with your total being and helps you to correct and prevent imbalances.”

What Happens During an Appointment?

During your appointment with MyEyeRead, multiple photographs of your eyes will be evaluated for predispositions. e Iridologist will spend time with you to discuss what they see in your eyes along with possible weaknesses in your body. A full report is prepared that

“Since starting my protocol with Jessica, the pains that I have had for so long, which no medical doctor was able to help with, have significantly diminished. I have more energy than I have had in years.”

~ Louisa S., Delray Beach, Florida

Our Iridologists will also prepare some customized health guidelines, including food and supplement recommendations. Also included in your report are personality and behavior traits. “Many of my clients are surprised how much can be told to them about their selves,” says Jessica. “It makes for an interesting discussion as I explain the connection between different behaviors and what is seen in the client’s eyes.”

Jessica has personally treated hundreds of clients and helped them with everything from weight loss to a pain-free life.

It costs nothing to get more information about MyEyeRead. Simply visit MyEyeRead.com or call 850-7435115. You will receive a free consultation and all your questions will be answered. Virtual visits available! Start feeling better today!

“I was having a problem going to the bathroom. I now go every day without any issue. The food and supplement protocol I received not only helped me to get regular, but I also lost some weight. I have lots of energy now and can sleep through the night without any problem.”

~ Kate J., Columbus, Ohio

health briefs

Serotonin Theory of Depression Debunked

The idea that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance specifically, a serotonin deficiency has been popular and influential since the 1960s, leading to the wide use of antidepres sants. A recent multiinstitution study led by the University of Reading, in the UK, and published in Molecular Psychiatry has debunked this theory. The researchers did a systematic review of studies on the topic and found no convincing evidence of an associa tion between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by low ered serotonin activity or concentrations. The serotonin theory of depression has historically provided convinc ing justification for the use of antidepressants and may discourage people from discontinuing treatment, po tentially leading to lifelong dependence on such drugs.

Under-Appreciating the Benefits of Solitude

Getting lost in our thoughts may improve problem solving, increase creativ ity, enhance imagination and provide a better sense of self-worth. But in the digital age, with immedi ate and satisfying input at a finger’s tap, it is possible to be “solitude deprived,” says Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University and author of Digital Minimalism.

sergign/AdobeStock.com

In a recent study in the Journal of Experimental Psycholo gy, psychologists asked a group of more than 250 univer sity students to sit and wait in a quiet room without doing anything. Researchers found that the students underappreciated their enjoyment and engagement of “just thinking” and instead favored technology-driven distrac tions like internet news-checking. The results suggest an inherent difficulty in accurately assessing how engaging just thinking can be, and may explain why people prefer keeping themselves busy rather than taking a moment for reflection and imagination in their daily lives.

Ultra-Processed Food Linked with Cancer and Mortality Risks

A new study sup ports the public health impor tance of stay ing away from ultra-processed foods, find ing a significant association with colorectal cancer in men The study, led by Tufts University and published in August in The BMJ, looked at the diets of 46,341 men and 159,907 women every four years for 24 to 28 years using food frequency questionnaires.

Shisu_ka/AdobeStock.com

These ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat commercial formulations comprised of little or no whole foods cur rently contribute 57 percent of the total daily calories consumed by American adults—a rate which has been continuously rising over the last two decades.

Commonly containing high levels of added sugar, un

healthy fats and refined starch, ultra-processed foods negatively impact gut microbiota and contribute to in creased risks of weight gain and obesity. Most of these convenience foods are low in nutrients and bioactive compounds; contain food additives, colors and emulsi fiers; and can be potentially carcinogenic when meats are processed with sodium nitrates and heat treatments or when the packaging leaches its harmful components (like bisphenol A) into the food.

A second recent study in Italy involving 22,895 adults over the age of 35 compared the role of nutrient-poor foods with ultra-processed foods in the development of chronic disease and early death. Researchers found that both types of foods increased the risk of an early death, especially from cardiovascular diseases. When researchers compared the two types of food to see which contributed the most to the risk of an early death, ultra-processed foods were associated with poor health outcomes independently of their low nutritional composition, but not the other way around.

freshidea/AdobeStock.com

Kids Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

The American Academy of Pe diatrics has long recommended that children between the ages of 6 and 12 years obtain nine to 12 hours of sleep per night for opti mal health, yet kids are regularly getting less than this recom mended amount. In a recent study published in The Lancet, research ers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine investigated how insufficient sleep affects children’s behavioral problems, mental health, cognition, brain function and brain structure over a period of two years. They con cluded that children that get less than nine hours of sleep per night have notable differences in brain regions that influence memory, intelligence and well-being com pared to those that get more than nine hours. As kids’ schedules get busier and they spend more time in front of screens, their average sleep time has decreased. Ac cording to the researchers, such insufficiencies in early adoles cence can lead to long-lasting neurocognitive consequences.

Tree Attempts to Achieve Legal Personhood

A legally autonomous black gum tree named Terra0 at the 58th Carnegie International art exhibition on the campus of the Community College of Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh, owns itself and perhaps even the few square feet of land it grows on. As the tree grows, care will be provided by the Carnegie Museum of Art in an attempt to rewrite the rules of conservation on behalf of the entire nonhuman natural world.

Paul Seidler, one of the three artists behind Terra0, says, “We’re interested in how personhood is constructed in legal terms, but also in economic terms. Corporations can gain the status of personhood. We asked why is there nothing like this for ecosystems or natural systems.”

They began working with Sohrab Mohebbi, curator of the exhibition, in 2018 to figure out how to realize the project, who says, “The tree has its own legal counsel, the museum has its legal counsel, our partner who’s giving us the land has legal counsel. It’s kind of amazing.”

The tree was planted in July and Terra0 hopes that as the tree lives on, its legal autonomy will become a touchstone for other nonhuman species to gain their own form of personhood and legal protection.

Human Composting Offers Sustainable Burial

With the passage of a recent law, Califor nians will have a new option for the final rest ing place of those that die beginning in 2027. This makes California the fifth state, along with Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Vermont, to allow human composting, and the most populous.

The most common process for human composting, known as natural organic reduc tion, involves leaving the body in a container with wood chips and other organic matter for about a month to let bacteria do its work, then curing for a few more weeks before be ing turned over to the family. This process will save about a metric ton of CO2 per body.

Conventional burials expend ap proximately three gallons of em balming liquid containing toxic lev els of formaldehyde, methanol and ethanol. Cremation creates more than 500 pounds of carbon dioxide from the burning of just one body, and burning uses up the energy equivalent of two tanks of gasoline.

Assembly member Cristina Garcia, who sponsored the bill, says, “AB351 will provide an additional option for California residents that is more environmentally friendly and gives them another choice for burial. With climate change and sea level rise as very real threats to our environment, this is an alternative method of final disposition that won’t contribute emissions into our atmosphere.”

Tree Roots Adapt to Sequester More Carbon

At the University of Bir mingham in the UK and Bergen, Norway, sci entists have shown that atmospheric carbon dioxide pumped into a mature forest at levels predicted to be the norm by 2050 will cause trees to produce more and longer roots, thus absorbing and storing more carbon. Re searcher Angeliki Kourmouli says, “We usually take soil for granted, but it forms a crucial part of many ecosystems and plays a significant role in carbon storage.”

The study team gathered thou sands of images of tiny tree roots assembled over two years at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research Free-Air CO2 Enrich ment. The images were used to build a mathematical picture of the birth, growth and death of roots in an oak forest. Some im ages were taken of roots in situ using a high-resolution camera sent under the forest floor in a set of transparent tubes, and others came from soil cores.

Professor Iain Johnston, who led the study, says, “It’s obviously hard to view these processes go ing on beneath the ground. But a combination of innovative engi neering and careful field and lab work from our team have helped us shed new light on this behavior and on how confident we can be in our findings.”

Art of the Earth

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HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERING

THE GIFT OF GIVING

As we indulge in magnificent feasts and open gifts in cozy living rooms, let’s pause to express gratitude for all that we have and look for ways to help those less fortunate. The holiday season is the time for giving. One of the best ways to get into the spirit is by volunteering time and treasure to meaningful causes and underprivileged individuals. Here are a few ideas.

ADOPT A FAMILY

Find a nearby impoverished family that could use a houseful of gifts, including toys, blankets and warm clothes, then do a little shopping and make their holiday dreams come true. Local social service agencies can help identify the lucky family.

HANDMADE HOLIDAY CARDS

Spend an afternoon making holiday greeting cards to warm the hearts of lonely seniors, U.S. armed service members and children in hospitals battling serious illnesses. This is a great activity to do with kids—teach ing them important lessons about kindness and generosity. For cardmaking ideas and distribution help: RedCross.org, LoveForOurElders.org, CardsForHospitalizedKids.com and ColorASmile.org

TOYS FOR TOTS

Nothing is sadder than a child without at least one holiday gift. Fortunately, several organizations and thousands of generous people do their very best to fill those empty little hands with merriment. Here are a few places that need dona

tions of time, money and gifts: ToysForTots.org, Samaritans Purse. org, SalvationArmyUSA.org and OperationHelpAHero.org

MAKE A BLANKET

Some kids could really use the cozy warmth and comfort of their very own security binky. Here are two organizations that provide blanket-making ideas and instruc tions, and also help facilitate their collection and distribution: Project Linus.org and BinkyPatrol.org. This is a wonderful group project for families or classrooms.

HOLIDAY MEALS

Food insecurity is a seri ous problem in this country, and low-income families that rely on government assistance and food banks for everyday nutri tion will likely not have the wherewithal for a holiday feast. Here’s where our help comes in. The following organizations either serve free holiday meals or give away food baskets: local churches, temples and mosques; MealsOn Wheels America.org; neighborhood food pantries and soup kitchens; and SalvationArmyUSA.org.

CHILDREN BATTLING ILLNESS AND TROUBLED FAMILIES

Here are a few charities that accept monetary donations and sweat equity to aid children battling serious dis eases or troubled family situations: StJude.org, OneSimpleWish.org, Wish.org and Prison Fellowship.org

HELP FOR NEGLECTED PETS AND IMPERILED WILDLIFE

These organizations accept do nations of money and time: the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org); National Wildlife Federation (nwf. org); Best Friends Animal Society (BestFriends.org); Friends of Ani mals (FriendsOfAnimals.org); Animal Welfare Institute (awionline.org); Alley Cat Allies (AlleyCat.org); Jane Goodall Institute (Ja neGoodall.org); and The Humane Society of the United States (Humane Society. org).

inspiration A Feast of Light

by Marlaina Donato

Despite the whirlwind of our todo and places-to-go lists, the wheel of the year turns once more, allowing us to close another chap ter of our lives with grace. If we take a breath, we might notice December’s invitation to kick off our shoes, curl up in our favorite chair and drop down into our heart space.

Whether we light scented candles for ambience, drink cocoa while sitting around a bonfire or continue time-hon ored spiritual customs, welcoming the light can ignite hope when we need it most. By cultivating the inner sun, that place deep within us that blazes with resilience and plenty, we not only fortify ourselves, but everyone around us. Throughout the year, many of us invest in making healthy choices, but neglect soul sustenance. Swapping trivial distractions for more faceto-face conversations, answering someone’s forgotten email or bringing a homemade pot of soup to a neighbor that is busy packing for a move creates a feast of light during all seasons.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle,” wrote Gautama Bud dha, and perhaps we would be astounded to see how far the smallest gesture can travel. Inviting a friend that has no

family to a holiday dinner or out for coffee, spending more quality time with a child or buy ing a gift card for the receptionist at the dental office begets a chain reaction of small joys. When we fill our bellies with everyday magic, slow down to finish a cup of tea, turn off the news and notice the crescent moon nestled in the twilight, we become more inclined to feel blessed.

A few worthy inspirations to pass along:

n Make it a spiritual offering to choose joy today

n Close the year by letting go of a grievance or an outdated belief

n Tell someone how they bring light into your life

n Share a favorite book that is inspir ing

n Acquire a new source of light—a lantern or salt lamp—for your favorite room

n Leave an uplifting quote on a loved one’s voicemail

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com

Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods A SYNERGETIC BLEND WITH A PUNCH OF ABUNDANT ENERGY

synergistic combinations of superfood in gredients for body, mind and spirit. “We have a sincere admiration for the role that the mighty bee plays in our world and eco-systems: from pollinating plants that produce the foods that we eat to assisting with the beauty of the wildflowers that they make thrive and contributing great to the overall cycle of life,” he affirms.

All those years spent as the owner and hands-on manager of his own retail store are providing useful for Berry in his latest business venture. “When I gain a new wholesale account, I provide in-store demos, education, and a skill set that as sists the store employees that help to sell our products. I really enjoy these in-store visits. And not only to sell our formula tions, but to interact with shoppers and answer any questions they have about Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods or superfoods in general. I aim to offer my customers quality products with a wealth of knowledge and education behind each formulation. I also provide recipe ideas and nutritional awareness.”

Ed Berry, founder of Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods along with his wife Chrissy, is no stranger to the natural foods arena. “Our company has gradually taken shape since 1995,” he explains. “As the former owner of For The Health Of It, a natural food store, massage therapy and juice and smoothie business with tremen dous success along scenic 30A in Walton County from 1995 until the end of 2020, I have 30 years in the industry.”

It was during those years that Berry tested, formulated and perfected his superfood mix which eventually inspired the creation Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods. “Uti lizing bee pollen as a primary ingredient and with the nutritious boost the formula provided, the name Earthquake Eddie Bee came to bee,” he says. “The name was coined by my childhood friend Charles Cummings and has a history of it’s own.”

According to Berry, Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods is a company based on years of researching, promoting, educating and formulating some of the most nutrient-rich,

Utilizing many of the powerful super foods produced by the bee, Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods offers quality nutritional formulations that provide sound nutrition to help the body thrive. “Our products offer a complete amino acid profile with over 17 amino acids, 10 essential amino acids, and B-vitamins along with numerous minerals, lipids and enzymes that assist the body with energy, stamina and immune support, as well as featuring anti-inflammatory proper ties. Our formulations are unlike other nutritional products on the market by the

unique combinations of various super foods including bee pollen, royal jelly and other beneficial ingredients,” says Berry.

This passionate health entrepreneur has been traveling the U.S. promoting his products and increasing distribution in family-owned and operated natural food stores, wellness clinics, and healthy businesses around the country. He is enjoying the process of expansion as he’s getting the chance to meet many other like-minded business owners. Plus, he’s regularly receiving confirmation that his products are beneficial for countless people’s overall health and well-being. “Receiving positive feedback from cus tomers that are utilizing my formulations with great success motivates me,” shares Berry. Discussing the benefits and health gains with customers who are smil ing when sharing their stories with me inspires me to continue providing highquality nutritional formulations.”

Berry adds that he guarantees everything that Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods offers. “I stand by my formulations 100 percent for all of my wholesale accounts to each and every customer,” he affirms.

After spending all those years as the owner of For The Health Of It—a profes sion that came with a healthy dose of stress due to the volume of employees, freezers, coolers and perishable foods to grapple with—Berry’s enjoys the minimal stress associated with running Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods. “Our company consists of myself and my wife, along with assistance from a few wonder ful professional industry representatives. My personal goals with Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods are to follow my heart, provide quality products, and run a stress-free company while helping others achieve maximum health,” he adds.

Earthquake Eddie Bee Superfoods is located at 112 E Shipwreck Rd. in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. For product information and retail partners, call 850-582-6765 or visit EEBSF.com.

Merry Brunching

by Sheila Julson

When hosting a holiday brunch, it may be tempt ing to serve breakfast and lunch classics like quiche, eggs Benedict and huevos rancheros, but many of these dishes can be full of hidden calories, unhealthy fats and too much sodium. With a few easy modifications, healthier versions are possible.

According to Jessica Levinson, a New York registered dietitian and author of 52Week Meal Planner, it’s important to read nutrition labels, remove empty calories and introduce nutritious alternatives. As an example, yogurt and granola parfaits may seem innocent, but are often loaded with added sugar. “A serving size of most granolas is only one-quarter of a cup, which isn’t much, so use granola spar ingly,” she says, adding that parfaits made with low-fat Greek yogurt and fresh fruit instead of jam are healthier choices.

Traditional quiches are usually made with heavy cream and a buttery pie crust. Levinson recommends a crustless vegetable frittata instead, as it is naturally gluten-free. “If you don’t want to skip the crust altogether, look for a pre-made, whole wheat crust or make your own,” she says. To eliminate dairy, consider us ing non-dairy milk and omitting cheese in the recipe.

For eggs Benedict, Levinson suggests skipping the hollandaise sauce, topping the poached eggs with mashed avocado and using a whole grain bread or English muffin for the base. “Instead of ham, try smoked salmon, which has beneficial

omega-3 fatty acids,” she says.

Whole grain oats are a heart-healthy option, but oatmeal served brûlée-style is topped with additional sugar, notes Frances Largeman-Roth, a New York registered dietitian and author of Smooth ies & Juices. “It’s better to opt for oatmeal and fruit, with a drizzle of real maple syrup,” she says. Largeman-Roth likes mixing savory and sweet, to add variety and protein to the brunch plate. “Instead of just having a stack of pancakes, split it with your friends or family, and then have a small, veggie-filled omelet. You’ll feel much more satisfied.”

Planning the Holiday Brunch Spread

When putting together a menu, Levinson advocates incorporating all of the com ponents of a balanced meal: lean protein, carbohydrates from whole grains, fruit and veggies, and low-fat dairy or plant-based substitutes. She says, “If you’re making pancakes or waffles, use whole grain flour when possible, and serve with a side of yogurt, fresh fruit and real maple syrup.”

According to Largeman-Roth, egg lovers will enjoy a veggie-packed omelet or frittata with either potatoes or bread on the side, but not both. Watch out for fried foods and use sauces and cream sparingly or find substitutes. If the family is dining out, she cautions that brunch dishes are often served with extra sauces and syrups, adding sodium and sugar. “Try to ask for them on the side,” she advises. “It’s not about completely avoiding them, but it’ s nice to be able to control the amount that you ’re adding to your pancakes or waffles.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to  Natural Awakenings.

IS HONEYMED?

HOW DO I TAKE HONEYMED?

• As the main ingredient in your Morning Vitality Elixir. (HoneyMed + Warm Water + Lemon Juice)

• As a sweetener in your tea

•

•

•

SHAKSHUKA

This healthy dish is a crowd-pleaser any time of year. It’s also gluten-free and can be modified based on whatever veggies are on hand. Omit the feta cheese for a diary-free option.

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup diced yellow onion

1 Serrano or jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 cup diced yellow bell pepper

1 cup diced green zucchini

1 cup diced yellow summer squash

2 large garlic cloves, minced (1 heaping Tbsp)

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp sweet paprika

26-28 oz diced tomatoes

2 Tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp honey

1 tsp cider vinegar

1 cup corn, frozen, fresh or canned ½ tsp kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

4 large eggs

Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Za’atar, for garnish (optional)

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet (straightsided skillet is preferable). Add onions; sauté 2 minutes. Add Serrano pepper and bell peppers; sauté 4 minutes. Add zuc chini and summer squash; sauté 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, turmeric and paprika; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Reduce heat to medium and add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, cider vinegar and corn; stir in salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced.

Turn off the heat and press the crumbled feta into the tomato sauce. With the back of a spoon, make 4 indentations in the sauce. Crack eggs one at a time into a small bowl and pour into each of the 4 indentations. Carefully drag a spatula gently through the egg whites, being sure not to disturb the yolks. Sim mer over low heat for about 5 minutes, gently stirring the sauce and basting the eggs with the sauce. Cover and cook another 3 to 5 minutes for runny eggs. Cook longer for well-done eggs. Serve with a sprinkling of parsley and za’atar, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of Jessica Levinson.

SHEET PAN PROTEIN PANCAKES WITH BERRY SWIRL

Cooked on a sheet pan, these pancakes make cleanup a breeze and can be prepared the night before. Buttermilk and protein powder add satisfying nutrients.

YIELD: 12 SERVINGS

Cooking spray

2 cups buttermilk

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

4 Tbsp melted ghee or unsalted butter

⅓ cup maple syrup

1¼ cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup vanilla protein powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp sea salt

FOR THE SWIRL:

½ cup strawberries

½ cup blueberries

½ cup raspberries

1 tsp brown sugar Powdered sugar, for topping

Preheat oven to 425° F. Line an 11-by-17-inch, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment and sides of pan with cooking spray. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, ghee and maple syrup together in a medium bowl. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients—whole wheat flour and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry in three additions until just mixed. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Blend the berry swirl ingredients in a blender until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon of water if mixture is too stiff. Add small dollops of the berry mixture to the top of the pancake batter. Drag a wooden toothpick or skewer through the berry mix ture to create a swirled pattern.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 11 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with pow dered sugar. Cut into 12 squares with a knife. Enjoy warm with maple syrup. Can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Frances Largeman-Roth.

CRANBERRY MIMOSAS

Cranberries put a holiday twist on a classic mimosa. Drier champagnes or sparkling wines are lower in sugar. Making cranberry juice from scratch with sweeteners like maple syrup or honey is a natural alternative to com mercial cranberry juice. Prepare the cranberry juice the night before serving.

YIELD: 4 TO 8 SERVINGS

4 cups homemade (recipe below) or storebought cranberry juice

1 cup orange juice

1 bottle drier champagne, such as Ultra Brut Rosemary sprigs for garnish

Fill four champagne flutes or glassware of choice approximately halfway with cranberry juice. Add 2 Tbsp orange juice to each glass.

Top each glass with champagne. Garnish with sprig of rosemary. Refill as desired.

Recipe courtesy of Sheila Julson.

HOMEMADE CRANBERRY JUICE

3 cups fresh cranberries

3 cups water

½ cup pure maple syrup or honey

Put fresh cranberries and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the berries soften and pop.

Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the berries and return the juice to the pan. (Use leftover cranberries in smoothies, yogurt or relish.)

Gradually add maple syrup or honey until desired sweetness is achieved. Heat on low until sweetener dissolves.

Pour juice into an airtight bottle and refrigerate.

Recipe courtesy of Sheila Julson.

Transforming Our World

WORKING TOGETHER FOR MEANINGFUL CHANGE

by Linda Sechrist

With all the chaos occurring in the world today, it is challenging to remain centered and not feel overwhelmed. Every shocking headline seems to pull the proverbial rug out from under us. Thought leader Laureen Golden explains the dilemma this way: “Psychologi cally, we were raised, educated and socialized in a world that no longer really exists. We have a new world that we must navigate, and we need a new psychology, a whole new way of being for that world. Reducing, compartmentalizing, separating things in order to understand them no longer works for us. It’s going to take work to get out of this paradigm.”

Drawing from her background in education and social work,

Golden ponders, “How does that new psychology develop when all our institutions charged with cultivating consciousness— schools, families, religious institutions and organizations—are set in the 19th and 20th centuries? Since learning is how we go from one paradigm to another, where do we go to learn the skills and the structures we need to be successful in such a complex world? We can’t do it individually. We must learn in collectives.”

The paradigm shift envisioned by Golden offers an opportu nity for us to access innovative methods of learning, discovery and connection, such as sociocracy (a self-governance system based on the equality of its members); systems thinking (an approach to complexity that looks at the whole and analyzes

relationships, rather than splitting it into smaller pieces); permaculture (exploring natural ecosystems as a whole); circle methods (thinking things through as a group); and Indigenous wisdom (focusing on the interconnectedness of all things).

All of these methods focus on an ethos of collaboration and teach us how to discern wisdom, which is different than knowledge. By engaging in these conversations and explora tions, we learn that if we tug on any one part of the web of life, we tug the whole web—an important analogy for our times.

A Beloved Community Co-Creating an Island of Sanity Through Collaboration

Instead of shouting, “The sky is falling, and the seas are rising,” in response to a world that is unraveling and expe riencing the growing realities of global warming, residents of St. Petersburg, Florida, are embracing resilience. To prove that the future is born in webs of human conversation, the city is counting on collective intel ligence to emerge.

Among the tools city partici pants are employing is The World Café, developed by Juanita Brown and David Isaac, which allows people to host group conversations around thoughtful questions. The concept is designed to evoke deeper listening and give rise to solu tions for today’s challenges in a more conscious, intentional and strategic way. Forty citizens have taken The World Café facilitation course. Employing a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue, this methodology enables participants to clarify the context, create hospitable space, explore questions that matter, encourage everyone’s contribu tion, connect diverse perspectives, listen together for patterns and insights, and share collective discoveries.

Other important work being applied is that of bestselling author and longtime community organizer Margaret Wheatley. Her training, which is designed to cultivate what she calls “War riors of the Human Spirit,” arouses people’s inherent generosity, creativity, compassion and need for community. Known as a

big-systems thinker throughout her 45-year career, Wheatley has concluded that the only opportunity for change is at the local level. Questions that encourage collective learning became integral to creating cohesiveness in St. Petersburg this year.

Dr. Donella Meadows’ “systems thinking” has helped St. Petersburg participants understand that living systems begin as networks, shift to intentional communities of practice and evolve into powerful systems capable of influence. Also instructive has been “complexity theory”, which helped participants recognize human systems as organizations, families and communities.

“The city leaders felt conversations were important enough to invest $20,000 to cultivate a culture of conversational leader ship in the neighborhoods. Another $25,000 was granted by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay to research the outcomes. Now, the Florida Council of Churches, University of South Florida, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and The Connection Partners have received a Community Vi brancy grant of $14,500 to pilot conversations in three neighborhoods, spreading the skills in creating participatory democracy. Participants will host conversations in their own neighborhoods,” says St. Petersburg resident Sharon Joy Kleitsch, founder of The Connection Partners and a longtime catalyst for applying strategic actions based on the new sciences of complexity theory, strategic thinking and quantum science.

“Those who have used World Café as a tool know that a culture of conversational leadership offers citizens the oppor tunity to experience a sense of oneness and connectedness. We’ve explored what happens when we share feelings of care, compassion and appreciation toward a beloved community,” says Kleitsch. “We found that group resonance, profound personal involvement and deeply engrossing, interactive conversation supports a City of Compassion and an Interna tional City of Peace, which St. Petersburg was chosen to be. I want to be sure that people understand that we do not have answers. Together, we are exploring pathways and listen ing for the answers to emerge.”

Since 2020, a thoughtfully selected group of Florida activ ists—including participants from St. Petersburg—have been holding weekly online Zoom conversations that mat ter. In 2021, they were joined by participants from Ohio to study the Capra Course, which is based on The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision by best selling author Fritjof Capra “What we discovered after only two weeks was that we were ourselves a living system connecting to itself and becom ing self-organized,” says Kleitsch. “We became aware that we were learning together. We were sharing what we were learn ing around subjects such as honoring Indigenous peoples, local food systems, the human right to clean water, reimag ing capitalism and many more subjects. We’ve also bifur cated into a Sarasota [Florida] cohort. The key is, we were not random. We were a selfselected study group learning collaboratively, which is the best way I recommend activists study the Capra Course.”

Argerie Vasilakes, who is researching outcomes, explains that her work is dedicated to helping teams, communities and organizations become more coherent. “I start with traditional ways of thinking about our re

lationships with nature that native peoples have never forgotten—hu mans are part of nature, not apart from nature,” she explains. “To me, human organizations, communi ties, families and governments are also part of nature and examples of natural ecosystems. So, I natu rally look at things from a living systems perspective.”

Vasilakes advises, “In a group that is learning together, such as those in the St. Petersburg neigh borhoods, group conversations organized around questions specifically crafted for the context and desired purpose of the World Café evoke a deeper kind of listening, the most important factor determining the success of a Café. They spark learn ing conversations that can produce insights and innova tion for meeting the challenges they face. Through practicing shared listening and paying attention to themes, patterns and insights, participants begin to sense a connection to the larger whole.”

According to Wheatley, the important work is to foster critical connections. She believes it is not necessary to con vince large numbers of people to change; instead, she suggests we connect with kindred spirits. Through these relationships and tools like The World Café, we can develop the new knowl

edge, practices and commitment that lead to broad-based change.

Wheatley sometimes opens her inter views with an ancient Hopi prophecy that reads as if it were applicable to our current times: “Here now is a river flow ing very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid, who will try to hold on to the shore. They are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. The elders say, ‘Let go of the shore, push off and go into the middle of the river. Keep your heads above the water. Know the river has its destination.’ The elders say, ‘See who is in there with you and celebrate.’ At this time in history, we are to take nothing seriously; least of all, ourselves. Gather yourselves. Everything we do now must be done in a spirit of celebration, for we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Seeing who is in the river of chaos with us, we can choose to respond with, “How can I serve with what I have, where I am?” This is what any Warrior of the Human Spirit would say because in the same river of chaos, there are also the seeds of transformation. In these turbulent times when all the old boundaries are unravelling and all the old certainties are dissolving, there is a possibility for creative transformation if we work together.

Linda Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer.

~Rainer Maria Rilke

Good Vibrations

THE HEALING POWER OF SOUND

by Gayatri Bhaumik

Magic Bowls/Unsplash.com

For centuries, humans have em ployed sound in an attempt to heal and cure. The ancient Greeks believed in the power of music, using flutes, lyres and zithers to treat illness and vibrations to alleviate mental disorders. Even today, military battalions play music to boost morale.

“Research shows that vibrations are the language of the body,” says Kyle GodfreyRyan, the founder of TUNE, a New York-based tech system designed to recalibrate the nervous system with sounds. “When we work with sound, we ’re working with vibrations that can rebalance the nervous system and flood the body with endorphins.”

According to Susy Markoe Schieffelin, a healing practitioner at The Copper Vessel, in Los Angeles, “Sound vibrations work on a cellular level to recalibrate the body. Sound shifts vibrations in the body, both through entrainment—a process by which the vibrations of one object transform to match the higher vibration of another object—and by stimulating electric signals in the brain that support healing frequencies.”

Studies suggest that sound vibrations can unlock energy blockages, release ten sion and create calm and focus. For this reason, sound healing is frequently pre scribed to manage conditions like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some practitioners also report anecdotal metabolic improvements, from lower blood pressure and decreased cho lesterol levels to improved sleep.

TUNE has worked with the National

Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic to gain scientific backing for the brand’s devices. “Our technology reduces stress by 54 percent in 15 minutes,” Godfrey-Ryan claims. “It also has a massive impact on the circadian rhythm, so we’ re able to prove better sleep quality, improved metabolism and reduced stress and anxiety.”

Sound healing can take many forms, and each type has specific applications. For example, Schieffelin explains, “Gongs and Tibet an bowls are very clearing and grounding, while crystal singing bowls feel more uplifting and elevating.” It is up to the individual to find a style that works for them and their intended results.

Singing Bowls

Originating in 12th-century Tibet, these metal bowls come in different sizes, each produc ing a specific sound vibration that is said to work on a particular part of the brain or body. Several-sized bowls often are used together to create a holistic healing approach. They can be placed directly on parts of the body to stimulate circulation and relax muscles. Singing bowls made of pure crystal quartz are popular for their pure sounds, and are believed to offer stress reduction, chakra balancing and mental clarity.

Gongs

Used in healing since about 4,000 B.C., gong baths, which combine different tones and melodies to fash ion multifaceted vibrations, may positively influence the mind and body by stimulat ing the vagus nerve. God frey-Ryan advises, “Gongs are amazing for trauma release, but gong work is very heavy, so if you’ve never played with sound before, this will be really intense.”

Vocal Toning

Numerous cultures—from ancient Egyptians to Tibetan throat singers—have their distinct forms of vocal toning. Hindu man tras can be especially powerful for some people because they harness the energy of specific words and intonations. Among practitioners, seven distinct tones have been linked to specific

Solfeggio Frequencies

parts of the body. It is believed that these vibrations can bal ance the body’s cells and open energetic healing, leading to targeted benefits.

Tuning Forks

While musicians use these devices to ensure that their instruments are set to the cor rect pitch, they also can be held next to specific parts of the body by individuals seeking healing vibrations, emotional balance and pain relief. “Tuning forks are fun because you can have a very strong somatic reaction within a few seconds—they’ re very powerful,” notes Godfrey-Ryan.

Microgen/AdobeStock.com kentoh/AdobeStock.com

Solfeggio frequen cies are musical tunes or sound pat terns designed to stimulate the brain by syncing brain waves to specific healing frequen cies. Each of the seven most popular solfeggio frequencies sets out to target a certain purpose, from improving relationships and awakening intuition to navigating change and letting go of fear.

Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are soundscapes that create a gap between differ ent frequencies. For example, the tune might have a tone of 210 Hertz (Hz) in the left ear and 200 Hz in the right ear, produc ing an illusory tone of 10 Hz, also known as a binaural beat. Brainwaves are thought to automatically align themselves with this auditory tone, which may be useful for improving focus and reducing stress.

Sound healing is finding a permanent place in modern well ness culture as more people experience its rewards. While there are myriad ways to use sound vibrations for healing purposes, it is up to each individual to find the style that resonates with them and achieves the improvements they seek. With regular practice, they may even find relief that is cumulative and long-lasting.

Gayatri Bhaumik is a professional writer and editor. For more information, visit GayatriBhaumik.com.

V. Kudryashov/AdobeStock.com

stevica mrdja/EyeEm/AdobeStock.com

PICKLEBALL IS BOOMING

GET INTO A PICKLE FOR HOLIDAY FITNESS

by Jyl Steinback

Forget the gherkins and dills this holiday season; there’s another pickle in town. This one offers a great way to get in shape, increase happiness and bond with family and friends. It’s pickleball: a simple-to-learn sport that requires less run ning than tennis and can be played both indoors and outdoors. Players use oversized ping pong-style paddles to hit a wiffle ball over a low net on a badminton-sized court.

The Economist , and other media, say pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport. While seniors are particularly drawn to it, it is also catching on with all ages. “The fast-paced games make it easier for kids to stay engaged, as well as socialize with their peers,” says Sarah Ansboury, director of pickleball at Palmetto Dunes, in South Caro lina. “Many families do pickleball events for holidays and reunions. Pickleball enables people of all ages to participate.”

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), there are 4.8 million pickleball players in America, with 51 percent between 6 and 34 years of age. At the end of 2021, there were 9,524 pickleball courts across the U.S.

In 2020, Mecklenburg County, in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, opened the eight-court John Stevens Pickleball Center, the eighth facility in the county where citizens can play the game. Since 2014, the number of public and private courts in the same region has soared from two to more than 100.

The SFIA says growth is happening across the country, with participation spik ing 40 percent during the pandemic. In Florida, St. Lucie County unveiled four new

courts at its Lakewood Regional Park in September. Even bars are getting into the act, such as Dale Z’s, in Milwaukee, which christened its pickleball court in the same month.

Being a super athlete is not a prereq uisite for playing the game, according to Mac McCullough, a pickleballer in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I used to play other sports, but running and tennis got harder on my knees,” he says. “Pickleball has a lower net and a smaller court, so you aren’t running as much. Still, it gives you a good workout and it’s easier on your joints.”

A 2016 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise c onfirms that pickleball provides a good workout. According to the researchers, average heart rate and peak heart rate were higher during pickleball than when walking. Par ticipants burned 40 percent more calories in 30 minutes of the sport than in 30 min utes of walking. Additionally, the study concludes, “Pickleball is more enjoyable than walking at a self-selected speed.”

Dr. Dennis Pena, a podiatrist from Phoenix, says the game has improved his hand-eye coordination. “The more I play pickleball, the better my balance, coordi nation and movement get,” he says. “It’s a good cardio workout, and I just feel better overall when I play regularly.”

A study from Western State Colorado University indicates that pickleball fosters many health benefits over a wide range of ages. The study followed 15 people between 40 to 85 that played for an hour three times per week. All participants

Ron Alvey/AdobeStock.com

showed improvement in cardio fitness, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Research has confirmed that exercise boosts endorphins, which reduces stress and improves overall sense of well-being. A 2018 study from a group of researchers in the U.S. and South Korea showed that pickleball can help stave off depression, too. It reported that although depression rates are increasing in the U.S., people involved in “serious leisure” such as pick leball are less prone to depression.

It’s not just older people that can benefit from the recreational activity. Teen obesity rates have skyrocketed nationwide, much of it due to a lack of exercise. Pickleball could help combat this. It is fun, easy to learn, boosts car dio fitness and can be played just about anywhere. Some colleges are now even offering pickleball scholarships.

Holly Fitzgerald, a physical therapist from Woburn, Massachusetts, gives this ad vice on how to get ready to play the game:

Squats with body mass can help develop and stretch quadriceps and ham strings, enabling the ability to compress leg muscles swiftly and consistently. This will help reduce gravitational pull to ad dress the pickleball as it comes at us.

Large arm circles will stretch muscles and prepare them for the considerable movements that occur when striking a ball.

Exercises that develop the core, such as core twisting, are also beneficial.

Places2Play.org provides a search engine to help find a court anywhere in America. Pickleball is a great way to get family and friends together over the holidays and beyond. It is fun, helps nurture relationships and it is a lot healthier than grazing on holi day leftovers while scanning social media.

Jyl Steinback is the executive director of Shape Up US, creator of the Hip Hope Healthy Heart Program for Children, an author and a recipient of a Community Leadership Award from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. Reach her at Jyl@ShapeUpUS.org.

Why Have Colonic Hydrotherapy?

• Supports hydration of the colon.

• Elimination of waste matter in the gut.

• Approved preparation for colonoscopy.

• Relief of IBS symptoms or Gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and constipation.

• Colonic Hydrotherapy reaches the full length of the large intestine for a better cleanse and benefits Improves Digestion Health. Enjoy the fresh, light feeling and enhanced energy levels that often comes from the treatment.

Jeffrey Rediger on the Science of Miraculous Recoveries

by Sandra Yeyati

From your studies, who beats the odds and why?

I broke down recoveries into four pil lars of healing and well-being that were present in most cases: nutrition, healing the immune system, healing the stress response and healing identity and beliefs.

Can you describe key elements of the first pillar—nutrition?

Board-certified psychiatrist Jeffrey Rediger is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and medical director of McLean Southeast Adult Psychiatry and Community Affairs at McLean Hospital, near Boston. He holds a Master of Di vinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. For almost two decades, Rediger has studied spontaneous healing, pioneering the use of scientific tools like CT scans and lab tests, as well as personal interviews, to investigate surprising recoveries from incurable diseases. His findings are documented in his bestseller Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life, and have been discussed on The Oprah Win frey Show, a TEDx talk and numerous public engagements.

How do you define spontaneous healing?

Science calls these events spontaneous remissions, and doctors are taught they have no medical or scientific value. On the spiritual side, they’re called miracles. These terms haven’t been examined with the tools of science. The word spontaneous in this context means with out cause. Most doctors see inexplicable healings. To assume that there’s no cause for remis sion is mind-boggling. Everything has a cause. We just aren’t asking the right questions.

People who got better when they weren’t supposed to seemed to have a common understanding of nutrition that centered around whole, plant-based foods and the elimination of processed foods and sugar. In Western countries, we’re taught that most people suffer from over-nutrition and obesity, rather that malnutrition. I believe we have massive malnutrition because of processed foods. When sugar crystals coarse through the bloodstream at high levels—as we see in U.S. diets—it causes little cuts which immune cells repair over and over, creating scab upon scab until you end up with atherosclerosis.

What about the next pillar— healing the immune system?

We need to honor the science of both Louis Pasteur, who proved that germs ex ist and play a role in disease, and Claude Bernard, who explained that if we take care of the inner terrain (what we now call the microbiome) we won’t get sick. We’re continually surrounded by millions of pathogens, bacteria, viruses—inside

and outside of our bodies—that become invaders when something breaks down in our terrain. We overuse medicines, many of which suppress the immune system. So, we need to emphasize the magnificent 30-year research about the microbiome and take care of our bodies to avoid leaky gut and other conditions that act as entrance points for disease.

What about the pillar related to stress?

Most of the people I studied learned to eliminate certain stresses so they could maximize the quality of their remain ing time. This led to healing. We have to widen our window of tolerance for stress so it doesn’t keep us in fight, flight, freeze or fawn, and to differentiate between “challenge stress” and “toxic stress”. Run ning a marathon can be a challenge stress that helps you reach your higher self, expand your understanding of what you can achieve and prompt a repair response for muscles. But if every day you’re told you don’t matter or are unappreciated at work, that toxic stress can wear down your understanding of your value.

The deep chasm we’ve created between mind and body doesn’t exist. Doctors are taught to find symptoms, make a diagnosis and start a medication. But whether a patient comes in for back pain, a heart attack or an autoimmune flareup, it’s critical to ask them what has been stressful lately and try to get the story of the illness. Usually, that will prompt a cathartic recount of stresses that relate to what’s going on physically. Helping people understand the deeper story of their illness and find a path to healing around that can be life-saving.

Gabor Mate says, “If you don’t know how to say no, your body will eventually say no for you.” Our hospitals are full of people who spent their entire lives taking care of everyone else and being conflictavoidant. The body keeps the score and tells the story. We can learn to listen to what our bodies are telling us about hon

oring the dignity and value that we bring into the world; set up a life and boundar ies that support that; and educate thera pists and the public about what trauma is and how to recover from it.

Can you explain the fourth pillar—healing identity and beliefs?

This is the big one, which people said was the reason they were grateful for their illnesses. When people are diagnosed with an incurable illness, although they’re ter rified, many (more than you would think) are also relieved. They’ll say, “If I only have six months to live, then I don’t have to take over the family business like dad’s pressur ing me to do.” That preparation to die often becomes a doorway into a different life. When you decide to focus on what you need and want, that death of the false self allows the birth of a more authentic self that becomes its own journey to healing.

How does spirituality affect healing?

Spirituality has to do with how we feel about who we are, how we experience our value in the world and what kind of universe we live in. Is the universe friendly and caring or unfriendly and uncaring? If we experience ourselves and others as human beings who have value and bring beauty into the world, that’s very different from feeling alone, defective or not good enough. How a person feels at a deep, conscious or unconscious level about themselves and the universe is a massive factor in terms of their vitality and health.

What can people learn from your research?

Take compassionate and firm charge of your minds, bodies and life. Doctors teach patients to be passive recipients of care, but the possibilities of healing come

from within. It’s not about taking a medi cation as much as understanding our value, assertively taking steps to create a community of people who care about us and developing a path towards healing that’s rooted in an understanding of our deeper story.

In Western culture, if someone has a medical problem they’re sent to a physi cian. If they have a psychological prob lem, they see a psychotherapist. If they have a spiritual problem, they’re sent to the priest, rabbi or imam. That’s helpful, but we also need to stand back and look at the big picture. The people I studied got better because they brought mind, body and spirit together and integrated it into an empowering meaning that made sense to them. The spiritual piece can’t be partitioned. It animates the whole.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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Sleep Apnea Relief wholistic solution to get you off CPAP Leg Relaxer cramps with an effective combination of herbs that relax nerves, reduce tension and increase circulation

Hi, I’m Steve Frank and I suffered from sleep apnea for years. My patent-pending formulation has helped thousands return to sleeping well and I use it every night.

My Mom asked leg cramps

Relaxer was the result of my research, and it works for Restless Legs as well!

Now you can use these effective solutions too!

When was the last time you had a great night’s

If you’re too tired to remember, it’s time to try something new!

Old Thyme Remedies, Inc. has been a family-owned S Corporation in the same location in Pensacola, FL since 2011, serving the Gulf Coast area's need for organically grown & harvested skincare ingredients, cooking spices, medicinal herbs & tea blends, with single herb remedies and specific formulas to address personal health concerns.

Patrons have enjoyed services such as ionic foot detox center that sits up to a party of 4, far infrared sauna that sits 2 with salt therapy option, amethyst bio-mat sessions, access to alkaline Kangen Water station, and over 200 loose herbs available by any quantity needed, huge selection of therapeutic grade essential oils, quality supplements, and locally made products only found in Pensacola, FL.

The Best Gift of All

TEACHING CHILDREN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

by Madiha Saeed

Teaching children the value of generosity and kindness is not just good for the world, it is good for our kids, too. Studies have shown that acts of altruism can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, increase self-esteem, reduce depression and lower stress levels. Selfless contributions also can foster a sense of belonging, whether they are donating material things, sharing their time or freely conveying love and kindness. A magnanimous child is repaid with benefits that nour ish the body and soul.

Empathy and Mirror Neurons

To transform children into givers, they need to learn how to share and comprehend other people’s feelings. Known as cognitive empathy, it involves understanding another person’s emotions on an intellectual level, taking into consideration their situation and anticipating how they might react.

Since the 1990s, scientists have been researching mirror neurons which respond to actions that we observe in the same way as when we actually perform those actions ourselves. These neurons play a considerable role in the development of speech, lan guage, learning, emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding, so children need to see and receive acts of giving and love to become givers themselves.

Giving Heals

With mental health conditions in children on the rise, chari table behavior can improve their mental wellbeing and help them secrete “feel-good” chemicals in the brain like oxytocin, dopa mine and serotonin. “I think helping our kids experience the happiness that comes from giving to others is probably one of the most valuable ways we can nurture generosity in them,” says Lara Aknin, an assistant professor of psychology at Simon Fraser University, in Canada. “It sets off this positive cycle. Giving makes people happy and happiness promotes giving.”

Functional MRIs of people that donate to charities have shown that the act of giv ing stimulates reward centers of the brain where endorphins are released. These hormones lower cortisol, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve digestion, clear out toxins, help the immune system fight in fections and renew energy to repair cells and fight cancer. Other benefits include lower inflammation overall, improved sleep, decreased feelings of restlessness and reductions in chronic pain.

Giving and Social Support

In a 2020 study reported in JAMA Network, researchers found that young adults ages 19 to 20 that perceived higher levels of social support—the feeling that there is someone they can depend on for help should they need it—were less likely to report depressive and anxiety symp toms or suicidal ideation one year later. The study also found that even in cases where people previously experienced mental health problems, social support was beneficial for mental health later on.

Love and secure attachments, such as those experienced through acts of giving,

strengthen the body; help regulate emo tions, attention and behavior; mitigate the effects of stress; and promote lifelong, healthy development.

Volunteering

Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of others and creates a sense of purpose in the person doing it. Science has shown that engaging in volunteer work can decrease depres sion, reduce stress, increase longevity and help the person stay mentally and physi cally active. Volunteers get to meet others, develop new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with those that have similar goals and interests. There are many opportunities for children and parents to volunteer through school, religious and nonprofit organizations.

Random Acts of Kindness and Generosity

Random acts of kindness and generosity include smiling, holding the door open for someone and reaching out to loved ones. Include a child in these activities and encourage them to do the same. “When you see your children being generous, point it out and praise them,” recommends The Center for Parenting Education. “Help them put into words the positive feelings they may have as they help others.”

The most important ingredient to devel op a child with a healthy brain and body is love. Children need positive experiences for pathways in their brain and body to work. Developing empathy for them selves and others increases emotional strength and self-regulation. Improve the life of a child—physically, emotionally and spiritually—by teaching them the simple of act of giving.

Madiha Saeed, M.D., ABIHM, is the bestselling author of The Holistic RX, an international speaker, founder of HolisticMomMD.com and director of education for KnoWEwell.com.

Thermal Imaging May Provide Clues

SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS

EASY TIPS FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY SEASON

by Kirby Baldwin

seasonal ingredients while supporting the local economy, but also sustain farms that build soil health, promote animal well-being and offer a more delicious and nutritionally superior final product. Purchasing food directly from farmers also eliminates the extra packaging and the carbon footprint of transportation that comes with store-bought goods.

In addition to offering fruits and vegetables for holiday pies and souf flés, regional farms can also be good sources for locally sourced grains, hol iday meats, baked goods and cheeses. Festive cocktails can be purchased from a neighborhood distillery, brew ery or winery, many of which source their ingredients from local farmers.

The holidays are upon us, and that means decking the halls, gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts and treats—and creating a lot of waste in the process.

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash than at any other time of year. That’s 1 million extra tons each week, primarily due to waste from holiday gifts and décor. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on consumption to lessen the environmental impact of the holiday season without sacri ficing any joy.

Savor Local Fare

Ditch grocery store lines and instead shop for the holiday meal at a nearby fam ily farm. By participating in the local food movement, we will not only enjoy fresh,

Ronald Mirante, founder of Bone-In Food, runs a weekly food delivery service that provides only sustainable, nutrientdense foods sourced from local farm part ners. According to Mirante, “Shopping for food locally with your farmers for the holiday helps them move offerings they have raised all season long. This empow ers the local food community and makes their operations sustainable by preventing food waste and allowing for economic preparation for next year’s harvest.”

For a state-by-state directory of local farmers of meat, eggs and dairy products from 100 percent pastured animals, visit EatWild.com. A directory of family farms and farmers markets, along with res taurants and grocery stores that feature locally produced food, can be found at LocalHarvest.org.

Gift Greener

Instead of using unrecyclable gift wrapping paper, switch to a recycled alternative or wrap gifts in pieces of fabric, newsprint or kraft paper that can be repurposed or recycled. To eliminate shopping and wrapping altogether, give the gift of an experi ence, which allows loved ones to create lasting memories.

Cater experiential gifts to the needs and wants of the recipi ent. An exhausted new parent will appreciate a restaurant gift certificate or a coupon to pay for a babysitter. Give the budding golfer lessons with a local pro, the theater lover tickets to an up coming show and the selfless caregiver a spa treatment to help them feel pampered and refreshed. For the person that seems to have everything, make a donation in their name to a worthy cause that matters deeply to them.

According to publishing executive and mother Tacy Quinn, who runs the Instagram account @friluftslivingfamily, “As our kids get older, we love to find outdoor adventure ideas that are fun to do as a family and get us off our screens. One of our holiday gift-giving traditions each year is to purchase or renew a membership to a local nature organization. Many organizations have great family programs that are included with yearly mem berships, so this annual gift means we get a whole year of outdoor experiences to enjoy together. We’ve gone on full-moon hikes, tapped and harvested our own maple syrup, enjoyed solstice bon fire parties and more. Giving a membership gift helps everyone enjoy the outdoors and sustain the natural places we love.”

When it’s not possible to gift an experience, shop locally for gifts made of natural materials, such as a beautiful, wooden, cutting board, a cozy pair of wool socks or a piece of pottery handmade by local artisans. Christmas stockings can create unnecessary waste for the sake of filling them to the brim. Try replacing plastic odds and ends with fruits, nuts or handmade treats like cookies or gra nola for more sustainable—and tastier—stocking stuffers.

Deck the Halls

For the most sustainable holiday tree, opt for a potted or locally cut, native choice. Live trees protect the soil, serve as wildlife habitats and filter the air during the six to eight years they’re growing. They also create local jobs. After the holidays are over, the potted trees can be planted. Cut live trees should either be mulched or recycled, rather than thrown in a landfill.

Merry and Bright

Making just a few simple swaps in gifting, feasting and decorat ing will ease holiday consumption and lessen its environmental impacts without subtracting any of the joy.

Kirby Baldwin writes for KnoWEwell, the regenerative whole health hub and a collaborative partner of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Holiday Treats for Cats and Dogs

EASY-TO-MAKE FESTIVE RECIPES TO DELIGHT PETS

by Tonya Wilhelm

The holidays are a great time to connect with loved ones, including family pets. Although treats bring such joy to their lives, keep in mind that not all foods around the holiday table are safe for dogs and cats. There are, however, plenty of pet-safe ingredients, some of which are actually beneficial.

Cranberries, for example, have been classified as a “superfood”, which means they provide many beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E and K, plus manganese. They are also high in fiber, which supports gut health. When feeding them to a pet, it is important to choose 100 percent cranberries that do not con tain any sugars or preservatives.

When cooking up a batch of pet treats, coconut flour is healthier than the traditional, all-purpose flour, because it contains more fiber, protein and healthy fats. It is also gluten-free, making it a better alternative for pets with allergies.

Beef gelatin is chock-full of health benefits for pets, as it contains amino acids that help break down food, repair body tissue, support the immune system and provide energy. Among its numerous advantages, gelatin strengthens bones, muscles and cartilage, while also improving gut health, skin and fur. Always check the ingredient list. Use 100 percent gelatin and make sure there is nothing else included, especially Xylitol or birch sugar.

Sweet potatoes provide a wealth of nutrients from which both dogs and cats can ben efit. They are a good source of fiber and high in antioxidants, including beta carotene, which is rich in vitamin A and supports good cognition and lung strength.

Turkey breast supplies a wide range of B vitamins, including B6 and B12. It also

provides iron, potassium, zinc and selenium, which help support a healthy immune system.

All of these treats make great pres ents. Place them in a decorative container and gift them to pet-loving friends and family.

Tonya Wilhelm is a professional dog trainer with a holistic approach. For more information, visit RaisingYourPetsNatu rally.com.

SWEET POTATO GUMMIES

This recipe is cat-friendly, but a kitty may not dive into the delight.

YIELD: DEPENDS ON MOLD SIZE

3 cups water

½ cup sweet potato

3 Tbsp beef gelatin

Silicone molds and cookie sheet

Measuring cup with a spout for pouring

Boil 2 cups of water. Remove the skin from a sweet potato. Dice the sweet potato and place ½ cup into the boiling water. Boil until the sweet potato is soft and then drain it. Mash the sweet potato

into a smooth consistency and set it next to the stove.

In a small saucepan, boil one cup of water. Once the water reaches a boil, quickly whisk in the gelatin. When the gelatin is dissolved, lower the heat and add the mashed sweet potato and stir over the heat. Pour the mixture into the measuring cup. Then quickly pour the hot liquid into the silicone molds. Don’t fill to the top. Because many silicone molds are floppy, place them on a cookie sheet prior to filling them.

The molds will need to be refrigerated to cool, so find a spot before pouring. Be ready: The gelatin will start to set up very quickly. Carefully place the molds into the refrigerator to set up for approximate ly three hours.

Remove the treats from the molds and break them into bite-sized pieces before feeding to pets. Store the gummies in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze until ready to serve. Thaw completely before serving.

HEALTHY CRANBERRY MUFFINS FOR PETS

These muffins are full of flavor and nutri tion, and are healthy for both dogs and cats, although a finicky cat may turn her nose up to them.

YIELD: VARIES

1 cup coconut flour

5 eggs

⅓ apple or ⅓ cup diced apple

⅓ cup liquid (water, or bone broth)

2 cups water

¼ cup cranberries

2 Tbsp melted coconut oil

1 tsp baking soda

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Place 2 cups of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place the clean cranberries into the water and boil until

EASY TURKEY JERKY FOR PETS

This easy turkey recipe will have felines purring with delight. It’s a healthy snack for a cat and a great dog-training treat for the clever pooch.

YIELD: VARIES

Fresh, boneless and skinless turkey breast

Thinly slice the turkey breast into strips—the thinner, the better. Place strips on a dehydrator tray. Do not overlap the strips. Dehydrate at 145° F until the turkey is crispy, which can take between eight to 12 hours.

Allow the turkey to cool completely before removing it from the trays. Break into little bite-sized treats for cats and dogs. Store the jerky in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze until ready to serve. Thaw completely before serving.

they pop, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the cranberries. Set the cranberries aside to cool.

Remove the seeds and core from the apple. Dice ⅓ of the apple into small bits. Mix the flour, eggs, apple, ⅓ cup liquid, melted coconut oil, cooked cranberries and bak ing soda in a large mixing bowl until well-blended.

Grease a muffin tin with coconut oil. Fill the muffin tins ⅔ full and place them into the oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Carefully remove and place on a cooling rack. Serve as a special treat. Place treats in a glass container and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze until ready to serve. Thaw completely before serving.

photo by by Tonya Wilhelm

photo by by Tonya Wilhelm

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe

with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life.

Soon people found other things they could use it against.

Colds

Flu

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds Styes Warts Ringworm

Other microbial threats

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA33

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3

Dragonfly Yoga Holiday Market and Open House – 4-7pm. One of the area's favorite holiday gatherings with live music, door prizes, a raffle, yummy food, hot cider and warm spirits. Plus, Dragonfly’s best deals of the year. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St SE, Unit 2, FWB, 850-2440184. DragonflyYoga.com.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 8

Sip-n-Christmas Shop – 5-7pm. 12/15, Enjoy a special day of at Wild Flyer. Discover the newest collection of unique yoga and fashion clothing, crystal, and metaphysical gifts while you sip on complementary wine. Wild Flier, 127 Harbor Blvd, Destin. 850-687-3023. ShopWildFlier.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade – 5:30-8pm. Pensacola’s largest holiday gathering with a tribute to the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. Local high school bands from Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties and New Orleans, perform, and high school receive more than 25k in donations from this event. Preceding the parade is the 1.2 miles Christmas Parade Dash, sponsored by the Pensacola Runners Association. Downtown Pensacola. CoxPensacolaChristmasParade.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

special event

Annual WinterFest at Stone Soup

10am-4pm

A festive event that features eclectic ven dors, aura photography, artists, intuitive readings, and healthy food options, and a kid’s craft area. Free.

Stone Soup Intuitive Spiritual Center, 314 Carmel Dr., FWB. IntuitiveSpiritualCenter.org

Blessed Yule/Christmas to You – 10am-7pm. 12/17 &18. A special two-day sales event, 20% discount on products storewide. This one-stop metaphysical shop offers a vast selection of books, herbs, essential oils and sprays, stones, gems, incense, candles, oracle cards, bones, runes, jewelry, crystals, and clothes. The sale does not include readings, classes or workshops. Mystical Paths, 5151 Dogwood Dr, Milton. 850-586-6224. Facebook.com/MysticalPathss.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

Candy Land Christmas – 5:30-7:30pm. A Christ mas extravaganza with a meet and greet Santa, face painting, train rides, bounce house and slides, hot cocoa, ready-to-eat foods, a farmers’ market, clothing, jewelry, gifts, and live music. Water sound Town Center Pavilion, 85 Origins Main Street, Watersound. 850-499-4697. Facebook. com/WatersoundTownCenterFarmersMarket/

plan ahead

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Rediscovering Freedom: Keys to Understand ing Pain Syndromes – 11am-5pm. This session with Doug Keller begins with an introduction to themes for the training on rediscovering freedom: the role of joint play and the arthrokinetic reflex in pain syndromes and movement limitations, and what that means for a more insightful un derstanding of yoga practice. The training will then cover new insights into how the feet work and their impact on the health of the knees and hips. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Loving the Low Back: The Core and the Psoas –11am-5pm. The day with Doug Keller begins with a warm-up practice, focusing on movement from the core and centering the psoas. What follows will be a deeper inquiry into the psoas, core and low back, with experiential exercises for releasing

the psoas by joining movement and breath. This practice will also guide students into an explora tion of shoulder health, which will be continued on Sunday. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

Keys to the Shoulder Girdle: Opening the Wings of the Breath – 11am-5pm. Doug Keller 's class explain the shoulder girdle's three moving parts—the collarbone, shoulder blade, and armbone (humerus). For healthy, pain-free movement of the shoulders, all three parts must work together well. During this class, students will examine the roles each of these parts and their joints when it comes to shoulder aches and pains. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.

JANUARY 24

Exploring Yoga Nidra – 7:30-8:30pm. 1/24 & 2/7, $15. Yoga Nidra is sometimes referred to as “sleep yoga”, however, the practice has much deeper layers that include the discovery of our heartfelt mission and desire, how we can build intention to achieve those goals, and maintaining our safe container through resources that assist us in staying present during difficult times. This class will explore techniques from both traditional methodologies created by Swami Satyananda Sarawati, and more modern, trauma-informed methods from Dr. Richard Miller’s iRest ap proach. LovelockHealingArts, 213 South Baylen Street, Suite A, Pensacola. Healing-Motion.org.

JANUARY 25

Small Group Somatic Coaching – 11-noon and 5-6pm, online via Zoom. 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15. Learn and adopt mind/body therapy and practices for mental health support. In these sessions, you will learn tools for nervous system self-regulation, and experience body-based interventions to reduce stress and anxiety. Learn preventative methods for mental health support. Learn how to support the integration of safety and embodiment sensations. Build awareness both physically and emotionally. Create a resilience routine. $125 4/sessions. Heal ingMotionKW@gmail.com. Healing-Motion.org.

Keechuan | Dreamstime.com

ongoing events

sunday

30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Closed 12/25/2022 and 1/1/2023. Find local grass-fed 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 veg gies; 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.com. 30AFarmersMarket.com

Free Yoga in Maritime Park – 9:30-10:30am. 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/Play PColaParks.

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, Chil dren 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. 850-863-1044. RootsShoppe.com.

Celebrate Recovery – 6pm. Open to everyone as a safe place to heal from hurts, habits and hang-ups. This is a 12-step 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 5:155:45pm, $5-adults, $3-children, and no one turned away. Community Life Church, 4115 Soundside Dr, Gulf Breeze. Facebook.com/CRatCommuni tyLifeChurch/

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 – 6:30-7:30pm. A Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic recovery program offering recovery from all forms of addiction. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. RefugeRecovery.org.

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.

Eugene Demcenkova | Dreamstime.com

wednesday

‘Movers’ & ‘Shakers’ Low Impact Dance Fit ness – 9-9:45am. Wed. Join instructor Emily Mixon for an interactive and low impact dance class for seniors 55+. Free. Bayview Senior Cen ter, 2000 E Lloyd Street, Pensacola. 850-436-5190.

friday

Walton County Farmers Market – 1-5pm. Find locally grown fruits; vegetables; grass-fed meat; local vendors; and small businesses. Free. 3001 Brown Rd, Defuniak Springs. 850-834-2084. PonceDeLeonFL.com.

saturday

Grand Lagoon Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Stroll the docks of the historical Capt. Anderson’s Marina while sampling the region’s local makers, bakers, and growers. Free. 5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach. 850-481-6848.

30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find local 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 bread, 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, beautiful arts and crafts, includ ing fusion glass, jewelry, handmade stationery and beautiful soaps. Free. 30A Farmers’ Market at Palm Plaza, 1003 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. 30AFarmersMarket.com.

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. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. GrandBoulevardFarmersMarket.com.

Seaside Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Small, but definitely worth visiting, this beach-front market offers local pasture-raised beef; fresh local produce; homemade bread and bakery items; local and re gional honey; heirloom eggs; local berries; pickled veggies; crab cakes; and locally-made kombucha. Free. 2235 East County Hwy 30A, SRB.

Niceville Florida Community Farmers’ Mar ket – 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 an tiques. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on N Palafox St between Wright St and Garden St, Pensacola. 850-434-5371. PalafoxMarket.com.

Body, Mind, Spirit Market – 10am-4pm. First Sat of the month. The Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe and Ericka Boussarhane of Empowerment Schoolhouse bring together local vendors, artisans, wellness practitioners, speakers, and more for an indoor/outdoor event for the en tire family. Free. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery, 315 W Garden Street, Pensacola. 850-941-4321. Facebook.com/EmpowermentSchoolHouse.

Larry Metayer | Dreamstime.com

classifieds

Fee for classifieds is $20 for the first 20 word and $1 per addi tional word per month. To place listing, email content to Publish er@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

A NATURAL FOOD AND HEALTH STORE – Old Thyme Remedies, Inc. has been a family-owned S Corporation in the same location in Pensacola since 2011, serving the Gulf Coast area's need for or ganically grown & harvested skin care in gredients, cooking spices, medicinal herbs & tea blends, with single herb remedies and specific formulas to address personal health concerns. Please text interest and contact information to 850-516-7655.

EVENT SPACE

UNITY OF PENSACOLA RENTAL FA CILITY AVAILABLE – Beautiful histori cal sanctuary that seats up to 300 and/or our Fellowship Hall with tables and chairs for up to 65, stage and kitchen area. Weddings, reunions, networking events. For more in formation, call 850-438-2277. UnityOf Pensacola.org.

SERVICES

KELLEY’S HANDYMAN – John and Sherri Kelley, owners are BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchen. Honest and af fordable we provide estimates you can count on. 850-378-6262. KelleyHandyman@ gmail.com. KelleyHandyman.com.

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING AND COACHING – Spiritual counseling and coaching available with Rev Jamie Sand ers. Metaphysical approach, meditation and affirmative prayer. Jamie1118@aol.com. 850-438-2277.

WEDDING SERVICE

BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES

– Spiritual marriage ceremonies with Rev Jamie Sanders at Unity of Pensacola or your location of choice. Packages available. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org.

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE – carrying unique yoga apparel, jewelry and accessories with men's and women's coastal fashion. Gifts for everyone. 127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin. 850687-3023.

community resource guide

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.

ACUPUNCTURE

DR. LYDIA BASTABLE

Doctor of Oriental Medicine & Acupuncture

850-733-6651

221 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Inside Pure Pilates Studio

Acupuncture treats anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, upper respiratory tract, respiratory, eye, mouth, and gastrointestinal disorders, vertigo, headache, tennis elbow, sciatica and low back pain. Acupuncture is effective for allergies, blood pressure problems, sexual dysfunction and arthritis. Call to learn what acupuncture can do for you. See ad, page 19.

NAVARRE ACUPUNCTURE AND WELLNESS

Pamela Purser, AP, LAc, 7287 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre 850-710-3288

Navacuwell.com

Navarre Acupuncture and Wellness offers quality acupuncture and Chinese herbology, cupping therapy, moxibustion and Acupuncture Injection Therapy.

BEAUTY

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 ammoniafree hair color and chemicalfree styling products. See ad, page 41

ASTRID SLAUGHTER

Organic Color Specialist

Inside Le Vogue Salon 609 W Chase St, Pensacola Text 850-602-4497

Holistic haircare, natural looking color, styles, hi-lites, cuts. Your place for happy healthy hair. Text Astrid, your organic color specialist. See ad, page 8.

BODY CONTOURING SCULPSURE BODY CONTOURING

Karen Kennedy, MD 1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Ste 201, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

KarenKennedyMD.com

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

BONE HEALTH

OSTEOSTRONG

880 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze 850-480-7333

Cordova Pensacola 1151 Office Woods Dr, Ste D 850-480-7119

OsteoStrong® is a scientificallybacked concept with proven technology focused on improving your overall health by focusing on the skeletal system. See ad, page 21

BRAIN HEALTH

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 9

BREAST SCREENING

RADIANT BODY THERMOGRAPHY

Candace Parmer Clinical Thermographic Technician 503-775-1812

RadiantBodyThermography.com

Call to learn how we can assist you and your doctor in protecting breasts from disease, excess hormonal activity and overdiagnosis breast cancer. See ad, page 39.

CBD OIL

GOLDEN ALMOND HEALTH FOOD STORE

339 Racetrack Rd NW, Ste 3, FWB 850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com

Hours: M-F 9-6, S 10-5, Closed Sun

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.

OLIVE LEAVES HEALTH FOOD CENTER

In the Publix Shopping Center 634 W 23rd St, Panama City 850-763-8871 • OliveLeavesPC.com

Olive Leaves provides the best CBD oil and hemp products from Carun and the finest quality, fresh, natural, organic and whole foods; nutritional products; body care products; and health information in a fun, comfortable, clean, safe environment. See ad, page 47.

The proper response, as Hanukkah teaches, is not to curse the darkness but to light a candle.

~Irving Greenberg

CHIROPRACTIC

BLUEWATER CHIROPRACTIC

WELLNESS CENTER

Dr Letitia Smith, DC

4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177

BluewaterChiropractic.com

Quality chiropractic care for infants, children and adults. Providing support for you to fulfill your health goals and reach overall wellness naturally. Also offering lumbar decompression, massage therapy and nutritional education.

COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION

Sheila Decker DC, MS, CAC

Barbara Wade, MD

3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze 850-903-1708

Providing highly specialized chiropractic care for all ages, focusing on the entire body to treat chronic and acute conditions and improve quality of life. See ad, page 5.

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 TONY SALAMAY,DC, MS, FASA

520 N Macarthur Ave, Panama City 850-785-9372

TheBayDoctor.com

Treating conditions through chiropractic, functional neurology and clinical nutrition, such as fibromyalgia and thyroid issues. We treat the root causes and not just masking your symptoms. Always accepting new patients

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 8

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 39.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

SHARALEE HOELSCHER, RCST

Certified Rolfer (MA34039)

Registered CranioSacral Therapist 850-450-8508

HealingWithBodywork.com

Get out of pain once and for all. Treat the source, not the symptom. Enjoy moving freely in a more organized, comfortable and balanced body. See ad, page 19

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 33

Christmas is a time when you get homesick–even when you’re home.

~Carol Nelson

COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH

HEALING MOTION

Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT

HealingMotionKW@gmail.com

A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance, and personalized wellness programs. See ad, page 29.

DEMENTIA

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 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 9.

DENTISTRY

DR SUSAN WELCH, FAGD

106 Wright Pkwy SW, FWB 850-243-1534

WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com

Healthy digestion, well-aligned physical structure, proper breathing and a good night’s sleep begin with a healthy mouth. We treat snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, plus crowns, teeth whitening, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, aligner orthodontics, cleanings, digital X-ray imaging and CO2 laser periodontal treatment. No mercury fillings. See ads, pages 15 and 55.

DEPRESSION

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

(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 9.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

30A FARMERS’ MARKETS

850-499-4697

30AFarmersMarket.com

Locations:

•Rosemary Beach Town Center 28 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach 9am-1pm Sundays (Year Round)

•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 23.

FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS

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 lifesustaining 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, back cover.

GOLDEN ALMOND HEALTH FOOD STORE

339 Racetrack Rd NW, Ste 3, FWB 850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com Hours: M-F 9-6, S 10-5, Closed Sun

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 antiinflammatory, antibacterial, revitalizing and immunity-boosting properties. See ad, page 23

OLIVE LEAVES HEALTH FOOD CENTER

In the Publix Shopping Center 634 W 23rd St, PC 850-763-8871 • OliveLeavesPC.com

Olive Leaves is here to provide you with the finest-quality, fresh, natural, organic and whole foods; nutritional products; body care products; and health information in a fun, comfortable, clean, safe environment. See ad, page 47.

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 10.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

HEALING MOTION

Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT

HealingMotionKW@gmail.com

A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance and personalized wellness programs. See ad, page 29.

HERBS

ROOTS SHOPPE

357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB 850-863-1044 C.Gypsymuse@gmail.com CGypsymuse.com

O ffering a vast selection of quality herbs, self-care products and metaphysical goods, as well as an experience to remember.

HOLISTIC MEDICINE

EMPATHIC PRACTICE

2701 N 12th Ave, Pensacola

Pensacola • 850-777-3334

Contact@EmpathicPractice.us EmpathicPractice.us

Empathic Practice is focused on wellness beyond medication. We believe that mindfulness, not medication alone, will lead you to your best self. Compassionate care for a new path to healing. See ad, page 35.

HEALING MOTION

Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT

HealingMotionKW@gmail.com

A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance and personalized wellness programs. See ad, page 29.

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.

~Melody Beattie

KAREN KENNEDY, MD

Board-Certified Gynecologist

1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

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

DR TONY SALAMAY, DC, MS, FASA

520 N Macarthur Ave, Panama City 850-785-9372

TheBayDoctor.com

Treating conditions through chiropractic, functional neurology and clinical nutrition such as fibromyalgia and thyroid issues. We treat the root causes and not just masking your symptoms. Always accepting new patients

HOME REPAIR

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 10.

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 48

COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION

Sheila Decker DC, MS, CAC 3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze 850-903-1708

Decreased libido and energy may be related to low testosterone. Confidential evaluation and treatment provided, ensuring levels are optimal for you. Treatment given in-office or at home. See ad, page 5.

KAREN KENNEDY, MD

Board Certified Gynecologist 1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

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

HOT YOGA STUDIO

HOT YOGA OM

222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown Fort Walton Beach 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 37.

HYPNOSIS

BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS

700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com BaysideHypnosis.com

A full-service weight-loss, smoking-cessation, and anxietyreduction center. We also help people with changing habits, personal development, confidence and self esteem improvement. See ad, page 4.

IRIDOLOGY

MYEYEREAD

Jessica Halpern 850-743-5115

MyEyeRead.com

A nationally recognized company specializing in Iridology readings to enhance physical, emotional and spiritual health. See ad, page 13.

MASSAGE THERAPY

MINI ESCAPE MASSAGE

NAVARRE

1929 Ortega St, Navarre 850-376-7785

MiniEscapeMassageNavarre.com

Licensed and professional therapeutic massage. We are skilled, experienced therapists. We are locally owned and operated. We want to help everybody heal. We only do professional massages. LIC#MM41202. See ad, page 13.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

EMERALD COAST

CRYSTAL GALLERY

4164 W. County Hwy 30A 480-747-4542

EmeraldCoastCrystalGallery.com. A new gallery specializing in sustainably sourced crystals and minerals. The store’s collection includes exclusively curated, high-quality crystals for collectors, interior designers, and crystal aficionados. See ad, page 17.

MYSTICAL PATHS OF PEA RIDGE

5151 Dogwood Dr, Milton In the Dogwood Plaza 850-586-6224

A metaphysical store helping people of all faiths to find the tools to follow their path. Crystals, stones, books, tarot cards and much more. See ad, page 35.

This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, ignite bonfires and light candles. And we sing.

~Anita Diamant

ROOTS SHOPPE

357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB 850-863-1044

C.Gypsymuse@gmail.com CGypsymuse.com

Offering a vast selection of quality herbs, self-care products and metaphysical goods, as well as an experience to remember.

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 handpainted furniture. See ad, page 15

WILD FLIER

127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin 850-687-3023

ShopWildFlier.com

We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry and yoga apparel. Find your inner zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 10.

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 37.

PHYSICIANS

COYLE INSTITUTE

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 33

EMERALD COAST RHEUMATOLOGY

Aymen A Kenawy, MD 850-215-6400 3890 Jenks Ave, Lynn Haven/PC Info@ecrheum.com DrKenawy.com

Aymen A Kenawy, MD, FACP, FACR, Board-Certified Rheumatologist, specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, and stem cell and infusion therapy. See ad, page 12.

KAREN KENNEDY, MD

Board-Certified Gynecologist 1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre

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.

SPINE & JOINT, LLC

Sheila Mohammed, MD, PhD

4507 Furling Ln, Ste 213, Destin 850-281-8186

DrSheilaMohammed.com

A medical clinic that treats pain naturally through remedies such as prolotherapy, prolozone, ozone, platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments. See ad, page 19.

PILATES STUDIO

PURE PILATES

Gulf Breeze Proper 221 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, 850-932-3424

Downtown Pensacola 426 S Palafox, 850-607-2772

PurePilatesPensacola.com

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.

OSTEOPOROSIS

OSTEOSTRONG

880 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze 850-480-7333

Cordova in Pensacola 1151 Office Woods Dr, Ste D 850-480-7119

OsteoStrong® is a scientificallybacked concept with proven technology focused on improving your overall health by focusing on the skeletal system. See ad, page 21.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

COASTAL

MEDICAL INTEGRATION

Sheila Decker, DC, MS, CAC

3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze

Our skilled practitioners use regenerative injections to signal your body’s own trusted repair system, going beyond masking symptoms; providing long-term relief from numerous painful conditions. See ad, page 5.

ROLFING

SHARALEE HOELSCHER,

Certified Rolfer (MA34039)

RCST

Registered CranioSacral Therapist 850-450-8508

HealingWithBodywork.com

Get out of pain once and for all. Treat the source, not the symptom. Enjoy moving freely in a more organized, comfortable and balanced body. See ad, page 19.

Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.

~Dale Evans

REIKI HEALERS

REIKI HEALING BY JONI JOHNS

312 Hidden Island Dr, PCB 850-832-4088

Info@JoniJohns.com

Reiki helps us to understand that we are energy beings. Reiki healing brings about many physiological responses as the body and mind relax, allowing the body to repair and rejuvenate itself. See ad, page 41.

SKIN CARE

SKINTRENZIXS

348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 26, FWB 205-718-2611

Skintrenzixs.com

Providers of skin education and exceptional customer service in a clean and relaxed spa environment. Our products are pH balanced and extremely effective in balancing the skin. See ad, page 16.

SLEEP DISORDERS

GULF COAST SLEEP CENTER

2202 State Ave, Ste 104 850-U-SNOOZE 850-876-6693

GulfCoastSleepCenter.com

Gulf Coast Sleep Center is a stateof-the-art sleep research and diagnostic facility with the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. A comfortable, new and clean setting. All COVID protocols observed. No referral required, most insurance accepted. See ad, page 21.

DR SUSAN WELCH, FAGD

106 Wright Pkwy SW, FWB 850-243-1534

WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com

Healthy digestion, well-aligned physical structure, proper breathing and a good night’s sleep begin with a healthy mouth. We treat snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, plus crowns, teeth whitening, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, aligner orthodontics, cleanings, digital X-ray imaging and CO2 laser periodontal treatment. No mercury fillings. See ads, pages 15 and 47.

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 handpainted furniture. See ad, page 15.

UNITY OF PENSACOLA

Jamie Sanders, Minister 716 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 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 11.

STEM CELL THERAPY

AGELESS SOLUTIONS

Cave, MD • Barber, MD • Janis Cook, RN 8990 Ortego Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770 • Ageless Navarre.com

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 48.

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 39.

THETA-HEALING

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 37.

TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS)

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

(Located inside Path to Wellness)

240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

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 9.

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 48.

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 4.

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com

COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION

Sheila Decker, DC, MS, CAC

3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze

Increase your confidence, decrease joint pain and improve overall health with our medical weight loss program that includes custom nutrition counseling and vitamin supplementation. See ad, page 5.

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER

127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin 850-687-3023

ShopWildFlier.com

We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry and yoga apparel. Find your inner zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 10.

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 37

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 37

A NIGHT OF DEEP, RESTORATIVE

IS WITHIN REACH

We’re Social

Susan M Welch, DDS FAGD

Diplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine

Diplomat, American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine

Diplomat, American Board of Craniofacial Pain Fellow, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and Sleep Medicine

Member, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

Dr. Welch focuses a large part of her practice on assisting you in obtaining the best night’s sleep, through simple oral appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If you have difficulties using, or are intolerant, with a CPAP machine, an oral sleep appliance could be the solution to getting the sleep you deserve.

oliday Gift Ideas

Sold at Natural Food Stores, Wellness Clinics and other fine retail establishments throughout NW Florida and beyond.

For The Health Of It 2217 W Co Hwy 30A Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

NaturBaker 817 Harbor Blvd Suite 27 Destin, FL 32541 850-737-1072 www.naturbaker.com Blueberry Hill Bakery 15890 331 Business, #6 Freeport, FL 32439 850-880-2125 www.blueberryhillbakery.com

The Golden Almond Health Store 339 Racetrack Rd NW #3 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 850-863-5811

Staff Of Life 119 Partin Dr N Niceville, FL 32578 850-678-8411

Fused with the power of Bee Pollen and Royal Jelly!

17 Amino Acids with 10 Essential Amino Acids: Arginine, Histidine, Lysine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Methionine, Threonine, Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine

7 B-Complex Vitamins: Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, Folic Acid, and Biotin

Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium Plant Based Protein Non GMO, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

A daily punch of clean energy with the power of pollen and spirulina!

Bee Pollen and Royal Jelly: amino acids, B-complex vitamins, lipids, macro and micronutrients, flavonoids, protein

Spirulina: superfood, detoxifier, immune system booster, anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol, lowers blood pressure

Ginseng • Ginkgo Biloba • Cayenne Pepper a powerful blend of herbs with antioxidant and antiinflammatory qualities that may increase energy, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system

Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, silica, selenium, barium, boron, copper, gold, iodine, sulphur

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, C, D, E and K

Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar at Zen Garden 707 Richard Jackson Blvd Panama City Beach, FL 32407 850-234-1651

Mount of Olives Health Food 728 W 23rd St Panama City, FL 32405 850-784-9001

Wild Root Coffee & Apothecary 830 Florida Ave Lynn Haven, FL 32444 850-481-9014

Emerald Coast Martial Arts 726 Beal Pkwy NW Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 Rob

The Tortoise Clinic 2441 US Highway 98 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-267-5611

Mind.Body.Soul.Adventure PC 12007 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, Florida 32407 850-778-3034