December 2016 - Natural Awakenings North Texas by Martee Davis

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December 2016 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com North Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex

letterfrompublisher

Dear Santa,

This time of year always reminds me of my childhood when my sisters and I would eagerly sit down together to write you letters with a compilation of all the things that we had discovered in the Sears & Roebuck Christmas Wishbook

contact us Publisher Marteé Davis Editor Martin Miron Editorial Theresa Archer Robert Dean Rachel Scott McDaniel Design & Production C. Michele Rose Stephen Blancett Distribution Preston Davis Multi-Market Advertising 469-633-9549 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 Mailing address: 3245 Main St., Ste. 235-134 Frisco, TX 75034 Phone: 469-633-9549 Fax: 888-442-6501 Publisher@NA-NTX.com NA-NTX.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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you came through—not with everything, we now understand that would have been gluttonous—but with the “important” things. Thanks especially for Christmas 1978; you hit the nail on the head when you brought us the Charlie’s Angels dolls, Polaroid camera and the Sgt. Pepper album! Let’s not play games, Santa. You, me and millions around the globe have done this countless times, and we all know the routine. We give you a list and you give us the stuff. Right? Well, not this time around – not with me anyway. This year, I’m changing it up. This year, I say, “Keep your stuff.” That’s right, keep it. Keep. Your. Stuff! I’m sick of it. It clutters our home, even our minds. So, this year, keep the stuff. But wait, don’t move to the next stuff-requesting letter just yet. I do want to ask for something. Mind you, it’s not just for me; it’s for humanity. I’m not requesting that you put an end to disease, hunger or shoppers trampling each other to death buying things they think they need exactly one day after giving thanks for all they had. The gift that I’m putting on my list is a mighty powerful one, though. This gift will bring a person peace when suffering, courage when attempting, love when questioning and hope when doubting. I’m talking about faith. This year, all I want for Christmas is a little faith – for everyone. For those people that already have faith, make it stronger; for those that are struggling to relocate lost faith, make it visible; and here’s the tough one: For those folks that have absolutely no faith at all, let them discover it. That’s it. That’s all I want for Christmas. I know this whole letter thing is a quid pro quo arrangement, so in return for granting humanity with the gift of faith—renewed, stronger or new— I’ll give you a nice glass of organic milk; three homemade sugar-free, gluten-free cookies; and some kale for your reindeer. What do you think? Is it a deal? In faith,

PS: I’ll also leave you a copy of this month’s Natural Awakenings for you to share with Mrs. Claus. She’ll probably enjoy the recipes in “Healthy Holiday Libations”

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

that we knew we could not live without. Year after year,

and “Merry Munching”—we’re sure you’ll be ready for some Maple Snickerdoodle Popcorn and a Meyer Lemon Hot Toddy when you return home. NA-NTX.com

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

16 HOLISTIC

HOLIDAYS

20 HEALTHY HOLIDAY LIBATIONS

Restorative Drinks Revive Good Cheer by Judith Fertig

22 MERRY MUNCHING

Sugar-Free Treats Kids Love by Judith Fertig

24 LOVING LARGE Scientists Say We’re All Connected by Linda Sechrist

26 KRISTA TIPPETT ON OUR EVOLVING SPIRITUALITY

Why it Evokes Hope by Randy Kambic

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28 A GORGEOUSLY

GREENER HOLIDAY

Fresh Thinking About Décor by Avery Mack

30 HEAL ADRENAL

FATIGUE NATURALLY

Practical Ways to Regain Vitality by Linda Sechrist

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32 FITNESS 2017

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33 FETCH, STRETCH, DANCE

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New Year’s Resolutions that Stick by Aimee Hughes

Make Your Dog an Exercise Buddy by Sandra Murphy

34 LIVE AS YOUR HEART LIVES

by Lyric Benson Fergusson

natural awakenings

December 2016

newsbriefs Christmas Eve at Agape

gape Center for Spiritual Living is holding their largest celebration of the year at 5 p.m., December 24, for the entire family with a seven-piece band and three professional singers doing holiday and Christmas songs. There will be gifts for the kids 12 and under. This high-energy service is centered on remembering to see and recognize the light that is within us, as well as within others. It is about experiencing this thing Rev. Lee Wolak we call the Christmas feeling. Reverend Lee Wolak says, “Agape Center for Spiritual Living is a spiritual community that nourishes your soul, energizes your body and lifts your spirit. People who were inspired by the movie The Secret or the message of Abraham, Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra will feel right at home at Agape.” Event location: Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Dr., Frisco. For more information, visit AgapeCSL.com. See ads, pages 12, 21 and 31.

Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano

ickens is a free annual event produced by the city of Plano from 5 to 9 p.m., December 2, featuring live entertainment, delicious food, a variety of attractions and a visit from Santa. Many downtown businesses will extend their hours for this event. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dallas Ice FX will be on-site this year for their inaugural Ice Fights, a competitive ice sculpting exhibition. Take a wild ride at the snow tubing attraction, featuring a 30-foot track of real snow. There will also be free horse-drawn wagon rides, balloon artists and children’s activities from local nonprofits. Be sure to visit Santa at the gazebo and bring a camera or smartphone to capture the moment. Locations: Haggard Park, McCall Plaza and a section of 15th St. in downtown Plano. Free parking is available at the Plano Municipal Center (1520 K Ave.) and public lots off 14th St., For more information, visit Plano.gov.

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area Christmas Celebration

he Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area annual Christmas at the Cabin will be held from noon to 3 p.m., December 17. Participants will enjoy a tour of the historic Minor-Porter Log House, make a corn husk doll or an ornament to take home to their own Christmas tree, create a hand-dipped candle and enjoy music, snacks and more. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors that may arrive and proceed at their own pace. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Location: 201 E. Jones St., Lewisville. For more information call 972-2193550 or visit llela.org.

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Meditation for Vaxxed Screening in Plano Health is hosting the film Vaxxed, Children and Parents Reclaim which discusses safer vaccine options, at

r. Alina Olteanu, a Chopra Center-certified meditation instructor and owner of Whole Child Texas pediatrics, in Frisco, is offering a primordial sound mediDr. Alina Olteanu tation course for both children and parents. Evening and weekend classes are available. Participants can learn how to meditate in one session that lasts approximately one hour and join a like-minded community once a month for group meditations. According to Olteanu, meditation brings many health benefits for children, empowering them to manage their stress, emotions, anxiety and inattention. She says, “When parents meditate with their children, the entire family benefits, too.” Meditation is not part of a religious belief, it is more like an workout for the brain. Children as young as 6 or 7 years old can learn how to meditate. “We focus a lot on diet and exercise, but sometimes forget that stress management is equally or even more important. These days, children are under a lot of stress, even at a young age. By teaching them about meditation, the perfect antidote to stress, we give them a very precious gift that they can use for the rest of their lives.” Cost is $150. Location: 3550 Parkwood Blvd., Ste. B-100, Frisco. For more information, call 214-736-1954 or visit WholeChildTexas.com. See ad, page 9.

the Angelika Film Center, in Plano, at 7:30 p.m., December 1. Dr. Laura Precourt, owner of Reclaim Health, says, “Vaccinations, which affect so many people, are so little understood. If you claim to be injured by a vaccine, there is no path to sue the pharmaceutical company that created it for damages, and yet, the industry is so large that one company makes approximately $33 billion dollars per year from the flu vaccine alone. This is such an important but often overlooked topic, we feel the film is a must-see.” She explains, “This is not an anti-vaccination film. It is about doing research to find safer vaccines, spreading out the vaccines that children currently receive and giving people the freedom to choose whether to receive a particular vaccine.” Tickets are $11, and may be purchased at bit.ly/2fgorq1. For more information, call 972-943-9355 or visit ReclaimHealth.com. See ad, page 14.

Transformative Workshop with Ronit Mor

aturopathic doctor Ronit Mor and Leslie Dillard, an intuitive healer, will conduct an empowering and life-transforming workshop series, Eight Weeks to Optimal Vitality & Well-Being, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays from January 17 to March 7, 2017, in Plano. Participants will learn principles of holistic wellness and healthy nutrition to increase energy and vitality; shed excess weight; boost the immune system; improve chronic conditions; feel happy and positive; and have glowing skin and hair. Each session includes theoretical and practical information and guided sound meditation. The series also includes an initial personal wellness consultation. Ronit Mor Mor, who is also a licensed esthetician and clinical aromatherapist, offers wellness consultations and group workshops, providing a safe way for clients to explore and benefit from natural health. Her approach is holistic in nature and focuses on maintaining physical, emotional and mental balance. Dillard is a healer who uses meditations, energy work and sound to help individuals clear emotional and energetic blocks, thus returning to a natural centered state and moving toward their highest potential. Cost is $545; early bird $447 to Dec. 31. Limited to eight people. To register, call 214-973-0482 or visit RonitMor.com. See ads, pages 27 and 35.

natural awakenings

December 2016

newsbriefs Free Salt Therapy for Children with Breathing Problems

alt Escape, a salt therapy wellness center in Plano, is celebrating the holidays with their fourth annual Free Kid Salt Session, offering a free, twovisit halotherapy (salt therapy) treatment for children from 2 through 12 years old from December 12 through 30. This drug-free treatment for respiratory and skin ailments uses salt’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to provide relief from respiratory issues aggravated by seasonal conditions. Children with a breathing disorder such as allergy, asthma, flu, cystic fibrosis and bronchitis are invited to experience these salt therapy sessions to help them avoid being sick for the holidays. The therapy takes place in a kids’ room with plenty of fun space for playing with toys, coloring and watching movies. The room is completely covered with natural rock salt to create a sterilized, negative ion environment. One 45-minute session is equal to the benefits of spending three days breathing in the ocean salt air. Location: 2100 Dallas Pkwy., Ste., 140, Plano. For more information or to schedule an appointment (required), call 972-378-4945 or visit SaltEscape.com. See ad, page 30.

Learn to Make Perfume at Home

ary Ellen Dorey, a registered aromatherapist, natural perfumer and owner of Dorey AromaTherapy, in Plano, will conduct a Make Your Own Natural Perfumes class for both men and women from noon to 2 p.m., December Mary Ellen Dorey 10, at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Participants will take home their own personalized perfume at the end of the class.

Cost is $89 for Arboretum members and $100 for non-members. Location: 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas. For more information or to register, call Dallas Arboretum Education at 214515-6615 or visit DoreyAromatherapy.com. See ads, pages 15 and 35.

News to share? Email details to: Publisher@NA-NTX.com Submittal deadline is the first Monday of the month. 8

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Farm-Fresh Circle N Dairy Holiday Eggnog

ggnog is available at the Circle N Dairy Country Store in pints, quarts and halfgallons through December 31. Due to seasonality and high demand, pre-orders are recommended. Unlike what we find in the store, this eggnog is not filled with preservatives and artificial ingredients. Michelle Neu, dairy farmer and owner of Circle N Dairy, says, “We’ve been working on our own special eggnog recipe using our own raw cows milk, raw cream and fresh eggs from our farm, and we’re thrilled to now be able to offer it to our customers.” Circle N Dairy Country Store also offers fresh raw milk, chocolate and strawberry milk, raw cream, raw Greek yogurt, local raw honey, farm-fresh eggs, more than 20 varieties of Wisconsin pasteurized cheese and butter, locally raised beef and pork cut to order from Hess Meat Market, in Muenster, homemade canned and baked items, handcrafted items and more. For more information, call 940-372-0343. See ads, pages 28 and 35.

Holidays at the Heard Museum

olidays at the Heard will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m., December 10, 16 and 17, bringing the beauty of the holiday season into nature. Guests will see lights and holiday décor along a halfmile Heard nature trail. In keeping with the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s role as a nature preserve, this light display is designed to enhance, rather than overpower, the sanctuary’s natural beauty. Children and the young at heart will enjoy the opportunity to take a photo with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive setting. Hot beverages and treats will be available for purchase while family-friendly entertainment complements the holiday atmosphere. Local musicians will also delight audiences with live holiday music in the Heard outdoor amphitheater. Location: 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For more information, visit HeardMuseum.org.

Heart & Vitality Center Accepting New Patients

oard-Certified Cardiologist Abraham Jacob, M.D., founded Heart & Vitality Center, in Plano, because he noticed a Dr. Abraham trend of younger-thanJacob normal patients admitting to the emergency room with a cardiac event. He wants to identify pertinent risk factors and establish healthy living patterns before a patient might be subject to a life-altering illness. “Heart & Vitality uses the most natural approach possible in the treatments we offer,” states Manager Lisa Jones. “Our hormone replacement pellets are bioidentical and our weight-loss program is an all-natural, education-driven approach.” Eliminating the “hormone clinic only” stereotype, they offer a full wellness approach, specializing in hormone replacement therapy for both men and women, weight loss, cardiovascular screening, non-invasive drug/surgeryfree pain management and aesthetics. Jacob says, “Because hormones naturally decline as early as mid-30s, the center offers solutions for those feeling depleted of energy and enthusiasm. We treat people with concerns about heart health or suffering from chronic or acute pain that are searching an alternative to medication and surgery. Individuals seeking to lose weight the right way can learn how to eat healthy.” Location: 4100 W. 15th St., Ste. 112, Plano. For more information, visit HeartAndVitality.com. See ad, page 10.

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. ~Audrey Hepburn

natural awakenings

December 2016

newsbriefs New Ways to Safeguard Pet Health

r. Shawn Messonnier, owner of Paws & Claws Holistic Pet Hospital, in Plano, is offering a new blood test for early kidney disease. It measures dimethylated arginine and allows diagnosis of kidney disorders up to two years prior to current blood tests, meaning pets can be treated with herbs and homeopathics long before kidney damage becomes severe and irreversible. Dr. Shawn Messonnier Also, a new holistic treatment is available for dogs with cancerous tumors that involves using the pet’s own cancer cells to make a “vaccine” which stimulates an immune response unique to the pet’s tumor. This treatment can replace chemotherapy and radiation for many pets, and is combined with herbs, homeopathics and autosanguis detoxification to get the maximum and long-lasting immune response. The new test and treatment integrate nicely into a holistic health care plan. Location: Park and Custer, in Plano. For more information, call 972-867-8800 or visit PawsAndClawsAnimalHospital.com. See ad, page 29.

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Retreet Leads Rowlett Reforestation Effort

massive EF4 tornado struck Rowlett, Texas, on December 26, 2015. The path of destruction was a halfmile wide and four miles long, with 1,145 homes and business damaged, 23 people injured and one life lost. On December 10, Retreet, Texas Trees Foundation and Keep Rowlett Beautiful will lead volunteers from across the country in planting up to 400 trees at hundreds of home sites. Retreet Executive Director Grady McGahan says, “Trees are an often overlooked part of restoring neighborhoods after a disaster, and most disaster victims do not have the time, money or ability to replant their own lost trees. Retreet redefines disaster relief by engaging communities to replant those lost trees.” Event location: Church in the City, 6005 Dalrock Rd., Rowlett. For more information or to register, visit retreet.org.

natural awakenings

December 2016

healthbriefs

Cranberries Reduce Urinary Tract Infections

matka_Wariatka/Shutterstock.com

ranberries, a staple on most holiday tables, can help women reduce their risk of urinary tract infections (UTI). A recent study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research tested the impact of consuming whole-cranberry fruit powder on women that had experienced two or more UTIs in the previous 12 months. Of the 182 study participants, 89 were given 500 milligrams of the cranberry powder daily for six months. The remaining 93 women ingested a placebo. The cranberry group reported significantly fewer infections than the placebo group. In addition, it took the women in the cranberry group more time to develop a first UTI than the women in the control group.

thrive

esearchers from the University of São Paulo Medical School, in Brazil, have found high levels of tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ear, and hearing loss in adolescents that use ear bud speakers. They examined the hearing of 170 students between the ages of 11 and 17 and asked them about their experiences with tinnitus in the previous year. More than half of the respondents had experienced the condition. The principal investigator for the study, Tanit Ganz Sanchez, an associate professor of otolaryngology at the medical school, notes that the prevalence of tinnitus among adolescents should be viewed as an early warning of a serious hearing loss risk. She says, “If this teenage generation continues to expose themselves to very high noise levels, they’ll probably suffer from hearing loss by the time they’re 30 or 40.”

Why Some Kids Grow Up with Fewer Allergies

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study in the journal Pediatrics, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, has found that the common childhood habits of thumb sucking and nail biting can reduce the risk of adolescent and adult allergies. Researchers followed more than 1,000 individuals from 5 through 32 years old, monitoring these two habits at ages 5, 7, 9 and 11. The subjects were tested for allergies at 13 using a skin-prick test and again at 32. Of all participants, 31 percent were frequent thumb suckers and nail biters, and those children had a lower incidence of allergic reactions than the others. These results support a hygiene hypothesis suggesting that early exposure to microbial organisms reduces the risk of developing allergies.

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Claudia Paulussen/Shutterstock.com

Teens Hooked on Ear Buds Prone to Tinnitus

et owners may seek the advice of a veterinarian after they have switched their dogs to a grain-free food or switched foods multiple times in an effort to self-diagnose and treat skin and ear infections. While food is one of the leading causes of bacterial and fungal infections, simply changing food may not work without knowing which food ingredients could be the problem. Many pets need immune support plus proper diagnosis and treatment of their infections or they will never get better. There is a simple blood test that can help in making the best food recommendations for pets that have medical problems as well as those that are healthy. Many pets suffer from skin/ear problems and other chronic disorders. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment and choosing the best diet for a pet has cured many of them.

Paws & Claws Holistic Pet Hospital is located at Park and Custer, in Plano. For more information, call 972-867-8800, ext. 0, or visit PawsAndClawsAnimalHospital.com. See ad, page 29.

A Cup of Peppermint Tea Boosts Alertness

esearchers from Northumbria University, in England, have discovered that drinking peppermint tea can improve working and long-term memory. After 180 healthy adults filled out questionnaires about their mood, they were selected at random to consume one of three drinks—peppermint tea, chamomile tea or water—and then rested for 20 minutes. The subjects were then tested for memory and other cognitive factors and given a second mood questionnaire. Those that drank peppermint tea exhibited improvements in both types of memory and were more alert than the other two groups. The participants that drank chamomile tea displayed reductions in both memory and attention functions compared to the others. Researcher Mark Moss, Ph.D., notes, “The enhancing and arousing effects of peppermint and the calming, sedative effects of chamomile observed in this study are in keeping with the claimed properties of these herbs and suggest beneficial effects can be drawn from their use.”

natural awakenings

December 2016

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Ask a Holistic Veterinarian for Advice

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Ocean Watch

2016 was a mixed year for whales and dolphins and by extension, humans. Marine Biologist Sylvia Earle states the importance of ocean health this way: “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea. The ocean is the blue heart of the planet. There’s still time, but not a lot, to turn things around.” Scientists have discovered a new, black-colored species of whale that’s onethird the size of a Baird’s beaked whale. Yet to be named, it’s rarely seen, feeding in deep canyons in the Bering Sea. The oldest-known orca whale, Granny, at 105, swims Washington’s coastline. Wild orcas usually live 60 to 80 years; captives, 40 years at most. Iceberg, the only known adult white orca, age 22, was spotted in Russian coastal waters earlier this year. In 2013, a Korean marine park retrained five dolphins to feed naturally and released them into the sea, where they rejoined their original pod. Recent sightings found them thriving, affording hope for the 2,900 dolphins in marine parks, aquariums and zoos worldwide. Pink dolphins in Hong Kong’s bustling harbor remain endangered. In 2003, there were 158; by 2014, only 61. The Baiji River dolphin, only found in China, has been declared extinct. Vaquitas, small porpoises in the Gulf of California, declined from 97 in 2014 to 60 this year, most drowned in commercial fishing nets; it may be extinct by 2018.

Bye-Bye Birdies

North American Species at High Risk Dima Oana Gabriela/Shutterstock.com

The 2016 annual Audubon Great Backyard Bird Count in February (Audubon. org/content/2014-great-backyard-birdcount-summary) and a report compiled by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (StateOfTheBirds.org/2016) show that more than a third of all North American bird species are at risk of becoming extinct unless significant action is taken, especially ocean and tropical birds. The governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico created the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in 1999. More than half the species that rely on oceans and tropical forests are on a special watch list because of small and declining populations, limited ranges and severe threats to their habitats. The report pinpoints invasive predators such as rats and cats on nesting islands, as well as overfishing, pollution and climate change. Ways to address the problem include removing predators, expanding protected marine areas and reducing the amount of plastic products that end up in the ocean and can trap or choke birds. Many species such as long-distance migratory shore birds in coastal, grassland and arid habitats are declining steeply. The main causes are rising sea levels, coastal development, encroaching human activity and oil spills. 14

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Sea Mammals Update

actionalert

ecotip Eco-Toy Story

Texas Complementary and Alternative Care in Jeopardy

Sunset Committee hearing on the Texas Medical Board (TMB) will be held on December 9 at the Capitol Building in Austin to hold TMB accountable for the unjust treatment of complementary and alternative licensed and unlicensed practitioners. A TMB Don’t Mess With Me rally/ lobby day on December 9 for health care practitioners and the public will convey the message that Texans want their medical freedom, and to stop persecuting our complementary and alternative/integrative licensed and unlicensed practitioners. Texas law has provided standards for physicians practicing complementary and alternative medicine for 20 years, and it’s time everyone knows it and the TMB recognizes it and honors our healthcare freedom decisions to stop the harassment of our healthcare providers.

During the holiday gift buying season, it’s good to recall the days of old-fashioned toys. Simple, wooden toys made with non-toxic paints are far safer than those sprayed with varnishes and paints containing lead and volatile organic compounds. Plastics can emit unhealthy chemicals used during manufacturing, which also produces environmental pollution. Pieces can break off, possibly injuring soft skin, or be consumed by toddlers with dangerous results. A recent report by Environment California, a research and policy center, found that products designed for babies and young children, such as soft plastic teethers, bath accessories and others, contain phthalates. Many toys require batteries containing heavy metals like mercury and cadmium. ChasingGreen.org recommends eco-conscious makers of toys available at GreatGreenBaby.com, including organic cotton stuffed animals; BabyBunz.com, featuring sustainably harvested cherry wood rattles and organic Egyptian cotton animals; and GreenToys.com, with play meal cookware and serving pieces made from bioplastic, consisting of a corn and starch resin. Here are other factors to consider. Educational toys can “enhance language, conceptual understanding and numerical and spatial cognition,” according to a study in the journal Mind, Brain and Education. Six-to-8-year-olds can gain an appreciation for archaeology playing with Smithsonian toys available at Barnes & Noble and BarnesAndNoble.com. PristinePlanet.com sells wood puzzles, solar-powered robots and board games from the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy. The Discovery Channel Store has safe toys and books for kids. Follow age guidelines in choosing gifts, advises Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Industry Association. “Age-grading has nothing to do with how smart a child is—it’s based on the developmental skills and abilities at a given age and the specific features of a toy.” Practice conservation while saving money by canvassing thrift and consignment shops for classic card and board games.

For more information, visit TexasRightToKnow.com/texasmedical-freedom.

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December 2016

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Safe, Fun Gifts for Kids

Holistic Holidays H H

The holiday season does not belong to only one cultural tradition. It is shared by Agape, Judaism and Christianity, among others. Here, we present three perspectives on one of our favorite times of year.

The Jewish Perspective by Rabbi Heidi Coretz

anukkah is a fun time for the Jewish community with a serious and important underlying message for all. During Hanukkah, we bring joy and light to our homes to remind us to stand up for religious freedom and to celebrate and commemorate a miracle. Back in the time when the holy temple in Jerusalem was still standing, the Syrian-Greek army was in control of Israel, and by 167 B.C. the Jews of Israel were forbidden to observe Jewish holidays and religious practices. The Syrians began using the holy site to worship statues of their gods and make un-kosher animal sacrifices there. After years of great hardship and war, a small band of Jews, the Macabees, fighting against the great Syrian-Greek army, regained their independence, religious freedom and control of the holy temple. When their ceremony to rededicate the Temple, “Hanukkah”, was set to begin, legend has it that the priests went to light the seven-point menorah, (the oil lamp that burned continually at the temple), but they could only find one bottle of oil that was consecrated for this purpose. That amount would only last one day, and it would take another week to make more. The miracle that occurred was that the oil from that one bottle burned for eight full days; long enough for more to be produced and continue the menorah’s continuous burn. In modern times, the special menorah used at Hanuk-

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kah (Hanukiyah) now has nine points. Eight candles to represent the eight days and a helper candle, called the shamash, which is used to kindle the others. On the first night, one candle is lit, and each succeeding night one more lighted candle is added. By the eighth and final night, all the candles are burning brightly. During the eight-day celebration, Jews eat oily foods such as jelly doughnuts and potato pancakes, and light the candles to remember the miracle of the oil and celebrate religious freedom. The Hanukkah celebration is beautiful, fun and is especially meaningful, considering the discrimination and hatred that still exists in our world. It’s a time to remember miracles do happen and that our obligation is to fight for the freedom, equality and dignity of all people without regard to the many beautiful differences between us. Heidi Coretz is rabbi at Shir Tikvah Reform synagogue of Frisco, which meets at 7700 Main St., in the C3 complex next to Prosper Bank and Frisco Family Services. All are invited to attend Friday night Shabbat services. Free babysitting is available. For more information, visit ShirTikvahFrisco.org.

Celebrating the Light Within by Rev. Lee Wolak

e see it all around us. Santa. Gifts. Holiday light displays. Nativity scenes. Holiday music. Make no mistake about it – the holiday season is here. It’s a time of year where friends and family come together to give gifts, create memories and share love with one another. That feeling of love, that idea of unity, is what we talk about every week at Agape. To us, celebrating the realization and recognition of our oneness is the true meaning of Christmas. It’s about the connection we all have with something greater than we are. It’s also about recognizing our light and the light in others. We can see it when we smile or look into the eyes of another. We experience it when we help a friend or listen to a stranger in their time of need and expect nothing else in return. It is recognizing we are all one. Throughout history, people have celebrated the solstice because it signifies the coming of the light. This season is about remembering the relationship with God and that the presence of light signifies the unifying factor. In this amazing season of light, we are each given ample opportunities to be the reflectors of that light by simply remembering who we

H M

are. Need help remembering? Just look at a child at Christmas. The joy, the love and their spirit show the innocence and purity that shines bright thanks to the light within that we all have. As adults, we get bogged down and caught up in our unconscious routines and forget we have this light still within us. That is the key. The Light is there. It’s always there. Christmas is simply a reminder of how we can feel and how we can act every day of our lives. That is the greatest gift Christmas has to offer – the realization that we can live this feeling of love and unity all of the time, not just for a day or a couple of weeks. To live with peace, love, and compassion for everyone is the true meaning of Christmas. It is to simply love all life. Rev. Lee Wolak heads the Agape Center for Spiritual Living, in Frisco. They meet every Sun. except Dec. 25 for celebration services and Wed. for meditation. For more information, call 972- 468-1331 or visit AgapeCSL. com. See ads, pages 12, 21 and 31.

Christmas is Where You Make It by Rachel Scott McDaniel

other Theresa said, “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” For Christians, that’s the purpose behind the holiday; to extend our hand to those who are hurting. To seek out the hungry, the hopeless and the broken. It is ministering love and healing though service, whether it be offering a warm coat to a stranger in need or being a shoulder for the weary to lean on. This idea is not just reserved for Christmas, but for every day, every season, yet most hearts are more receptive during this holiday; therefore we must respond to the need to show the bruised that they’re not forgotten and the wounded that they are not alone. It may seem like a large undertaking, but it can be as simple as smiling at a frustrated cashier or leaving a generous tip for a flustered waitress. Nonprofit organizations and shelters are always seeking volunteers and donations. You’ll find by giving, you’ll gain even more. Christmas, to Christians, goes beyond the tree and Santa and the reindeer—although those things are enjoy-

able, our hearts lie in the purpose— sacrificial love. When you surrender your will and place the desires of others before your own, it’s liberating. ‘Tis better to give than to receive right? Sure, it sounds cliché, but it’s undoubtedly true. There’s a purifying peace accompanying every selfless act. Many recognize the classic scene for Christmas as being the nativity, and hopefully, most grasp the beauty behind it. The child wasn’t born in a palace, but in a lowly stable; wasn’t born to a royal king, but to a carpenter. This message relays the importance and worth God places on everyone. Poor or rich. Weak or strong. All hold value and all deserve love. Every nation. Every race. Red, and yellow, black, brown, white; they are precious in his sight. This is the true meaning that needs to flood our hearts; unconditional love to every human heart. Rachel Scott McDaniel is a homeschooling mother of two, Christian author and blogger. For more information, visit RachelScott McDaniel.com. natural awakenings

December 2016

Celebrate a Consciously Connected Christmas by Darlene Owen

he holiday season may seem to have turned into a long list of to-dos, so this year however, we can choose to make a very different kind of list: a to-be list. Each day in December, take time to be grateful in a very conscious way at a specific time to consciously reflect on the blessings in our lives and give thanks. We can also be generous with our words, smiles and time. Speak freely and give encouraging words or a simple heartfelt smile, whether in line at the grocery store, in the neighborhood or even in a busy parking lot. We might offer our time in relationships and focus on being present in the moment. Make it a priority to stay on the telephone for just a bit longer and give quality time to our loved ones. Make a special effort to let friends, family and those that help make our lives know how much they mean to us. Be grounded. Instead of letting our heads swirl with all the things we need to buy, decorate, wrap, mail and deliver, between tasks consciously take a moment to feel our feet connect to the earth. A house is just a structure, but a home is what we make of it, and the emotional energy we exude has a great effect on making our home feel warm, welcoming, celebratory and peaceful. Taking time to work on this to be list can help put us in a place where we are exuding the emotional energy we want to impart to others and radiate in our homes. Darlene Owen is a real estate agent with Remax, specializing in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney and Garland areas. For more information, call 972-979-7640 or visit DarleneOwen.com. See ad, page 27.

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Healthy Holiday Restorative Drinks Revive Good Cheer by Judith Fertig

uring jam-packed special occasions like holidays, our drinks should multitask, too. We need festive tipples to refresh us without overdoing it, restore equilibrium if we overeat or drink or revive us when we’re feeling low from a seasonal cold or flu. In addition to traditional offerings that family and friends might expect, why not add a new and improved signature drink to everyone’s repertoire? These feel-good beverages, featuring winter fruits high in vitamin C, anthocyanins, therapeutic herbs and fresh ginger, deliver delicious boosts to help us feel our best.

Refresh

The season of hospitality is happily also the season of pomegranates, blood oranges and Meyer lemons (a sweeter, thin-skinned, aromatic variety). These vibrant fruits give a taste of good cheer to anything we can pour, shake, muddle or simmer. Whether we offer fresh-squeezed blood orange juice in the morning, a nonalcoholic cocktail of pomegranate juice and sparkling water, or a squeeze of Meyer lemon juice in a hot toddy or tea, the tart flavor is a sure pick-me-up. The red color in antioxidant-rich blood oranges and pomegranates indicates the presence of anthocyanins, compounds that might help prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as treat eye disorders, according to an article published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. Meyer lemons are a good source of vitamin C, essential for producing collagen needed to support the formation of new bone, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 20

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Restore

After an evening of over-imbibing, our systems need to reboot. The stomach needs help in processing alcohol, plus we may be dehydrated and feeling a little queasy. Filtered water, coconut water or a sweet, caffeine-free coffee or carbonated beverage of the lemon-lime variety rehydrate, as well as help our digestive system break down and flush out the alcohol. According to Registered Dietitian Aicacia Young, in Austin, Texas, founder of ClimbHealthy.com, the simple act of drinking water before we go to bed can assist in the recovery process. Research published in the Food & Function journal found that lemonlime soda helps the body metabolize alcohol better by speeding up its ability to process the compound aldehyde dehydrogenase, the main cause of hangover symptoms. For nausea and motion sickness, ginger or peppermint tea can help, according to studies in the American Journal of Physiology and the French Prescrire International.

Revive

Sometimes the stress of holiday to-dos, often combined with travel, can lower the resilience of our immune system. When we feel symptoms of a cold or flu coming on, the classic hot toddy can help us feel human again. The alcohol in whiskey is a natural decongestant; plus, it helps get us to sleep. Honey soothes and perky lemon juice gives us hope that we’ll feel better the next day. Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS. Connect at JudithFertig.com.

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LIBATIONS

Perk-Me-Ups

Seasonal Drinks that Revitalize

and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain out the ginger slices and serve in a mug.

Blood Orange French 75 Yields: 1 serving In a champagne flute, pour a jigger of gin, the juice of half a blood orange and a squeeze of Meyer lemon juice. Top up with champagne. Courtesy of Kathryne Taylor, a whole foods and vegetarian blogger; Search CookieAndKate.com.

Holiday Sangria Yields: 8 servings Combine 1 liter of cabernet sauvignon, a quart of pomegranate juice, ¼ cup agave nectar, 1 thinly sliced Meyer lemon and 1 thinly sliced pear in a pitcher. Add ice and stir. Pour into glasses to serve.

Courtesy of Judith Fertig, Alfresco FoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com.

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The best holiday drinks are festive and taste great. They should also be easy to fix. Here are five to get us started.

Meyer Lemon Hot Toddy Yields: 1 serving Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Stir in the juice of half a Meyer lemon, a tablespoon or two of honey and a jigger of whiskey. Serve hot in a mug. Courtesy of Judith Fertig, Alfresco FoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com.

Fresh Hot Peppermint Tea Yields: 1 serving Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. While it’s boiling, place 7 to 10 fresh organic mint leaves in a tea cup. Pour the hot water over the mint leaves and let them steep in the cup for 5 minutes. Strain out leaves as desired, and enjoy. Courtesy of Heather Crosby, author of YumUniverse: Infinite Possibilities for a Gluten-Free, Plant-Powerful, WholeFood Lifestyle; YumUniverse.com/ fresh-peppermint-tea.

Fresh Hot Ginger Tea Yields: 2 servings Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, and then add 1 small knob of fresh ginger, precut into thin slices. Reduce the heat

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natural awakenings

December 2016

healthykids

inspired by The Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy.

MERRY MUNCHING Sugar-Free Treats Kids Love by Judith Fertig

hen sugar was a commodity only the wealthy could afford, “visions of sugarplums” danced in the heads of children ensconced in Clement Moore’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Now, cheap candy is everywhere and not all that special. What is special is making memories aligned with contemporary traditions while enjoying naturally sweet, healthy treats that kids will remember helping to create. “It’s important to limit sugary snacks, even during the holidays,” says Claire McCarthy, a Boston Children’s Hospital pediatrician, Harvard Medical School assistant professor of pediatrics and senior editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is also a mother of elementary school kids. “We need to use the opportunity—any opportunity these days—to teach children and families about eating healthy.”

Healthier Holiday Snacks Mothers Amy Roskelley and Natalie Monson, of Provo, Utah, agree that raising healthy kids is a challenge. Dealing with picky eaters, getting family members to exercise and sourcing organic baby care products are all in a day’s work for them. It’s why they founded SuperHealthyKids.com. Subscribers have access to meal plans, recipes and healthy parenting tips. Recent advice includes ditching prepackaged popcorn (listing unpronounceable ingredients) and instead making the treat at home— popping kernels in coconut oil and topping the result with maple snickerdoodle flavorings. Many moms turn to online boards for party ideas. Fun photos posted there guide kids in creating naturally sweet treats, such as fresh fruit skewers shaped like elves or magic wands

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible. 22

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“Building a gingerbread house is a time-honored tradition for many families,” says Jacquie Fisher, a Kansas City, Missouri, mom who masterminds the educational blog and kid-friendly adventure postings at KCEdventures. com. Learning to construct the edible structure is intriguing fun. “Testing out how to balance the walls, construct a roof and put together a fun little structure is the perfect intro to some basic physics principles,” she notes. Because she’s not a fan of sugar icing and candy add-ons, Fisher’s kids connect over how to make Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s stable with whole-wheat graham crackers “glued” together with a homemade maple caramel mixed with coconut milk. They decorate using dried fruit, nuts, dry cereal and flaked coconut.

Christmas Stocking Stuffer and Hanukkah Gelt For healthy alternatives to sugary candy, savvy parents source sweet treats made with 100 percent fruit juice and fair trade chocolate available at health food stores and markets. Registered Dietitian Abbie Gellman, in New York City, reinvents the Hanukkah gelt, or foil-wrapped chocolate coins, that Jewish children traditionally receive. She flattens dried apricots with a kitchen mallet, dips them in melted dark chocolate and then sprinkles the treats with sea salt. We can always make wonderful memories true to the spirit of holiday traditions, and do it today in a healthier way. Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

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Gingerbread House Update

photo by Stephen Blancett

Sugarplums Update Healthy Sweets for Kids Apricot Gelt Fruit Skewer Elves

Yields: 12 servings (6 pieces per person)

Yields: 12 servings

11/2 lb dried apricots 1 lb dark chocolate chips 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt

12 cocktail sticks or short bamboo skewers 12 seedless green grapes 12 strawberries, hulled 1 firm banana, peeled and cut into 12 thin rounds 1 mozzarella stick, cut into 12 rounds

Using a heavy skillet or mallet, flatten apricots to ¼-inch thickness and set aside.

Popcorn: 1 tsp coconut oil, melted 1 /2 cup popcorn kernels

Dip each apricot in chocolate, coating ½ to ¾ of the apricot. Place on wire racks set over parchment or wax paper and sprinkle with sea salt. Let stand until set.

Maple Snickerdoodle Topping: 1 Tbsp coconut oil 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup 1 /2 tsp cinnamon Sea salt to taste

Transfer apricots to baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper and refrigerate until firm. The gelt may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.

Heat the coconut oil in a medium saucepan, with a lid, over medium heat. Add 3 kernels of popcorn and wait for them to pop. Once the test kernels start to pop, add the rest, cover and allow to pop, shaking occasionally until popping slows to a near stop.

Adapted from a recipe by Abbie Gellman, SPECertified.com/blog/view/ apricot-gelt-recipe.

Yields: About 5 cups

For each skewer, thread a green grape to the bottom of the skewer to create the elf face. Top with a round banana slice to make the pale trim around the hat, then an upside-down hulled strawberry to form the pointy hat. Add a mozzarella round to make the pompom at the point of the hat. Serve right away.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Maple Snickerdoodle Popcorn

Place chocolate in the top of a doubleboiler over simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted.

Holiday Fairy Wands

Yields: 12 servings

12 long bamboo skewers 24 seedless green grapes 12 chunks of fresh pineapple 12 strawberries, hulled 2 starfruit (carambola), cut into 12 slices

Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.

Serve immediately making additional sea salt available. Courtesy of Amy Roskelley and Natalie Monson, SuperHealthyKids.com/ maple-snickerdoodle-popcorn.

iuliia_n/Shutterstock.com

For the topping, whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup and cinnamon, until well combined. Pour over the popcorn and mix well. Sprinkle the top with a few pinches of sea salt, mix again and taste.

For each skewer, thread a green grape 3 inches from the bottom of the skewer, leaving room to hold the wand. Next, thread a chunk of pineapple, then another grape. Thread a strawberry, pointed end up. Add a slice of starfruit to make the star on the end of the wand. Serve immediately. Courtesy of Jacquie Fisher, KCEdventures.com/blog/healthygingerbread-house-ideas.

natural awakenings

December 2016

LOVING LARGE Scientists Say We’re All Connected

Cosmic View

by Linda Sechrist

rue love is not something reserved exclusively for soulmates, couples, children, friends or family. Observations by sages for millennia and by enlightened scientists more recently are increasingly aligned with the point of view articulated by renowned meditation teacher Jack Kornfield that true love and awareness—a sense of universal connectivity and the idea that divinity, or the sacred, is found in all things—are indistinguishable.

Scientific View

This state of being, generally denoted by strong feelings of love or acceptance toward others, brings us into contact with universal energy which connects all of humanity with the natural world. Clues to our united commonality are explored in two 21st-century books, Love 2.0: How Our Supreme Emotion Affects Everything We Feel, Think, Do, and Become, by Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D., and A General Theory of Love, by medical doctors Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon. These authors explore the brain science that’s related to love and awareness. 24

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Although trying to grasp love intellectually may be like eating soup with a fork, the authors of A General Theory of Love cite feelings as a good starting point. Fredrickson describes love as “the momentary upwelling of three tightly interwoven events: a sharing of one or more positive emotions between you and another; a biochemical synchrony between your and the other person’s biochemistry and behaviors; and a reflected motive to invest in each other’s well-being that brings mutual care.” Fredrickson, director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, believes love is a complex physiological response; a “positivity resonance.” She describes key factors in love’s ability to biologically transform us as oxytocin, a hormone active in social bonding and attachments, and the vagus nerve deep within the brain stem that connects with numerous organs, including the lead “character” in this relationship, the heart. The neural synchrony of positivity resonance between the brains of two individuals is a connected oneness that

During their 30-year friendship, Bob Staretz collaborated with astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D., the lunar module pilot on Apollo 14 and founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, to research and write “The Quantum Hologram and the Nature of Consciousness,” published in the Journal of Cosmology. Their scientific theory explains how all of creation learns, self-corrects and evolves as a selforganizing, interconnected holistic system through love. “Without exception, everything in nature exists and works together in total balance, resonance and harmony, interacting as one. From this perspective, Edgar and I reached the obvious conclusion—the organizing principle of the cosmos is agape love, an ultimate form of unconditional love that accepts all things existing in nature without regard to conditions, expectations, shortcomings, flaws or faults,” explains Staretz. The former executive director of Eternea, an organization focused on spiritually transformative experiences and the study of consciousness, Staretz says individuals that undergo such an experience attest that loving one another and all

images by tai11/Shutterstock.com

Fredrickson notes is far more ubiquitous than previously thought possible. Her research shows that it requires only connection, not the intimacy or shared history that comes with any special bonds. Micro-moments of the connected oneness we feel as life-giving reverberations occur via shared smiles or laughter, a common compassion or an engaging story. Humans all hunger for such moments. The prerequisites are perceived safety and authentic sensory connection with another, even if it’s fleeting. In Fredrickson’s perspective, such neural coupling is a biological manifestation of oneness in which a habitual focus on “me” expands to a life-expanding “we”.

of nature, of which we are a part, is the central reason for our existence. Anita Moorjani’s latest book, What If This Is Heaven? reiterates the life lesson she learned from her dramatic near-death experience in which she identified herself as a state of pure consciousness connected with everything in the cosmos. She clearly heard: “Your only work is to love yourself, value yourself and embody this truth of self-worth and self-love so that you can be love in action. That is true service, to yourself and to those who surround you.” This message continues with her, and she explains that by not loving ourselves, we are denying the part of God that expresses itself through us. An overarching insight from her lifechanging journey is, “Unconditional love is a state of being, not an emotion. It’s not just one side of the coin—it’s the whole coin.”

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. ~William Blake

How-to Resources Interest in this deeper perspective led The Shift Network, which offers online transformative education, to host a recent Advanced Teachings for Truly Loving Yourself with Margaret Paul, P.h.D., co-author of Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved By You? Many others are working to spread the word about a larger sense of lifegiving love, including Cleveland, Ohio, intuitive psychologist Debra L. Reble, Ph.D., author of Being Love: How Loving Yourself Creates Ripples of Transformation in Your Relationships and the World. She says, “Our soul’s purpose is to be and express love. We dream of love, yearn for love and make love, but rarely do we realize that we are love, a source of divine energy.” Reba Linker, a New York City life coach and author, hosts a Leaders in Self-Love Facebook page and the Paint Yourself into The Picture online coaching show. Linker’s philosophy on love resembles that of New Thought leader Michael Beckwith, minister, author and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, in Culver City, California—

to discern that our true nature is love is to know that we are created in the very image and likeness of love, the essence of life itself. Gary Sinclair, author of Healing Memories in Seconds, views his life from an altitude of oceanic oneness. His 35 years of study in a field that uses energy to heal spirit, mind and body led him to develop Soul Link, a memory energy therapy. His work is changing the face of therapy for those with post-traumatic stress disorder and led to the revelation, “Love pulls whatever it touches to its highest potential.” Teaching what he knows “beyond a shadow of a doubt” helps to shift his students’ worldview. “All of creation is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies. We are energy beings who can learn to manage our energy to heal ourselves. We are all connected by omnipres-

ence, the energy of love, a heart connection of life. Consciously choosing this awareness allows us to be ‘love living life.’” Kamini Desai, director of education for the Amrit Yoga Institute, in Salt Springs, Florida, lends her yogic perspective to love. “We are each a wave on the ocean of existence. Even though we are separate waves, we carry the essence of the same ocean. When that essence manifests in us as spirit, its quality is a healing force of love surrounding our cells, causing our heart to beat and regenerating our organs. This intelligence guides and directs the universe in the same manner that it heals and maintains our body. In yoga, we learn to listen to its subtle voice so that we can follow its urges and energetic impulses to the source from which it springs.” The perceptions of California’s HeartMath Institute founder Doc Childre, dedicated to helping people access their intuitive insight and heart intelligence, are generally aligned with those of Fredrickson. Both approaches recognize how order and balance in the nervous system and smooth, harmonious and coherent heart rhythms enhance our ability to clearly perceive a far larger universe of experience. The ensuing connections widen the windows of perception to view ourselves as no longer separate, but part of a unified whole. Accumulated micro-moments of love communicated through synchronized gazes, touches and vocalizations forge a shared subjective appreciation of connection and oneness. We feel ourselves embodying positive resonance and experience easier and more immediate rapport in familial, familiar and even new relationships. We discover abundant opportunities to feel love, loved and loving as we make ourselves available to them. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

natural awakenings

December 2016

wisewords

Krista Tippett on Our Evolving Spirituality Why it Evokes Hope by Randy Kambic

rista Tippett helps us ponder the meaning of life as host and executive producer of On Being, the award-winning weekly radio program and podcast produced in Minneapolis for more than 400 public radio stations. The bestselling author of Einstein’s God: Conversations About Science and the Human Spirit has been acclaimed for thoughtfully delving into the mysteries of human existence. Her latest book, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living, reflects upon how spirituality intersects with science, technology, health, art and politics. This daughter of a Southern Baptist minister first launched her show, originally titled Speaking of Faith (also the title of her first book), on Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media in 2003. Today, Tippett continues to discuss faith, spirit, inner growth and what it is to be human with leading authors, thought leaders and pioneering change makers. She also hosts online classes and a blog.

How has On Being evolved to reflect existing dimensions of spirituality that have proven surprising? I am fascinated with how spiritual life and religious identity have evolved in the last decade. This part of life is more fluid than it’s ever been in human history. We are the first generation that didn’t inherit religious identity like we 26

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do a hometown. We craft our spiritual lives and choose our faith, even if it’s the faith of our families. In many that don’t claim a religious affiliation, especially Millennials, I encounter a spiritual curiosity and ethical passion akin to religion at its best. Because seekers dwell both inside and outside of traditions, my life of conversation stretches beyond boundaries in ways I did not expect when I began. I also never imagined that I’d interview physicists, evolutionary biologists and neuroscientists exploring territory previously reserved for theologians and philosophers. Together, they are illuminating the ancient questions related to our place in the cosmos; the nature of human freedom and consciousness; even beauty and the reality of mystery.

Which guests do you feel have resonated the most with listeners and why? A show that seems to have touched more people most deeply is my interview with the Irish poet, philosopher and author John O’Donohue just before he died in his early 50s. He radiated such an unusual combination of qualities: wisdom, tenderness and playfulness; mysticism, theology and a raw Celtic earthiness. He’s someone who could speak of God with great wildness, strangeness—and authority. He inspired with his vision of beauty as a human calling and somehow embodied it for

the listener. I meet all kinds of people that keep that show on their playlist and listen again and again. In general, my favorite guest is the most recent person interviewed. At the moment, it’s Jimmy Wales, the Wikipedia co-founder, who stunned me with his insistence on kindness as the virtue that’s made this nonprofit’s ethos and accomplishments possible. Another is civil rights veteran Ruby Sales, who wisely works to uplift the human drama of our political/social moment, like the way we must come to be as articulate about what we love as about what outrages us.

How do you see people’s awakening sensibilities influencing local and global issues? I am drawn to the notion that we are in the adolescence of our species. The globe right now is like a map of the teenage brain, prone to recklessness and destruction in places and simultaneously possessing vast potentials for creativity and advances. So many are relentless in telling the story of destruction that it seriously colors how we tell the story of our time. I stand among those shining a light on the abundant beauty, goodness and courage in our world so these become more visible and evident at a global level.

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Are you optimistic about the future? I am hopeful about the future. My life of meaningful conversation has led me to re-imagine the meaning of hope. It has nothing to do with wishful thinking, but rests on the lives of beauty and goodness I see everywhere I turn. It’s a choice—a more exacting and courageous choice than cynicism or resignation. The pain and fear alive in the world surface as anger and violence, and some of us are called to be calmers of fear. We must create the world we want our children to inhabit and do so together. Hope isn’t an option on this path; it is one of our primary resources for getting there. Randy Kambic is a freelance writer and editor in Estero, FL, and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings. natural awakenings

December 2016

A Gorgeously Greener Holiday Fresh Thinking About Décor by Avery Mack

ature’s holiday decorations can transcend cliché pine wreaths or farmed trees to make highly personalized indoor décor that supersedes traditional greenery. Yet mistletoe, holly leaves and berries, eucalyptus, poinsettias, tree needles, acorns and a cut tree’s water reservoir can be harmful to both pets and children. Here are some better choices.

The Tree

ladder in a corner and hang ornaments down the center space; add garlands and lights and set potted flowers and small gift boxes on the steps. Search “alternative Christmas trees” at Pinterest. com for more ideas. Another option uses hedge-like plants in lieu of a tree. Consider an English or Japanese boxwood plant or evergreen lilly pilly, and then trim to the desired size and shape. Plant it outdoors as weather and climate permit.

The Table

“While we were working on a photo shoot, the photographer decided to include a Christmas scene. I was able to add fresh greenery from the property to the red ornaments and white orchids that I’d brought along. It made a striking centerpiece running the entire length of the table,” says florist Angie Zimmerman, of Angie Zimmerman Designs, in El Dorado Hills, California. “For the fireplace mantel I used branches with red berries to add height on either side of the central mirror and then duplicated the centerpiece design between them.” A festive table can be dressed with appealing edibles. Use a bread wreath as a base and stud it with skewered basil leaves, cherry tomatoes and small balls of fresh mozzarella cheese for an easy, self-serve, Caprese appetizer. A colorful dish of balsamic dressing or another dip in the center, along with small plates and holiday napkins, completes the offering. For a sit-down dinner variant, place a few Caprese skewers in small, clear, glass vases along the table with individual finger bowls of dip. Flatleafed green parsley sprigs add another special touch. Zimmerman further

photo courtesy of Angie Zimmerman Designs

For smaller spaces or to make a statement, try grouping topiary trees of varying heights draped with solar

twinkle lights and small ornaments or fresh flowers to create a focal point in a bay window. “A lemon-lime cypress lends another burst of unexpected color on an entry hall table,” says freelance floral designer Janet Corrao, in Nutley, New Jersey. “It smells good, too.” Plants six inches tall work well. Corrao suggests setting the pots in colorful, inexpensive metal buckets from craft stores for added glamour. Unless deemed a hazard to active kids or pets, set up a mid-sized stepstool on a table or open a six-foot

Galina Grebenyuk/Shutterstock.com

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suggests using deep-red Roma apples, cored, as candle holders. Make living place cards with small pots of herbs. Chalkboard paint identifies the plant and guest seating. Also consider colorful painted pots sporting a small cactus. Transform oranges into aromatic pomanders by scoring the rinds with a citrus stripper in a spiral, circle or other pattern. Use a small nail to make holes and stud the fruits with whole cloves. Adding seasonal greenery and sterilized pine cones makes a beautiful and fragrant centerpiece.

The Front Door

“I love to use pine cones for centerpieces,” Corrao says. “Our weather is cold enough that I don’t have to worry about bugs when collecting cones in the neighborhood.” For warmer climates, bake the pine cones for 30 minutes in a 200-degree oven to melt excess sap, kill insects and fully open them. Sold online or in kitchenware stores, a bay leaf wreath offers cheer at the door. After the holidays, hang it in the kitchen for easy access. “Kumquats, lemons, tangerines, small oranges and crabapples add color to green wreaths,” notes Corrao.

Garlands

For many, Christmas demands the smell of fresh pine boughs. Spice up the traditional greenery with carnations or other light-hued flowers colored with the juices of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and veggies—red from cranberries, beets and cherries; yellow and orange from yellow onions and carrots; purple from blackberries; green from spinach; pink from strawberries; and blue from red cabbage or blueberries. Freshly cut the flower stems and put them in the liquid from crushed produce or the can to absorb color. Hang garlands out of reach of young children and pets. Navjot Kaur, of Navjot Designs, in Chicago, says, “We all have greenery in our yard or patio gardens that can be used for the holidays. It’s fun to alter the design based upon what is available.” Imagination and inspiration can spark new, greener traditions. Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com. natural awakenings

December 2016

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healingways

Heal Adrenal Fatigue

NATURALLY Practical Ways to Regain Vitality by Linda Sechrist

atigue due to physical or mental exertion is common in those beleaguered by stress, poor eating habits and insomnia, struggling to balance the needs of family and career and too often using caffeine and other stimulants to artificially rebound energy. James L. Wilson, Ph.D., a doctor of chiropractic and naturopathy, educates medical professionals about an even more serious health issue he identifies as “adrenal fatigue”; it’s characterized by below-optimal adrenal function induced by an overload of such stressors. Our two walnut-sized adrenal glands, one atop each kidney, produce vital hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and many other functions, including how the body deals with stress.

Identifying the Core Issue

In his book, Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, Wilson sheds light on the scope of the problem. “The fact that adrenal fatigue is unrecognized by conventional medicine has left millions of people suffering from an untreated problem that interferes with their ability to function normally and capacity to enjoy life. For those whose adrenal glands are ‘running on empty’, even something as basic as happiness seems almost out of reach,” comments Wilson, who resides in Tucson, Arizona. Individuals suffering from adrenal fatigue are most concerned about their low moods, energy, mental acuity and libido, for which conventional medicine typically prescribes antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications do nothing to revive adrenal functioning. This faulty condition also affects weight gain and a propensity toward the development of some diseases, including 30

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fibromyalgia. “Your resiliency, energy, endurance and very life depend on the proper functioning of the adrenals,” Wilson says. We’ve inherited our sympathetic nervous system and its stress response of fight-or-flight from our prehistoric ancestors. It hasn’t evolved to differentiate between an acute threat to survival and the chronic threats from looming deadlines, financial pressures and other modern-day worries. “The adrenal stress response to physical danger or any perceived psychological threat is identical—the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine responsible for cascading physiological reactions,” explains Dr. Vijay Jain, who treats fatigue from an integrative perspective at his Mind Body Wellness Center, in Palm Coast, Florida.

Suggested Treatments

Adrenal fatigue is mainly a self-induced health problem that doesn’t just appear. It results from an accumulation of ongoing choices that we can change. Jain applies ayurvedic principles to reestablish balance in the body’s three prominent mind-body types that influence personal well-being. These are known as vata, pitta and kapha. For people primarily characterized by vata and pitta typology, fatigue is the result of being overactive and burning the candle at both ends. For those with kapha constitutions, fatigue is the outcome of a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient movement and eating the wrong foods for them. He further recommends getting more sleep with regular bedtimes, practices such as yoga nidra meditation, pranayama (yogic breathing) and a slower-paced yoga practice with longerheld meditative poses, as well as massage and a diet designed to restore our biological energies, or doshas, to a balanced state. “Depending on a patient’s constitution I advise some to slow down and burn 50 percent less of their candle, while I tell others to increase their physical activity and improve their diet.” Jain also recommends a type of ayurvedic purification and detoxification treatment that involves a series of five therapies including massage and herbal treatments. Performed in sequence, these allow the body and mind to drop into a state of peacefulness. Acupuncture treatments are also helpful, along with a regimen of adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng, schisandra and ashwagandha, according to Jain. In Happy Healthy Thyroid: The Essential Steps to Healing Naturally, author Andrea Beaman writes about how she recovered naturally from adrenal fatigue. To restore energy and vitality to the body, she further recommends the healing practices of hatha yoga, qigong and tai chi. “These modalities build energy, whereas power yoga, and cardiovascular exercises drain energy in fatigued individuals,” advises Beaman. She notes that it can take six months to two years to restore desired energy levels. Beaman counsels individuals with behavioral characteristics that make it more challenging to burn less of their candle. She grabs their attention with the critical nature of their situation. “‘You are in and out of life in a blink. If you’re exhausted at age 48, how are you going to live a vibrant, happy and exuberant life right up to the finish line?’ That generally works,” she says.

More Tips to Beat Fatigue by Linda Sechrist

he earliest signs of adrenal fatigue are low energy and the need for several strong shots of caffeine to kick-start the morning or get through an afternoon slump. If these symptoms arise, take steps to begin nourishing, restoring and de-stressing the adrenal glands. Eliminate stressors. Reevaluate daily schedules to make room for a regular session of yoga, meditation, tai chi or qigong. Establish a regular sleeping schedule aligned with the body’s natural cycle. Slipping between the sheets no later than 10 p.m. can mean better and deeper rest. Make dietary changes, starting with 40 grams of protein each morning. Limit the intake of stimulants, including caffeine. Eliminate sugar and processed grains. Add adaptogenic herbs and organic coconut and olive oils to dishes and food preparation. Eat nutritious foods such as greens and brightly colored vegetables. As a result, blood sugar and insulin levels will take fewer rollercoaster rides, easing the work of the adrenals. Refrain from over-exercising. Excessive cardio or endurance training is hard on the adrenals, so substitute more relaxing forms of exercise. Practice calming mindfulness and deep, controlled, diaphragmatic breathing.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com. natural awakenings

December 2016

FITNESS 2017 New Year’s Resolutions that Stick by Aimee Hughes

very January, we rally our hopes, vowing that this time our New Year’s resolutions will finally stick. However, “If you don’t have a plan, plan to fail,” says Kansas City, Missouri, personal trainer Jake Albracht. We can make our health and fitness goals for 2017 a reality instead of just wishful thinking. Find a good trainer. “A personal trainer provides a helpful base of knowledge because the hardest part for most people is a lack of planning and diligence in following up. Trainers can step in to help a client achieve their goals,” says Albracht. Jeanne Rankin, assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, adds, “A personal trainer can also help you set lofty goals that you wouldn’t have considered on your own due to fear of failure in achieving them.” Secure personal attention. Individual attention is invaluable. Albracht notes, “There’s nothing like the instant feedback with technique, information and support that one-on-one training provides.” Rankin adds, “In ongoing individual evaluation, a personal trainer can see exactly what’s going well and what

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isn’t, providing a better assessment than in a group.” “Group settings can also be positive and mimic a team environment, but a one-on-one relationship allows for a deeper bond of trust. Sometimes that can make all the difference in the world,” Albracht explains. Ask questions. If engaging a personal trainer isn’t in our available budget, they are often willing to answer a few burning fitness questions. Most of us have had volunteer teachers at some point in our lives that expected nothing in return because they loved sharing what they know. It’s a slower process, but can be a viable option. Set realistic goals. “I tell clients that structuring a program of specific goals will always trump a non-structured program,” says Albracht. “They need to fill out a goals sheet and develop a personal model that is repeatable, sustainable and successful. We use the SMART acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.” Sometimes writing things down is just what’s needed to make them actually happen. “When you look at pictures of famous people in magazines, realize

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fitbody

that the images have been Photoshopped. They also have access to the best and most expensive resources in the world, and looking good is their job,” reminds Rankin. “Set a goal, and then set a bunch of small, achievable, measurable and quantifiable steps along the way that’ll push you towards that bigger goal.” For example, If the goal is to lose 50 pounds in a year, then maybe shoot to lose 30 pounds in the first six months and 20 in the second six months. “Breaking it up into what feels doable for you is key,” says Rankin. Establish intentions. Krysten Clark, a Los Angeles personal trainer, yoga teacher and founder of Yogva Nutrition, uses the SMART elements along with establishing an intention for each session. She states, “It’s important to recognize what ‘being healthy’ means to you. I always have my clients set an intention for their workout in the moment, which allows them to be fully present with what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. Connecting with their ‘why’ proves powerful in a day-to-day practice.” She also strives to bring mindfulness into any fitness workout that evolves from a mind-body connection. The accompanying sense of self-compassion furthers progress in the neverending process of personal growth and healthy living. Acquire a fitness posse. An accountability partner can be a friend or a personal trainer—someone that’s only a phone call away. Rankin observes, “If you know that you are letting someone down by not working out, then you are more likely to stick to a plan, especially if you’re paying that person.” Hit the reset button if needed. “Set a deadline to attain a goal and work backwards from there to achieve it,” advises Albracht. “If the goal is missed, reassess and plan again.” Be patient and forgive yourself as often as necessary if slip-ups occur. The ultimate results of feeling good and healthier provide their own payoff. Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy and consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@ gmail.com.

naturalpet

Fetch, Stretch, Dance Make Your Dog an Exercise Buddy

Sean Nel/Shutterstock.com

an and woman’s best four-legged friend can activate and energize even the most reluctant couch potato or exhausted owner, making the family dog an excellent exercise buddy. Regardless of how lax we may be, everyone feels better after some kind of workout. A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology confirms that working up a sweat outdoors affords an appealing boost of energy, enjoyment and improved state of mind. Dogs love routine, so they’ll be waiting by the door for their daily walks. Make each outing mindful by letting the pet choose the route and pace. While they stop to sniff, do hamstring stretches by leaning against a wall, fence or tree. Once the warm-up portion is completed, add sprints to burn more calories. Ask for a sit, pick a goal a short distance away and then give the cue to run together fast. After arriving at the goal, ask for another sit. “Our favorite time to go is before 7 a.m. to avoid cars and when the asphalt isn’t too hot for his paws,” says Monica Weintraub, a food and travel blogger currently working from Beijing, China. “Carl loves the burst of energy, and we both build muscle.”

A backyard agility course can complement or even substitute for walks. It’s easy to make with weave poles, jumps and tunnels. Vary the order of the obstacles and run alongside the dog to call out each one. When it’s excessively wet, cold and icy or hot outside, create an indoor agility course. Use blankets and upturned chairs for tunnels, cardboard boxes to designate a weaving trot and a hula hoop for jumps. Set it up on top of rugs that foster firm footing. Balance can also be improved with exercise balls. While some dogs only see a soccer game, others try to balance on the ball, strengthening core muscles like their humans. Learning doga, or yoga for dogs, incorporates a canine’s natural trainability, flexibility, mimicry of human moves and desire to please. Kristen Corral, who’s also certified in animal massage, teaches Anima yoga fusion classes for people and pets of all ages in Las Vegas. “Anima means an expression of one’s true inner self,” she explains. “We work on balance and never force the dogs into poses. They’re excited during the first sessions, but as you move and breathe

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by Sandra Murphy

together, it becomes a calming and relaxing activity.” Floor exercises with the help of a dog also helps strengthen core muscles. Do leg lifts and teach the pet to walk under a raised leg to ensure it stays raised for the proper amount of time. Incorporate fetch games with sit-ups; throw the toy when sitting up and accept it back while reclining. Alternate arms—the dominant one has better aim, while the other one adds steps for the dog as it runs to fetch an errant toss. For chair exercises, use a toy to lure the dog under the chair, moving it from side-to-side, simultaneously working the waistline. Fetch lets the dog chase the toy before dropping it in front of the chair, giving the owner’s core muscles a workout when bending to pick it up each time. Dogs love to play hide-and-seek. It’s easy with two people; one holds the dog while the other hides. If solo, teach the pet to sit until a timer goes off before starting the hunt. “I ask Felix, my mixed-breed dog, to hold a sit-stay while I go hide,” says Chantelle Wallace, a professional writer who volunteers to exercise animals at Skyline Pet Care and Fitness, in Austin, Texas. “Hide and seek activates both mental focus and physical exercise.” Dancing to favorite tunes expends lots of energy. Dogs may perform obedience moves to the beat or, like humans, dance like nobody’s watching. Scientists at the University of Missouri are among those that have found that music improves moods, too. Teaching a dog to help around the house impresses everybody and takes advantage of bad weather to catch up on chores. They can tour a laundry basket to bedrooms, pick up trash or place items for recycling in a bin. Select individual items to be carried up or down stairs for a muscular workout. Take some tips from Jesse, a most helpful dog, at Tinyurl.com/HouseholdHelpPooch. When our will to exercise is wavering, an eager dog will help keep an exercise routine interesting and on track. The dog’s goal is always to have fun with their favorite person. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

natural awakenings

December 2016

Live as Your Heart Lives by Lyric Benson Fergusson

here your mind wavers, your heart overcomes.

Your heart can tame any monster, your heart can devour any fear. Your heart’s chivalry is incomparable. Your heart’s genius outsmarts what’s written on parchment or etched on stone tablets. Your heart sees an ogre as an angel, Just waiting to be born… (with a soft kiss). Are you brave enough to pucker up? Your mind would rather run from sleeping tigers that had, several decades ago, promised to eat you, than face the unknowns of life. Your heart knows that overwhelming darkness is a miracle waiting to happen. Which lens do you choose to see this world through? Your heart or your mind? Baby, it’s all about perspective. Source: French Kissing God, a collection of poems by Lyric Benson Fergusson (FrenchKissingGod.com). 34

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inspiration

"Renewal" painting by C. M. Rose fineartamerica.com/artists/michele+rose

Prints on paper or canvas. Custom mats and framing.

natural awakenings

December 2016

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the first of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com/advertise. Changes to events may occur after print date of this magazine. Always call ahead to confirm all details.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Solar Business Festival – Dec 1-2. A highly b2b interactive conference, exhibition, and concert dedicated to creating an influential solar trading platform in Texas. Hilton Austin, 500 E 4th St, Austin. treia.org Movie Screening: Vaxxed – 7:30pm. Host Dr. Precourt says, “This is not an anti-vaccination film. It is about doing research to find safer vaccines, spreading out the vaccines that children currently receive, and giving people the freedom to choose whether to receive a particular vaccine.” Angelika Film Center, 7205 Bishop Rd, Plano. Tickets are $12.65, and may be purchased at bit.ly/2fgorq1. For more info, call 972-943-9355 or visit ReclaimHealth.com. .

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano – 5-9pm. Features live entertainment, delicious food, a variety of attractions and a visit from Santa. Free. Haggard Park, McCall Plaza and a section of 15th St, downtown Plano. More info: Plano.gov. Shabbat Services – 7pm. Joyful worship and friendly socializing. Free babysitting available. All are welcome. C3, 7700 Main St, Frisco. For more info: 469-269-0718 or ShirTikvahFrisco.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Bird Walk at Oak Point Park – 8am. Bring your binoculars and join our Parks staff for an educational bird walk. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. bptmn.org. Old Town Holiday Stroll – 8am-8pm. Highlights include Christmas Parade at 12:30pm, followed by Holiday Stroll activities from 1-8pm including community performances, holiday activities, photos

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Movie Screening: Vaxxed – 7:30pm. Host Dr. Precourt says, “This is not an antivaccination film. It is about doing research to find safer vaccines, spreading out the vaccines that children currently receive, and giving people the freedom to choose whether to receive a particular vaccine.” Angelika Film Center, 7205 Bishop Rd, Plano. Tickets are $12.65, and may be purchased at bit. ly/2fgorq1. For more info, call 972-943-9355 or visit ReclaimHealth.com.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Bird Walk – 7-10am. Bring binoculars and field guides if have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. Can expect about 30+ species. All ages welcome. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. 469-200-4085. Theatre Auditions – Dec 4 & 5. 10am-12pm, Sun; 7-10pm, Mon. Seeking an ethnically diverse cast of non-equity, adult actors. Cold readings from the script. British dialect required. Roles, rehearsal and performance times at Theatre-Britain.com. All actors will be paid a stipend. 2637 Summit Ave, Ste 301 Plano. Appt required: Producers@TheatreBritain.com (preferred) or 972-490-4202.

Theatre Britain: Holiday Panto with Santa, the Santa Paws Village, and Lewisville Lights! Old Town Christmas Tree Lighting. Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W Church St, Lewisville. Schedule details: CityOfLewisville.com. Amble Around Arbor Hills – 8:30-9:30am. Walk with a local Master Naturalist and explore the woods and the fields, learning about fossils, birds, insects, plants, animals, and their complex interactions. 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano. bptmn.org. Scouting Workshops: Junior Girl Scouts – 10am12pm or 2-4pm. Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Preregistration required. $15/scout, $12/ adult. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566. Horsemanship Day Camp – 10am-2:30pm. Ages 7 & up. Adults welcome. Get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size, and get a chance to do some basic riding. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382.

Ropes Course Adventure Day – 1-4pm. During Adventure Days, guests able to participate in the Power Pole, Giant’s Ladder, and the Bessie Climbing Tree. Reservations required. $35/person. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Nature Walk: Oak Point Park – 10am. City of Plano Parks and Recreation Outdoor Adventures Program features Carol Clark of Native Plant Society of Texas. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. bptmn.org. Art of Balance – 6pm. Creating harmony between your spiritual and physical life. $12 or bring a friend who is new to the Kabbalah Centre and both attend for free. More info & location details: Dallas.Kabbalah.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Nature Awareness Day Camp – 9:30am-2:30pm. Kids learn about the plants and animals in your own backyard in the North Texas area. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Scouting Workshops: Junior Girl Scouts – 10am-12pm or 2-4pm. Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Preregistration required. $15/scout, $12/adult. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

Theatre Britain’s The Sleeping Beauty – Thru Dec 30. 7:30pm, Fri; 2:30 & 7:30pm, Sat; 1:30 & 5pm, Sun. No performances Dec 23, 24 or 25. A traditional British panto by Jackie Mellor-Guin with corny jokes, wacky characters, the dame, a ghost, a black light scene and, of course, lots of audience participation. $21/ adults, $16/students & seniors, $11/age 4 & under; 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Cox Playhouse, 1517 H Ave, Plano. Tickets: 972-490-4202 or Theatre-Britain.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 Free Kid Salt Therapy Session – Dec 12-30. Offering a free, 2-visit halotherapy (salt therapy) treatment for children from 2-12 years old. Salt Escape, 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste, 140, Plano. Appt required: 972-378-4945 or SaltEscape.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Wildlife Camp – Dec 10-11. This camp will be a study on the 2-legged, 4-legged and the 6-legged creatures that are in our area of North Texas. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382. Bird Walk – 7:30-10:30am. Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join an expert birder to explore birding locations at LLELA. Ages 10 & up. $5/vehicle, cash or check only. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550. NTREG Monthly Meeting – 10am-12pm. Meetings feature educational speakers. Also includes North Texas Electric Auto Association Meeting. Location & more info: ntreg.org. Make Your Own Natural Perfumes Class – 122pm. Join Mary Ellen Dorey, Registered Aromatherapist and Natural Perfumer, for an afternoon of perfume making. Class is for both men and women. Take home own personal perfume. $89/ members, $100/nonmembers. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas. Dallas Arboretum Education: 214-515-6615. DoreyAromatherapy.com. Holidays at the Heard – Dec 10, 16, 17. 6:30-9pm. See lights and holiday décor along a half mile Heard nature trail. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 DORBA Beginner Clinic – 10am Consists of basic instruction including bike setup, safety, trail etiquette and basic bike handling skills. After the instructional portion, there will be a group ride of the trail. River Legacy, Arlington. More info & to RSVP: dorba.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 The Gillespie Approach to CranioSacral Fascial Therapy for Adults and Children – Dec 16-18. Seminar serves as the necessary prerequisite for the Infant/Toddler CFT seminar. Give and receive this work during the seminar; open to all and no prior bodywork or medical experience is necessary. $1,500. For more info or to register: 972-772-7645, GillespieApproach.com or BeginningsCFT.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Nature Walk: Oak Point Park – 10am. City of Plano Parks and Recreation Outdoor Adventures Program features Carol Clark of Native Plant Society of Texas. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. bptmn.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

savethedate THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 Natural Networking – 11:30am-1pm. Business owners and professionals who help people live better by promoting health, wellness, sustainability, personal growth, integrative medicine, healthy kids and pets, financial well-being and peace of mind, please join us as we connect our community. Meets 3rd Thurs each month. Open group. Menu includes salads and gluten-free pizza. Hosted by Natural Awakenings North Texas Magazine. Networking is $10 (cash only) or support our host restaurant by purchasing your own lunch and there is no charge for meeting. Held at Palio’s Pizza Café, 1941 Preston Rd, Ste 1004, Plano. RSVP important; space limited. Email your details to NAMS@NA-NTX.com.

DAILY Christmas Tree Lot – Thru Dec 20. 5-9pm, Mon-Fri; 9am-9pm, Sat; 12-8pm, Sun. Support Boy Scout Troop 51 in Frisco while getting a tree for the holidays. $25-$150. 2 locations: Frisco Square, just off Dallas North Tollway at Main St & Coleman Blvd and Frisco First United Methodist Church, 7659 Preston Rd. HBergs80@att.net.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Holiday Celebration Service – 5pm. This high-energy service is centered on remembering to see and recognize the light that is within us, as well as within others. It is about experiencing this thing we call the Christmas feeling. Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Rd, Frisco. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com.

SUPER FIRST TUESDAY SALE

20% off regular price of vitamins, supplements, protein powder, health & beauty care, skin care, aromatherapy candles, household cleaners and more. All three locations: Colleyville: 5100 Hwy 121; Alliance: 3529 Heritage Trace Pkwy; Fort Worth: 5817 Curzon Ave. SunflowerShoppe.com

natural awakenings

December 2016

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28

Winter Tree Walk – 9:30-10:30am. In the winter, when many plants have lost their leaves, it may seem impossible to identify trees; however, during this hike, learn about some of the ways you can identify plants without their foliage. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

Winter Mini-Camp: Paleo Party: T-Rex and Friends – 9:30am-12pm. Heat up your winter with some dino fun and “bone up” on prehistoric creatures that lived during the time of the dinosaurs. Meet T-Rex and the other animatronic dinosaurs on the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit trail and even get to take home a fossil of your own. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

Christmas Celebration & Holiday Fine Arts Market – 10am-5pm. Explore our fine arts market, featuring a variety of Chickasaw artists, and enjoy Christmas films, pictures with Santa, a Christmas concert, ornament workshops and more. Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur, OK. 580-622-7130. ChickasawCulturalCenter.com. LLELA Christmas Celebration – 12-3pm. Enjoy a tour of the historic Minor-Porter Log House, make a corn husk doll or an ornament to take home to their own Christmas tree, create a hand-dipped candle and enjoy music, snacks and more. $5/vehicle; cash or check only. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550. Zip Line Day – 1-4pm. Soar through the treetops of the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary as you travel down the Ropes Course’s zip line. Purchase one ticket for each time you would like to go down the zip line. Preregistration required. For ages 10+. $12/person. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566. For Whose Glory – Dec 17 & 18. 5pm, Sat. 9 & 11:30am, Sun. A live production that you won’t want to miss, with humor and a timely message for all the family to enjoy. The Potter House North Dallas, 10501 Main St, Frisco. 214-623-4150. tphnd.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19

savethedate MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 Agape Women’s Breakfast with Friends – 9:30-11am. Enjoy breakfast, check-in and support one another, and meet some new friends. Cafe Express Shops at Legacy, 5800 Legacy Dr, Plano. Danielle: 214-551-4185. AgapeCSL.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

savethedate TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Agape Bake Sale – 10-11:45am. Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Rd, Frisco. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 First Day of Winter Celebration – Celebrate the changing of the seasons at the cultural center. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of cultural demonstrations and crafts, traditional games, storytelling, stomp dancing and more. Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur, OK. 580-622-7130. ChickasawCulturalCenter.com. Sacred Sound, Chanting and Ceremony – 7-9pm. To honor the Solstice energies and the Christ Consciousness love. Gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, Hathor and other chants. $30. Star Coyote Sound Temple, private residence near Coit & Parker. RSVP for address, Jodi Roberts: 469-344-6484. StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Candlelight Christmas at Prestonwood – Dec 24 & 25. 1:30, 3, 4:30, 6pm, Christmas Eve Services; 11am & 2pm (Español), Christmas day. Childcare will be provided for children 35 months and under for all services. 6801 W Park Blvd, Plano. Reserve childcare: 972-820-5012. Prestonwood.org.

savethedate SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Sacred Sound, Chanting and Ceremony – 7-9pm. To honor the Solstice energies and the Christ Consciousness love. Gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, Hathor and other chants. $30. Star Coyote Sound Temple, private residence near Coit & Parker. RSVP for address, Jodi Roberts: 469-344-6484. StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com.

Holiday Celebration Service – 5pm. This highenergy service is centered on remembering to see and recognize the light that is within us, as well as within others. It is about experiencing this thing we call the Christmas feeling. Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Rd, Frisco. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com. Christmas Eve Worship – 7-9pm. Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton. 972-492-4940. Horizonuu.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day Service – 10am. The Potter House North Dallas, 10501 Main St, Frisco. 214-623-4150. tphnd.org.

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Winter Mini-Camp: Tweets for the Birds – 9:30am-12pm. Come with us on a kid-friendly hike to see what birds are out and about on the sanctuary. Also make a simple birdfeeder to take home to help attract birds to your backyard. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration – 5 & 8pm. The Potter House North Dallas, 10501 Main St, Frisco. 214623-4150. tphnd.org. The Preciousness of Our Human Life – 7-10pm. Join us for this special New Year’s Eve celebration with a meaningful twist. Enjoy a talk and guided meditation on the great meaning and spiritual potential of our human life, followed by delicious food and drink, and chanted prayers for peace in our world. $10-$20 suggested donation. KMC Texas, Dallas Temple, 1875 Laws St, Dallas. MeditationInTexas.org.

plan ahead SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 Breaking Bad Habits – 10am-1pm. Through understanding Buddha’s teachings, we can gain confidence in our potential to change. We can then replace even our most stubborn habits with profoundly beneficial ways of thinking and living that lead only to peace and happiness. $30, $25/ pre-register as well as students & seniors. KMC Texas, Denton Branch, 210 S Elm, Ste 105, Denton. 817-303-2700. MeditationInTexas.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 Eight Weeks to Optimal Vitality & Well-Being – Tuesdays, Jan 17-Mar 7. 7-9pm. With naturopathic doctor Ronit Mor and Leslie Dillard, intuitive healer. Learn principles of holistic wellness and healthy nutrition to increase energy and vitality; shed excess weight; boost the immune system; improve chronic conditions; feel happy and positive; and have glowing skin and hair. $545; $447 before Dec 31. Plano. To register: 214-973-0482 or RonitMor.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 Master Composter Training – Jan 26-28 & Feb 16. 7-9pm, Thurs & Fri; 8am-5pm, Sat. If you’re passionate about composting and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, then become a State of Texas Master Composter. Learn how to improve your soil’s health by diverting valuable garden resources from the landfill back into your landscape. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: 972-769-4130.

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Monday Night Ride at Arbor Hills – 6:30pm. Bring bike, helmet and light. Meet at the trail head at Arbor Hills. More info: DORBA.org.

NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the first of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com/advertise.

Monthly Keep Aubrey Beautiful Meeting – 6:307:30pm. 3rd Mon. Aubrey 380 Area Chamber of Commerce, 205 S Main St, Aubrey. Deborah Goin: 940-343-1313.

sunday Free Introduction to Meditation via Skype – With Dr. Alina Olteanu, owner of Meditate With Alina. Meditation is the perfect antidote to stress and the solution to maintaining balance in a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic modern world. RSVP required; dates are subject to change: 214-842-9510. Sunday Worship: New Life Community – 8am & 11am. Sunday school in between worship services at 9:30am. 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco. 214-8724205. NewLifeFrisco.org.

Free Vision Screenings – 1:30-3:30pm. Last Sun. Offered by the Lewisville Lions Club. Vision screenings are quick, non-invasive and available for all ages. Lewisville Public Library, 1197 W Main St, Lewisville. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group – 2-3pm. 3rd Sun. Get info on local resources, education and support. Open to anyone whose loved one may be affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Autumn Leaves of McKinney, 175 Plateau Dr, McKinney. 972-542-0606.

Sunday Worship: Stonebriar Community Church Service – 9am & 10:45am. 4801 Legendary Dr, Frisco. 469-252-5200. Stonebriar.org.

Nature Explore Family Club – 3-4pm. 1st Sun. Also 1st Mon, 9:30-10:30am. Event aims to connect children and families with nature through fun, ageappropriate activities. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: 972-769-4130.

Sunday Worship Experience – 9 & 11:30am. The Potter House North Dallas, 10501 Main St, Frisco. 214-623-4150. tphnd.org.

monday

Sunday Worship: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Service – 9am & 11:15am. The services are the same, with music at both. Also have a service on the 1st Wed at 7pm. 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco. 214-387-4700. StPhilipsFrisco.org.

savethedate SUNDAY Sunday Celebration Service Agape Center For Spiritual Living – 10am, meditation; 10:30am, service. Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Rd, Frisco. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com. Sunday Worship: River of Glory Service – 10am. Also Wed, 7pm. 501 Accent Dr, Plano. 972-5646316. RiverOfGlory.org. Sunday Worship: Unity Spiritual Center of Denton Service – 10am, coffee; 11am, service. Unity takes spiritual principles and makes them practical in your life. 6071 New Hope Rd, Krugerville. 214453-0218. UnityOfNewHope.org. Transform Your Life – 10am. All welcome. $5/ class. KMC Texas, Denton Branch, 210 S Elm, Ste 105, Denton. 817-303-2700. MeditationInTexas.org. Horizon UU Worship Service – 10:30am-12pm. Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton. 972-492-4940. Horizonuu.org. Adult/Teen Horse Club – 11am-5pm. 1st Sun. Do you have horse experience, but wish to ride and learn more? Join the Camp Tonkawa Horse club. This Sunday club is for adults, children come on Saturdays, Homeschoolers on Mondays. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. For restrictions & details: 940-440-8382. Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm, Sun & Sat. A selfguided tour to learn about the animals that call InSync home. Helpful volunteers available to answer any questions. $10/adult, $7/senior (65+), $7/child (4-12), free/under 4. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888.

savethedate MONDAY Living Ethics School Open House: Tea, Talk, Tour – 9:30am. 1st Mon. We invite you to come learn more about our heart-centered, scientific, loving, intuitive and co-creative approach to learning. Living Ethics School (formerly Robert Muller School), 340 Country Club Rd, Fairview. RSVP requested: 214-544-8338. CenterForLivingEthics.org. Holy Yoga Slow Flow – 9:30-10:30am. All-levels yoga with intention/mediation set on biblical passages. No experience necessary. Mats available. With Jenny Bradford. Observe holiday on Nov 21 and Dec 20. Free; donations accepted. First United Methodist Church of Richardson, Upstairs in the Education Building, Rm 217, 503 N Central Expwy. Richardson. Jenny Bradford: 214-207-8941.

tuesday Young Actors Guild Meetings – 2nd & 4th Tues. Meetings consist of theatre games, exercises, workshops and lessons. Open to all current members and those interested in becoming a member. $25/yearly membership. McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney. 214-544-4630. Stroller Skate – 9-11am. $4. Thunderbird Roller Rink, 3200 Thunderbird Ln, Plano. 972-422-4447. Amazing YA Book Club – 7pm. 1st Tues. All grown up but still love reading young adult books? Join us to discuss YA books with other adult fans. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. More info, Stacey Irish-Keffer: 940-349-8718. Buddhist Sangha – 7-9pm. The meeting of Horizon’s Buddhist covenant group. Meditation and study of the 8-Fold Path. Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton. 972-492-4940. Horizonuu.org. Collin County Archeological Society Meeting – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Meetings open to the public and anyone with interest in archaeology. Attendees encouraged to bring whatever artifacts they may have collected for discussion and/or identification by the group. Texas Star Bank, 2800 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney. 972-832-9425. Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas Meeting – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-380-4030. Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable – 7-9pm. 2nd Tues. Membership (free) open to anyone with interest and energy. Help advance the cause of inclusivity in the City of Plano. Plano City Hall,

Overeaters Anonymous – 12pm. Weekly Mon-Fri. A 12-step recovery program for compulsive eating. Prairie Creek Baptist Church, 3201 W 15th St, Plano. 972-238-0333.

savethedate MONDAY Women’s Life Coaching Groups – 12-1:30pm. & 7-8:30pm. If you’re looking for clarity, peace, support and connection with like-minded women, join us for our weekly meetings led by two life coaches. $25. Inner Evolution Coaching, 1517 McDermott St, Allen. Amy Egan: 214356-7646. Beekeeping Meeting – 6:30pm. 2nd Mon. Beginner to experienced keepers welcome, ages 8-80. Free. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association. Collin College Conference Center (Central Park Campus), 2200 W University Dr, McKinney. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-843-8084.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 Eight Weeks to Optimal Vitality & WellBeing – Tuesdays, Jan 17-Mar 7. 7-9pm. With naturopathic doctor Ronit Mor and Leslie Dillard, intuitive healer. Learn principles of holistic wellness and healthy nutrition to increase energy and vitality; shed excess weight; boost the immune system; improve chronic conditions; feel happy and positive; and have glowing skin and hair. $545; $447 before Dec 31. Plano. To register: 214-9730482 or RonitMor.com.

natural awakenings

December 2016

Training Room A, 1520 Ave K, Plano. More info: 972-941-7747.

wednesday Bible Study: New Life Community – 12pm & 7pm. 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco. 214-872-4205. NewLifeFrisco.org. Prenatal Class – 12-1pm. Last Wed. Designed specifically for expectant parents, this free 1-hr course with Dr. Alina Olteanu covers numerous topics on preparing for your new arrival, such as your child’s development, immunizations, breast feeding, supplements, nutrition. Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas, 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste B-100, Frisco. RSVP requested: 214-736-1954. WholeChildTexas.com. Art History Brown Bag Series – 12:30-1:30pm. 1st Wed. Presented by Annie Royer. A look at the “isms” including cubism, romanticism, modernism and impressionism. How did one “ism” influence the next? Series will heighten one’s appreciation of art and provide insight into the mind of the artist. Free. Heard-Craig Carriage House located, 205 1/2 W Hunt St, McKinney. 972-569-6909. Adults with Special Needs Cooking Classes – 6-8pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Call for details. Space limited. $10. Market Street Culinary School, 6100 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. Reserve spot now & mention Natural Awakenings North Texas: 972-548-5167. Buddhism in Daily Life – 6:30pm. All welcome. $10/class, $5/students & seniors. KMC Texas, Denton Branch, 210 S Elm, Ste 105, Denton. 817303-2700. MeditationInTexas.org. Organic Society Meeting – 6:30pm, seed & info exchange; 7pm, meeting. 3rd Wed. Denton Organic Society. Denton Senior Center, 509 N Bell Ave, Denton. 940-382-8551. Coloring for Adults – 6:30-8:30pm. 4th Wed. Also 2-4pm, 2nd Sat. For adults and teens, age 16+. Come de-stress and express yourself through the calming art of coloring. Coloring pages and colored pencils provided, but welcome to bring own. Frisco Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco. 972-2925669. FriscoLibrary.com. Agape Community Meditation & Prayer Gathering – 6:45-8:15pm. Experience group meditation and prayer. Yeager Office Suites, 2770 Main St, Ste 158, Frisco. Rev. Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com. River of Glory Service – 7pm. Also Sun, 10am. 501 Accent Dr, Plano. 972-564-6316. RiverOfGlory.org. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Service – 7pm. 1st Wed. 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco. 214-387-4700. StPhilipsFrisco.org.

thursday McKinney Farmers’ Market at Adriatica – 3-6pm or sellout. Local and organic meat, dairy and produce vendors. 6851 Virginia Pkwy, W McKinney. 972-562-8790. CPR Training – 6-8pm. American Heart Training Center with 125 trained instructors. Texas CPR Training, 4013 Carrizo, Plano. 214-770-6872. TexasCPR.com.

North Texas

NA-NTX.com

Fitness in the Square (FITS): Part of Be Fit Frisco – 6:30-7:30pm. A free one-hour exercise class in the courtyard in front of Frisco City Hall. For kids 10+ to adults. Bring water, towel, and appropriate clothing and shoes. The type of workout changes each month. Bring your family and move together. Be Fit Frisco, Frisco City Hall Square, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. 972-292-6501. Power Yoga – 6:45-7:45pm. In conjunction with Luke’s Locker Allen, class meets at Allen Yoga Center, 915 Market St, Allen. Details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.

friday Nature Story Times – 10:30am. Designed primarily for young children and introduces a different nature-themed book each week. Included in general admission, free/Heard Museum Members. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

savethedate FRIDAY Simply Meditate – 12:15pm. 30-min lunchtime meditation class. All welcome. $5/class. KMC Texas, Denton Branch, 210 S Elm, Ste 105, Denton. 817-303-2700. MeditationInTexas.org. Acoustic Jam Session – 7pm. Weekly open jam and song circle. All acoustic instruments and levels welcome. All music genres welcome. Sponsored by the Visual Art League of Lewisville. Free. MCL Grand, 100 N Charles, Lewisville. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469444-0825. Friday Evening Shabbat Service – 7pm. Join Shir Tikvah, the Reform synagogue of Frisco as we inspire a love for lifelong learning, the celebration of living a Jewish life, and a commitment to honoring the beautiful traditions of our heritage. Held at 7700 Main St, Frisco. 469-269-0718. For specific schedule: ShirTikvahFrisco.org. Community Dance – 7-9:30pm. 2nd & 4th Fri. Live Music, varied styles. Fun for all ages 21 and up. $5/ person Denton Senior Center, 509 North Bell Ave, Denton. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-349-8720.

saturday Operation Kindness – 3rd Sat. No Kill animal shelter brings animals for adoption. Weather permitting. Whole Foods Market, outside store, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-612-6729. Small Fry Sports Classes – A skills and developmental sports class for boys and girls ages 3 & 4. Each month offers a different sport which allows children to develop new skills and gain exposure to all sports offered at the Y. Parents participate alongside their child during this fun and active class. $20/YMCA Family Member, $40/everyone else. Frisco Family YMCA, 3415 Main St, Frisco. Trey Gilmore: 214-297-9622.

Clear Creek Birding Walk – 7:30-10:30am. Last Sat. With Elm Fork Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, 3310 Collins Rd, Denton. txmn.org/elmfork. 2nd Saturday Bird Walk – Thru May. 8-9am. Learn more about birding. These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Included in general admission. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972562-5566. Beach Clean Up at Trophy Club Park – 8-11am. 1st Sat; weather permitting. 2885 Trophy Park Dr. More info: TrophyClub.org. Greenville Farmers’ Market – Thru Dec. 8am12pm. 2400 Lee St on Bois d’Arc, Greenville. 972251-1532. GreenvilleFarmersMarket.com. Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Waste Collection Program – 9am-12pm. 2nd Sat. For Lewisville residents; must bring driver’s license for proof of residency. A convenient, safe and environmentally sound way to get rid of waste materials that should not be put into the landfill. City of Lewisville Residential Convenience Center, 330 W Jones St. CityOfLewisville.com. Kayak Power River Trip – 9am-2pm. 3rd Sat. Kayak Power will provide equipment and instruction followed by a 6-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Registration required: 214-669-1663. Free One-Hour Seminars – 10am. Topics: gardening, beekeeping, rainwater collection, goat milking, poultry. Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Living, 7781 Gholson Rd, Waco. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 254-754-9663. Saturday Morning Stroll at Oak Point Park – 10am. 2nd Sat. Join a Master Naturalist for a morning stroll observing and identifying native plants and wild life at the pond, prairie and riparian forest. Families welcome. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. bptmn.org.

savethedate SATURDAY Blackland Prairie Raptor Center First Saturdays – 10am-2pm. Meet raptors up-close. Take guided prairie hikes. Kids activities. Bring a picnic lunch. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, 1625 Brockdale Park Rd, Lucas. Erich Neupert: 972-442-7607. BPRaptorCenter.org.

savethedate SATURDAY Citizens’ Climate Lobby Meeting – 11am-1pm. 2nd Sat. Agenda includes updates from around Denton, practice our monthly actions, and then call in to the national conference call featuring a well-known speaker (economists, scientists, politicians, military commanders, and thought leaders) on the topic of climate change. Cafe Brazil, 501 W University Dr, Denton. Info, Brett Cease: 218-766-0830. CitizensClimateLobby. org/Chapters/TX_Denton.

Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm. See Sun listing. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888. Harp Music for Wellbeing – 12-1pm. 1st Sat. Come relax and listen to the harp, prescriptive music as it facilitates healing, promotes feelings of wellbeing and aids in transition. $15. Pilates and Yoga Studio, 200 S Austin Dr, Allen. Patsy M. Sadowski, MA, Certified Music Practitioner: 972-814-0778. Pilates-ForLife.com. Kayak Down the Elm Fork – 12-3pm. 3rd Sat. Whether have lots of river time under your belt or have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here. Kayak Power provides equipment and instruction followed by a 6-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Reservation required: 214-669-1663. Frisco Humane Society Adoption – 12-4pm. 1st, 3rd & 5th Sat. We invite you to meet and greet some of the wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption from Frisco Humane Society. PetSmart in Frisco, 3333 Preston Rd. 972-498-8980. Heard Nature Photographers Club – 1pm. 2nd Sat. Speakers and discussions. Topics include how-to and technique discussions and travelogue presentations. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-462-7314. Mockingbird Chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas Monthly Meeting – 1:30pm. 1st Sat. Local poets and guests are welcome to recite their poetry. Meetings are casual and visitors are always welcome. Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W Church St, McKinney. MockingbirdPoetry.org. Coloring for Adults – 2-4pm. 2nd Sat. See Wed listing. Frisco Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco. 972-292-5669. FriscoLibrary.com.

savethedate SATURDAY Introduction to Yoga Series – 3-4:30pm. An 8-wk series of 75-90-min classes of yoga and discussion. Each week introduces an area of yoga in a way that you can jump in any time. $80. YogaJax Yoga Studio, 2001 Coit Rd, Ste 155, Plano. Preregister, Jami Jackson: 469-331-9913 or YogaJax.com. Free Guitar Class – 4pm. Kids ages 9 and up can try out a free guitar class (guitars provided) to see if music is something they are interested in trying out. Guitar Gallery, 100 Louisiana St, McKinney. RSVP required: 214-504-4921. Sunday Mountain Bike Group Ride – 6pm. Open to all levels. Informal and leaderless. Food, fun and riding. Food served after the riding. Location changes weekly. For details & location: BBishop@ Bikemart.com. Downtown McKinney’s Second Saturday – 7-10pm. 2nd Sat. Explore local art galleries, listen to great local and regional talent and taste specialties in some of the area’s best eateries. Historic Downtown McKinney, 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney. 972-547-2660. Frisco StarFest – Sunset-10:30pm. 2nd Sat. Approximately a dozen telescopes will be set up for your viewing pleasure. Weather permitting. Free. Frisco Commons Park. TASObserving.org.

classifieds

daily savethedate DAILY Dairy Farm Tours – By appt only. Experience life on a dairy farm with an educational tour including how and what cows are fed, the benefits of grass-crop based feed (silage), the milking parlor, bottle feeding baby calves along with the learning the benefits of drinking raw milk vs pasteurized milk. Everyone gets samples of milk and treat bags for the children. $7/person age 2 & up. Circle N Dairy, 2074 CR 446, Gainesville. 940-372-0343. CircleNDairy.com. Drug Disposal – Unwanted and expired medications can be anonymously disposed of at any time at no cost. Accepted drugs: medications for pets, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, prescription ointments, prescription patches, sample medications and vaccines. Roanoke Police Department Lobby, 609 Dallas Dr. For more info: 817-491-6052. Live Green in Plano (LGIP) Volunteer Program – Volunteers 13 and up need. Complete a short application and attend an orientation prior to getting started. Activities include monthly garden workdays; community creek and litter cleanups; special event support and assistance; community outreach options; administration; and more. For orientation dates & registration: LiveGreenInPlano.com. Meditation for Children and Parents – With Dr Alina Olteanu. Children and parents can learn how to meditate in one session. Evening and weekend classes available. Afterwards, join our community of meditators once a month, for group meditations. $150. Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas, 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste B-100, Frisco. For appt: 214-736-1954. WholeChildTexas.com. MeditateWithAlina.com. Peacemaker – A unique theatrical and educational experience aimed at pre-k-5th. The show tackles themes of tolerance and friendship in a light-hearted way, using storytelling, music, puppetry, dancing, juggling and audience participation. An on-campus program lasting 30 mins. More info: 972-490-4202. Theatre-Britain.com. Star Coyote Events – Monthly events include gong, Tibetan bowl and crystal bowl sound journeys, shamanic journey with a drum dance, kid’s energy and creativity events, and a Wed morning class series. Please see the calendar at StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com for the exact dates and times as they change each month, or call 469-344-6484.

30 words: $30. Runs up to 3 months. Extra words: $1 each. To place your classified, email the listing to: Publisher@ NA-NTX.com. Deadline is noon on the 1st of the month. SERVICES $30 ADULT SALT SESSIONS – 10am-7pm, Wednesdays. Do you suffer from allergies, asthma, cold/flu, COPD or other respiratory or skin conditions? Salt therapy is 100% all natural & drug free. Salt heals. Salt Escape, Salt Therapy Wellness Center, 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano. Teresa Cooper: 972-378-4945.

SPACE AVAILABLE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE – Convenient location near Custer & Spring Creek in Plano this beautiful room facing Chisholm Trail is located in office with Acupuncturist/Oriental Medicine Doctor. Prefer part-time acupuncturist, or therapist with specialties in craniosacral, sports medicine, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, reiki, body contouring or other therapeutic techniques. Other therapists or modalities also considered. Rent is very reasonable and negotiable, depending on days/hours needed. Mature experienced persons only, with references. For more info: 972-704-3730.

SPECIAL OFFER FIRST RESPONDERS TUESDAY – Half price Cupping Sessions between 9am-4pm for Police, Firemen, Paramedics, Doctors and Nurses. $38 for a 50min session (regularly $75). Must mention at time of booking & show valid professional ID. Dana Russell, LMT, Advanced Cupping Therapist. Salt Escape, 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, NE corner of Park and DNT, Plano. 469-831-2795. Cupping.guru.

WANTED LOOKING FOR YOGA INSTRUCTOR – To share space and rent with Dance Therapy instructor in the McKinney/Allen area. Lori: 504-460-6488.

savethedate DAILY Christmas Tree Lot – Thru Dec 20. 5-9pm, Mon-Fri; 9am-9pm, Sat; 12-8pm, Sun. Support Boy Scout Troop 51 in Frisco while getting a tree for the holidays. $25-$150. 2 locations: Frisco Square, just off Dallas North Tollway at Main St & Coleman Blvd and Frisco First United Methodist Church, 7659 Preston Rd. HBergs80@att.net. Celebration of Lights – Thru Dec 31. 6-9pm. Drive-thru light extravaganza features dozens of displays with traditional Christmas themes. Free. Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur, OK. 580-622-7130. ChickasawCulturalCenter.com.

natural awakenings

December 2016

North Texas

NA-NTX.com

naturaldirectory

SERENDIPITY HEALTH & WELLNESS

A community resource guide connecting you with local businesses and experts. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, email Publisher@NA-NTX.com.

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE, HERBS & NUTRITION Patti Carey, DAOM, LAc, CLT 2121 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Ste 107, Plano 972-704-3730 • PattiCareyLAC.com

Practicing integrative holistic Oriental Medicine using acupuncture, herbs, massage, constitutional nutrition and light therapy to prevent illness and create healing for harmony in body, mind and spirit. TX AC00812; NCCAOM 19746.

NEW STAR CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Zhangping Lu, DC, LAc, MD (China) 425 Maplelawn Dr, Ste 101, Plano 75075 972-519-8488 DFWAcupunctureChiropractic.com Whole-body wellness center providing chiropractic care, spinal decompression, allergy testing, NAET, IMAET, detoxification, weight loss, hormone balancing, wellness programs and more. Allnatural healing, no medication, no surgery. See ad, page 9.

AROMATHERAPY DOREY AROMATHERAPY & REFLEXOLOGY Mary Ellen Dorey, Owner Plano • 972-567-3962 DoreyAromatherapy.com

European and Ayurvedic Reflexology and aromatherapy sessions, plus a full line of products for well care, body care and natural perfumes. Reflexology works with the feet and helps to balance the subtle energy systems of the entire body leaving you feeling refreshed and energized. See ads, pages 15 and 35.

BEAUTY HAIR COLOR STUDIOS

9200 E Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035 214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com Organic color for your hair and health. Open seven days a week. “No-Neck-Pain” wash basins have built-in headrest for your comfort and to protect your neck. See ad, page 20.

HELLO GORGEOUS MAKEOVER SALON & SPA Helen Gibson-Nicholas, Owner 111 Fountain Ct, Fairview 70569 972-549-4249 • HelloGorgeous.com

We have it all: air-brush makeup and biologic air-brush tanning, body detox wraps, ionic foot detox, Bright White teeth whitening, antiaging aloe facials, lunch time facelift, Brazilian blowouts, bridal/ prom hair and makeup and more. See ad, page 12.

Dr. Amy St. John, DC, LMT 3900 W 15th St, Ste 506, Plano 75075 214-801-0741 • SerendipityWellness.net

I'm the gentle chiropractor. As a doctor of chiropractic and licensed massage therapist, I can help you to relieve pain head to toe, whether caused by injury, stress or fatigue. My style is gentle but effective, which can be particularly helpful for those in extreme pain, children or seniors. See ad, page 29.

SYNERGY BALANCE NUCCA CHIROPRACTIC HEALING CENTER Drs. Bryan & Brittney Asby 12740 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 138, Dallas 75230 972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com

A gentle NUCCA alignment, with no cracking, twisting or popping, can improve and even reverse joint pain, headaches, disc issues, limping, numbness, ringing in the ears and more. See ad, page 3.

ORGANIC MY SKIN

Lauren Yeager, Owner, Licensed Esthetician 8105 Rasor Blvd, Ste 315, Plano 75024 469-438-9893 • OrganicMySkin.com Raw, edible, vegan, organic, holistic skincare and hair removal. See ad, page 18.

DAIRY CIRCLE N FAMILY DAIRY

PURE GLOW ECO CHIC

Beauty meets Health 972-675-7987 • PureGlowEcoChic.com Need help with a healthier beauty routine? We offer skincare and makeup made with real, clean ingredients that are recognizable. Complimentary private consultations available.

DECLUTTERING / ORGANIZING SERVICES THE DECLUTTERBUG

Anita Sisler 339-832-1220 • TheDeclutterbug.biz

RONIT MOR SPA & WELLNESS

Ronit Mor, ND, LE 6400 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 37, Plano 214-973-0482 • RonitMor.com A holistic boutique spa focused on dramatically reviving your skin's youthful appearance using the most effective treatment protocols as well as science-based ingredients and technology. See ad, page 27.

Now is a perfect time to declutter. Let me help you turn cluttered areas of your home into perfect, peaceful spaces. Moving? I can help you with the process of decluttering while packing up your home and/or unpacking and making your new home cozy. Serving the North Texas area. See ad, page 27.

CHIROPRACTIC NEW STAR CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Zhangping Lu, DC, LAc, MD (China) 425 Maplelawn Dr, Ste 101, Plano 75075 972-519-8488 DFWAcupunctureChiropractic.com Whole-body wellness center providing chiropractic care, spinal decompression, allergy testing, NAET, IMAET, detoxification, weight loss, hormone balancing, wellness programs and more. All-natural healing, no medication, no surgery. See ad, page 9.

natural awakenings

December 2016

DENTISTRY SMILE RANCH DENTISTRY

Dr. Robyn Abramczyk, DDS 6700 Horizon Rd, Heath 75032 972-772-7645 • SmileRanchDentistry.com Smile Ranch believes in natural, minimalistic remedies that are safe and effective for you and your family. See ad, back cover.

DINING CAFÉ BRAZIL

200 Coit Rd, Ste 112, Plano (by Central Market) 469-229-9140 A breakfast-to-late-evening dining and coffee house offering delicious food in a casual, eclectic familyfriendly space. Healthy meal options to decadent deserts available.

SHANDIZ MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & MARKET

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEART & VITALITY, PLLC

Dr. Abraham Jacob, MD, FACC 4100 W 15th St, Ste 112, Plano 75093 972-596-7399 • HeartAndVitality.com Heart & Vitality is a premier wellness center offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, weight-loss/nutrition, vitamins, non-invasive, drug- and surgery-free pain relief, and aesthetics. See ad, page 10.

RECLAIM HEALTH

Dr. Laura Precourt, DC 2237 W Parker Rd, Ste F, Plano 75023 972-943-9355 • ReclaimHealthNow.com A concierge practice that offers an education curriculum that teaches patients how to reclaim their health through proper nutrition and lifestyle changes which can allow them to reduce or eliminate their need for medications. See ads, pages 14 and 35.

4013 W Parker Rd, Plano 75093 972-943-8885

Halal meats, fresh produce, groceries and flat bread baked on-site.

TEA2GO

5611 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 340, Colleyville, TX 76034 817-770-4443

EDUCATION LIVING ETHICS SCHOOL

Vicki Johnston, Founding Director 340 Country Club Rd, Fairview 75069 214-544-8338 • CenterForLivingEthics.org Are you seeking a learning environ-ment that nurtures the whole child? Children thrive in heart-centered relationships that cultivate whole-being intelligence through nature, creativity, discovery, storytelling, meaningful learning and individual projects. Full- and part-time programs available. We welcome you to our monthly Tea, Talk and a Tour.

FARMS & FARMERS' MARKETS CIRCLE N FAMILY DAIRY

Michelle and Tommy Neu 2074 County Rd 446, Gainesville 76240 940-372-0343 • CircleNDairy.com State-permitted dairy licensed to sell fresh, all-natural unprocessed grade A raw milk. Visit us at the farm to learn why our great-tasting, fresh, raw milk is a safe and naturally healthier choice for your family. Call us to schedule a tour to see a working family farm and be sure to visit our on-site store for fresh raw white and chocolate milk, cream, free-range eggs and more. See ads, pages 28 and 35.

North Texas

NA-NTX.com

GARDEN CALLOWAY’S NURSERY Calloways.com

Seventeen DFW stores including: Denton, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Hurst, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Southlake. See ad, page 18.

HAIR SALON HAIR COLOR STUDIOS

9200 E Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035 214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com Open seven days a week, we offer organic color for your hair and health. “No-Neck-Pain” wash basins have built in headrest for your comfort and to protect your neck. Whether you're simply sensitive to some of those harsher chemical lines or just want vibrant, beautiful, healthy hair you'll love our natural approach to how we treat your hair and overall beauty. Ask about free color consultation. See ad, page 20.

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM 2145 W Park Blvd, Plano 75075 972-867-8800 PawsAndClawsAnimalHospital.com

Offering drug-free treatments, antiaging medicine, holistic anesthesia, and blood testing for early diagnosis of cancer in healthy pets. See ad, page 29.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS THE CUPPING GURU

Dana Russell, LMT, ACT 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano 75075 469-831-2795 • Cupping.Guru Contemporary cupping is a superior therapy for releasing muscle knots, relieving tension, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, detoxing, smoothing cellulite and more. It's effective and relaxing. Ask about our exclusive TrioCleanse: a powerful combination of salt room therapy, cupping therapy and 24 hours of juicing.

INTEGRATIVE PHYSICIANS FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS OF PLANO

Dr. Russ Skinner, MD 5072 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 200, Plano, 75093 469-661-1100 • FHWPlano.com Family medicine, chiropractic, fitness and wellness: Whether it is treatment for an acute illness, chronic disease, injury rehabilitation, or preventative wellness care—Family Health and Wellness of Plano is the answer.

HEALTHY KIDS PEDIATRICS

Dr. Deborah Z. Bain, MD, FAAP, ABIHM, IFMCP, GCP 4851 Legacy Dr, Ste 301, Frisco 75034 972-294-0808 • HealthyKidsPediatrics.com Where your child’s health is our passion! Offering a full range of pediatric services integrating conventional and natural medicine for your child’s optimal health. See ad, page 11.

ROOTS INTEGRATIVE GYNECOLOGY Dr. Odette Limosnero, MD 2005 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton 75010 972-822-3365 RootsIntegrativeGynecology.com

We take the time to build a relationship with you, to not only treat your symptoms, but discover the underlying cause of your “disease.” See ad, page 30.

WHOLE CHILD PEDIATRICS OF TEXAS

Dr. Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 100, Frisco 75034 214-736-1954 • WholeChildTexas.com In today’s complex medical world, we empower our patients to take control of their health with a transformative clinical practice that integrates the best of traditional, Western medicine with ancient, Eastern healing modalities and with a vast array of nutraceuticals and cutting edge clinical test, while “walking the talk” of healing right by your side, every single step of your journey. See ad, page 9.

LABYRINTHS HIGH HOPE RANCH GUEST HOUSES & SANCTUARY Glen Rose, TX (near Fossil Rim) 254-898-4296 • HighHopeRanch.com

Nature lovers' restorative getaway on serene Hill Country Ranch, 1.5 hours from Dallas. Wander in wonder through 900 acres with trails, and enjoy the relaxing accommodations of our three green guesthouses.

LAWN CARE – ORGANIC EARTH KIND SERVICES

Organic Compost Lawn Treatment Beau Propes, Owner 469-744-0281 • EarthKindServices.com Organic lawn treatment that gets amazing results. Safe for kids and pets. See ad, page 37.

MARKETS – GROCERY

NATUROPATHS

REAL ESTATE DARLENE OWEN, REALTOR

RONIT MOR SPA & WELLNESS

Remax Town & Country 301 S Watters Rd, Allen 75013 972-979-7640 • DarleneOwen.com

Ronit Mor, ND 6400 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 37, Plano 214-973-0482 • RonitMor.com Inspiring, empowering and coaching you to naturally improve and maintain your well-being. Ronit’s holistic, nontoxic approach helps restore vitality and lessen chronic conditions through nutrition, lifestyle and alternative modalities. See ad, page 27.

ORGANIC SPA ORGANIC MY SKIN

Lauren Yeager, Owner, Licensed Esthetician 8105 Rasor Blvd, Ste 315, Plano 75024 469-438-9893 • OrganicMySkin.com Raw, edible, vegan, organic, holistic skincare and hair removal. See ad, page 18.

I specialize in helping with all the technical aspects of home selling or buying, like getting a great deal and a perfect location, but my clients also love that I have a knack for helping with some of the more intangible, stress-inducing things that go along with the process as well. If you're looking for an agent who can help and support you beyond just the paperwork, call me today! See ad, page 27.

REFLEXOLOGY DOREY AROMATHERAPY & REFLEXOLOGY Mary Ellen Dorey, Owner Plano • 972-567-3962 DoreyAromatherapy.com

See full listing under Aromatherapy. See ads, pages 15 and 35.

SPICE BAZAAR INDIAN GROCERY 4681 Ohio Dr, Ste 105, Frisco 75035 214-618-3174

NATURAL FOOD & VITAMINS SUNFLOWER SHOPPE

Fort Worth/Alliance: 817-741-6799 Colleyville: 817-399-9100 Fort Worth: 817-738-9051 SunflowerShoppe.com Your go-to resource for natural foods, supplements, unflagging customer service and knowledgeable staff. Find out about great savings with our Sunflower Saver card and First Tuesday Sales. Closed Sundays for faith and family. See ad, page 37.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN INNOVATIONS WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Kimberly Wilson, NMD 6545 Preston Rd, Ste 200, Plano 75024 469-606-9100 • InnovationsWellness.com Your family's health is "naturally" our passion. Using naturopathic medicine, our approach is holistic and non-toxic, helping those with cancer, hormone imbalances, fatigue, chronic illness, depression and much more. Let us be a partner in your wellness and show you naturopathic solutions to your health concerns.

PEDIATRICS HEALTHY KIDS PEDIATRICS

REIKI MY HEART REIKI

Jennifer Cunnings 1113 Hampshire Lane, Ste 8, Richardson 972-816-6299 • MyHeartReiki.com

WHOLE CHILD PEDIATRICS OF TEXAS

Dr. Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 100, Frisco 75034 214-736-1954 • WholeChildTexas.com

Align with your true, authentic, amazing self. Using energy therapy and intuitive coaching, Jennifer provides the tools, healing and support you need to live a selfempowered and purpose filled life. See ads, pages 31 and 35.

In today’s complex medical world, we empower our patients to take control of their health with a transformative clinical practice that integrates the best of traditional, Western medicine with ancient, Eastern healing modalities and with a vast array of nutraceuticals and cutting edge clinical test, while “walking the talk” of healing right by your side, every single step of your journey. See ad, page 9.

RADIO SHOW HEALTHY BY NATURE RADIO SHOW Martie Whittekin, Certified Clinical Nutritionist Saturday 8am • KWRD 100.7 FM

Interviews with authors, doctors and o t h e r e x p e r t s ab o u t n a t u r a l approaches to health and happiness. Listener calls are always welcome. Archives of past shows available on HBNShow.com.

natural awakenings

December 2016

RESPIRATORY THERAPY

THERMOGRAPHY THERMOGRAPHY CENTER OF DALLAS

SALT ESCAPE

2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano 75093 972-378-4945 • Info@SaltEscape.com Do you suffer from allergies, asthma, COPD, cold/flu, or other respiratory or skin conditions? Salt therapy is 100% drug-free and all natural. Salt heals. See ad, page 30.

SOUND HEALING STAR COYOTE SOUND TEMPLE

Jodi Roberts, Founder Coit Rd and Parker, Plano 75075 469-344-6484 • StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com Jodi activates your creative energy for health, clarity of purpose and inner peace through sound healing, shamanic practices and multidimensional shadow transformation. See ads, pages 7 and 35.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AGAPE CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Reverend Lee Wolak 972-468-1331 • AgapeCSL.com

If you were inspired by the movie The Secret or the message of Abraham, Eckhart Tolle, and Deepak Chopra you’ll feel right at home at Agape. Agape CSL is a spiritual community that nourishes your soul, energizes your body and lifts your spirit. Agape honors all spiritual pathways, and can be incorporated into anyone's life as a complement to their own traditions and belief systems. See ads, pages 12, 21 and 31.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco 75033 214-872-4205 • NewLifeFrisco.org

SHIR TIKVAH REFORM SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Heidi Coretz 7700 Main St, Frisco 75034 214-500-8304 • ShirTikvahFrisco.org

Services are held on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. Every service welcomes children of all ages. Religious school classes take place on Sunday mornings during school year. Visit website for service schedule.

ST. PHILIP’S EPISCOPAL

6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-387-4700 • StPhilipsFrisco.org Sunday services, community programs, job ministry, preschool, and St. Philip’s Academy “K” class.

Dr. Rebeca Gracia, PharmD, DABAT Addison and Rockwall 214-352-8758 • ThermographyCenter.com

Providing FDA-cleared Computer Regulation Thermography (CRT) to progressive practitioners for over 10 years. Whole Body Thermography reveals functionality of internal organs including breasts, teeth, lymphatics, thyroid, liver, kidneys and heart. Subtle changes can be detected ~10 years before dysfunction develops. See ad, page 2.

VETERINARY SERVICES ANIMAL HOUSE CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Crystal Sale, DC 972-251-0545 • AnimalHouseChiro.com Call us if your pet has difficulty walking, getting up, or if you’re looking to improve their overall health. See ad, page 27.

PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM 2145 W Park Blvd, Plano 75075 972-867-8800 PawsAndClawsAnimalHospital.com

Offering drug-free treatments, antiaging medicine, holistic anesthesia, and blood testing for early diagnosis of cancer in healthy pets. See ad, page 29.

WELLNESS CENTERS BODY SYNERGIE

1103B Ridge Rd, Rockwall 75087 972-772-5808

SYNERGY BALANCE NUCCA CHIROPRACTIC HEALING CENTER Drs. Bryan & Brittney Asby 12740 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 138, Dallas 75230 972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com

A gentle NUCCA alignment, with no cracking, twisting or popping, can improve and even reverse joint pain, headaches, disc issues, limping, numbness, ringing in the ears and more. See ad, page 3.

WELLNESS WORKS

2305 Ridge Rd, Ste 102, Rockwall, 75087 469-698-8844

WOMEN'S HEALTH ROOTS INTEGRATIVE GYNECOLOGY Dr. Odette Limosnero, MD 2005 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton 75010 972-822-3365 RootsIntegrativeGynecology.com

We take the time to build a relationship with you, to not only treat your symptoms, but discover the underlying cause of your “disease.” See ad, page 30.

585 I-30, Rockwall 75087 972-771-3660

Dr. Rebeca Gracia, PharmD, DABAT Addison and Rockwall 214-352-8758 • ThermographyCenter.com

DOC’S BODY SHOP CHIROPRACTIC

Providing FDA-cleared Computer Regulation Thermography (CRT) to progressive practitioners for over 10 years. Whole Body Thermo-graphy reveals functionality of internal organs including breasts, teeth, lymphatics, thyroid, liver, kidneys and heart. Subtle changes can be detected ~10 years before dysfunction develops. See ad, page 2.

3084 N Goliad St, Ste 114, Rockwall 75087 972-722-2500

GET HEALTHY HEALTH MARKET 811 E Yellow Jacket, Rockwall 75087 469-434-2004

HEAVENLY HANDS BIRTHING CENTER 908 N Goliad St, Rockwall 75087 214-621-0859

HORMONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

Rockwall: 1207 Arista Dr, Ste 103, 75032 469-402-1877 Southlake: 620 N Kimball Ave, Ste 100, 76092 817-328-8376

ROCKWALL COLONICS & WELLNESS CENTER

585 E Interstate 30, Rockwall 75087 972-771-3660 NA-NTX.com

Star Coyote Sound Temple is a safe, sacred space for private and group sessions and classes by appointment only. We focus on creativity, music, health, relaxation, communication and fun in a community setting. Sound and energy healing, massage and workshops are offered for all ages. See ads, pages 7 and 35.

THERMOGRAPHY CENTER OF DALLAS

ROCKWALL NUTRITION CENTER North Texas

Coit Rd and Parker, Plano 75075 469-344-6484 • StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com

BACK TO BASICS HEALTH MARKET

2455 Ridge Rd, Ste 151, Rockwall 75087 972-771-8900

STAR COYOTE SOUND TEMPLE

YOGA LIVING YOGA DALLAS LivingYogaDallas.com

Your online community for everything "yoga" in DFW. See ad, page 14.

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