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NEW YEAR’S INTENTIONS Wayne Dyer Shares Five Favorites
MEANINGFUL
GIVING Tips to Simplify the Season
November 2011 December 2011
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DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD
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How Giving Can Change Your Life | |
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publishersletter “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.
D
onnell Koch of the Light of Christ Center taught a metaphysics class this Fall where we discussed the many different forms, types and levels of psychic and spiritual energy that we both broadcast and receive as embodied energetic beings, often without our knowledge or recognition. It is useful to learn to recognize those that we can, however, because they do affect us, all the time, in every possible way—in our moods, emotions, state of mind, energy levels, and overall sense of well being. Moreover, the energies we broadcast affect other people in profound ways, so it is important to develop an awareness. The two broadest categories of energy are positive and negative. Since these are both Energy, it is easier than one might think to confuse the two, at first contact. Donnell offered a simple and very useful guideline for sorting out energies into their two broadest buckets— Positive energies uplift, negative energies drag down. This basic barometer can help us decode even the most complex concoctions of energetic stew being offered to us, by others, or by our own minds, in almost every case. If it lightens, elevates, uplifts...then the energies are of one type; if it darkens, densifies, downtreads...it is of another. Despite whatever package it is wrapped and delivered in. So, what, then Uplifts? What energies, what emotions? Emotions are direct manifestations of energies. Emotions are actually frequencies, and the higher, the better.
Publisher Tom Maples Tom@Natvalley.com Cell: 404-395-9634 New Business Development Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@Natvalley.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Karen Ormstedt 256-997-9165 Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Natvalley.com © 2011 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.
The higher, the more uplifting. Love and Gratitude, together, represent the highest possible vibration. But Empathy, Compassion, and Altruism are not far behind. And according to our feature article, “Do Good, Feel Good: The Helping-Health-Happiness Connection,” there is a measurable link between these emotions, and especially in acting upon them, and physical health and longevity. It's a fascinating article. I hope you enjoy it, and the rest of December's issue.
contact us
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.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.
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contents 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.
11 healthbriefs
17 EXPLORING THE LAST FRONTIER with Astronaut Edgar Mitchell by Linda Sechrist
18 TONGUE AND PULSE IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
13 ecotip 15 globalbriefs
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17 wisewords
15
by Kathy Reed
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20 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - RITA LOYD THE ART OF SELF-HEALING
28 greenliving
How Rita Loyd Learned to Love Herself Through the Process of Creating Art
29 inspiration
by Marie Walz
22 POSTURES Seated-Spinal Twist
17
by Gatlianne
23 DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD The Helping – Health – Happiness Connection
advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE
by Lisa Marshall
26 ESSENTIALS Healing Oils of the Bible Part 1 (Frankincense and Myrrh)
Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 256-476-6537 or email Editor@Natvalley.com.
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please. Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.
by Linda Hileman BS, CCA
28 MEANINGFUL GIVING Tips to Simplify the Season by Beth Davis
Tennessee Valley Natvalley.com 4 www.Natvalley.com
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30 ART IS DEAD? by Jessica Muzzo
30 REIKI AND CANCER How Does Reiki Help Cancer Patients
ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@Natvalley.com *All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.
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by Mary Morales
31
GOOD VIBRATIONS Sound Healing for the Soul by Erin Lehn Floresca
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newsbriefs Annual Natural Living Directory Coming in January Natural Awakenings
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atural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley is pleased to announce the coming of the 2012 Natural Living Directory as part of the January issue. The Directory will consist of Community Resource Guide-style listings from area health and wellness business providers that include a description of their services and contact information. The Natural Living Directory will be a durable reference guide that readers will keep and use all year. If you would like to have your business or practice included in this directory please contact us at 256-340-1122 or 256-476-6537 for more information. The deadline for signup is December 10, 2012 and space is limited. Current Community Resource Guide advertisers are automatically included in the annual Natural Living Directory. See ad on page 33.
New Offerings at Hope for Life
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ope for Life now offers Lipo-Ex at their facility on Baily Cove Road in Creekside Corner. Lipo-Ex is a technology that helps to break down fat quickly and comfortably, without drugs, needles, surgery or recovery time. Lipo-Ex has been shown to achieve remarkable results in all the following areas: Abdomen, saddle bags, cellulite, stretch marks, inner thighs, love handles, bra bulges, double chin, and other problem areas. Hope for Life also specializes in Colonics, BioCleanse, Infra-Red Sauna, and the Vibra-Trim Machine. Walk-ins are welcome, as well as appointments. Gift certificates are now available for the holiday season. Amanda Mashburn is I-ACT certified. She owns Hope For Life Colon Hydrotherapy located on 10300 Bailey Cove Road Suite-7A, Huntsville. Call 256-270-8731 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Please see her listing in the Community Resource Guide in Natural Awakenings and receive a discount on your first visit. See ad on page 10, CRG on page 38.
Riverwalk Yacht Club Parade of Lights Sponsored by the Riverwalk Yacht Club and Extreme Marine, the annual Parade of Lights will take to the waterway, illuminating Decatur’s Wheeler Lake, on Saturday, December 10, 2011. The free holiday maritime event features approximately 20 boats of all types and sizes decorated with lights, holiday themes, and other festive trimmings for the holiday season. New for this year, the public is invited for a leisurely stroll around the docks for an up close look at the brightly lit boats prior to the parade. Beginning at 4pm, the docks at Riverwalk Marina open allowing the public for the first time to admire the boats and their holiday decorations before they set sail. In addition, the Morgan County Humane Society will be on-hand with various animals available for adoption. With Christmas just around the corner, a new pet would be a wonderful present for someone. At 6pm the boat parade will take its usual route, making a circle from the entrance of Riverwalk Marina located on Highway 20, west to the Railroad Bridge, natural awakenings
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east in front of Rhodes Ferry Park and then back into the Marina. The best viewing will be at Rhodes Ferry Park, the Hard Dock Café or the Marina entrance. Anyone interested in participating in the parade or for more information, contact Bob Namie at 256-306-0909. RiverWalkYC.org.
Successful Grand Opening of Reed Acupuncture
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eed Acupuncture Grand Opening was a great success in sharing modalities with the community. Kathy Reed explained how traditional Chinese medicine diagnoses consist of viewing the human body as an extension of the environment or landscape. The conditions outside the body such as heat, cold, dry, damp and wind are similar to conditions on the inside of the body. Trudy Gardner spoke of color as having its own unique vibration of energy. A client who attended said, “Trudy gave me more of an understanding of how my body reacts to my surroundings as far as the emotions and the way I feel.” Ann Gebhart spoke about Maranda Nacole’s Salon on 2nd Avenue in Decatur and the personal care she gives each client. Ann recommended her personal favorite hair care line called Zerran. Zerran is 100% vegan, 100% paraben free, contains soothing essential oils, perfume and sulfate free, and cruelty free. Steve Kryzewski gave clients insights about Computerized Electrodermal Stress Analysis Testing (CEDSAT). Steve spoke of the benefits of the Bio-Mat, which is an infrared healing tool and detoxifying Ionic footbath. Susan Jeffreys explained how structural integration
is an educational process for the body. Susan spoke of her main goals in her sessions—to help the body to rebalance on its center line of gravity. Cindy Wilson of Natural Awakenings magazine and Marsha Mathes attended in support of Reed Acupuncture opening. Please contact Kathy Holmes Reed at Reed Acupuncture for an acupuncture treatment at 256-303-5729. See ad on page 7.
Paranormal Study Center Does "2012 by the Numbers: 12-12-12-12 & 12-21-12"
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aranormal Study Center welcomes Jeanne Mitchell on December 16, for a lecture entitled "2012 by the Numbers: 12-12-12 & 12-21-12," featuring her insights, as a Numerologist, into the patterns of coming events hidden in the numbers of our times. The two dates listed above may prove uniquely important in human history. Jeanne Mitchell is a lecturer and facilitator who has been teaching self-empowerment classes for 24 years and has worked in the healing arts for 30. Jeanne has studied with many master facilitators and taught workshops on developing, strengthening, and integrating a healthy mind, body and spirit. Numerology has always been her first love, and through it, presents an empowering way to look at life. She has a rare gift for inspiring the mastery inside of her students to step forth in recognition. Please note that the meeting time for December is the third rather than the fourth Friday of the month, which is our usual meeting date. Admission will be $10 for this special event. Fellowship supper at 5pm for those interested. Radisson Hotel, 8721 Madison Blvd, Madison. For more information, contact Greg Rowe at 256-326-0092. ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com.
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Advanced Rolf Practitioner Susan K. Jeffreys Free 30 min. consultation!
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Structural Integration in the method of Ida P. Rolf
December 31, 2011: World Peace Day at the Center for Spiritual Living
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he Center for Spiritual Living in Huntsville will mark World Peace Day, December 31, 2011 at 6am with a public gathering. At noon, Greenwich Mean Time, (6am our time) on this day people from around the world will join together in a global meditation for peace. World Healing day, also known as World Peace Day, began on this date at that time in 1986. The day was created in order to unite people under the common bond of love and peace. People all over the world came together through prayer and meditation in hopes of spreading their own thoughts and feelings towards world peace. For the past 22 years, Reverend David Leonard, with the Center for Spiritual Living in Huntsville, has honored this day of meditation for world peace. The hour includes silent meditation, prayer and readings of poetry shared by participants. All are welcome to either bring a favorite poem or prayer, or, write a poem or prayer to share. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 308 Lily Flagg Road, Huntsville. Contact Gloria Agrelius at GAgrelius@ yahoo.com or phone 256-503-3083. See ad on page 15.
Past Life Regression with Marsha Mathes
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Past Life Regression (PLR) is the process of taking you back through time into a life from the past on earth or possibly even another planet. First, you are induced into a very deep, relaxed state of alpha (day dreaming) or theta (right before falling asleep or upon waking). Then you are gently guided back into a past life (or several) to explore roles you played and their lessons. A PLR session usually lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your intentions for the session. A PLR can be for the curious, just to see if you believe in them or not. It can also offer answers to unresolved issues such as health, relationships, career and financial concerns that keep showing up in your life, whether negative or positive. You can benefit from a PLR by re-experiencing key events of a past life and by reprocessing them. This can be helpful to bring closure to the events of that lifetime and can enable us to move forward more freely in this lifetime. It can natural awakenings
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Dr. George Gray, M.D. N.D. INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS CENTER —The Best of Both Worlds— Alternative and Conventional Medicine Are You Really Serious About Feeling Better? Treat Yourself to a Change that Works! Check Out Our New Weight Loss and Health Programs and Get Started Today. Option 1 Neutralize the Lethal Effects of Excess Calories! Option 2 Reverse Causes of Abdominal Obesity Option 3 Scientific Methods to Fight Cellulite Option 4 Reverse Age-Related Weight Gain Option 5 Stop Smoking Option 6 Greatly Reduce Joint/Arthritic Pain and Rejuvenate Your Skin Option 7 Why Aging People Fail to Lose Weight
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release old emotions, thus allowing our relationships to be more free and enjoyable. It can also allow for physical or emotional issues to be released, therefore possibly providing substantial physical and emotional improvement. This is a very safe process to change and empower the quality of your life. Please contact Marsha Mathes, Certified Hypnotist, at 256698-2151 to experience your past life regression today. See CRG on page 38.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Life But Were Afraid to Ask
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ver feel like you can’t really talk to anyone about life’s deepest questions? If so, then here is a class for you. For eight weeks, we will be discussing life’s most persistent questions, including the following:
• Is there a God or not? If there is, then why is there so much suffering in the world? • Is there any meaning to my life, or am I just an insignificant speck in the universe? • Is there life after death or do I just cease to exist after I die? • Is there any hope for a peaceful world or is it only a dream? The classes will be held at the Unity Church on the Mountain on Governors Drive, just a half mile east of California Avenue. We will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8pm starting January 11. There is no charge for the course, but a love offering will be taken after each class. For more information and to register, please call Debbie Preece at 256-337-8200. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Drive, Huntsville. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. See ad page 16.
Madison Drugs Hosts an Open House in its New Location
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adison Drugs held its open house on November 12, 2012 in its new location at 8 Parade Street, Huntsville. Tours of the new store and goodies were provided to all who came. Upon entering Madison Drugs in its new building, one can tell immediately that this is not a regular drug store. Indeed, it is something more. The staff at Madison Drugs have a comprehensive approach to caring for their clients. They consider not just the physical needs of the client, but go beyond that to take in consideration other alterative approaches to help enhance health. Upstairs at the new facility, there’s a large classroom for educational events and regular yoga classes. Private massage therapy suites are available, designed to promote relaxation and healing. Four licensed massage therapists are on staff, each of whom individualizes their treatments to better meet the needs of the client. Downstairs, in the main store, alongside well-stocked shelves carrying a comprehensive array of health-andwellness products, are private counseling rooms, utilized for intensive one-on-one health history evaluations and
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Call Today for an Appointment Dr. Linda Jarvis, NMD JarvisClinic.com
256.837.3448 4MBVHIUFS 3PBE t .BEJTPO "- natural awakenings
December 2011
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newsbriefs AMANDA MASHBURN
$FSUJĂśFE $PMPO )ZESPUIFSBQJTU
'FFMJOH 5JSFE "DIZ BOE 'SB[[MFE 3FWJUBMJ[F 5PEBZ Environmental and lifestyle stressors can create imbalance. When your body’s cells are in an imbalanced state, they do a poor job of ridding the body of heavy metals, parasites, and other toxins. This can result in illness or disease. )PQF 'PS -JGF offers gentle and effective ways to eliminate toxic accumulations, relieve symptoms, and increase your overall health, vitality and resistance to disease.
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wellness counseling, as well as instructions regarding medications and usages. Madison Drugs provides a full line of pharmacy compounding services, not only for people but for pets as well. They also provide hormone saliva testing along with hormone balance consultations. Madison Drugs Compounding Pharmacy and Natural Pharmacy is in its new location at 8 Parade Street in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-837-1778 or visit MadisonDrugs.com online. See ad on page 14.
"Intuition: Uniquely Yours" at the Light of Christ Center
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ntuition is defined as "knowing without knowing why you know." Through questionnaires, meditation, and other techniques, students can further develop their four "Clairs" (Clairvoyance, Clairsentience, Clairaudience, & Claircognizance). For 10 weeks beginning Tuesday, January 10, at 7pm, Rev. Faye Waite-Glasgow will teach a course entitled "Intuition: Uniquely Yours (A Dynamic Power For Love & Healing)" at the Light of Christ Center. Connecting to these powerful forces of the Soul will help each attain greater transformation, healing, and joy for life. With assistance and practice, the intuition becomes a reliable source of information and guidance, bringing a greater understanding of our connection and communication with Spirit. Call 256-895-0255 to register and for more information. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Avenue NW, Huntsville. See LoCC ad on page 5.
Happy Holidays?
T
he Holiday Season is a joyful time for many people. For some is Isn’t. It can be a stressful, anxious time‌ and‌for some people—depressing‌ and ‌then there is New Years, the time for New Year Resolutions (goal setting). John Lambert can help with these issues, and what’s more...You can get a free 30 minute strategy session at any time on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday until the end of the year. Give John a call or send him an email. John Lambert 256-590-3824 SmallChangeWorks@gmail.com See CRG listing on page 39.
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healthbriefs
The Arts Relieve Holiday Stress
T
he hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave us stressed, fatigued and even anxious or depressed. But according to studies sponsored by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, there are many artful ways to relieve these conditions: Painting, dancing, playing a musical instrument or even attending a theater performance or concert may help us feel better, healthier and more upbeat. The researchers worked with more than 50,000 participants, using questionnaires, interviews, clinical examinations, and blood and urine samples to assemble detailed health profiles. The data was controlled for chronic illness, social relations, smoking and alcohol. What most surprised the researchers was that the study findings held true regardless of socioeconomic status; whether a truck driver or bank president, participating in the arts had a positive effect on the individual’s sense of health and well-being.
Acupuncture Eases Unexplained Symptoms
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ZINC FIGHTS COLDS
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new study confirms that zinc can, indeed, help reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, and high doses—at least 75 milligrams per day—work best. Depending upon the total dosage and composition of the lozenges, zinc may shorten the duration of a common cold episode by up to 40 percent, according to University of Helsinki research. Source: Open Respiratory Medicine Journal
NUTTY HELP FOR DIABETES
atients that experience medically unexplained symptoms might benefit from acupuncture, according to new research by the Institute of Health Services Research, Peninsula Medical School, at the University of Exeter. The study involved 80 adults that had consulted their general practitioner eight or more times in the previous year for problems such as headaches, muscle pain, extreme fatigue or joint and back pain. Half received up to 12 sessions of five-element acupuncture during a period of six months; the remainder received no extra treatment. The patients receiving acupuncture reported improved well-being and scored higher on an individualized health status questionnaire than the control group. They reported that their acupuncture consultations became increasingly valuable and that the interactive and holistic nature of the sessions gave them a sense that something positive was being done about their condition. Professor Andrew Gould, who led the study, says it is important to offer patients other options when conventional medicine isn’t working. “It’s soul-destroying for both the patient and doctor when there’s no clear reason for the symptoms patients are suffering from,” he explains. “We don’t know how acupuncture is making a difference, but it seems to be something to do with the treatment, rather than just a placebo or the one-to-one care the patients are getting.” The study was the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The research results were published in The British Journal of General Practice.
N
ew research from St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto reports that consuming two ounces of nuts daily as a replacement for carbohydrates (muffins were used in the study) is effective in glycemic and serum lipid control for people with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers concluded that all nuts—whether mixed, unsalted, raw or dry-roasted—offer benefits for control of both blood glucose and blood lipids and could be consumed as part of a strategy to improve diabetes control without weight gain. Source: Diabetes Care
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The Grass is Greenerr with Allergies Gone N.A.E.T. Allergy Elimination is a natural, non-invasive method that can be used safely in children and adults to permanently eliminate allergies and symptoms arising from previous exposure to allergens.
Treat the Allergy, Not Just the Symptom.
Call Today for an Appointment. Dr. Linda Jarvis, NMD +BSWJT$MJOJD DPN r
Massage Beats Meds for Back Pain
A
new study conducted by the Group Health Research Institute of Seattle suggests that massage therapy may be better than conventional medicine alone for easing lower back pain. Researchers recruited 401 patients with chronic back pain and found that those receiving a series of either relaxation or structural massage spent fewer days in bed and were more active than those receiving “usual medical care,� ranging from painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants to physical therapy. Lead study author Daniel Cherkin, director of the institute, concluded: “If you’re having continuing problems with back pain, even after trying usual medical care, massage may be a good thing to do. I think the results are pretty strong.� Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Phosphates Not Heart-Healthy
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hosphates are commonly found in microwavable meals, soft drinks and other processed and prepackaged foods. Now, researchers at the University of Sheffield, UK, have demonstrated a connection between the high intake of phosphates and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, a leading cause of heart disease. The research shows that cholesterol deposits in the walls of arteries increase following a higher phosphate diet. This leads to narrowing of the arteries, the cause of most heart attacks and strokes. Source: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
Call For More Information.
Becky Waters CHt, B.Msc.
256.348.5236 3322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 641 Huntsville, Alabama 35801
CenterforInnerWellness.com
Cocoa Takes the Pressure Off Fifteen scientific studies attest to the good news: For people with hypertension, eating dark chocolate or cocoa can significantly dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Researchers attribute the positive effects to the flavanol compounds in cocoa. Source: BioMed Central Limited, 2010
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ecotip The Greenest Tree
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR HOLIDAY SPECIAL.
Go Natural for Christmas The star of many families’ seasonal décor, the annual Christmas tree does not need to become an environmental burden if selected with care. While some individuals have strong opinions about the virtues of a natural tree versus an artificial one, each can have pros and cons. The National Christmas Tree Association points out that 85 percent of the plastic trees sold in the United States are imported from China and may contain toxic chemicals, while evergreen trees can be grown in all 50 states. Even with a real tree, however, there are factors to consider. How far did the tree travel? The distance traveled from its source impacts the carbon footprint, due to the fuel expended to transport it. Most vendors can tell you the state of origin, but how about pesticides? Conventional Christmas tree farms are reputed to use abundant pesticides to keep their product looking picture-perfect. Ask if the seller is the grower and/or knows the answer. Typically, a temporary sidewalk or street corner seller may not; a better bet can be a u-pick-it tree farm. Put a cut tree in water within a few hours after trimming the base a flat one-half to one inch; some people add an aspirin to the water to enhance absorption. According to the 2009 National Geographic Green Guide, Americans annually discard 30 million cut trees after the holidays, with the wood wasted in landfills. Alternatively, a program in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, collects them to combat coastal erosion. Locate tree growers by state and learn how to dispose of trees responsibly at PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org. GreenPromise.com publishes a list of organic Christmas tree farmers at Tinyurl.com/65oqh9. When choosing a live tree, keep it properly hydrated and just repot it in the yard after the celebrations conclude. Find detailed steps for care and planting from WikiHow.com at Tinyurl.com/6dyauj and Tinyurl. com/3rj582n.
“The Bare Necessities”
“Southern Essentials”
“The Gourmet Edition”
6 fruits and vegetables
6 fruits and vegetables
10 fruits and vegetables
From now until December 31, you can pick a new box share for 20% off the regXODU SULFH IRU WKH ÀUVW WKUHH PRQWKV *HW your locally grown fruits and vegetables delivered to your home or pick-up point every week. Join now to get your holiday vegetables fresh off the farm!
20% OFF New Box Orders. Go to
growalabama.com to select your box.
When you get to checkout enter GROWDEC in the coupon code box.
Grow Alabama works closely with our farmers who provide excellent quality and variety of locally grown fruits, berries, melons and vegetables. Every week you get a beautiful seasonal array of these farm-fresh beauties delivered right to your door within 48 hours of harvest. You may also customize your order or add on more from our ever-expanding online healthy gourmet grocery store. You can’t get fresher eggs unless they are from your own backyard. JOIN TODAY! Choose the best plan for your family and budget and register online at
growalabama.com or call 205.991.0042. natural awakenings
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Searching for Holiday Gift Ideas? Madison Drugs GIFT CERTIFICATES are DYDLODEOH WKLV KROLGD\ VHDVRQ *LIW &HUWLÂżFDWHV can be redeemed on any store purchase, including a Therapeutic Massage. How about giving a CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKAGE to that special person in your life? This thoughtful gift of health is a $200 value for just $150 and Includes: a 1-hour Massage *LIW &HUWLÂżFDWH KRXU 3HUVRQDO <RJD ,QVWUXFWLRQ 2UJDQLF H\H PDVN and <RJD VRFNV *ORYHV
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Are you STRESSED from all of your daily demands? Relax and unwind with a therapeutic massage in our newly designed massage suite at Madison Drugs. We have licensed DQG FHUWLÂżHG massage therapists specializing in various massage techniques. In addition, we offer various spa therapies such as: Aroma Therapy Wrap, Sea Weed Detox Wrap, European Rose Wrap, and Exfoliating Body Polish.
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256 . 837.1778
globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Got Faith? Global Religion Remains Strong Despite Repression In a recent, nondenominational global survey of 18,000 people across 24 countries by UK research firm Ipsos Mori, 70 percent identified themselves with a chosen religion. Thirty percent said that their religion motivates them to give time or money to people in need and 73 percent of those under age 35 said their religion or faith was important in their life. At the same time, Rising Restrictions on Religion, a recent report by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, found that more than 2.2 billion of the world’s total population of 6.9 billion people live in countries where either government restrictions on religion or social hostilities involving religion rose substantially between 2006 and 2009. Most of the countries that experienced substantial increases already had high levels of restrictions or hostilities. “This survey shows how much religion matters and that no analysis of the contemporary world, political or social, is complete without understanding the relationship between faith and globalization,” says former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. “There is much to encourage the view that people can learn to respect those of another faith and live with them peacefully. Interfaith dialogue and action today is not just an interesting but peripheral minor subject; it is the essence, central to creating greater social cohesion and harmony.” Sources: Christian Today (UK); PewForum.org
ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES! New Thought Classes
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Celebration Services Sundays 10:30am
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Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6:00pm Sundays 8:30am
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Wednesdays 6:30pm
Cooperation is Key to Social Harmony Bullies seem to be made, not born. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, concludes that a cooperative school experience, versus a competitive one, can play a major positive role in the socialization of students. Researchers canvassed 217 students in grades three through five, measuring how much they liked to cooperate or compete with their peers, and how often they acted with aggression or kindness toward them. The youngsters also estimated how often their teachers put them in small groups to complete assignments together, a classroom strategy known as “cooperative learning,” because the students have to collaborate with one another to get their work done. Students that engaged in more frequent cooperative learning were more likely to say they enjoyed cooperating with others and reported exhibiting kind, helpful, pro-social behaviors. In contrast, students that said they preferred to compete were significantly more likely to act aggressively toward their peers and try to do them harm. The results suggest that cooperation begets cooperation. The researchers further concluded that cooperative experiences promote the development of the personality trait of cooperation. Based on their results, the researchers advocate more cooperative learning in classrooms as a way to promote positive behaviors and combat bullying, or harm-intentioned aggression. Source: Greater Good Science Center
A Spiritual Community supporting the practice of knowing God in the heart of every person.
Rev. David Leonard Transforming Lives and Making the World a Better Place www.cslhuntsville.org
308 Lily Flagg Rd.
883-8596
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Unity Church on the Mountain
Universal Truths Chinese Seek Happiness and Justice
Adult Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Service: 10:30am
Unity’s 5 Basic Principles principle 1~
There is only one Presence and one Power active as the universe and as my life, God the Good. principle 2~
Our essence is of God; therefore, we are inherently good. This God essence, called the Christ, was fully expressed in Jesus. principle 3~
We are co-creators with God, creating reality through thoughts held in mind. principle 4~
Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind with God. Denials and affirmations are tools we use. principle 5~
Through thoughts, words and actions, we live the Truth we know.
1328 Governors Drive SE t Huntsville, AL 35801 Prayer - Spiritual Counseling - Weddings Space Available for Workshops
UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com
256-536-2271
You must not lose faith
in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~Mohandas Gandhi
When the Chinese Internet portal NetEase recently offered Open Universitystyle lectures in English with seminars like Web 2.0 Marketing Communications and Introduction to Robotics, managers were surprised that the most popular choices turned out to be two more contemplative courses; one on happiness and the other on justice. “We never imagined that the most successful topics would be those to do with people’s hearts and minds,” says NetEase spokesman Yang Jing. More than 3 million people have already watched the course on the concept of justice, led by Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel, author of Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? Sandel believes that the demand reflects an awakening of ethical reflection and debate in China. “The generation that came of age during China’s economic miracle now wants to engage with big questions about moral responsibility, justice and injustice; about the meaning of the good life,” he observes. Although China is proud of its economic advances, “There is also recognition that rising affluence has brought growing inequality, that GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alone does not bring happiness, and that markets can’t by themselves create a just society.” Psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, author of Being Happy, states that his positive psychology course acknowledges that, “The need for happiness, for meaning and pleasure, is universal, common to all people. However, what people find meaningful or pleasurable often differs across different cultures.” Source: Time magazine
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wisewords
Exploring the Last Frontier with Astronaut Edgar Mitchell by Linda Sechrist
T
he sixth of only 12 men to walk the lunar surface, Apollo 14 Astronaut Edgar Mitchell had a life-changing experience in 1971 as his spacecraft sailed back to Earth. Long before he first published The Way of the Explorer, in 1996, he understood that the beautiful blue planet to which he was returning was part of a harmonious and whole living system and that we each participate in a universe of consciousness. This expanded worldview led him to found the nonprofit Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) in 1973, to support individual and collective transformation and realization of human potential. Since its inception, IONS has conducted research in intentionality and prayer in healing; subtle fields and energy medicine; inner dimensions of the healing response; and emerging worldviews. Noetic means “intuitive mind” or “inner knowing,” and IONS looks deeply into phenomena that do not necessarily fit conventional science models, while maintaining scientific rigor.
How would you describe the life-changing experience that happened on your way home from the Moon? The experience, which began with a startling recognition that the nature of the universe was not as I’d been taught, continued to unfold as I saw how my existence was irrevocably connected with the movement and formation of planets,
stars and galaxies. I saw the connectedness, felt it and experienced it emotionally. The natural response of my body to the overwhelming sense of unity was another way of knowing; it felt as trustworthy as my world of rationality and physical precision. Today, the merging of many factors—including recent discoveries in quantum physics, cosmology, biology, chaos theory and self-organizing systems—is pointing to the recognition of the fundamental interconnectedness and interdependence of all things. It is also affirming the powerful role that directed intention plays in shifting our worldview toward one that focuses on the need to serve the greater good of all nature.
Do you believe that if science and humanity focused more on the exploration of inner space and consciousness, we could discover sustainable solutions for our planet? Civilization’s understanding of the nature of reality and hence, our survival and future well-being, depends entirely upon the emergence of a completely different worldview: a new paradigm that properly addresses, in verifiable scientific terms, our collective relationship to one another, the environment, nature and the universe. Establishing this fundamental shift in common perceptions can lead to changes in thinking, values, behavior and actions based on concepts of intercon-
nectedness, cooperation and interdependence in all human endeavors. It can come about if a significant portion of humankind develops this new understanding and incorporates it into our individual and societal belief systems. Science can bolster this advance by providing reliable and credible empirical data that supports it as a basis for public education. The hypothesis of interconnectedness, proposed by ancient sages from many pre-scientific cultures, has never been rigorously explored or tested by modern mainstream science. Achieving a truly sustainable civilization requires us to apply a more holistic view to the macroscopic world, one that encompasses living systems and social phenomena.
What is IONS doing to encourage the desired transformation of consciousness? Worldview Literacy (WVL) for high school students and beyond is IONS’ latest consciousness-based educational program. Its curriculum explores the pivotal role that our personal and cultural worldviews play in how we perceive and process information, act and behave. WVL works to increase people’s awareness of our own largely unconscious worldviews by opening a conversational space of exploration where diverse views are welcomed with curiosity and wonder. Such recognition and joint engagement deepens individual and collective understanding and helps students better navigate life when they encounter differing perspectives. Such education can help people of all ages discover critical connections between lived experiences and assumed habits of mind. It can help us develop greater cognitive flexibility, comfort with unfamiliarity, appreciation of diverse perspectives, ability to hold multiple points of view simultaneously, creative problem solving and a capacity for discernment that relies equally on intellect and intuition. It changes the human paradigm. For more information, visit Noetic.org. Linda Sechrist writes and edits for Natural Awakenings and is a student of noetic sciences.
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Tong e and Pulse in Traditional Chinese Medicine by Kathy Holmes Reed
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It is the many practitioners and businesses who advertise that make Natural Awakenings possible. Ɣ They are providing you with one of the most valuable resources for healthy living in Alabama. Ɣ Through their dedication and commitment we work together for happier, healthier communities. Ɣ Please support these practitioners and businesses who are making a difference.
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s Westerners, we understand the difference between heatstroke and frostbite. The Chinese, in over 4000 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), focused their attention on the incremental stages in-between. The Chinese observed the human’s body functioning in torturous conditions (climate changes, field work, and factory work), then the behavior of the conditions, and treatment. What the country people studied were simple, yet complex, concepts called yin/yang theory and 5-element theory. These theories were considered because of their influence on Qi (life force energy) and blood. The Chinese developed two important tools for diagnosis within the above theories; such as tongue and pulse diagnostics. The tongue shows the depth and nature (hot, cold, dry, wet, etc.). The tongue also shows imbalances of the short-term effects of nervousness (emotions) and is useful in gauging the progression of a disorder. An acupuncturist looks at the geography of the tongue to include body colors and indications (red, purple, or pale pink), body shape (swollen, teeth marked, or thin), and the coatings (thick yellow, thin yellow, or white and non-existent coat). All the indications tell the acupuncturist what is taking place with the patient’s metabolism, flow or
stagnation of energy (fluids or blood), and the depth of the pathology. Indications of the pulse may be wiry, fast, tight, superficial, slow, and soggy, which tell the acupuncturist of climate changes in the body. A superficial pulse may indicate pathology where the body’s defense Qi is warding off external forces such as wind, rain, cold, heat, and humid climate changes. If preventative measures are not taken and the pathology goes deeper into the body, the pulse may indicate a wiry tight pulse. A long-standing digestion disorder may present a deep soggy pulse. The beauty of tongue and pulse analysis shows us that we have within our abilities to change the environmental climate, both external and internal. An acupuncturist facilitates the patient’s education of climate change sensitivities. Acupuncturist Kathy Holmes Reed is an advocate for staying healthy with the seasons through offering nutritional consults, Qigong exercises (can be performed in standing room only), and constitutional health evaluations). Kathy Holmes Reed of Reed Acupuncture at 1803 Somerville Road Decatur invites you to click or call kathyreed1@att.net or 256-303-5729 for a consult. Talk with Kathy to see if you and your family’s health may benefit from nutritional changes, exercise, and or acupuncture. See ad on page 7.
Expression of Self-Love When I speak to myself I choose words that are supportive, encouraging, kind, fair and respectful. These loving words nourish me and provide the internal support that I need to reach my greatest potential. Artwork and Text by Rita Loyd Copyright Š2011
Rita Loyd is a professional watercolor artist and writer. The message of her work is about the healing power of unconditional self-love. Rita began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. Through this journey, the creative process became her teacher, healer and friend who would guide her to find the true meaning and experience of unconditional self-love. Rita writes about this experience and all that she has learned about unconditional self-love in her new book Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It's important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. You can purchase this book in Huntsville at Ruth's Nutrition, H. Raines or at www.NurturingArt.com, where you can view Rita's artwork and blog. Tennessee Valley Natvalley.com 19 Gifts
Art ist Spot light RITA LOYD, Inspirational Author, and Watercolor Artist
The Art of Self-Healing How Rita Loyd Learned to Love Herself Through the Process of Creating Art by Marie Walz
Compassion
O
ne of the toughest challenges that any budding artist faces is the challenge of getting past his or her inner critic—an inner voice tries to convince the artist that their work is not good enough or that they have no business claiming to be an artist. Huntsville author and watercolorist, Rita Loyd battled with her inner critic for years but then one day was able to dismantle its influence with a single epiphany. The ephiphany—the
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revelation—came to Rita in a pointed question that she put to herself. She asked herself: “Since I have the temperament of a sensitive artist with my anxiety, panic attacks and depression, do I not also have somewhere inside of me, the talent of a sensitive artist? Why should I only suffer the negative aspects of being sensitive without experiencing some of the positive aspects of being sensitive such as having the ability to create beautiful art?”
The logic of this made sense to her and it released the block that stood in her way of creating art. With the release of Rita’s inner critic she began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness. Rita suffered from stomach and immune related issues. Her inspiration to paint was to find healing for her life. Each painting was a message of encouragement for her spirit. But before she could paint images that were encouraging to her spirit, she
Embraced by Mother Earth
Heart Of Healing
A Prayer
self-love. She explains that there had to look at her life and see where “As you allow unconditional are two kinds of self-love—egoencouragement was most needed. self-love to grow inside of you, based and spirit-based self-love. This meant looking inward in order Ego-based self-love is conditional to honestly examine her pain and you are accepting the love that love and its main concern is to fears. But honesty can be difficult to achieve because it can trigger selfGod and Life want for you. You boost the ego. Spirit-based selfis unconditional love and its defensiveness and self-defensiveness are experiencing the love that love main concern is to love and heal can shut a person down. To overcome this barrier, Rita learned to create God and Life have for you. And the whole person—spirit, mind and body. a safe space of observation before as you do, you merge with the Rita also describes self-love looking inward; a space in which it as the relationship that we have felt safe to be honest with herself. source of Life and Love itself.” with ourselves and says that since This safe space of observation was all relationships are based on how we speak, treat and created when she would promise herself to look inward with only kindness and understanding and not be critical or see one another, self-love is about speaking to ourselves, treating ourselves and seeing ourselves with love and with judgmental of herself or of her choices. all aspects of love. Rita continued to paint in this way for years. Her art “Self-love” Rita adds, “is also about paying attention and creative process became her healer, teacher and friend. Rita experienced much healing through her art but the most to what we need spiritually, physically and emotionally rather than avoiding, ignoring, neglecting or post-poning profound lesson her art and creative process taught her was those needs.” how to love herself. It did this by creating in her life a setIn Rita’s book you will also find her artwork and ting and a reason to look inward, to search for answers, to affirmations, healing exercises and be kind to herself, to be patient with steps to nurture unconditional selfherself, to be positive and forgiving love in your everyday life. with herself, to allow herself a voice “Love yourself,” Rita encourages, and the freedom to speak. “And as you allow unconditional selfWhen Rita realized that she love to grow inside of you, you are had learned to love herself at least accepting the love that God and Life within the boundaries of creating art, want for you. You are experiencing the it encouraged her to learn to love love that God and Life have for you. herself in all areas of her life. And And as you do, you merge with the to accomplish this goal, she did a source of Life and Love itself.” personal study on self-love and writes about her journey in her new book —View Rita’s artwork or purchase her entitled Unconditional Self-Love: new book at NurturingArt.com and What It Is, Why It’s Important, and visit her blog at NurturingArt.com/blog. How to Nurture It in Your Life. Email: RitaLoyd@bellsouth.net. In Rita’s new book she defines Tree Pose for the reader the true meaning of December 2011
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by Gatlianne
Seated-Spinal Twist “Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.” —Seneca
T
he everyday barrage of occurrences and experiences shock our system but are the grand labyrinth we call Life. In life, we are assailed by criticism, judgment, anger and blame —just as we criticize, judge, anger and blame. When others criticize us or judge us openly it’s it s very easy to fall into that drama; to believe that what they say is true. Truth, it is not, though we believe it time and time again. When we believe these things— the lies that are criticism and judgment—we lose a bit of our power. When we are critical and judgmental of others, we lose a bit more of our power. When we lash out in anger against someone’s actions or blame someone for our own choices, our own lives, we lose even more of our power. When we choose to not forgive, we give away our power. When we rely
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on others to make us happy, we give away our power. When we don’t accept life as it is, wish it were different, sit in regret, resent ourselves and others for choices made and allow others to control us, we are giving away our power. With so many parts of ourselves being it s a wonder we have any given away it’s power left to carry on. The wealth of our power lies in our lower abdomen. Many feel anxiety and worry here and the energy gets bound and cannot move. Seated-Spinal Twist stimulates our power, releasing blocked energy, suppressed emotions, negative self-talk, anger and worry. This pose stimulates the liver and kidneys and stretches the shoulders, hips and neck. Seated-Spinal Twist is a tonic for the entire body opening,
lengthening, stimulating, nourishing and realigning the spine. It also fuels the nervous, digestive and reproductive systems. To enter Seated-Spinal Twist, sit with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Slide your left foot under your right leg so that the heel of the left foot rests at the bottom of the right hip. Move the right foot over the left leg and place the right foot on the floor touching the outside of the left thigh. Exhale and twist toward the right pressing your hand into the floor behind you for balance and stability. Place your left elbow on the outside of the right knee. Bring your tors and right thigh together. Lengthen torso the torso and turn your head to look out ove the extended right hand. As you over brea breathe, allow the body to twist deeper with each exhalation. Allow the sternum spine, shoulders, neck and hips to num, rele release any tension or tightness. Repeat both sides. (Do not perform this twist if you have recent or chronic hip, back or shou shoulder injury or inflammation.) As you twist, feel the energy of the pose in the power center of your abdomen. men Allow the energy there to unfold and expand while allowing your Self to unfold unfo and expand. With each inhale and exhale feel the energy release; let go of o the things that take your power. Utilize Util Seated-Spinal Twist often and re-claim re-c your personal power! —PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS METTS.
Gatlianne is an author and Yoga & Reiki R practitioner based in Athens, AL. For more information or to schedule a private yoga or Reiki session, please contact her at M@Gatlianne.com or visit Gatlianne.com.
ing on, physiologically, in this process of helping others that seems to make people feel happier and report greater health.â&#x20AC;?
Helping Hands Live Longer
DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD
The Helping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Health â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Happiness Connection by Lisa Marshall
G
rowing up on Long Island, New York, young Stephen Post often received an unusual prescription from his mother when he was feeling grouchy or under the weather. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you go out and help someone?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? he recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d go out and help Mr. Muller rake leaves or help old Bobby Lawrence fix his boat. Then, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d come back feeling better, and feeling better about life.â&#x20AC;? Decades later, Postâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a professor of preventive medicine at New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stony Brook Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is among a growing contingent of researchers exploring just how such acts of generosity and the feelings (empathy, compassion, altruism) that prompt them may actually improve our mental and physical health. Recent studies have shown that people that volunteer live longer, suf-
fer less chronic pain, have bolstered immune systems, are more likely to recover from addiction, and experience an in-the-moment sense of calm akin to that which people experience during and after exercise. Scientists have yet to fully understand what the physiological underpinnings are of such health benefits, but early studies credit a cascade of neurobiological changes that occur as we reach out to help a loved one, or (in some cases) even cut a check to a stranger in need. Could generosity be the missing, often overlooked ingredient to a prescription for better health? Perhaps, says Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving, Compassion and Hope Can Get Us Through Hard Times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a young science, but what we have begun to discover is that there is something go-
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all felt it: That blush of innerwarmth we get after we bring a plate of healthful, steaming food to a sick relative, volunteer to read to kids at a local preschool or help sort donations for a shelter. According to a 2010 survey of 4,500 Americans by United Healthcare, 68 percent of those that volunteered in the previous year reported that doing it made them feel physically healthier; 73 percent noted that it lowered their stress levels. Meanwhile, 29 percent of volunteers that suffered from a chronic illness claimed that giving of their time helped them to better manage the illness. Other studies, by researchers at Boston College, found that when chronic pain sufferers volunteered to help others with similar conditions, they saw their own pain and depression levels decrease. At least seven studies have shown that people that regularly volunteer or give of themselves live longerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially if they do it for genuinely altruistic reasons. Cami Walker, 38, of Denver, has experienced firsthand the physical benefits of being generous. After one sleepless night, lying awake and, â&#x20AC;&#x153;feeling sorry for myself,â&#x20AC;? due to a flare-up of her multiple sclerosis, she decided to take the advice of a spiritual teacher that suggested she, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give something away each day for 29 days.â&#x20AC;? On day one, she called a sick
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friend to offer her support. On day two, she dropped $5 in a hat for some street performers. Another day, she treated a friend to a foot massage. By day 14, she recalls, “My body was stronger and I was able to stop walking with my cane. After months of being too sick to work, I was able to go back part-time.” Walker subsequently wrote the bestselling 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life. It has inspired a global giving movement, with participants blogging about their experiences at 29Gifts.org. As she recently explained to The New York Times, “It’s about stepping outside of your own story long enough to make a connection with someone else.”
The Helper’s High University of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath, Ph.D., has found that people engaging in acts that benefit others tend to have more calming hormones like oxytocin and progesterone coursing through their bodies. If presented with a tough situation later, they are likely to react with a muted stress response, churning out fewer harmful stress hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, and maintaining a calmer heart rate. Konrath is studying whether altruistic thoughts and behavior might also be associated with an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. “Just thinking about giving seems to have a beneficial physiological impact,” says Post. For instance, a late 20th-century study by then Harvard Psychologist David McClelland found that when people watched a film about Mother Teresa’s work with orphans in Calcutta, levels of immunoglobulin A (a marker of immune strength) shot up. A more recent study found that people had higher levels of oxytocin in their blood after they had watched a moving film about an ill 4-year-old boy. Some research further suggests that the act of giving may release natural
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opiates, such as endorphins, into our system. One landmark analysis of 1,700 people published in Psychology Today found that more than 68 percent experienced a “helper’s high” when physically helping another person, and 13 percent reported a decrease in aches and pains afterward. It’s a concept that’s been documented many times since. Meanwhile, new brain-imaging research has shown that acts of giving (including making a charitable donation) stimulate “reward centers” in the brain. This includes the mesolimbic pathway by which natural dopamine is released, leaving us feeling euphoric. On the flip side, “We found that people that are high in narcissism and low in empathy have higher cortisol levels,” advises Konrath. “They walk around with high stress reactivity, which is really hard on the body.” One other clear example of the health benefits of helping lies in the field of addiction research. Recent studies by Maria Pagano, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, found that recovering addicts that volunteer to help other addicts stay sober are twice as likely to remain so themselves. That’s because narcissism and self-absorption are often at the root of addiction, and generosity is an antidote to narcissism, Pagano says. “The founders of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) figured it out,” Pagano continues, noting that a primary focus is on serving others. “They figured out that this selfish root is there before the illness develops, and is sustained unless you treat it. This is treatment; it is a way of continually weeding out the narcissism that made you sick.”
Born to Give Stephanie Brown, Ph.D., an associate professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook, is the daughter of an evo-
lutionary psychologist and a pioneer in the study of altruism’s neurobiological roots. In sharp contrast to what she describes as the long-held “self-interested” assumption about human nature (that we help others only to help ourselves), she suggests that humans are biologically wired to be empathetic and generous. “It makes more sense from an evolutionary perspective for us to suppress self-interest,” for the benefit of the whole sometimes, she says. New research from the University of Washington suggests that babies as young as 15 months old exhibit fairness and empathy. So, why don’t we always stop to help? Our anxious, busy, modernday lives get in the way, suggests Brown. “It could be that our natural, default state is to help when we see need, but what prevents that is our stress response.” That is, stress often gets in the way: Maybe we pass a stranded motorist on the road, but drive on by because we’re on a timetable. Perhaps our instinct is to offer a helping hand to a homeless person, but we fear that more will be asked of us than we are prepared to give. We wish to bring a meal to a dying relative, but are apprehensive about what to say when we visit. Brown’s recent federally funded studies show that at least some of the calming hormones and quietness of heart often seen in habitual givers may actually precede and enable their acts of selflessness by interrupting their potential stress response before it stalls their helping hand. “I am suggesting that when you see helping going on, something beneficial has already happened to the giver’s body,” says Brown. When givers perceive a need, instead of fretting and fleeing, they calmly stop to help. In the end, everyone walks away feeling a little more generous. Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.
Nomadic Tapestry
How to Up Our Generosity Quotient
F
ocus on someone else for a change, whether it’s looking a store clerk in the eye or refraining from shouting at a referee at a sporting event. “People can become more empathetic if they just practice taking someone else’s perspective,” says University of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath. “When encountering a homeless person, for example, our inclination may be to not go there psychologically, because it is painful to imagine. Allow yourself to try.”
Bellydance - Drumming - Yoga 1219 B&C Jordan Lane, Huntsville 256-318-0169 For class schedules and pricing go to: www.nomadictapestry.com
Do something for nothing. “This idea that everything has to be paid back hangs over our lives,” says Stephen Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping. “Just be generous and expect nothing in return. Pay it forward.” Don’t reserve your generosity for people you know. Do something nice for someone you don’t know or will never meet. Be consistent. “Don’t think you can be kind in one domain and dastardly in another,” says Post. Do something that you feel called upon to do, or that you are good at. Slow down, take a deep breath and look around. Need abounds. Stop to help a stranger in some small way, even if you are in a hurry. Don’t help just to get healthy, impress your friends or get a tax deduction. “Motivation matters,” says Konrath. “If you are volunteering just for self-interested reasons, research shows you aren’t going to live any longer than someone who doesn’t volunteer at all.” Volunteer for a cause you really believe in, or help a person you truly care about.
Jin Shin Jyutsu® of Huntsville
Aiding Healing through Body Harmony & Relaxation
SANDRA COPE
Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner (256) 534-1794 Office (256) 509-3540 Cell natural awakenings
Huntsville, Alabama December 2011
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essentials
abdomen to heal stretch marks. It may have been for all of these uses that frankincense and myrrh were brought by the three wise men to Mary and baby Jesus.
“They saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented to Him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” -Matthew 2:11
Healing Oils of the Bible Part 1 (Frankincense and Myrrh) By Linda Hileman BS, CCA
“U
ntil the day break and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.”
“. . . and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” -Revelation 22:2
–Song of Solomon 4:6
Ancient uses for frankincense and myrrh were many including religious rituals, elevation of spiritual consciousness, all manner of healing purposes, transition after death, embalming, flavoring food, skin care and perfume. Frankincense was used to anoint the newborn sons of kings and priests. Myrrh was used by pregnant mothers to anoint themselves for protection against infectious diseases and to elevate feelings of well-being. They also believed it would protect their unborn children from generational curses. (Exodus 20:5. 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9). During labor, women inhaled the vapors of myrrh to reduce anxiety and massaged the oil on their perineum to facilitate stretching. After childbirth, myrrh was used on the umbilical cord of the newborn to protect the navel from infection and on the mother’s
Healing oils were part of daily living among Hebrews, Jews and the early Christians throughout Biblical times. In the Bible, 36 of the 39 books of the Old Testament and 10 of the 27 books of the New Testament speak of essential oils or the plants that produce them with frankincense and myrrh being the most frequently cited. It is clear from the scriptures that these plants and their oils were to be used for health and healing.
“On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food . . . their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” -Ezekiel 47:12 26
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Myrrh was one of the first oils to be received by the Christ child along with frankincense (Matthew 2:11) and the last to be offered as Jesus stood at the cross (Mark 15:23). It is the only ingredient that is part of the “holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30:23-24) and the “holy incense” (Exodus 30:34-35) given to Moses by God. Frankincense and myrrh are both components of God’s “holy incense” which is referred to many times in the Bible simply as “incense,” such as in (Numbers 16:46-50), where Aaron stops a plague using “incense.”
“And the Lord said unto Moses, take unto thee sweet spices, stacte (myrrh), and onycha, and galbanum , these sweet spices with pure frankincense . . . and make an incense.” -Exodus 30:34-35 Myrrh is an oil of beauty. Its aroma was celebrated by Solomon in his song of love. (Song of Solomon 1:13; 3:6; 4:6, 14; 5:1, 5, 13). Esther bathed in myrrh for six months in preparation for her marriage to the king (Esther 2:12) and David sings of myrrh as an oil of gladness (Psalms 45). Linda Hileman BS, CCA is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist. For more information or to make an appointment, call 256-325-4444 or email EssentialOptions@aol.com. References: Healing Oils of the Bible, David Stewart Ph.D. Healing: God’s Forgotten Gift, David Stewart Ph.D.
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ing tickets to a community theater or a museum membership.
greenliving
Previously Enjoyed Gifts
MEANINGFUL
Not every gift needs to be brand-new. Browse vintage and antique shops, estate sales, auctions and consignment stores for amazing treasures. Keep an open mind or go hunting for that certain something for that special someone. Online sources such as EstateSales.net, and gsalr.com can help locate garage, yard and estate sales in communities across the country. Look for items that are unusual or hold special significance.
GIVING Tips to Simplify the Season by Beth Davis
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is the season, and a U.S. poll by Harris Interactive reveals that a majority of the stress 90 percent of us feel about the holidays is related to gift-giving. So, solving this problem will set us well on our way to a joyeux noël. The same study found that given a choice, most of us prefer investing in good family relationships instead of more material things, anyway. Natural Awakenings has uncovered four ways that we can make the holidays less hectic and more relaxing and meaningful. First, says Barbara Kilikevich, author of A Mindful Christmas–How to Create a Meaningful, Peaceful Holiday, we have to stop buying into the notion that more is better and that extravagant, expensive gifts are equal to how much we care for one another. “We need to stop believing that doing it all is productive and having it all is meaningful.”
Get Crafty Homemade gifts are always special. They carry a message of thoughtfulness and love, which is the heart of gift-giving. Making a memorable gift can take less time than we’d spend earning the money for a manufactured gift, driving to the store and back and coping with checkout lines. Ideas are endless; these may stimulate your creative juices. Gather favorite family recipes and copy them into a personalized binder. Mix jars of tasty combinations of loose teas and/or bulk herbs that might include lavender, chamomile or mint. Add a mesh tea strainer to complete the package.
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A childhood reminder—perhaps a favorite toy or comic book Vintage jewelry n Edible items are always a hit. Consider making something yummy that can be given to everyone on the list. Herbed olive oil, spiced nuts and homemade jams are favorites. Attractive, reusable shopping bags, made from repurposed or recycled fabric, make practical gifts that can be used again and again. Sew on monograms or paint on designs to personalize them. Fashioning painted pottery, custom artwork and decorated picture frames can engage kids in anticipating fun holidays with friends and family.
Non-Material Gifts The Center for a New American Dream, a national nonprofit organization that challenges a “more is better” definition of the good life, suggests giving of oneself—providing gifts of time or experiences that will be long remembered. Invite loved ones to an outing to the zoo, a sporting event or an indoor/outdoor picnic. Give a friend her dream, based on an expressed interest and careful research. Sign her up for a class in cooking, sewing, photography or dancing—classes abound in most cities. Purchase a gift certificate for a local massage, acupuncture session or other soothing therapy as a way to unwind during or after the holiday season. Support the local art scene by giv-
A silk scarf, unusual hat or fun bag Classic books, movies and music Unique housewares, from vases and candleholders to platters and teacups (Replacements.com can help find missing pieces for sets)
For the Family For large families or families with grown children, it can be expensive and time-consuming shopping for a gift for every relative. Try one of these ideas to take the pressure off. Instead of giving gifts to each member of a family or a couple, think in terms of a single gift for the household. Draw names. Have everyone in the family put his or her name into a hat and ask each family member to draw one name, so that each person needs to buy only one or two gifts. Set a limit. In his book, Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas, author Bill McKibben suggests that families limit the amount they spend and instead, make the holidays as much fun as possible, filled with song and food, creativity and connection. With a little planning and a lot of love and care, we can fill the whole holiday season with less stuff and more satisfying joy. Beth Davis is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings magazines.
inspiration
Solving your health puzzle Herbs Vitamins
5
Massage Reflexology
Intentions for the New Year
Natural Foods Clinical Herbalist
by Wayne Dyer
Auricular Therapy
T 1
hese daily practices will help you move toward Spirit in your thoughts and actions.
Commit to at least one daily experience where you share something of yourself with no expectation of being acknowledged or thanked. For example, before I begin my daily routine, I go to my desk and choose my gift for that day. Sometimes it’s just a phone call to a stranger that’s written to me, or perhaps I order flowers or send a book or a present to someone that has helped me in a local store. On one occasion, I wrote to the president of the university I graduated from to start a scholarship fund; on another day, I took a calendar to the yard man; on another, I sent a check to Habitat for Humanity; and on another, I sent three rolls of postage stamps to my son, who had just started his own business. It doesn’t matter if this activity is big or small—it’s a way to begin the day in-Spirit.
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Become conscious of all thoughts that aren’t aligned with your Source. The moment you catch yourself excluding someone or having a judgmental thought, say the words “in-
Spirit” to yourself. Then make a silent effort to shift that thought to match up with Source energy.
3
In the morning before you’re fully awake, and again as you’re going to sleep, take one or two minutes of what I call quiet time with God. Be in a state of appreciation and say aloud, “I want to feel good.”
4
Remind yourself of this statement: My life is bigger than I am. Print it out and post it strategically in your home, car or workplace. The “I” is your ego identification. Your life is Spirit flowing through you unhindered by ego—it’s what you showed up here to actualize—and is infinite. The “I” that identifies you is a fleeting snippet.
5
Dedicate your life to something that reflects an awareness of your Divinity. You are greatness personified, a resident genius and a creative master—regardless of anyone’s opinion. Make a silent dedication to encourage and express your Divine nature. Excerpted from Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling, by Wayne Dyer, with permission of Hay House, Inc.
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Art is Dead? by Jessica Muzzo
I
recently heard on the radio that popstar Lady Gaga shocked the country by wearing a dress made entirely out of raw meatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;shoes included. At first, I was aghast (the smell must have been terrible!) but upon considering the motives, I gained some tiny, miniscule speck of admiration for her bold move. In my mind, the meat-dress was a poetic symbol for the objectification of women, a commentary on the fact that popular attire transforms us into â&#x20AC;&#x153;meat.â&#x20AC;? I was content with my own critique until curiosity drove me to research her true reasoning behind this. There wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any. It was nothing more than a publicity stunt. My heart sunk as I read page after page of commentary on the event, none of which called into question an artistic purpose. Most commenters sung praises for Gagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual appeal.
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How superficial, I thought. The reaction to this putrid dress is a prime example of a trend I have noticed with increasing agitation. Artists are a dying breed, and no one seems to care. We merely replace them with over-paid celebrities, confusing beauty with talent. With the media so firmly rooted as the center of everything, it has become difficult to escape the pop-culture cesspool. We no longer observe the world around us with open eyes; the little things that make life enjoyable are being swept under the rub, stepped over and forgotten. An insatiable appetite for shock-value stands in its stead. Advances in technology have created such a fast-paced culture that we forget to ponder anything. We have become an age of instant gratification, swallowing whole the garbage we are fed without letting it settle on our palette. We fail to taste life. We savor nothing. We constantly look for the next cool thing, the next hot star, the next cheap thrill. If we slowed down, we could take time to gain understanding, both of ourselves and one another. We could concentrate on the deeper, more subtle essence (rather than the superficial) and even see the world through the eyes of an artist. In so doing, we will inevitably extract greater satisfaction from our lives, and once again will we be affected by those little things so easily ignored. I urge readers to be aware of the world they live in. Embrace life and all the billions of amazing experiences it has to offer. Drink to the lees! Search for a deeper meaning and, if there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t one, create one. Find your happiness in everyday situations; appreciate the beauty in everything. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adopt any one interpretation; always find your own. This is what it means to be an artist. Art is never dead as long as we are alive. Jessica Muzzo is a 21 year-old English major at Calhoun Community College, who hopes to move on to UAH. Her dream is to one day travel the world and write about her experiences.
Reiki and Cancer by Mary Morales
How Does Reiki Help Cancer Patients?
T
he majority of cancer patients that have Reiki treatments, along with their traditional therapies, claim that Reiki has helped with pain management, relaxation, and the side effects of treatment like nausea and stomach upset. Reiki is a form of energy and has been evaluated in several clinical trials for treatment of anxiety and improvement of well-being in cancer patients. Besides the help with nausea, stomach upset and so forth, Reiki is an excellent source of stabilizing energy for the emotional well-being. Although there is no scientific data that fully supports these claims, patient testimonials and practitioner experiences, in support of Reiki's benefits as a complementary alternative therapy for cancer, are numerous. Reiki treatments are offered along with massage therapy and other complementary therapies in some major cancer centers. It is important to note that Reiki is not an alternative cancer treatment. It is not used to cure cancer or in place of treatment. Reiki is a complementary therapy, used to ease the emotional and physical side effects of treatment. Talk to your center to find out if they offer Reiki and Massage therapy. Mary Morales is a Universal and Karuna Reiki Master with an energy healing practice based in Decatur, Alabama. You can contact her at 256-580-3108 or email at KungaLhadon@aol.com for more information. See ad on page 25.
clients on sound journeys with the help of voices, crystal singing bowls, buffalo drums and other instruments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we bathe ourselves in healing sound waves,â&#x20AC;? she observes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we open up a direct line of communication with our soul.â&#x20AC;? At the culmination of each session, she allows what she terms the â&#x20AC;&#x153;big music of silenceâ&#x20AC;? to envelope the one being healed. McFadden notes that not all healing sounds need to be calming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Activating music can be just as healing as soft and slow sounds,â&#x20AC;? she says. Whether we prefer listening to Lady Gaga, Native American flutes or the sound of a heavy rainstorm, the key is to discover what especially resonates with us.
healingways
Good Vibrations
Sound Healing for the Soul by Erin Lehn Floresca
M
any sounds associated with holidays instantly cheer us up, but why? We naturally respond to sounds, because everything in the Universe is comprised of vibrationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;also referred to as resonance. When we are exposed to healing sounds, our bodies and minds begin to resonate in harmony with them, supporting our well-being. Fortunately, avenues of sound healing are readily accessible in our everyday lives. Engaging in activities such as singing, drumming or chanting often help us quickly reestablish a sense
Sound Healing Therapy Psychotherapist Meredith McFadden, a sound healing therapist in Medford, Oregon, observes that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Receiving or creating intentional, healing sound vibrations is proving to be one of the most direct, most relevant healing modalities available today.â&#x20AC;? McFadden appreciates sound for its immediate effect. She takes individual
Master crystal singing bowl artist Ashana, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, couples angelic vocals with her massive collection of bowls for a musical healing alchemy recognized worldwide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Listening to the bowls can have a profound impact on a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-being,â&#x20AC;? says Ashana. Made from pure, crushed quartz, infused with precious gemstones, minerals and metals, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bowls vibrate at a very high, pure frequency,â&#x20AC;? she explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we come into resonance with the bowls, mental chatter slows or stops and the mind quiets. Within minutes, our nervous system starts to unwind. In a state of peaceful stillness, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dial upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to our higher self becomes accessible. This is the optimum state for healing to occur.â&#x20AC;? Ashana emphasizes that we are all interconnected, so any healing work we do on ourselves affects all of humanity.
of balance in the midst of our multitasking lives. Attending an uplifting musical event can render a similar effect.
Crystal Singing Bowls
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“As we raise our personal frequency, we can become conscious tuning forks for divine energies to pour through us,” she believes. “We’re all holding a piece of the web.”
Healing Through Song “Since the dawn of time, humans have been sharing song in their tribe,” says Zurich, Switzerland, recording artist, educator and filmmaker Michael Stillwater. “Pop songs are modern tribal songs, although we have mostly become a culture of
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consumers and spectators, rather than participants.” The founder of Inner Harmony Music and Song Without Borders, Stillwater’s is a strong voice in an emerging grassroots global movement devoted to helping people reclaim their inner song. “As a vocal art, singing is unique,” he advises. “It’s deeply connected to our sense of self.” He also notes that if our voice or singing is criticized in our developmental years, we may shut down our creative expression. “We then become like cave dwellers, hiding our voice; there are millions of vocal cave dwellers in our world,” he says. Finding your song—or chant or mantra—almost inevitably becomes integrated with a pathway for rediscovering one’s authentic self. “It’s about letting your voice become part of your own healing medicine,” says Stillwater. His film documentary, In Search of the Great Song, celebrates the use of creative vocal expression for healing and transformation.
Experience Kirtan Kitzie Stern, producer of the New World Kirtan podcast, notes that kirtan, or sacred chanting, is known for bonding everyone in the moment of co-creation between audience and artists, followed by quiet meditation in community. Originating in India, kirtan is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world. The mantras used in kirtan open the listener to the experience of peace. Stern explains, “The music that accompanies kirtan also helps our minds to turn off. As wallah (chant leader) Dave Stringer puts it, ‘The chant is the medicine, but the music is what helps it go down.’” One does not have to attend a live kirtan performance to reap its benefits. Stern’s podcast plays a variety of chants to help listeners tune into tranquility. She observes that, “Being able to access the quiet magnificence that exists within each one of us and live within it for some portion of the day helps us to stay sane in the turmoil of the modern world.” —Learn more at SoundMovesWonder.com, AshanaMusic.com, InnerHarmony.com and NewWorldKirtan.com.
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—Erin Floresca is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. Connect at ErinLehnFloresca.com.
JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH Take responsibility for your physical and mental well-being.
The people you meet in Natural Awakenings stand ready to take this journey with you. Be a part of our special
Health & Wellness January edition t Acupuncture t Alternative Healing t Aromatherapy t Ayurveda t Bodywork t Chelation Therapy t Chiropractic t Counseling/Therapy
t Dental Care t Energy Healing t Fitness/Health Clubs t Herbalists t Homeopathy t )ZQOPUIFSBQZ t *OUFHSBUJWF Physicians t *SJEPMPHZ
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calendarofevents THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 100 Years of Von Braun: His American Journey Exhibit – 9am-5pm through May 2012. Exhibit showcasing the life of Dr. Wernher von Braun, in honor of his 100th birthday on March 23rd, 2012. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville. Museum admission. Southern Comfort: Regional Photography from the Collection – 11am-8pm through February 26. Southern Comfort will present selected photographs from the Museum’s collection that underscore the rich history of the South and tell compelling stories about its unique people, places and traditions. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street Southwest, Huntsville. HsvMuseum.org. Huntsville Christian Women's Connection Luncheon – 11am-1pm. Huntsville Country Club, 2601 Oakwood Avenue NW. $15. For reservations, call Betty at 256-837-8286 or Nancy at 256-883-1339.
the Huntsville Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, silent and live auctions, delicious food, dancing and many surprises. Help expand Huntsville Ballet's education and community outreach programs. Cost: $100 per person. Von Braun Center East Hall Ballroom, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville. HuntsvilleBalletCompany.org. A Christmas Carol presented by Fantasy Playhouse – 7-10pm. Directed by Jeff White. Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville. Monkey Speak – 8-11pm. Held the first Friday of every month, Monkey Speak is Huntsville's most exciting spoken word open-mic night, an open stage for anyone to read perform or improvise poetry drama or prose or any variation of the spoken word. No experience is necessary. Mature audiences only. Admission $5. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3
Christmas in the Park – 5-9pm. Arab City Park will be decorated with ten's of thousands of lights for this walk through event each night of the holiday season. Visit Santa in the Park while here. Arab City Park, Arab.
Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Held each Saturday. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (Five Points). 256-534-1751. ECK-alabama.org.
Huntsville Gallery Tour – 5-9pm. Join Lowe Mill and the Flying Monkey Arts Center as Huntsville celebrates art with a tour of local galleries and the Huntsville Museum of Art. More info: 256-5343968. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. LoweMill.net.
Spiritual Wisdom on Prayer, Meditation, and Contemplation – 2-3pm. Free introductory presentation and discussion for people of all faiths. Facilitators will share stories, tools, and techniques to help attendees see deeper truths within and apply them in their lives now. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (near Five Points). 256-5341751. ECK-alabama.org.
Galaxy of Lights – 5:30-9pm through December 31. Holiday light extravaganza. New this year—the entrance for Galaxy of Lights will be through the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. $20 per vehicle (up to 10 people); $3 per additional person (subject to change). We will accept your donations of toys, canned goods, paper products, dog/cat food and warm coats for our local charities; $1 off the price of admission with a donation. HsvBG.org. Strictly Salsa Social and Free Salsa 101 Class – 7-10pm. Free Salsa 101 Dance Lesson from 7pm to 8pm. Salsa Dancing Party from 8pm to 10pm. $10. Madison Ballroom Dance Studio, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. MadisonBallroom.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Arts Marketplace at Santa's Village – 3-8pm. The Arts Marketplace at Santa's Village will be held on Gates Avenue the first three weekends in December; hours are 3-8pm on Friday and noon-8pm on Saturday. The Arts Marketplace at Santa's Village is free to the public. Alabama Constitution Village, 109 Gates Avenue, Huntsville. EarlyWorks.com. Nutcracker Ball – 6:30-10:30pm. The third annual Nutcracker Ball features special performances from
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Keep Christmas Alive! A Festival of Sacred Christmas Music – 2-4pm. Preshow starts 30 minutes prior to showtime. All tickets are General Admission $27 each. Von Braun Center, Mark C Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville. Make Your Own Gourd Ornament – 10:30am1:30pm. Join us for a fun morning as volunteers from the Huntsville Gourd Patch show us ways to paint and decorate miniature gourds that can be used as ornaments or to give as a gift. Elizabeth Carpenter Public Library of New Hope, 5496 Main Street, New Hope. 256-723-2995. NewHope@hmcpl.org. Holiday Concert – 7-9pm. Special holiday concert by the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band and the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra. Free of charge. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Atrium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. 256-532-5975. AskUs@hmcpl.org.
SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. Holiday Ornament Making: “Stained Glass” Angels – 1-2:30pm. Participants will create their own stained glass-like angel ornament using Scratch-Lite® (an array of luminous translucent colors printed on plastic sheets) and other materials for embellishment. Recommended for children ages 3 and up. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street Southwest, Huntsville.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 Small Business Lunch & Learn – 12-1pm. "Simple and Smart Ways to Grow your Business" by Tra Williams, Vice President of Appleton Learning. "Part 3 – Executing the Plan." Develop a strategic plan focused on your target market and funnel your growth through a monetized process. Bring a sack lunch. No registration required. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Second Floor Meeting Room, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. 256-5325975. MMoore@hmcpl.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Celebrating Native American History: A Special Author Event – 6:30-8pm. Book-signing event with three authors who have written important books that highlight Native American history and culture: Charles Moore, author of Come Tell Me How You Lived, Butch Walker, author of Warrior Mountain, and Wheeler Pounds, author of Histories of Cherokee Hideaway. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. LMorenilla@hmcpl.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Friends of the Main Library – 10-11am. Monthly meeting for the Friends of the Main Library. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. AskUs@hmcpl.org.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Thursday Evening Concert – 6-7:30pm. Aspire String Quartet and Oakwood Adventist Academy Choir. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. 256532-5975. AskUs@hmcpl.org.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 Friends of the Bailey Cove Library – 10-11am. Monthly meeting for the Friends of the Bailey Cove Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville. 256881-0257. BCove@hmcpl.org.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
2011 Nutcracker On Ice – 7-9pm. Benton H Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex, 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd, Huntsville.
Unity Church on the Mountain – 10:30am. Reverend Grace Gifford will be back for a Sunday Service celebrating PEACE. 1328 Governors Dr.
Christabel & The Jons sponsored by Huntsville Swing Dance Society – 7pm lesson, live music/ dance at 8pm. Admission $10 general, $7 students.
Flying Monkey Arts Theater at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville.
Baptist Church, 12945 HWY 231/431, Hazel Green. MeridianvilleAreaMoms@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Strictly Salsa Social and Free Salsa 101 Class – 7-10pm. Free Salsa 101 Dance Lesson from 7pm to 8pm. Salsa Dancing Party from 8pm to 10pm. $10. Madison Ballroom Dance Studio, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. MadisonBallroom.com.
Rocket City Marathon – 8am-2pm. Downtown Huntsville. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. Riverwalk Yacht Club Parade of Lights – 4pm, docks open, 6pm, boat parade. Featuring approximately 20 boats of all types and sizes decorated with lights, holiday themes, and other festive trimmings for the holiday season. Riverwalk Marina, Decatur. 256-306-0909. RiverWalkYC.org.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Unity Church on the Mountain – 10:30am. Reverend Carol Landry will be leading our service today celebrating LOVE. Potluck following service. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. Write Out Loud – 10am-2pm. Writing/performance/spoken word workshop. $5 suggested donation. Contact Molly at 256-323-8199 or Kim at Kimberly.Casey75@gmail.com. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. LoweMill.net.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12
Coffeehouse Music Series – 7-9pm. Christmas Special Members Open Mic Night. Burritt on the Mountain, Old Country Church, 3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville. BurrittOnTheMountain.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 Asperger's/HFA Support Luncheon – 11am1:30pm. The Meteor is at 751 Highway 72 East, which is the corner of HWY 72 and Memorial Parkway North, Huntsville. 256-852-8998. They know us at the door, just tell them you're with "the Group." Family Movie Night at Monrovia – 6-8pm. A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey. Monrovia Public Library, 254 Allen Drake Drive, Huntsville. 256-489-3392. Monrovia@hmcpl.org.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 Winter Solstice Concert with the Huntsville Feminist Chorus – 3:30-4:30pm. Flying Monkey Arts Theater at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.
Ladies Craft Night – 6:30pm. Gurley Public Library, 225 Walker Street, Gurley. 256-776-2102. Gurley@hmcpl.org.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Unity Church on the Mountain – 10:30am. Carol Zukosky (RScP) will be back for a Sunday Service celebrating JOY. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com.
South Huntsville MOMS Club – 10-11am. This meeting is a monthly meeting that is open to prospective members and is free. Membership for the year is $25 and gives access to a large variety of events centered around stay-at-home moms and their kids in the following zip codes: 35801, 35802, 35803, 35805, 35808, 35898, 35741, 35754, 35763. Trinity Methodist Church, Room 269, 607 Airport Road, Huntsville..
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 “Journey into Possibility” - 7pm. A monthly ceremony of allowing the possibility that the peace within may become a reality, a focus, a truth. Led by local shaman, non social, very individual and experiential. About an hour, in town Huntsville location. Email or call for directions and/or request to participate. KatyShamanHealer.blogspot.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 Meridianville Area MOMS Club Meeting and Open House – 10-11am. Stay-at-home moms that live in the 35759, 35761, and 35750 zip codes of North Alabama, please join the MOMS Club of Meridianville Area for our monthly business meeting and open house. Kids welcome. Flint River
Coming in January
Journey to Good Health with Natural Awakenings’ Health & Wellness experts.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 New Hope Friends of the Library – 12:30-1:30pm. Monthly meeting for the Friends of the Elizabeth Carpenter (New Hope) Library, 5496 Main Street, New Hope. 256-723-2995. NewHope@hmcpl.org. DRAW! – 2-4pm. Presented by the K.I.D. Artist Collective, Admission $5. Practice drawing live models with interesting outfits. No Pictures please. All levels welcome. Last Sunday of every month. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2nd Floor, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. Contact blf0001@uah.edu for info.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Hospice Family Care New Year's Eve Gala – 7:30pm-1am. Hospice Family Care is Huntsville and Madison County's only not-for-profit hospice. If you or a family member has been touched by hospice care, please consider joining us for the New Year's Eve Gala. Cost: $100 with dinner; $50 without dinner (arrival after 9pm). Von Braun Center North Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville.
For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
256-476-6537
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ongoingevents sunday Meditation – 8:20am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org. A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am. Shared reading and group discussions. Extra books available. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org. Unity Church On The Mountain Service – 10:30am. Adult Sunday School at 9:30am. Practicing Oneness with God in a positive light of love for all. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-5362271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. 1-Hour Mystery School – 11am. A different service each week including ritual, music, and a message in an open, loving environment. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org. Social Dance Class – 3-6pm. Social Dance Class taught by Sandra Watts. Combination of ballroom and country/western dance. Prepares you to dance anywhere. One hour class with practice dancing to follow. $6.00. Gee’s Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886. Power Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Marcy White. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. Call 256-653-9255 or 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Zumba Dance – 6-7pm. “JAK”arta. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Beyond Basic Bellydance – 5-6pm. Michelle. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Keys of Compassion Support Group – 6-7pm. There is a higher perspective to your pain. Free. Natural Elements, 1874 Suite M, Slaughter Rd, Madison. 256-922-8454.
monday
and coordination. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com. Beginning Belly Dance Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn new school belly dance with an old school flair. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com. Beginner Couple/Partner Dances – 6-8pm. Sandra Watts will be teaching Sweetheart Schottische along with other partner dances. Social dancing after the class. If you have never danced, this is the class to learn how. $5.00. Gee’s Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886. Beyond Basics – 6:45-7:45pm. For those with less than 75 hours of class time training. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com. Yoga Class – 6:30-7:45pm. Iyengar-based yoga focuses on form, technique and alignment. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com. Level I Yoga – 6:30-8pm. All levels. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. The Art of Spiritual Peacemaking – 6:30-8pm. Weekly forum with Wanda Gail Campbell, Peace Minister with The Beloved CommUNITY. In each 1.5-hour session we will experience Peace Prayers, a short video lesson by James Twyman, and a discussion of key precepts. Love offering. Please call 256-539-0654 for location and more details.
tuesday Pilates – 9-10am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Level I Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Lunchtime Belly Basics – 11:30am-12:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.
Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle First Monday Weekend Trade Days – Fri-Mon of the first weekend of each month. One of the Deep South’s oldest and largest trade days, believed to have been begun in the 1850s. A true blend of antique shows, craft fairs, and rummage sales. Jackson County Courthouse Square, Scottsboro.
Beginning Belly Dance Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com.
Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.
Line Dancing – 6-8pm. New and old line dances taught by Diane Martin. $5.00. Gee’s Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886.
Beginner/Intermediate Mat Class – 5-6:15pm. Work at a faster pace incorporating exercises that will challenge one’s strength, flexibility
Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org.
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Pilates – 5:30-6:30pm. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.
Beginner/Intermediate Mat Class – 6-7:15pm. This class adds more exercises from the series and will challenge one’s mind/body connections. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com Toastmasters: Redstone Toastmasters – 6-7:30pm. The Apollo Room, Radisson Hotel, 8721 Madison Boulevard, Madison. Guests always welcome. Redstone.FreeToastHost.net. Science of Mind Classes – 6:30-8:30pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org. Yoga with Mitzi – 6:45-8:15pm. Candlelight Yoga. All levels welcome. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500 Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-361-YOGA or MitziConnell.com. Basic American Tribal Style (ATS) – 6:45-7:45pm. Lea. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Back to Basic Drumming – 8-9pm. Darbuka Dave. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Beginning Yoga – 7pm. Holly Dyess. Beez Fitness, 7495 Wall Triana Highway, Madison. $8 at the door for non-members. IronHorseFitness.com. Face2Face Improv Comedy – 7:30-8:10pm. Comedy in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Adults $5.00, Ages 8 and under free. Sam and Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria, 119 Northside Square. Huntsville.
wednesday Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Creamery Tours – 9am, 10am, 1pm, 2pm. Find out where and how the goat cheese recommended by Oprah, Food Network, and Southern Living is made. Belle Chevre Creamery, 26910 Bethel Road, Elkmont (Huntsville). $8 adults, $4 kids, free for 6 and under. 256-423-2238. Email@BelleChevre.com. Science of Mind Classes – 10am-12pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org. Beginning Belly Dance Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com. Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org. Course in Miracles Class at Unity Church on the Mountain – 6:30pm. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. Power Yoga – 6-7pm. Marcy White. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.
West Coast Swing Dance Class – 6:30-8:30pm. West Coast Swing Dance Class taught by Stephane Schneider. One hour class with practice dancing to follow. No partner needed. $5.00. Gee’s Place, 2274A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886. Satsang – 6:30pm. Satsang with Gangaji. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org. Searching? – The Red Mountain Study Group of Huntsville invites inquiries from men and women, no matter what their beliefs, who are still searching for the meaning of their lives now and here. Our work includes meditation, practice and study based on the teaching of G. I. Gurdjieff. We are affiliated with the Gurdjieff Foundation of New York. 256361-9575. Email: rmsg@att.net.
thursday
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friday Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Bellydance Blast – 4:30-5:30pm. Shahala Liz. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Concerts on the Dock – 6-9pm. Friday nights, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive. Picnics, coolers and pets on a leash are welcome. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net. Public Clearance Session – 7pm. Third Friday each month. Learn effective healing through reception and application of Divine energies. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255.
Fusion Pilates – 9-10am. A fusion of Pilates and Hanna Somatic work teaching one to access and strengthen one’s deepest connections bringing balance to one’s spine and overall posture. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com.
Paranormal Study Center – 6:30pm, fourth Friday each month. Meets at Radisson Hotel/Olympus Room, 8721 Madison Blvd, Madison. For more information, contact Greg Rowe, 256-326-0092.
Pilates – 9-10am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.
saturday
Level I Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Lunchtime Belly Basics – 11:30am-12:30pm. Shahala Liz. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Dance Basics– 5:30-6:30pm. Amber. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Align and Wine – 6-7pm. Align your body every Thursday at 6pm in the Museum’s beautiful spaces, then proceed downstairs for wine and light hors d’oeuvres at the delicious Pane e Vino cafe. Presented by Yoga with Mitzi and The Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street South, Huntsville. More info: 256-361-YOGA or MitziConnell.com. Spiritual Awareness Class taught by Rev. Grace Gifford – 6:30-8pm through December 8. Living the truth through the Christ within all of us. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. Level I Yoga – 6:45-8:15pm. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Beyond Basic Zils – 6:45-7:45pm. Sallye. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Beginning Yoga – 7pm. Holly Dyess. Beez Fitness, 7495 Wall Triana Highway, Madison. $8 at the door for non-members. IronHorseFitness.com.
Awaken by Rita Loyd
Level I Yoga – 9-10:15am. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Your Yoga with Casey – 9:45-11:00am. Intermediate class (not for beginners) with Casey, $14 session or $45 for 4 class pack (valid one month from purchase). Studio 258, 2nd Floor, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. YourYogaSite.net. 256-679-7143. Cardio Ballroom – 11am. Mega calorie burning dance fun! No more treadmill! Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. GabrielaDance.com. Level I Yoga – 11:30-12:45pm. Bobbie Brooks. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Artist Market – 12-4pm. Local artists and others are invited to set up a booth and sell their wares to the public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records, and more interesting things for sale inside our facility. Safe from rain. Free admission. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. FlyingMonkeyArts.org. Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift one in countless ways. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, Ste 3, Five Points. 256-534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org. Ballroom Dancing – 7pm Beginner Group Class, 8pm Dance Party. Madison Ballroom Dance Studio, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. 256-461-1900. MadisonBallroom.com.
Professional watercolor artist and writer Rita Loyd began to paint in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. As she continued to paint through the years, the creative process became a teacher, healer and friend, guiding her to find the true meaning of self-love. Today, her boldly colored, fluidly drawn images explore themes of inner strength and healing, as well as compassion for self and others. She writes of Awaken: “Awaken to the light of unconditional self-love.” Loyd recounts her journey of self-discovery in a book, Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It’s Important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. “My goal for my art and writing is to nurture spiritual wholeness,” she advises. “As this nurturing place of self-love and appreciation expands within us, so does our ability to love and nurture other living beings in a more authentic way.” View the artist’s portfolio at NurturingArt.com and visit her blog at NurturingArt.com/blog. Her book, Unconditional Self-Love, is available online. ritaloyd@bellsouth.net.
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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Editor@Natvalley.com to request our media kit.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY
BIO-FEEDBACK TESTING
CENTER FOR OPTIMAL WELL BEING
HEALTHY CHOICES LLC
7910 S. Memorial Pkwy, Suite F-2, Huntsville 256-489-9806 phone 256-489-2873 fax 866-488-9806 toll free
Steve Krzyzewski 2225 Drake Avenue, Suite 18 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-679-1997 HealthyChoicesLLC@gmail.com
The Center for Optimal Well Being is dedicated to improving your health with colon hydro-therapy and body empowerment services. Sessions are conducted in clean, comfortable and relaxing private suites with soft lighting and aromatic fragrances. Our staff is clinically trained and certified by the International Association for Colon Therapists.
HOPE FOR LIFE COLON HYDROTHERAPY Amanda Mashburn, owner/colon hydrotherapist 10300 Bailey Cove Road, Suite-7A Huntsville, AL 35803 256-270-8731 hope4lifeal.com Our goal is to live long and live strong. Young or old, male or female, healthy or sick, will benefit from an internal cleansing. Mention“Natural Awakenings” and recieve 10 dollars off your first colonic visit.
Steve Krzyzewski provides Advanced Bio-Feedback Testing, the Amethyst Bio-Mat Infrared Therapy, and the Ionic Footbath. The Bio-feedback uncovers root cause(s) for health challenges and develops natural protocols allowing the body to heal itself. The Amethyst BioMat uses infrared, negative ions, and the natural healing of amethyst to bring the body back into balance. (RichWayUSA.com) The Ionic footbath helps the body to detoxify.
ENERGY HEALING CENTER FOR DIRECTIONAL HEALING Susan Spalding, Director 256-882-0360 DirectionalHealing.com Free the energy within you! Take your health and your life to a new level with Directional Healing. Clears, cleanses, balances, rejuvenates through resonance healing.
ESSENTIAL OILS
I-ACT Certified Colon Hydro Therapists. Do you know that 80% of your immune system is in your colon? Bathe your body from the inside to improve health. Colon irrigation aids in soothing and toning the colon, which makes elimination more effective.
~John Lennon
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YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS Bonnie Minard Distributor ID# 1245976 256-520-7028 YoungLiving.org/BonnieMinard ExperienceYL@gmail.com I HAVE AN OIL FOR THAT! Experience the highest quality Essential Oils in the world. Amazing Massage Oils, Nutritional Supplements, Skin Care, Diffusers...and much more! Call for your “HOME SPA EXPERIENCE.” For Individuals, Spas, MassageTherapists and Holistic Healers. Ask about our Free Oils!
All you need is love.
Natvalley.com
PROGRESSIVE FAMILY MEDICINE Chad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C 1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 ProFamilyMed.com Progressive Family Medicine provides medical care for patients of all ages and uniquely blends Natural and Prescription medicines together to help speed the patient’s recovery. Progressive Family Medicine is the patient’s clinic of choice when they would like to understand how natural medicines work along with prescription drugs.
FENG SHUI FENG SHUI BY TRUDI GARDNER Trudi Gardner, M.S. 256-772-6999 Tygard2000@aol.com An interior design philosophy that invites serenity and reduces stress. Feng Shui design concepts brings positive energy into your home and office to encourage Prosperity, Well Being, Harmony, and Balance.
HYPNOSIS MARSHA MATHES
JARVIS NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC 1489 Slaughter Road, Madison 256-837-3448
FAMILY MEDICINE
Certified Hypnotist, LMT #1885, Esthetician 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste 116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-698-2151 MarshaMathes.SkinCareTherapy.net Hypnosis is a tool to assist you in countless ways to heal your past, empower your present and create your future: • Quit smoking • weight loss • Nail and lip biting • Teeth grinding • Insomnia • Anxiety and stress relief • Phobias and fears • Pain relief • Sports enhancement • PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) • Current and Past Life Regressions • Much more…
IN-HOME MASSAGE
NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
SMALL CHANGE COACH / NLP
CLOUD NINE
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATES
SMALL CHANGE WORKS
Evening and Weekend Appointments 256-337-6989
Dr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D. 1230 Slaughter Road, Madison, AL 256-722-0555
John Lambert Cullman, AL 35055 256-590-3824 smallchangeworks@gmail.com
Finally, someone who makes housecalls! Swedish, Ortho and Deep Tissue massage in the privacy of your own home. Gift Certificates also available for any occasion.
JIN SHIN JYUTSU® JIN SHIN JYUTSU OF HUNTSVILLE Sandra Cope Huntsville 256-534-1794 256-509-3540 Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner. An easy, effective way of restoring health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy pathways to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
MASSAGE CENTER FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND BODYWORK 1634 Slaughter Rd., Madison 256-430-9756 Our vision is to provide professional massage services in a comfortable clinical environment to Madison and the surrounding area. Student massages available for 1/2 the regular rate. Lic. E1311.
MASSAGE SCHOOL MADISON SCHOOL OF MASSAGE THERAPY, LLC 1634 Slaughter Rd, Suite C Madison, AL 35758 256-430-9756 MadisonSchoolOfMassageTherapy.com Our training will change your life forever in a new career as a Professional. Student massages available for 1/2 the regular rate. AL Board of Massage School Lic# S-117 AL State Board of Ed. School Lic# 1200I.
MUSIC THERAPY HEALING SOUNDS MUSIC THERAPY Stephanie Bolton, MA, MT-BC 256-655-0648 ImageryAndMusic.com Huntsville, AL- based music therapy practice focused on improving personal health and wellness using guided imagery and music techniques. Currently providing workshops and individual consultations.
Dr. Gilliam treats a variety of health problems with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, heart disease, hormone replacement and thyroid issues being at the forefront. Dr. Gilliam sees patients from around the world due to the reputation she has earned by treating hard to treat medical conditions. Dr. Gilliam works to find the cause of medical conditions and does not simply treat the patients’ symptoms.
I offer personalized change work sessions that are alternatives to traditional counseling and therapy. I do this because I have found that most therapy —“is ineffective, much of it is harmful, and all of it is expensive.” (Steve Andreas) I offer sensible approaches to what can be difficult problems.
PILATES BODY LANGUAGE, INC. 305 Jefferson St., Ste. C 256-704-5080 sybil@bodylanguagepilates.com BodyLanguagePilates.com
STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION JACI HOGUE
Our goal is to teach individuals how to take control of their health and well-being through the Pilates method, creating a wholesome person of sound mind, body, and spirit. Private, semi-private and group training on the equipment is available along with group mat classes.
REFLEXOLOGY JIM BARNES, CERTIFIED REFLEXOLOGIST REFLEX ACTION 124 14th St. Suite D3, Decatur, AL 35601 256-227-2920 256-309-0033
256-656-4108 jaci@alabamarolfmethod.com AlabamaRolfMethod.com A complete system of body education that balances the physical body, improves posture, and helps resolve chronic pain. Created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s, Structural Integration has been scientifically validated and has withstood the test of time, as millions of people have enjoyed the remarkable benefits.
SUSAN K. JEFFREYS Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 2336A Whitesburg Drive Serving Huntsville since 1995 256-512-2094 RolfGuild.org “When the body gets working appropriately, then the force of gravity can flow through. Then spontaneously, the body heals itself.” Ida P. Rolf
SHAMAN HEALER KATY GLENN WILLIS 256-426-0232 katyglennwillis@yahoo.com KatyShamanHealer.blogspot.com Spiritually Assisted Intuitive Readings, Energetic Healing and Balancing for People and Pets, World Culture Shamanic Training, Spirit Midwife: Assistance for individual and caregivers during Death & Dying Process. Forty years of training and experience.
All you need is love. Among its other benefits, giving liberates ~John Lennon the soul of the giver. ~Maya Angelou
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