December 2012

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

FREE

Unconditional Love

Celebrate a New Humanity

Holiday Traditions

Discover its Transformative Power

Light-Filled Holidays Lead the Way

Mindful and Simple Gifts of the Heart

December 2012

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publishersletter

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am blessed to have such wonderful childhood memories of Christmas. The excitement and anticipation of all the things Christmas brought: time with my family, church activities and yes, what was Santa going to bring. The family traditions we had and the ones we still continue now. I can still remember the smell of my great grandmother’s orange chiffon cake baking in the oven. And who could forget the elf dressed in red that topped my grandmother’s tree every year that we named Tiny Pepper.

As I have grown older, the holidays have become more stressful. Trying to cram so many things into a couple of days. The countless hours we spend fighting crowds and waiting in long lines to find that one prefect gift. All of this artificially imposed stress surrounding “the giving season” can exhaust one’s motivation to give at any other time of the year. My Christmas wish this year is that everyone would have a giving heart throughout the whole year instead of just at the holidays.

As I thought about the theme for this month, “Awakening Humanity,” it made me realize that we should celebrate everyday and have this sense of generosity everyday; not just during the holidays. Reaching out to those who are in need. Taking some time to volunteer for a local soup kitchen or charity. Listening to someone who is hurting. Reconnecting with friends and spending time with others rather than sending an email. Maybe even sending a greeting card or a letter other than just at Christmas.

December’s feature article, “It’s All About We, Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together,” talks about living in oneness and working together. The article reveals we can be more successful if we work together. This has been proven with projects such as urban and community farms. Why not start community groups to help improve your community? Draw upon the experience and expertise of those who live around you in order to make a difference. I feel if our ever-changing world is going to change for the better, we are going to have to work together. My church does an event several times a year called Servolution. This is where one Sunday after church we go out into the community to do service projects. These have varied from painting, yard work, visiting residents in nursing homes, and helping someone move. It’s an excellent model for anyone looking to organize their own service projects.

Let’s make 2013 all about working together and serving others, every day, and all year long. Together, we can create the kind of world we want to live in.

Blessings to you all.

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@Natvalley.com New Business Development Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@Natvalley.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Calendar Editor Jerry Woosley Design and Production Karen Ormstedt Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Natvalley.com © 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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contents 6

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newsbriefs healthbriefs globalbriefs

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.

ecotip wisewords healthykids calendars resourceguide

16 GROWN-UP LOVE: 20 WHY WE OUTGROW RELATIONSHIPS

by Aaron Peavy

18 POSTURES

Practice Laughter

by Gatlianne

20 IT’S ALL ABOUT WE Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together

13 advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE 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.

by Linda Sechrist

24 HOW UNCONDITIONAL 24 LOVE HARMONIZES OUR WORLD Marci Shimoff Explores its Transformative Power

by Judith Fertig

25 MINDFUL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Simple Ways to Add Meaning and Family-Centered Fun

by Barbara Amrhein

25

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.

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.

www.Natvalley.com

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December 2012

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newsbriefs Food for Life: Cancer Project— The Power of Food for Cancer Prevention and Survival

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ertain diet patterns seem to have a major effect in helping cancer survivors to live longer, healthier lives.

Numerous studies have shown that a diet built from plant foods offers the most cancer-fighting protection of any diet plan. Reviews by the American Institute for Cancer Research showed that as much as 40 percent of cancer risk may be related to diet. The Food for Life: Cancer Project classes offer a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge about the link between diet and cancer.

Experience the benefits of plant-based nutrition, and learn the practical cooking skills needed to help you on your journey to better health. In the Food for Life: Cancer Project classes, attendees do all of this while enjoying a cooking demonstration and tasting delicious, healthful dishes.

For information on local Cancer Project classes conducted by certified Food for Life instructors, contact: Healthsource at 800-441-0194 or email DocMaples@ yahoo.com.

Food for Life is a public service of the PCRM, Neal Barnard, M.D., Chairman.

Crosspoint Community Church Opens New Campus in Somerville

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rosspoint Community Church will be holding a preview service at their brand new campus in Somerville, AL on December 16 at 11am. The Somerville Campus is located at 5224 Hwy 67 South in Somerville, AL, near the Hwy 36 intersection. Nursery care and youth services are provided.

With the opening of the new campus, Crosspoint now offers identical services and ministries for your entire family in both Decatur and Somerville.

Crosspoint is a non-denominational, non-traditional, non-judgmental community of worship, open to everyone. For more information, call 256-686-2626, or visit CrossPointLive.tv/Somerville online.

COMING IN JANUARY

Start the Year Well Discover new paths to Health & Wellness— from nutrition and exercise to your daily lifestyle.

Good health is habit forming.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call 256-340-1122

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Phyllis D. Light Now Seeing Clients at Ruth’s Nutrition

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hyllis D. Light, MA, RH, is available for consultations at Ruth’s Nutrition.

She is an herbalist and natural health practitioner and brings her enthusiasm for complementary methods of healthcare to the Huntsville area.

Phyllis is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a master’s degree in Health Studies, a professional member and registered herbalist of the American Herbalist Guild, and a nutritional consultant.

Phyllis can work with you to help you clearly define your health goals, assess the current state of strengths and weaknesses in your body systems and recommend a simple approach to well-being.

As a natural health practitioner and herbalist, Phyllis looks for the root causes of health issues and makes lifestyle recommendations to help support and nourish body systems. She offers expert one-on-one health and nutrition consultations utilizing whole foods and herbal remedies and offers personal guidance and support. Phyllis also offers evidence-based lifestyle recommendations to reduce risk factors for the major chronic diseases of modern times.

Phyllis is currently the secretary of the American Herbalist Guild, board member of the American Naturopathic Certification Board, and adjunct faculty at Penn Foster Career College. She offers local classes in herbal studies, natural health and plant identification. Phyllis has been a guest lecturer at many symposiums, conferences and universities around the country and is available for local seminars including corporate education, support groups, and continuing education programs.

Phyllis can be contacted by calling Ruth’s Nutrition at 256-883-4127 or via email at PhyllisDLight@hotmail.com.

You can also visit her on the web at PhyllisDLight.com.

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine! t -PX *OWFTUNFOU t 8PSL GSPN )PNF t (SFBU 4VQQPSU 5FBN t .BSLFUJOH 5PPMT t .FBOJOHGVM /FX $BSFFS

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can enjoy learning about healthy and joyous living while working from your home and earn a good income doing something you love!

Your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, Earth-friendly lifestyles. You will be creating a healthier community while building your own financial security.

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healthbriefs

One-Size Meditation Does Not Fit All

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n intriguing study recently posted online by Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, suggests that new meditators are most likely to stick with the practice and reap its healthful benefits if they select methods with which they are most comfortable, rather than those that are most popular.

In one of the first studies to compare meditation techniques head-to-head, author Adam Burke, a professor of health education at San Francisco State University and the director of its Institute for Holistic Health Studies, taught 247 participants four popular methods— mantra, mindfulness, Zen and qigong visualization. He asked them to choose which they preferred to practice at home for six weeks before techniques were evaluated.

The simpler methods, mantra and mindfulness, each were preferred by 31 percent of study participants. Zen and qigong were selected by about 22 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

Burke says the results showed the value of providing people new to meditation simpler and more accessible methods, and also emphasized that no one technique is best for everyone. He hopes to see more comparative meditation studies, especially to determine if particular methods are better at addressing specific health issues such as addiction.

“If that’s the case,” he advises, “healthcare professionals would be able to guide patients toward techniques that will be most effective for them. Additional studies are also needed to determine if there is a way to predict which method will be best suited for any particular individual.”

A Wise Man’s Gift for Arthritis Sufferers

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rankincense, an aromatic resin obtained from Boswellia trees native to Africa, is an age-old herbal remedy that may help alleviate the pain of arthritis, according to scientists at Cardiff University, in Wales. “The search for new ways of relieving the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis is a long and difficult one,” says Dr. Emma Blain, who led the research with coinvestigators Professor Vic Duance, from Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences, and Dr. Ahmed Ali, of the Compton Group. The team believes they have been able to demonstrate that treatment with an extract of Boswellia frereana—a rare frankincense species—inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules and helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue that causes the condition.

The African Somali people have long used extracts of frankincense as a traditional remedy for arthritis. “Our research achieved the use of innovative chemical extraction techniques to determine the active ingredient in frankincense,” says Ali. “We will now be able to further characterize the chemical entity and compare its success against other anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating the condition.”

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Nutty Way to Help Preserve Cognition

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alnut consumption is associated with better memory scores and cognitive function, according to recent findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. In the Prevención con Dieta Mediterrnáea study, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health, results show that a Mediterranean diet, supplemented with olive oil or one ounce of mixed nuts, half of which are walnuts, is more beneficial than a low-fat diet when it comes to body weight, blood pressure, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation.

The nutrient-dense walnuts provide antioxidants and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Both are key nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties that help protect brain cells from the oxidative damage associated with cognitive decline.

Raisins Yield Pressure Relief

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or individuals seeking a natural way to keep slightly elevated blood pressure in check, eating a handful of raisins each day might do the trick. New data presented at the American College of Cardiology 61st Annual Scientific Session suggest that among adults with hypertension or mild increases in blood pressure, routine consumption of raisins may lower readings, especially compared with eating other common snacks. The researchers noted that raisins are packed with potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure, and are also a good source of antioxidant dietary fiber, which may favorably alter the biochemistry of blood vessels, enabling them to be less stiff.

The study helps validate some current nutrient recommendations, such as 60 raisins—about a handful, containing one gram of fiber and 212 milligrams of potassium—as being helpful in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three (28 percent) of American adults have prehypertension, defined as a systolic pressure from 120 to 139 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or a diastolic pressure from 80 to 89 mm Hg. Researchers cautioned that their study was small; larger trials are needed.

Giving Begets Happiness at Every Age

“T

o give is better than to receive,” is a maxim that appears to hold true even for the very young. A new study co-authored by three psychologists at Canada’s University of British Columbia observes that giving makes toddlers happier. The study, published in PLOS One, an online journal of the Public Library of Science, found that toddlers younger than 2 were happier when giving treats to others than when receiving them. They were also happier when they gave their own treats away, rather than an identical treat that didn’t belong to them.

Stop Wasting Food

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t’s time to step up to the plate—but not waste what’s on it. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that about 40 percent of all food in the United States goes uneaten. Each year, we are throwing away the equivalent of $165 billion in discarded food, making it the single largest component of solid waste in America’s landfills and costing the average family of four between $1,350 and $2,275 annually.

About two-thirds of household waste consists of spoiled food that’s not used in time; the rest is caused by people cooking or serving too much food. Learn easy steps to reduce food waste via the NRDC free online fact sheet at Tinyurl.com/ StopFoodWaste. natural awakenings

December 2012

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coverartist

healthbriefs

Citrus Fruits Lower Risk of Stroke

P Heart of Creation Sue Halstenberg After graduating from the Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena, Southern California native Sue Halstenberg worked as a department store fashion illustrator for several years. Her drawings regularly appeared in the Los Angeles Times and she enjoyed career success— but lacked inner fulfillment. Eventually' she decided to leave the commercial art world to create paintings possessing deeper esthetic values for her, as well as lasting appeal for her audiences.

A signature member of the Pastel Society of America, Halstenberg now specializes in spiritual art at her studio overlooking California’s Ojai Valley, which she describes as “magical.” A dozen of her paintings are featured in Doreen Virtue’s Hay House card decks, and her original work was recently exhibited at the Agape International Spiritual Center, in Culver City, California.

Halstenberg’s newest works reflect her continuing journey of self-discovery. “I start by energetically connecting with something that I’m deeply attracted to: an inspiring symbol, statue or myth,” she explains.

“Then, I let go and allow the creative force to flow through me. Often, I don’t even feel like I’ve done the painting, but that it’s painted itself.”

Halstenberg uses dramatic light and shadow to express the inner emotions of the spiritual beings she paints.

Of Heart of Creation, she observes, “The Earth and stars are born through her protective hands, at the heart of a goddess.”

—View the artist’s portfolio at SueHalstenberg.com.

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opular winter citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit come with an unexpected health benefit: eating them may lower the risk of ischemic strokes (clots), especially in women, per a study reported in Stroke, a journal of the American Heart Association.

The researchers analyzed 14 years of follow-up data from the National Institutes of Health Nurses’ Health Study, which included 69,622 women that reported their food intake every four years, including details on fruit and vegetable consumption. The study discovered that a high intake of flavanones, a subclass of flavonoids found in the greatest concentrations in oranges and grapefruit, was associated with a 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke.

In the study, the presence of flavanones came primarily from oranges and orange juice (82 percent) and grapefruit and grapefruit juice (14 percent). However, the researchers recommended that consumers increase their citrus fruit intake, rather than juice consumption, to avoid the sugar in many commercial juices.

Pitfalls of No-Fat Salad Dressings

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or those thinking about balancing a rich holiday meal by choosing a low- or no-fat salad dressing, consider this: To get the most nutrients from leafy greens and vegetables, we need to pair them with a healthy fat. A recent Purdue University study showed that the more “good” fat there was in a salad, the more carotenoids diners absorbed.

The researchers found that vegetable oils rich in monounsaturated fats like olive oil, or polyunsaturated fats like sunflower oil, help the body absorb essential carotenoids and other nutrients and increase their bioavailability in the intestines. The study also found that eating bread with butter with a salad was also beneficial, although to a lesser extent.

Reflection of God As I clear and still the pools of my mind I am more able to mirror God’s loving reflection in my existence.

Art and Text by Rita Loyd Copyright Š 2012

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 or at www.NurturingArt.com, where you can view Rita's artwork and blog.

natural awakenings

December 2012

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

Smog Begone Dramatic Decline in Los Angeles Air Pollution Legendary late-night TV host Johnny Carson made the thick, automobile-generated smog that covered Los Angeles the butt of jokes for decades, but times have changed. In the past 50 years, California’s Los Angeles Basin has shown a 98 percent decrease in levels of some vehicle-related air pollutants even as area denizens now burn three times as much gasoline and diesel fuel.

Between 2002 and 2010 alone, the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) dropped by half, according to a new study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and published in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres. “The reason is simple. Cars are getting cleaner,” says Carsten Warneke, a NOAA-funded scientist with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Primarily emitted from the vehicle tailpipes, VOCs are a key ingredient in formation of ground-level ozone, which at high levels can harm people’s lungs and damage crops and other plants. The magnitude of the drop in VOC levels was surprising, although it doesn’t mean that ozone levels have dropped as steeply, because the air chemistry is complex. Levels of ozone pollution in the basin are down, but don’t yet meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Warneke expects the decrease in VOC emissions by cars to continue, given that engine efficiency continues to improve and older, higher polluting vehicles will be taken off the roads.

Source: American Geophysical Union (Tinyurl.com/SmogBegone)

Coming Clean Environmental Hall of Shame From shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste to laundry detergent and window cleaners, hundreds of chemicals of unknown origin and effect can be found everywhere in our daily lives. Some are regulated by government agencies, but many are not; some cleaning products, for example, are not even required to list their ingredients on labels.

The research team at the nonprofit consumer watchdog Environmental Working Group has released a new Cleaners Hall of Shame database (Tinyurl.com/CleanerHallOfShame) that ranks more than 2,000 household cleaners by how hazardous their ingredients are and how much information is on their labels.

Many products contain ingredients known to cause asthma or are contaminated with carcinogens. Even so-called “green” products aren’t necessarily any better. Many of them boast of ingredients made from plants, rather than petroleum, but there is little or no safety data for some plant-based ingredients. A truly green product poses few risks to health or the environment and transparently informs users of its content.

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Bird Brains When the Warm Get Going Global climate change is a real, measurable phenomenon, according to a new study, based on the National Audubon Society’s North American Christmas Bird Count. It found that avian species have taken decades to adjust their ranges northward in response to warming winters.

Frank La Sorte, a researcher at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York, and lead author of a study supported by the National Science Foundation, says in the Journal of Animal Ecology that because birds are highly mobile and migrate north and south with the changing seasons, they are better able to shift their ranges than less mobile, non-migrating species, such as amphibians.

“It makes sense that species move slower than the rate at which climate is changing,” says La Sorte.

“Many of them need to follow a prey base and a type of vegetation, or they need certain kinds of habitat that will create corridors for movement. Species are responding under their own time frame.”

The challenge for humans is daunting. “We have to give species the opportunity to respond by providing corridors for movement and longterm maintenance of those corridors,” says La Sorte. “That requires cooperation across political boundaries.”

Source: ABC News

Leaf Relief

Inner Wellness Center for

Urban Trees Act as Crime-Stoppers The city of Baltimore’s high crime rate inspired a gritty TV drama. But a new study (Tinyurl.com/TreeCrimeReport) by the University of Vermont’s Transportation Research Center, in Burlington, found that a 10 percent increase in trees in a given area led to a 12 percent decrease in crime. “It’s really pretty striking how strong this relationship is,� says Austin Troy, lead author of the study, published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning.

Researchers examined the correlation in and around Baltimore using aggregated crime data and combining it with highresolution satellite images to conduct the analysis. The working hypothesis is that because people enjoy spending time in pleasant outdoor spaces, there are more observers present to hinder criminal activity. Also, a well-maintained landscape seems to send a message that someone may be watching.

To avoid culture bias, the study considered many socioeconomic factors, including housing, age, income and race of residents, as well as variables such as rural versus city setting and population density. The findings should prove helpful to urban planners.

Creating Positive Change Through Hypnotherapy, Breathwork & EFT/Matrix Reimprinting t Stress and Anxiety t Fears/Phobias t Release Negativity t Let Go of the Past t Pain Management t Weight Loss t Smoking Cessation

Call For More Information.

Becky Waters, CHT, BMSC 256.348.5236 3322 South Memorial Parkway Suite 641 Huntsville, AL 35801 www.centerforinnerwellness.com

Breathe. Love. Live.

Tech Revolution Fresh Funds for Innovative Renewable Projects

wellness naturally

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu is spearheading a new wave of renewable energy research by recruiting top scientists from the nation’s best research laboratories to staff a new agency called ARPAE, modeled after DARPA, the research and development wing of the Pentagon that invented the Internet. With a surge in funding for renewable energy, courtesy of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, plus grants from the Department of Energy, ARPA-E has made more than 180 investments in basic research projects in renewable energy.

One company, Ocean Power Technologies, is installing a 260-ton generator in the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon coast to capture renewable energy from waves. If the generator operates as planned, it will link to the grid and generate enough electricity for 1,000 homes.

Other ARPA-E-funded projects are making cheaper batteries, more efficient air conditioners and appliances, experimental algae-based biofuels, carbon sequestration (trapping) technologies and even plants that secrete crude oil.

Source: The Atlantic magazine (Tinyurl.com/SilentGreen)

Identify Illness Before Symptoms Surface Dr. Linda Jarvis, NMD

provides computerized testing services to determine your best path to wellness.

Electrodermal Screenings, Biological Terrain Assessments, and Computerized Regulated Thermography help her determine the exact areas in your body where the natural energy has been disrupted, which can often detect disease before it develops.

Call Today for an Appointment.

Dr. Linda Jarvis, NMD +BSWJT$MJOJD DPN r 4MBVHIUFS 3E t .BEJTPO "-

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December 2012

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globalbriefs Igniting Passion for Healthy Living

Vinyasa Flow Power Yoga Hot Yoga Gentle Yoga Massage Therapy Health Coaching Workshops Meditation

Establishment #2044

Good News Kwanzaa Celebration Spreads The 46th annual Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1, may be observed by as many as 18 million people this year. Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of black studies, as a celebration to honor the values of ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans working for social progress.

The name comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,� which means, “first fruits of the harvest.� Its seven principles are believed to have been key in building strong, productive families and communities in Africa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, a sense of purpose, creativity and faith.

Source: InfoPlease.com

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL

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256-399-YOGA Madison, AL

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wellness naturally

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.

Many Tongues Human Rights Day is December 10 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. Now, the office of the high commissioner for human rights has been awarded the Guinness World Record for having collected, translated and disseminated the declaration into more than 380 languages and dialects, from Abkhaz to Zulu, making it the world’s most universal communication.

The work sets out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women everywhere are entitled, without distinction. It was drafted by representatives from all regions and legal traditions, and has over time been accepted as a contract between governments and their peoples.

Visit Tinyurl.com/UN-HumanRightsDeclaration.

Smiley Face Personalized Social Media Giving Gets Results

Dr. Linda Jarvis, NMD +BSWJT$MJOJD DPN t

Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.org, has enabled his organization to provide a record $40 million in funding for 300,000 U.S. classroom projects, simply by personalizing public appeals for charitable giving. When potential donors enter their personal interests, an online database supplies a list of corresponding classroom projects. For example, artists might consider funding a silkscreen press for an art class. Hikers can purchase trees for a classroom to plant. When the funded project is completed, the donors receive a note from the teacher, along with photos.

DonorsChoose.org maximizes the personalization potential by asking the participants if they want to post their donation on their Facebook wall, where friends may read the post and feel compelled to make their own donation. Teacher-generated Facebook project updates garner even greater success; these two types of Facebook status updates have so far raised a combined $1.9 million.

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Source: SSIReview.org

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ecotip Green Christmas Holiday Planet Savers Here are some fresh ways to tweak family traditions for a greener holiday this and every year.

Incorporate local, sustainable cuisine into the family feast. Ingredients for a traditional holiday dinner can travel up to 30,000 miles. Instead, show support for local community farmers and reduce food transportation miles by choosing a heritage turkey or meatless entrée. Stellar complements may include organic cranberry jelly, mulled apple cider or wine from an area farm, orchard or vineyard.

Solving your health puzzle Herbs Vitamins

Adopt or recycle the Christmas tree. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as many as 33 million live-cut Christmas trees are purchased each year in North America, and most end up in landfills. Fortunately, Christmas tree adoption services like Central California’s Rent a Living Christmas Tree are popping up across the country, allowing them to go on living. The potted trees can be rented and delivered.

If tree adoption services are not yet available locally, make sure to recycle a live holiday tree so it’s turned into landscape mulch for reuse as ground cover to hinder weeds and nourish plantings.

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Reduce energy costs through efficient cooking.

Wait to fire up the oven until the heritage turkey or organic ham is ready to go in; preheating is unnecessary for these slow-roasting items. For baked goods, opt for glass or ceramic pans, which allow cooking time to remain the same while lowering the heat by about 25 degrees. Another energy-saving trick is to place stovetop cookware on the smallest burner possible; more heat will embrace the pan, while less is lost to the surrounding air. A six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner typically wastes more than 40 percent of the energy generated. Crockpots work well for serving other small family dinners during the busy holiday season or anytime; an entire meal requires about 17 cents worth of electricity.

At cleanup time, load up the dishwasher fully. One load of dishes scrubbed in a dishwashing machine uses 37 percent less water than washing the same dishes by hand.

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Send plant-able holiday cards. According to CalRecycle, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States, enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. This year, instead of the usual snail mail, send a bouquet of flowers for the price of a stamp.

Recipients can plant a GreenFieldPaper. com grow-a-note holiday card in the ground and see wildflowers bloom. For plant-able holiday cards that can be personalized with a corporate logo, BotanicalPaperworks.com offers card sets and party favors. natural awakenings

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O

ur culture has fostered the idea that relationships are supposed to be easy, and if not, there must be something wrong with them. We are in the era of the disposable relationship, and have often accustomed ourselves to avoid interpersonal difficulties. Though we jump from relationship to relationship, the difficulties continue to follow us; rarely is it entirely other people, who create adversity, but is in fact our own refusal to face the resistance to love within ourselves. It is a barrier to loving both others and ourselves.

There is no doubt that this is a consumption-driven society, which teaches little of lasting value, and conditions us to replace stuff for newer or ‘better’ stuff. We leave our jobs if we do not like them, or buy new homes because we outgrow them with the accumulation of ever more unneeded stuff. Is it really any wonder this way of thinking has influenced

our relationships as well? The pursuit of perfection, unbridled and driven by our never-ending appetites, keeps us constantly looking for the next ‘best thing’ to satisfy our hunger.

We may say the phrase “soul mate” or hear it freely used, but many of us fail to realize that this concept does not refer merely to compatibility, but to the lessons that a person will bring into our lives. It is highly dubious there is this one perfect mate out there for each of us. Likely, many “soul mates” will come into our lives, each with his or her own lessons and wisdom. Whenever we meet issues in relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, we can be sure this is one such individual. For this person is perfectly suited to provoke us in a way that we need challenged.

Indeed, it may be those whom we have most difficulty accepting who are also our greatest “soul mates” and teachers.

Therefore, by not judging hardships, and instead fostering gratitude for them,

“Love rests on no foundation.

It is an endless ocean, with no beginning or end.” – Rumi we can find life in the most difficult challenges. This process can be beautiful, more so if met with love and acceptance.

The perpetuation of the myth of a perfect romantic love or that a perfect person exists for us began from the earliest of childhood ages. We need only watch a Disney love-themed movie if we need any further convincing.

As children, we have no reason to believe anything other than the myth because it is what society feeds our senses.

However, as we grow up, we continue searching for some semblance of it, even though it leads us from disappointment to disappointment, and may eventually drive us to a jaded and resigned outlook on relationships. We have a choice in this cycle; we can step back from it, redefine our beliefs, and cut the chains of our conditioned behaviors.

The difference between what we often find in seeking ‘love’ and what Love actually is may be a larger chasm than many would imagine. We tell ourselves the story of perfect romantic love, one predicated on the intoxication of hormonal release and passion. Inevitably, some day in the near future, the intoxication wears off and the story falls apart. We bemoan what went wrong and why we always attract the same types of people, and then go chasing after our next fix of this fleeting ‘love’ story.

Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Obviously, this world is quite insane sometimes, but individuals willing to make the efforts needed to break free from insane beliefs can cause ripples of lasting effect for those around them.

This article does not seek to dissuade the belief in love, but rather to redefine it in a way that is mature and lasting, contrary to popular culture and mythology. Love does exist, but we must be willing to find it in ourselves first, then we may find it in others. The world around us is an ever-present mirror in which we may observe the person we present. Carl Jung said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves.” Thus, to change the love we receive, we must change the love we give.

Love is not just a feeling, but is a principle by which we must live our lives. It is a verb, an action, which does not simply happen to us, we must do it. We must be it. As stones cast into water, our actions ripple outward to the world.

What sort of ripples do we cast forth?

Aaron Peavy has had a lifelong passion for inner exploration and personal transformation. Having studied various esoteric and exoteric traditions and practices over the years, he enjoys teaching from his experiences and working with people. natural awakenings

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by Gatlianne

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS METTS

Practice Laughter I stumbled in my walk Tripped right over my feet Floundered like a clod Yet, Did not look around To see if anyone had seen Or if anyone was laughing at me But, Looked around to see If anyone was laughing With me

good as we make it. Instead of getting upset, reactive, angry, or worried we can easily find the humor in situations and make the best of what life gives us.

Bypass reaction. Choose laughter and fully express and experience the feelings that come with it. Take in the full moment. Feel the elation bubble up in your chest and burst forth from your throat. Feel the stretch in your face as you laugh with mouth wide open. Fall over in glee and roll around. Squeal with delight. Laugh until you ache.

–Gatlianne “Stumbled”

Y

ou will notice there isn’t an actual yoga posture this month.

This is very purposeful. Our year is coming to a close and we’ve had monthly postures to try and new perspectives and points of view to ponder. But now is the time to look back over the year, reflect, and see what we want for the coming twelve months. Throughout your reflection, and perhaps when you are configuring your New Year’s resolutions, think not just of what has happened over the year, what you have accomplished

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or done, but what joys you have had.

Where was the laughter in your 2012?

Did you find time to take life and yourself lightly and compassionately?

What gifts did life offer you in the form of fun, joy, love and laughter? What experiences were you given to laugh at and with yourself?

So many times we take life and ourselves so seriously that we miss out on the truly jubilant moments in our lives. Even in the worst of circumstances life will be as bad or

In the coming year, I encourage you to do more of the things that elicit laughter. Go for your joy. Find out what truly brings you happiness and bring more of that into your life. Remove things from your life that take your energy. Find the voice of your bliss.

Reminisce with friends about fun memories. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Watch funny movies. Cackle, giggle, guffaw, and chuckle until your sides hurt and you beg for mercy. Laugh loud, laugh long, laugh often, laugh until you’re breathless and always, always laugh for no reason at all.

M/Gatlianne is an Author, Yoga Instructor, Interfaith Minister and Holistic Health & Reiki Practitioner based in Athens, AL. For more information contact her at M@ Gatlianne.com or visit Gatlianne. com, DeepRiversHealing.com, or DiscoverPath.com.

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It’s All About We Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together

by Linda Sechrist

A

fter decades of studying issues of environmental destruction, poverty and war, Malcolm Hollick, Ph.D., author of The Science of Oneness: A New Worldview for the Twenty-First Century, concluded in 2006 that a better future for humanity requires a more holistic worldview. It must be one that reflects the evidence of both new sciences and established spiritual traditions, all of which point to a deep unity, or Oneness, the grand reality underlying and often belying the superficial testimony of the senses.

Hollick concluded, “We become open to the experience of this unity only when we recognize at the deepest intuitive level that we do not exist as separate selves.” The founder of the Findhorn College Foundation, in

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Scotland, recognized that while the old worldview has disintegrated, the concrete of a new one has not yet set. He also observed how the acceleration of scientific findings—advancing knowledge and understanding of the universe, as well as the meaning and purpose of life—would continue to influence the general worldview.

Within a decade, of the publication of his book, hard scientific evidence across many disciplines—particularly physics and biology—as well as pioneering ideas and anecdotal evidence presented by leading philosophers and authors, affirmed the existence of a reality in which everything is connected and linked in a coherent whole.

Such thinking further revealed that evolution has equipped humans with genetic wiring for

co-creation, cooperation and collaboration. Martin A. Nowak, a professor of biology and mathematics at Harvard University and co-author of Super Cooperators: Altruism, Evolution, and Why We Need Each Other to Succeed, explains that most great innovations of life have resulted not from competition, but cooperation, the real “master architect” of evolution. Nowak believes that figuring out how cooperation comes about and breaks down is the key to human survival as a species.

Books such as The Bond: Connecting Through the Space Between Us, by Lynne McTaggart, a scientific researcher and award-winning journalist, and The Golden Motorcycle Gang: A Story of Transformation, co-authored by motivational speaker Jack Canfield, are helping individuals to see through the illusions of the old “survival of the fittest” and “I win, you lose” paradigms into one expressed in terms of connectedness and relationships. This new “Me-We” thinking and way of being has been spreading; it now informs everything from enlightened environmental stewardship to economics, as well as health and spiritual well-being.

“The transformation of our society, world and universe starts and ends with the transformation of ourselves‌ and in this way to co-create with others and Spirit a person, a community, a civilization, a planet and a cosmos that are whole and harmonious.â€? ~ Malcolm Hollick

How Community Works Canfield emphasizes the valuable lesson of collaboration and cooperation he learned while working for W. Clement Stone, a philanthropist and self-help author: When working together, focus on overlapping goals and interests, and not on differences.

In Chicago, Illinois, where the Eat Fresh Eat Local movement sparks successful collaborations, the focus is on food, rather than issues of race, sex or economic disparity. There, hundreds of people are growing food together in communal spaces on city-owned land, privately owned empty lots and rooftops, as well as in school gardens, food forests and urban farm sites. “Self-reliant, community-operated urban farms and the food centers that retail the produce to residents in surrounding neighborhoods—some in the city’s most isolated and impoverished communities—are economic drivers that create jobs,� says Erika Allen, projects manager of Chicago’s Growing Power office. The daughter of national organization founder Will Allen notes that local workshops resemble a cross-section of the world. “Participants from different countries, cultures and economic levels come together for three meals a day, where we connect, share perspectives and learn from one another.�

Another successful initiative, Building a Healthier Chicago (BHC), brings together the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Office of the Regional Health Administrator of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Chicago Medical Society and the Institute of Medicine of Chicago. The BHC agribusiness project develops and maintains a system of more accessible food supply, distribution and markets where people live, work, play, pray and learn.

Neighbors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, organized park cleanups with the long-range goal of replacing crime and litter with learning. Now, Riverside Park, once an area of urban blight, has both a college-level field research station and grade school outdoor classroom, offering innovative school, adult and community programs operated by the Urban Ecology Center (UEC). Programs serve 44 schools and have spawned two branches in Washington Park and Menomonee Valley to serve residents in those areas.

The UEC’s latest project, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the River Revitalization Foundation, Milwaukee County Parks, private businesses and local landowners, is an arboretum that will protect and restore 40

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acres of land for native species and wildlife habitat along the Milwaukee River. “With the creation of the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, southeastern Wisconsin has a new, biologically diverse space for growing future environmental stewards,” says UEC Executive Director Ken Leinbach. He particularly likes creating spaces and resources that give people that wouldn’t normally connect a place to bump into one another.

Expanding Worldview College settings are similarly intended to encourage stimulating and expansive dialogue among diverse populations. At Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, recent environmental study grads Dana Rubin and Hannah Blackmer met Frances Moore Lappé when she visited to share the message of her book EcoMind: Chang ing the Way We Think, to Create the World We Want. As a result, the pair embraced the need to shift their view of the world away from looming negatives to focus on creating positive connections and meaningful relationships that recognize life’s interdependence and fuel constructive change.

After more research, the duo built a simple website named ConvenientResilience.com and created a blog before commencing a coast-to-coast, 100-day, solutions-oriented journey last summer. They posted nearly 30 “webisodes” of heartfelt interactions with individuals and organizations with stories to tell, like the group at 2100 Lakeside Emergency Men’s Shelter, in Cleveland, Ohio, that is using small-scale, practical and cost-effective solutions to lessen their impact on the environment. “The personal stories we heard affirm what we learned from Frances—that it’s possible to locally solve global problems together,” advise the sojourners, who travel in a grease-powered car.

“Learn to think beyond negative thought traps that engender fear,” advises Lappé. “Thinking, ‘There isn’t enough to go around, so I have to grab what I can now,’ for instance, focuses on separateness and lack, which is precisely what got us into the state we are in.”

Starting Within A big-picture, more-whole-systems perspective forms naturally when individuals come together to explore the power of building intentional coherence. The Art of Hosting (and convening conversations that matter), World Café, Vistar Method for Circles and OpenSpace collaborations leverage technology for the practice of mindfulness to foster deeper connections, authentic conversations and outside-the-box ideas, all contributing to a more enlightened collective intelligence.

One’s own new world perspective can even emerge as a

result of a dark night of the soul, as Patricia Ariadne, Ph.D., author of Drinking the Dragon, has observed with clients that have undergone a personal metamorphosis as a result of the economic downturn. “Often, the entire process of transformation indicates a spiritual initiation—a renewal or rebirth—that acts as an induction into a level of expanded consciousness and new relationship with Spirit,” remarks Ariadne.

“True spiritual progress inevitably leads to a desire to be of greater service to others, to go from ‘Me to We,’ which I believe is our mandate for the 21st century.”

Living mindfully can literally change our brains, states Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., in the introduction to A Mindful Nation, by Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan, which reports on the supporting science. “Mindfulness… can improve our capacity for perspective taking and decision making, and enhance our emotional intelligence and our ability to act with clarity and wisdom, alone and in concert with others.” Kabat-Zinn is the founding director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society, at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, in Worcester.

“A peaceful revolution is being led by ordinary citizens across our nation,” confirms Ryan. “At the core of it is mindfulness—finding ways to slow the mind, pay attention to the present moment and see how you are connected to others and can work in a spirit of cooperation with get things done.”

The inner impulse to recognize the deeper unity of all life and sense the reality of Oneness is bubbling up within individuals, small groups and organizations, and finding expression in writings and teachings, according to Barbara Marx Hubbard, author of Birth 2012 and Beyond: Humanity’s Great Shift to the Age of Conscious Evolution. Individuals that feel compelled to join with others in expanding their consciousness to help foster systemic change and a culture of a higher order are invited to find a compatible group. Hubbard offers webcast training for Agents of Conscious Evolution (ACE), now 3,000 members strong; Craig Hamilton, founder of Integral Enlightenment, provides an online telecourse called Awakening to an Evolu-

tionary Relationship to Life.

“Evolutionaries sense that we are facing a critical moment in the unfolding of our human story and feel called to create pathways to a better future,” says Hamilton. He notes that the 35,000 participants in his most recent introduction to his webcast were interested in where they could find a supportive community of kindred spirits committed to living life on the same level. He states, “We instinctively know that we can accomplish more together.”

A partnership with The Shift Network, which empowers a global movement of those intent on creating an evolutionary shift in consciousness, has enabled Hubbard, a featured sage in the documentary Awaken Soul to Soul, and her ACEs to launch a global initiative to mark the inauguration of a sustainable planetary civilization on December 22. Thousands of individuals are now working in collective hubs across the United States to prepare for the Planetary Birth Day celebration.

An initial concern for many individuals seeking to experience Oneness is, “What happens to my identity?” Christopher M. Bache, Ph.D., professor emeritus in the department of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State University, in Ohio, reassures us that within the matrix of connectivity, individuality is not suffocated, but paradoxically liberated into deeper forms of self-expression.

“While opening to the collective fields that surround us melts the boundaries of the private ego, bringing about the ‘death of self’ noted in spiritual literature, as the ego dies, a deeper form of individuality is born—not an isolated

“My experience has convinced me that fixing the many problems that beset us requires nothing less than ripping up our rulebook and starting afresh, based on something other than every man for himself.” ~ Lynne McTaggart

The Global Birth Day of a New Humanity December 22, 2012 – Birth2012.com Join the Conscious Evolution ArtOfHosting.org BarbaraMarxHubbard.com ConvenientResilience.com GrowingPower.org NewMomentumfhu.org SmallPlanet.org TheShiftNetwork.com TheWorldCafe.com VistarFoundation.org

individuality, but one that thrives in subtle give-and-take,” explains the author of The Living Classroom: Teaching and Collective Consciousness.

While the idea of a future in which American and other cultures reflect oneness can seem distant and idealistic, it is already present in South Africa’s Xhosa community in the form of Ubuntu, a worldview which means, “I am what I am because of who we all are.”

According to South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, Ubuntu iterates the essence of being human and speaks to the fact that it’s impossible to exist as human beings in isolation. We are people through other people.

“We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected, and what you do affects the whole world,” he observes. “When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. For more information and in-depth interviews on It’s All About We, visit ItsAllAboutWe.com.

natural awakenings

December 2012

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wisewords

How does having a heart that’s open to unconditional love benefit us?

How Unconditional Love Harmonizes Our World

The Institute of HeartMath has discovered that the magnetic field generated by the heart—what’s measured on a magnetometer—is 5,000 times stronger than that of the brain. HeartMath research has also demonstrated that when we’re in a positive emotional state, our hearts beat in a coherent rhythm that causes all the other systems in the body—including the brain, immune system and hormones—to work more efficiently and harmoniously. Their research shows that experiencing this regularly leads to better health, slows the aging process and brings us greater creativity, resilience and happiness.

Marci Shimoff Explores its Transformative Power

by Judith Fertig

A

self-described “seeker from the get-go,” Marci Shimoff, is an expert at helping others effect greater personal fulfillment and professional success. The noted transformational leader, speaker and author has written two bestselling books on happiness and unconditional love— Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out and Love for No Reason: 7 Steps for Creating a Life of Unconditional Love, and co-authored six bestselling titles in the Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul series.

What is the old way of looking at love, versus the new paradigm shift you propose?

We’ve been trained to think of love solely as energy between two people, usually experienced as conditional love—we feel love if the other person agrees with us, treats us a particular way or loves us back. But love is actually the essence of who we are, and when we live in a state of unconditional love, what I call “love for no reason,” we experience our essence that is love, which doesn’t depend on another person, situation or romantic partner. It is the core of every spiritual tradition.

Why do our ways of loving often seem inadequate?

We each have a “love set-point,” the upper limit of our ability to give and receive love. We can’t feel more love by trying to change the outside—by relying on others to fill us up—because it will

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never work in the long run. We need to raise our love set-point higher; then we experience everything more through the eyes of love.

Do challenging economic times help us grow spiritually?

We can use any life challenges to help us grow and find fresh avenues of lasting fulfillment. Success and money don’t guarantee happiness, and I know that from my own wake-up call.

In 1998, I had three of my Chicken Soup for the Soul books on The New York Times bestseller list at the same time. One day, I spoke to 8,000 people and autographed 5,432 books and felt like an author rock star. Yet when I returned to my hotel room that night, I burst into tears. All of the success was great, but it still hadn’t made me happy.

That’s when I began my intensive study of happiness and love.

Does science support our capacity to daily experience and deepen a love for all things?

Science is finding that there is a neurophysiology of love. Studies by researchers in major institutions worldwide show that we can do simple things like breathe more deeply, walk barefoot on earth, listen to uplifting music or practice meditation that will support us in experiencing more unconditional love.

These activities create greater heart rhythm coherence and new neural pathways in the brain.

What are the seven doorways to practicing unconditional love revealed by your own research?

I’ve interviewed hundreds of people that are living examples of unconditional love. I’ve found seven access points to experiencing more love: safety, being grounded and present; vitality, energy and well-being; unconditional self-love, feeling empowered; openness, being comfortable giving and receiving love; communication, listening and speaking with love; vision, seeing through the eyes of love; and oneness, feeling connected with the greater wholeness of life.

How does one person’s loving larger bless our families, communities and world?

The more we experience love, the more we spread love to others. Our feelings are contagious. This idea is beautifully expressed in an ancient Chinese proverb: “When there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person.

When there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house.

When there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation.

When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”

Connect with Marci Shimoff at HappyForNoReason.com.

Judith Fertig, of Overland Park, KS, is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

healthykids

Mindful Holiday Traditions Simple Ways to Add Meaning and Family-Centered Fun

by Barbara Amrhein

T

oo many winter holidays whiz by in a blur of presents, parties and rich foods, muting the season’s true messages of love, hope and peace.

By slowing down and refocusing on what makes this time of year so special, we can help our children—and ourselves—create fresh, meaningful traditions and experience genuine joy.

“If the spirit of the season at your home is more ‘Gimme, take me, buy me,’ instead of ‘Deck the halls,’ don’t despair,” advises internationally renowned educator and child expert Michele Borba, Ph.D., author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions:101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. “There are more subtle ways to encourage your kids to appreciate the greatest gifts of the holiday season. The simplest way is to focus on gifts of the heart and letting your kids be participants, not just recipients.”

Try these tips for helping youngsters co-create traditions that celebrate family, friends, sharing with others and the holidays’ festive delights.

Emphasize experiences, not things. Presents can never take the place of presence. Years from now, children will rarely recall what they unwrapped, but will remember special times spent together as a family. Take a nature walk to collect pinecones and other seasonal items for holiday décor.

Designate a Family Night and let the kids choose the activity, like seeing a movie or a holiday performance such as The Nutcracker, playing a favorite board game or building a gingerbread house. At dinner, ask youngsters to relate their favorite holiday memories, and then build upon their responses to plan this year’s celebrations.

Treat cards as treasured gifts.

Gather the family ‘round when opening cards from others, catching up on their news and recalling funny or enjoyable shared moments. Skype calls and videos offer pleasurable immediacy while mailed cards become an appreciated, permanent memento.

Encourage children to create handmade or personalized cards for grandparents and other relatives, enclosing photos or drawings and a short note describing the reasons that person means so much to them. Hand deliver other cards to neighbors, accompanied by a plate of homemade, healthy treats.

Children can also send cards to military personnel overseas via a Red Cross program at Tinyurl.com/HolidayHeroMail.

Practice creative giving. Adopt a less fortunate family or child for the holidays (local churches or social service agencies can provide information)

and ask youngsters to be “Santa’s little helpers” by picking out and thoughtfully wrapping books, toys and other gifts. Help children research good causes and earmark a small amount of money for them to gift to the cause of their choice, such as an animal shelter or other local nonprofit. Honor the gift of time, as well: Youngsters that spend a few hours helping out at a food pantry, caroling at a nursing home or wrapping gifts for Toys for Tots will experience and remember the true joy of giving.

Nurture a sense of the spiritual.

Worship services aren’t the only venue for sharing family values and beliefs with children. On the night of the Winter Solstice, December 21—the shortest day and longest night of the year—enjoy dinner by candlelight. Afterwards, stargaze in the backyard and make some holiday wishes. On another evening, turn off all the lights except the Christmas tree, menorah or other special candles and talk quietly about your blessings. Listening to a CD of carols from around the world reinforces a spirit of unity and invites lively discussions about how other cultures observe their holidays.

Celebrate the season’s sights, sounds and fun. Ask children to help choose a tree and make or buy an ornament with special meaning for them.

Then join in an informal decorating party with holiday tunes (kids get to choose some favorites), cocoa and cookies. Set aside an evening to walk or drive around the neighborhood to admire holiday lights and displays. Those in northern climes can build a family snowman, forge a “snow angel” chain in the yard or go sledding at an area park. As a fun twist on traditional caroling, grab some kazoos and go humming with the kids and their friends. To capture these great holiday moments, ask each child to take turns as the official family photographer.

Borba believes these types of shared experiences help children understand the true meaning of the season and bring back the heartfelt joy it represents. “In the end,” she advises, “remember that the holidays are really meant to be about love, togetherness and wonderful memories.”

Barbara Amrhein is a freelance writer and editor for Natural Awakenings.

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calendarofevents SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Tinsel Trail – Daily throughout December. The Downtown 47 Tinsel Trail will bring a live display of Christmas trees to downtown Huntsville for one month. View over 200 trees that are decorating Big Spring Park during the holiday season. Each tree will be sponsored by a local corporation, group or family, and decorated by its sponsor. Sponsors may also choose to gift their tree to a nonprofit or organization of their choosing. Big Spring Park, 200 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801. TinselTrail.

WordPress.com.

Math Alive! – 9am-5pm, daily throughout 2012.

Math Alive! is designed to inspire, spark the imagination, reveal not only math at work but also the endless possibilities of math. Through unique, interactive experiences, the exhibit takes math from its native form into the applied worlds of design, engineering, technology and science. US Space and Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL. 35805. 800-637-7223. RocketCenter.com.

Marshall County Craft Club Christmas Show 9am-6pm. through December 23. Marshall County Craft Club is a non-profit organization made up of approximately 100 members across North Alabama a portion of each sale goes to help support local children’s charities. Come shop among thousands of handmade items by area crafters. The perfect place to find that “one-of-a-kind� gift. Boaz Plaza Outlet, 214 South McCleskey Street, Boaz, AL 35957.

Divine Masterpieces from the Collection of Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery – 11am4pm, daily throughout December. Organized to compliment Objects of Devotion, this exhibition presents 16 stunning devotional paintings produced in France, Spain, Italy and the Low Countries from

the 14th through 16th centuries, and hand selected from one of the world’s most revered collections of sacred art. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-535-4350.

HsvMuseum.org.

Object of Devotion: Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London – 11am-4pm, daily throughout December.

Drawn from the world’s largest collection of medieval alabasters, this exhibition presents 60 alabaster panels and free standing figures that are among the finest examples of this elegant, yet neglected art form. The exhibition includes a complete set of panels from an altarpiece, and offers a rare glimpse inside the spiritual lives and religious customs of medieval Christians.

Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-535-4350, HsvMuseum.org.

Santa’s Village - 5-9pm, daily throughout December. Selected as Event of the Year by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel, this annual event delights children and adults of all ages. Visitors can stroll amid a nightly snowfall through the magical village among the twinkling lights and holiday finery. Stop by the Toy Shop and watch the “elves� put finishing touches on toys, visit with the reindeer in their stable, decorate a cookie in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, or make a craft in the children’s activity area while local entertainers serenade you with sounds of the season. $20 per family (up to 5 people) or $5 per person. Constitution Village, 109 Gates Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-564-8100, EarlyWorks.com.

Galaxy of Lights: Drive-Through Nights – 5:30-9pm, daily throughout December. Galaxy of Lights is a holiday light extravaganza featuring larger-than-life animated light displays. See Santa soaring over a delightful winter village. Nursery rhyme characters dance and frolic among traditional scenes of the season. And, best of all, experience

the magic of the twinkling icicle forest. Galaxy of Lights is the perfect holiday treat for the young and young-at-heart. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-8304447. Hsvbg.org.

Santa’s Rocket Workshop – 5:30-9pm, daily throughout December. As guests enter the Galaxy of Lights, we invite you to stop at Santa’s Rocket Workshop where Santa’s Propulsion Crew is adding rocket engines to his sleigh. Visitors will get pictures with Santa and see live reindeer, enjoy the lighted aircraft at Aviation Challenge and take a ride on our Rocket Tram. US Space and Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805.

1-800-63-SPACE. Ussrc.com.

EDIT: Santa Train – 10-10:45am. Come on out and see the train decorated inside and out. Talk and visit with Santa on the train and let the little ones have their picture made with him. And surprise, all the good youngsters will get a special treat from Santa before the day is done. We have expanded our schedule to try and make sure everyone gets to ride that wants to. These leisurely Santa Train rides last approximately forty minutes. North Alabama Railroad Museum, 694 Chase Road, Huntsville, AL 35811. 256-851-6276. NorthAlabamaRailroadMuseum.com.

Tally Ho! A Journey into Monte Sano’s Past 10am-4pm. Visit Burritt Mansion for the fall exhibit about Monte Sano’s development and its most prominent landmark, Hotel Monte Sano. The exhibit will showcase the history and development of the mountain and the hotel, with display photographs and artifacts from the hotel such as china, glass lampshades, furniture and the newest acquisition, never before displayed, a bed and chest of drawers from room 245. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-536-2882.

BurrittontheMountain.org.

Huntsville Photographic Society: 2012 Members’ Showcase –11am-4pm. An annual juried selection of

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Advanced Rolf Practitioner Susan K. Jeffreys Consultations Available

Find out what Susan K. Jeffreys and Structural Integration can do for you!

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Structural Integration in the method of Ida P. Rolf

approximately 50 outstanding photographs by members of the Huntsville Photographic Society. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-535-4350. HsvMuseum.org.

Artist Market –12-4pm. Local artists and others are invited to set up a booth at the Flying Monkey Arts Center and sell their wares to the public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records, and more interesting things for sale inside our facility that is safe from rain. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net.

Kris Kringle’s Candlelight Christmas – 4:309pm. The star-lit mountain will be mirrored by more than 600 candles illuminating the sidewalks, adding to the nostalgic feel of the holidays. Music will be featured throughout the mansion and the park in many different styles. Children will enjoy old fashioned crafts such as stringing cranberries and popcorn, making paper punch ornaments and creating handmade cards for loved ones. Admission charged. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-536-2882. BurrittOnTheMountain.org.

Alabama Youth Ballet Nutcracker: A Yuletide Ballet – 7:30-9:30pm. Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre, under the artistic direction of David Herriott and Keren Gibb Hilliard, presents The Nutcracker, A Yuletide Ballet, in the holiday tradition that Huntsville has loved for over 40 years. From the moment the lights dim, attendees will be transported to a magical holiday wonderland filled with adorable children, dancing dolls, marching toy soldiers, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes, and the delicious Land of Sweets. Admission charged. Lee Lyric Theatre, 2500 Meridian St, Huntsville, AL 35811.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 Drop-In Family Art Activity Day Program: Winter Wonderland – Fun Holiday Art Discoveries 2-3:30pm. Warm up with fun art discoveries at HMA this holiday season. Families and children are invited to participate in a range of programs especially designed with younger visitors in mind.

Drop-In Family Art Activity Programs offer fun, interactive art making activities for families with children ages 3 and up. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free with the price of admission, and free for Museum Members.

Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-535-4350. HsvMuseum.org.

Santa’s Village - 5-9pm. Selected as Event of the Year by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel, this annual event delights children and adults of all ages. Visitors can stroll amid a nightly snowfall through the magical village among the twinkling lights and holiday finery. Stop by the Toy Shop and watch the “elves” put finishing touches on toys, visit with the reindeer in their stable, decorate a cookie in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, or make a craft in the children’s activity area while local entertainers serenade you with sounds of the season. Admission charged.

Constitution Village, 109 Gates Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-564-8100, EarlyWorks.com.

An individual has not

started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Unity Church on the Mountain Adult Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Services: 11:00am

UNITY is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer.

UNITY honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual's right to choose a spiritual path.

1328 Governors Drive SE t Huntsville, AL 35801 Prayer - Spiritual Counseling - Weddings Space Available for Workshops

UnityChurchOnTheMountain.org

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 Small Business Lunch & Learn: “The Craft of Writing for Small Businesses” – 12-1pm. More than ever, small businesses represent themselves through writing: business plans, newsletters, email, website copy, Facebook entries, LinkedIn profiles, Twitter, and brochures. Even texting represents your writing skills. This workshop focuses on a few of those crucial areas of writing. Speaker Dr. Sandra Shattuck has over twenty years’ experience teaching writing and literature at the college level and has worked with the National Writing Project. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks will be provided.

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Second Floor Events Room, 915 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-532-5940. Hmcpl.org.

Literature Out Loud: Brave New World – 12-1pm.

Huxley´s vision of the future in his astonishing 1931 novel Brave New World -- a world of tomorrow in which capitalist civilization has been reconstituted through the most efficient scientific and psychological engineering, where the people are genetically designed to be passive, consistently useful to the ruling class. Bailey Cove Branch Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville AL, 35803. 256881-0257. Bcove@Hmcpl.org.

Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade – 6pm. Christmas themed floats and marching bands. Free. Downtown Decatur. 800-524-6181. DecaturJaycees.com.

WENDESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Tasia’s Table Cooking Class: Warm Winter Kitchen – 6-8pm. Join Tasia Malakasis, head cheesemaker at Belle Chevre and author of Tasia’s Table, for a relaxed and informal cooking class, always with tastings of each dish and special wine pairings. Classes will be held in Tasia’s own kitchen, where the cheesemaker and cookbook author cooks nightly. Enjoy a lovely night as Tasia shares her culinary knowledge with you and a few other guests.

Admission is $100 per class, and if you sign up for the whole series, you get one class free. Book on BelleChevre.com, or TasiasTable.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 Nonprofit Lunch & Learn: “Improving Your Nonprofit’s Financial Health” – 12-1:30pm. Learn to understand and manage your nonprofit’s finances.

This webinar will help you to: evaluate how well your nonprofit uses its resources; take your organization’s financial pulse; and adapt to any economic climate. Presenter: Richard Brewster, National Center on Nonprofit Enterprise. $10. Please register through the Library Store online at Store.hmcpl.org. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-532-5940. Hmcpl.org.

Gallery Tour – 5-9pm. Huntsville celebrates the fine arts with a tour of local galleries and the Huntsville Museum of Art. This collective of galleries offers a semi-annual tour, showcasing special features and

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opportunities to engage the arts community. For updates, please check the Lowe Mill or Huntsville Gallery Tour Facebook pages or visit GalleryTour.org.

Four Bitchin Babes Present Jingle Babes – 7:30pm. These four multi-talented gal pals, each a brilliant writer-musician-comedienne, share the stage filling it with luxurious harmonies and sophisticated comedy, creating an amazing evening of raucous delight. Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center, 3320 Triana Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35805.

256-534-6455. MerrimackHall.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Bessie K. Russell Library Winter Book Sale – 10am, Dec 7 to 5pm, Dec 14. Most items will be sold for $0.25. Items include books, magazines, VHS tapes, a small collection of CDs and DVDs. Bessie K. Russell Branch Library, 3011-C Sparkman Drive, Huntsville AL 35810. 256-859-9050.

Russell@hmcpl.org.

Seeds to Sprouts: Winter – 10-11am. Meet other parents while nature comes alive for you and your children. Enjoy stories, lessons, hands-on activities, and guided tours. Also, take advantage of the Frequent “Sprouters” Program and earn a free class for every three paid classes attended. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805, 256-830-4447, HsvBg.org.

Fantasy Playhouse Presents A Christmas Carol 7-9pm. In this musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, travel with Scrooge as he visits his past, present, and future on Christmas Eve. This production has become a family tradition for many in the Tennessee Valley. Call 256-539-6829 for tickets or visit LettheMagicBegin.org. Admission is $14 for students 17 and under, and $20 for adults.

Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Huntsville Ballet Company Presents The Nutcracker –7:30-9:30pm. The Huntsville Ballet Company continues the 2012/2013 season with their 44th annual production of The Nutcracker.

This magical holiday classic has been a Huntsville tradition for over four decades. Don’t miss the magic this holiday season as Huntsville Ballet Company, with choreography by Artistic Director Phillip Otto and accompanied by Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, brings this enchanting story to life at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall. All children performing are registered students of The Huntsville Ballet School. Von Braun Center Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801.

256-533-1953. VonBraunCenter.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 36th Annual Rocket City Marathon – 8am. A 26 mile, 385 yard footrace through Huntsville, Alabama. Starts on Williams St. in front of the Holiday Inn downtown. RunRocketCity.com.

NEACA Annual Christmas Craft Show – 9am7pm. Approximately 200 craftsmen and artists from throughout Alabama and other states will have a selection of unique items including unusual pottery, toys, one-of-a-kind jewelry, room décor, kitchen accessories, etc. Come early and find that special gift. Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-533-1953.

VonBraunCenter.com.

Saturday Scientist: Hello Sunshine –10-11:30am.

How does the Sun affect us? What is it when we feel it’s warmth. Learn the answers to these questions and much more. Play with a solar balloon, experiment with sunscreen, and make your very own solar bead bracelet to take home. US Space and Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805.

1-800-63-SPACE. Ussrc.com.

Parent’s Shopping Day Out – 11am-3pm. This afternoon adventure is designed for children ages 6-12 and is full of age-appropriate, space-related activities, lunch and the acclaimed MathAlive! exhibit, brought to the USSRC through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Education. Admission charged. Advance reservations are required and must be made by 2pm on Friday prior to each event. To RSVP, call 256-721-7114 or visit the USSRC Ticket Desk. US Space and Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805.

Artist Market – 12-4pm. Local artists and others are invited to set up a booth at the Flying Monkey Arts Center and sell their wares to the public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records, and more interesting things for sale. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net.

Informational Presentation Health Coaching 12-1pm. What is it? Making your favorite recipes with a healthy twist. Join Crystal Kiss of Attuned Life Coaching and co-owner of Yoga Fire for an honest look at how our habits can hinder or help our health goals.

Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. Please RSVP to Crystal@ AttunedLife.com or online at YogaFireHSV.com.

Sing-a-long “Sound of Music” – 1pm. The Holiday Family event is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews’ movie (1965) in glorious, full-screen Technicolor, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Admission charged.

Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, 112 Second Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601. 256-340-1778.

PrincessTheatre.org.

Introduction to Kundalini Yoga with Linda Frank – 1:30-3:30pm. This 2-hour class will introduce you to the technology of Kundalini Yoga (KY). KY brings together Body, mind, and spirit.

We will use mantra, the sound current that tunes us into the universe, mudra (hand positions), breathing techniques (pranayama), physical postures (asanas),) and meditation. We will practice positions and techniques to move the energy (prana) up the spine through the energy centers (chakras). $35. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758.

256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Spiritual Wisdom on Dreams – 2-3pm. Free introductory presentation and discussion for people of all faiths. Learn how to have better recall and understanding of your dreams―as both real spiritual experiences and practical tools for improving your everyday life.

Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (near Five Points). 256-534-1751. ECK-Alabama.org.

Holiday Concert featuring the U.S. Army Four Star Jazz Orchestra & the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra – 7-9pm. Join us for two great big bands, the U.S. Army Four Star Jazz Orchestra and the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra, for a night of holiday music, dancing and song. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Atrium, 915 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-532-5940. Hmcpl.org.

Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes – Decatur’s historic districts are decorated for the season with several houses in both districts open for tours.

Refreshments and carriage rides are available.

Admission charged. Old Decatur and Albany Historic Districts, Bank St NE and Gordon Dr SE, Decatur, AL 35602. DecaturCVB.org.

Local Healer Book Signing – 12-4pm. Shaman Healer Katy Glenn Willis signs copies of her new book, American Sizism Sucks. Lowe Mill Artist Market, Second Floor, at Beloved Books. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 Classic Films in Focus with Jennifer Garlen – 6-8:30pm. Join film critic Jennifer Garlen for the second event of a lecture/film series featuring classic movies. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-5325940. Hmcpl.org.

The Heart Behind the Music – 7:30pm. The Heart Behind the Music Songwriter’s Showcase provides an up close and personal look into the heart behind the songs written and performed by some of the most talented artists in the music industry. Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts, 112 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601. 256-340-1778. PrincessTheatre.org.

generate the electricity we need for our homes, businesses, schools, and factories. Students will learn about the causes of static electricity and observe how it can affect us in our daily lives. Also students will create a miniature “Galaxy of Lights� display to take home. Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-830-4447. Hsvbg.org.

How to Do Things: Be a Paid Actor – 6:30-8pm.

How can you get paid as an actor? Bill Billions, President of Hollywood Huntsville, discusses acting with excellence, fi nding an agent, and auditioning for real TV and movie roles. Bill is a Los Angeles-trained actor who can explain how to get started in the industry, and bring Hollywood to Huntsville. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Second Floor Meeting Room, 915 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-532-5940.

Hmcpl.org.

the Christmas Eve of 1941. You will hear more than two-dozen Christmas carols, many of them vintage hymns, and hilarious yuletide stories.

Tickets are $20 and are available on-line or by calling 256-536-2882. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. Burritt OnTheMountain.org.

TAI CHI Weimin Kwauk Instructor Tai Chi and Meditation

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Christmas Party with “Austin Row Reality Show� Cast & Crew –6-11pm. Celebrate Christmas with the Cast and Crew of Austin Row Reality Show with Food, Fun, Festivities, Door Prizes, Music and more. Pre-registration required. Tickets not available at the door, RSVP required. Guests will be a part of live taping. Show to air on ABC WAAY-TV Channel 31. Because this event will be pre-recorded for television, registration is required before exact location will be provided. $35. Bridge Street Town Center, 340 The Bridge Street, Suite 206, Huntsville, AL 35806. 256-327-8400. MeetUp.com.

Sanders Family Christmas – 7pm, Dec 12-16; 2:30pm, Dec 15 & 16. For the 7th year in a row Burritt on the Mountain and Renaissance Theatre are bringing A Sanders Family Christmas to the Old Country Church. In this sequel to Smoke on the Mountain, the Sanders family returns to Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, on

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Write Right Lunch & Learn: “I Think I Can: Writing for Children� – 12-1pm. Learn how to write entertaining and meaningful books for children with tips on idea development, story structure, and more from an award-winning author. Presenter: Hester Bass, author of The Secret World of Walter Anderson. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks will be provided.

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Second Floor Events Room, 915 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-532-5940. Hmcpl.org.

Galaxy of Lights: Physical Science in the Garden, grades K-2 – 12-1:30pm. Identify renewable and nonrenewable energy sources which are used to

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Mandy Barnett’s Winter Wonderland – 7:309:30pm. An uncompromising singer whose style is rooted in the classic country of Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, Webb Pierce, and Brenda Lee, Mandy Barnett’s keen interpretive sense enables her to delve into a song, study the intricacies of its emotional content, and render a powerful performance through her full-bodied voice. She returns to Merrimack Hall for a performance of her holiday album, Winter Wonderland. $30 for Adults in Main Floor seating. Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center, 3320 Triana Boulevard, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-5346455. MerrimackHall.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

injuries encountered in yoga. You’ll learn how to avoid and heal wrist, back, neck, shoulder and hip pain and explore the use of props to make your practice more safe, fun and challenging. $35. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758.

256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 Winter Solstice Celebration – 7pm. Join with us as we celebrate our holiday season by welcoming in the “Light.” There will be an evening of heart felt stories, beautiful music and meaningful rituals.

Bring your friends and family as we open our hearts and minds to the magic of the holidays. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

True Wisdom: The Master’s Love – 7:30-8pm.

Knology Cable Channel 11. Inspiring stories and insights from Harold Klemp, spiritual leader and acclaimed author of more than sixty books on ECKANKAR. Learn how to experience the highest form of communication between God and Soul.

Free. 256-534-1751. ECK-Alabama.org.

Winter Solstice Celebration – 7pm. A celebration of this Sacred Gate has been a tradition since ancient times. Ceremony, rituals, song, and fellowship. Whether or not the Mayans are right, we don’t miss an opportunity to party. Refreshments. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35816. 256-895-0255.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

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Holiday Restoratives: Yoga Workshop – 12-2pm.

Give some well-needed replenishment back to yourself during this busy season with this truly restoring yoga workshop. Restorative yoga uses props such as blankets, walls, and blocks in order for you to relax into poses. Feel free to bring extra blankets for yourself. You will leave feeling truly supported and soothed. $35. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Meditation in Motion – 1-4 pm. Integrate yoga and meditation with this moving meditation workshop using the power of Sun Salutations. This donation based class (suggested $20) is lead by Gatlianne, this workshop focuses on setting our intentions and utilizing affirmation. Participants will be taught the flow of a Sun Salutation, meditation, and how to put the two together to create a meditative yoga flow. The Sun Salutations will be done in several short rounds with each round intended for a specific purpose by using an intention statement or affirmation. Pose modifications will also be taught. The rounds may also be utilized with upcoming New Year’s Resolutions Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

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Huntsville Swing Dance Society’s Holiday DJ Dance – 7-11pm. Huntsville Swing Dance Society’s Holiday Event includes a lesson at 7pm and an 8pm DJ dance. Charged. The dance will be held in the Flying Monkey Arts Theatre on the second floor.

Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net.

Jim Brickman: On A Winter’s Night – 9-10pm.

Jim Brickman continues to wow audience members year after year with his intimate and beloved holiday tour. The best-selling piano artist and his special guests will delight the audience with classic and contemporary holiday music, fan favorites and songs from Brickman’s latest CD, Believe. Dazzling solo piano, vibrant vocals, warmth, and humor make this an ideal winter’s night celebration. Von Braun Center Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-533-1953. VonBraunCenter.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 Avoiding & Healing Common Yoga Injuries with Naomi Jacobs-el – 3:30-5:30pm. This 2-hour workshop will explore the causes and most common

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration The Symphony Tour – 8pm. Von Braun Center Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801. VonBraunCenter.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 Sixth Annual Evening of Dance – 7pm, Fri/Sat. Merrimack Hall is proud to present our 6th Annual Evening of Dance, a weekend of dance events showcasing performance and choreography talent from across the Southeast. All proceeds from this weekend of events benefit the Johnny Stallings Arts Program. Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center, 3320 Triana Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35805. 256-5346455. MerrimackHall.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 Yoga Fire Holiday Open House – 10am-2pm. Join us from for sample classes, tasty healthy treats and savings. Bring your mat, bring a friend and work off some of that holiday festivities with a variety of classes all day. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 “Burning Bowl” Service with Rev. Phillip Fischer – 11am. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, AL. 256-536-2271. Unity ChurchOnTheMountain.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 World Peace Meditation – 6am. Every year millions of peace minded souls come together at the same time to hold a space of peace and love for our world.

We have been honoring this since our Center began, over 25 years. All are invited to this sacred event. If you have a special prayer to offer we welcome it. There will be a breakfast offered afterwards at the Moss Garden (Trey and David’s home). Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

New Years Resolution Class – 2-4pm. Come invest your time in this Vinyasa flow yoga and group health coaching class to set powerful and planned new years resolutions. Donation based class. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

New Year’s-The American Way presented by Huntsville Symphony Orchestra –7:30-9:30pm. Join the HSO on New Year’s Eve and celebrate great American music. The Symphony is joined by members of the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band bringing in the New Year the American Way. Von Braun Center Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville, AL 35801.

256-533-1953. VonBraunCenter.com.

Terramé New Years Eve Ball Drop – 8pm-12am. Huntsville’s Official New Year’s Eve Ball Drop with a spectacular fireworks show in downtown Huntsville. We will be selling t-shirts to promote, bring awareness, and raise money for Operation Green Team. We will also be supporting other organizations that will offer events downtown on New Year’s Eve including The Art Museum, Downtown 47, The Huntsville Symphony and Hospice Care. Each of these organizations will receive some of the proceeds from t-shirt sales. Big Spring Park, 200 Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801.

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accessible to even the tightest of muscles. Postures are done primarily on the floor. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

ongoingevents sunday

monday

Meditation – 8:30am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596.

CSL-Huntsville.org.

Hot Vinyasa Yoga – 5:30am. A challenging, fun yoga practice which utilizes a dynamic combination of strength, flexibility, stabilization, stamina, cardio, and concentration. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380.

HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am. Shared reading and group discussions. Extra books available.

Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville, AL. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org.

Revealing Service – 9:45am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596.

CSL-Huntsville.org.

Silent Contemplation – 10am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Celebration Service – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Youth Church – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596.

CSL-Huntsville.org.

Unity Church on the Mountain Service – 11am.

Adult Sunday School at 9:30am. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Reverend Phillip Fischer.

Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, AL. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.org.

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, AL. 256-895-0255.

LightOfChristCenter.org.

Hot Hatha – 2pm. Slow and controlled postures combined with proper alignment, breathing technique and biomechanical principles provides an invigorating workout for students of all abilities.

Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Hot Ballet – 4pm. Wonder why ballet dancers have the best bodies? Now, you can, too, with this inventive and challenging class that tones, sculpts, strengthens and increases flexibility. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380.

HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Hot Yoga for Athletes – 6pm. This dynamic class focuses on improving hip, hamstring, back, chest and shoulder flexibility which are essential for injury prevention. Led by Karen, an accomplished Ironman triathlete. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Ignite Yoga – 6-7am. A heated power yoga class with strength-building focus achieved through standing poses. We utilize a quick-paced, hot yoga approach to increase your training heart rate and fitness levels. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758.

256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Beginner Vinyasa Yoga – 9-10am. This beginnerpaced class is a smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is faster-paced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758.

256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

tuesday Hot Power Flow Yoga – 9am. Drawing on the best of all yoga disciplines, we mix it up— power/flow/ Bikram. For all levels and all ages. Builds stamina, flexibility, strength, balance and focus. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Ignite Yoga – 9-10am. A heated power yoga class with strength-building focus achieved through standing poses. We utilize a quick-paced, hot yoga approach to increase your training heart rate and fitness levels.

Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

Pilates – 10:30-11:30am. Pilates is a core strengthening fitness system developed to primarily assist professional dancers and athletes by expanding their strength, flexibility and mind-body control. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

Hot 26 Yoga – 9am. Based on the 26 poses of the Bikram series, Hot Hatha Yoga builds strength, flexibility and balance, increasing cardiovascular and circulatory systems, while toning muscles. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Hot 26 Yoga – 5:45pm. Based on the 26 poses of the Bikram series, Hot Hatha Yoga builds strength, flexibility and balance, increasing cardiovascular and circulatory systems, while toning muscles. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Hot Power Yoga – 12pm, 4:30pm, and 7pm. This flowing practice heals and detoxifies the body, and brings harmony to the mind, body and spirit. burn fat, tighten and tone. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380.

HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Beginner Vinyasa Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. This beginnerpaced class is a smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is faster-paced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. A smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is faster-paced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Beginner Vinyasa Yoga – 6-7pm. This beginner-paced class is a smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is faster-paced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Yoga Class – 6-7:15pm. Iyengar-based yoga focuses on form, technique and alignment. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Suite C, Huntsville, AL. 256704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com.

Ignite Yoga – 7:15-8:15pm. A heated power yoga class with strength-building focus achieved through standing poses. We utilize a quick-paced, hot yoga approach to increase your training heart rate and fitness levels.

Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

Yin Yoga – 7:30pm. Come take it down a notch in a cooler room. Yin is a deep, yet gentle class and is

Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org.

Beginner/Intermediate Mat Class – 6-7pm. This class adds more exercises from the series and will challenge oneÊs mind/body connections. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville, AL. 256-704-5080.

BodyLanguagePilates.com.

Toastmasters: Redstone Toastmasters – 6-7:30pm.

The Apollo Room, Radisson Hotel, 8721 Madison Boulevard, Madison, AL. Guests always welcome.

Redstone.FreeToastHost.net.

Insight Yoga – 7-8pm. A new concept in personal discovery. This class opens with 20 minutes of calming and centering yoga poses, moving into a theme-based and purposeful personal journaling, finishing with a directed relaxation session. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Hot Power Yoga – 7:30pm. This flowing practice heals and detoxifies the body, and brings harmony to the mind, body and spirit. burn fat, tighten and tone. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

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wednesday Hot Vinyasa Yoga – 5:30am. A challenging, fun yoga practice which utilizes a dynamic combination of strength, flexibility, stabilization, stamina, cardio, and concentration. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380.

HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 9-10am. A smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is fasterpaced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Yoga PPP – 9:15am. A challenging, body sculpting class designed to stretch, strengthen and tone through a dynamic blend of yoga, Pilates, and callisthenic inspired moves. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380.

HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Hot Power Yoga –12pm and 6pm. This flowing practice heals and detoxifies the body, and brings harmony to the mind, body and spirit. burn fat, tighten and tone. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOf Huntsville.com.

Yin Yoga – 12-1pm. A very relaxed form of yoga in which we practice inward consciousness during longer poses to help you go deeper into connective tissues supporting greater relaxation and flexibility. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Hot Yoga for Athletes – 6pm. This dynamic class focuses on improving hip, hamstring, back, chest and shoulder flexibility which are essential for injury prevention. Led by Karen, an accomplished Ironman triathlete. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOf Huntsville.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. A smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is faster-paced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Ignite Yoga – 6-7pm. A heated power yoga class with

strength-building focus achieved through standing poses. We utilize a quick-paced, hot yoga approach to increase your training heart rate and fitness levels.

Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

HypnoBirthing Classes – 6-8:30pm. Each class is a series of 5 consecutive weeks and includes the HypnoBirthing book and Rainbow Relaxation CD. Classes are held at „A Nurturing Moment,‰ 7540 Memorial Parkway SW, Ste B, Huntsville, AL 35802. To register, contact Marsha Mathes, HB Practitioner, at 256-6982151 or Mathes79@knology.net.

Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org.

Art Critique at Lowe Mill – 6-7pm, fourth Wednesday of each month. In the interest of nourishing our expanding artistsÊ community we are reviving the Art Critique here at Lowe Mill. The hope is that these critiques provide opportunity for Artist: interaction, expression, and growth. All we ask is that all attending come with the spirit to: create, share and express without reservation. Lowe Mill‎, 2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville, AL. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net‎.

Satsang – 6:30pm. Satsang is a sanskrit word that means” to sit in truth.” Satsang is a meeting with our true nature that is pure awareness. This sacred circle brings an opportunity to explore our deepest knowing.

Through group discussion and inquiry, we reveal the innate wisdom of the one presence living life as each one of us. Led by Rev. David Leonard. Meditation at 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville, AL. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

“You Are A Powerful Creator” – 6:30pm. A class that will guide you how to create the life you want.

Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, AL. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOn TheMountain.org.

Pilates – 7:15-8:15pm. Pilates is a core strengthening fitness system developed to primarily assist professional dancers and athletes by expanding their strength, flexibility and mind-body control. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

Power Barre Yoga – 7:15pm. Get your heart pumping in this fantastic and fun total body workout set to the latest music. Burn calories while toning, sculpting and strengthening thighs, buttocks, calves, abs/core. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

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. 256-361-9575.

Email: rmsg@att.net.

thursday Hot Power Flow Yoga – 9am. Drawing on the best of all yoga disciplines, we mix it up— power/flow/ Bikram. For all levels and all ages. Builds stamina, flexibility, strength, balance and focus. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Beginner Vinyasa Yoga – 9-10am. This beginnerpaced class is a smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is faster-paced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758.

256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Fusion Pilates – 9-10am. A fusion of Pilates and Hanna Somatic work teaching one to access and strengthen oneÊs deepest connections bringing balance to oneÊs spine and overall posture. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville, AL. 256-704-5080.

BodyLanguagePilates.com.

Mommy Vinyasa Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. A mom centered vinyasa flow class that you can conveniently bring your young children to. Your children will be happily entertained and exposed to fun yoga games while mommy gets a work out. For 10 years of age and younger. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Ignite Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. A heated power yoga class with strength-building focus achieved through standing poses. We utilize a quick-paced, hot yoga approach to increase your training heart rate and fitness levels.

Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

Hot 26 Yoga – 9am. Based on the 26 poses of the Bikram series, Hot Hatha Yoga builds strength, flexibility and balance, increasing cardiovascular and circulatory systems, while toning muscles. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL

AQUAPONICS Aquaponics Training: Learn from table top, to backyard, to commerical scale operation.

Free Farm Tours: Held on the 1st Saturday of each month at 9 a.m.

Be prepared with food independence and save on groceries.

Grow your own fresh fish, shrimp and organic produce.

TodaysGreenAcres.com

34

Tennessee Valley

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a

256-679-9488

35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Align & Wine! – 6-9:30pm. Yoga with Mitzi at the Huntsville Museum of Art. Cost and additional details at MitziConnell.com. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St S, Huntsville, AL. HsvMuseum.org. „Course in Miracles‰ – 6:30pm. A class that will positively change your life. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville, AL. 256-536-2271.

UnityChurchOnTheMountain.org.

Yin Yoga – 7-8pm. A very relaxed form of yoga in which we practice inward consciousness during longer poses to help you go deeper into connective tissues supporting greater relaxation and flexibility. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Hot Yoga 101 – 7:30pm. This beginners class covers the basics of yoga to help students build a solid foundation for their practice. Instructors work one-on-one with students and help with hands-on adjustments to help refine alignment and/or balance. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763.

256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

friday Hot Vinyasa Yoga – 5:30am. A challenging, fun yoga practice which utilizes a dynamic combination of strength, flexibility, stabilization, stamina, cardio, and concentration. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380.

HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Hot 26 Yoga – 9am. Based on the 26 poses of the Bikram series, Hot Hatha Yoga builds strength, flexibility and balance, increasing cardiovascular and circulatory systems, while toning muscles. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-5856380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Ignite Yoga – 9-10am. A heated power yoga class with strength-building focus achieved through standing poses. We utilize a quick-paced, hot yoga approach to increase your training heart rate and fitness levels. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758.

256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Hot Power Yoga –12pm. This flowing practice heals and detoxifies the body, and brings harmony to the mind, body and spirit. burn fat, tighten and tone. Hot

Kundalini Yoga – 12-1pm. This class will introduce the technology of Kundalini Yoga. No special experience or prior knowledge is required. We will work with the subtle energies of the body through the practice of mental focus, breathing technique, physical postures and meditation. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 9-10am. A smooth progressive flow of poses, synchronized to the breath. This yoga style is a discipline derived from Hatha yoga, is fasterpaced with emphasis placed on transitions and breathing. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Suite A, Madison, AL 35758. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHSV.com.

Core Conditioning Pilates – 4:30-5:30m. Pilates is a core strengthening fitness system developed to primarily assist professional dancers and athletes by expanding their strength, flexibility and mind-body control. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

HypnoBirthing Classes – 10am-12:30pm. Each class is a series of 5 consecutive weeks and includes the HypnoBirthing book and Rainbow Relaxation CD. Classes will be held at „Hypnosis, Facials & Massage by Marsha,‰ 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Ste 116, Huntsville, AL 35801. To register, contact Marsha Mathes, HB Practitioner, at 256-698-2151 or Mathes79@knology.net.

Hot Power Flow Yoga – 4:30pm. Drawing on the best of all yoga disciplines, we mix it up— power/flow/ Bikram. For all levels and all ages. Builds stamina, flexibility, strength, balance and focus. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

Ignite Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. A heated power yoga class with strength-building focus achieved through standing poses. We utilize a quick-paced, hot yoga approach to increase your training heart rate and fitness levels. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399-YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

Ballerina Pilates – 6-7pm. Developed by Audrey Fafard, Certified Pilates Instructor and dancer. Ballerina Pilates is a specific technique using the powerful Pilates fundamentals and proper anatomical form blended with movement and graceful Ballet exercises and stretches.

Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison, AL. 256-399YOGA. YogaFireHsv.com.

Hot Yoga 101 – 10:30am. This beginners class covers the basics of yoga to help students build a solid foundation for their practice. Instructors work one-on-one with students and help with hands-on adjustments to help refine alignment and/or balance. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763.

256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

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, AL. 256-895-0255.

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 Dr, Huntsville, AL. FlyingMonkeyArts.org.

Paranormal Study Center – 6:30pm, 4th Friday each month. Meets at Radisson Hotel/Olympus Room, 8721 Madison Blvd, Madison, AL. For more information, contact Lamont Hamilton at WorldPsychic@email.com.

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 (except 12/22, 12/29). Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (near Five Points). 256-534-1751.

ECK-Alabama.org.

saturday Jack OÊLantern Farm Market – Sat: 9am-2pm; Sun: 3-7pm. Open year-round. Upscale farmers market. Hydroponic vegetables, local honey, certified naturally grown vegetables. Garage Rd on TVA Reservation, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661. 256-386-2335. JackOLanternFarm.com.

Reiki Free Clinic (no charge) – 2-4pm. Every Third Saturday of each month. Center for Personal Growth, 924-B Merchant Walk Way SW, Huntsville, AL. For appointments, contact Shari Feinman-Prior at Shari1717@gmail.com.

Ashtanga Inspired Yoga – 9am. Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic system of yoga that links pose with breath

Jin Shin Jyutsu®

More than 20 years of experience.

of Huntsville

Aiding Healing through Body Harmony & Relaxation

SANDRA COPE

Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner (256) 534-1794 Office (256) 509-3540 Cell

which detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Hot Yoga of Huntsville, 326 Sutton Rd, Suite J, Huntsville, AL 35763. 256-585-6380. HotYogaOfHuntsville.com.

ealth lternatives colon irrigation 2817 Hwy 72 E. Huntsville, AL 35811

Amelia Self Colon Hydrotherapist

Huntsville, Alabama

Call for your appointment today.

256-513-2274 natural awakenings

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256-652-4244 December 2012

35

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.

ACUPUNCTURE THE NEELEY CENTER FOR HEALTH 600 Saint Clair Avenue SW, Bldg. 5 Suite 11 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-716-4048 Hours: T-F, 9am-5pm, Sat 8am-12pm House calls by Appointment Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Chinese Herbology, Pastoral Counseling, Beam Ray Therapy, Rapid Eye Technology, Nutritional Supplementation, Detoxification.

CHILD BIRTH SERVICES

COLON HYDROTHERAPY HOPE FOR LIFE COLON HYDROTHERAPY Amanda Mashburn, owner/certified 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 this ad and get $10 off your first colonic session.

ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY CENTER FOR PERSONAL GROWTH Shari Feinman-Prior 915-B Merchant Walk Way, SW Huntsville, AL 35801 256-289-3331 Shari1717@gmail.com “SPARK YOUR LIGHT” FROM WITHIN YOUR TRUE BEING and TRANSFORM your life. Offering an individualized integrative approach from energy psychology: Inner Counselor Process, Rapid Eye Technology, Healing Touch, Reiki, and Life Skills Coaching, to create change in deep seated patterns of behavior for a healthy and joyful life.

10 MOONS RISING BIRTH SERVICES Donna Mitchell CPM, CLC, BMsc 10MoonsRising.com Midwife@consultant.com 256-566-9305 Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee 10 Moons Rising Birth Services offers education and resources for women during pregnancy. We offer counseling in nutrition, herbal teas, VBACs, Out of Hospital births in TN and MS, midwifery care, prenatal visits, postpartum visits, doulas and monitrices.

We specialize in natural birth options in the North Alabama/Tennessee area. We have Certified Lactation Consultants also available for consult.

JARVIS NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC 1489 Slaughter Road, Madison 256-837-3448 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.

ENERGY HEALING CENTER FOR DIRECTIONAL HEALING™

COLON HYDROTHERAPY CENTER FOR OPTIMAL WELLBEING U’Jeana Wilson Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist Degree in Psychology 256-489-9806 Center for Optimal Wellbeing is the longest operating colonic therapy provider in Huntsville. First time clients have expressed immediate feelings of increased energy levels and improved efficiency in waste elimination. You will enjoy the experience of your own “personal cleansing spa” as you receive colon hydrotherapy (colonic), far infrared sauna, an optional massaging shower, and ionic footbath services—in a clean, comfortable, and relaxing private environment. Call for directions and a 10% discount on your first service when you mention Natural Awakenings or use code COWB.

Susan Spalding 2225 Drake Ave. SW, Suite 18 Huntsville, 35805 256-882-0360 DirectionalHealing.com For over 20 years, Susan Spalding and the staff at the Center for Directional Healing have been helping people achieve harmonic health through Directional Healing, Reflexology, and now the Amethyst Biomat.

Clients may choose a single service, or combine all three for the most complete healing experience. Healing techniques, articles, and more information are available online at DirectionalHealing.com.

FAMILY MEDICINE 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.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. ~ Dalai Lama

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HAIR SALON

JIN SHIN JYUTSU®

CJ HAIR AND ART STUDIO

JIN SHIN JYUTSU OF HUNTSVILLE

CJ Denison 105E Church St Madison, AL 35758 256-603-9018

Sandra Cope Huntsville 256-534-1794 256-509-3540

LIGHT OF CHRIST CENTER

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.

Specializing in NATURAL Hairstyles. Cuts with Texture and Movement. Specializing in Fine Hair, Razor cuts, Men's Hair Pieces with A NATURAL Look.

Specializing in Hair Color OFF the Scalp. Hair Painting. A Safer way to Color or HiLight Your Hair to Help in Decreasing the Exposure to the Scalp. HEALTHY HAIR is HAPPY HAIR. Also Original Art Work and Private Art lessons available. Call Today for YOUR Appointment.

HYPNOTHERAPY

MASSAGE CAROLYN NEAL (L.M.T. #422) 220 Rhett Ave, Suite D Huntsville, AL 35801 256-694-9044 With over 15 years of experience. Specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue massage, Myotherapy, as well as Repetitive Use Injury Therapy (RITI). Call Today for Appointment.

CENTER FOR INNER WELLNESS Becky Waters Certified Hypnotherapist and Professional Breathworker 3322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 641 Huntsville, AL 256-348-5236 Creating positive change through hypnotherapy and Breathwork. Empowering you to live to your highest potential. Relieve stress and anxiety, release negativity, pain management, pre/post medical procedure, fears/phobias, weight loss, smoking cessation, and more

MARSHA MATHES Certified Hypnotist 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: • HypnoBirthing Classes • 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

MEETING ROOMS/ EVENT SPACE 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville 256-895-0255 LightOfChristCenter.org The Light of Christ Center is comfortably situated in a vintage Centenarian House conveniently located near the UAHuntsville campus. Our Center facilities are available for rent to both members and non-members. We offer our Spiritual Home as your ideal venue for weddings, receptions, memorial services, classes/workshops and other gatherings. Call 256-895-0255 and leave a message if you’re interested in a tour or to speak with someone about your event. Amenities available: • Kitchen (microwave only) • Solarium • Lounge/Salon • Roundtable Room (meeting/dining) • Chapel (w/up to 50 chairs)

CLOUD NINE Evening and Weekend Appointments 256-337-6989 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.

DIXIE PHILLIPS (LMT#2151) Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste #116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-585-0504 Hoss2ride@otelco.net With six years experience, Dixie uses Deep Tissue, Swedish, Fascia BodyWork, Reiki, Jin Shin Do and Medicupping to release stress, knots and improve circulation for overall wellness

MUSIC THERAPY HEALING SOUNDS MUSIC THERAPY Stephanie Bolton, MA, MT-BC 256-655-0648 ImageryAndMusic.com Huntsville, Alabama-based music therapy practice focused on improving personal health and wellness using guided imagery and music techniques. Currently providing workshops and individual consultations.

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATES Dr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D. 1230 Slaughter Road, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 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.

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. ~ Mahatma Gandhi natural awakenings

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PILATES

REIKI

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

BODY LANGUAGE, INC.

REIKI FREE CLINIC (NO CHARGE)

JACI HOGUE

305 Jefferson St., Ste. C 256-704-5080 sybil@bodylanguagepilates.com BodyLanguagePilates.com

Shari Feinman-Prior 915-B Merchant Walk Way, SW Huntsville, AL 35801 Shari1717@gmail.com

256-656-4108 jaci@alabamarolfmethod.com AlabamaRolfMethod.com

Our goal is to teach individuals how to take control of their health and well-being through the Pilates method, Pilates 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.

2-4pm, every Third Saturday of each month. Contact Shari Feinman-Prior at Shari1717@gmail.com for info.

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.

SHAMAN HEALER KATY GLENN WILLIS 256-426-0232 katyglennwillis@yahoo.com KatyShamanHealer.blogspot.com

REIKI MARY MORALES Universal & Karuna Reiki Master 256-584-8081 KungaLhadon@aol.com Reiki is a simple natural and safe method of healing. Reiki treats the physical body, the emotions, and the mind and spirit, creating many beneficial effects. Many have experienced miraculous results.

Reiki works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

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.

WATER, WILLOW & MOON SHAMANIC HEALING Jeffrey Rich 256-337-1699 WaterWillowMoon.com Jeffrey.Rich@gmail.com "Medicine for the Soul," shamanic healing is the sacred technology which can help you achieve wholeness by addressing the spiritual causes of disease.

Follow your instincts. That’s where true wisdom manifests itself.

Empty? Out of sorts? Something "just not right"? "Haven't been the same since ..."?

Explore the techniques of shamanic healing and find answers. Offering Soul Retrieval, Thoughtform Unraveling, Illumination, Space Clearing, Past Life Work and much more.

~ Oprah Winfrey

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION SUSAN K. JEFFREYS Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 2336A Whitesburg Drive 256-512-2094 RolfGuild.org Serving Huntsville since 1995 “When the body gets working appropriately, then the force of gravity can flow through. Then spontaneously, the body heals itself.” —Ida P. Rolf

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TRANSFORMATIONAL PROCESS COACH JASON KENDRICK 303-653-7533 Jason@JasonKendrickBooks.com JasonKendrickBooks.com By positively reinforcing change and holding a space of nonjudgment, Jason Kendrick, The Go-To Guru, helps the Recently Rockbottomed to rebound upward in a self-validating discovery process of remembering and reclaiming their resonant Soul Purpose, which ignites and propels a passion that emancipates Joy. • Usui Reiki Master • Indigo Adult • Intuitive Healer and Counselor • Energy Healer • Energetic Conversation Facilitator • Author and Speaker

WHOLE FOOD NUTRITION JUICE PLUS WELLNESS COACH Nutrition made easy Nikki Skidmore 256-527-3822 NikkiSkidmoreJuicePlus.com Simple, whole food nutrition of 25 fruits and vegetables a day helps ensure you get the nutrition your body desperately needs. Juice Plus+ is the best, most affordable way to bridge the gap between what you should and do eat. Kids eat Juice Plus+ free with an adult order. Call Nikki today to find out how.

Happy Holidays!

natural awakenings

December 2012

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Bio-Identical Hormones Save the Day WOMEN DO YOU SUFFER FROM?

MEN DO YOU SUFFER FROM?

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Are we all destined to experience unpleasant changes in our bodies as we age? It’s a fact that as we age, our hormone levels decline or may become out of balance. Individualized biologically identical hormone replacement therapy can help you restore your magnificence and grace at any stage of life.

To find out if Bio-Identical hormones are right for you contact Progressive Family Medicine for a consultation.

Progressive

Family Medicine

Ask about Thermography to screen for Breast Disease and Cancer with NO radiation.

Alternative Medicine Associates Chad Gilliam M.M.S. PA-C

256.722.0555

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Progress Towards Wellness & Prevention