Natural Awakenings September 2014

H E A L T H Y

FREE

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

Creative Hearts Art, Music and Dance Pierce through Dementia

Say Yes to Yoga

THE CONSCIOUS CAREGIVER Seven Steps Deepen the Caregiving Experience

It Boosts Health, Peace, Community and Spirituality

Create an Eco-Bathroom Gentle Ways to Give It a Sheen that’s Green

September 2014

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contents 5 newsbriefs

9 10

9 healthbriefs

18 healingways 20 greenliving

14 CONSCIOUS

CAREGIVING

Nurture Yourself While Helping Another

22 fitbody

by Deborah Shouse

23 inspiration

18 SPARKING CREATIVITY

24 wisewords

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

26 calendar 27 classifieds 29 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

IN ELDERS WITH DEMENTIA

Re-Engaging Through Art, Music and Dance

by Deborah Shouse

20 A LOVELY LOO THAT’S ALL GREEN, TOO

Tips for Eco-Friendly Plants, Shades and Cleaners

22 SAY YES TO YOGA

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.

by Lynda Bassett

Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words.

Content limited to special events and other announcements.

No advertorials, please.

23 OM SWEET OM

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

EXPLORES A YOGIC LIFE

24 KAMINI DESAI Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery

by Linda Sechrist

*All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

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Sounding the Key Note of the Universe

by Sam Saunders

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@Natvalley.com

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It Boosts Health, Peace, Community and Spirituality

Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

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.

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by Avery Mack

HOW TO ADVERTISE

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS*

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September 2014

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letterfrompublisher “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” ~Eleanor Brownn

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@Natvalley.com 404-395-9634 Co-Publisher, Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@Natvalley.com 256-476-6537 Design and Production Melanie Rankin Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Facebook.com/natvalley

© 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $20 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

We are taught to be selfless in the service of others.

This is a lofty and solemn goal. There is a dignity to the thought, a rarified reverence, and a sense of absolute virtue. There is no nobler act, especially, than to care for another who cannot care for themselves.

By contrast, the notion of putting ourselves first sounds scandalous. Selfish.

Contemptible. Not in the sense that it is a descent into evil, but rather as a failure to achieve the highest good. The mandate of selfless service to others compels that we be perfect in this regard. Total and complete sacrifice of our own time, desires, wants and needs is the standard to which we hold ourselves. Anything less is shameful, when there is a loved one who needs our care. Putting ourselves first is simply not an option in the context of how we see it. We must put the other person first or we are not a loving being.

But what if there was another way to look at it, another way to approach the moral imperatives that drive us when it comes to giving care to others vs. caring for ourselves? It starts with a reconception of what it means to put ourselves first.

Think of it in terms of numbers. A math metaphor, if you will. Visualize a one followed by zeros. The one is the self, and the rest of the all, everyone and everything, are the zeroes. If you put the one first, followed by zeros, as in…

1000 and 10000000000000 …then you can add as many zeroes as you want and the value of both the one and the all increases, exponentially. However, if you put the one second, as in…

01 or 0000000001 …then the value of the one, and the all, diminishes drastically.

In this conception, putting the one, or oneself, first, is the true value proposition. In practical terms, putting oneself first means taking care of oneself with the same intensity of dedication that we would extend to our loved ones who need us.

This means we follow the basics of self-care: getting adequate rest, nutrition, exercise, and personal time to do what we need to do to replenish ourselves energetically, psychically and emotionally.

We don’t lose anything by putting ourselves first. In fact, we gain the ability to serve others better.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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newsbriefs Indigenous Chiefs and Wisdom Keepers Gather for Star Knowledge Conference near Nashville, Sept 18-20

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ndigenous Chiefs and Wisdom Keepers will gather near Nashville, TN, September 18-20 for the Star Knowledge Nashville Conference to share Sacred Knowledge of the Earth, stars, and ascended realms. The conference is being held at the Montgomery Bell State Park Conference Center, located in Burns, TN about 30 miles west of Nashville.

According to coordinator Janice Mickle, the purpose of the event is to share ancient spiritual teachings, heal humanity and the Earth, and celebrate The Great Thanksgiving. “It is a powerful time of giving thanks for the manifestations of our heart’s desires,” Mickle says. The event features more than 30 speakers, including Chief Golden Light Eagle, Grandmother SilverStar, and Jerry Wills plus over 20 workshops with gifted psychics, healers, educators, life coaches and energy workers.

Conference vendors will provide pottery, paintings, organic farm info, Native American music and clothing, crystals, drums, sacred painting and more. Live Native American Music will be featured each evening, including Singer Terri Sings with Ravens Rivera, Yolanda Martinez and many more, plus some native Nashville Sound. All attendees are invited to the Fall Equinox Sunrise Ceremony, Sunday, September 21 at Nashville’s own Sacred Site, Mound Bottom, located just a few miles from the Conference Center.

Register for all 3 days of the Conference for only $222 or $88 for a single day, please specify day(s).

Register by phone/fax, 800-221-6801 or go online to StarKnowledgeNashville.com.

For more info, contact Janice Mickle at 615-830-1512. See ad, page 11.

A Spiritual Community supporting the practice of knowing God in the heart of every person.

ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES! New Thought Classes

Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm

Revealing Services Sundays 9:45am

Celebration Services Sundays 10:30am

Meditation

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6:00pm

Satsang

Wednesdays 6:30pm

Chakras and Archetypes: Uniting Energy Awareness and Spiritual Growth

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rchetypes are patterns of behavior which we adopt or aspire to in our daily life. They are held in what is called the “Collective Unconscious.” Oftentimes they remain unconscious for us, which means that they drive us without us knowing why.

Much of the archetypal energy is carried in the chakra system. Each of the chakras vibrates to particular frequencies and those frequencies are expressed as archetypal images. So for instance, the root chakra, which is all about survival and belonging to the tribe, vibrates with the mother and the victim archetypes. When you work with this energy, issues of vitality, strength, selfconfidence can become resolved.

Marti Hanba will be presenting a class on “Chakras and Archetypes: Uniting Energy Awareness and Spiritual Growth” at the Light of Christ Center starting Tuesday, September 9 at 7pm. The class will run for 10 weeks. Class fee is $100 plus materials.

Location: Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. For further information, phone 256-771-7252 or e-mail to MHanba@gmail.com. See ad, page 7.

Rev. David Leonard Transforming Lives and Making the World a Better Place

www.cslhuntsville.org

308 Lily Flagg Rd.

883-8596

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newsbriefs The Paranormal Study Center Welcomes Ron & Jerrine Gray: “Our Living World”

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on and Jerrine have been together since 1990, when Ron worked for Boeing, and Jerrine was establishing her therapeutic massage practice.

Each of them already had a well-developed sensitivity for working with energy fields, and Ron decided to begin studies in Polarity Therapy with Jerrine when she signed up for that certification.

Ron continued his studies in anatomy, passed the National Certification exam, they were also among the first group of massage therapists to beJerrine and Ron Gray come licensed in Alabama. In 1994, they opened up a little rock shop called “The Dream Maker” with therapy rooms in the back, and their next chapter began.

“Our goal is to promote harmony between the individual and his world through nature. We travel several times a year to ensure a good selection of items from around the world, from rock shop items to a plethora of unique gifts, as well as candles, incense, Eastern and Native American items, and beautiful handmade jewelry,” says Ron.

Their New Age Metaphysical Gift Shop offers thousands of choices for out of the ordinary special gifts, including handmade wire-wrap originals. Ron has been creating beautiful works of art for over 20 years and can be purchased at DreamMakerShop.com.

Everyone is welcome to join this fun and exciting educational evening.

Location: The Hilton Garden Inn, 4801 Governors House Dr, (next to Landry’s Seafood), Friday, Sept 26 at 6:30-9pm. Public Admission is $10. For more information, visit ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com or Meetup.com/Huntsville-ParanormalStudy-Center.

Essential Oils for Better Health Workshop

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n “Essential Oils for Better Health” workshop will be held on September 20 from 9-5pm at the SpringHill Suites Marriott in Huntsville.

The workshop will provide real solutions for eliminating stress, neck, back, knee and shoulder pain while healing underlying causes. Other topics that will be discussed will be overcoming fatigue, depression, anxiety, balancing hormones naturally as well as learning to protect yourself and your family from the upcoming superbugs like strep, staph and MRSA. Learn how to use and apply essential oils.

The presenter will be Nancy Sanderson, sister of Gary Young, the founder of Young Living Oils. For 20 years, the name Young Living Oils has been synonymous with quality and purity in therapeutic grade essential oils. The cost of the event is $32.50. To purchase tickets, visit TicketLeap.com and search for “Essential Oils for Better Health.”

Location: SpringHill Suites Marriott, 745 Constellation Place Dr, Huntsville, 35801.

For information contact Kin Erickson ND at 864-380-6838 or by email AtLiving ByDivineDesign@gmail.com.

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“Make it Rain” with Satisfied Clients, Less Hours, More Leisure and a Profitable Return on Investment (ROI)

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usiness owners can become perplexed by the psychology of marketing their business. Often their marketing strategy consists of allocating Betty Perryman minimal funds for a marketing budget and providing content and graphics for marketing their products and services. A lack of strategic planning ultimately results in a failure to realize a return on investment. Entrepreneurs can be disillusioned with marketing and convinced that the solution is to work longer hours before they will see the fruits of their labor. These entrepreneurs dream of spending less time working, more time with their families and a fair profit from their ROI.

Natural Awakenings will be hosting two workshops presented by Betty Perryman, director of the American Coaching School. The purpose of the workshop is to provide marketing strategies and resources to attendees that they can utilize in real time. Workshops will be offered in three convenient locations: Huntsville and Decatur. The workshops are for business owners and entrepreneurs interested in establishing personalized marketing strategies designed to grow your business with satisfied clients, leverage your hours to give you freedom to spend more leisure time with your family and result in bottom-line profits.

Register now and “Make It Rain.”

Huntsville Workshop: Thursday, 9/25, 6pm. Decatur Workshop: Tuesday, 9/30, 6pm. Locations: TBA. RSVP with Cindy Wilson at 256-340-1122 or email Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com.

Pearly’s Natural Foods Moving to a New Location

Light Of Christ Center

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early’s Natural Foods and Mercantile is moving from their current location on South Memorial Parkway to a new address on Governors Drive. The move will be completed by September 2, when the store anticipates reopening at the new location.

Pearly’s (formerly Pearly Gates Natural Foods) is Huntsville’s original health food store, starting as a food co-op in 1968.

Pearly’s has been at its location on the ParkDenise and Deanna way since 1972, and is a familiar Huntsville landmark. Pearly’s carries a unique selection of vitamins and supplements, bulk herbs, essential oils and aromatherapy products, herbal teas, dried fruit and nuts, bulk dry goods and baking products, and general grocery items. Pearly’s has a commitment to stocking local products from farmers, artisans, craftspeople and service providers.

Pearly’s features 750 herbs, spices and herbal blends, including products that you won’t find elsewhere. “We definitely specialize in those hard-to-find items,” says Manager Denise Hadley, who has worked at Pearly’s for 18 years. “We actually have the largest selection of herbs in the Southeast,” she says.

Pearly’s is also Huntsville’s original source for homebrew beer and wine making, according to Deanna Copeland McGrew, Pearly’s owner.

Deanna and Denise are pleased with their new location, and they believe it will be easy to find for their customers.

“We’re excited about our new location, and we look forward to seeing you there!” says Deanna.

New location: 2818 Governors Dr West, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-534-6233. Pearlys NaturalFoods@gmail.com. Facebook.com/PearlysNaturalFoodsAndMercantile.

Every Sunday: A Course In Miracles Study Group

9:15am Sundays

1-Hour Mystery School 11am Sundays

Affirmations, Music, Mystery Message, Fellowship, An Open Communion Table

This Month:

JoAnn Parks & Max the Crystal Skull 6:30pm Friday, Sept 5, $25 admission Contact Melissa Posey (256) 652-5125

Building Budget Benefit Lunch 12:30pm Sun, Sept 7, $6 Chakras & Archetypes Class Begins 7pm Tue, Sept 9 Feng Shui Class Begins 7pm Wed, Sept 10 Open Clearance Session 7pm Fri, Sept 19 Autumn Equinox Service 7pm Mon, Sept 22

Fascia BodyWork Workshop

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his class is all about how to “work smart, not hard” Fascia BodyWork is a deep tissue massage that is just as rewarding for the therapist as it is for the client. It is fascia specific, not muscle specific. There is no digit work. It is performed with flat, smooth surfaces such as the back of the fist, the flat of the palm, and the back of the forearm.

The goal of Fascia BodyWork is to create a more fluid fascia rather than “gel-like” or restricted fascia. This type of massage stroke function is to create a drag on the tissue instead of a gliding stroke. This drag assists the fascia to become more flowing. By allowing the fascia to flow more freely, it allows the muscles more functionality and flexibility, thereby increasing the range of motion.

This workshop will be held at Parkway Office Center, 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Ste 116, Huntsville on September 20-21 from 8:30am-5:30pm for 16 NCBTMB CE’s for LMTs. Early bird special coast is $295 if paid by September 12, otherwise it is $325.

The instructor, Marsha Mathes, is a NCBTMB Approved Provider #326, AL state-approved provider and a licensed massage therapist. She has been practicing massage therapy for 18 years.

To register, please contact Marsha at 256-698-2151 or Mathes79@knology.net.

For more information, please visit MarshaMathes.SkinCareTherapy.net. See listing, page 30.

Spiritual Triumvirate 2014 Donell Koch—Will Hoffpauir - Nancy Pendegraph

Let Your Light Manifest on Earth

4208 Holmes Ave. NW

Huntsville, Alabama

256-895-0255 www.lightofchristcenter.org

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newsbriefs A Different Kind of Workout Offered At Madison Ballroom

B Grow Your Own Business Organically

contact me:

Cindy Wilson 256-476-6537 us.nyrorganic.com/shop/cindywilson

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.

odyFlow, the Yoga/Pilates/Tai Chi-based fitness program from Les Mills International has found an enthusiastic home at Madison Ballroom. “My body craves these classes,” says BodyFlow participant Wanda W. “I can already feel the benefits in my increased strength and flexibility.”

The program incorporates controlled breathing and concentration to create a holistic body-mind workout that leaves participants feeling centered and calm. As each class ends with a relaxation and meditation exercise, BodyFlow reduces stress levels as well as burns calories.

Instructor Kim Kerr encourages anyone interested in BodyFlow to come try a class: “Beginners are always welcome, and everyone works within their own comfort zone and abilities. My goal is to challenge you without overwhelming you.” New participant Rick S. agrees, saying, “The exercises are do-able, even for someone like me—old, overweight and under-exercised. There are different levels of intensity for each of the moves, so I was able to participate at an appropriate level right from the start.” Advanced participants are offered higher-level options to maximize their workout.

Expectant mothers are also welcome, as the poses and moves can be adapted to accommodate their unique needs and changing bodies. Pregnant women are asked to contact the studio in advance, so the instructor can be prepared.

No advance registration is required. New participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes and to bring a yoga mat, if they have one.

BodyFlow classes are offered at Madison Ballroom on Hwy 20 every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-7pm. Classes are pay-as-you-go, with no minimum commitment.

256-461-1900. Dance@MadisonBallroom.com. See ad, page 13.

~Maya Angelou

Visit our new location and let us take care of you.

256.534.2954 www.healingartshuntsville.com 525 Fountain Row in Huntsville — between Williams Avenue & Manning Drive downtown

Massage

7.5x3.25 0714.indd 1 8 HAC AdTennessee Valley

Structural Integration

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Reiki

Biomat Sessions

Reflexology

7/11/14 12:11 PM

healthbriefs

Yoga Boosts Hearts, Shrinks Waistlines

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wo scientific reviews of human clinical research have found that hatha yoga significantly reduces heart disease risk factors.

Researchers from Germany’s University of Duisburg-Essen reviewed 44 studies involving more than 3,000 people. Overall, the studies found that hatha yoga significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Yoga participants also showed lower respiratory and heartbeat rates, significantly reduced triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol.

Several important diabetes risk markers decreased among the yoga participants; they also realized smaller waistlines.

Similar results were reached by scientists from the United Kingdom’s Warwick Medical School. In analyzing 11 studies involving 800 people, they found that regular yoga exercise both reduced diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides and increased beneficial HDL cholesterol levels.

Elite Bioidentical Hormone Center of Madison

Licorice Root Reduces Dangerous Fat

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new study published in the journal Nutrafoods has confirmed that licorice extract helps reduce visceral fat in obese adults. The study tested 60 men and 60 women that were clinically obese with body mass index (BMI) scores of over 30.

For three months, they were given either a placebo pill or 300 milligrams per day of licorice root extract.

Then they were tested for visceral fat using CT scans and measured for waist circumference, waist-to-hip measurements and BMI scores. The licorice extract group had significantly fewer visceral fat cells, lower BMI scores and reduced waist circumference compared with the placebo group. Previous research with the extract also showed similar weight-loss effects among human subjects.

TONGUE DIAGNOSIS REVEALS SLEEP DISORDERS

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raditional medicines have long utilized tongue analysis to diagnose various disorders. Now, a recent study from the Republic of Korea’s Institute of Oriental Medicine supports the accuracy of this ancient health practice in the area of sleep dysfunction.

The researchers studied two separate groups of 153 people and 454 elderly people; in both, the color of their tongues was analyzed and compared with cases of sleep disorders within each group. Those experiencing sleep dysfunctions had a paler tongue color compared with those in the healthy group; they also had more thickly coated tongues.

256-722-0555 1230 Slaughter Rd, Suite C Madison, AL 35758

MadisonFamilyCare.com

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Vitamin D3 Cuts Antibiotic Use by Elderly

R A health food store with more!

Massage us, oc f r Reflexology o f g! ort Herbalist n p i p Clinical n u r S a

, le y r o mem

esearch from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, in Australia, has found supplemental vitamin D3 reduces the incidence of infection among seniors. More than 600 subjects, ages 60 to 84, were divided into three groups and for one year took either 1,000 international units (IU) a day of vitamin D3, 2,000 IU a day of vitamin D3, or a placebo.

Those given the 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day were 28 percent less likely to require antibiotics prescriptions than those taking the placebo. Those older than 70 years were 47 percent less likely to be prescribed antibiotics than the placebo group.

RAISINS LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE AND DIABETES RISK

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Known for Knowledge & Service that sets us apart Locally owned Serving Huntsville for nearly 50 years!

256-883-4127 7540 South Memorial Parkway Rosie’s Shopping Center Huntsville, AL 9:30-5:30 M-F; 9:30-2:30 Sat.

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Make your community a little GREENER …

Support our advertisers For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community source: the350project.net

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esearchers from the University of Kentucky have determined that snacking on raisins can decrease high blood pressure and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. For 12 weeks, 46 men and women snacked on either processed snack foods or raisins.

At the beginning and end of each month, the researchers tested for blood glucose, diabetic risk markers and blood pressure.

Raisin snacking was found to reduce blood pressure while improving blood glucose and diabetic risk factors. The researchers concluded, “Regular consumption of raisins may reduce glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure.”

Antioxidant Supplements Improve Eye Health

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ye health may be improved by taking certain antioxidant supplements, according to researchers at Austria’s Medical University of Vienna. They studied 40 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 split into two groups, giving a control group a placebo pill and the other a supplement containing vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, copper, selenium, gingko biloba, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-lipoic acid.

The medical scientists tested the health and blood flow of the retinal artery, which feeds the eye with blood and nutrients. The results of the two-week trial showed the supplements significantly improved blood flow through the retinal arteries. The supplements also helped protect the retinal arteries from free radical damage.

The scientists concluded that such supplementation can prevent a type of cellular dysfunction in the eye induced by oxidative stress that is assumed to play a role in age-related macular degeneration.

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The Benefits of Personal Training

News to Share?

Do you have a special event in the community?

Are you opening a new office or moving?

Recently become certified in a new modality?

Let us know about it!

by Lindsey Ellegood

H

ow many times have you set fitness goals for yourself, started back to the gym, only to give up within a few weeks? We all need help sometimes. As a personal trainer, I sometimes struggle with the same issues as everybody else. That’s why I have spent hours working with a personal trainer, myself. If the thought of going out in public in shorts, tank tops, or putting on a bikini this summer is not enough to motivate you, a personal trainer just might be the answer. We all need help with exercise whether we’re just starting out or whether we’ve been working at it for a long time. Whether you need an individualized program to lose weight, or just need that motivational push and accountability that a trainer can provide, the sooner you get started the better. After all, the hours and hard work that you put in are an investment in your overall health, wellbeing, and appearance. Let’s face it! We all feel so much better when we look our best. Whether you need to lose 50 pounds or just want to look and feel better, having your own personal trainer

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could be the answer for you. Here are just a few of the reasons why we can achieve so much more by working with a personal trainer.

IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH. The primary reason people hire personal trainers is to get assistance to improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, endurance, and just feel better overall. A trainer will monitor your health and progress and make adjustments to your program to fit your needs.

HELP YOU REACH AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. A personal trainer can help you set realistic goals for weight loss through healthy eating while shaping and toning your body with an individualized exercise plan.

If you’ve always wanted to lose that last 20 pounds, tone up, or just be a healthier person but haven’t been able to do it on your own, a trainer can keep

you on track and get you there. She can provide you with safe strategies to reach that goal while providing you with the encouragement you need.

GIVE YOU NEW IDEAS ON HEALTH NUTRITION AND FITNESS. There is so much information out there on fitness, health, and nutrition that it can become overwhelming for the average person. A good trainer keeps up with the latest information out there and can help you out with tips and tricks so you can develop healthier eating habits and holds you accountable to taking care of yourself nutritionally, physically, and, therefore, improving your overall health.

Water, WilloW & Moon

Transformational Bodywork and Shamanic Healing

www.waterwillowmoon.com

Jeffrey rich, lMt 656 jeffrey.rich@gmail.com

256-337-1699

PROPER TECHNIQUE AND FORM. There is no substitute for having a trainer provide you with immediate feedback on proper form and technique while you work out. Trainers pay attention to you so you get the most out of your exercise and achieve your goals more quickly by making sure you do each exercise correctly. They are there to improve your form, posture, increase your strength, and help keep you safe from injury. Your trainer should change up your routine on a regular basis and help you out when you reach a plateau.

PERSONALIZED WORKOUT. Your personal trainer will create a specific workout plan just for you. If weight loss is your goal, she should be able to get you on track by eating a healthier diet, also. Your plan should be based on what you want to achieve. She can help you find out what works for you in a way that will help you get fit and healthy and ultimately take responsibility for your own health. A good trainer can get you maximum results in a minimum amount of time.

HELPING YOU STAY MOTIVATED. One of the biggest challenges the exerciser faces is sticking to the plan. A personal trainer can provide motivation that will help you develop a lifestyle that places a high priority on health and fitness.

BENEFIT FROM THE BUDDY SYSTEM. There can be nothing better than having a regular time set up to meet and workout with someone who will provide you with the individualized attention that you need to meet whatever fitness goals you set for yourself.

EGO BOOST. It’s a fact when you look good you feel better!

Not only can your personal trainer help you achieve your health and fitness goals, they can provide you with positive feedback on your performance and bolster your confidence to take on new challenges. Let’s face it! Sometimes just a pat on the back can do wonders to help us achieve the goals we set for ourselves.

Lindsey Ellegood is a Women’s Fitness Trainer certified in Personal Training, Zumba Fitness, and Nutrition. See listing, page 31.

Jin Shin Jyutsu® of Huntsville

Aiding Healing through Body Harmony & Relaxation

SANDRA COPE

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

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September 2014

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to keep her husband as engaged and active as possible.

When she had difficult issues to discuss, she’d make a “talking date” with him, offering choices by saying, “I’d love to chat with you. Would Tuesday before dinner or Thursday after breakfast work for you?” Before the date, she’d select a comfortable room and clear her mind by meditating, napping or mindfully sipping herbal tea. The conversations would cover anything from how to work with their health professionals to plans for his end-of-life ceremony.

They agreed on strategies and worked together as a team.

Redefine Assistance

Conscious Caregiving Nurture Yourself While Helping Another

by Deborah Shouse

I

“

f you’re depressed, tired or sick, your caregiving is likely to suffer,” counsels John Schall, CEO of Caregiver Action Network, in Washington, D.C., and a former family caregiver.

“For the sake of your loved one, take care of yourself.”

The AARP estimates that some 34 million family caregivers provide for someone that is ill or disabled in the U.S. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, in Bethesda, Maryland, caregivers generally struggle with finding time for themselves, managing emotional and physical stress and balancing work and family responsibilities.

Experts suggest that the following seven steps can help people enjoy a healthier, less stressful and more conscious approach to care giving— and receiving.

Reframe Care

When Lori La Bey’s mom was diagnosed with dementia, the daughter initially felt she was the only family 14

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member that could help her. However, gradually, the Minneapolis-based international caregiver advocate and founder of AlzheimersSpeaks.com learned to welcome help from others.

“Being perfect gets in the way of true connections,” she observes.

Although La Bey began her caregiving out of love, the volume of related tasks soon sparked stress. That’s when she taught herself to slow down and reframe her outlook: Before going into her mom’s room, folding her laundry, scheduling healthcare practitioners and delivering dinner, La Bey paused to consciously ask: “Is Mom safe, happy and pain-free?” Centering on those three questions reminded her that she was doing this work out of love.

Psychotherapist Diana Denholm, Ph.D., of West Palm Beach, Florida, heightened her own consciousness by learning to see caregiving as a collaborative effort. Denholm, author of The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook: Caring for Your Seriously Ill Husband, Caring for Yourself (CaregivingWife.com), sought

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“I’ll carry your luggage for you, Dad, since you’re not feeling well”… La Bey still remembers her father’s downturned mouth as she tugged the suitcase out of his hands. “I was trying to be helpful, but instead I took away his dignity and power,” she later realized. “If I had packed his bag lighter, he could have carried it like always.”

When are we helping and when are we doing too much?

“Put yourself in the sick person’s shoes. Avoid doing something the person can do for himself,” agrees Denholm. Controlling behavior changes the dynamics of the relationship and can put the caregiver in a parental role. She recommends a holistic brainstorming exercise in which the caregiver writes answers to such questions as: What am I frustrated about? What really annoys me? Why am I angry with myself?

The results offer a window to understanding our own feelings. “Feeling anger could mean we’re acting codependently and taking on too many responsibilities,” Denholm says. “The caregiver’s job isn’t to save the patient, but merely to support him or her in necessary ways.”

Ask for Help

“I don’t want to be a burden,” and “We’re afraid of losing our privacy,” and “I’m the only one who can take care of him; no one else can do it right,” are common concerns. “These self-limiting beliefs prevent people from reaching out for help,” says family caregiver and life coach Yosaif August,

founder of Yes To Life Coaching (YesToLifeCoaching.com), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and author of Coaching for Caregivers: How to Reach Out Before You Burn Out.

August quotes a recent Johns Hopkins study that reported caregivers might improve their health “… when caregiving is done willingly, at manageable levels and with individuals who are capable of expressing gratitude.”

Accepting assistance makes caregiving more manageable.

August understands how overwhelming the experience can be and advises caregivers to ask themselves: “What do I need help with right now?”

Keep answers specific, such as, “I need someone to prepare dinner tomorrow night, mow the lawn and pick up our vitamins.”

August also suggests creating a family Declaration of Interdependence, a personal statement documenting how the family prefers to be helped, along with the attitudes and behaviors they find especially supportive. Encourage family and friends to ask these two questions: “Are you open to advice?” and “Is this a good time to talk about your spouse’s condition?” Make much-needed breaks sacrosanct from such discussions.

Nurture through Nourishment

More than 50 percent of caregivers surveyed in a 21st-century study spearheaded by the National Alliance for Caregiving reported, “I don’t have time to take care of myself.” That can translate to a lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and little or no respite.

“If you aren’t healthy and strong, you can’t properly care for anyone else,” says Liana Werner-Gray, New York City natural lifestyle consultant and author of The Earth Diet (TheEarthDiet.org). To begin each day, she advises drinking one cup of warm water with juice from half a lemon, explaining that stress produces acid and lemon water metabolizes as alkalinity and helps keep the body’s pH balanced.

For healthy snacks, Werner-Gray recommends easy and nutrition-rich choices like fresh fruits, green smoothies, organic nut butters and a trail mix

Extending a Hand to Caregivers If your caregiving friends can’t articulate what they need, try these lovely offerings. n Send a cheerful card.

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n Weed their garden. n Cook a meal. n Schedule a walk together. n Sit with a loved one for several hours so they can run errands. n Volunteer to get their car washed. n Take them to a movie or out to dinner. n Buy a gift certificate to use online. n Treat them to a massage. of raw nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Save time with the smoothies by making a large batch and freezing portions to enjoy later. A basic recipe might include two handfuls of greens, such as spinach and kale, a banana and other fruits, almond milk or purified water and maybe adding flaxseed, cinnamon or goji berries. When appropriate, share the same health-boosting foods with the loved one.

Victoria Moran, of New York City, is the director of the Main Street Vegan Academy and author of a dozen books on health and well-being including Main Street Vegan and Living a Charmed Life. She offers such conscious eating tips as eating full meals of “real” food instead of snacks; selecting beautiful foods; and ritualizing indulgences, such as a special spot for relaxing with high-quality dark chocolate and tea using good china while listening to classical music.

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Even though caregivers may feel they don’t have time to spare, Dr. Jordan D. Metzl, author of The Exercise Cure, says it’s vital to incorporate physical activity. He recommends starting by walking 30 minutes a day for one month. If necessary, it can be done in 10-minute increments.

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According to when she drifts Make a list of favorite a study by Mayo off to sleep. She ways to relax and renew also writes out her Clinic Physician James Levine, during short respites, such intention for the Ph.D., in Scottsdale, day, envisioning as reading, listening to positive outcomes.

Arizona, “Sitting is the new smokmusic, stepping outside, She might affirm: ing.” Researchers “I am going to sipping coffee with friends have a grace-filled have linked sitting for long periods of or taking a hot shower, day. Things will go time with a number smoothly.” and refer to it often.

Denholm of health concerns centers herself by that include obesity, petting her cats. Some caregivers chant metabolic syndrome and increased or practice meditation or mindful risks of death from cardiovascular breathing, while others might take a disease and cancer. The solution is to walk, shop, or sit quietly in a church. move more and sit less—walk while on the phone and stand up while reading. Metzl suggests a stretch break Notice Blessings every 20 minutes. Three of his “comLa Bey discovered that her journey as mandments” for fitness are having fun, a caregiver also dramatically enhanced setting goals and minimizing sitting. her own life. “Mom taught me so

“Schedule exercise and respite much,” she relates. “I learned compasbreaks and make them as inviolate as a sion and unconditional love on multidoctor’s visit,” advises Schall. ple levels. I learned to live in gratitude, instead of loss.”

Commune with Spirit

August notes, “Even in the tough August suggests establishing a twofold times, I experienced an engaged, poiconsciousness-raising ritual to welcome gnant and rich connection with and appreciate life. Begin each day by my parents.”

For Denholm, treasured gifts inshowing gratitude for being alive and cluded strengthening her communicaend it focused on forgiveness and gratition with her husband and working as tude. “When you cultivate gratitude, a team. you notice more things to be grateful

“Allowing yourself to reach out for for,” says August. assistance and make time for respite

La Bey concurs, and writes down will deeply enrich your caregiving exat least five things she is grateful for perience,” concludes Schall. every day. She mentally replays time with her mom and appreciates the little moments and signs of hope, Deborah Shouse is the author of Love in like “the twinkle in Mom’s eye or the the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in way she held hands and smiled.” This the Caregiver’s Journey. Follow her blog at puts her in an upbeat frame of mind DeborahShouseWrites.wordpress.com.

Online Help for Caregivers AlzheimersSpeaks.com Radio show, blogs, free webinars and resource directory CaregiverAction.org Advocacy, peer support and other practical information CarePages.com Free patient blogs connect friends and family CaringBridge.org Share views and receive support LotsaHelpingHands.org Coordinates ways to address specific needs by those rallying to help ShareTheCare.org Join in organizing a healing team and/ or support system TheCaregiverSpace.org Free social network to share experiences, find critical resources, cope with stress and learn to fulfill care partner roles most effectively CaregivingWife.com Helps caregivers solve problems, learn survival tips and improve the care partners’ relationship

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Sparking Creativity in Elders with Dementia Re-Engaging Through Art, Music and Dance

by Deborah Shouse

I

s there a way to upend the limits of Alzheimer’s disease? Expressive therapies focus on what people can do and their successes. Cultural programs offer creative opportunities for those with dementia and their care partners.

Artful Imagination Prompts Participation

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“Looking at art and making observations gives people living with dementia a chance to exercise their imagination and creativity,” says Susan Shifrin, Ph.D., director of ARTZ Philadelphia, part of the Artists for Alzheimer’s program founded by John Zeisel, Ph.D., and Sean Caulfield. “There are no right or wrong answers. People are enlivened, realizing they still have ideas to contribute.”

Prior to a museum visit, an ARTZ facilitator brings photos of familiar works of art that evoke memories, emotions and conversation to a care facility.

The facilitator then tailors a museum visit so that the most engaging works of art are viewed. A similarly beneficial at-home ARTZ experience relates to the individual’s background or interests, looking for images that tell a story

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about families or feature animals the loved one likes.

“Use open-ended, non-judgmental questions to discuss the art,” Shifrin suggests. “It’s all about listening to the response and encouraging the conversation.”

Musical Connections Trigger Happiness

Dan Cohen, of Brooklyn, New York, had a simple yet profound idea: Furnish people that have memory loss with an iPod loaded with their favorite music. It’s helping people nationwide reconnect with themselves through listening to their personal playlists. He has repeatedly seen how “The music transforms lives.”

Cohen notes, “Residents who were formerly idle become engrossed in listening to their favorite music. They are empowered to choose the songs they want to hear. They become engaged as the music triggers memories. I’ve also seen the experience make people more social.” He recommends using headphones to minimize distractions. Sit together, turn on the iPod and watch for smiles of delight.

Dance Movement Integrates Souls

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“Dance therapy enhances connections in the brain and uses movement to integrate body, mind and spirit,” says Erica Hornthal, owner of Chicago’s North Shore Dance Therapy, a psychotherapy practice that helps individuals cope with the challenges of dementia.

Hornthal often notices a real change after people experience movement therapy. Often, when she enters a memory care facility she sees people withdrawn or sleeping. After she guides them in specific movements designed to connect mind and body, participants are usually awake, more alert and making eye contact.

“We might reach our arms up, then down, to connect with ourselves. We might give ourselves a hug and then stretch toward our neighbor,” explains Hornthal, a board-certified dance movement therapist. “All the movements have a psychosocial goal.”

She suggests that care partners play familiar music and encourage their loved one to move as they wish to. The care partner might move her head or wiggle her fingers to the music, invit-

ing the other to do the same. “Focus on what your loved one can do and celebrate their abilities,” Hornthal advises.

Brushing Watercolor Memories

“Even after memory and cognitive functions are damaged, the ability to create art can continue,” says Karen Clond, a licensed master social worker and dementia care specialist at the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America chapter, in Prairie Village, Kansas. “The organization’s Memories in the Making art program works because the amygdala, the part of the brain involved with emotions and Replaces Previous Copy like memory that processes feelings fear, also processes beauty, appreciation and attachment.”

Sally Jenny developed the program in 1988, which now boasts more than 4,000 participant artists a week. Facilitators create a safe and encouraging atmosphere to explore painting with watercolors, which can unlock memories, stimulate thoughts and promote social interaction. The process also produces tangible pieces they’ve created and can revisit. “The artists have complete con-

trol over their work,” Clond comments.

“It’s a failure-free activity.”

For at-home painting activities, she suggests inviting guidelines: Provide good-quality supplies; have no expectations; find something good in every effort; ask them to title their piece and affix their artist’s signature; call them an artist and provide artistic respect.

Telling Personal Stories Improves Well-Being

“Creative storytelling for dementia patients replaces the pressure to remember with the freedom to imagine,” remarks Joan Williamson, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a coordinator and master trainer with TimeSlips. She’s seen it improve communication, self-esteem and social interaction for people with memory loss.

Whether exploring art, music, movement or storytelling, expressive therapies can enrich the lives and connections of people with dementia and their care partners.

Deborah Shouse is the author of Love in the Land of Dementia. Visit DeborahShouseWrites.wordpress.com.

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A Lovely Loo that’s All Green, Too Tips for Eco-Friendly Plants, Shades and Cleaners

by Avery Mack

K

ey elements like low-flow faucets and showerheads, VOC-free paint, sustainable flooring and nonporous countertops form the foundation of an eco-friendly bathroom. Now let’s take a look at the softer side of green.

Start by considering the use of honeycomb window shades and double-glazed windows to keep this most intimate room comfortable year-round and reduce utility bills. Periodically letting in fresh air helps keep the room dry and reduces growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.

While the kitchen harbors the most germs in the house, the bathroom is a close second. Instead of harsh chemical cleansers, try white vinegar, a safe and economical alternative. Its acidity is effective in killing most germs. Madeleine Somerville, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, author of All You Need Is Less, uses heated vinegar misted on the shower door to remove soap scum. To achieve a shiny tub, she advises mixing one-quarter cup of baking soda, one tablespoon of natural dishwashing soap and enough water to make a paste.

The baking soda also freshens the drain when the tub is rinsed. Toilet bowl ring

20

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stains can be scrubbed away with a pumice stone.

“Cleaning faucet aerators and exhaust vents on a regular basis extends equipment life, maintains efficiency and prevents minor plumbing problems,” advises Keita Turner, a New York City area interior designer. Turner has also installed dual-flush toilets that necessitate less water and upkeep.

Bathroom odors are another concern. A few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball placed inside the toilet paper roll freshens the air every time the roll turns—without the plastic waste byproduct from store-bought brands.

Baking soda removes odors in the bath like it does in the fridge. Upgrade from a simple bowlful by designing a mini-Zen meditation spot using a flat, open wooden box and a doll housesized rake. Adding a smooth rock or two for texture heightens visual appeal.

Green plants can chip in by absorbing odors, as well. Many, like the Boston fern, thrive in shower steam. Flowering plants add an inviting touch. Be sure to choose child- and pet-safe greenery.

Even quick, water-saving showers eventually result in towels and wash-

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cloths destined for the laundry. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute suggests that towels can be used up to four times before washing if they are hung to dry between showers, reducing both water and energy usage.

To avoid spreading germs, personalize towels and washcloths for each child by color or marking with an initial or colored dot. Organic cotton towels are eco-friendly, comfy and widely available, as are organic cotton bath mats.

For the crafty, make a mat from recycled towels or upgrade to a foot-massaging mat made from recycled wine corks.

On special occasions when a soothing bath is called for, add a whimsical touch with Mr. Green, the world’s first rubber duck made in the U.S. from environmentally friendly, recycled and recyclable material.

“Recycled materials call for different sculpting and molds, so designing Mr. Green was the hardest thing we’ve ever done,” says Craig Wolfe, president of CelebriDucks, in San Rafael, California. It’s a fun way to remind kids about going green while they spend a few extra minutes getting clean.

To indulge in post-shower personal pampering, consider healthenhancing coconut oil for head-to-toe moisturizing. As a hair treatment, coconut oil blocks protein loss and reduces frizz. Make a home exfoliating sugar scrub by combining onehalf cup of virgin coconut oil, one cup of organic sugar and 20 drops of lime or another essential oil to gently scrub away dry winter skin. Dry skin and ragged cuticles also benefit from whipped coconut oil. Its antifungal properties help keep toenails healthy and sandal-ready.

Goat’s milk soap can reduce symptoms of dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.

Its alpha-hydroxy acids remove dead skin cells. Add honey as a natural antibacterial boost. Mixing in colloidal oatmeal produces a gentle exfoliator.

Let the next upgrade of the bathroom be of a more personal nature aligned with our core values of being good to our family and our home planet.

Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect via AveryMack@ mindspring.com.

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Mental Health

Say Yes to Yoga It Boosts Health, Peace, Community and Spirituality

by Lynda Bassett

Improved Relationships

L

ois Parker Carmona first stepped into a yoga studio looking for better physical health. “I was doing hot vinyasa because I wanted to sweat. I wanted to feel better,” she recalls.

Many people on a similar quest try yoga for the first time during September’s National Yoga Month (YogaHealth Foundation.org/yoga_month), founded

by Johannes Fisslinger. “This year, more than 2,200 yoga studios will offer informative public events or a free week of classes to new students to educate everyone about the health benefits of yoga and inspire a healthy lifestyle,” says Fisslinger. “Yoga and mindfulness are an essential part of America’s newly emerging health paradigm.”

Like many others, as Carmona deepened her practice, she discovered that yoga’s benefits transcend the physical. Then she went further, becoming a certified Baptiste yoga instructor and co-owner of Melrose Yoga, in Melrose, Massachusetts. “Many of us are so busy and consumed with the constant motion of day-to-day activities that we lose complete track of who we are, along with the state of our bodies,” she says.

“Yoga reconnects me with myself.”

22

Many experts concur that yoga can be effective in reducing stress. As students continue their practice, they feel less stress and an increased sense of peace and relaxation, along with other mental health benefits.

“Yoga gives you what is often called a ‘witness consciousness’,” says John Kepner, executive director of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Being able to observe the external events around you, but not being caught up in the drama. In modern terms, it’s an increased ability to stay cool, calm and collected. After a good yoga class, your troubles can appear further away.”

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Flexibility

One reason that people try yoga is to improve their flexibility. A recent report from Yoga Alliance, a nonprofit association based in Arlington, Virginia, states that it can improve flexibility and mobility and increase range of motion over time as ligaments, tendons and muscles lengthen and become more elastic.

It also helps relieve muscular tension throughout the body.

The Alliance’s Danica Amore notes that flexibility means different things to different people. “A senior might define flexibility as being able to pick up the grandkids, while young people might consider it essential to their athletic abilities.” Flexibility can also mean being able to turn around easily while backing out of the driveway or running with fewer injuries, adds Carmona.

Improvements in flexibility generally depend on an individual’s age, health and commitment to practicing yoga, as well as the style chosen. “There are so many different lineages of yoga, and each teacher has his or her own style. Plus, each individual progresses at their own pace,” Amore explains. “It’s really a question of where you want this personal practice to take you and how you embrace it in your private life.” The bottom line is that everyone’s journey is different.

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When stress is reduced, an increased sense of calm tends to permeate all areas of one’s life, observes Kepner. “Based on my experience, yoga also helps improve relationships.” He has taught the same group of students for 10 years and notes their special relationship: “If one goes to the same yoga class regularly, a friendship tends to develop with others in the class, called Songhai. After a while, practicing together becomes one of the most valuable parts of the practice,” he says.

This beneficial, deeper sense of community—a major allure of a longterm yoga practice—develops mainly from the intangible sense of working together in terms of physical, mental and spiritual support.

Spirituality and Connectedness

“Even beginning students quickly realize how connecting with their bodies and their breath helps them in their everyday lives,” says Carmona. “It adds a transcendent dimension to everything you do in life.”

In addition to its more immediate tangible benefits, other long-term benefits experienced by students may be harder to define or quantify. Carmona observes, “People generally say that yoga has changed their life, physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Lynda Bassett is a freelance writer outside Boston, MA. Connect at LyndaBassett@gmail.com.

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Sunday, September 7 Reverend Carol Landry

Om Sweet Om

Thursday, September 11 Unity World Day of Prayer “We are the Light of the World Let Your Light Shine” 6:30 pm

by Sam Saunders

Sunday, September 14 Reverend Carol Landry

Sounding the Key Note of the Universe

O

“

m” is a Hindu sacred sound considered the greatest of all mantras, traditionally used in prayers, chants and meditation— possessing high spiritual and creative power, it can be recited by anyone. Om is both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth. When pronounced correctly, it is actually “AUM.”

Aum consists of four syllables: A, U, M and the silent syllable.

The first syllable is A, pronounced as a prolonged “awe.” The sound starts at the back of the throat and is stretched out; sense the feeling of the solar plexus and chest vibrating.

The next is U, pronounced as a prolonged “o-o-,” with the sound gradually rolling forward along the upper palate and vibrating the throat.

The third syllable, M, is pronounced as a prolonged “mmmm,” with front teeth gently touching. Start to feel the top of the head vibrate.

The last syllable is the deep silence of the infinite. As intelligence rises from the deep silence, merge the chant from the M to the deep silence.

Why do we chant it?

Everything in the universe is pulsating and vibrating—with nothing standing still. The sound Om, when chanted, vibrates at 432 Hz, the same vibrational frequency found throughout nature.

By chanting the keynote sound of the universe, we are symbolically and physically tuning in to and acknowledging our connection to all other living beings, nature and the universe.

The universal vibrations and rhythmic pronunciation also physically affect the body by slowing the nervous system and calming the mind, similar to the effects of meditation. When the mind relaxes, blood pressure decreases and ultimately, heart health improves.

Finally, chanting AUM is wellsuited to mark the beginning or end of a yoga practice or meditation session or as a respite from regular daily activities. It signifies that this is a special time to care for ourselves and practice being mindful.

Sam Saunders lives and teaches yoga in Dubai. Connect at Sam@LoveYoga.ae.

Sunday, September 21 Reverend Carol Landry Saturday, September 27 Sharon Renae, Medium Ministry “Messages”–7pm ($20) Sunday, September 28 Sharon Renae, Guest Speaker If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. ~Matthew 6:22

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September 2014

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wisewords

Kamini Desai Explores a Yogic Life

Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery

by Linda Sechrist

K

amini Desai’s Ph.D.-worthy versatile body of teachings combines her lifelong interests in Western psychology and Eastern philosophy.

Trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she develops and leads core programs for Florida’s Amrit Yoga Institute, providing advanced studies dedicated to the science and system of integrated human development. A resident of Salt Springs, Florida, and the Netherlands, she teaches in 10 countries on three continents.

What is a yogic lifestyle?

It means being focused on inner peace.

Through the study of yoga as a complete science of self-mastery, I’m cultivating the realization of my highest self beyond body and mind. This intention is the director of my unfolding life. I like to use the metaphor of a ship. If this higher self as a wise captain isn’t steadily setting the course at the helm, then on any given day, the happy, sad, grieving, enthusiastic or depressed me will likely be steering my life in a contrary direction and I’ll just be going in circles.

In the Integrative Amrit Method of Yoga, along with the integrative method of yoga nidra 24

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that I practice and teach, my focus is on the release of body energy, rather than any physical pose. Energy is healing.

When energy is freed up, it naturally calms the mind and creates a spontaneous, meditative state in which the highest self can be experientially known.

To free energy, I attune to the sensations resulting from the physical alignments in any yoga posture. Each pose focuses attention on sensations occurring along the meridian lines in the body, allowing areas that are blocked and limited to open up and energy to optimally flow. Then, in what Amrit yoga describes as the “second half of the posture,” I close my eyes and feel that released energy becoming magnified through my attention. The stronger the energy becomes, the more the mind organically dissolves into a meditative state where mental, emotional and physical healing can happen spontaneously.

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What was it like to grow up as the daughter of Yogi Amrit Desai, a well-known guru?

I feel blessed that I was exposed to my father’s teachings from a young age. His message that I first embraced was that people and things will always change, and if I rely on either of

them for happiness and peace of mind, I’m depending on the undependable.

The need is to find internal stability in the midst of every polarity.

My dad, now approaching 82, has always been an example of one whose entire life is about moving towards a changeless state of being and of what it means to remain a nonjudgmental witness to all that happens in life. Still, I had to learn my own lessons.

How have you benefited from yoga?

I began studying with my dad when I was 16. Now, at 46, I more fully value the depth of yoga.

The longer I practice, the more grateful I am that my mind is less fragmented than it otherwise would be. I’m progressively able to deal with situations that would have sent me over the edge before. I more naturally avoid wasting a lot of mental energy in internalized, “If they say this then I’m going to say that,” conversations. With less mental chatter, I have more energy and stamina to focus on what is in front of me. I can be totally absorbed in each present moment for a deeper sense of fulfillment in what I’m doing.

How do you feel about the Westernization of yoga?

Individuals that begin any style of yoga for its physical benefits are off to a good start, but anyone that maintains a regular practice becomes curious about yoga’s other benefits, like relaxation, more peace and a sense of happiness that arises without any apparent cause.

Eventually they ask, “Why is this good thing or greater bliss happening to me?

What else is there besides postures?”

Although everyone eventually learns many life skills, we rarely learn how to live our lives well, manage our emotions and relate to others in ways that create more peace and happiness within. These are the uncaused benefits of yoga that people come to love.

Find more of her words of wisdom in articles posted at KaminiDesai.com.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAbout We.com for the recorded interview.

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calendarofevents Email Editor@Natvalley.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Landscape for Life: The Role of Soil in a Sustainable Garden – 6-7:30pm. Landscape For Life shows you how to work with nature in your garden, no matter where you live. Instructor: Harvey Cotton. Members $15, Non-members $20. Huntsville Botanical Garden, Anderson Education Center Classroom, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

Huntsville AL L5 Society Meeting: Voyager: The First Year in Interstellar Space – 7-8:30pm. Dr. Vladimir Florinski, Associate Professor, Department of Space Science and CSPAR UAH will talk about “Voyager: The First Year in Interstellar Space.”

Free. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-5940.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Sessions with Max the Crystal Skull – FriSat. 30-min private session with Max: $65. The Maximum Max Experience: $150 (includes lecture, private session with Max, and healing or reading session of your choice). The Healing Arts Center, 525 Fountain Row, Huntsville. For reservations info, contact Melissa Posey: 256-652-5125 or m3esu@yahoo.com.

Hoot in the Night Owl Show – 6-7pm. Trainers will teach about the history of owls and why they are beneficial to our ecosystem. Seating is first come, first served. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.

Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447 x241.

Concert on the Dock: The Banditos – 6-9pm.

The Banditos, a honky tonk, rock ‘n’ rolling band from Birmingham brings southern soul and unique, energetic sound all their own. Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

256-533-0399.

Avoid the Flu and Boost Your Immune System – 2pm-3pm. Free class to learn how to use essential oils to boost your immune system and preventive measure to aid in avoiding the flu. Class held at Specialized Nail Care, 1900 Flint Rd SE Decatur, 35601.

256-476-6537. Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 “Chakras and Archetypes: Uniting Energy Awareness and Spiritual Growth” Class – 7pm, Tuesdays for 10 weeks. Learn about patterns of behavior in our collective unconscious that drive us without us knowing why. Instructor: Marti Hanba.

Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-771-7252. MHanba@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Health Forum: Incontinence for Women – 11am12pm. Dr. Donald Aulds discusses Incontinence.

What causes it? How is it treated? Can it be avoided?

Free. Huntsville Main Library, Second Floor Events Room, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Unity World Day of Prayer: “We are the Light of the World, Let Your Light Shine” –Please check our website for updated times and information. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityOn TheMountain.org.

Lecture on Max the Crystal Skull – 6:30pm. Learn about Max the Crystal Skull from JoAnn Parks. $25.

Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. For reservations info, contact Melissa Posey: 256-652-5125 or m3esu@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

International Observe the Moon Night Event – 5:30-8:30pm. Activities include: Inflatable Planetarium, Astronomy van with 3D movie, Inflatable movie screen, Hands-on activities, Lots of telescopes, and Special Speakers. Free. US Space & Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville.

1-800-63-SPACE.

The Breath of God – 7:30-8pm. Inspiring stories and insights from Harold Klemp, spiritual leader and author of more than sixty books on Eckankar.

Become more aware of how the gentle breeze of God’s presence courses through your life and brings you its miracles. Free. Knology Cable Channel 11.

256-534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org.

Lecture on Max the Crystal Skull – 6:30pm. Learn about Max the Crystal Skull from JoAnn Parks. $25. The Healing Arts Center, 525 Fountain Row, Huntsville. For reservations info, contact Melissa Posey: 256-652-5125 or m3esu@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Arab Community Fair – 9am-4pm. Numerous vendors, good food, great music, arts and crafts, beautiful quilts, Classic Cars and lots of fun and free activities for kids of all ages at Arab City Park & Historic Village, Arab, AL 35016.

Meet the Author: Courtney Miller Santo – 2-4pm. International best-selling author Courtney Miller Santo discusses her new novel, Three Story House. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

Fall Bird Migration – 10-11:30am. Join us for an informative birding workshop presented by local bird enthusiast Herb Lewis as he shares secrets for creating a “rest stop” for migrating birds in your own backyard. Members $15, Non-members $20.

Tennessee Valley

Community Block Party – 10am-2pm. Join the celebration with free hot dogs, pizza and cake and lots of fun activities for children, including moon bounce, balloon animal artist, carnival games and prizes. Learn about the work of United Way of Madison County. Free. Big Spring Park East, Huntsville.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Landscape for Life: The Role of Water in a Sustainable Garden – 6-7:30pm. Landscape For Life shows you how to work with nature in your garden, no matter where you live. Instructor: Harvey Cotton. Members $15, Non-members $20. Huntsville Botanical Garden, Anderson Education Center Classroom, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

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Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 National Theatre LIVE: A Streetcar Named Desire (Young Vic) – 7-9pm. The fastest-selling production in the Young Vic’s history, Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire will be broadcast live from their London home by National Theatre Live. $18. Regal’s Hollywood 18, 3312 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Lowe Mill Out Loud! Featuring Traci Thiebaud – 6-7:30pm. Open mic poetry reading, followed by a half hour feature with Texas street poet Traci Theibaud. Free. Lowe Mill, Third Floor East Gallery, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Star Knowledge Conference, Nashville, TN – Sept 18-20. Indigenous Chiefs & Wisdom Keepers, more than 30 speakers, 20 vendors. Montgomery Bell State Park. Ceremony at Mound Bottom, Sept 21. Register: StarKnowledgeNashville.com. 1-800-221-6801.

Landscape for Life: Successful Water Practices and the Role of Plants in a Sustainable Garden– 6-7:30pm. Landscape For Life shows you how to work with nature in your garden, no matter where you live. Instructor: Harvey Cotton. Members $15, Non-members $20. Huntsville Botanical Garden, Anderson Education Center Classroom, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Singing on the Square – 6-8pm. This family friendly event features a variety of artist and musical styles, performing on the steps of the Limestone County Courthouse. Free. 100 W Washington St #3, Athens, AL. 256-232-5411.

Concert on the Dock: Soul Radics – 6-9pm. Ska takes a gritty turn with Soul Radics, a Nashville based band with a powerhouse female front-woman, soulful melodies and hard hitting rhythm. Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. 256-533-0399.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Fascia BodyWork Workshop – 8:30am-5pm (SatSun). Fascia BodyWork is a deep tissue massage that is just as rewarding for the therapist as it is for the client. 16 NCBTMB CE’s for LMTs. $325. Parkway Office Center, 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Ste 116, Huntsville. Register with Marsha Mathes, 256-6982151 or Mathes79@knology.net.

markyourcalendar Essential Oils for Better Health Real Solutions for eliminating stress, neck, back, knee and shoulder pain while healing the underlying causes. Overcome fatigue, depression and anxiety while learning how to balance hormones naturally. Protect yourself and your family from the upcoming superbugs like strep, staph and MRSA using the most powerful healing substances for the 21st century…Therapeutic-grade essential oils. Learn how and where to apply them.

Presenter: Nancy Sanderson, the sister of Gary Young, founder of Young Living Oils.

Cost: $32.50 September 20 • 9am-5pm To purchase tickets, go to TicketLeap.com and search for Essential Oils for Better Health.

Info: Kim Erickson ND, 864-380-6838 or AtLivingByDivineDesign@gmail.com Monte Sano Art Show – 1-4pm. This show, held on a scenic bluff, offering good music, good food and good fellowship along with great art, is fast becoming the premier outdoor venue for regional artists. Park admission charged. Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Ave, Huntsville. 205-657-0876.

Local African American Author Expo – 2-5pm.

Join Sister 2 Sister Brother 2 Brother as we hear from local African American Authors as they tell us about their books, including the story of what they went through getting their book published.

Free. Showers Center Library, 4600 Blue Spring Rd, Huntsville. 256-851-7492.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Plant ID Walk – 2-3:30pm. Learn to Identify fall blooming trees, shrubs and perennials. Instructor: Carol Lambdin, HBG Special Projects Designer.

Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden, Mark and Linda Smith Patio, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Health Forum: Fall Prevention/Balance – 11am12pm. Do you worry about falling? Pamela Brown, Exercise Physiologist at Huntsville Wellness Center, talks about balance—how your body maintains balance, why it gets tougher as you get older, and ways to help keep your balance. Free. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Editor@Natvalley.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

HEALTH COOKWARE SALADMASTER sales and service. 256-502-9845.

A wonderful resource for filling your workshops, seminars and other events.

School is America’s largest cooking school program.

Free. Von Braun Center East Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville. 256-533-1953.

Landscape for Life: Successful Plant Practices and the Role of Plants in a Sustainable Garden – 6-7:30pm. Landscape For Life shows you how to work with nature in your garden, no matter where you live. Instructor: Harvey Cotton. Members $15, Non-members $20. Huntsville Botanical Garden, Anderson Education Center Classroom, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. 256-830-4447.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Concerts on the Dock: DeQn Sue – 6-9pm. DeQn Sue is an incredible singer/songwriter who brings a truly unique performance and sound every time she hits the stage, combining jazz, hip-hop and funk plus her own original style. Free after $2 for parking. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

256-533-0399.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 HOTC Dog Fair 2014 – 9am-3pm. Dog Fair attractions include public participation agility and rally, freestyle demonstrations, a microchipping clinic ($30/dog), Canine Good Citizen® test, lots of games and prizes, and adoptable dogs. All dogs must be on-leash. Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Ave, Huntsville. 256-534-3757.

International Festival of North Alabama – 10am5pm. This family friendly event includes sampling of international comfort foods for sale, international music and dancing, free hands-on children’s activities, handicrafts, native apparel and more. Free.

UAHuntsville Fitness Center, 500 John Wright Dr, Huntsville. 256-824-6432.

Big Spring Crush, A Downtown Wine Festival – 4-9pm. Downtown Huntsville’s first wine festival.

Featuring 80 wines to choose from, craft beer, live entertainment, local restaurants, local artists, food trucks and more. $40-$65. Big Spring Park East, Huntsville. 256-830-0966.

How to Do Things: Painting in Oil with the Palette Knife – 6:30-8:30pm. Have you wondered how to “paint” with a palette knife? Cynthia Parsons will demonstrate her technique in oils and share her special secrets of composition. Free. Huntsville Main Library, Second Floor Events Room, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-2362.

Sharon Renae: “Messages” – 7pm. Please join Sharon Renae, a Medium Minister, with “Messages.” $20. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271.

UnityOnTheMountain.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Guest Speaker, Sharon Renae – 11am. Adult Discussion begins at 9:30am. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256536-2271. UnityOnTheMountain.org.

Taste of Home Cooking School and Free Expo – 12-6pm. The Taste of Home Expo and Cooking

Calendar

Two styles available: Calendar of Dated Events: Designed for events on a specific date of the month. 50 words. n

Calendar of Ongoing Events: Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week. 50 words. n

Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you through the process.

We’re here to help!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

256-340-1122

Editor@NatValley.com

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ongoingevents Email Editor@Natvalley.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

Huntsville Hospital HealthWorks Farmer’s Market – 7:30am-12pm. Fresh local produce, delicious artisan breads, herbs, gourmet slaw, cheese, jams, jellies and more. Plaza Resource Center Tram Station at Huntsville Hospital, 101 Governors Dr, Huntsville.

sunday A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am.

Shared reading and group discussions. Extra books available. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org.

Revealing Service – 9:45am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

tuesday

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

Latham UMC Farmers Market – 3-7pm. Farmers selling the fruit, vegetables, meat, and poultry grown on their own farms. Latham United Methodist Church, 109 Weatherly Rd SE, Huntsville.

Unity Church on the Mountain Worship Service – 11am, with Adult Discussion at 9:30am. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Rev. Carol Landry. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. UnityOn TheMountain.org.

Tuesday Farmers Market at Meridianville – 4-7pm. Fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, soap, fiber arts, flowers, Artisan Bread, honey, flowers, jelly, jams and more. First Baptist Church of Meridianville, 175 Monroe Rd, Meridianville, AL 35759.

1-Hour Mystery School – 11am. A different service each week including ritual, music, and a message in an open, loving environment. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255.

LightOfChristCenter.org.

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

Community Grief Support Group (No Charge) – 2pm, second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Those who have lost a loved one to death share the grief and love, and join the journey forward. Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, Room 122. 256-837-1713.

BodyFlow – 6-7pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yoga/ Pilates/Tai Chi-based exercise class that builds strength, tones your body and leaves you feeling centered and calm. Part of the Les Mills Fitness Program. $10/class and no contract. New participants are always welcome. Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd Suite E, Madison, AL. 256-461-1900.

MadisonBallroom.com.

monday

wednesday

Habitat on Pratt Farmers Market – 1-6pm. Featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, and preserves locally grown and produced by North Alabama area growers. Weekly events include food sampling, cooking classes, and more. EBT/SNAP accepted. Habitat for Humanity of Madison County, 400 Pratt Ave NW, Huntsville.

Satsang – 6:30pm. Through group discussion and inquiry, we reveal the innate wisdom of the one presence living life as each one of us. Meditation 6pm.

Led by Rev. David Leonard. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY For 68 years, Saladmaster has offered financially rewarding part-time and career opportunities in the health and nutrition field.

For more information about these opportunties, call 256-502-9845.

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Tennessee Valley

thursday

Facebook.com/natvalley

Thursday Night Bike Night – 4-8pm. Borrow a bike and take a spin around downtown, Twickenham, Old Town or Five Points. Registration is required to borrow a bike from the station at the Greene Street Market. Free. Corner of Green Street & Eustis Huntsville. 256-682-4429.

Thursday Night Swing – 6:30-10pm. Swing dance lesson, 6:30pm; Dance 7:30pm. $5 covers lesson and dance. Lowe Mill/Flying Monkey, 2nd Floor Theatre, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

friday Public Clearance Session – 7pm. Third Friday each month. Learn effective healing through reception and application of Divine energies. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville.

256-895-0255.

saturday Saturday Morning Satsang – 8-8:45am. Spiritual Talk and Meditation Circle at Yoga Fire. Discover the True Nature within you in a safe and welcoming environment that is open to all belief systems.

Free. Yoga Fire, 1874 Slaughter Rd, Madison.

YogaFireHsv.com. Gatlianne@yahoo.com.

Bailey Cove Farmers Market – 8am-12pm. Locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers and other locally produced products. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 12200 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville.

Athens Saturday Market – 8am-12pm. Fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, breads, honey, jelly, jams and more. 409 Green Street, Athens, AL. 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 for sale. Admission free. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Held each Saturday. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Ave NE #3 (near Five Points). 256-534-1751.

Eck-Alabama.org.

Reiki Free Clinic (No Charge) – 2-4pm, every third Saturday of each month. For appointments, contact Shari Feinman-Prior at Shari1717@gmail. com or 256-289-3331. Peaceful Journey Center, 915 Merchant Walk Way, Suite A, Huntsville.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Editor@Natvalley.com to request our media kit.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

ENERGY HEALING

CENTER FOR OPTIMAL WELLBEING

CENTER FOR DIRECTIONAL HEALING™

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.

For over 20 years, Susan Spalding and the staff at the Center for Directional Healing have been helping people achieve greater balance and health through Directional Healing and Reflexology. The Center now includes free SOQI Therapy with each session for the most complete healing experience.

Information on the energy medicine equipment is available at ChiDvd.com/susan. For healing techniques, articles, and more information on the Center, visit DirectionalHealing.com.

HOPE FOR LIFE COLONICS

PEACEFUL JOURNEY CENTER

U’Jeana Wilson Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist Degree in Psychology 256-658-8600

Tina Pencola Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist 10300 Bailey Cove Rd, Suite-7A Huntsville, AL 35803 256-270-8731 • 256-684-0020 Hope4LifeAL.com Tina.HopeForLife@outlook.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. See ad, page 19.

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.

CYMATIC THERAPY CYMATIC THERAPY BY LIL Lil Stone, Certified Practitioner 256-656-1606 Lvs@knology.net CymaticsByLil.com

Cymatic & Bioresonance Therapy is based on the study of the structure and dynamics of waves and vibrations. Specific programmed treatments are used for various disorders. 50 years of success in Europe.

Non-invasive. Great for pain.

Susan Spalding 2225 Drake Ave SW, Ste 18 Huntsville, AL 35805 256-882-0360 • DirectionalHealing.com

ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY Shari Feinman-Prior, MRET, REV 915 Merchant Walk Way, Suite A Huntsville, AL 35801 256-289-3331 • ShariPrior.com Shari1717@gmail.com

FAMILY MEDICINE MADISON FAMILY CARE

Chad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C 1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 MadisonFamilyCare.com Madison Family Care provides medical care for patients of all ages and uniquely blends Natural and Prescription medicines together to help speed the patient’s recovery. Madison Family Care is the patient’s clinic of choice when they would like to understand how natural medicines work along with prescription drugs. See ads, page 9 and back page.

FARMERS MARKET FARMERS MARKET AT LATHAM UMC Latham United Methodist Church 109 Weatherly Rd Huntsville, AL 35803 FarmersMarketAtLathamUMC.org

Every Tuesday through October from 3-7pm.

Keep up with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ FarmersMarketAtLathamUMC

MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET

Offering an individualized integrative approach to health and healing: Rapid Eye Technology, Inner Counselor Process, Mandala Process, Life Skills Coaching, Healing Touch and Reiki. Reiki Attunements and Personal Mentoring are available upon request.

ESSENTIAL OILS CINDY WILSON

Young Living Independent Distributor 256-476-6537 Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Want to know why everyone is talking about essential oils?

Learn more about essential oils, their uses and how to safely use them. Classes held monthly or schedule your class with friends and family. For more information call or email.

Saturdays 8am-12pm 1088 Hughes Rd, at Trinity Baptist of Madison MadisonCityFarmersMarket.com 256-656-7841 Local producers provide a diverse selection of vegetables, fruit, herbs, meats, cheese, milk, eggs, honey, jams, pickles, relishes, flowers, plants, baked goods, cards, soaps, woodwork and more. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted within 100 miles of the market!

MORGAN CO/DECATUR FARMERS MARKET

211 1st Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601 Burl Slaten, 256-476-5595 Open Monday-Saturday from 6am-5pm starting April 19. A variety of vendors selling their homegrown foods. Peas and beans shelled for a fee.

Please support you local farmers.

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.

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September 2014

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FOOT CARE SPECIALIZED NAIL CARE

1900 Flint Rd SE Decatur, AL 35601 256-476-6537 Cindy@SpecializedNailCare.com Nail care for those that need more than just a pedicure.

Physicians order required for care. Care includes footbath, trimming nails, thinning of thick nails, and removal of calluses and corns. For more information call or email.

HAIR SALON

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.

CJ HAIR AND ART STUDIO CJ Denison 105E Church St Madison, AL 35758 256-603-9018

JIN SHIN JYUTSU® JIN SHIN JYUTSU OF HUNTSVILLE Sandra Cope Huntsville 256-534-1794 256-509-3540

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.

HOLISTIC MEDICINE

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. See ad, page 13.

MARTIAL ARTS ROCKET CITY MARTIAL ARTS Matt Gilliard, Head Instructor 256-710-2454 RocketCityMartialArts.com RocketCityMartialArts@gmail.com

Rocket City Martial Arts teaches a skill set that is tailored to the student based on his or her height, weight, and most physical limitations. We offer instruction in aikido and karate.

Visit our website. Inquire about our free introductory program!

See ad, page 13.

BE WELLNESS CLINIC OF HUNTSVILLE 8 Parade St, Huntsville, AL 35806 256-382-3710 Info@HolisticAlabama.com

We offer an innovative model for health care that encompasses an individualized approach in order to balance and harmonize the mind, body and spirit thru a comprehensive assessment of your nutritional, hormonal, intestinal and immunological systems for the prevention and reversal of diseases.

HYPNOTHERAPY CENTER FOR INNER WELLNESS Becky Waters Certified Hypnotherapist and Professional Breathworker 3322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 643 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. See ad, page 15.

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Tennessee Valley

MASSAGE DIXIE PHILLIPS (LMT #2151)

Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste #116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-585-0504 • Hoss2ride@otelco.net Dixie’s Sunrise Massage Therapy: Come in and experience Dixie’s Combo. This is not the typical massage. MediCupping Therapy is used to relax muscles and increase the blood flow, which accelerates healing. It is also effective on bloating, scars, Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, migraine or tension headaches. See details on services, rates, and possible help with your Tissue Issues at DixiesSunrise.MassageTherapy.com.

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MEETING ROOMS/ EVENT SPACE LIGHT OF CHRIST CENTER

4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville 256-895-0255 • LightOfChristCenter.org Rent our beautiful vintage Centenarian House facility as the ideal venue for weddings, receptions, memorial services, classes/workshops and other gatherings. Call and leave a message if you’re interested in a tour or to speak with someone about your event. See ad, page 7.

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATES Dr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D. 1230 Slaughter Rd, Ste E, Madison, AL 256-325-0955

Dr. Deb treats a variety of health problems using natural means.

She looks for why people have symptoms and treats the root cause of those symptoms. Dr. Deb is highly regarded in the integrative and natural approach to wellness. Every patent is unique, and she individualizes treatment for their optimal wellness. See ad, page 19.

SHAMANIC HEALING SHAMANIC HEALING & Therapeutic Massage Jeffrey Rich, LMT 256-­337-­1699 WaterWillowMoon.com Jeffrey.Rich@gmail.com

Imagine finding your wholeness!

Shamanic Healing is “Medicine f o r Yo u r S p i r i t , ” s a c r e d technology which helps you heal because it addresses the spiritual causes of what is affecting you.

Searching for joy? Something “just not right” with you? Have you “not been the same since” that significant event? Does something block you again and again? Lets unravel it and find the answers for you! Offering you Soul Retrieval, Unraveling of Energetic Blocks, Shamanic Training, experienced Therapeutic Massage. See ad, page 13.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

A Few Drops Can Change Your Life!

JACI HOGUE

256-656-4108 JaciHogue@gmail.com A complete system of body education that balances the physical body, improves posture, and helps resolve chronic pain. Created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s, Structural Integration has been scientifically validated and has withstood the test of time, as millions of people have enjoyed the remarkable benefits.

You could feel better, lose weight or increase energy and mental clarity with a few drops of Natural Awakenings DETOXIFIED IODINE daily in water or on your skin when used as directed.

An essential component of the thyroid, iodine replacement has been reported to give relief from: • Depression • Weight Gain • Low Energy • Fibromyalgia • Hypothyroidism • Hyperthyroidism • Radiation • Bacteria & Viruses • And More!

SUSAN K. JEFFREYS

Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 2336A Whitesburg Drive 256-508-3351 • RolfGuild.org Serving Huntsville since 1995

Order Online Today at

1-11 bottles ...... $19.99 ea.

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24 + bottles .........$9.99 ea. $ 5 Shipping/up to 8 bottles

NAWebstore.com or call: 888-822-0246

“When the body gets working appropriately, then the force of gravity can flow through. Then spontaneously, the body heals itself.” —Ida P. Rolf. See ad, page 16.

Shop Natural Awakenings’ Online Webstore for More Special, Natural Products

1 bottle = 6-8 wk. supply

FRESH TASTES BETTER....

WOMEN’S FITNESS TRAINER LINDSEY ELLEGOOD

“House Calls” 256-221-6805 EllegoodLindsey@hotmail.com Certified in Personal Training, Zumba Fitness, and Nutrition.

Decatur, Madison, Hartselle and Priceville area. Private personal training instruction is an opportunity to address your health and fitness needs, in the privacy of your home. Get quick results, feel better, and have more energy with an experienced professional, who will come up with an individual plan for personal training, healthy eating and overall fitness, that specifically meets your needs. Busy schedule? No problem. I’ll work around your schedule, and at a price you can afford.

Farm to Table, Organic, Local, Sustainable

Manna Market Organic Food CO-OP We deliver to your home, office, restaurant, school; Or pick up at one of our drop off locations.

10% OFF All New Orders Store Open Every Other Tues: 2600 Cherokee Place Mountain Brook, AL 35216

205-566-2533 MannaMarket.net

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PRIVATE YOGA CLASSES YOGA DHARMA DOWNTOWN Suzanne Newton, Director Huntsville, AL • 256-585-3727 Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 International Association of Yoga Therapists YogaDharmaDowntown.com Suzanne.M.Newton@gmail.com

Private Yoga Instruction is an opportunity to receive personalized guidance in traditional techniques of asana, pranayama, and seated meditation. Private sessions designed specifically for you and based on what you aspire to do. 90-min sessions are held in a South Huntsville private studio, near Jones Valley. Contact Suzanne to discuss goals and make appointment.

Pleasant Dreams™ contains a blend of safe, natural sleepinducing ingredients including chamomile, valerian root and melatonin which may help to: • Facilitate relaxation without morning drowsiness • Maintain sleep all night • Reduce anxiety symptoms • Improve pain tolerance 60 capsules: $34.99 – shipping: $5 (up to 8 bottles) – ORDER TODAY!

NAWebstore.com or call 1-888-822-0246

Consult a healthcare professional before taking this product. Pleasant Dreams is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or mitigate any disease or other medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

natural awakenings

September 2014

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MADISON FAMILY CARE and WELLNESS CENTER

Complete Family Practice Sick Visits Hypertension Asthma Thyroid Seasonal Allergy Testing & Drop Treatment

Chad Gilliam, M.M.S., PA-C

• • • •

Laboratory Testing Gynecological Care Chronic Fatigue Fibromyalgia

NEW!

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Dr. Gary Adams, M.D.

Bio-Identical Hormone Pellets 100% Financing Available BHRTvideos.com

Amy Beck, CRNP

256-722-0555 1230 SLAUGHTER RD, SUITE C MADISON, AL 35758

MadisonFamilyCare.com Progress Toward Wellness & Prevention