Natural Awakenings November 2015 by Natural Awakenings Magazine, Tennessee Valley Edition

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Redeﬁning Rich

Living a Truly Good Life

Sharing Our Bounty Food Drives Need Healthy Donations

Grateful for Everything Create an Attitude of Gratitude

November 2015

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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.

12 ENNEAGRAM: CENTERS 16 OF INTELLIGENCE

The Power of Self-Reflection for Transcendent Growth by Nancy Sheppard

14 TREE OF LIFE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

by Cindy Wilson

15 KRISTEN BELL ON

PLANET-FRIENDLY LIVING

Eco-Activist Actress Takes Steps that Make a Difference

by Gerry Strauss

16 TRUE WEALTH

Living a Life We Love is Real Affluence by Judith Fertig

18 SHARING OUR BOUNTY

Food Drives Need Healthy Donations by Avery Mack

20 DANGERS IN THE COSMETIC BAG

Choose Safe and Healthy Natural Beauty Aids by Kathleen Barnes

22 CHOOSING THE PERFECT PET

Not Just Any Dog or Cat Will Do by Sandra Murphy

24 WHAT’S YOUR CHILD’S EQ?

Six Ways to Raise Emotional Intelligence by Teal Swan

letterfrompublisher “I focus on spiritual wealth now, and I’m busier, more enthusiastic, and more joyful than I have ever been.” ~John Templeton There are many forms of wealth. Money is one of them, and an important one. It is always pleasant to have enough money. It is certainly unpleasant to not have enough. Some people have gone so far as to link spirituality with money. “Everything is spiritual, especially money,” they say. These people say that if you can just open your spiritual channels, the money channels will open up, too. I don’t know. Maybe. Some of the most spiritual people I know have money. But then again, other people I know who are just as spiritual don’t have enough for basic needs. Their life is a constant logistical struggle, and it would be worse for them if they weren’t so upbeat and positive. The fact that they can be so upbeat and positive even in the face of real poverty is a testament to their spirituality. The people I know who are very spiritual but also have money are also upbeat and positive, which you would expect since their life is not a logistical struggle. The interesting thing is, both types of very spiritual people that I know—the ones with a lot of money and the ones with a lack of it—are upbeat and positive in exactly the same way. By that, I mean they exude the same vibe, broadcast the same frequency, emit the same light. That tells me that the spirituality is the same, that what these people are tapping into that sustains and uplifts them is the same thing. It truly has nothing to do with money or material circumstances, or anything other than an open heart and a desire to connect with the higher energies. Another similarity is that both types of spiritual people like to give their money away. The only difference is that the ones who have plenty of money have much more to give than the ones that don’t. But that doesn’t stop the ones that don’t have it from giving it away, if someone else needs it, even though they don’t really have enough to give. Both types also give away other things, too. They give their time, their energy, their ideas, their healing powers, and always, always, their love. “What you give away, you keep; what you keep you lose” is an old Lakota saying. What’s really interesting is that precisely the same idea was expressed by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor in the 2nd century AD, who lived halfway around the world from the Lakota. Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.” Marcus Aurelius was an Emperor, and as rich as he wanted to be, though as the “Philosopher King,” he is said to have lived modestly. The Lakota have never been known for their materialism. Both valued the same spiritual idea about what real wealth is—that you get it by giving it away. There is but one Spirit, and it lives in all of us.

contact us Editor@Natvalley.com 256-808-8044 Publisher/Editor Advertising Sales Tom Maples Co-Publisher Cindy Wilson Design and Production Melanie Rankin Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley 14 Woodland Ave Trinity, AL 35673 Fax: 256-217-4274 Facebook.com/natvalley Issuu.com/natvalley © 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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November 2015

newsbriefs Juice Bar Opens New Location in Madison

North Alabama’s First Certified Quantum-Touch Practitioner

uice Bar has been a popular spot for healthy refreshment since it opened in Huntsville in 2014. Now Juice Bar is expanding to add another location on Highway 72 in Madison, which opens in November. Juice Bar describes itself as a “I want to eat healthy and feel great” type place, offering delicious natural food and juice drinks. Original juice recipes include the Greens menu, with Sweet Greens, Super Greens, and other variations of “green juice,” and the Roots menu, which includes favorite recipes such as Orange You Glad (carrot, apple, pineapple, lemon, ginger, mint), and We Got the Beet (beets, carrot, apple, ginger, lemon). Juice Bar also offers smoothies, salads, soups, spring rolls, fruit cups and other healthy snacks. One popular offering is the Juice Cleanse, which consists of up to six 16-oz juices per day for up to 21 days. Each day’s juice is picked up in the morning of the day that the cleanse begins, or the afternoon before. All juices are made fresh daily. Juice Cleansing has many benefits, including general detoxification and cleansing, immune system boost, increased energy and weight loss. Juice Bar is overwhelmingly vegetarian, gluten-free, organic when possible, and always uses 100% whole fruits and vegetables without any added sugars or sweeteners. In season, Juice Bar purchases directly from local farms whenever possible.

The new Juice Bar Madison is located at 107 Brookridge Dr, Suite E-1, Madison, AL. ILoveJuiceBar.com.

More information can be found on Facebook at Quantum Touch of Huntsville or by calling 256-469-7067.

uantum-Touch is a method of handson healing utilizing simple breathing and body awareness techniques. It blends well with other complementary healing modalities. This method of healing invokes all cells and systems of the body, from DNA to the bones, to effortlessly respond. Miranda Foster has become the first Quantum-Touch Practitioner in Huntsville. She began training in March, working with Carol Lee of Houston, TX and Julie Brent of Fairhope, AL, the only other Quantum Touch practitioner in the state of Alabama. The Quantum-Touch practitioner focuses and amplifies life-force energy, which is most often referred to as Chi, by combining various breathing and body awareness exercises. The practitioner holds a high vibrational field of life-force energy around an affected area to create a powerful, yet natural, field of healing energy. If that energy field is placed around an area of pain, stress, inflammation, or disease, that part of the body will entrain to the higher frequency and allow one’s own biological intelligence to do whatever healing it deems necessary. Each and every one of us, young and old alike, regardless of our own personal belief system, has the innate ability to help ourselves and others. It is not the “practitioner” who is the healer, but the person receiving the energy. Only we can heal ourselves, just as only we can digest our own food.

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The Paranormal Study Center Hosts Author Dr. Joe H. Slate PhD: “Rejuvenation: Living Younger, Longer”

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oe H. Slate is a licensed psychologist, researcher, and international author. He holds the PhD. from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) with post-doctoral studies at the University of California (Santa Barbara). He is Professor Emeritus at Athens State University and Honorary Professor at the University of Montevallo. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and Platinum Registrant in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. Dr. Slate’s professional experience includes authoring/co-authoring well over 24 books on a wide range of Dr. Joe H. Slate subjects such as; Self-Empowerment through SelfHypnosis, Rejuvenation, Psychic Vampires, Psychic Empowerment for Everyone, Doors to Past Lives & Future Lives, Connecting to the Power of Nature, Beyond Reincarnation, and Aura Energy for Health, Healing and Balance. His research into electro-photography has been featured on numerous radio and television programs including the History Channel’s Vampire Secrets. You’re invited to hear about Dr. Slate’s enthusiastic experiences and stories covering many diverse topics. Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 4801 Governors House Dr (next to Landry’s Seafood). Date: Friday, November 27, 6:30pm. Public Admission is $10. Parapsychology StudyGroup.com or Meetup.com/Huntsville-Paranormal-Study-Center.

he Wild and Scenic Film Festival is the nation’s premier environmental film festival. It will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to go out and make a difference in your community and the world. At the festival you will learn new ideas from award-winning films that cover such topics as water conservation, wilderness preservation, citizen activism, alternative energy, environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, nature, adventure and more. You’ll experience the adrenaline of kayaking the wildest rivers, mountain biking on the highest ridges, to harnessing the sun in India. You’ll marvel the flickering wonders of fireflies and the seemingly slow-motion slide of the curious snail. You will celebrate the natural and wild world. This year we have added a student environmental film contest called HOPE: Help Our Planet Earth. Open to any Huntsville, Madison or Madison County HS student, the top winners will be shown at the WSFF and prize money given. Organized by the South Yuba River Citizens League in Nevada City, CA in 2003 and thanks to funding from national partners, the festival goes on tour across America. Our showing is hosted by Alabama Rivers Alliance, Alabama Environmental Council, Green Coalition and Flint River Conservation Association. Date: November 6, 7pm. Location: Flying Monkey Arts Theater at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr. Huntsville. Cost: $10. WildAndScenicFilmFestival.org or AlabamaRivers.org/events/WildAndScenic.

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November 2015

healthbriefs

Having Gratitude Yields More Happiness than Having Things

wo studies from Baylor University have confirmed that materialism can lead to feeling less satisfied with life, while a sense of gratitude reverses some of the negative effects of the pursuit of things. The research, led by Professor James Roberts, Ph.D., included questionnaires sent to 246 marketing students from another university, focusing on happiness and satisfaction with a 15-minute survey that included a 15-point materialism scale. The study found that individuals that focused on achieving material goals were less satisfied with their lives, less happy and had lower self-esteem. Meanwhile, the study found that grateful students found more meaning in their lives and felt a greater sense of satisfaction. “Individuals high in gratitude showed less of a relationship between materialism and its negative affect. Additionally, individuals high in materialism showed decreased life satisfaction when either gratitude or positive affect was low,” note the researchers.

Animal Friends Soothe Autistic Children

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) now affects about 1 in every 68 children in the U.S., up from 1 in 150 in 2000. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. Contact with animals may help ameliorate this troubling trend. A recent study of 114 children between 5 and 12 years old has found that autistic children having greater contact with animals have less anxiety related to social situations. The research was led by Marguerite O’Haire, Ph.D., from the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Colleagues from the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland, in Brisbane, Australia, also participated in the study. The researchers divided the 114 children into 38 groups of three. Each group had one ASD child and two children without ASD. Skin conductance, which provides an objective way for researchers to gauge social anxiety, was measured among the children as they read silently and aloud. As expected, skin conductance was significantly higher among the ASD children as they read aloud in front of their peers. In successive sessions, when researchers introduced pet guinea pigs for the children to pet prior to their readings, the ASD children’s skin conductance levels dropped significantly. “Previous studies suggest that in the presence of companion animals, children with autism spectrum disorders function better socially,” says James Griffin, Ph.D., of the Child Development and Behavior Branch of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. “This study provides physiological evidence that the proximity of animals eases the stress that children with autism may experience in social situations.”

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Antidepressants in Pregnancy Raises Risk of Hypertension in Kids

n a large study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers from participating universities found mothers that take antidepressant drugs during pregnancy face the risk of heart issues for their children. The researchers tested 3,789,330 pregnant women between 2000 and 2010. Of these, 128,950 took at least one prescription for antidepressants during their pregnancy. High blood pressure among children of mothers that didn’t take antidepressants was about 21 percent. Children that were exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drugs during pregnancy experienced high blood pressure in 31.5 percent of the cases. Those that were exposed to non-SSRI antidepressants experienced high blood pressure 29 percent of the time. This represents a 50 percent increased risk of hypertension for babies of mothers that take SSRIs during pregnancy and a 40 percent increased risk for children exposed to non-SSRIs. In their conclusion, the researchers note, “Evidence from publicly insured pregnant women studied may be consistent with a potential increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn associated with maternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in late pregnancy.”

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

Sky Kings

Agricultural Drones May Boost Sustainability

Cloves Inhibit Cancer Growth

esearch from China has determined that cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) inhibit the growth of several cancers. Researchers tested an extract of whole cloves against several types of human cancer cells, including those of ovarian, cervical, liver, colon, breast and pancreatic cancers. Published in the journal Oncology Research, the test used an incubation system that simulated the ability of these cancer cells to grow within the body. The researchers found that the clove extract stopped such development. The active constituents they identified within the clove extracts include oleanolic acid and eugenol. “Clove extract may represent a novel therapeutic herb for cancer treatment, and oleanolic acid is one of the components responsible for part of its antitumor activity,” the researchers commented. Cloves, one of the oldest medicinal spices, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many centuries.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. ~Aesop

Beginning November 15, farmers will be able to implement flying drones to perform important tasks in their fields. That’s when changes in Federal Aviation Administration regulations will loosen many of the current restrictions on this new technology. Advocates believe the devices can improve precision agriculture management that uses GPS and data collection to boost crop yields and profits while aiding water conservation. For the first time, the drones will be operated legally during an entire growing season, allowing companies to test their business models and technologies together. This boost in crop intelligence should make farms more efficient and help smaller operations compete with well-funded big agribusiness conglomerates whose fields are typically rife with genetically modified (GMO) crops. “This is the first year we’ll actually be able to see, by the time the growing season is over, the impact on the farmer and the impact of the quality of the grapes,” says David Baeza, whose precision agriculture startup Vine Rangers uses drones and ground robots to gather data on vineyard crops. “The biggest thing to watch is what’s going to happen to giants like Monsanto. How you define this market is changing, and the incumbents are in for a battle.” Source: Fortune magazine

Recycling Revolution

Global Rise Bolsters Sustainability On November 15, thousands of events in communities nationwide will celebrate America Recycles Day (America RecyclesDay.org). A program run by national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful since 2006, the event is dedicated to promoting recycling in the U.S. via special material collection drives and educational activities. Materials available to groups include advice on setting up collectibles stations and customizable templates for promoting activities to increase recycling awareness, commitment and local action. There’s plenty of room to grow: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the amount of waste that the average citizen composts or recycles has increased from 17 percent in 1990 to 33 percent today. Some other countries have been conducting their own national programs longer. For the 19th year, Australia will celebrate a weeklong National Recycling Week (RecyclingWeek.PlanetArk.org) in November. More than 90 percent of Aussies feel it’s the right thing to do. Recycle Now (RecycleNow.com), England’s national program, supported and funded by the government and implemented by 90 percent of municipalities, conducts its annual weeklong program in June. Organizers contend that six out of 10 citizens now describe themselves as committed recyclers, compared to fewer than half when the campaign launched in 2004. Germany also celebrates recycling for two days in June; many other countries do so in July. natural awakenings

November 2015

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The Hidden Deficiency Having the proper amount of iodine in our system at all times is critical to overall health, yet the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that iodine deficiency is increasing drastically in light of an increasingly anemic national diet of unpronounceable additives and secret, unlabeled ingredients. This deficit now affects nearly three-quarters of the population.

Causes of Iodine Deficiency

Radiation

Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation

Low-Sodium Diets

Overuse of zero-nutrient salt substitutes in foods leads to iodine depletion

Iodized Table Salt

Iodized salt may slowly lose its iodine content by exposure to air

Bromine

A toxic chemical found in baked goods overrides iodine's ability to aid thyroid

Iodine-Depleted Soil Poor farming techniques have led to declined levels of iodine in soil

A Growing Epidemic Symptoms range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and skin and hair problems. This lack of essential iodine can also cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers; and in children, intellectual disability, deafness, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University and the French National Academy of Medicine.

What to Do The easy solution is taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage to rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the whole body.

inspiration

Grateful for EVERYTHING Create an Attitude of Gratitude All Day Long by Mary Lynn Ziemer

Monsanto Pushback More Countries Ban Toxic Roundup

Countries are gradually banning the use of Monsanto Roundup herbicide around the world as a danger to the environment and human health, and Bermuda is one of the latest to join the ranks. These moves come soon after a recently published metastudy conducted by the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer published in The Lancet Oncology determined that glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, is probably carcinogenic to humans. Colombia stopped using Roundup to kill illegal coca plants. France banned the sale to homeowners, and Germany is poised to do the same. A group of 30,000 Argentine physicians are calling for a ban there, where it’s blamed for boosting birth defects and cancer. Others, including the Brazilian federal prosecutor, are demanding that Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, be pulled off the shelves. In the U.S., the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT) is assisting efforts in cities, counties and school systems to enact immediate bans of glyphosate-based sprays. IRT is also calling for schools to measure the amount of glyphosate residues in school meals and to take steps to eliminate them if found. Source: EcoWatch

he secret to happiness and finding the enduring joy we all seek is Thanksgiving—the simple act of continually giving thanks. To realize wonderful positive outcomes, up to and including seeming miracles, do one thing: Show gratitude all day long. Seeing everything in a new light, through a refreshing prism of love and appreciation, imparts a deep inner well of peace, calm and joy, making us feel more alive. We can feel that way every day, in every aspect of life, awaking each morning excited to create the day ahead and enthusiastic about each moment and then falling asleep at night embracing a profound feeling of gratitude for all the good we know and have. Happiness is contagious and becomes an upward spiral of joy naturally shared with others. Start today by launching a daily gratitude journal. This single action, the simplest and quickest way to get results, will foster a habit geared to change everything forever. It fills up our love tank, sparks success and benefits everyone. To embrace better relationships, health, clarity, life and tangible and intangible wealth: n Set a daily time for journal writing. n Pick a handful of things that prompt gratitude that day. Perhaps begin with people that support you in some way. Everything counts, from expressions of beauty to basic conveniences. Eventually the daily list will grow, generating the joy of gratitude at ever-higher levels. n It’s important to write with love and joy, because such feelings create your

world. Even if something’s a work in progress, like encouraging steps in a relationship, focus on what makes you feel good and want more of and you’ll start seeing more evidence of them. n Elaborate in detail about a particular thing that earns extra gratitude. This carries more benefits from intense feelings than creating a list. When we see how blessed we are with what we already have, it creates more of what we are grateful for, generating an endless cycle of gratitude. n Take notice of the surprises and little miracles that occur, and be sure to make note of them to evoke an even stronger level of awe and gratitude. Robert Emmons, Ph.D., of the University of California-Davis, a leading authority in researching the science of gratitude and its impact on wellbeing, instructs his study participants, “Be aware of your feelings and how you ‘relish’ and ‘savor’ this gift in your imagination. Take the time to be especially aware of the depth of your gratitude.” In other words, don’t hurry through this exercise like a to-do list. An all-day-long attitude of gratitude ramps up our awareness of life’s pleasures. It takes an already good life to a whole new zone of zest. Mary Lynn Ziemer is a master of Advanced Life Concepts, certified life and business coach, motivational speaker and author, with more than 30 years as an entrepreneur and corporate executive at two Fortune 100 companies. Connect at LivingAJoyfulLifeNow.com.

natural awakenings

November 2015

Enneagram: Centers of Intelligence The Power of Self-Reflection for Transcendent Growth

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The Enneagram as an ancient tool of ego and spiritual development. We are born with essential gifts. We are all necessary and needed in the world. We all belong. As life ensues, we overemphasize our gifts to produce an imbalance and then we suffer. The nine types include three centers of intelligence: body, heart, and thinking triad. Last month, I discussed Body types that are concerned with selfworth. Under stress, they instinctively

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control, disappear or perfect their world. This month, I will define the Heart types who focus their attention on connection. They adapt their world to gain approval and recognition from others. Next month, I will give you an overview of Thinking types who sense danger, intrusion, and limitations. Their thoughts cycle through future analysis, plans or imagination.

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Heart-Based Triad

Heart Types (TWO, THREE, FOUR) perceive their world through emotional intelligence. Their focus of attention is on the higher qualities of empathy, understanding, compassion and lovingkindness. Life brings us stress and we all respond with our unique style of

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personality (ego). People belonging to the Heart triad lose sight of their true essence, and see personal worth and love as welded to approval, recognition, and connection from significant others. They downplay their own sense of belonging and look to the outside world for validation. They struggle with self-image and ask themselves, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What face do I need to show to receive your love?â&#x20AC;? They believe they are only capable of love if they change themselves somehow to achieve acceptance. Their primary response to stress is not the anger of the Body Triad or fear of the Head Triad. They respond with regret or sadness. They believe they are unlovable and must adapt their beliefs and behavior to connect with others.

TWO: The Helper

TWOs are kind, loving people. They are true helpers when they see friends and loved ones in need. They are generous, self-sacrificing, consoling, compassionate and patient. But, if their emotional needs slide into unhealthy territory, they shape-shift into people-pleasers who seek love and recognition through per-

Their paradox: Outer success does not bring inner fulfillment and well-being. THREEs grow by literally slowing down so they can acknowledge feelings of self and others. The virtue of hope balances earthly need with heavenly good and provides stability to “let go and let God.”

Now Open

FOUR: The Romantic sonal sacrifice. Their world grows more seductive and co-dependent, dissolving into a “quid pro quo” philosophy. They become proud of their super-responsible nature. They make themselves indispensable, then feel like a victim when the help is not received well. An example is the lifeguard who throws a swimmer into the ocean so that he can then rescue him. Their paradox: An imbalance of sacrifice inhibits the love you seek. TWOs grow by attending to their own needs as much as they do for others and by learning that sometimes no help is the best help of all. The virtue of humility illuminates strengths as well as limitations.

THREE: The Performer

THREEs seek value and worth in the world. They believe that they are loved when they are recognized for their accomplishments and performances. They are leaders who win, achieve goals, avoid failures, and maintain a good image in the eyes of others. They are hardworking, competitive multitaskers. They easily and efficiently adapt to achieve a goal. They are the stars, the class presidents, the best of the best. Although they are part of the emotional triad, they have little connection to their feelings, choosing performance over sentiment. Think of the adage, “The show must go on!”

Providing Comprehensive Chiropractic Care Aromatherapy Nutritional Consulting Community Educational Events Inner Harmony Massage Call 256-653-5303 for Appointment FOURs seek deep and complete connection to a world they think abandoned them. In relationships, they search for the missing essence that will re-establish the love they once enjoyed. They are sensitive, dramatic, artistic, romantic, intense, deep, unique, and suffering. They avoid the ordinary and long for things unavailable—love, job, adventure. They accept living in a world of extreme emotional highs and lows. Shame and envy haunt them and they distinguish themselves as “children of a lesser god.” They are emotionally honest and tend to suffer with great strength and flare. Their paradox: longing for what is missing in life prevents satisfaction for what is present. FOURs grow by focusing on the positive NOW, and accepting themselves without shame. The virtue of equanimity helps to balance feelings and appreciate idealism without identifying with it. Next month, we will discuss the Head Triad, personalities that need to be safe and secure. For more information on the Enneagram, contact Nancy Sheppard at 256- 7144517 or EnneagramStudy@icloud.com. See ad, page 22.

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natural awakenings

November 2015

practicespotlight

Tree of Life Behavioral Health by Cindy Wilson

W Jessica Penot

Tennessee Valley

hen life gets hard, unimaginable things happen, or you just feel like you can’t cope with life, you don’t have to go through the changes alone. There is help. Tree of Life Behavioral Health, Inc. was a dream come true for Jessica Penot. Since graduate school, she knew she wanted to have an independent practice that offered help for people struggling that was also affordable. Tree of Life specializes in counseling for anxiety, depression, addiction, mood disorders, sexual abuse, incest, rape, trauma, PTSD, divorce, grief, ADHD, anger management, domestic violence, parenting issues, family problems and eating disorders. Tree of Life has two counselors on staff. Jessica Penot is an Associate Licensed Counselor in Alabama and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has more than ten years of clinical experience and has worked with rape and incest survivors, domestic violence victims, at risk youth, and those struggling with mood disorders and anxiety. The other is Liz Byrne, an Alabama LPC and Idaho State LCPC. Mrs. Byrne has over 35 years experience working with adults, children, adolescents and families. For more

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information about Liz Byrne, visit CounselorByrne.com. Some clients may require more than counseling and require medication. Dr. Alex Penot, MD, Board Certified in Internal Medicine, sees clients monthly to help with medication management. Mrs. Penot’s office was very welcoming and inviting. There were toys and others things she uses for creative therapies such as storytelling therapy, as well as artwork from some of her clients on the walls. She also uses cognitive behavioral therapeutic techniques to assist clients in their therapy. Mr. Rupert, Mrs. Byrne’s therapy dog, was also in the clinic, a very pleasant and well-behaved co-therapist. Tree of Life believes that all people deserve to get help they can afford from a qualified professional. All services are offered on a sliding scale based on the income of the patient and most insurance is accepted. Tree of Life is located just off Bailey Cove Road at 919 Suite B, Willowbrook Dr in Huntsville. For more information or make an appointment, visit TreeOfLife Behavioral.com or call 256-278-2802. See listing, page 31.

wisewords

Kristen Bell on Planet-Friendly Living Eco-Activist Actress Takes Steps that Make a Difference by Gerry Strauss

Which core beliefs catalyze your passion for consciously stewarding the environment? I wholeheartedly believe: Every problem has a solution. We are all global citizens. Kindness is always in fashion. We have to laugh at ourselves. There is strength in forgiveness. Honesty without tact is cruelty. No one can make me feel inferior without my consent. Ultimately, we are responsible for one another and for the creatures and places around us. I felt good about caring for the world around me before I had kids, but now I also derive a ton of self-esteem from being a good example for them.

How has celebrity supported your role in speaking out on behalf of your favorite causes?

I have the rare gift of a public platform, which is amazing to me, since I felt so small and unheard as a child. Social media can be a megaphone, so I use it

to be a conduit to support causes I believe in. People don’t have to listen… but when they do, helpful things happen. My approach is to spotlight an issue while also shedding light on a solution. I particularly like talking about childhood malnutrition and telling people about ThisBarSavesLives (ThisBarSavesLives.com), which donates a life-saving nutritional packet to a child in need every time we buy this organic, gluten-free snack bar. I love their motto, “We eat together.” S. Bukley/Shutterstock.com

rom Veronica Mars to Forgetting Sarah Marshall, her face is unmistakable. Thanks to the worldwide popularity of Frozen, her voice is now unforgettable, as well. Kristen Bell, though, believes the greatest contribution she can make is embodying an ecofriendly lifestyle together with her husband, actor Dax Shepard, and their two daughters, finding ways to help the planet survive and thrive for generations to come.

What Earth-friendly actions do you and your family embrace in day-to-day living?

Our fun time revolves around being active outdoors. We love hiking as a family, walking a mile to dinner or biking along the river. We often go exploring and make up outdoor games such as: How far can you jump? How far can I throw this? and Let’s race! The kids like to get dirty and my husband and I like to breathe fresh air at the end of a workday. We have a garden where the girls and I are learning about growing and caring for edible plants and how to cook what we grow. Our thumbs aren’t very green just yet but we are trying.

As PETA’s “Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrities” of 2013, why are you and Dax convinced that healthy vibrancy doesn’t rely on eating meat?

I have been a vegetarian since I was 11. I have never wanted to eat meat, even before I knew the positive environmental effects of a vegetarian diet. People need to be conscious of what they are eating. Most edible supermarket items aren’t real food. I like knowing where my meal comes from and who handles it. It makes both my mind and body feel better.

How did the animated film Frozen enable you to reach a larger young audience than ever before?

My goal with the character Anna was to play an imperfect princess, giving voice to the heroine I had been searching for when I was young: Someone who was awkward, clumsy, optimistic, too talkative, caring and didn’t have perfect posture. I wanted girls that feel like they don’t always fit in to have a fearless heroine to identify with. I want to be a real-life Anna, someone who doesn’t apologize for her flaws and stands up for herself and others because she’s strong. Thanks to Frozen, I have been invited to do more projects that reach young people. I hope to extend my voice as a trustworthy source supporting projects that can benefit them.

You are passionate about the universal need for water conservation. What steps has your own family taken to be water-conscious?

Living in California and dealing with drought firsthand teaches about water conservation by necessity. We carefully consider how the food we eat directly impacts water use; we all understand that producing meat and dairy is water intensive. Replacing our lawn with AstroTurf cut our household water bill dramatically. We never run water from the tap when we are brushing our teeth, and always ‘let it mellow if it’s yellow’, that is, flush selectively. We even reuse the water used to sterilize baby bottles to water houseplants. Gerry Strauss is a freelance writer in Hamilton, NJ. Connect at GerryStrauss@ aol.com.

natural awakenings

November 2015

Choose Lasting Wealth

“Imagine an economy in which life is valued more than money and power resides with ordinary people that care about one another, their community and their natural environment,” says David Korten, Ph.D., the co-founder of Positive Futures Network and author of Change the Story, Change the Future: A Living Economy for a Living Earth. “When we choose real wealth,” says Korten, of Bainbridge Island, Washington, “we can have exciting hobbies and adventures; work that challenges and stimulates us; and spiritual connection with a universe that’s infinitely larger than a stock portfolio. Instead of more stuff in our alreadystuffed lives, we can have fewer things, but better things of higher quality—fewer visits to the doctor and more visits to museums and friends’ houses.”

Step One: Taking Inventory of Our Stuff

Suze Orman, owner of the Suze Orman Financial Group, in Emeryville, California, and the bestselling author of The Courage to Be Rich: Creating a Life of Material and Spiritual Abundance, ponders whether having stuff is worth it and suggests we take an inventory of what we own. “Think about the value of each object—what it cost you when you bought it, what it’s worth in dollars today, and what it’s worth in an Earthly, material representation of who you are now,” she says. Orman suggests that we go through every closet and cupboard and recycle or throw away items that no longer serve us well, and then reconnect with items we cannot part with, such as family mementos. “Think of these items so precious to you and how little, in fact, they cost you,” she says. In this way we define for ourselves the true meaning of worth, and it’s never about the stuff. Once we have a handle on what we own, it’s time to turn to what we want and how we can get there.

TRUE WEALTH Living a Life We Love is Real Affluence by Judith Fertig

raditional economics has us thinking in opposites—in terms of assets and liabilities. We consider the value of the material things we’ve accumulated: We add up our assets, which may include stocks, bonds, real estate, bank accounts and retirement savings. Then we subtract what we owe: Our liabilities may include a home mortgage, credit card debt, insurance premiums and student and vehicle loans. The balance is deemed our net worth. Figured this way, our net worth changes every minute and can sometimes shift dramatically. There is a better way to assess our wealth, because we are overlooking, dismissing or squandering valuable resources and benefits such as time, personal health, spiritual well-being, social connections or community in order to buy temporal things that will only depreciate over time. Golden, Colorado, author David Wann explores this theme in his book Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a Sustainable Lifestyle. He remarks, “The U.S. may be on top when it comes to spending, but we also lead the world in debt per capita, children in poverty, percent of people in prison, obesity and infant mortality.” In fact, the U.S. has recently been ranked 42nd among countries in longevity— right below Guam and just above Albania. “So where is all the spending really getting us?” he asks. “We need to be getting more value out of each dollar, each hour, each spoonful of food, each square foot of house and each gallon of gas. The secret of success at the local, national and global scale is not really a secret; it’s in plain sight, and it’s called moderation.” 16

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Step Two: Re-Evaluating Life Goals

Just as we would do a personal financial assessment before we make plans to achieve financial goals, a life audit helps us determine our priorities for living happily and productively. Ximena Vengoechea, a design researcher for Twitter, Inc., in San Francisco, recently did this using 100 sticky notes during one dedicated afternoon. She wrote a single wish, one thing she’d like to do, on each note. During this “spring cleaning for the soul,” as How we spend she calls it, Vengoechea our days is, of reaffirmed her thirst for course, how we learning and adventure. Taking it a step further, spend our lives. she analyzed how she ~Annie Dillard spent her time and how often she saw the people most important to her,

mapping the data as pie charts. She discovered that most of her time was spent in work-related activities and not enough in adventure or seeing the people she loved. Drawing it up in the visual medium of charts helped her identify her life goals and see the changes she needed to make. Doubtless, we can all find better ways to utilize our assets.

local communities with a research-based model for prosperity. In socially abundant communities and nations, individuals don’t have to earn as much money to be comfortable, because their quality of life is partly provided by the strength of social bonds.

Heeding the Call to Change

Finding and doing what “lights us up” will bring us abundance, claims David Howitt in Heed Your Call. Arianna Huffington, of New York City, founder of The The Portland, Oregon, Meriwether Group entrepreneur Huffington Post, knows firsthand about having so many who consults for consumer companies, maintains that demands on our time that days feel rushed, which can finding our heroic purpose (that heart-centered thing increase our stress and negatively impact our producwe feel we were meant to do) is the first step toward tivity. She says, “On the flip side, the feeling of true wealth. Howitt says the secret is in one having enough time, or even surplus time, is Finding and doing small word—and. Instead of choosing either/ called ‘time affluence’. Although it may be hard what “lights us or, our world expands with “and”. He urges us to believe, it’s actually possible to achieve.” to integrate the intuitive and analytic parts of Huffington recommends simple steps like getup” will bring ourselves: “poet and professional, prophet and ting enough sleep and putting time limits on profit, soul and success.” us abundance. work and online activities. It’s not just about philanthropy, but truly Belinda Munoz, a social change activist in making your community and your world a ~David Howitt San Francisco who blogs at TheHalfwayPoint.net, better place through your work, he observes. observes, “Time is neutral. We either use it wisely or waste “You’re doing good in the world, and when you live that way, it, so the onus is on us to make it an asset.” Munoz can both money follows you.” let go of stress and be more productive when she blocks out day parts. “When I focus, I shut out interruptions, stop feeling Judith Fertig blogs about living well at AlfrescoFoodAnd rushed and get my work done with ease,” she says. Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Our Time

Our Health

One high-impact way to support personal health is to value food more, maintains Wann. “We need to spend more of our household budget for food, not less,” he says. “By rearranging both our household and national expenditures, we should give a higher priority to fresh, healthy food and a lower priority to electronic gadgets, shopping, cars, lawns and even vacations. Our overall expenses don’t have to go up, they just need to be realigned with our changing values. By choosing higher quality food and supporting better ways of growing it, we also begin to reshape the American culture,” he says.

Our Community

The community, rather than the stock market, is the better source of real wealth—both personal and global—maintains Korten. “Your community economy is part of the glue that binds people together. It’s the key to physical and mental health and happiness.” Giving less control over our financial well-being to Wall Street and more to Main Street will help us think in terms of livelihoods, instead of mere jobs. For Korten, this equates to not only how we make money to live, but also how we live—valuing our homes, communities and natural environment. Priceless social capital comes from investing our time and money in local communities. Korten observes how, when freely and wisely spent, these efforts can lower crime rates, make schools more productive and help economies function better. Korten cites Oakland, California’s Well-Being in Business Lab, which works with the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, to provide

Conducting a Life Audit by Ximena Vengoechea

ere’s one approach to doing a life audit in order to both discern more keenly what’s important and figure out how to allocate resources better to make those things happen. Step 1: Take a few hours and 100 sticky notes. Write a wish—something you’d like to do or have happen in your life—on each one. Arrange them on a flat surface. Step 2: See what patterns evolve. Rearrange the notes by themes or categories, such as family, physical health, adventure, profession, giving back and skills. Those that contain the most notes indicate the realm of your most powerful wishes. Step 3: Evaluate your time. Take stock of a typical day, week and month to analyze how you are spending it. Step 4: Prioritize. Some wishes need to be fulfilled every day or soon, while long-term wishes aim for “someday”. Step 5: Make a plan. Just as with a smart financial strategy, which typically involves investing money over time, you can now allocate your time to make your wish list happen. For more details, visit Tinyurl.com/ExampleOfLifeAudit. natural awakenings

November 2015

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hat’s on the Meat: Tinned tuna, Please be table can help chicken and salmon store generous at lower risks easily for use in salads or of stroke, heart attack, the holidays and casseroles, on a sandcancer and diabetes, acwich and in whole wheat year-round. cording to the American pasta, brown rice or Heart Association. Not all low-fat stir fries. Avoid the families are able to afford the healthibisphenol-A (BPA) associated with cans est foods, but fatty, high-sugar options and plastic containers. Instead choose can be avoided. The most-needed BPA-free pouch packaging and cans donations are nonperishable and high with BPA-free liners (see Tinyurl.com/ in protein, but low in sodium, sugar BPAFreeCannedFood). and fats. Soup and Stew: Containing meat Give the best, most affordable and veggies, soups and stews provide products, according to these tips and filling, hearty comfort foods. the food drive’s guidelines. Organic and Vegetables: Yams and whole-berry non-GMO (genetically modified) foods cranberry sauce turn dinner into a are welcome. Note that not all pantries holiday feast. Add color to the plate can store fresh produce, glass containwith mixed veggies. Lentils, pinto, ers or personal hygiene items. black and kidney beans in stew, chili or “Pantries rely on informed commu- salad provide fiber, calcium, zinc and nity support,” explains Jim Byrnes, diiron. Spices add zing. Tomatoes, sauce rector of Pennsylvania’s Nazareth Area and salsa add flavor; choose glass jar Food Bank. “Area churches, schools products only in order to be BPA-free, and businesses keep us supplied. We’ll due to the acidic effect on cans. help 300 families this year, compared Pasta, Rice and Grain: In Kansas to 100 in 2006, balancing nutrition City, Missouri, Katie Thomas, owner with practical needs.” of Crazy Daisy Cleaning, regularly California’s San Diego Food Bank organizes food drives. She says, “Pasta feeds better choices to 370,000 people and sauce make a variety of dishes and each month, including military families, extend the number of meals.” Whole seniors and children. Such community grain pasta, brown or wild rice, quinoa efforts change lives. and couscous are better choices than

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Search for a generic food item at CalorieCount.com to see how brand-name products rank in nutritional value. white pasta. Bulgur provides nearly 75 percent of a day’s fiber requirement when added to soup or salad. Cereal: Steel-cut or rolled oats, farina (Cream of Wheat) and grits are low-calorie and nutritious options for a warm start to the day. All can be found as organic; farina in whole wheat or white wheat that is certified kosher. Cold cereals should list whole grains as the first ingredient and be high in fiber and low in sugar, like organic Oat O’s. Snacks: Unsalted nuts, full of fiber, protein and vitamins, are highly prized at food pantries. Packed in juice, fruit cups make a healthy treat. Dried fruit and sunflower seeds are another favorite. Low-salt, low-sugar peanut or sunflower butter packs protein. Honey is a healthy sweetener. Collecting Party: “A group of us collected and donated 600 pounds of food for babies, pets and adults to

Extended Hands Food Bank,” says Dee Power, in Fountain Hills, Arizona. For babies, include food without added sugar or salt and single-grain cereal. Alternative Giving: Especially popular during the December holidays, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank offers prepacked bags to grocery store patrons, paid for at checkout. Customers can see what’s included and the food bank picks them up. (Tip: Cash donations allow lower cost bulk purchases with no need to transport or sort items.) Non-Food: Make sure the food pantry has storage space before donating wet or dry food for cats and dogs and birdseed; baby wipes, shampoo and soap; and adult soap, deodorant, shaving supplies, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper. “A $5,000 grant gave us added storage space,” says Byrnes. The bottom line is what food pantries need is much the same as what’s found in any healthy home pantry—comestibles rich in flavor, vitamins and fiber and free of unhealthy additives. Please be generous year-round, sharing well beyond the holidays. Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

Annual Food Drives Local Boy Scout troops remind us to prepare for their annual food drive. On November 7, be on the lookout for a door hanger reminder; on November 14, they’ll pick up food for delivery to local food banks. The National Association of Letter Carriers’ (U.S. Postal Service) annual nationwide food drive is May 14, 2016. Since 1992, they’ve collected more than 1.3 billion pounds of food. Feeding America’s drive benefits from a matching gift from motivational speaker and author Tony Robbins through December 3, aimed to provide a total of 100 million meals for the 49 million Americans that struggle with hunger. Each $1 given and matched helps secure and distribute 20 meals through its network of food banks. Donate at Tinyurl. com/TonyRobbinsFeedingAmerica.

Light Journey Reiki Barbara Caioli, RM Barbara@LightJourneyReiki.com LightJourneyReiki.com

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November 2015

2016

editorial calendar

greenliving

JANUARY

health & wellness plus: dance power FEBRUARY

friendship

plus: dental health MARCH

food matters

plus: eye health APRIL

everyday sustainability plus: freshwater scarcity MAY

women’s wellness plus: thyroid health JUNE

happiness

plus: balanced man JULY

independent media

plus: summer harvest AUGUST

empowering youth plus: creativity SEPTEMBER

healing music plus: yoga OCTOBER

community game changers

plus: chiropractic NOVEMBER

mental wellness plus: beauty DECEMBER

uplifting humanity

plus: holiday themes

Tennessee Valley

Dangers in the Cosmetic Bag

Choose Safe and Healthy Natural Beauty Aids by Kathleen Barnes

e all want to look and feel beautiful, often enhancing our best features with assistance from cosmetics. Yet many of us may not be aware of the toxic ingredients contained in products we’re using. “When the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was passed 77 years ago, it contained 112 pages of standards for food and drugs, and only one page for cosmetics,” says Connie Engel, Ph.D., science and education manager at the Breast Cancer Fund and its Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, in San Francisco. While most cosmetic ingredients must be listed on product labels, sometimes their names are hard to recognize, many are toxic and some of the most dangerous ones may not even be listed. Labeled toxins commonly found in cosmetics include endocrine disruptors that can affect our developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune systems. Here are just a few: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, is found in foundation, pressed powder, loose powder, bronzer, blush, eye shadow and mascara. It can even enhance the toxicity of other chemicals, according to Danish research published in the International Journal of Andrology, and due to its fluorine base, can disrupt iodine absorption, contributing to breast disease including cancer. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and its cousin, hydroxytoluene (BHT),

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are common preservatives found in lip products, liquid makeup and moisturizers that the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption cites as interfering with hormone function. They’ve also been shown to cause kidney damage, according to research from Spain’s Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Formaldehyde in many forms, including quaternium-15, coal tar, benzene and mineral oils that are prohibited in the European Union and Japan, are classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. These examples represent the tip of the iceberg of toxic chemicals of concern commonly used in cosmetics. They further range from allergens and substances that cause non-cancerous and cancerous tumors and organ toxicity to developmental and reproductive impairment, miscarriage and bioaccumulation leading to toxic overload when not excreted. Fragrances don’t have to be included in label ingredient lists, constituting another major concern, explains Engel. “Most cosmetics, even eye shadow, contain fragrance, and those fragrances can contain several dozen unlabeled ingredients, including hormone-disrupting phthalates.” The European Union is the authoritative source on all of these issues. Based on its CosIng (cosmetic ingredients) database accessed via ec.europa.

eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing, it has banned scores of toxic chemicals from makeup sold in EU countries.

Safe and Healthy Alternatives Fortunately, safe alternatives are available to enhance our natural beauty. “Become an educated consumer and read the list of ingredients,” advises Janice Cox, the Medford, Oregon, author of Natural Beauty at Home. “Fewer ingredients and organic components mean safer products.” Better yet, we can make our own more natural beauty aids. “One advantage of making your own is that you’re in control. You know yourself and your skin and sensitivities,” says Cox. DIY products are easy if intense color isn’t a requirement. “The color many people want is hard to produce with kitchen ingredients,” Cox explains. “You can make clear mascara and eyebrow tamer with castor oil. It’s easy to make lip balms and maybe get a little color by adding berry juice or beet root powder.” For those that want the look of highquality makeup without toxins, other good alternatives come into play, says Hollywood makeup artist Lina Hanson, author of Eco-Beautiful. “I had been working in the industry for several years before I discovered the toxic ingredients in makeup; I was shocked,” she says. Equally unsettling, “I also learned that many of the ingredients allowed in the U.S. are banned in the European Union because of their toxicity.” That knowledge launched Hanson’s quest to create safe, organic, beauty-enhancing products for women, celebrities and everyday people alike. “So many people these days pay close attention to what they put in their bodies, but not everyone is as careful about what they put on their bodies,” she says. “I want people to understand that you don’t have to sacrifice beauty in going green.” Hanson warns against so-called “natural” cosmetics that abuse the term and may include harmful preservatives and synthetic ingredients. She assures, “Any product labeled ‘USDA certified organic’ contains 100 percent organic ingredients.” Her book mentions numerous brands she recommends.

Beauty Bonus Tip Healthy, moisturized skin is essential to natural beauty, many experts agree, noting that younger women need to unclog pores to prevent acne. They don’t need much moisturizing, but skin generally becomes drier with age, making good moisturizers important. Cox recommends jojoba oil to effect glowing skin. Hanson likes coconut oil, although she recommends rubbing it in, removing makeup and then taking it off with a hot, wet towel. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (SafeCosmetics.org) has created a helpful app for iPhone and Android users at ThinkDirtyApp.com. Simply download it and scan a store item’s barcode to immediately access information on the product’s toxic ingredients, along with recommendations for healthier alternatives. Kathleen Barnes is the author of many natural health books, including Food Is Medicine. Connect at Kathleen Barnes.com.

Toxic Ingredients to Avoid n Benzophenone n Butylated compounds, including BHA, BHT n Carbon black n Ethanolamine compounds including DEA, MEA, TEA n Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea) n Heavy metals, including lead (may not be labeled) n Phthalates n PTFE (Teflon) n Silica n Talc n Titanium dioxide n Triclosan Source: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

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November 2015

Enneagram

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Choosing the Perfect Pet Not Just Any Dog or Cat Will Do by Sandra Murphy

he old line, “He followed me home, can we keep him?” used to get a kid a dog or cat of his own. In today’s homes, it’s not that easy. Choosing a pet is a personal choice not to be taken lightly nor made on another person’s behalf. A surprise pet is a bad idea. Rather than gift a pet during the holidays or at any other time, give a coupon to be redeemed after extensive and careful consideration. Involve the whole family in listing pros and cons, deal breakers and must-haves. Lifestyle adjustments by everyone are to be expected, but pets shouldn’t make all the sacrifices. Available time and space, daily routines and costs all matter in determining the perfect pet.

Temperament

Account Coordinator for z11 Communications, public speaker and author Michael Holtz, of Knoxville, Tennessee, admits he would’ve fallen in love with any dog. His wife, Sarah, searched to find the one that would work best for them. Based on past experience, Sarah knew that she didn’t want a herding, massive, shedding or miniature pet. She was drawn to Labrador types and found Marley, a golden/basset mix rescue that moved in as Michael was undergoing cancer treatment. “She’s calm, playful and wants to be near, but doesn’t smother, is stubborn, yet trainable, and mostly obedient,” Sarah says. “Plus, she’s content to nap or go on three-mile walks. Walking Marley helped Michael’s recovery after surgery. She was good with just sniffing the green off of a blade of grass until he was ready to head home.”

Size

Small dogs and those that need extensive grooming were on Melinda Carver’s no-adopt list. “I read books, visited

websites, shelters, adopt-a-thons and rescue When a dog or Take Two groups,” she says. “As a single person with a Palmer, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, cat won’t do, try Herbert full-time job, I wanted a dog that would fit with now with Green the Grid Group, worked for a my work, volunteer and exercise schedules.” something in a moving company when three kittens showed Riley, a bloodhound/Lab mix, fit the bill. near the loading dock. A co-worker took tank—freshwater up Shelter workers can project how large a one. Not in the market for a cat, much less two, dog will get when fully grown, as well as their fish, lizards Palmer tried to find them good, safe homes. Aftemperament and other breed traits. Carver ter five days, he realized, Lucky and Day had a or hamsters. was cautioned that Riley was an active anihome—with him. “Sometimes we adopt them. mal, needed long walks and would ultimately Many times they adopt us,” he confides. top 100 pounds. Now age 11, he’s a companionable 135 Falling in love doesn’t depend solely on what looks pounds. “I was surprised at how easy it was to change my good on paper. Everyone deserves to find their “heart” pet— routine to accommodate playtime, mile-long walks and train- when that first exchanged look proclaims, “He’s mine.” ing. He’s laid back and gentle for his size,” comments Carver, a blog talk radio show host in Parma, Ohio. Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ Danielle Nay, an expat from the UK, researched for two mindspring.com. years before choosing Freeway, her neighbor-friendly löwchen. He’s a mid-size dog, big enough to be a manly companion, but the right size for a high-rise apartment. “When his humans are busy, Freeway flings his own ball down the hall and then runs after it,” she says. n A yard isn’t a must, but dogs need regular exercise and socialization.

More Factors to Consider

Not Quite Perfect

The perfect pet doesn’t have to be perfect in looks or health. Dorie Herman, of Jersey City, New Jersey, a graphic designer for Martha Stewart Living, in New York City, is the human behind Chloe Kardoggian, a Chihuahua and puppy mill rescue, age 11, which she describes as “three pounds, two teeth, one giant tongue and an Instagram sensation.” Due to poor nutrition, mill dogs often lose their teeth as young adults, causing their tongues to hang out. She advocates for older dogs and an adopt/don’t buy policy. “With senior animals, you know what you’re getting. They have personality,” says Herman. “With my work schedule, I wanted an older pet, small and piddlepad trained.”

Unity Church on the Mountain 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

What’s Happening at Unity Sunday, November 1 Guest Speaker Rev. Carol Zukosky Sunday, November 22 & 29 Guest Speaker Rev. Ray Wiggins

n Adult children boomerang home after college or a divorce, often with pets. A new baby also alters a home’s equilibrium. Many hours away due to work, school activities, elder care and/or volunteering can lead to a bored pet that will produce its own entertainment, often to the family’s dismay. n Some pets are easily washable, while others need professional grooming. Daily brushing minimizes shedding. n Family members’ tolerance for pet drool and snoring counts. n A yearly wellness exam, required inoculations, a microchip and pet insurance add to the tab.

Reverend Carol Landry “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Ongoing Classes

Weddings A t

Unity ChUrCh on the MoUntAin

Sunday 11am (during church service)

Children’s Sunday School ages 4-9

Tuesday 7-8pm

Prayer and Meditation Hour

Thursday 6:30-7:30pm

Youth Hour 10 yrs and up. Snack provided. Bring a friend.

The perfect place for couples planning an elegantly simple ceremony. For more information go to:

UnityChurchWeddings.com or email us at

Sunday Discussion Class – 9:30am Sunday Worship – 11am Meditative Silence begins at 10:55am

UnityChurchWeddings@gmail.com Non-traditional, interfaith unions and commitment ceremonies are always welcome!

natural awakenings

November 2015

healthykids

What’s Your Child’s EQ?

Follow our Facebook page Natural Awakenings in the

Six Ways to Raise Emotional Intelligence

Tennessee Valley and we’ll alert you of upcoming happenings and events.

by Teal Swan

uch of our identity is shaped in childhood by key events and the emotions and perspectives we associate with them.

All Emotions Count

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Emotional intelligence, sometimes referred to as EQ, is often overlooked as a skill set in today’s world. The recent animated film Inside Out calls attention to effective ways of addressing a child’s journey by embracing and better understanding their emotions; particularly those that don’t feel positive. A recent study by the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance found that a child’s emotional health is far more important in determining future happiness than factors such as academic success or wealth. Parents can help ensure a healthy emotional upbringing by avoiding making three mistakes.

Disapproval of a child’s emotions: This involves being critical of a child’s displays of negative emotion and reprimanding or punishing the child for expressing them. Dismissing a child’s emotions: This comes across as regarding a child’s emotions as unimportant, either through ignoring their emotions, or worse, trivializing them. Offering little relevant guidance: While parents may empathize, they don’t set limits on behavior or assist each child in understanding and coping with their emotions.

Recipe for a High EQ

Parents can successfully form deeper connections with their kids by recognizing, respecting and acknowledging their emotional range, rather than telling kids they should feel a certain way. Telling someone how they should or shouldn’t

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Call (256) 508-3351 Today Susan K. Jeffreys, AL Lic #249 525 Fountain Row • Huntsville, AL 35801 24

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StructuralIntegrationHuntsville.com Structural Integration in the method of Ida P. Rolf

feel only teaches them to distrust themselves and that there’s something wrong with them. As a communication aid, Inside Out may speak best to older children, because younger viewers may get the erroneous impression that emotions can control them, rather than that they can control their own emotional reactions. The recipe for healthy bonding and emotional development is for all parties to model how they value the importance of each other’s feelings and respectfully listen for the feelings behind the words. In opening ourselves to being understood, we open ourselves to understanding others. Good parenting involves emotion. Good relationships involve emotion. The bottom line is that emotions matter. We all struggle with negative emotions from time to time, and the way we address and deal with them influences our emotional health. The goal is to develop a trustworthy emotional connection with the other person that is important to us, which enhances intimacy and the effectiveness of the relationship in accomplishing good. Using this six-part process of helpful concrete steps applies equally to the children and adults in our lives. n Become aware of the other person’s emotions. n Care about the other person by seeing their emotions as valid and important. n Listen empathetically to better understand the way they feel, allowing them to feel safe to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. Seek to understand, rather than to agree or redirect. n Acknowledge and validate their feelings. We don’t need to validate that the thoughts they have about their emotions are correct; instead, simply let them know that it’s valid to feel the way that they do. For example, if a friend says, “I feel useless,” we could validate them by saying, “I can see how you might feel that way.”

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Providing nail and callus care to those with n Allow the person to experience their emotions fully before • Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes moving toward any kind of improvement. We cannot impose • Circulatory Problems our idea of when they should be ready or able to feel differ• Visual ImpairmentsSales Rep.: Mike Underwood ently. This is when we practice unconditional presence and I Approve This Copy. Cust. Sign.: X unconditional love. We are there as support, without trying Please note - quality and• size Arthritis may vary slightly between proof and actual directory to fix them or anything else. Don’t be offended if they don’t • Parkinson’s Disease accept support that’s offered at this time. A benevolent power • Dementia is inherent in offering love that exists regardless of what • Strokes someone does or does not do with it. • Hip/Knee Replacement n Help the other person to strategize ways to manage the • Diminished Strength reactions they might be having to their emotions after—and • Thick/Long Nails only after—their feelings have been validated, acknowledged and fully felt. This is when we can assert new ways of looking at a situation that may improve the way another person is feeling. This is when advice may be offered. When done successfully, this process can transform a conflict encountered in a relationship into solid gold. Teal Swan is the author of Shadows Before Dawn: Finding the Light of Self-Love Through Your Darkest Times, on how healing hidden wounds reveals our authentic selves (TealSwan. com). Inside Out will be released next month on DVD.

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calendarofevents

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Guided Hike: Trail of Tears History Walk – 10am. (1.5 hours / Moderate to difﬁcult). Historian John Stanton leads you along an actual TOT route. The Land Trust’s Blevins Gap Nature Preserve protects a portion of the Benge Route, which was part of the Trail of Tears. Directions: LandTrustNAL.org.

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Veterans Appreciation: Free Movie Showing, Forrest Gump – 11am-2pm. The ﬁlm earned the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Director. We will take a moment to recognize our attending veterans before starting the ﬁlm. Free. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-5940.

Car Boot Sale – 12-4pm. Based on the popular British model, this event is a mobile outdoor flea market where vendors sell used items out of the “boot” of their cars. Come haggle with local sellers and get great deals. Free. $15 to vend. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. 256-533-0399. BAKE (Baby And Kid Expo) – 1-5pm. A free community event for the entire family that highlights local resources with interactive and informative local exhibitors. The BAKE focuses on families with children ages 0-10 years. Free. Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. 256-533-0399.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Wild and Scenic Film Festival – 6:30-9pm. These award-winning short ﬁlms feature Earth’s beauty, outdoor adventure, energy alternatives, biodiversity, environmental issues and what communities and activists are doing to help conserve and protect our planet. $10. Flying Monkey Arts Theater at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. Huntsville Community Chorus Chamber Chorale with Nathan Laube – 7:30pm. HCC Chamber Chorale will present a concert with renowned organist Nathan Laube. Repertoire will feature solo organ music and selections for organ and choir. Admission charged. Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd, Huntsville. 256-533-6606.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Southern Tradition: A Holiday Marketplace – 8am-3pm. With unique treasures, furnishings, home decor, gifts, and a silent auction, Southern Tradition is a great place for good values on exceptional merchandise. Carnival with kids’ activities. Free. Madison Academy, 325 Slaughter Rd, Madison. Family Constellations Workshop with Jeffrey Rich, Certified Constellations Facilitator – 9am-5pm. Uncover the hidden dynamics of your family or relationship in an experiential way, so that undue stress can be released or reduced in the system and a resolution can unfold. $25 suggested donation. Shining Mountain Healing Center. Shining-Mountain.com. Jeffrey.Rich@gmail.com. 256-337-1699.

Got Events? Get Noticed! Thousands of readers are looking for healthy options.

Call Today! 256-808-8044 Editor@NatValley.com

North Alabama Woodcarvers Association Show and Competition – 9am-4pm (Sat-Sun). NAWA is a community of woodcarvers offering free classes in basic woodcarving, chip carving, and relief carving. View demonstrations, enroll for free classes, win door prizes and purchase carvings, tools and items of interest. Free. Jaycee’s Building & Fairgrounds, 2180 Airport Rd, Huntsville. Tennessee Valley Genealogical Society Program: Maxmizing Technology for Research – 9am-3pm. Certiﬁed genealogist, David Ouimette will provide tips and techniques for researching ancestry. Free. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-278-5533.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Huntsville Youth Orchestra Fall Concert – 2-3:30pm. Fall Concert: A Salute to Our Veterans, featuring music of the United States. Four of HYO’s orchestras will play music composed by American composers, including patriotic music. Free. Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd, Huntsville. Guided Hike: Herps on Whitaker Preserve just past Gurley – 2pm. (2 hours / Easy). Alabama A&M Biology & Environmental Science/Wildlife Program Assistant Andrew Cantrell will help us discover just what lives on this Nature Conservancy property. The Land Trust manages these lovely acres. You may be amazed at the wide variety of “herps” we may ﬁnd. Directions and info: LandTrustNAL.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 How to Combat Cold and Flu Using Natural Remedies – 6pm. Learn alternative strategies for relieving cold and flu symptoms, boosting your immune system, and staying well this flu season. Free presentation by Dr. Jamie Bunis, DC. Dr. Jamie’s Wellness Center, 917 Merchants Walk, Ste A, Huntsville. 256-434-7977.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Eckankar on TV: Master Your Spiritual Destiny – 7:30-8pm. Inspiring stories and insights from Harold Klemp, spiritual leader and acclaimed author of more than sixty books on Eckankar. Discover ﬁve steps to help you master your spiritual destiny and more. Free. WOW (Knology) Cable Channel 11. 256-534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Guided Hike: Time Travel Over the Rainbow – 1pm. (1.5 hours / Moderate to difficult). Archaeologist Ben Hoksbergen will lead a hike back through time on the Rainbow Mountain loop trail. Hoksbergen will discuss the sedimentary geology and paleontology of Rainbow Mountain and north Alabama and lead hikers on a search for evidence of prehistoric human activity along the way. Directions: LandTrustNAL.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Winter Gallery Tour – 5-9pm. Huntsville celebrates the ﬁne arts with a tour of local galleries. This informal event showcases artists whose mediums include painting, pottery, glass, sculpture, jewelry design, photography and woodworking. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at all locations. Free. GalleryTour.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Holiday Arts and Crafts Exposition – 10am-3pm. Local artists, artisans, and crafters will be in house displaying and selling beautiful handmade works. A full list of vendors will be posted to hmcpl.org no later than November 16. Free. Huntsville Main Library, 915 Monroe St. 256-532-5940.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Hike – 9am. (4 miles, Moderate). A grand Huntsville tradition: appreciating the beauty of Monte Sano Nature Preserve with family and friends on Thanksgiving morning. We’ll burn some extra calories and walk down Alms House Trail to Historic Three Caves. Directions and info: LandTrustNAL.org.

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. 256-412-4896.

natural awakenings

November 2015

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

sunday

thursday

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.

Youth Group – 6:30-7:30pm. 10 years old and up. Snack provided. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityOnTheMountain.org.

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

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.

Celebration Service – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-8838596. CSL-Huntsville.org. Unity Church on the Mountain Worship Service – 11am, with Adult Discussion at 9:30am. Children’s Sunday School ages 4-9 during church service. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Rev. Carol Landry. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. UnityOnTheMountain.org. 1-Hour Mystery School – 11am. A different service each week including ritual, music, and a message in an open, loving environment. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org. Laughter Yoga – 1-2pm. Laughter Yoga utilizes laughter as an exercise in a group. Beneﬁts include increased oxygen levels, relaxation, increased blood circulation, and a joyous feeling. Led by Tristan Riabo, certiﬁed Laughter Yoga Teacher. Free. 4703 Wellington Pt, Huntsville. Tristan.Riabo@gmail.com.

season, attendees and weather conditions. Meet in the parking lot at the picnic area near the river. Free. 256-532-5326. Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org. 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. Prayer and Meditation Hour – 7-8pm. Led by Rev. Clifford Stocking and assisted by Rebecca Oxford. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityOnThe Mountain.org.

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 Madison City Farmers Market – 8am-12pm through 11/21. Fresh produce, handmade treasures, and local live music featured each week. Trinity Baptist Church, 1088 Hughes Rd, Madison.

monday

wednesday

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.

Beginner’s Class Tai Chi – 9:30-10:30am. $10 per class. Monte Sano Methodist Church administrative building, 601 Monte Sano Blvd SE, Huntsville. Register with Lynn at the Yurt Garden, 256-424-2221.

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.

Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Held each Saturday (except 11/28). Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Ave NE #3 (near Five Points). 256534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org.

tuesday Hays Nature Preserve Fall Hikes – 9am and 2pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Take a guided hike around various areas. The hike will be based on the

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. ~Aesop

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Tennessee Valley

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Ballroom Dance Party – 7:30-10pm. Beginner group class 7:30-8pm, introduction to different ballroom dances each week. Practice dance party 8-10pm, for all levels of dancers. No partner needed. $10/person for group class and party. Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd Suites C/D, Madison, AL. 256-461-1900. MadisonBallroom.com.

Jin Shin Jyutsu® of Huntsville Sandra Cope Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner Assists healing through relaxation and restoring body harmony.

Animal companion sessions are available. Office: (256) 534-1794 Cell: (256) 509-3540

1108 McClung Avenue SE Huntsville, Alabama 35801

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. Email Editor@Natvalley.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE ALABAMA HOLISTIC HEALTH, LLC Dr. Christina L. Berry, Ed.D., ACI, ADS 204 Lowe Ave, Suite 3, Huntsville Info@ALHolisticHealth.com 256-801-9162

A holistic approach to health and wellness, specializing in pain management, weight loss, natural detoxiﬁcation, and mental health improvement. Auriculotherapy/ Ear acupuncture. Massage therapy. Reflexology. Lifestyle consulting. Diet and supplement recommendations. Hydro-colon cleanse. Ionic detox.

THE NEELEY CENTER FOR HEALTH

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

ALKALINE DRINKING WATER BAZZ BAZZELL, CEO, BAZZ WATER Healthy Water Ionization Consultant BazzKangenWater.com Bazz@Bazzwater.com 256-430-8407

My health has greatly improved since I started using 9.5pH Kangen Water to Alkalize my body. I would like to give you a two-gallon sample of Kangen Water and information how you can Alkalize your body for better health.

CHRISTIAN LIFE COACH DIANE R. BRENNAN

Certified Christian Life Coach forgiven@knology.net A Certified Christian Life Coach (CCLC) helps you discover and develop your purpose and passion by stimulating awareness, responsibility and change. A CCLC focuses on the present and future, not the past. Trustworthy, honest and committed to confidentiality, a CCLC encourages you to find God’s vision for your life.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY HEALTH ALTERNATIVES

Colon Irrigation Amelia Self, Colon Therapist 2817 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, AL 35811 256-513-2274 More than 23 years’ experience in colonic irrigation. Call for your appointment today.

A Spiritual Community supporting the practice of knowing God in the heart of every person. ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES! New Thought Classes

HOPE FOR LIFE COLONICS

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 25.

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

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

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.

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. See ad, page 31.

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

www.cslhuntsville.org

308 Lily Flagg Rd.

883-8596

natural awakenings

November 2015

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.

FENG SHUI

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

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.

FENG SHUI BY TRUDI GARDNER Trudi Gardner, M.S. 256-772-6999 Tygard2000@aol.com

HEAD-TO-TOE TRAINING

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.

FOOD CO-OP PLENTIFUL PRODUCE

256-469-VEGG (8344) PlentifulProduce@gmail.com PlentifulProduce.org Plentiful Produce is a volunteer food cooperative bringing quality produce and other items to co-op participants at the lowest possible prices. Weekly produce baskets $20. A la carte local raw honey and produce. Five Saturday pickup locations across Madison County.

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. See ad, page 25.

Tennessee Valley

HEALTH & FITNESS 8006 Madison Pike, Ste 5 Madison, AL • 256-772-2006 HeadToToe@knology.net Head-To-Toe.com

A Mind/Body Training Center specializing in Core Training, Corrective and Therapeutic. Offering all facets of training: group and personal. Pilates (both matwork and apparatus), Thai/yoga massage, Flowmotion, PilatEASE, CoreABS and more! Membership packages available.

HEALTH FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS PEARLY’S NATURAL FOOD & MERCANTILE 2818 B Governors Dr Huntsville, AL 35805 256-534-6233

Herbs and blends, both cooking and therapeutic. Beer and wine making supplies. Supplements. Essential and fragrance oils. Flours, grains, nuts and much more. Family owned since 1972. Mention this ad and receive 10% off.

HOMEOPATHIC CONSULTANT JOAN SCOTT LOWE

1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209  205-871-1288 Joan@HomeopathyForWellness.com HomeopathyForWellness.com Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars (“like heals like”). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!

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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 21.

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.

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

Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner. An easy, effective way of restoring health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy pathways to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. See ad, page 28.

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.

MENTAL HEALTH CARE TREE OF LIFE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

256-278-2802 TreeOfLifeBehavioral.com TreeOfLifeBehavioral@gmail.com

SPIRITUAL Lightworker at The Heart Space 513 Pratt Ave 901-652-5338 Spiritual Insight, Guidance and Healing using Cards and Golden Light Energy. Sessions are $1 per minute (cash) and include a Joyful phone consultation. Small group meeting room with kitchen and bathroom available for $11/hour. Blessings and Love.

At Tree of Life Behavioral Health, we believe that quality mental health care should be available to all people who need it. We offer counseling and medication management to families, children, adolescents, and adults on a sliding scale to meet all income needs. Don’t let yourself suffer any longer!

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 22.

REIKI LIGHT JOURNEY REIKI

Barbara Caioli, RM 7500 Memorial Pkwy SW, Ste 114 Huntsville AL • 256-716-8419 LightJourneyReiki.com Reiki refers to the universal life force energy that is found in everything. Reiki works through gentle, focused touch or intention for the purpose of healing and balance. Light Journey Reiki offers healings as wells as Certiﬁcation Workshops. See ad, page 19.

Want a Life of Wellness, Purpose and Abundance?

APRIL BLU

Explore the benefits of Young Living’s Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

Call today to schedule your one-on-one session or host a group class.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION 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.

SUSAN K. JEFFREYS

Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 525 Fountain Row 256-508-3351 • RolfGuild.org Serving Huntsville since 1995

Business opportunities available.

Cindy Wilson #1873782

256-476-6537 Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com

“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 24.

Make a world of difference Advertise with us and reach thousands of healthy living individuals in the Tennessee Valley area who are looking for services like yours.

Grow Your Own Business Organically

contact me:

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

Something for every budget! 256-808-8044 • Editor@Natvalley.com natural awakenings

November 2015

REKINDLE THE SPIRIT OF YOUR LIFE

Watch It Light Up The Season Advertise in our special

December Prayer and Meditation Issue Our readers seek specialists and services offering: • Advocacy / Peer Groups • Energy Healing • Social Aid • Assisting Ministries • Journaling and Memoirs • Spiritual Healing • Books / Guides / Media • Life Coaching • Sustainable Gifts • Charities • Meditation • Thrift / Resale Shops • Community Services • Personal Development Tools • Volunteer Programs • Counseling / Therapy • Self-help Counseling • Workshops / Retreats – and this is just a partial list