December 2011 - Seattle Natural Awakenings

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

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Special Edition

Do Good, Feel Good The Health-HelpingHappiness Connection

The Parent Path How Children Enrich Our Spiritual Life

HOLIDAY TREATS Flavorful, Festive Party Foods

Meaningful

Giving Tips to Simplify the Season

December 2011 | Seattle Edition | SeattleAwakenings.com

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contents 5 newsbriefs

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.

10 healthbriefs 16 greenliving 18 healthykids

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DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD The Helping-Health Happiness Connection

12

by Lisa Marshall

16 Meaningful giving 16 20 fitbody Tips To Simplify The Season 22 naturalpet 24 consciouseating 18 THE PARENT PATH How Children Enrich Our 29 healthyhomes Spiritual Life 30 communityspotlight 34 calendar 20 The upside of skiing 24 38 naturaldirectory downhill Making The Most Of Peak

by Beth Davis

18

by Steve Taylor

Experiences

advertising & submissions

by Randy Kambic

22 Interspecies

20

how to advertise Friendships To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media

Crossing Boundaries kit, please contact us at 206-788-7313 or email

For Good Publisher@SeattleAwakenings.com.

by April Thompson Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: Submissions@SeattleAwakenings.com Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@SeattleAwakenings.com or submit online at SeattleAwakenings.com. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locallyowned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

SeattleAwakenings.com

24 FUn Party Foods

by Renee Loux

29 The Greenest Tree Non-Toxic Christmas

30 Bothell Country Village: A Treasure 29

by Ann Dorn

32 Good Vibrations

Sound Healing For The Soul Experiences

by Erin Lehn Floresca

natural awakenings

December 2011

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letterfrompublisher For me, December is the most reflective of all months, heralding a season for tradition but also a time for solitary cold walks, long novels, and knitting by the fire.

Actually, it’s the only month I ever pick up my knitting needles at all – there is something about this month that calls me to home and hearth. Usually, December brings many festivals and fun events, as well. I’m looking forward to renewing longstanding family traditions with my husband David and daughter Eliyana, like making a holiday gingerbread house, as well as creating new traditions and memories throughout the month.

However, for some people, this isn’t a great month. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more common this time of the year, and the holidays can be tough for those suffering with depression. I love the findings reported in “Do Good, Feel Good” on page 12 that helping others actually boosts our immune systems and sense of well-being, among other physical and emotional benefits. If you or a loved one is having a rough time, try some of the ideas in the article.

Even if you’re feeling great, festivities and obligations can quickly get out of hand, devaluing the meaning of this special season. If gift-giving is part of your holiday tradition, as it is for most people, consider ways to focus more on relationships and less on things. “Meaningful Giving” on page 16 will get you started with a variety of ideas: crafts, non-material and family gifts and more.

We all feel much better when we are able to maintain our health and watch our waistlines without deprivation. The delicious and nutritious recipes in “Fun Party Foods” on page 24 make this easy and fun. I can’t wait to try the butternut squash spread and pomegranate guacamole!

In my non-scientific opinion, the moon is brighter and crisper against the deep, dark December sky, just begging us to go for a walk, maybe alone, perhaps with a canine companion, or possibly with friends and a thermos of a delicious, hot beverage to share. Whether you find your peace and rejuvenation this month in quiet evenings at home, the bright and merry festivities of parties and gatherings, or a balance of both, take just a few minutes to soak in December’s darkness and recharge your heart and soul.

To your health and happiness,

contact us Publishers Ann Dorn David Seregow National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Account Manager Dena Marie 425-350-5448 Dena@SeattleAwakenings.com Design & Production Patrick Floresca Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales John Voell II 239-530-1377

SeattleAwakenings.com 3815 S Othello St. 100-186 Seattle, WA 98118 Phone: 206-788-7313 Fax: 877-531-7691 © 2011 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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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Ann Dorn

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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newsbriefs Your Local Market Opens in Bellevue

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new local grocery store opened in Bellevue, at 11:11 a.m., November 11, touting innovations in customer service and convenience. Located in the old Safeway store at 410 Bellevue Way NE, Your Local Market boasts a product mix that is about 80 percent natural, organic or local, with the remainder comprising conventional products, or what founder/ CEO Jason Brown calls, “everyday brands.”

The mix is intended to reduce shoppers’ trips to multiple stores. “We really believe the organics’ shopper is evolving,” Brown says. “We want to have the best in organics, but still provide recognized products like Tide and Downy.”

In addition to fresh, organic produce, Your Local Market houses a deli, a from-scratch baker and floral and wine sections, plus seafood and meat departments serving organic and free-range meats, with at least one butcher on duty at all times. Customers may call in their grocery order for curbside delivery to their car, and an online shopping system is in the works.

Brown says the store is built on a strong preference for locally produced products. A shelf tag denoting “NW Local” identifies items produced within 400 miles of the store by independent farmers and crafters. Even though 20 percent of their offerings are produced by mega-brands like Kraft, PepsiCo/Frito Lay, Coca Cola and Nestle, Brown says Your Local Market avoids products containing trans/hydrogenated fats, as well as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

A serial entrepreneur, Brown previously founded Organic To Go, a Seattle-based boxed lunch and catering company with more than 160 locations and has been involved with seven other enterprises.

Double Take Bellydance Becomes Deep Roots Dance

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ouble Take Bellydance is now Deep Roots Dance, a move that reflects the studio’s desire to expand their offerings. “This represents an opportunity to offer a broader spectrum of dance and movement instruction and performance,” says Director Shay Moore, who has been teaching and performing bellydance in the U.S. for more than a decade.

Along with the new name, Deep Roots Dance has launched an online student resource center, with a virtual store scheduled to go live in 2012 and a series of online videos planned to help students practice their dance skills at home.

“We encourage dancers of all levels and body types to learn to be more present and confident in their bodies,” Moore says. Deep Roots Dance holds classes in multiple locations throughout Seattle, including movement arts studio m’illumino, in Roosevelt, as well as the Phinney Ridge Community Center. New series start every six weeks.

For more information, visit DeepRootsDance.com, email Info@DeepRootsDance.com or connect at Facebook.com/ DeepRootsDance.

Location: 410 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue. For more information call 425-372-7600 or visit YourLocalMarket.com.

Give Like You Give A Damn

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Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Stadium Nissan 1045 6th Avenue South/$5 donation info@seattlegreendrinks.org

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December 2011

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New Organic Baby Clothing The Gated Sanctuary Label Promotes Peace and Unity Celebrates First Anniversary

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eattle-based Schamet Horsfield, author of children’s book, Om Baby, Child of the Universe, has launched a new line of organic baby clothing called Planet Om. Featuring organic fabrics and original designs, the brand is based on the book. “Om Baby is a new paradigm superhero for the planet, for love and for world peace. Planet Om features the striped jump suit and booties that the character Om Baby wears in the book,” Horsfield clarifies.

The Planet Om merchandise includes organic T-shirts, onesies, long sleeved T-shirts, striped pants, a handmade wool Om Baby doll and colorfully striped hats. Products are available online and at nine retail shops throughout Seattle, including East West Bookshop.

Handcrafted locally from environmentally friendly materials, including organic cotton, the graphic designs can become conversation starters for parents and children.

“Planet Om is more than just a clothing line,” explains Horsfield. “The whole concept is a powerful message of unity, and each design can be used as an interactive teaching tool. The Mother Earth design, for example, becomes a tool for learning and discussing different cultures with your child: what children wear in other traditional cultures, what country each child is from and what language they speak.”

For more information email OmBabyWorld@gmail.com or visit PlanetOm.com.

Seattle Green Deal Site Launches

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new discount deal site featuring natural Seattle area businesses will provide regular discount offers similar to popular collective purchasing sites like Groupon.

“NaturalBuys is the only guaranteed deal provider promising a green experience from start to finish,” says Seattle resident and NaturalBuys founder Rachel Torrie, who said she created the site because she was tired of wading through daily deal offers trying to find natural products and services that fit her eco-conscious and healthy lifestyle.

Upcoming deals will allow members to purchase products and services with discounts ranging from 50 to 70 percent at featured local, healthy restaurants, organic salons and spas, environmentally-friendly products from local businesses, and nearby getaways for nature lovers.

For more information: NaturalBuys.com or Facebook.com/ NaturalBuys.

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N

ovember 26 marked the first anniversary of The Gated Sanctuary, in Snohomish. Offering highly experienced massage therapists and Reiki practitioners and a hydrotherapy circuit with outdoor hot tub, cold plunge pool and eucalyptus steam room, The Gated Sanctuary provides holistic health care with comforting amenities such as towels and sarongs for guests along with complimentary beverages and snacks, like warm chocolate chip cookies.

“The Gated Sanctuary is a special place because of how we started,” remarks founder and massage practitioner Frederick Steffen. His career in the healing arts began as a 9-yearold, when he was trained in reflexology to help relieve his mother's multiple sclerosis symptoms. A dream 20 years in the making, The Gated Sanctuary opened one year ago and is dedicated to Steffen’s mother, Caroline Regina Reuble Steffen.

“It is through her terrible, debilitating disease that this beautiful retreat was born,” Steffen notes. “Before her death 16 years ago, she was able to see the people that were being helped through my massages. Now that The Gated Sanctuary is a reality, she watches and shines down every day,” he continues. “You can feel it in all the sacred spaces of this beautiful place.”

For more information call 425-335-3574 or visit TheGatedSanctuary.com.

My Mama’s Love Sends Skin Care Products to U.S. Troops

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or every $10 in products sold during the month of November, local skincare company My Mama’s Love sent one item to a U.S. soldier stationed in Iraq.

The promotion was so popular that it is being extended through December, says company founder Leslie McCann.

“I was approached by a community organization that serves our soldiers overseas by sending much-needed items,” McCann explains. “I loved the idea of sending our men and women abroad the things they need in time for the holidays. The items they especially need include Burn Out, our burn ointment; Fixx My Lips balm; Happy Sacks, our jock itch treatment; bug repellent; and Complete Skin Ailment Curative,” she notes.

My Mama’s Love uses all-natural, organic ingredients in their formulas and was founded when McCann, disappointed with other available products, began to create her own balms and lotions to successfully treat her daughter’s skin condition.

Still handcrafted in small batches today, My Mama’s Love products can be found at stores throughout Seattle.

For more information call 425-495-1222 or visit My-MamasLove.com.

Social Media and Attraction Marketing Workshop for Conscious Businesses

O Center of Light Seminar Series with Father Peter Bowes

T

he Center of Light hosts Father Peter Bowes, a renowned mystic and international spiritual teacher, who will introduce people to true joy, understanding and awakening in three seminars, held from December 1 to 3, at The Center of Light, in Seattle.

Bowes’ first lecture, Joy in the World, will take place at 7:30 p.m., December 1, and addresses how to have a truly joyous heart. Bowes delivers the talk, Waking Up to a True Spiritual Life, at 7:30 p.m., December 2, covering the nature of spiritual life and how to grow closer to God and know one’s true self and purpose. In the presentation, Being a True Sister and Brother, Bowes will speak about compassion, healing and wholeness for the human family, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., December 3. In this final talk, he addresses how universal peace, love and joy can become realities.

Bowes travels nationally to give lectures on the Christian mystical path.

He has also published several books, including The Word Within, The Radical Path and Steps on the Way. He devotes his time to teaching and writing lectures and songs.

nline marketing expert Devani Freeman will offer her Conscious Social Media & Attraction Marketing Workshop for Vibrant Entrepreneurs, at 5:30 p.m., January 25. “This workshop is for conscious entrepreneurs who are driven to help other people with holistic life transformations,” Freeman says. “Many of these business owners are interested in successfully using social media, online marketing and word of mouth—all low-cost strategies with a huge impact if approached correctly.”

Freeman, who left a six-figure income to become an attraction marketing coach, says she believes in the importance of a strong vision for conscious business owners. “The real secret is to attract and accept the right clients, who love working with you and happily pay for the privilege, plus are looking for you right now online,” she says.

According to Freeman, business owners should be able to set up their practice or business in a way that gives them freedom to travel, spread their message and have enough time to live life to the fullest.

Location: TBD. Admission is $10. For more information or to register: 425-2004333 or DevaniFreeman.com.

Location: 5225 15th Ave. NE, Seattle.

Preregistration required. Evening seminars cost $25/person; Saturday seminar is $35/person and includes light lunch. For more information about seminars, call 206-525-8488 or email Seattle@CentersOfLight.org. For more information about Father Bowes, visit FatherPeterBowes.com. natural awakenings

December 2011

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globalbriefs Bully Beaters Cooperation is Key to Social Harmony

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ullies seem to be made, not born. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, concludes that a cooperative school experience, versus a competitive one, can play a major positive role in the socialization of students.

Researchers canvassed 217 students in grades three through five, measuring how much they liked to cooperate or compete with their peers, and how often they acted with aggression or kindness toward them. The youngsters also estimated how often their teachers put them in small groups to complete assignments together, a classroom strategy known as “cooperative learning,” because the students have to collaborate with one another to get their work done.

Students that engaged in more frequent cooperative learning were more likely to say they enjoyed cooperating with others and reported exhibiting kind, helpful, pro-social behaviors. In contrast, students that said they preferred to compete were significantly more likely to act aggressively toward their peers and try to do them harm.

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The results suggest that cooperation begets cooperation. The researchers further concluded that cooperative experiences promote the development of the personality trait of cooperation. Based on their results, the researchers advocate more cooperative learning in classrooms as a way to promote positive behaviors and combat bullying, or harm-intentioned aggression.

Source: Greater Good Science Center

Toyland Tips

Choose Greener, Safer Playthings

M

illions of children’s toys have been recalled in recent years to head off hazards from lead content, possible choking and other personal safety issues, thanks to supervision by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. But none are monitored for their environmental impact, which opens another can of worms.

Action figures and dolls are often made from PVC, the worst polluting plastic, and their packaging often quadruples the size of a toy’s environmental footprint, typically ending up in a landfill. Teddy bears are often stuffed with synthetic, petroleum-based fillers and pesticide-heavy cotton. Other toys, including stuffed animals, are sprayed with brominated fire retardants; the kind that turn up in breast milk. Even some wooden toys may be coated with varnishes and paints that are high in air-polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC).

To combat this troubling trend, look for all-natural stuffed animals made with organic fibers, wool batting, recycled sweaters or even tofu; search out toys that have shifted to PVC- and phthalate-free plastics; and use beeswax instead of synthetic clay and colored play dough for craft projects.

It’s best to purchase toys from local manufacturers that can certify they follow U.S. environmental, health and safety regulations and use minimal packaging. Favor wooden toys that are finished with nontoxic, natural oil or beeswax or not finished at all. Sources include local guild shops, craft stores and galleries that carry handcrafted toys made by artisans in the community, using proper safety criteria.

Idea sources: ChasingGreen.org (Tinyurl.com/3hxd2ea); TofuBear.com

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December 2011

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healthbriefs New Study Finds Menstrual Cups Do Not Increase Risk of IUD Expulsion

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recent study concluded that women using internal menstrual devices, such as menstrual cups, are not statistically at a higher risk for expulsion of intra-uterine devices (IUDs) than those who use pads, putting to rest hesitations about the reusable feminine products.

Conducted by the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, the study looked at nearly 1,000 women that had IUDs inserted during 2009. In an interview at the annual meeting of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, lead researcher Dr. Ellen Wiebe explained the impetus for the study: “Every week or so, I would get asked the question, ‘Is it okay to use a cup with the IUD?’ I looked in the literature and there were no answers.”

Study results will likely support the growing demand for sustainable, comfortable menstrual products. “Menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular among young, health-conscious women in the United States,” says Tracy Puhl, owner of GladRags, a company based in Portland, Oregon, that sells natural and reusable menstrual products, such as washable cotton pads and natural rubber latex or silicone menstrual cups, along with laundering supplies and kits.

“Unlike tampons,” Puhl explains, “reusable menstrual cups collect the menstrual flow, rather than absorbing it, and are reusable for many cycles. With concerns about toxic shock and environmental waste, menstrual cups are a convenient lifestyle choice for many women—now including those with IUDs, as well.”

For more information call 800-799-4523 or visit GladRags.com.

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Federal Way Naturopathy Hosts Free Clinic for Underserved

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n November 5, Federal Way Naturopathy hosted their sixth annual free clinic designed to make medical care attainable for those that might not otherwise be able to afford it. “We thought of doing Relay For Life or a clothing drive, but we realized the best we could afford was providing complimentary or low-fee medical care,” says Dr. Beth DiDomenico, founder of Federal Way Naturopathy.

The clinic’s doctors and staff volunteered a combined total of nearly 80 hours to see 36 patients, many of whom learned of the event through fliers posted at food banks, bus stops and the local chamber of commerce. In addition, four medical student volunteers from Bastyr University also donated services.

Most services were provided free of charge. Patients were able to meet with a naturopathic doctor for primary care, gynecological exams, acupuncture or nutritional counseling. They received vaccinations, blood work and supplements for free or at steeply discounted rates (some tests cost as low as $3). Vouchers were issued for complimentary hypnotherapy sessions.

“The patients were just very grateful,” reflects DiDomenico. “I’ve seen some thank-you cards, and all the patients were very gracious. You definitely go home with a good feeling.”

Building manager Sandy Gendreau adds, “The free clinic is a great way to expose people to naturopathic medicine.

We consider it very important to serve the community, and offering low-cost medical care can have such a great impact on many lives.”

Federal Way Naturopathy, which has been in operation for 14 years, is one of the largest natural health clinics in the state, with five naturopathic doctors, an M.D., two nurses and support staff, with additional independent health professionals including massage and physical therapists, a nutritionist and other practitioners on site.

Location: 900 S. 336th St., Federal Way. For more information call 253-942-3301 or visit FWNMedical.com.

Acupuncture Eases Unexplained Symptoms

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atients that experience medically unexplained symptoms might benefit from acupuncture, according to new research by the Institute of Health Services Research, Peninsula Medical School, at the University of Exeter. The study involved 80 adults that had consulted their general practitioner eight or more times in the previous year for problems such as headaches, muscle pain, extreme fatigue or joint and back pain. Half received up to 12 sessions of five-element acupuncture during a period of six months; the remainder received no extra treatment.

The patients receiving acupuncture reported improved well-being and scored higher on an individualized health status questionnaire than the control group. They reported that their acupuncture consultations became increasingly valuable and that the interactive and holistic nature of the sessions gave them a sense that something positive was being done about their condition.

Professor Andrew Gould, who led the study, says it is important to offer patients other options when conventional medicine isn’t working. “It’s soul-destroying for both the patient and doctor when there’s no clear reason for the symptoms patients are suffering from,” he explains. “We don’t know how acupuncture is making a difference, but it seems to be something to do with the treatment, rather than just a placebo or the one-to-one care the patients are getting.”

The study was the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The research results were published in The British Journal of General Practice.

P

Phosphates Not Heart-Healthy

hosphates are commonly found in microwavable meals, soft drinks and other processed and prepackaged foods.

Now, researchers at the University of Sheffield, UK, have demonstrated a connection between the high intake of phosphates and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, a leading cause of heart disease.

The research shows that cholesterol deposits in the walls of arteries increase following a higher phosphate diet.

This leads to narrowing of the arteries, the cause of most heart attacks and strokes.

Source: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology

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December 2011

11

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD

The Helping – Health – Happiness Connection

by Lisa Marshall

G

rowing up on Long Island, New York, young Stephen Post often received an unusual prescription from his mother when he was feeling grouchy or under the weather.

“She’d say, ‘Why don’t you go out and help someone?’” he recalls. “I’d go out and help Mr. Muller rake leaves or help old Bobby Lawrence fix his boat.

Then, I’d come back feeling better, and feeling better about life.”

Decades later, Post—a professor of preventive medicine at New York’s Stony Brook University—is among a growing contingent of researchers exploring just how such acts of generosity and the feelings (empathy, compassion, altruism) that prompt them may actually improve our mental and physical health.

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Recent studies have shown that people that volunteer live longer, suffer less chronic pain, have bolstered immune systems, are more likely to recover from addiction, and experience an in-the-moment sense of calm akin to that which people experience during and after exercise. Scientists have yet to fully understand what the physiological underpinnings are of such health benefits, but early studies credit a cascade of neurobiological changes that occur as we reach out to help a loved one, or (in some cases) even cut a check to a stranger in need.

Could generosity be the missing, often overlooked ingredient to a prescription for better health? Perhaps, says Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving,

Compassion and Hope Can Get Us Through Hard Times. “This is a young science, but what we have begun to discover is that there is something going on, physiologically, in this process of helping others that seems to make people feel happier and report greater health.”

Helping Hands Live Longer

We’ve all felt it: That blush of innerwarmth we get after we bring a plate of healthful, steaming food to a sick relative, volunteer to read to kids at a local preschool or help sort donations for a shelter.

According to a 2010 survey of 4,500 Americans by United Healthcare, 68 percent of those that volunteered inthe previous year reported that doing it made them feel physically healthier; 73 percent noted that it lowered their stress levels. Meanwhile, 29 percent of volunteers that suffered from a chronic illness claimed that giving of their time helped them to better manage the illness.

Other studies, by researchers at Boston College, found that when chronic pain sufferers volunteered to help others with similar conditions, they saw their own pain and depression levels decrease. At least seven studies have shown that people that regularly volunteer or give of themselves live longer—especially if they do it for genuinely altruistic reasons.

Cami Walker, 38, of Denver, has experienced firsthand the physical benefits of being generous. After one sleepless night, lying awake and, “feeling sorry for myself,” due to a flare-up of her multiple sclerosis, she decided to take the advice of a spiritual teacher that suggested she, “Give something away each day for 29 days.”

On day one, she called a sick friend to offer her support. On day two, she dropped $5 in a hat for some street performers. Another day, she treated a friend to a foot massage. By day 14, she recalls, “My body was stronger and I was able to stop walking with my cane.

After months of being too sick to work, I was able to go back part-time.”

Walker subsequently wrote the bestselling 29 Gifts: How a Month

of Giving Can Change Your Life. It has inspired a global giving movement, with participants blogging about their experiences at 29Gifts.org. As she recently explained to The New York Times, “It’s about stepping outside of your own story long enough to make a connection with someone else.”

The Helper’s High

University of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath, Ph.D., has found that people engaging in acts that benefit others tend to have more calming hormones like oxytocin and progesterone coursing through their bodies. If presented with a tough situation later, they are likely to react with a muted stress response, churning out fewer harmful stress hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, and maintaining a calmer heart rate. Konrath is studying whether altruistic thoughts and behavior might also be associated with an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

“Just thinking about giving seems to have a beneficial physiological impact,” says Post. For instance, a late 20th-century study by then Harvard Psychologist David McClelland found that when people watched a film about Mother Teresa’s work with orphans in Calcutta, levels of immunoglobulin A (a marker of immune strength) shot up.

A more recent study found that people had higher levels of oxytocin in their blood after they had watched a moving film about an ill 4-year-old boy.

Some research further suggests that the act of giving may release natural opiates, such as endorphins, into our system. One landmark analysis of 1,700 people published in Psychology Today found that more than 68 percent experienced a “helper’s high” when physically helping another person, and 13 percent reported a decrease in aches and pains afterward. It’s a concept that’s been documented many times since.

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Meanwhile, new brain-imaging research has shown that acts of giving (including making a charitable donation) stimulate “reward centers” in the brain. This includes the mesolimbic pathway by which natural dopamine is released, leaving us feeling euphoric.

On the flip side, “We found that people that are high in narcissism and low in empathy have higher cortisol levels,” advises Konrath.

“They walk around with high stress reactivity, which is really hard on the body.”

One other clear example of the health benefits of helping lies in the field of addiction research. Recent studies by Maria Pagano, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, found that recovering addicts that volunteer to help other addicts stay sober are twice as likely to remain so themselves. That’s because narcissism and self-absorption are often at the root of addiction, and generosity is an antidote to narcissism, Pagano says.

“The founders of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) figured it out,” Pagano continues, noting that a primary focus is on serving others. “They figured out that this selfish root is there before the illness develops, and is sustained unless you treat it. This is treatment; it is a way of continually weeding out the narcissism that made you sick.”

Born to Give

Stephanie Brown, Ph.D., an associate professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook, is the daughter of an evolutionary psychologist and a pioneer in the study of altruism’s neurobiological roots. In sharp contrast to what she describes as the long-held “self-interested” assumption about human nature (that we help others only to help ourselves), she suggests that humans are biologically

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wired to be empathetic and generous.

“It makes more sense from an evolutionary perspective for us to suppress self-interest,” for the benefit of the whole sometimes, she says.

New research from the University of Washington suggests that babies as young as 15 months old exhibit fairness and empathy.

So, why don’t we always stop to help? Our anxious, busy, modern-day

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December 2011

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lives get in the way, suggests Brown. “It could be that our natural, default state is to help when we see need, but what prevents that is our stress response.”

That is, stress often gets in the way: Maybe we pass a stranded motorist on the road, but drive on by because we’re on a timetable. Perhaps our instinct is to offer a helping hand to a homeless person, but we fear that more will be asked of us than we are prepared to give. We wish to bring a meal to a dying relative, but are apprehensive about what to say when we visit.

Brown’s recent federally funded studies show that at least some of the calming hormones and quietness of heart often seen in habitual givers may actually precede and enable their acts of selflessness by interrupting their potential stress response before it stalls their helping hand. “I am suggesting that when you see helping going on, something beneficial has already happened to the giver’s body,” says Brown.

When givers perceive a need, instead of fretting and fleeing, they calmly stop to help. In the end, everyone walks away feeling a little more generous.

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

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how to up our generosity Quotient

F

ocus on someone else for a change, whether it’s looking a store clerk in the eye or refraining from shouting at a referee at a sporting event. “People can become more empathetic if they just practice taking someone else’s perspective,” says University of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath. “When encountering a homeless person, for example, our inclination may be to not go there psychologically, because it is painful to imagine. Allow yourself to try.” nDo something for nothing. “This idea that everything has to be paid back hangs over our lives,” says Stephen Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping.

“Just be generous and expect nothing in return. Pay it forward.” nDon’t reserve your generosity for people you know. Do something nice for someone you don’t know or will never meet. nBe consistent. “Don’t think you can be kind in one domain and dastardly in another,” says Post. nDo something that you feel called upon to do, or that you are good at. nSlow down, take a deep breath and look around. Need abounds. Stop to help a stranger in some small way, even if you are in a hurry. nDon’t help just to get healthy, impress your friends or get a tax deduction.

“Motivation matters,” says Konrath. “If you are volunteering just for self-interested reasons, research shows you aren’t going to live any longer than someone who doesn’t volunteer at all.” nVolunteer for a cause you really believe in, or help a person you truly care about.

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natural awakenings

December 2011

15

greenliving

MEANINGFUL

GIVING Tips to Simplify the Season by beth davis

’T

is the season, and a U.S. poll by Harris Interactive reveals that a majority of the stress 90 percent of us feel about the holidays is related to gift-giving. So, solving this problem will set us well on our way to a joyeux noël. The same study found that given a choice, most of us prefer investing in good family relationships instead of more material things, anyway.

Natural Awakenings has uncovered four ways that we can make the holidays less hectic and more relaxing and meaningful. First, says Barbara Kilikevich, author of A Mindful Christmas–How to Create a Meaningful, Peaceful Holiday,

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Homemade gifts are always special. They carry a message of thoughtfulness and love, which is the heart of gift-giving.

Making a memorable gift can take less time than we’d spend earning the money for a manufactured gift, driving to the store and back and coping with checkout lines. Ideas are endless; these may stimulate your creative juices.

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n Gather favorite family recipes and copy them into a personalized binder.

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we have to stop buying into the notion that more is better and that extravagant, expensive gifts are equal to how much we care for one another. “We need to stop believing that doing it all is productive and having it all is meaningful.”

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n Edible items are always a hit. Consider making something yummy that can be given to everyone on the list. Herbed olive oil, spiced nuts and homemade jams are favorites. n Attractive, reusable shopping bags, made from repurposed or recycled fabric, make practical gifts that can be used again and again. Sew on monograms or paint on designs to personalize them.

certain something for that special someone. Online sources such as EstateSales.net, and gsalr.com can help locate garage, yard and estate sales in communities across the country. Look for items that are unusual or hold special significance.

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nA childhood reminder—perhaps a favorite toy or comic book n Fashioning painted pottery, custom artwork and decorated picture frames can engage kids in anticipating fun holidays with friends and family.

Non-Material Gifts

The Center for a New American Dream, a national nonprofit organization that challenges a “more is better” definition of the good life, suggests giving of oneself—providing gifts of time or experiences that will be long remembered. n Invite loved ones to an outing to the zoo, a sporting event or an indoor/ outdoor picnic. n Give a friend her dream, based on an expressed interest and careful research. Sign her up for a class in cooking, sewing, photography or dancing—classes abound in most cities. n Purchase a gift certificate for a local massage, acupuncture session or other soothing therapy as a way to unwind during or after the holiday season. n Support the local art scene by giving tickets to a community theater or a museum membership.

Previously Enjoyed Gifts

Not every gift needs to be brand-new.

Browse vintage and antique shops, estate sales, auctions and consignment stores for amazing treasures. Keep an open mind or go hunting for that

nVintage jewelry n A silk scarf, unusual hat or fun bag n Classic books, movies and music n Unique housewares, from vases and candleholders to platters and teacups (Replacements.com can help find missing pieces for sets)

For the Family

For large families or families with grown children, it can be expensive and time-consuming shopping for a gift for every relative. Try one of these ideas to take the pressure off.

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n Instead of giving gifts to each member of a family or a couple, think in terms of a single gift for the household. n Draw names. Have everyone in the family put his or her name into a hat and ask each family member to draw one name, so that each person needs to buy only one or two gifts. nSet a limit. In his book, Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas, author Bill McKibben suggests that families limit the amount they spend and instead, make the holidays as much fun as possible, filled with song and food, creativity and connection.

With a little planning and a lot of love and care, we can fill the whole holiday season with less stuff and more satisfying joy.

Beth Davis is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings magazines.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill

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December 2011

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healthykids

Natural Mindfulness

The Parent Path How Children Enrich Our Spiritual Life

by Steve Taylor

D

irty nappies, wakeup calls in the middle of the night, a house full of screams and squeals, food splattered on walls, a chaos of toys everywhere, no more late nights out, no time to read books, take classes or attend retreats—what could be spiritual about bringing up children?

Isn’t spiritual development just one of the many things we sacrifice when we have kids?

Many spiritual traditions based on meditation, prayer and solitude maintain that nothing should divert us from our spiritual practices—least of all a family, which takes up so much time and energy.

In India, one tradition holds that spiritual development belongs to a later stage of life, roughly after age 50.

It is only once we have lived through a householder stage, bringing up and providing for our children and living a worldly life, that we can turn our atten-

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tion to the inner world. After our children have reached adulthood, we have the privilege of meditating regularly, and living more quietly and simply.

Many parents, however, find that—far from hindering it—bringing up children actively advances their spiritual development. Seen in the right way, parenthood can be a spiritual path, bringing a heightened sense of love, wonder and appreciation.

Children are naturally mindful. They constantly live fully in the present, and the world is always a fantastically real and interesting place to them.

After all, children are such strongly spiritual beings. They naturally have many of the qualities that adults work to cultivate through spiritual development. For example, children are naturally mindful. They constantly live fully in the present, and the world is always a fantastically real and interesting place to them.

As child psychologist Professor Alison Gopnik, of the University of California, Berkeley, puts it, “Babies and young children are actually more conscious and more vividly aware of their external world and internal life than adults are.” They have what she calls an, “…infinite capacity for wonder,” that adults only experience at their highest moments. “Travel, meditation and romantic poetry can give us a first-person taste of infant experience,” as can experiencing beauty, she says.

This illustrates one of the most positive effects of having children: They help us to become children again ourselves. In Taoism, the ideal is to be as spontaneous and curious as a child, exhibiting their openness to experience. On the physical plane, Taoist practices like Tai chi and qigong aim to help the body become as supple and flexible as a child’s.

Beyond Selfishness

All the world’s spiritual traditions tell us how important it is to transcend our own selfishness; to stop seeing ourselves as the center of the universe and trying so hard to satisfy our own desires. They advise us to help and serve others, so that we can move beyond our separate ego and connect to a transcendent power. The eightfold path of Buddhism aims to cultivate this selfless state and ideally, the path of parenthood can, as well. It’s impossible to be a good parent without being prepared to put your children first.

Much of parenthood is about selfsacrifice. Gopnik remarks: “Imagine a novel in which a woman took in a stranger who was unable to walk or talk or even eat by himself. She fell completely in love with him at first

sight, fed and clothed and washed him, gradually helped him to become competent and independent, and spent more than half her income on him…

You couldn’t bear the sappiness of it.

But that is just about every mother’s story. Caring for children is a fast and efficient way to experience at least a little saintliness.”

The poet William Wordsworth described how children see the world as “…appareled in celestial light [having] the glory and freshness of a dream.”

Yet, as adults, this vision, “…fades into the light of common day.” Having children of our own helps us to reawaken some of the celestial light within.

Perhaps this is what Jesus meant too, when he told his disciples, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This makes sense if we think of the kingdom of heaven not as a future, far-off place, but as a state of consciousness, here and now.

Heaven is the state of wonder and natural well-being where children dwell and in their company, we naturally re-enter the kingdom.

Steve Taylor, a UK university lecturer and researcher, is the author of Waking from Sleep, described by Eckhart Tolle as, “One of the best books on spiritual awakening I have come across.” His new book is Out of the Darkness – from Turmoil to Transformation. Visit StevenMTaylor.com.

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Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

How to Treat Parenthood as a Spiritual Path n Don’t be tempted to rush your children; try not to be impatient at their slowness. Walk at their pace and be mindful with them. n Consciously cultivate a fresh, intense, childlike vision. Imagine how the world looks through their eyes. n Let youngsters teach you the marvels of the world around you. Be as open and curious as they are, not taking anything you know for granted. n Give yourself wholly to play with kids, allowing yourself to step outside your mental world of worries and responsibilities.

How to Support Your Inner Child’s Natural Spirituality n Don’t be irritated when children ask, “Why?” Encourage their sense of wonder. n Try not to be irritated by youthful exuberance and excitement. n Try to limit the amount of time kids watch TV or play computer games. n Encourage children to use their own creativity by inventing games, drawing or painting. n Schedule periods of quiet relaxation and meditation, which enable them to feel more at home within their own being.

Source: Waking From Sleep, by Steve Taylor Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

natural awakenings

December 2011

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fitbody

The Upside of Downhill Skiing Make the Most of Peak Experiences by randy kambic

S

now brings fresh fun with winter sports and recreation. Cross-country skiing and snowboarding are healthy options, but neither offers the scope and variety in terrain, movement and exercise afforded by the perennial favorite of alpine downhill skiing.

Jen Butson, public affairs director of the Vermont Ski Areas Association, representing 48 facilities, believes that downhill particularly appeals to women, due to its, “ …accessibility

to all ages, abilities and body types, its gracefulness, and being a way for a family to experience nature together.”

Yet, some skiers may experience diminished interest due to memories of cold limbs, residual aches and pains or crowded slopes. Or, they might be concerned about resorts’ perceived high energy usage. Cost is another factor.

Here are some tips to get folks back on the slopes and max out mountain moments.

Warm-up exercises. Skiing demands slightly bent knees and a firm back to absorb bumps, so do some deep squats and short hops from that position beforehand, advises Dr. Joe Ethen, owner of Lakefront Chiropractic Center, in Glencoe, Illinois. “This exercise targets the upper quadriceps and provides full-range motion of joints.” Using ski poles to initiate turns and propel through chairlift lines works the arms and shoulders, so he also recommends upper body stretching.

Foot care. Boots need to be tight fitting in order to transmit the pressure to make turns from the foot through the boot and binding to the ski itself.

The necessary snugness can hinder circulation and chill toes. A solution: Loosen boot buckles while waiting for and taking the chairlift, and wear thin, synthetic-blend socks that wick away moisture and accelerate evaporation.

Avoid the crowds. When skiing on a weekend, locate one or two trails serviced by a mid-mountain chairlift, which is usually far less crowded than the main lift closest to the lodge.

“Many resorts have high-speed, fourseat chairlifts, which reduce wait time,” says Karl Winter, vice president of Ski the Rockies, which represents 30-plus resorts in California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Canada. Eat early or late to get in more skiing while others lunch in the

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11.5 million downhill skiers, 8.2 million snowboarders and 4.5 million crosscountry skiers in 2011.

Source: SnowSports Industries Association

lodge. Take a workweek vacation day or two to totally beat weekend crowds.

Safety. Call out, “On your right,” for example, if you pass a skier that’s to your left, to make sure he or she doesn’t ski into your path. Stay aware of faster moving skiers and boarders.

“Don’t stop for too long in the middle of a steep trail to rest or take in the splendid views,” counsels Butson. “A speedy skier might not see you there beneath a mogul.”

Late-season benefits. More natural and manmade snow on the slopes is the norm as the season progresses. Warmer temperatures later in the season also tend to make conditions more comfortable and soften ice and hard-packed snow, slowing speeds a bit and making turns easier.

“More snow makes skis easier to control,” explains Winter. “It allows you to glide and carve your turns and maintain a turning rhythm. So, you don’t have to work as hard, which also saves energy.” Many resorts offer special late-season discounts.

Ski green. Joining a ski club can deliver savings on lift tickets, as well as lodging booked by the group. Plus, traveling by bus or carpooling saves gas. Remember to properly recycle or dispose of refuse and pick up any trash you spot in the snow.

When choosing a destination, check to see if the resort goes for electric vehicles, composting, local purchasing programs, efforts to reduce carbon footprints, water conservation and employee and guest sustainability education. All are elements of the National Ski Areas Association’s Environmental Charter, endorsed by190 resorts that together, host about 75 percent of all U.S. skier and snowboarder visits. Many resorts are adopting the association’s new sustainable slopes and climate challenge programs.

If you need skis, but are on a tight budget, consider renting or checking out early season ski swaps, which also can offer more traditional ecofriendly, gently worn clothing. If you feel you must wax ski bases, select a product that is free of PFCs and other petrochemicals, which can rub off into snow and eventually find their way into waterways. With the ultrasmooth, resilient bases of modern skis, waxing has become unnecessary for most recreational skiers.

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Enjoy winter’s wonderland.

For consumer tips and destination directories, visit nsaa.org, SkiTheRockies.com, SnowSports.org and SkiVermont.com.

Avid skier Randy Kambic is a freelance editor and writer in Estero, FL, and a copyeditor for Natural Awakenings.

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natural awakenings

December 2011

21

intersPecies FRIENDSHIPS CROSSING BOUNDARIES FOR GOOD by april thompson

B

efore Wally and Ann Collito, of North Attleborough, Massachusetts, had a chance to befriend the stray kitten that had appeared in their yard, the couple discovered that another caring being—a crow—had already done so.

Over the next few months, the Collitos witnessed an incredible friendship develop between the crow and cat they respectively named Moses and Cassie. The pair romped in the grass, swatting gently at each other like they were born playmates, rather than sworn enemies. Moses often dropped nutritious worms and bugs in the kitten’s mouth, following it around like a protective parent.

“If it wasn’t for the crow feeding and taking care of that cat, it would have been dead a long time ago,” relates Wally Collito in a video posted at InterspeciesFriends.blogspot.com.

“When the cat would start crossing the road, the crow would holler as if to say, ‘Don’t go in the road, you’re going to get hit.’ Sometimes she would get in

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front of her and push her back on the sidewalk. It had to be love or friendship.”

The story of Moses and Cassie is not an anomaly, but rather an indication of the potential emotional bond between animals, according to Jennifer S. Holland, author of Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom. “A number of years ago, it was really taboo to attribute empathy to other animals,” she says, “but more scientists today are crossing that line comfortably.”

She explains that no one really knows what emotions animals experience or how, although people share the brain’s limbic system, considered the seat of emotions in humans, with other mammals. “There is no reason they wouldn’t have experiences similar to

“There is no reason [animals] wouldn’t have experiences similar to ours in terms of basic emotions.”

Photo: Melanie Stetson Freeman/2006 The Christian Science Monitor

naturalpet

ours in terms of basic emotions,” Holland surmises.

Holland’s new book is just one of a growing number of efforts to document the wild landscape of interspecies love, including blogs dedicated to the topic and countless children’s books; one of them, Cat and Crow, by Lisa Fleming, immortalizes Moses and Cassie. “Such stories give us a sense of hope at a time when there is a lot of negativity in the world,” observes Holland. “I think people are looking for a reprieve.”

Mother Love Knows No Bounds

A variety of recent studies by the likes of the University of Cambridge and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology indicate that empathy and altruism may be characteristics of species ranging from squirrels to sea lions.

Consider the adventures of Finnegan, a squirrel that had fallen out of its nest and into the loving abode of Seattle resident Debby Cantlon. Her pregnant papillon, Mademoiselle Giselle, adopted the injured squirrel, pulling its cage close to her own dog bed. Giselle continued to care for Finnegan after she had her own litter, literally nursing the squirrel back to health.

“The drive to nurture and be nurtured is strong, particularly when an animal has lost its baby or parent.

This story is a perfect example of the mothering instinct coming to life,” says Holland.

Like many human friendships, some unusual animal pairings develop out of the basic need for companionship. One well-known example is Tarra, an 8,700-pound former circus elephant retired to The Elephant Sanctuary, in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Elephants are known to pair up, but Tarra chose to instead bond with a rescued stray dog named Bella. The two became inseparable pals and Tarra proved to be no fair-weather friend: When Bella suffered a spinal cord injury, Tarra stood sentinel at the gate outside the sanctuary office, waiting three weeks for Bella before she could be carried outside for a happy reunion.

Photo: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio

Model Behavior

Seeing firsthand the positive outcomes that various interspecies pairings can yield, some animal trainers are using natural characteristics of one species to influence the behavior of another.

A program at the Columbus Zoo, in Ohio, routinely taps into the Zen of dogs to boost the confidence of traveling cheetahs, which, although they are the fastest mammals on land, are also among the most skittish. Animal Programs Director Suzi Rapp has raised several baby cheetahs alongside puppies—most recently, a charismatic golden lab named Carlisle.

Carlisle helps the cheetahs keep their cool when Rapp takes them on the road to make TV appearances in support of animal conservation efforts.

“If there is a loud noise, the cheetahs will look to Carlisle for his reaction. The

dog has a ‘whatever’ attitude that the cheetahs in turn adopt,” says Rapp, who notes that the program has been so successful she wouldn’t ever consider raising a cheetah without a canine again.

“Because they were raised together, the cheetahs believe that Carlisle is one of their littermates and don’t think of him as a dog,” explains Rapp. “They cuddle, play and sleep together.” Rapp is quick to caution that an unknown adult dog thrown in with the cheetahs wouldn’t last long, however. Tales of mismatched orphans underscore the importance of introducing different species to each other while they’re young.

Baloo, the bear, Leo, the lion, and Shere Khan, the tiger, were each just two months old when they were rescued during a residential drug raid.

Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center, in Locust Grove, Georgia, took in the trio, and the “BLT” (bear, lion and tiger) became so close that the sanctuary spent thousands of dollars to build a special clubhouse to house them.

Eight years later, the three animals— each hailing from different continents—still live like blood brothers.

If peace between traditionally antagonistic species is possible, the implications for mankind are obvious.

When basic needs are met, the instinct to protect or play can trump the urge to grab, neglect or fight. We can all

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share and get along better when we take responsibility for creating the circumstances to support that ideal.

“I joke that we should give my book to politicians to remind them that a lot of good can come from crossing boundaries,” smiles Holland. “Kindness and companionship can mean survival for all kinds of animals; that goes for humans, too.”

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

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natural awakenings

December 2011

23

consciouseating

FUN PARTY

FOODS Easy, Flavorful and Festive by renée loux

M

ake the most of being a host with party foods sure to wow guests. Combining classic concepts with tasty twists will satisfy any gourmet in search of a fabulous holiday buffet. Whether you are a yearround or seasonal party planner, these crowd-pleasing appetizers will make you the toast of the celebration circuit.

Butternut Squash Spread with Baked Spelt Crisps

A festive, flavorful spread perks up any table, and this one commands attention with its gorgeous golden color.

Butternut squash is loaded with antioxidant vitamins A and C, carotenoid antioxidants, potassium and manganese.

Plus, it is simple to make and serve.

For an innovative use of leftovers, add 1 cup of vegetable broth or stock to 1 cup of the prepared recipe, mix well

and warm up for a satisfying serving of smooth soup.

Yields: about 4 cups (dairy-free) 1 medium butternut squash (about 6 cups of cubes) 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely minced 1 tsp maple syrup (optional) 1 tsp finely grated ginger 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves) 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped finely (or ½ tsp dried rosemary) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Peel squash, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon.

Cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a

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medium-large saucepan and cover with filtered water plus 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to simmer for 6-9 minutes or until tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Drain liquid and let cool until comfortable to handle. Reserve the liquid for other uses such as making a vegetable stock or watering houseplants.

Place cooked squash in a food processor with olive oil, garlic, ginger, thyme, rosemary, a scant teaspoon of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Blend until very smooth. Season further to taste with sea salt and pepper as needed.

Serve with crisps, crackers, wholegrain bread or crudité vegetables.

Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Baked Spelt Crisps

Easy, homemade crisps are delightfully crunchy and contain less oil than nearly anything available for purchase in a bag, plus the oil is of a high quality. Spelt (an ancient variety of wheat) contains more nutrients and less gluten than standard wheat. Look for whole

wheat spelt tortillas for optimum flavor, fiber and nutrition.

Yields: about 3 dozen crisps 4 spelt tortillas (9-inch), preferably made from whole wheat spelt Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 350° F. Using a mister or pastry brush, mist or brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil.

Stack the tortillas and cut the stack into 8 wedges.

Arrange resulting triangles in a single layer on baking sheets and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Bake for 6-7 minutes, or until crisp and turning golden. Watch carefully after 5 minutes to avoid burning.

Let cool before serving; they get crispier as they cool.

Sweet Potato Rolls with Haricot Verts & Pecan Pesto This party favorite is sumptuous enough to be considered a small plate entrée when served on a bed of wild rice. Sweet potatoes are a rich source

of antioxidant beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C, minerals and hunger-quenching fiber. Haricot verts (small and slender immature bean pods) are abundant in bone-building vitamin K, silica, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Soaking the pecans for the pesto makes them lighter, more digestible and yields delicious, nutritious results.

Add just enough filtered water to cover the beans.

Yields: 10-12 rolls (dairy-free, glutenfree)

Continue cooking the liquid, stirring occasionally until it is reduced and the resulting marinade becomes syrupy. Pour over haricot verts or green beans and toss to coat. Let stand while preparing the remainder of the dish.

Sweet Potato Wrapper

2 sweet potatoes, peeled 2 tsp olive oil Pinch of sea salt Several fresh basil leaves, torn in half (to roll inside)

Bring to a gentle simmer uncovered over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, or just until tender. Do not disturb the veggies by stirring while they cook; they should remain firm. When tender, remove from the liquid with tongs and set aside in a bowl.

Pecan Pesto

Preheat oven to 350° F. Peel the sweet potato and cut the ends off.

Slice thinly, lengthwise. If the potato is long, first cut it in half across the middle.

Lay pieces flat on a baking sheet.

Bake 10 minutes until soft.

Allow to cool and gently rub with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

If wrappers must stand for any length of time, cover after cooled.

Haricot Verts or Green Beans 30 haricot verts or 18 green beans, cut in half and sliced lengthwise 2 tsp tamari or soy sauce 1 tsp umeboshi plum vinegar ½ tsp agave nectar or maple syrup Enough filtered water just to cover the veggies in a small saucepan Haricot verts are thin enough to leave whole. If using green beans, slice in half lengthwise. If green beans are extra-long, cut them in half before slicing.

Place haricot verts or sliced green beans in a small saucepan.

Mix together tamari or soy sauce, umeboshi plum vinegar and agave nectar or maple syrup and drizzle over the vegetables.

¼ cup pecans, soaked for 1 hour 3 cups packed basil leaves 1 Tbsp walnut oil or extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp sea salt 3-4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Soak pecans in 1 cup filtered water for 1 hour.

Drain and rinse. Pat dry with a clean towel.

In a food processor, place drained pecans, basil, walnut oil and salt, and then pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, add olive oil in a slow stream until well incorporated, but the mixture still has a bit of texture.

Assembly Lay 2 pieces of softened sweet potato skins on a cutting board (not touching, with short end facing you, and the length of the sweet potato placed away from you). It is best to lay a few pairs at once to create an assembly line for quicker rolling.

Lay haricot verts or green beans across a piece of sweet potato, and top with a teaspoon or two of pesto.

Fold the short end of the softened potato skin over the vegetables and roll closed. Note the tendency to overpack and the fact that less is more; it will be easier to eat and go further.

Continued on page 26

natural awakenings

December 2011

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Continued from page 25 Roll the second sweet potato slice around the bundle and secure with a toothpick.

Follow suit until all ingredients are used.

Eat the rolls as is, or bake at 350° F for 10-12 minutes to warm.

Garnish with freshly ground black pepper.

Almond Truffle & Herb Paté This simple paté bursts with flavor and good-for-us nutrients. Almonds are a champion source of calcium and a clean source of protein and healthy fats. Soaking the almonds plumps them, wakes up enzymes and makes them more digestible, also supplying more alkaline reserves for the body.

White truffle oil (olive oil infused with white truffles) is a secret weapon for injecting sumptuous, sophisticated flavor, although the recipe is excellent without it.

Yields: about 3 cups (raw-living, dairyfree, gluten-free, low-glycemic) 1½ cups raw almonds, soaked for 8 hours and drained 6-7 Tbsp lemon juice, or as needed 3-4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or

as needed 2-3 tsp white truffle oil, as needed ½ to 1 small clove garlic, finely minced 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste ¼ to 1/3 cup filtered water, or as needed to blend to desired consistency 1 /3 cup chopped parsley leaves ¼ cup chopped basil leaves 3 Tbsp chopped sorrel (optional) 2-3 Tbsp chopped chives Soak almonds in 3 cups of filtered water for 8 hours.

Drain and rinse in a colander.

Place almonds in a food processor. Add lemon juice, olive oil, truffle oil, garlic, a scant teaspoon of salt and some freshly ground pepper.

Blend, dribbling in water to aid processing as needed until mixture is as smooth as possible. Add more olive oil, lemon juice and water to thin to a preferred consistency. Add herbs and blend in

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pulses until well incorporated, but bits of herbs are still visible.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with crudité vegetables and/or healthy crackers.

Endive Cups with Pine Nut Crème Fraîche, Figs and Olives

Little boats of enhanced endive are bites of pure delight. Creamy pine nuts are rich in healthy fats, including pinolenic, an essential fatty acid that curbs the appetite by triggering hunger-suppressing enzymes. Olives are loaded with iron, antioxidant vitamin E and a special phytonutrient, hydroxytyrosol, which helps keep bones strong. Fresh figs provide potassium and healthy fiber.

Yields: 2 dozen or so (raw-living, dairy-free, gluten-free, low-glycemic)

Pine Nut Crème Fraîche

2 cups pine nuts ¼ cup lemon juice, plus a bit as needed 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Filtered water as needed Sea salt 3 heads endive 6 fresh figs 1 cup Kalamata olives 2 Tbsp torn cilantro leaves (optional) 1 Tbsp chopped tarragon leaves (optional) Flaked sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Place the pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil and pinch of salt in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until ultra-smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of filtered water as necessary to achieve the correct consistency. It should be very smooth, like a thick sour cream, and will thicken more when chilled. (The crème fraîche

mixture may be stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.)

Yields: about 2 dozen squares (dairyfree, egg-free, low in gluten)

Separate the endive leaves.

Serve immediately.

1 cup whole oats 1 cup slivered almonds ½ cup spelt flour ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp sea salt 3 Tbsp fresh rosemary needles, roughly chopped ½ cup safflower oil ¼ cup maple syrup ¼ cup agave nectar 2 Tbsp brown sugar (optional) 1 tsp vanilla extract

Rosemary Sable Squares

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Trim the figs and cut into thin wedges.

Pit the olives and chop roughly.

Spoon a dollop of crème fraîche onto each endive leaf and spread. Top with fig wedges and chopped olives.

Sprinkle with torn cilantro and tarragon leaves, if desired, and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

These crisp and crumbly squares have a texture like shortbread and a savory and slightly sweet flavor, with the delicate fragrance of rosemary.

Oats are rich in heart-healthy betaglucan fiber, as well as the antioxidant selenium. Almonds are abundant in antioxidant vitamin E and healthy fats.

Add the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until dough forms.

Let stand for 10 minutes for flavor to develop and for absorption of moisture.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (unbleached is recommended, or grease with safflower oil).

Using wet hands, press 1/3 of dough until it is spread evenly and thinly; ¼-inch-thick bare spots occur where the dough is too thin.

(Spreading the dough evenly is the key to uniform cooking to avoid over-browned and/or undercooked sections.)

In a medium bowl, mix in oats, almonds, baking powder, salt and rosemary.

In a separate medium-large bowl, whisk together oil, maple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar (if desired for a touch more sweetness) and vanilla, until emulsified.

Cook 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cool 3-5 minutes and cut into squares while still warm and soft.

The squares will become crisp and flaky when thoroughly cool, so cut them to size while they are still warm and pliable.

Continued on page 28

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Pear & Pomegranate Seed Guacamole

This festive guacamole fuses spicy, sweet and savory flavors in a colorful array of texture. Avocados are rich in skin-beautifying oils, pears supply vitamin C and copper, and sweet-tart pomegranates are among the most antioxidantrich fruits on Earth.

Yields: about 4 servings (rawliving, dairy-free, gluten-free) 2 avocados, cubed 2 Tbsp lime juice ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste 3 Tbsp finely chopped red onion 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (add only to desired spiciness) ½ cup pear, peeled and finely diced ½ cup pomegranate seeds In a bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, sea salt, red onion and chili pepper with a fork. It should exhibit small chunks, with texture.

Reserve 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds for garnish.

Fold remainder of pomegranate seeds and pear into the avocado mixture.

Season to taste with salt if needed.

Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve.

Tuscan Kale Chips

Crunchy kale chips are super-simple to make and bursting with flavor. Kale is one of the most nutritious foods by weight; rich in blood-building vitamin K and antioxidant vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron and satisfying fiber. Roasting the kale brings out a near-addictive nutty flavor.

Yields: 6-8 cups chips (dairy-free, gluten-free, lowglycemic) 1 bunch kale, leaf ribs removed, and roughly chopped 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Sprinkle of sea salt Preheat the oven to 250° F. Toss the kale with olive oil in a large bowl.

Arrange in a single layer on a pair of baking sheets and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake 30-33 minutes, or until crisp.

Allow to cool completely to crisp before serving Recipes are from The Balanced Plate and Living Cuisine, by Renée Loux and ReneeLoux.com.

PARTY-HOSTING TIPS nCreate identification cards for appetizers.

One kind word can warm three winter months.

—Japanese proverb

nDecorate the buffet table with form and function using seasonal fruits, vegetables and small evergreen sprays. nDouble-line the kitchen trashcan, in order to catch any drips and to save time from having to hunt for another bag after the first one fills up. nProvide a small trashcan and a recycle bin in an easy-to-find place for guests. nUse washable plates, cups and cutlery and cloth napkins. If opting for disposables, look for tree-free bagasse plates (from sugarcane fiber), bioplastic cutlery and napkins made from recycled content.

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healthyhomes

The greenest Tree Go Natural for Christmas

T

he star of many families’ seasonal décor, the annual Christmas tree does not need to become an environmental burden if selected with care. While some individuals have strong opinions about the virtues of a natural tree versus an artificial one, each can have pros and cons.

The National Christmas Tree Association points out that 85 percent of the plastic trees sold in the United States are imported from China and may contain toxic chemicals, while evergreen trees can be grown in all 50 states. Even with a real tree, however, there are factors to consider.

How far did the tree travel? The distance traveled from its source impacts the carbon footprint, due to the fuel expended to transport it. Most vendors can tell you the state of origin, but how about pesticides? Conventional Christmas tree farms are reputed to use abun-

dant pesticides to keep their product looking pictureperfect. Ask if the seller is the grower and/or knows the answer. Typically, a temporary sidewalk or street corner seller may not; a better bet can be a u-pick-it tree farm.

Put a cut tree in water within a few hours after trimming the base a flat onehalf to one inch; some people add an aspirin to the water to enhance absorption.

According to the 2009 National Geographic Green Guide, Americans annually discard 30 million cut trees after the holidays, with the wood wasted in landfills. Alternatively, a program in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, collects them to combat coastal erosion.

Locate tree growers by state and learn how to dispose of trees responsibly at PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org.

GreenPromise.com publishes a list of organic Christmas tree farmers at Tinyurl. com/65oqh9.

When choosing a live tree, keep it properly hydrated and just repot it in the yard after the celebrations conclude. Find detailed steps for care and planting from WikiHow.com at Tinyurl.com/6dyauj and Tinyurl.com/3rj582n.

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communityspotlight

Bothell Country Village is a Treasure to Behold by ann dorn

J

ust a short drive from I-405, a vibrant yet relaxed 17acre shopping center called Country Village lies nestled among woods and open fields, in Bothell. Although “village” is so often overused and misapplied, in the case of this picturesque cluster of artisan stores, eateries and happenings, the appellation truly fits the experience.

Visitors can easily spend the entire day at Country Village, where cars are banished to a lot a short distance away and guests stroll from store to store mostly unbothered by vehicle fumes and noise or other reminders of fast-paced lifestyles. A beautiful water feature defines the heart of the Village—home to ducks and visited by chickens, roosters and rabbits that inhabit the confines. One of the 40 shops is ensconced whimsically aboard a permanently anchored boat in the lake that is accessed via a wide ramp. A tasteful, rustic ambiance pervades most of the businesses and decor, with small details to surprise and delight customers at every turn.

However, it’s not just window dressing; Country Village has been built using sustainably sourced resources. “Many of the buildings at Country Village have used recycled materials,” explains co-owner and Manager Leeann Tesorieri.

In 1980, when Tesorieri’s father—founder Rod Loveless—set up a single antique store where Country Village now resides, he found much of the salvaged décor at auctions, including

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mahogany doors, brass fittings, copious amounts of stained glass and even reclaimable wainscoting.

“My father was always on the lookout for old barns,” Tesorieri recalls. “He loved using the warm, rustic barn boards as interior paneling. He used bricks both for interior floors as well as walkways, and old shakes for siding,” Tesorieri says. “He wanted to create a village reminiscent of the small towns in New England.” In fact, the iconic and folksy chicken sculpture that currently welcomes visitors was built from recycled material several years ago by Loveless, who is now 86 years old.

“Our rich, smooth, high quality chocolate bars are made with organic, fairly traded cacao and vanilla beans traditionally fermented in banana leaves, sun dried and crafted in small batches. Our labels have been designed by our two of our indigenous mothers, colored by our children, and our bars packaged by parents at the school.

The bars are 75% cacao blended with cured organic vanilla and raw sugar.” Ancel Mitchell, nursery teacher

Children of Sea

Heart School

Other green measures employed by Country Village include an aggressive recycling program; a newly implemented food composting program, in which all six Village restaurants and food vendors have agreed to participate; the implementation of LED holiday lights to save energy; a 20-plot community garden, developed in partnership with Sustainable Bothell, that contributes fresh produce to a local food bank; and efforts to promote the health of the animals who live at the Village through visitor education and other means.

“The biggest challenges over the years have been acquiring the various permits and complying with the many regulations,” Tesorieri says of efforts to expand Country Village consciously and sustainably. “Each year it gets more difficult and costly to accomplish new projects.”

In addition to greening their operations, Tesorieri and other owners seek to involve the community as much as possible. The Village is a frequent field trip destination of local schools, thanks to kid-friendly features that include a large pirate ship play structure, playground, half-mile “train” ride for children, toy and candy shops and large and bright

indoor play area. Future plans involve an educational egg collection scheduled to open in spring that will give children the chance to learn how to identify which bird lays which type of egg.

School and church groups take part in myriad festivals and events that occur at the Village; sometimes by staffing booths, such as the children’s tent at the weekly seasonal farmers’ market (June through September). Local choirs and bands play and sing during events like the Tree Lighting and Santa’s arrival on December 3.

Other ongoing events include the community drum jam Friday nights at Ottoman Bellydance ($5), and scrapbooking, beading and stamping classes at Village businesses, including Garden of Beadin’, Paper Fling, and Stampin’ In The Rain.

In addition to events, the Village draws shoppers interested in antiques, home décor and clothing, and even boasts a hair salon, a day spa, a bridal shop, a bookstore and a professional music recording booth. All stores are local and independent; there are no chain shops to be found anywhere in the Village. The Village Bean is the village coffee shop, and The Village Eatery and Tea Company is one of many Village restaurants, serving afternoon scratch-only tea and lunch.

Offering something for everyone is a hallmark of Bothell Country Village—from kids to a group of girlfriends or a romantic night out for two, Tesorieri says. Ultimately, she is glad for the chance to be part of creating warm memories and rich traditions.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is getting comments from young parents who have fond memories of visiting the Village when they were little, and now are bringing their children to continue the tradition,” Tesorieri says.

Location: 23718 Bothell Everett Hwy., Bothell. For more information call 425-483-2250 or visit CountryVillage Bothell.com.

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Ashana

healingways

Good Vibrations

Sound Healing for the Soul by erin lehn Floresca

M

any sounds associated with holidays instantly cheer us up, but why? We naturally respond to sounds, because everything in the Universe is comprised of vibration—also referred to as resonance.

When we are exposed to healing sounds, our bodies and minds begin to resonate in harmony with them, supporting our well-being.

Fortunately, avenues of sound healing are readily accessible in our everyday lives. Engaging in activities such as singing, drumming or chanting often help us quickly reestablish

a sense of balance in the midst of our multitasking lives. Attending an uplifting musical event can render a similar effect.

Sound Healing Therapy

Psychotherapist Meredith McFadden, a sound healing therapist in Medford, Oregon, observes that, “Receiving or creating intentional, healing sound vibrations is proving to be one of the most direct, most relevant healing modalities available today.”

McFadden appreciates sound for its immediate effect. She takes individ-

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ual clients on sound journeys with the help of voices, crystal singing bowls, buffalo drums and other instruments.

“When we bathe ourselves in healing sound waves,” she observes, “we open up a direct line of communication with our soul.” At the culmination of each session, she allows what she terms the “big music of silence” to envelop the one being healed.

McFadden notes that not all healing sounds need to be calming.

“Activating music can be just as healing as soft and slow sounds,” she says.

Whether we prefer listening to Lady Gaga, Native American flutes or the sound of a heavy rainstorm, the key is to discover what especially resonates with us.

Crystal Singing Bowls

Master crystal singing bowl artist Ashana, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, couples angelic vocals with her massive collection of bowls for a musical healing alchemy recognized worldwide. “Listening to the bowls can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being,” says Ashana.

Made from pure, crushed quartz, infused with precious gemstones, minerals and metals, “The bowls vibrate at a very high, pure frequency,” she explains. “As we come into resonance with the bowls, mental chatter slows or stops and the mind quiets. Within minutes, our nervous system starts to unwind. In a state of peaceful stillness, the ‘dial up’ to our higher self becomes accessible. This is the optimum state for healing to occur.”

Ashana emphasizes that we are all interconnected, so any healing work we do on ourselves affects all of humanity. “As we raise our personal frequency, we can become conscious tuning forks for divine energies to pour through us,” she believes. “We’re all holding a piece of the web.”

Healing Through Song

“Since the dawn of time, humans have been sharing song in their tribe,” says Zurich, Switzerland, recording artist, educator and filmmaker Michael Stillwater. “Pop songs are modern tribal songs, although we have mostly

become a culture of consumers and spectators, rather than participants.”

The founder of Inner Harmony Music and Song Without Borders, Stillwater’s is a strong voice in an emerging grassroots global movement devoted to helping people reclaim their inner song. “As a vocal art, singing is unique,” he advises. “It’s deeply connected to our sense of self.”

He also notes that if our voice or singing is criticized in our developmental years, we may shut down our creative expression. “We then become like cave dwellers, hiding our voice; there are millions of vocal cave dwellers in our world,” he says.

Finding your song—or chant or mantra—almost inevitably becomes integrated with a pathway for rediscovering one’s authentic self. “It’s about letting your voice become part of your own healing medicine,” says Stillwater. His film documentary, In Search of the Great Song, celebrates the use of creative vocal expression for healing and transformation.

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Experience Kirtan

Kitzie Stern, producer of the New World Kirtan podcast, notes that kirtan, or sacred chanting, is known for bonding everyone in the moment of co-creation between audience and artists, followed by quiet meditation in community.

Originating in India, kirtan is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world.

The mantras used in kirtan open the listener to the experience of peace. Stern explains, “The music that accompanies kirtan also helps our minds to turn off. As wallah (chant leader) Dave Stringer puts it, ‘The chant is the medicine, but the music is what helps it go down.’”

One does not have to attend a live kirtan performance to reap its benefits. Stern’s podcast plays a variety of chants to help listeners tune into tranquility. She observes that, “Being able to access the quiet magnificence that exists within each one of us and live within it for some portion of the day helps us to stay sane in the turmoil of the modern world.”

Learn more at SoundMovesWonder.com, AshanaMusic.com, InnerHarmony.com and NewWorldKirtan.com.

Erin Floresca is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon.

Connect at ErinLehnFloresca.com.

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December 2011

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calendarofevents THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Gluten Sensitivity & Celiac Disease – 7-8pm.

Celiac disease, a true wheat allergy, is on the rise, affecting as many as 1 in 133 Americans. During this talk Dr. Moser will focus on the difference between allergy and sensitivity, common signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity and effective ways to manage gluten sensitivity. Free. Thrive Natural Family Medicine, 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104, Seattle. Registration required: 206-257-1488.

ThriveNaturalMedicine.com.

Joy in the World – 7:30-9pm. With Father Peter Bowes. The road to inner joy is paved with challenges and mile markers. Be introduced to what true joy in the world looks and feels like in this seminar. $25. The Center of Light, 5225 15th Ave NE, Seattle. 206-525-8488. CentersOfLight.org/ seattle.html.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Intensive Foundation Training – Dec 2-4. With Leeann Carey. For new to advanced teachers wishing to take their knowledge of yoga therapy poses to a deeper level and for students desiring to dive deeper into their yoga practice. $445. Laughing Buddha Yoga Studio, 17624 15th Ave SE, Ste 111A, Mill Creek. Register: 888-752-5513 or LeeannCareyYogaShopping.com.

Bastyr Experience for Naturopathic Medicine – 10am-4pm. A one-day program offering a comprehensive intimate experience of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Become familiar with the naturopathic profession, learn more about the curriculum, meet students, faculty and staff, and more. Free. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. Registration required: 425-6023330. Bastyr.edu/News/News.asp?NewsID=2465.

Philosophy Café: Immunization, Vaccination & Children – 7pm. With Ann Marie Clifton. Learn the history, legislation and policy concerning immunizations and vaccines as well as commonly found ingredients in them. $10. Friends, Philosophy & Tea, 13850 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue. Registration requred.

425-641-4364. FriendsPhilosophyAndTea.com.

Imagineering – 7:30-9pm. Visionary artist and teacher Dana Lynne Andersen gives a fresh perspective on the future and how it expresses itself through people moment to moment. $10. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE. 206-5233726. EastWestBookshop.com.

Free Reiki 1 Certification – 9am-4pm. Learn how to heal yourself and others with Reiki. Reiki Ranch, Chehalis. Register: 360-748-4426 or ReikiRanch@ gmail.com. ReikiRanch.com.

Yoga Retreat: Relax, Align, Recharge! – 9am4:30pm. This day-long retreat teaches the fundamental principles of using yoga to allow one to meet the opportunities of life with ease, energy and awareness of self. Includes vegetarian lunch. $95.

Ananda Meditation Temple, 23305 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell. Registration required: 425-806-3700.

AnandaSeattle.org/Yoga/Yoga-In-Bothell.

Being A True Sister and Brother – 10am-2pm.

With Father Peter Bowes. Sisterhood and brotherhood is giving pure compassion and love to all people. In this seminar we will discuss how the highest of human ideals, universal peace, love and joy, can become realities on earth. $35 includes lunch. Bring a friend for free. The Center of Light, 5225 15th Ave NE, Seattle. 206-525-8488. CentersOfLight.org/seattle.html.

Holiday Extravaganza at Bastyr Dispensary – 12-4:30pm. Get a jump-start on holiday shopping by attending Bastyr Dispensary’s holiday sale and celebration. Offering a 20 percent discount on most items. Browse our newest collection of gift options; enjoy holiday treats, skin care samples and demonstrations. Free. Bastyr Center for Natural Health, 3670 Stone Way N, Seattle. 206-834-4114.

BastyrCenter.org/Content/View/1774.

Lu Jong Tibetan Healing Yoga – 1-4pm. With Farrah Garan. The Five Elements Movements An ancient practice for modern times. Nurture the spine, open energy channels and experience the amazing benefits. $40. M’illumino, 6921 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. Registration required. 206-5250363. Lujong.org.

Go Green with the Grinch – 3-8pm. Complimentary hot roasted chestnuts served at 4pm. Tree lighting and Santa’s arrival at 7pm. Local choir groups will perform throughout the day. Bothell Country Village, Bothell. 425-483-2250. CountryVillageBothell.com.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Holidays – 4:30-6pm.

With Jennifer Katzinger. Take the uncertainty out of holiday cooking with buckwheat shortbread dipped in chocolate, and quinoa salt and pepper crackers.

Free. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. 206-523-3726. EastWestBookShop.com.

Waking Up to a True Spiritual Life – 7:30-9pm.

With Father Peter Bowes. The seminar will explore and lay out what a true spiritual life looks like. $25.

Bring a friend for free. The Center of Light, 5225 15th Ave NE, Seattle. 206-525-8488. CentersOfLight.org/seattle.html.

An Evening of Songs, Stories and Laughter – 7-8:30pm. Join Michael Tomlinson as he shares music and stories to inspire, incorporating many styles including folk-rock, ballad and Americana. $20 in advance, $25 day of. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. 206-523-3726.

EastWestBookshop.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Reiki Master Training – Dec 3-4. Become a Reiki Master with Reiki 1, 2 and 3. $200. Reiki Ranch, Chehalis. Register: 360-748-4426 or ReikiRanch@ gmail.com. ReikiRanch.com.

Trunk Sale – Dresses, Jewelry & More – 12-6pm.

Showing jewelry, pottery, sculptures, drawings and more by local artist. All paintings 20% off. Ancient Arts Holistic Veterinary Services, 110 N 36th St, Seattle. 206-547-1025. DarlaRewers.com.

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SeattleAwakenings.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Vegan Holiday Cookie Baking Class – 6pm. With Sara Beth. Learn general baking skills, cookie tips and vegan secrets at this baking class. Recipes include peppermint hot chocolate cookies, peanut butter and jelly thumbprints, pumpkin white chocolate chip, and more. $25. Roosevelt Square Whole Foods, 1026 NE 64th St, Seattle. Register: 206-985-1500. WholeFoodsMarket.com.

Baby Diaper Service 101 – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn the environmental and health benefits of using cloth diapers including information on how Baby Diaper Service laundry and home delivery works.

Free to existing customers, $10/family. Parent Trust for Washington Children, 2200 Rainier Ave S, Seattle. Registration required: 206-634-2229.

BabyDiaperService.net.

Flower Essences – 6:30-8:30pm. Explore the wisdom of emotions and how to work through difficult feelings, how emotions can manifest as physical ailments and some simple steps to discovering one’s own emotional strength through the use and understanding of flower essences. $20. Herban Wellness, 103 Lake St S, Kirkland. Registration required: 206-330-2171 or Info@HerbanWellness.net.

An Evening with Colby Wilk – 7-9pm. Reconnect to the truth of who you are and reenter wellness. Colby will do healing work with everyone in the room simultaneously as well as work with individuals assisting them to heal physically and emotionally. $10. Friends, Philosophy and Tea, 13850 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue. 425-641-4364.

FriendsPhilosophyAndTea.com.

Bringing the Spirit Back into Christmas – 7:309pm. Take a moment to prepare the cradle of one’s heart for the blessing of this season. Nayaswami Jamuna Snitkin will share inspiration and practical suggestions that will make this Christmas experience the deepest ever. $15. Ananda Meditation Temple, 23305 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell.

Registration required: 425-806-3700. Contact@ AnandaSeattle.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Holiday Baking – 6:30-9pm. With Jenny Hurst.

Learn to make baked goods using alternative flours, sweeteners, and fats for healthy and delicious holiday treats. Class size limited to 16. $40/ member, $45/nonmember. West Seattle PCC, 2749 California Ave SW, W Seattle. Register: 206-9378481. PCCNaturalMarkets.com.

Thrive Detox & Weight Loss Series – Wednesdays, Dec 7-28. 7-8:30pm. This four-session seminar will motivate to make lasting dietary and lifestyle changes, not through willpower, but through knowledge. Measurements, weight and blood pressure will be taken to monitor success. $85. Thrive Natural Family Medicine, 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104, Seattle. Registration required: 206-257-1488. ThriveNaturalMedicine.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Healthy Family Routines – 7-8pm. Creating healthy family routines can help establish organi-

zation when life is hectic, increase communication within the family, and foster a strong family bond.

Join naturopath, Scott Moser, for an open discussion on strategies for developing healthy routines in one’s family. Free. Thrive Natural Family Medicine, 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104, Seattle.

Registration required: 206-257-1488. ThriveNaturalMedicine.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 Annual Winter Celebration Potluck – 7-9pm.

Enjoy food and drink with wonderful music and special guests. This will be a potluck dinner so please bring a gift to share. Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle. SustainableWestSeattle.org.

Free Holiday Concert – 7-10pm. Breath of Aire, an inspirational NW regional choir led by Dr. J. Bayard DuBois will perform seasonal favorites appealing to families of all faiths and backgrounds.

Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. 425-823-1300. Bastyr.edu/News/News. asp?NewsID=1036.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 EMERGE: Leadership For A More Sustainable Society – Dec 10-11. A society where a sustainably built environment is the norm represents a dramatic change in thinking and practice. This two-day intensive workshop is for business and community leaders of all levels called to create this change. $575-675. Islandwood Conference Center, 4450 Blakely Ave, Bainbridge Island. Registration: LeadershipForAMoreSustainableSociety.

EventBrite.com.

Yoga & Strength – 2:30-4pm. With Denise Benitez and Carla Quam. Experience a balance of both hatha yoga and strength training in this class. $35.

Seattle Yoga Arts, 1540 15th Ave, Seattle. 206-4403191. SeattleYogaArts.com.

A Holiday Celebration – 7-11pm. Ottoman BellyDance Studio presents a student recital and holiday party. $10. Ticket price does not include dinner.

Masala Bar and Grill, 19409 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell. OttomanBellyDance.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Everett Chorale Holiday Concert – 3-6pm. The Everett Chorale will perform a Holiday Concert to benefit the Bastyr Chapel Organ Fund. Under the direction of Lee Matthews, the chorale will perform Sing We Now of Christmas, a complete program of traditional music made popular in years past by the famous Harry Simeone Chorale. $20 suggested donation. Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. 425-823-1300. Bastyr.edu/News/ News.asp?NewsID=2638.

Spirit of the Season – 5-7pm. East West Bookshop and Ananda invite you to an open house with homemade goodies and refreshments. Free gift for all attendees. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. 206-523-3726. EastWestBookshop.com.

Book of Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Dr. Bernie Siegel first wrote about miracles when he was a practicing surgeon and discovered exceptional results in cancer patients. Join contributing author Janet Collie as she introduces warm, inspiring and belief-expanding stories found in Siegel’s 30 plus

Natural Choice Directory of Puget Sound Green Resources • Natural Health Food & Supplements • Mind & Spirit

Your Choice for a Sustainable Future 425.373.1987 www.NaturalChoice.net NCD11_NaturalAwakenings.indd 1

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years of practice. Free. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. 206-523-3726. EastWestBookshop.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 Healthy Caregiving – 11am-12pm. Caregivers draw upon their own strength and wellness to meet the needs of another. Without self-care and balance, however, the demands of caregiving can take a toll on a caregiver’s own health. Join Dr. Moser in this open discussion on healthy caregiving. Caregivers or supporting friends and family are welcome to attend. Free. Thrive Natural Family Medicine, 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104, Seattle.

Registration required: 206-257-1488. ThriveNaturalMedicine.com.

Future of Health: A Chemical-Free Life – 7:309:30pm. Seattle author Deanna Duke uncovers how invasive environmental toxins are as well as their implications for everyone’s health, and what can be done about them. $5. Seattle Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle. 206-652-4255. TownHallSeattle. org/Future-of-Health-Deanna-Duke-A-ChemicalFree-Life.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Greendrinks: Give Like You Give a Damn Holiday Fair – 5:30-9pm. This event features vendors, music, food, drinks and fun with other Greendrinkers. $5 suggested donation. Stadium Nissan, 1045 6th Ave S, Seattle. 206-623-1261.

SeattleGreenDrinks.org.

Vegan Holiday Cookie Baking Class – 6pm. See Dec 6 description. $25. Roosevelt Square Whole Foods, 1026 NE 64th St, Seattle. Register: 206985-1500. WholeFoodsMarket.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Communal Power of Women’s Dance – Dec 17-18. With Helene Eriksen. Study different styles of women’s dance from North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. M’illumino, Seattle. Registration required. Helene-Eriksen.de.

Herbal Teas & Elixirs for Health and Enjoy-

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Distributed free at more than 500 locations in the Puget Sound region.

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206-799-7753 or 425-356-7237 36

ment – 9:30-11:30am. Learn how to make herbal teas and concoctions that not only have the desired effect, but also taste good. $20. Herban Wellness, 103 Lake St S, Kirkland. Registration required: 206-330-2171 or Info@HerbanWellness.net.

Treating High Cholesterol Without Drugs – 1011am. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the most effective tools for battling high cholesterol and heart disease. Dr. Moser will discuss diet, exercise, and supplements to effectively lower cholesterol. Free.

Thrive Natural Family Medicine, 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104, Seattle. Registration required: 206257-1488. ThriveNaturalMedicine.com.

Intro to Bead Weaving – 11am-2pm. Learn how to weave with Fire Line, seed beads and finish a first stitched bracelet. $25. Garden of Beadin’, 23718 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell. Register: 425-4822323. BeadInSeattle.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Food & Mood – 7-8pm. The way people eat affects many aspects of health. When people are tired, stressed and overworked, a balanced diet is one of the first things to go. Learn how to eat to improve one’s health and mood in this hour-long seminar.

Free. Thrive Natural Family Medicine, 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104, Seattle. Registration required: 206-257-1488. ThriveNaturalMedicine.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Finding Balance: Managing Stress & Anxiety – 9:30-10:30am. Stress is implicated in a number of health problems, from obesity and heart disease to digestive complaints, depression and pain. Take a break from the holiday bustle to learn how to manage and alleviate stress and anxiety in this hands-on workshop led by Dr. Moser. Free. Thrive Natural Family Medicine, 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104, Seattle. Registration required: 206-257-1488.

ThriveNaturalMedicine.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 Intro to Raw/Living Foods – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn why people are embracing the raw foods lifestyle and get answers to frequently asked questions about eating raw. $40/person or $70/pair. Roosevelt Whole Foods, 1026 NE 64th St, Seattle. Register: GenerationThrive.com.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1.00 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@SeattleAwakenings.com.

Deadline is the 12th of the month.

Business opportunity CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES – For sale in Birmingham, AL; North Central FL; Lexington, KY; Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM; Cincinnati, OH; Tulsa, OK; Northeast PA; Columbia, SC; Southwest VA. Call for details 239-530-1377.

EVENTS C E L E B R AT I N G M E N , S AT I S F Y I N G WOMEN - FEBRUARY 4-5, 2012 – The foundation workshop of PAX Programs, which offer five distinct life-changing workshops: one for women only, one co-ed workshop, and one for men only.

Information and tools are accessible, practical and instantly useable. Explore articles, ideas, classes, and register at UnderstandMen.com.

healthcare professionals. $480. 206-200-4542.

PlayEqualsPeace.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 Juicing and Detoxing – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn the cleansing and detoxing powers of juice feasting including citrus blends, green juices, tropical blends and more. $40/person or $70/pair. Roosevelt Whole Foods, 1026 NE 64th St, Seattle. Register: GenerationThrive.com.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

Restorative Yoga – 7:15-9pm. Restorative yoga is a gentle series of movements designed to help connect with one’s body and encourages a progressively deeper state of physical and mental relaxation. $25/at door, $20/in advance. Seattle Yoga Arts, 1540 15th Ave, Seattle. 206-440-3191.

SeattleYogaArts.com.

The One Gathering – 4-6:30pm. With Joyce Hawkens, Jennifer Yost, Samantha Parrott, and Narayan & Janet. The One Gathering is an experience to entertain while being uplifting and healing.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

Winter Yoga Retreat – Jan 20-22. Join Tracy and Terilyn for a weekend of nourishing yoga and deep inner exploration. Price includes all classes, lodging, vegetarian meals and use of the facilities. $455-$580. Aldermarsh Retreat Center, Whidbey Island. Registration required: 206-325-8221.

SocialMedia@8LimbsYoga.com.

New Year’s Day Yoga – 10am-12pm. Start the new year with this fun and lighthearted yoga class. $30.

Seattle Yoga Arts, 1540 15th Ave, Seattle. 206-4403191. SeattleYogaArts.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 Play to be Healthy: Free your Playful Spirit – Tuesdays, Jan 3-Mar 20. An introductory 3 month, once-a-week online playgroup for holistic

Century Ballroom, Seattle. TheOneGathering.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

ongoingevents

thursday

NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@SeattleAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit SeattleAwakenings.com to submit online.

sunday Cascadia Hikes – 8am-12pm. Learn about local and natural history, sustainability and ecology while viewing waterfalls and wildlife on these guided half-day hikes. Includes hotel pick up and drop off, nature guide, refreshments, transportation, and entry fees. $95. Register: EvergreenEscapes.com/ Seattle-Hiking-Tour.asp.

Community Yoga Class – 9-10:15am. Beginner pay-what-you-can yoga class. All welcome. Taught by a registered yoga teacher. Donations accepted.

Three Trees Yoga & Healing Arts Center, 204 S 348th St, Ste 2, Federal Way. 253-815-9642.

ThreeTreesYoga.com.

Free Energy Healing Clinic – 12-4pm. 2nd Sun. Discover how energy healing can dissolve aches and pains in this free clinic. Reiki Ranch, Chehalis.

360-748-4426. ReikiRanch.com.

Satsang – Thru Dec 18. 4-6pm. With Katie and Sundance. Satsang is one’s true and natural being: the song of one’s heart singing, the light of consciousness shining and the peace of the spirit resting. $20. Friends, Philosophy & Tea, 13850 BelRed Rd, Bellevue. FriendsPhilosophyAndTea.com.

monday La Leche League of West Seattle – 10:30am. 4th Mon. All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-tobe interested in breastfeeding welcome. Westside Unitarian Universalist Church, 7141 California Ave SW, Seattle. 206-932-9912.

Infant Massage Class – No class Dec 26. 10:3011:45am. Promote better infant health and development and meet other moms while learning infant massage techniques. $25/1 class, $100/5 classes.

Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 3rd Ave W, Seattle. Registration required: 206-409-4812.

Parent2Infant.com.

Experience Oil Painting – 11am-3pm. Learn how easy oil painting is in a wonderful relaxing environment. On-going class; join any time. All instruction is one-on-one teacher to student. No mineral spirits or turpentine used, so there is no exposure to anything volatile, flammable or dangerous to breathe. Class size limited. $60/single session, $180/4 wks. Friends Philosophy and Tea, 13850 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue. 536-503-3491. SeattleOilPaintLessons.com.

Sustainable Capitol Hill General Meeting – 6:30-9pm. 2nd Mon. Join Sustainable Capitol Hill for monthly meetings. A potluck begins at 6:30pm followed by the general meeting at 7pm.

1617 Boylston Ave, 2nd fl, Seattle. SustainableCapitolHill.org.

Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

Buddhist Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Everyone welcome. Each evening will include a teaching followed by a guided meditation, question and answer session and refreshments. $10 or $5 for students/ seniors/unemployed. Friends, Philosophy and Tea, 13850 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue. 425-641-4364.

FriendsPhilosophyAndTea.com.

tuesday Seattle Greendrinks – 5:30pm. 2nd Tues. Informal social networking to connect and unite those working or interested in environmental issues. Locations vary. Details: SeattleGreendrinks.org.

Middle Eastern Drumming Instructional Series Basics Class – 6:30-7:30pm. With George Sadak.

Classes are designed for beginners and those who wish to polish their technique. Class may be joined mid-session. Ottoman BellyDance Studio, Bothell Country Village, 23634 Bothell Everett Hwy, Bothell. 425-368-0369. OttomanBellyDance.com.

La Leche League of Seattle Central – 6:308:30pm. 1st Tues. See Mon description. Swedish Medical Center, 500 17th Ave, Mother Joseph Conference Rm, Seattle. 206-949-3076. LLLEmHealy@gmail.com.

Tribal Style Bellydance – 7-9pm. With Shay Moore. Classes get people moving to the global groove as they develop core tribal bellydance movements with strength, grace, and flexibility.

Women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and experience welcome. $60/6 classes. M’Illumino, 6921 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. 206-525-0363. DeepRootsDance.com.

wednesday A Law of Attraction – 2nd Wed. Learn how to create success with relationships, health, money and more in this seminar. Reiki Ranch, Chehalis.

360-748-4426. ReikiRanch.com.

Infant Massage Class – 10-11:30am. 1st & 3rd Wed. Class taught in Japanese. See Mon description. $25/1 class, $100/5 classes. Overlake Hospital City University, Bldg F, Rm 15, 150 120th Ave NE, Bellevue. Registration required: 425-688-5259.

Parent2Infant.com.

La Leche League of Seattle – 10:15am. 3rd Wed. See Mon description. Good Shepherd Center, Wallingford, Seattle. 206-304-9153.

Free Intro to Meditation Class – 6-7pm. 3rd Wed. With Mary Davis. This class will show the mind, body and spirit health benefits of meditation with examples from the latest medical research studies.

Seattle Healing Arts Center, 3rd fl, 6300 9th Ave NE, Seattle. Register: 206-524-0863. MeditateSeattle.com.

Awareness Through Movement – 5:30-6:30pm.

With LeeAnn Starovasnik. Engage the brain and body in new ways. Learn to move more easily, more comfortably and even more playfully. Discover a fun and easy movement method while improving physical movements, sense of balance and overall well being. M’Illumino, 6921 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. 206-525-0363. M-Illumino.com.

The Fixers’ Collective – 6pm. Join a group of people who love to fix and mend things from broken blenders to ripped sweaters to antique dentist drills.

Take it apart, put it back together, figure out how it works and refuse to throw it away. What is worked on depends on who shows up. Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle. For more details: WestSeattleFixers@gmail.com or Meetup.com/WSToolLibrary.

“Ask An Expert” & Tool Library Meetup – 6-8pm. 2nd Thurs. Each month The Tool Library brings together the community and hosts experienced DIY coaches who are willing to answer any questions on current projects, future plans or anything else. Coaches have expertise in solar, water harvesting, green architecture and building, and more. Free. Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle. SustainableWestSeattle.org.

friday Wassa Dance – 9-10am. A lively accessible mix of traditional and contemporary polyrhythmic movement inspired by the elemental roots of music and styles from Africa and the Americas. Class suited to all levels of barefoot movement enthusiasts. Dropins welcome. $15. ARC School of Ballet, 9250 14th Ave NW, Seattle. 206-284-9473. WassaDance.com.

La Leche League of South King County – 10am.

1st Fri. See Mon description. For location: 253212-6159 or LLLOfNorthTacoma@yahoo.com.

InterPlay – 10:30am-12pm An improvisational practice that playfully explores the things a body can do: move, make sounds, tell stories, sing, and experience stillness. Based on life-affirming, body wisdom principles and the transformative power of play. M’Illumino, 6921 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle.

206-525-0363. M-Illumino.com.

Drum Jam – 7-10pm. Come drum with us every Friday. Arrive and leave as you feel. Any kind of hand drum; all abilities. Music and dance too. Ottoman BellyDance Studio, Bothell Country Village, 23634 Bothell Everett Hwy, Bothell. 425-3680369. OttomanBellyDance.com.

saturday Hypnosis for Birth Introduction – 10-11:30am.

2nd Sat. Learn what hypnosis is and isn’t, and how it helps with birth. Free. Bellevue. Registration required: 425-827-9498. HypnosisForBirth.com.

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

ACCOUNTING C. BROOKS SCHOMBURG, CPA Brooks Schomburg 206-632-3315 Brooks@CBSchomburg.com CBSchomburg.com

O ff e r i n g a f u l l r a n g e o f bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and small business consulting services, we focus on your unique tax, accounting and consulting needs. See ad page 21.

BEDDING SEATTLE NATURAL MATTRESS 206-419-9550 SeattleNaturalMattress.com

Manufacturer and retailer of natural, chemicalfree latex mattresses designed to provide a comfortable and supportive alternative to traditional spring mattresses. See ad page 29.

BOWENWORK WELLNESS RESTORATION ARTS Scott Wurtz 206-524-5511 WeReStart.com

Bowenwork is a way to be pain free through dynamic “hands on” physical therapy. Simple “moves” redirect your body’s natural healing potential by sending clarifying waves of energy directly to the brain. See ad page 10.

BUSINESS PRINTING ION MARKETING 800-989-5086 IonGoGreen.com

Green printing at unbeatable prices. Guaranteed.

Business cards, rack cards, postcards and more.

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CHILDREN’S SERVICES BABY DIAPER SERVICE 206-634-2229 BabyDiaperService.Net

Committed to providing 100% pure cotton diapers for your baby. Convenient weekly pickup and delivery of cloth diapers and accessories. Better for baby’s skin, more sustainable than washing at home. See ad page 14.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY VESTA HOME PERFORMANCE 206-919-6770 Info@VestaPerformance.com VestaPerformance.com

Dedicated to improving the comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency of homes in the Seattle region. See ad page 23.

PARENT TO INFANT MASSAGE 206-409-4812 Info@Parent2Infant.com Parent2Infant.com

Learn gentle infant massage techniques in a supportive and fun class setting. Babies 6 weeks up to 1 year old. Benefit with better sleep, foundation for lifelong health, secure attachment and more independent personality.

See ad page 17.

CONSTRUCTION PATHWAY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 206-937-4809 PathwayDC.com

Design, build and remodeling contractor specializing in sustainable, healthy homes and the symbiotic relationship between humankind and nature.

dentists INTEGRATIVE DENTISTRY 9730 3rd Ave NE Suite 205 Seattle, WA 98115 206-367-6453 Info@MitchMarderDDS.com MitchMarderDDS.com

We are a holistic dental practice specializing in safe mercury filling removal, non-surgical periodontal care, and TMJ/ orthodontic treatments. We welcome new patients! See ad page 5.

GREEN MERCANTILE GOODS FOR THE PLANET 525 Dexter Ave N Seattle, WA 98109 206-652-2327 GoodsForThePlanet.com

We carry environmentally-friendly garden supplies, seeds, outdoor furniture, kitchen supplies, bed and bath linens, solar gadgets, office supplies, cleaning products, books, toys, home decor, gifts and more.

See ad page 16.

HEALTH CENTERS BASTYR CENTER 3670 Stone Way N Seattle, WA 98103 206-834-4100 BastyrCenter.org

Bastyr Center offers naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, nutrition counseling, Chinese herbal medicine, short-term psychological counseling, and more. Our Team Care approach to healing ensures you’ll see a licensed practitioner and two to three advanced student clinicians while receiving individualized treatments and generous practitioner time. See ad page 26.

HEALTHY HOME LULLABY ORGANICS

800-401-8301 CustServ@LullabyOrganics.com LullabyOrganics.com Lullaby Organics offers safe, healthy mattresses, bedding, sleepwear, toys, gear, furniture, and air filtration systems so your whole family can get a pure night’s rest.

MASSAGE SOARING SPIRITS MASSAGE

NE Ravenna Neighborhood Seattle, WA 98115 206-412-5170 Laura@SoaringSpiritsLightCenter.com SoaringSpiritsLightCenter.com Offering aromatherapy, Raindrop Therapy, Shiatsu, deep tissue, and Swedish massage, tailored to your sense of pressure since 1993.

Therapeutic grade essential oils by Young Living.

MEDICAL AMY FASIG, ND

2206 Queen Anne Ave N, Ste 204 Seattle, WA 98109 206-599-6030 Dr.AmyFasig@gmail.com QueenAnneNaturalMedicine.com Specializing in women’s health, hormone balancing, and immune wellness. Saturday and evening appts. available. Covered by most insurance plans.

DR. VENESSA WAHLER, ND Broadway Building 1620 Broadway, Ste 204 Seattle, WA 98122 206-420-6701 Info@DrWahler.com DrWahler.com

Special interests in natural weight loss (including HCG diet), stress management and food sensitivities. Call today for your complimentary 15 minute introductory consultation!

Accepts insurance.

THRIVE NATURAL FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Scott Moser, ND LMP 5020 Meridian Ave N, Ste 104 206-257-1488 Info@ThriveNaturalMedicine.com ThriveNaturalMedicine.com

PLUMBING GREEN T PLUMBING

Thrive offers botanical medicine, nutrition, physical medicine, nutraceuticals and counseling to treat the whole family. Most insurance plans accepted. Book an appointment today and Thrive!

MOVEMENT CENTERS M’ILLUMINO

Sam Harris 206-414-2968 Sam@GreenTPlumbing.com GreenTPlumbing.com Full plumbing services ranging from fixing leaky faucets to design and installation. Sustainable and independent. Email or text a photo of your problem for free professional opinion. See ad page 7.

SKINCARE MY MAMA’S LOVE

6921 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 206-525-0363 Info@M-Illumino.com M-Illumino.com

My-Mamas-Love.com

At m’illumino, we are dedicated to your transformation through movement. Take a class, try private sessions, discover your own innate grace. See ad page 11.

NATURAL PRODUCTS

My Mama’s Love skin care products use safe, non-toxic and hypoallergenic organic ingredients.

Our products don’t just mask symptoms; they address the underlying causes of a skin condition.

Locally owned and operated. See ad page 13.

VETERINARIANS ANCIENT ARTS HOLISTIC VET 110 N 36th St Seattle, WA 98103 206-547-1025 AncientArtsVet@gmail.com AncientArtsVet.com

GLAD RAGS

503-282-0436 Orders@GladRags.com GladRags.com

Veterinary acupuncture and natural medicine for animals rebalances health safely, gently, peacefully. Improve pets’ quality of life the way nature intended— your pet will thank you. See ad page 40.

Live more sustainably with GladRags washable menstrual pads and menstrual cups. Join the community of women who have decided to make a lower carbon footprint every month!

See ad page 31.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

yoga KANJIN YOGA

M’ILLUMINO

206-722-2665 Info@TheKanjinYogaCenter.com KanjinYoga.com

6921 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 206-525-0363 Info@M-Illumino.com M-Illumino.com/P/Retreat.html Escape from the city without having to travel 100 miles. Relax in the steam room and infrared sauna, and have lunch in the private garden. See ad page 11.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Kanjin Yoga is a path to abundant health and wellness helping people live better inside their bodies. Specializing in Yoga Nidra, Gentle Hatha Yoga, we offer classes and workshops for groups and organizations.

SONGDOG HEALING & DREAMCRAFT Camilla Paynter, M.A. 206-914-3769 SongdogDreaming.com

Bring healing to the planet through self-discovery. Realize your personal power and unique gifts through dreamwork, Reiki, energy work and traditional and ancestral modalities.

Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

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Keep your pets loving life!

Your pet deserves a veterinarian who understands how to keep animals well - naturally. From herbs to acupuncture, Dr. Darla Rewers offers the utmost in loving, holistic care so you and your pet can enjoy life together.

• Comfortable and inviting exam rooms • Relaxing acupuncture, herbs, energy healing and homeopathy • Tui na massage and general wellness exams Darla Rewers, DVM

Ancient Arts Holistic Veterinary

110 N. 36th in Fremont •206-547-1025 AncientArtsVet.com

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