December 2014 - Seattle Natural Awakenings

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Find Your Guilt-Free Fitness Style Feasting Workouts that Suit Your Personality

Holiday Fare that Brings Joy to the Table

P L A N E T

FREE

Sacred Activism

Love In Action Can Change The World

December 2014 | Seattle Edition | SeattleAwakenings.com

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letterfrompublisher

W

elcome to the December issue of Seattle Natural Awakenings!

Every year, the Christmas season gets a little more simple and meaningful for me. This year, for the first time, my parents and siblings decided to pull names from a hat and assign every family member one person for whom we will purchase a gift. I absolutely love this system—instead of frantically attempting to find good-enough gifts for everyone in my family, I’m able to slow down and take time to pick one single highly meaningful gift for a family member. Since I’m only giving something to one single person, I can also budget more for that gift, too. It’s something he’s wanted for a while (you won’t tell, right? It’s an official Seahawks jersey).

I love giving gifts, and I can’t wait for our annual traditional family Christmas evening of gifts, games food and laughter. This year, as I prepare for the holidays, I’ve shifted most of my purchasing to local, sustainable businesses.

I’m avoiding excess packaging and clutter, and emphasizing giving experiences more than things. This is a wonderful time of year for enjoying and strengthening relationships, and that starts with friends and family and extends to our local green and holistic business community as well.

In this issue I’m pleased to bring you a selection of articles to brighten your holiday season, from feasting together with friends and family to ideas for how you can contribute to changing the world. “Happy Feasting To All” (page 20) is packed with ideas for new tasty traditions to bring into your circle of friends and family. Nothing brightens the dark coldness of winter more than a cat curled up next to me in bed at night, so I’m thrilled to bring you more information about bed sharing with pets in “Pet Bed Buddies” (page 27). There’s much more in this issue, so I invite you to dive in and enjoy!

contact us Publishers Ann Dorn David Seregow National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Account Manager Dena Marie 425-350-5448 Dena@SeattleAwakenings.com Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 To Advertise: 206-788-7313 or 425-350-5448

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Merry Christmas, and happy holidays to all!

© 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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newsbriefs healthbriefs globalbriefs ecotip inspiration healthykids greenliving consciouseating fitbody inspiration naturalpet calendar classifieds resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 425-350-5448 or email Publisher@SeattleAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

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

13 HOW HANDS

UPLIFT HEARTS

14

by Sandra Murphy

14 SACRED ACTIVISM Love in Action Can Change the World

by Judith Fertig

17 CAN-DO KIDS

Changing Our World at Any Age

by Ellen Sabin

17

18 TOXIN-FREE

BEAUTY SALONS

Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe

by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

20 HAPPY FEASTING TO ALL

18

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit

by Lane Vail

24 FIND YOUR

FITNESS STYLE

Workouts that Suit Your Personality

by Wendy Worrall Redal

26 HYMN TO LIVING IN SILENCE

by Robert Rabbin

27 PET BED-BUDDIES

Is Sleeping Together Healthy?

by Erik J. Martin

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newsbriefs East West Bookshop Hosts Annual Winter Celebration

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ast West Bookshop will hold their annual Spirit Of The Season celebration on December 19 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing throughout the evening.

“We’ll start with delicious homemade refreshments and a period of community interaction,” events co-manager Stephen Bonnell says. “Be inspired by uplifting music, participatory chant, a talk about the season and a free gift for everyone who attends.”

Bonnel notes the annual event is a celebration of community. “This is our yearly tribute to our customers, those who support us year round,” he says.

The Spirit Of The Season winter celebration takes place December 19 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. Free. For more information: 206-523-3726 or Tickets@EastWestBookshop.com.

Local Record Label Set to Grow & Create Community

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ocal music artist Van Conner’s record label, Strange Earth Records, is set to break their previous annual record for vinyl releases. Heading into their fifth year in business, the label was founded with the goal of strengthening the Northwest music community, according to Conner.

“Music can bring communities together just like sports,” Conner says. “It also gives kids who could otherwise be lost to negative influences something productive and fun to do. If you have ever seen what happens when you get a community with kids involved in music, and have activities and art in general for their kids, then you know it’s powerful,” he continues.

A part of the Seattle area rock music scene for three decades and a founding member of the former rock band Screaming Trees, Conner co-authored two top 10 Billboard

hits in the 1990s, performed on The Tonight Show and Late Night With David Letterman, and had his music appear in major films and television shows.

Depsite his significant commercial success, Conner says he is currently committing himself to strengthening community through music in the Northwest through Strange Earth Records, which aims to provide a platform for fans to connect with and discover local, independent artists.

“I’ve been in the music business for a long time,” Conner says, describing the vibrant world of fanzines, local music and a thriving Northwest independent label industry that evolved in the 80s and 90s. “This label is a hub of people from the Northwest. It’s a Northwest label with Northwest bands,” Conner explains. “We’re excited to be connecting people with truly local artists. Community is what we are all about,” he finishes.

Conner runs Strange Earth Records with a business partner, Matt Vanderghburg and Conner’s wife, Jill Conner, who is the business manager for the label. Conner is scheduled to release his own record this spring, currently being recorded with his band Electric Sheep.

Music from Strange Earth Records artists can be found on iTunes, Ebay, and other online stores. Conner will be a guest on Lift Your Spirits With Dena Marie at 8 a.m. Dec. 19 on 1150 KKNW AM or 1150kknw.com. For more information: StrangeEarthRecords.com.

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December 2014

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Seattle Life Coach Certification Program Starts In January

Dr. T Offers Lecture on Anti-Aging, Skin Blemish Treatment

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Seattle Life Coach Training’s life coach certification program takes place one weekend a month for five months beginning on January 16. $2,260. Seattle Life Coach Training is located at 650 S. Orcas St., Ste. R-203. For more information: 480440-2401 or Info@SeattleLifeCoachTraining.com.

Cost: $10/lecture. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, 1625 118th Ave. SE, Bellevue. Skin blemish evaluation free; discounts available for multiple blemishes. For more information: 425-753-0634 or Seattle.Ecopolitan.com.

eattle Life Coach Training founder Richard Seaman has announced that a 100 hour life coach certification training will begin January 16, 2015. Participants meet one weekend per month from January through May. “Seattle Life Coach Training is unique compared to all other certification programs out there because we incorporate personal, professional and spiritual development simultaneously into our 100 hour training program,” Seaman explains.

“It is so exciting that the new class starting on January 16 will be our 9th class to start in Seattle, marking five years of successful business for Seattle Life Coach Training,” Seaman says. “Each class continues to grow in attendance and we will be expanding our square footage this coming August due to high attendance of our program.”

Seaman says life coaching represents a highly rewarding career for many, and invites those interested to contact Seattle Life Coach Training for more information.

“Transform your life and the lives around you by becoming a life coach with Seattle Life Coach Training,” he urges.

“It’s an amazing way to change the world.”

r. Adiel Tel-Oren returns to Seattle to offer a lecture and skin blemish treatment. The lecture entitled “Skin Science: The New Key to Anti-Aging Medicine,” will start at 7 p.m. on December 18 at Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. The lecture will cover issues including why moles, skin tags, spots and other blemishes appear; what the new science of skin health reveals about the secrets of longevity and disease prevention; simple, objective, non-invasive cutting-edge diagnostic tools to revolutionize overall health; and the best therapies for youthful skin, brain and body.

In addition to his lecture, Dr. Tel-Oren will be seeing local clients for his safe, gentle, non-medical, non-surgical and aesthetically pleasing method of eliminating skin tags. The procedure involves application of proprietary acetic compound, which restricts the lesion’s nutrition, according to Dr. Tel-Oren. As a result, a scab forms and drops off, leaving clear, new skin with minimal scarring. There is no cutting, stitching, burning or freezing involved, and there is no risk of infections, according to Dr. Tel-Oren. Appointments can be made on his website.

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healthbriefs Nutritional Supplements Aid Regularity

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onstipation, a common health concern, may cause more than just discomfort.

Chronic constipation can lead to problems with the epithelial lining of the intestines that secrete and absorb nutrients, and even to colon cancer, according to a 2012 study conducted by the American College of Gastroenterology. Passing overly dense fecal waste can also aggravate hemorrhoids.

According to Steven Frank, founder of Nature’s Rite, an herbal remedies company, two key nutrients can contribute to a solution. For most people, ingesting 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day through food sources and/or supplementation is sufficient to soften stools. In addition to oranges and a variety of citrus, good sources of vitamin C include strawberries, chili peppers, red and green bell peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli.

Still, many need something more to accomplish the goal. Magnesium, critical in supporting muscle movement as well as heart health, may aid with peristalsis, the involuntary contractions of the intestines and colon that move fecal matter along. Magnesium also helps with the production of lubricating mucus. Magnesium food sources include beans and nuts, fish, avocados, bananas, yogurt, dark leafy greens and dark chocolate. A daily dose of 500 milligrams of magnesium is usually sufficient for good health and regularity.

For more information, call 888-465-4404 or visit NaturesRiteRemedies.com. See ad, page 11.

Hip Fractures Decrease on Weekends and Holy Days

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new study published in the Israel Medical Association Journal found that older adults are more likely to have hip fractures in the wintertime, except during weekends and on religious holidays.

The study’s authors checked the records of 2,050 patients that were at least 65 years old and had suffered a hip fracture. Analyzing the dates of each fracture revealed that significantly more of them occurred during the wintertime; the injuries corresponded directly with lower temperatures and greater rainfall.

Fewer fractures took place on the Sabbath and during weekends in general, as well as on Yom Kippur and other holy days, with the exception of Passover.

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December 2014

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Hospice Care Adds Months for Cancer Patients

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esearchers from Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center determined that hospice care significantly increases survival rates among patients with metastatic (stage IV) melanoma, a difficultto-treat form of cancer that occurs when melanoma cells have spread through the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

The study’s authors followed 862 metastatic melanoma cancer patients.

Of these, 523 patients received one to three days of hospice care, 114 patients received four or more days and 225 people received no hospice care. Those that received four or more days had an average survival period, which typically dates from the original diagnosis, of 10.2 months, while those that received none averaged 6.1 months. In addition, the end-of-life hospital costs for those receiving the most hospice visits were nearly half of what was incurred by patients not receiving hospice attention.

CELL PHONES AND ROUTER MICROWAVES STRESS PLANTS

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vidence of the effects of wireless technologies on human health continues to be controversial, with agreement on results remaining elusive. Now a new study published in the Journal of Plant Physiology found that humangenerated microwave pollution can potentially be stressful to plants.

Researchers from Romania’s Estonian University of Life Sciences tested three common garden plants—parsley, celery and dill weed. They exposed each to the types of microwave radiation equivalent to those produced by cell phones and wireless routers. Then these radiation-exposed plants were compared with identical plants not exposed to the radiation.

The scientists noted that the irradiated plants had thinner cell walls; smaller chloroplasts (cellular sites of photosynthesis); smaller cell mitochondria (centers of energy production); and greater emission of volatile compounds, particularly monoterpenes and green leaf volatiles, which are protective, life-promoting components of the plants’ essential oils.

The effects were stronger for the type of radiation produced by wireless routers. While essential oil production overall was increased by the frequency of the microwaves produced by cell phones, it was decreased by the frequency emitted by the routers.

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Calcium Supplements Raise Risk of Brain Lesions

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Duke University study published in the British Journal of Nutrition this summer found that calcium supplements taken by elderly persons may increase the risk of brain lesions that are identified as hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans.

The researchers studied 227 adults over the age of 60. The patients were assessed for supplemental calcium intake and received brain scans via MRI. Those taking calcium supplements had more lesions of a volume typically associated with hypertension. They noted no dose-dependent relationship between lesion size and the amount of calcium being supplemented. The scientists commented that other studies have found calcium supplementation also associated with greater risk of artery disease.

Hyperintensities are observed in normal aging, plus several neurological, psychiatric and autoimmune disorders that affect the brain. They constitute damage to brain tissue caused by restricted blood flow and have been linked to mild cognitive deficits and disturbances.

Knotweed and Hawthorn Outperform Lovastatin in Trial

C

hinese researchers recently discovered that two herbal extracts may treat atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, as well as or more effectively than the pharmaceutical drug Lovastatin.

Sixty-four patients with atherosclerosis of the carotid artery were studied. For six months, half the patients received 20 milligrams of Lovastatin per day, while the other half took an herbal extract combination of Japanese knotweed and hawthorn.

After six months, tests showed artery plaque thickness and inflammation were significantly lessened among both groups. However, the herbal extract-treated group showed a greater reduction of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, a marker of risk for cardiovascular disease.

Relatively high levels of hs-CRP in otherwise healthy individuals are predictive of heart health crises even when cholesterol levels are within an acceptable range. People with lower values have less of a risk.

Mistletoe Extract Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Patients

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study published in the European Journal of Cancer revealed that a mistletoe extract may lengthen life for patients with severe pancreatic cancer. German researchers tested 220 patients with advanced stage pancreatic cancer, an aggressive, often fatal disease. The patients were divided into two groups; one was given up to 10 milligrams of Viscum album (European mistletoe) three times a week for up to 12 months.

Both groups received supportive care throughout the study period.

The average length of survival for those taking the mistletoe extract, 4.8 months, was nearly twice that of the other group, 2.7 months; a survival period typically dates from the original diagnosis. Within a group considered to have a good prognosis, the survival period for those that consumed the extract, averaging 6.6 months, was more than double that of the no-extract group, which averaged 3.2 months.

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globalbriefs Bye-Bye Birdie

230 Avian Species on the National Watch List Scientists from 23 organizations, including the federal government, universities and conservation groups, have spent years on the State of the Birds Study, looking at 230 species of birds from different habitats compiling its watch list.

Peter Marra, a migratory bird specialist at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo, in Washington, D.C., attributes the population drops of the birds in the most trouble to disappearing habitat or reduced range.

Some coastal birds are doing better, and previously endangered wetland birds are recovering due to laws that are protecting them. Marra says, “These populations come back when we create the habitat. The report emphasizes that it’s better to focus on birds that aren’t yet in decline and keep them that way.”

Ken Rosenberg, a bird biologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York, and an author of the report, says that hunters, as well as conservationists, deserve credit for preserving ducks. He acknowledges, “We’ve put a tremendous amount of resources and money into wetland and waterfowl conservation because of the hunters that contribute financially.”

But lots of songbirds are in trouble, and Florida, where bird habitat is disappearing fast, is a crucial stopover for migrating birds. It’s the kind of place that birds both common and endangered urgently need to survive.

Source: National Public Radio

Planet Power

Scientists May Harvest Energy from Earth’s Infrared Emissions Physicists at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) are developing a device described in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that would harvest energy from Earth’s infrared emissions into outer space. The power is modest, but tangible.

Steven J. Byrnes, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS, points out, “The device could be coupled with a solar cell, for example, to obtain extra power at night without extra installation costs.”

Heated by the sun, our planet is very warm compared to the frigid depths of space. Thanks to recent technological advances such as plasmonics and nanofabrication, and new materials like graphene, the researchers say this heat imbalance could soon be transformed into direct current (DC) power, taking advantage of an untapped, virtually limitless energy source.

Source: ScienceDaily.com 10

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Youth Activists

World Peace Caravan to Travel in the Middle East in 2015 The World Peace Caravan, founded by the nonprofit D. Gary Young Foundation, is a global peace movement scheduled to conduct a 12-day camel caravan from Petra, Jordan, to Jerusalem, Israel, from December 15 to 26, 2015. It will be spearheaded by a delegation of 12 youth ambassadors, ages 16 to 24, selected from a worldwide pool of candidates.

Their goal is to foster an online youth community to provide young people everywhere a platform to share ideas, voice opinions and educate and learn from their peers.

The youths intend to collaborate on solutions-centered projects to help eradicate poverty and hunger, ensure environmental sustainability and attain healthy lives for all.

Inspired by a recurring vision, D. Gary Young, CEO of Young Living Essential Oils, chose the ancient Frankincense Trail upon which the Queen of Sheba once journeyed to bring peace offerings to King Solomon. This modern-day journey for peace invites people of all cultures, faiths and backgrounds to retrace the steps of that pioneering peace movement, culminating in a blockbuster World Peace Caravan Concert for Peace in Jerusalem.

For more information, visit WorldPeaceCaravan.org.

Bamboo Bamboozle

‘Green’ Clothing Made with Toxic Chemicals Bamboo is rapidly renewable and requires few pesticides to grow. However, bamboo fabric manufacturing is a chemically intensive process that doesn’t provide clear and legitimate product labeling. Misleadingly using the terms eco-friendly and green becomes greenwashing when applied to items such as bamboo clothing.

As the Fair Trade Commission describes the overall process, “Most bamboo textile products, if not all, are actually rayon, which typically is made using environmentally toxic chemicals. While different plants, including bamboo, can be used as a source material to create rayon, there’s no trace of the original plant in the finished rayon product.”

This example points out the public vigilance required to secure more sustainable, environmentally friendly products. Third-party verification of all claims is recommended.

Products made of the bamboo stalk itself, such as poles for furniture or planks for flooring, remain true to their naturally sustainable source.

Feeding Hope

Recognizing Restaurants that Support the Homeless Food Recovery Certified is a new program that rewards restaurants that donate their extra food to those in need with a sticker on their front door. It’s a project of The Food Recovery Network, a national system of college students that takes cafeteria leftovers to homeless people. Founder Ben Simon started the group in 2011 at the University of Maryland, and the network has saved more than 320,000 pounds of food from the dump in its first three years.

If a restaurant donates unsold food to the hungry at least once a month, it can apply for the certification. Then Food Recovery Certified verifies with local nonprofits that the donations actually occur before awarding its approval. Simon states, “Every food business should be donating its extra food.”

For more information, visit FoodRecoveryCertified.org.

Source: Tinyurl.com/Organic BambooFraud

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December 2014

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ecotip

Tweet Treats Trim a Tree, Feed the Birds From December 14 through January 5, citizen scientists of all ages will participate in the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count (Tinyurl.com/AudubonChristmas Count), the country’s longest-running wildlife census.

Audubon and other organizations use the data collected by

Do you have unsightly moles, skin tags, keratoses, or other skin lesions?

Dr. Adiel Tel-Oren offers a revolutionary method for skin blemish removal safe, gentle, non surgical, painless and aesthetically pleasing

volunteers to monitor population trends and guide conservation efforts.

Whether or not families plan to help Audubon volunteers keep track of feathered visitors, they might consider providing backyard birds with gifts of food during the winter, when natural food sources can be scarce. Adorning outdoor trees with edible decorations can also help brighten landscapes, reduce kitchen scraps, creatively involve children in nature and make yards more bird-friendly.

Salvage citrus rinds for feeders. Poke holes along the edge of hollowed halves of grapefruit and orange peels and run twine through them so they can hang from a branch. Fill with bird seed or suet.

Create ornaments from bread heels or stale loaves.

After cutting out shapes with a cookie cutter, spread them with unsalted nut butter and cover with birdseed. Bagels, rice cakes and pinecones can be frosted and sprinkled in the same way. Avoid using anything moldy. For more colorful ornaments, hang orange and apple slices.

Drape edible garland around tree branches. Thread unsalted popcorn (stale popcorn strings more easily), fresh cranberries, citrus slices, unshelled peanuts, dried apples or grapes into a garland.

Use natural string, wool or raffia for hanging decorations.

Wild Birds Unlimited suggests selecting these materials so they can be used by birds as nesting materials in the spring.

Collect seed heads and berries to tuck among the branches. According to the National Wildlife Federation, good food sources include seed heads from flowers such as goldenrod, sunflower, coneflower, sumac and mullein; seed heads from grasses such as millet, wheat, foxtail and switchgrass; and berries on sprigs of holly, juniper, cedar, hawthorn and mountain ash. Make sure decorations are hung on a tree or shrub near a window so the whole family can enjoy watching the wildlife they attract.

Contributing source: The Humane Society

Book your FREE evaluation at doctortevents.com Questions - 425-753-0634

- Dr. T will be giving a lecture on Skin Science - The New Key to Anti-Aging Medicine What does the new science of skin health reveal about the secrets of longevity and disease prevention

Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:00pm Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center 1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98005

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inspiration

Streams and waterways need a good cleanup after floods. Check with the park ranger for more information.

With a little research, volunteers can find the right activity, whatever their location, interest, age or abilities. Another good place to start is VolunteerMatch. org, which is easy to search by zip code and personal interests. A perfect opportunity to help others awaits.

Local Volunteer Opportunities Yoga Behind Bars

How Hands Uplift Hearts

by Sandra Murphy

V

olunteering provides rewarding satisfaction and progress for adults and children alike. Seniors stay involved and parents work alongside kids to experience the value of helping others.

Local places of worship often maintain a list of opportunities to serve a community through helping and healing ministries and special projects. The Red Cross is best known for supplying aid in emergency situations, but many needs are year-round (RedCross.org).

A call to city hall can steer willing participants to the right local organization.

Here are other examples from around the country and nearby to spark loveinspired ideas.

People

Meals on Wheels does much more than deliver lunches to those in need (mowaa.org).

In Austin, Texas, the Healthy Options Program for the Elderly program brings a bag of groceries monthly to clients most nutritionally at risk, plus Groceries to Go volunteers shop for or with clients every two weeks. Minor safety-related home repairs are provided through the Handy Wheels project.

In Seattle, community helpers paint

classrooms, install new playground equipment and donate books and supplies at the city’s public schools.

Berkley, California, YMCA volunteers teach classes like mindful meditation or restorative yoga, work the front desk, read to preschoolers and do fundraising.

Animals

Homeless dogs in shelters learn leash manners while participating in the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program at South Carolina’s Aiken County Animal Shelter. Leashes and treats are supplied to encourage volunteers to walk dogs at least once a week. It’s healthy exercise for both dogs and humans. To calculate the calorie burn, visit Tinyurl. com/WalkOffCalories. Shelter cats need socialization, too. Visits that include playtime and gentle petting make them more adoptable.

Environment

New York Cares has family projects available with no minimum age requirement (NYCares.org). Either on an ongoing or a one-day basis, volunteers improve parks, plant community gardens and refresh public spaces. Trails require refurbishing after bad weather.

Founded to serve incarcerated invidiuals in Washington state, nonprofit Yoga Behind Bars shares yoga and meditation to promote rehabilitation, transformation, and more just world.

The nonprofit depends on volunteers, who range from yoga instructors to ambassadors to yoga studios, graphic designers, grant writers and more.

YogaBehindBars.org.

21 Acres

The 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living in Woodinville, Washington is a nonprofit learning center focusing on organic agriculture, sustainable living and green building technologies. 21 Acres hosts a farm market featuring items for sale prepared in their commercial kitchen by chefs, low cost community meeting space, classes and more. Volunteers include people interested in farming, student groups, retirees and others.

21Acres.org.

The Northwest EcoBuilding Guild

A community of builders, designers, homeowners and other partners, the Guild helps educate both builders and the public to promote sustainable building. Major annual events requiring volunteer support include the Green Building Slam, the Northwest Green Home Tour, and others.

EcoBuilding.org.

natural awakenings

December 2014

13

Sacred Activism Love in Action Can Change the World

by Judith Fertig

religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, he now resides in Melbourne, Arkansas, where he’s founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism. The goal of his international travel is to bring concerned people together to proactively face global crises.

Says Harvey, “Sacred activism is a fusion of two of the most powerful fires of the human psyche—the mystic’s passion for God and the activist’s passion for justice.”

Hallmarks of Spiritual Intent

“Sacred activism is the fusion of the mystic’s passion for God with the activist’s passion for justice, creating the burning sacred heart that longs to help, preserve and nurture every living thing.” ~ Andrew Harvey

T

he butterfly, a universal symbol of transformation, reminds us that becoming our best selves is an ongoing process. Yet these delicate, fluttering creatures are suffering a decline, especially the vivid orange and black monarch butterflies that depend on milkweed flowers for sustenance during their migration to and from Mexico and Canada.

“When I heard about the monarch butterfly crisis, I also noticed that I had milkweed vines all along my back fence,” says Karen Adler, a Kansas City, Missouri, gardener. “In years past, I would have pulled them out because they can strangle other plants. But I talked it over with my neighbor and we 14

Seattle

agreed to let them grow. This year, we had more monarchs than ever.”

These two women might not realize it, but they had engaged in spiritual activism. They became aware of a problem, approached it with compassion, learned about the issue, realized life’s interdependence and committed themselves to positive action for a result that is good for all.

It’s a process that Andrew Harvey first described in a 2005 talk he gave at the Santuario de Guadalupe, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that’s also reflected in his book, The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism. Born in India, educated at England’s Oxford University and in the

SeattleAwakenings.com

The Awakening – Progressing from concerned citizen to spiritual activist is a gradual process. It may begin with an issue to which one feels called. “Our life in the world is a continual call and response,” observes Kabir Helminski, of Santa Cruz, California. He authors and translates books on the Muslim Sufi tradition, which tends to have an open relationship with other religions, and is a core faculty member of the Spiritual Paths Institute, which encourages seekers to find the sacred traditions that speak to them.

“Sometimes events are a waking dream calling for interpretation, and sometimes the heart is directly addressed from within,” says Helminski.

Compassion – Once an event moves us, prayer can be a pathway that opens our hearts to compassion, according to Jagadish Dass, of Granada Hills, California. The healer and teacher wrote The Prayer Project: The 3-Minute, 3 Times a Day Solution for World Change, which encourages involvement with something bigger than ourselves. Dass maintains that praying for three minutes, three times a day, will help us transmute into expressing a quiet power. “As we take responsibility for our lives, a transformation occurs within,” he says. We begin to inspire others to also take up the cause of working for change and bringing more peace, joy and love to the world.

Likewise, Harvey urges each of us to make a real commitment to daily spiritual practice on the road to spiritual activism. He suggests, “Start with a short prayer that aligns you with the pure deep love that is longing to use you as its instrument in the world.”

“When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.” ~ Carla Goldstein Options include prayers from many of the world’s spiritual traditions shared in Dass’ book; a free download is provided at StewardshipOfTheSoul.com.

Interconnectedness – Just as everything in the universe is connected by the simple act of being, like-minded

people can connect to do good in the world. Sacred activists pursuing their own spiritual paths need to work with others, according to Harvey. “They form empowering and encouraging networks of grace—beings of like heart, brought together by passion, skill and serendipity to pool energies, triumphs, griefs, hopes and resources of all kinds. When people of like mind and heart gather together, sometimes miraculously powerful synergy can result.”

Harvey has found that groups of six to 12 people become the most efficient and productive, whether joined together through a profession (such as physicians on medical missions), a passion for animal rights or the environment, or a strong sense of social justice.

Knowledge – Knowledge, both inward- and outwardseeking, is another key to doing good for all. Carla Goldstein, JD, chief external affairs officer at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, in Rhinebeck, New York, and cofounder of its Women’s Leadership Center, used her interest in women’s empowerment issues as a springboard to spiritual activism.

“For the first 20 years of my professional life, I focused on public policy and politics,” she says. “But something was missing in the rhetoric of taking care of each other.” Practicing yoga and meditation and receiving support during a personal health crisis prompted what she terms “an awakening understanding of a gap between personal change and systems change.” Goldstein came to question her own “rugged individualism” versus the interconnectedness she felt when people took care of her. “Can we actually move towards integrating these two ideals?” she asked herself. Knowledge

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about issues is readily available from experts and organizations that experts recommend; she observes, “The big question is: What is needed for us to be of help?”

Sometimes listening and understanding can be powerful. Under the auspices of the Omega Women’s Leadership Center, Goldstein invited women on both sides of the reproductive rights issue to meet in 2005. They had been part of the Public Conversations Project in the Boston suburb of Watertown, Massachusetts, begun after medical staff members were killed and wounded at an area women’s health clinic providing abortions in 1994.

“Women from the divided community initially came together to tell their stories,” Goldstein relates. “Over time, they developed a deep love for each other. Nobody changed their positions, but they did change how they interacted with one another.” They experienced a shift from emotional and verbal turbulence to, if not agreement, feelings of peace and understanding.

Since then, the project has grown to facilitate such conversations in 38 states and 15 countries (PublicConversations. org).

Positive Action – While many thorny issues take long-term, dedicated efforts to be resolved, others only need smaller individual or collaborative actions for positive outcomes. For Mark Nepo, a New York City poet, philosopher and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Book of Awakening, kindness is the force behind positive action, no matter how modest at first.

“Kindness reveals kinship. It gives us connection to everything greater

than us and everything else that is kind in the universe,” he says. “I think it’s powerfully effective, yet it’s such a small thing.”

Nepo is active in Bread for the Journey, an international nonprofit that encourages community grassroots philanthropic projects that generate micro-grants. One involved a small town in northern New Mexico that sought to improve the lives of local teenagers when the town’s elders wanted to open a youth center as a positive alternative to the drug scene.

Just before the center was scheduled to open, the project ran out of money for required floodlights, so Bread for the Journey funded them and the center opened. “Within a few years, the whole culture shifted,” reports Nepo.

This small contribution made a big difference to the whole community.

Once awakened and nurtured, spiritual activism can become an omnipresent part of our lives. Says Goldstein, “When you put spirit and activism together, you realize that all actions are connected to spirit. It makes you think about your duty in every instance—from how you treat people throughout your day to how you treat the environment. It becomes a satisfying way of living.”

Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from Overland Park, KS.

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talents to help others. If you are a good cook, bake a healthy holiday treat to bring to someone that is feeling sick. You can read out loud a story to a younger child. If you’re strong and have lots of energy, you can help your neighbor take out the trash or do other household chores.

Can-Do Kids Changing Our World at Any Age

by Ellen Sabin This article is written especially for young readers eager to embrace the true spirit of the holiday season. Sharing it with them can help cultivate a lifelong practice of giving.

H

ave you ever seen someone do something that changed a situation from bad to good?

Maybe your parents helped someone whose car broke down, or a teacher spent extra time after class helping you with schoolwork.

No matter your age, where you live or what you own, you have the power to do good, too. What you do can make other people happy and make the world a better place. Here are some ideas to help you figure out how.

n A good place to start is to think about what’s important to you. This will help you find a way of giving back that you’ll enjoy and want to do again and again. For example, if you love taking care of animals, offer to walk an elderly person’s dog for them. If you get sad when you think about someone being lonely, visit a neighbor that lives alone or send a special card to a relative as a way to show your love. n It’s nice to help strangers, but you can also do little things close to home that’ll make life easier and better for your family. You can call your grandma to say hello, help your mom or dad with the dishes or play a favorite game with your little sister or brother. n You can also use your own special

n You can have fun and make an even bigger difference by doing good things with others. One way to get your friends excited about joining you is to plan a “Giving Party”. Ask your parents to help you download a free guide (WateringCanPress.com/html/ parents.html) that has fun ideas and activities for creating a holiday-time or birthday party or rainy day get-together. n Giving to other people is important, but the planet needs us, too. You can practice giving by picking up litter, recycling and even turning off lights when you leave a room. When we pay attention to the environment around us, we can learn how to respond in a giving way.

Ellen Sabin is the founder and president of Watering Can Press (WateringCanPress.com), a publishing company committed to growing kids with character. Her series of award-winning books include The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving; The Greening Book: Being a Friend to Planet Earth; and The Healthy Body Book: Caring for the Coolest Machine You’ll Ever Own.

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Toxin-Free

BEAUTY SALONS Pure Pampering Feels Natural and Safe

by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist

W

hen clients walk into New York City’s Swing Salon, they may be surprised by what they don’t smell—the range of chemicals usually wafting around hair salons. That’s because the owners have decided to use only natural and organic products.

While many people may assume that all salon hair and body treatments are regulated and safe, the U.S. Food

and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to test cosmetic products for safety, due to loopholes in the Toxic Substances Control Act. So, people are being exposed to dangerous toxins through salon products like nail polish, hair color processors and hair straighteners.

Be aware that while labels of overthe-counter body care products are required by law to list ingredients, with

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the exception of the chemical soup often hidden under the term “fragrance”, the loophole for salon products is large.

Jamie Silberberger, with the Women’s Voices for the Earth’s National Healthy Nail & Beauty Salon Alliance, reports, “Products sold for professional use in spas and salons are not required to be labeled with ingredients.”

Fortunately, healthy alternatives are available, either by patronizing a green salon or using natural beauty treatments at home.

Hair Straighteners

One salon treatment—Brazilian Blowout hair straightening—can continue to expose customers and salon workers to toxic fumes even months after application. It’s among the conventional straightening products that contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.

“Exposure to formaldehyde doesn’t end with the treatment—the fumes are reactivated every time heat is applied to the hair,” says Jennifer Arce, a San Diego, California, salon worker who became sick after applying a single Brazilian Blowout treatment. “So, when a client who’s had a Brazilian Blowout done elsewhere comes into the salon to get a haircut or color and has her hair blow-dried, flat-ironed, curled or processed under the hood dryer, the fumes that come out of her hair make me and several of my coworkers sick all over again.”

Solution: Avoid chemical hairstraightening treatments. Sign on to the Women’s Voice for the Earth letter campaign petitioning the FDA to remove Brazilian Blowout from U.S. shelves by visiting Tinyurl.com/ BanBrazilianBlowout.

Hair Dyes and Extensions

About two-thirds of con-

ventional hair dyes in the U.S. contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical banned for use in such products in Germany, France and Sweden. Exposure to PPD can cause allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to death by anaphylactic shock, which happened to a teenager in 2010.

When Spain’s University of Santiago de Compostela researchers conducted a metastudy examining the risk of cancer among hairdressers and related workers, all reported that employees had a higher risk of cancer than the general population.

Hair extensions also warrant attention. Many adhesives used on extensions may contain 1,4 dioxane, listed as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and styrene, a neurotoxin and suspected endocrine disruptor.

Solution: Look for a clean, green salon that uses natural hair color treatments free from synthetic chemicals, ammonia or PPD. Individuals can also order nontoxic organic color kits direct from EcoColors.net.

tronize well-ventilated salons.

Find a Green Salon

Many conventional body products like shampoos and massage oils contain a litany of ingredients that add to our chemical exposure. Ask questions to ensure all of a salon’s products are nontoxic or as low in toxicity as possible.

For example, a large network of independently owned “concept salons” across America are connected with the Aveda Corporation (Aveda.com), a national leader in developing hair and body products that are free from the most dangerous ingredients. More than 90 percent of Aveda’s essential oils and 89 percent of its raw herbal ingredients are certified organic.

Also look for members of the Green Spa Network, a nationwide coalition of spas that pledge to be energy efficient and sustainable in all of their practices (GreenSpaNetwork.org).

If a green salon hasn’t yet arrived locally, bring nontoxic products for appointments and ask the stylist to use them. Visit the Skin Deep Database at ewg.org/skindeep to find the least-toxic products for at-home use.

Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist is a freelance writer in Tucson, Arizona.

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Nail Polish

When getting a manicure or pedicure, beware of the toxic trio of dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.

Used to help nail products hold color, they’re linked to reproductive and development problems, plus dizziness and eye and lung irritation, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Facing pressure from consumer groups and salon workers, some polish companies are now producing so-called “nontoxic” nail polish, although their labels aren’t verifiable. California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control recently tested 25 nail polishes sold to salons, 12 of which claimed to be toluene-free, including seven said to be free of the toxic trio.

The researchers found toluene in 10 of those, and one or more of the three ingredients in five out of the seven.

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consciouseating

experience the pleasure of eating,” suggests May. Consider it symbolic of the season’s sweetness.

Connect

HAPPY FEASTING TO ALL

Tasty Rituals that Deepen the Holiday Spirit

by Lane Vail

Sync

T

he holiday season is ripe with an array of spiritual, cultural and family rituals. We celebrate, reflect, give gifts and, of course, feast.

Fortunately, the media also teems with tips on how to avoid high-calorie holiday goodies, says Dr. Michelle May, author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. For our diet-driven culture to resolve its struggle with food, she says we must learn to honor its intrinsic value. Ritualized eating can help; a recent study published in the journal Psychological Science found that engaging in food rituals evokes mindfulness that enhances the enjoyment of eating.

Pause

Hunger, the body’s fuel gauge, manifests in physical symptoms like a growling stomach or low blood sugar, says May, citing a useful analogy. “You wouldn’t drive around and pull into every gas station you see; you’d check your fuel gauge first. Before filling up with food, pause and check your fuel gauge. Am I actually hungry, or is this desire coming from something else?”

May suggests practicing FEASTing: First, focus on physical sensations, thoughts and emotions; perhaps we’re thirsty, rather than hungry, rationalizing that holiday foods are special, or feeling 20

“Food connects us with one another, our heritage and our culture,” says May. Heather Evans, Ph.D., a Queen’s University professor and a holiday culinary history expert in Ontario, Canada, suggests creating a food diary of traditions to reinforce a connection with the past and support a holiday food legacy for the future. Ask grandparents about their childhood culinary memories, peruse family recipe books or discover new dishes that honor everyone’s ethnic heritage. Then create an heirloom holiday cookbook with handwritten recipes arranged alongside favorite photos and stories.

Seattle

stressed or lonely. Next, explore why the feelings or thoughts are present, and then accept them without judgment.

Strategize ways of satisfying the need and take a small step toward change.

Savor

Complex preparations for a major holiday can provoke anxiety and impatience, and likewise, feelings of longing or disappointment when it’s over. Sarah Ban Breathnach, bestselling author of Simple Abundance and Peace and Plenty, recommends allowing Christmastide to unfold at its own pace and celebrating all of December with a homemade Advent calendar.

Craft a tree-shaped tower of tiny boxes or a garland of burlap mini-bags clipped with clothespins. Place an almond covered in organic dark chocolate in each container and use the treat as a daily mini-meditation.

“Drop into the present moment, fully savor the luxurious, small bite and

SeattleAwakenings.com

According to ancient philosophy, sharing seasonal food with loved ones during the winter solstice on December 21 symbolizes the shared trust that warmth and sunlight will return. Eating warm foods provides physical comfort and eating seasonally and locally connects us to the Earth, observes May. Sync body and spirit with the season by stewing root vegetables, baking breads, sipping hot cider and tea, and nibbling on nuts and dried fruits.

“The repetition of predictable foods is reassuring,” remarks Evans, and it celebrates nature’s transitions.

Play

Stir-Up Sunday is a Victorian amusement filled with fun, mystery and mindfulness, says Ban Breathnach. Some December Sunday, have each family member help stir the batter of a special Christmas cake while stating a personal new year’s intention. Drop a clean coin, bean or trinket into the mix and bake. Serve it with a sprig of holly on Christmas Day, and the person with the piece containing the lucky charm will be rewarded with a prosperous, wholesome and positive new year, according to tradition. Evans remarks, “This is a wonderful ritual for nurturing the health and spirit of the family.”

Boxing Day offers something far more meaningful to celebrate than postholiday sales. Originating as a tradition that thrived during the 19th century, “December 26 was a chance for landowners and homeowners to give back to household staff and local tradespeople,” says Evans. “It’s a tradition worth reviving to pause, reflect on our own good fortune and contribute to others’ comfort.”

Consider serving a meal at a local soup kitchen, collecting items for a food drive or offering a box of healthy culinary treats to community stewards at a fire station, post office or library. On Christmas Day, says Ban Breathnach, “Our kids have the world lying at their feet.” Boxing Day, she says, provides a natural transition to reach out in charity.

Lane Vail is a freelance writer and blogger at DiscoveringHomemaking.com.

New Traditions Start the new year with a tabula rasa (clean slate) by hosting a New Year’s Eve Good Riddance Tea Party.

Gather family and friends over warm ginger tea, spiced apple cider, hot chocolate and festive finger foods.

Guests write down on slips of paper any mistakes, disappointments, regrets, hurts or failings they wish to be forgiven or forgotten. One by one, put them into a crackling fireplace or bonfire to symbolize surrendering of the past. “This ties the heart strings in a comforting bow,” comments author Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Then, inscribe fresh intentions for the year to come and tuck them away in a special place. “This is the most mystical part, because so many prayers get answered,” Ban Breathnach says. Lastly, toast the new year with optimism and joy.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY TOPPERS Creating a repertoire of delicious wintery foods can help evoke health, mindfulness and delight during the holiday season. Dr. Michelle May advises approaching the entire process of eating, including the menu planning, shopping and food preparation, with a spirit of mindfulness, which adds a deeper dimension of pleasure to the experience. “Cake becomes more than just cake,” she says. “It becomes something the family creates and enjoys together.”

Savor these rituals and recipes with loved ones.

figs, apricots, currants, sultanas and/ or dates) 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla bean extract Zest and juice from 1 organic orange 3 Tbsp olive oil 3 organic free-range eggs 2 cups (200 gm) ground almonds (almond flour) ¼ cup (50 gm) walnuts Preheat the oven to 300° F. Line the sides and base of a 7-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, TheHealthyChef.com

Give

Memory-Making Christmas Cake This nontraditional, healthy Christmas cake is alcohol-, sugar- and gluten-free.

It relies on fruit for sweetness, almond meal for moistness and vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange essences for a perfect mingling of flavors. Prepare the cake with the whole family as a Stir-Up Sunday ritual, and keep it tightly sealed in the refrigerator until Christmas Day. Serve in small portions at room temperature or warmed in the oven and alongside vanilla bean custard or plain yogurt swirled with orange blossom honey.

Yields 20 servings 2½ cups (600 grams) mixed and chopped dried fruit (raisins, prunes,

Combine the dried fruit, spices, vanilla, orange zest and juice, olive oil and eggs. Mix in the almond flour and walnuts, then spoon the batter into the baking tin.

Bake for an hour-and-a-half. Insert a skewer or toothpick to see if it comes out moist, but clean; if not, bake for up to 30 minutes more. (Cover the top if necessary to prevent over-browning.)

After cooling, remove from the tin and

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store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

Beat eggs and cornflour in a stainless steel mixing bowl until combined.

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, author of The 80/20 Diet and founder of TheHealthyChef.com.

Pour the hot milk over the eggs and whisk in well.

The Perfect Custard

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon.

Remove from the heat quickly and pour back into the mixing bowl.

Yields 6 servings A velvety-smooth custard, also called crème anglaise, may be used as a foundation of many desserts. It can be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate, citrus, coffee or pistachio. Pour this vanilla bean custard over a warm Christmas cake or serve it straight up as eggnog, adding a touch of brandy and dusting of nutmeg.

Whisk well to slightly cool and smooth it out. If any lumps appear, strain the mixture through a sieve.

2 cups milk of choice (organic, almond, coconut, soy or rice) 2 organic free-range eggs 2 tsp vanilla bean extract 2 Tbsp organic maple syrup or 1 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp cornflour or kudzu Pinch nutmeg

NOTE: For an egg-free custard, heat 17 oz almond milk with 2 Tbsp honey or 100 percent maple syrup and 2 tsp vanilla extract until near boiling. Thicken with a slurry made from 2 Tbsp cornflour, arrowroot or kudzu. Finish with a sprinkling of nutmeg.

Serve hot or cold. To warm up cold custard, put in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water; stir and heat through gently.

Courtesy of Teresa Cutter, author of The 80/20 Diet and founder of TheHealthyChef.com.

Heat milk in a saucepan with vanilla and honey and bring to near boiling, then remove from heat.

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Top Picks: The Conscious Giving Gift Guide Ladywell’s Vitality Spa & Sauna

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A Greenwood based spa offering women the complimentary benefits of sauna, steam and hydrotherapy under one roof. Come sauna, soak and relax in the age old tradition that rejuvenates body and soul.

Contact: 206-420-7923 or LadywellSpa.com.

Shop Local this Holiday and share Gifts of Spirit! Clip this Ad and bring in for 20% off an item of your choice (not valid on consigned items). East West has great books, gifts and events all-year round.

Purple Sunrise Gourmet Breakfast Cereal Freshly milled organic whole grains are combined with almonds and other superfoods to create the best gluten free (no wheat or oats), preservative free, healthy and delicious hot breakfast cereal of your life.

6500 Roosevelt Way NE 98115 206-523-3726 EastWestBookshop.com

Contact: 800-939-1921 or CamanoIslandMills.com.

VitaClay Smart Organic Multicooker

Meditation And Growth 3 hour Meditation Intensive Class: What you really need to know to begin a regular meditation practice.

This season, impress your friends with tasty, healthy and naturally cooked meals straight from the clay pot. Food coming out of clay is always tastier with magic flavor and texture. Starting at $79.

3 hour Personal Vedic Astrology Class: Learn the basic skills needed to interpret the archetypal symbols of your own chart.

Individual Spiritual Direction Consultations: Conversations to assist you in your own personal and spiritual growth.

Bruce Davis, MD Masters of Divinity ospreyfish@aol.com 425-330-6497 MeditateSeattle.com

Contact: 408-621-6187 or Sales@ Essenergy.com

A Gift of Holiday Joy

Enjoy the delightful fragrance of this limited-time blend, Holiday Joy. This enchanting blend of Wild Orange, Nutmeg, Pine Needles, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, and Vanilla promotes a warm holiday scent. For aromatic use. $32.67.

Email Karen Andersen, wellness advocate, at DoTerraHealsUs@gmail.com for affordable gifts for you or someone else you love! natural awakenings December 2014 23

fitbody

Find Your Fitness Style

Workouts that Suit Your Personality

by Wendy Worrall Redal

W

hile some people find repetitious workouts boring, we may feel about exercise; more than one can apply to any others like doing predictable routines at regular individual. locations. Ensuring that our fitness regimen

Disciplined and driven. This is an image jives with our “fitness personality” is integral to to which many of us may aspire, even though making exercise a consistent part of our lifestyle, a not everyone fits the mold. These exercisers concept that has traction among exercise experts. are self-motivated and goal-oriented. Commit Jonathan Niednagel, founder and director ment and consistency go hand-in-hand. They of The Brain Type Institute, in Mountain Home, like to use devices to track progress, maintain Arkansas, and an athletic consultant for profesa training log and/or work with a personal sional teams, explains in his book, Your Key to trainer in systematic workouts geared to meaSports Success, that understanding our inborn sure improvement. Disciplined types are often brain type can help us to determine which sport early risers; starting the day with regular exercise is best suited to motivate us. In Suzanne is second nature. Compatible fitness regimens Brue’s book, The 8 Colors of Fitness, include cardio workouts, interval and weight trainshe applies principles from the Myersing, running, swimming and marBriggs personality inventory to help tial arts. readers develop a personalized Relishes routine. While exercise program. Susan Davisthese folks are disciplined and Ali, Ph.D., in St. Paul, Mindriven in some ways, they tend nesota, a professional coach to be more relaxed about regifor working women, created a mens. The key to success here Fitness Interest Profile survey is consistency. They like order for the Life Time Fitness health and familiarity in exercise settings club chain. She points to reand practice and may enjoy reading search that suggests people that or watching a screen during workengage in activities appropriate outs. Whatever the preferred approach, for their personalities enjoy whether it’s a favorite training video, their workouts more and are Wii Fit video game, favorite teacher or likely to stay with them longer. memorized Pilates moves, these exercisers

Identifying our fitness like to stick with it, even working out at the personality can help us find a same time every day—often first thing in the program that suits our rhythms and morning or after work—finding that regularinterests. Based on composites from ity can be habit-forming. growing research, here are six cat Conscious contemplative. Reflecegories that assess and capture the way Seattle SeattleAwakenings.com 24 special advertising section

tive individuals enjoy quiet, solo activities like long-distance running, biking, hiking and swimming, that allow opportunities to look inward, often without thinking too much about the physical details. Exercise offers a chance to clear the mind and renew the spirit while strengthening the body.

These types naturally gravitate to outdoor pursuits, but some indoor practices may also suit them, like yoga, Pilates, tai chi or even karate, which incorporate a strong mind-body component. Workouts are often soothing, rather than intense.

Plays well with others. For many people, exercise is best enjoyed with others, combining the social and fitness benefits of both. Connections and camaraderie get them off the couch, revved up and ready to go. Whether it’s a committed group of friends chatting during water aerobics or a highpowered cardio class that compares notes, motivation comes primarily from the presence—and accountability factor—of others. A lunch-hour class at a nearby studio or gym may be a fun break in the workday. On weekends, consider golf, tennis, dance or a local recreation team.

Compulsive competitor. While the communal aspect is appealing, the greater gratification for this type comes through the thrill and challenge of competition. Trying to win is the great motivator, unlike driven and disciplined types that are happy to push through to their personal best. Team sports are a natural outlet, including soccer, rugby, lacrosse, basketball or swimming, plus disc golf, tennis or racquetball matches and running events.

Avid for adventure. It’s tough for any formal exercise program to keep the attention of adventurers. They crave freshness and spontaneity in fitness venues, activities that engage their interest and animate enthusiasm. It’s crucial for adventurous types to mix things up and not rely on any one exercise practice. Outdoor endeavors such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, inline skating or mountain biking have appeal. They may gravitate to the variables of Nia, Zumba’s high-energy Latin dance groove, kickboxing, exercise balls or hot yoga. A midday exercise escape can break the work routine. Their key to keeping active is to keep things stimulating.

Extraordinary Local Workouts Try something new this winter Joyful movement:

BaDi classes, created by Studio 52 founders Dina and Barb, incorporate joyful movement and dancing to help participants create a more expanded experience of living. Classes take place at Dance Underground, 340 15th Avenue East, Seattle.

LoveYourBaDi.com.

Social workout:

Belltown Dance Studio offers a huge selection of dance classes including salsa, Argentinian tango, hip hop and Zumba classes, along with belly dance and more. Belltown Dance Studio, 2217 3rd Ave suite 102, Seattle.

BelltownDanceStudio.com.

Cultivate compassion:

Akido, a modern non-violent martial art, is based on harmony and compassion, and offers a dance-like experience. Aikido of West Seattle, 4421 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle.

Aikidows.com.

*Tools for Wellness & Conscious Living *Inspiring Books & Meaningful Gifts 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle 206-523-3726

* Transformative Classes & Events See complete schedule online www.EastWestBookshop.com

Wendy Worrall Redal blogs at Gaiam Life (Life.Gaiam.com), from which this was adapted.

HurriKayn Natural Soap All natural vegan body products packed with nourishing essential oils and botanicals

Shop online: HKNaturalSoap.com natural awakenings

December 2014

25

inspiration

Hymn to Living in Silence

by Robert Rabbin

T

pens as we surrender here’s one truth, and Celebrate the everything to silence. it is silence. All truths dawn of the We must give away our come from, exist inventory of unreleased as and return to silence. winter solstice thoughts and cherished Silence is behind every holy on December 21 beliefs, undigested thought, word and experiences and dogma, act. All holiness is silent. in nature and disappointments, fears, This is what all sages worries, resentments and know and say: Enter silence in silence. sorrows; even personal and we leave behind the rubdesires and joys. ble of self and no-self, time and death.

Enter silence and we see the world that If it’s difficult to do: throw it away, God created; that we are the created. fling it off, kick it out. Just don’t let it God, the world and being are one. Life stay. We must empty our storehouses of is suddenly real—beautiful and perfect past, present and future, and then burn in each curve and angle. them down so that nothing can ever This awakening into truth hapaccumulate again.

Now give more. Let go of ego, will and humility, ignorance and knowledge, the body and its faculties. Surrender what is and is not yourself. Give away meaning, purpose and happiness, even precious life itself. Nothing can remain.

Then, by letting everything go the second it occurs, we return to clarity, freedom and eternal openness. We live in silence. For it is in silence that God is working, playing and loving. In silence, we become perfectly one with that divine working, playing and loving.

When absolutely all has been given up and only emptiness remains, even then, take one more step towards silence.

Give away the emptiness. Hold back nothing. Even the giver is given away.

In silence, we transform and are reborn. We become real with more joy, pleasure, peace and contentment than we ever hoped for. Our highest purpose is fulfilled, our greatest longing is realized in ways we know not.

In becoming nothing, we become everything. We need nothing, and thus have everything. With nothing to protect, only peace remains. It cannot be controlled or fathomed, only lived. We love this about the holy ones, the sages.

No one knows how it happens, only that it does.

In silence, we are moved by what moves all else without knowing how, why or when. This is freedom, love and truth.

Robert Rabbin is a self-awareness teacher and author. Connect at RobertRabbin.com.

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

Silence is a

Your Choice for a Sustainable Future

true friend who never betrays.

425.373.1987 www.NaturalChoice.net Seattle SeattleAwakenings.com 26 NCD11_NaturalAwakenings.indd 1

~Confucius

4/29/11 5:29 PM

naturalpet

Pet Bed-Buddies Is Sleeping Together Healthy?

by Erik J. Martin

T

was fully trained to sleep here was a time Staying in close by herself in another when Eliska, contact makes it room. a three-pound “I originally thought Prague ratter, would easier to pick up letting my dog sleep curl up and sleep next fleas, ticks or skin in my bed was a good to owner Krista DeAngelis, and most of the idea,” says DeAngelis, a mites a pet may time, she and the communications director dog enjoyed a peaceful carry, and can at Westminster College. night’s slumber.

“But I realized that they worsen allergies.

Then DeAngelis can keep you up when married, and her husthey rustle around, wake ~ Roger Valentine, band banned the dog you up if they have to go holistic veterinarian out and sometimes go from the bed for fear of unintentionally squashing Eliska in his to the bathroom in the bed if you don’t sleep. After enduring a few sleepless wake up.” nights of canine whining and barking, the Salt Lake City couple successfully Make a Good Choice curbed their pet’s protests by simply spraying Eliska with a misting bottle ev- “Having your pet sleep in the bed with ery time she acted up. After two nights you is a personal choice,” says holistic of this routine, the pocket-sized pooch Veterinarian Patrick Mahaney, of Cali-

fornia Pet Acupuncture & Wellness, in West Hollywood. By discouraging this behavior, “Your pet will be less likely to confuse your bed with theirs, and therefore prevent potential territoryrelated problems.” By failing to discourage it, “You not only face the possibility of behavioral problems, you could also face adverse effects to your own sleep and health,” he notes.

According to results published in a survey of 300 sleep disorder patients conducted by Dr. John Shepard, then medical director of the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, in Rochester, Minnesota, nearly 60 percent of the pet owners in the study slept with their pets inside the bedroom. Twenty-two percent of the patients were likely to have pets sleeping on the bed with them.

Plus, 53 percent said their sleep was disrupted to some extent every night.

Twenty-one percent and 7 percent of their dogs and cats, respectively, snored.

Yet, a British study of 420 UK cat owners conducted by the nonprofit Cats Protection revealed that 44 percent of respondents (including 51 percent of women polled) said they enjoyed a better night’s sleep with a cat in bed with them than with a human companion.

Benefits listed included an absence of snoring, more space on the bed and soothing purrs.

“The advantages of letting your pet share your bed include companionship, warmth and a sense of security,” advises Mahaney. Among the drawbacks, he notes lack of space for people to sleep, interruption of normal sleep patterns and the pet’s confusion about its expected place to sleep.

Nip Problems in the Bud

To break a pet of a bed-sleeping habit, Mahaney recommends applying persistence, consistency and the following tips: n Establish a separate area or bed for the pet to sleep. A cat or dog bed can be as simple as a clean, soft blanket placed nearby. n Use positive reinforcement techniques. Offer a tiny training treat, “gooddog” clicker noise or praise when the animal is comfortably resting in its own bed, to reinforce this desirable behavior.

natural awakenings

December 2014

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A pet’s companionship can reduce levels of stress hormones while enabling people to deal with their emotions and stressful situations. ~ American Heart Association journal, Hypertension

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Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

If a family member decides to share a bed with a pet, Mahaney offers the following recommendations: n Let it sleep on top of the covers, instead of under them. n Be aware of the need to remove environmental debris, including fecal material, on its coat before bedtime.

• Generate an incredible 600,000 impressions annually at an affordable price • Increase awareness of your brand, leading to more word-of-mouth referrals, clicks on your website, social media followers and more

n Allow a cat the opportunity to exit the bedroom throughout the night to play, eat, drink and use the litter box. Cats are nocturnal animals and are more likely to be active during lights out.

Theresa Carrao, office manager, Green Lake Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 425-350-5448 Seattle

n If problematic behavior persists, seek consultation with a veterinary behavior specialist.

n Give the dog an opportunity to void itself within a reasonable timeframe before going to sleep. A typical healthy dog should not have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate or defecate.

“Ever since we started advertising with Seattle Natural Awakenings our calls have increased and our new clients have increased. It’s like we got put on the radar. There is just something to be said about putting your energy out there.”

28

n Immediately address any territorial aggression when co-sleeping with a pet, such as growling or nipping. First, authoritatively say, “No!” Then put the pet on the floor or into its own bed and give the command to sit and stay.

SeattleAwakenings.com

Erik J. Martin regularly contributes to WebVet.com, from which this was adapted.

calendarofevents 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.

Alternatively, visit SeattleAwakenings.com to submit online.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 Intro to Vermicomposting – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn all everything required to get started making your own “black gold.” This is an introductory class and is geared towards those that are unfamiliar with vermicomposting. Free. UW Botanic Gardens - Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle. Registration required. 206-685-8033.

Depts.Washington.edu/uwbg.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 Helping Hands Holiday Bazaar – 8:30am-3pm.

The vendor fees from this annual bazaar helps fund the Helping Hands program which helps low-income senior citizens with their electric bills. HurriKayn Natural Soap invites everyone to come and shop at this very important event with many great vendors.

Free. Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California Street, Everett. 425-783-1000. SnoPUD.com.

Wonderful Plants for the Winter Garden with Susie Egan – 6:30-7:30pm. Many trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover provide beautiful winter interest to the garden with flowers, fragrance, fruit, seeds, or colorful foliage. Learn the ones that grow in our region. Free. UW Botanic Gardens - Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle. Registration required. 206-685-8033.

Depts.Washington.edu/uwbg.

Matrix Energetics – 7-9pm. 'Fundamentals' Introduction Course is free and open to the public. The Matrix Energetics System of healing and transformation is a unique and powerful “consciousness technology” that utilizes key concepts in quantum and subtle energy physics to create instantaneous transformation at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. Free. DoubleTree Seattle Airport, 18740 International Blvd, Seattle. 206-8184822. MatrixEnergetics.com.

Matrix Energetics Fundamentals and Field Trip Seminars – December 5-10. Discover how to access the field of Matrix Energetics and learn how to joyfully transcend and transform into one's natural state of grace and inherent abundance. Friday night is free and open to the public. Free to $1,310. DoubleTree

by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport, 18740 International Blvd, Seattle. 800-269-9513. MatrixEnergetics.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 The Gentle Touch: Craniosacral Therapy for Family & Friends – Saturday & Sunday. 8:30am5pm. Craniosacral techniques are safe and easy to use - bringing balance and improved health.

Learn how to feel the craniosacral rhythm, and use techniques to work with muscles, joints, abdomen and chest. Anyone can learn this gentle bodywork.

Health practitioners and public welcome. $95$395. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. Registration required. 425-602-3152.

Bastyr.edu/Continuing-Education.

28th Annual Dickens Fair – 10am-4pm. For the past 28 years, the Lake Stevens School District's

Community Education program has hosted this annual craft fair. Featuring nearly 100 vendors selling hand-crafted goods and various children and youth performances throughout the day. Entry to the fair is a canned item or monetary donation for the Lake Stevens Food Bank. All proceeds from the craft rental space fee support the district's volunteer recognition efforts. Cavelero Mid High, 8220 24th St SE, Lake Stevens. 425-335-1500.

LkStevens.wednet.edu/domain/903.

Christmas in Duvall – 10am-5pm. HurriKayn Natural Soap invites everyone to this annual Christmas bazaar. Come and shop with a host of vendors and find something for everyone. Free. The Depot Building, 26227 NE Stephens St, Duvall. 425-7883434. DuvallWA.gov.

Amit Goswami: Quantum Physics – 10:30am5pm. Amit Goswami uses recent advances in quantum physics and consciousness to access personal growth, creativity and enlightened living. Through intellectual and experiential exercises, Goswami teaches how to overcome the barriers to creative choice, to align with the evolutionary movement of consciousness, and how to arrive at enlightened states of consciousness. $80 in advance, $90 day of. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. Registration required. 206-523-3726.

EastWestBookshop.com.

Bambu Organic Salon Holiday Art Show – 5-8pm. Come support artists with disabilities. 3919 Stone Way N, Seattle. 206-781-6501.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 King County Sustainable Cities Roundtable: Alternative & Active Transportation: Bike Shares – 12-1:30pm. Several cities in our region are slated to or have recently rolled out bike sharing programs. There are lots of ways to get us to share the roads with bikes, and one way may be to start sharing the bikes themselves! A formal series that travels from city to city for peer-to-peer dialogues, the King County Sustainable Cities Roundtable explores the built environment, climate change and social equity. Free. Burien City Hall, 400 SW 152nd St, Ste 300, Burien. Registration required: Sam.Haapaniemi@KingCounty.gov.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 Bhakti Workshop and Holiday Kirtan – 5-8:30pm.

Explore the different modes of Bhakti Yoga, including the various forms of devotion, through the traditional methods of satsang, storytelling, mythology and mantra. Following the workshop is a Kirtan at 7pm. These events can be taken separately or together. $20 each or $30 for both. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. Registration required. 206-523-3726. EastWestBookshop.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 Good Timing Guide: What's up in 2015? – 7-8:30pm. With Madeline C. Gerwick. Discover how to use time as an ally to be more successful and

prosperous. Gerwick will show how to maximize success by knowing the universe’s plan—when to take action or wait. $15 or $35 with guide purchase. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. Registration required. 206-523-3726.

EastWestBookshop.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 East West's Spirit of the Season – 6:30-7pm.

An evening of celebrating our oneness in spirit.

This open house begins at 6:30 with refreshments.

Music and sacred ceremony start at 7. Free. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle.

206-523-3726. EastWestBookshop.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 Harp Carols Concert – 7-8pm. Enjoy the healing tones of one of the world’s oldest instruments, the harp. Monica Schley will transport attendees to a place of ancient calm to celebrate the season.

Schley is a therapeutic bedside musician, a private harp instructor, studio musician, poet, composer and a classically trained multi-instrumentalist. $15. East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. Registration required. 206-523-3726.

EastWestBookshop.com.

save the date TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 Open House - Certificate Programs – 6pm-9pm.

Spend an enlightening evening exploring a variety of Bastyr’s non-credit certificate and training programs. Meet the instructors. Ask the questions.

Enjoy mini-workshops on two of the topics of your choice. General public, health care professionals, students, friends and family are welcome.

Free. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. Registration required. 425-602-3152.

Bastyr.edu/Continuing-Education.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 Aromatherapy - Essential Oils for Colds, Flu, Viral & Bacterial Infection – 6-9pm. Essential oils can be used safely and with proven efficacy for the herpes virus, shingles, MRSA and other viral and bacterial infections. The antimicrobial action (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral) of essential oils is one of their most effective properties, and has been documented by extensive research and evaluation. $55-$65. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. Registration required. 425-602-3152.

Bastyr.edu/Continuing-Education.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Intro to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – 6:30-8:30pm. Now substantiated by modern science, the age-old practice of meditation can help you feel, sleep and cope better, while improving self-esteem

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and renewing enthusiasm for personal and work life.

Come to this interactive and informative evening to learn what Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is all about. Free. Bastyr Center for Natural Health, 3670 Stone Way N, Seattle. Registration required.

425-602-3152. Bastyr.edu/Continuing-Education.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 Weigh to Go! A Nine-Week Weight Management Program – Wednesdays through March 11. 6-7pm.

This 9-week unique and comprehensive program combines individual counseling with weekly group sessions to help you meet your personal goals for a healthier lifestyle. $300 for nine-week program.

Bastyr Center for Natural Health, 3670 Stone Way N, Seattle. Registration required. 206-925-4662.

BastyrCenter.org/content/view/2750.

Indigenous Wisdom & Healing - Walking the Inner Landscape – Wednesdays through January 28. 6:30-9pm. Develop trust in intuition and live in a way that authentically nourishes. Discover how to source from within to experience body-mindsoul healing benefits through spiritually fulfilling explorations. $155-$185. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. Registration required.

425-602-3152. Bastyr.edu/Continuing-Education.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 Life Coach Certification – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through May 17. 6-10pm. Life Coaching Core - Stratigies, Techquines & Implementation.

This intense 100-hour training course takes 5 months to complete and allows students to master SLCT’s Professional Coaching System, experience the coaching process and earn their Certified Professional Coach credentials in this energizing classroom experience. $2,260. Seattle Life Coach Training, 650 S Orcas St, Seattle. Registration required. 480-440-2401. SLCTSeattle.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Advanced Life Coaching – Friday, Saturday & Sunday. This class gives more skills to add to one’s tool box to help become ‘fully expressed’ as a Life Coach. Learn new valuable skills to take your client to even a higher level of life and set you apart from the rest of the coaches, bringing more added value to your sessions, repeat clients and referrals. $300. Seattle Life Coach Training , 650 S Orcas St, Seattle. Registration required. 480-440-2401.

SLCTSeattle.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Orchard Mason Bees – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn about wonderful, non-stinging mason bees, the value they bring to our world, and how easy it is to host them in a nesting box in your back yard. Becoming a successful bee farmer is easy and fun. Free. UW Botanic Gardens - Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle. Registration required. 206685-8033. Depts.Washington.edu/uwbg.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Home Funerals & Green Burials - A Natural Choice – 9am-4:30pm. Recent decades have seen a resurgence in families providing end-of-life care to loved ones through home hospice. Additionally, families are choosing to care for the body in the home which is called a home funeral vigil. This seminar will take you on the journey of a home funeral vigil, as well as explore the green burial options. $195. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. Registration required. 425-602-3152.

Bastyr.edu/Continuing-Education.

ongoing TUESDAYS Free Acupuncture Clinic – 9-10:30am. In honor of our veterans, Middle Way Acupuncture Institute offers free weekly acupuncture treatments by supervised interns in a community setting. Patients are treated on a first come, first served basis. An early sign-up sheet will be found outside the clinic door.

Go to our website for more info and to print out necessary paperwork. Free. Middle Way Acupuncture Institute, 321 W Washington St, Ste 334, Mount Vernon. 360-982-2841. MiddleWayAcupuncture.com.

FRIDAYS Lift Your Spirits With Dena Marie – 8-9am.

Discover fascinating people, inspiring activities and places that will lift one’s spirits in this radio show. Tune in to 1150 AM KKNW Alternative Talk Radio every Friday at 8am. 425-350-5448.

Dena-Marie.com.

SATURDAYS SewUpSeattle Free Sewing Session – 4th Saturday.

11am-1pm. On the 4th Saturday of the month bring your own project and machine or create with our donated fabrics and machines. Women and men of all ages and skill levels welcome. Free. Sewing Room in Denny Park Lutheran Church, 766 John St, Seattle. Registration required. 206-784-7117.

SewUpSeattle@yahoo.com.

SUNDAYS Sunday Meditation – 11am. Learn how to meditate.

Come in any Sunday for a guided Meditation Hour and discover spiritual techniques that can help. Visit our website to learn what is offered each week. Free.

CDM Spiritual Center, 2402 Summit Ave, Everett.

425-258-1449. cdm@c-d-m.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Transformational Reiki – Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Transformational Reiki 1 is a powerful, empowering weekend for individuals seeking to learn a new modality of healing facilitation that can be used as a stand alone modality or be combined with other session work. Reiki can create healing in one’s self, and in others. $360. Seattle Life Coach Training, 650 S Orcas St, Seattle. Registration required. 480-440-2401. SLCTSeattle.com.

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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.

COACHING Intuitive Life Coach – Are your goals and aspirations on track? Is your partner not hearing you?

Does the same life lesson keep rearing it’s ugly head? I have over two decades of experience. Call 360-243-8255 for an appointment.

QIGONG Five Mountains Institute of Qigong and Taijiquan – Live Healthier. Sustain Vitality.

Classes in Embracing the Taoist Tradition. Dennis Sharp, Certified Instructor. 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle. 206-605-8907. FMI-Qigong.com.

RETREATS Global Yoga Retreats – Yoga Retreats, classes and growth-healing workshops. Affordable. 12 years of leading retreats globally to Sedona, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Bali, Hawaii and WA state. Body friendly, heart-centered, breathconnected, meditative yoga, often with pranayama, chanting, and also hiking, swimming and other adventures. Based in Everett. 425-303-8150 HolmanHealthConnections.com.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING Affordable Massage Training – Reputable school. Classes forming now in Mountlake Terrace.

510-hour licensing program. Weekend scheduling.

Pay by the month. Also accommodating transfers from outside Washington. Why wait?

360-301-6260. AnandaMassageTraining.com.

We can help you be a star...

Christmas is, of course, the time to be home—in heart as well as body. ~Garry Moore

Call Erik at 425-653-1150

naturaldirectory

NATURAL PRODUCTS

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

Our dental practice integrates ancient wisdom with leading edge science. We use advanced technology and materials that are least toxic to your body and to the environment. Dr. Yamashiro values patient connection and trust and strives to make you feel comfortable with your dental care options.

BEAUTY BAMBU ORGANIC SALON 3919 Stone Way N Seattle, WA 98103 206-781-6501 BambuOrganicSalon.com

Organic hair salon specializing in Organic Color Systems Ammonia-Free hair color and highlights.

We use and sell John Masters Organics hair and skin care products and also offer facials, waxing, haircuts, massage therapy and craniosacral therapy. We care about your health!

BEDDING SEATTLE NATURAL MATTRESS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY MIGHTY ENERGY SOLUTIONS 206-715-0893 MightyEnergy.net

Providing the very best in energy efficient heating solutions to complement the sustainable goals in your home or for your business. Contact us to learn more about our innovative systems.

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 9

THE SLEEP STORE

10623 NE 8th St Bellevue, WA 98004 425-454-8727 TheSleepStoreUSA.com The Eastside’s largest selection of nontoxic and organic mattresses. Find the one that fits your lifestyle and budget! Featuring adult and child natural and organic mattresses, adjustable beds, organic and natural pillows, comforters, toppers and more.

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 17.

DENTISTS ECOLOGIC DENTISTRY 8412 Myers Rd E, Ste 301 Bonney Lake, WA 98391 253-863-7005 EcologicDentistry.com

FOOD BESTLIFE INTERNATIONAL 800-407-7238 BestLife@BestLifeInt.com BestLifeInt.com

Our mission is to develop, manufacture and deliver ecologically smarter, nutritionally superior, delicious and healthy product mixes for those that desire a healthy lifestyle. Our products are Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Dairy Free and contain no Trans-Fats! You can count on our quality, product integrity and our promise that our products are safe for all ages.

MOVEMENT CENTERS

GLADRAGS

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

PERSONAL GROWTH CREATE BEYOND LIMITS

Kaitlyn Mirison Kaitlyn@CreateBeyondLimits.com CreateBeyondLimits.com Bring your heart to light.

Individually designed program to connect with the essence of you and contribute that unique element into the world. Free online community call open to everyone. Explore topics relevant to bring your heart to light. Go to website for registration and details: CreateBeyondLimits.com.

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH DENA MARIE!

425-350-5448 Dena@Dena-Marie.com LiftYourSpiritswithDenaMarie.com Dena Marie is an author, Reiki master and teacher, focusing on personal development and spiritual growth using the Chakra system. She has a passion for teaching Reiki to both adults and teens. She enjoys giving Reiki treatments, Chakra readings, Feng Shui consultations and workshops that will Lift Your Spirits! Individual sessions by appointment 425-350-5448.

YOGA KANJIN YOGA

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

M’ILLUMINO

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

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.

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

natural awakenings

December 2014

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SMART AdveRTiSing in A TougH econoMY! WHY NATURAL AWAKENINGS

More for your Money Customers want more than an ad. They want an explanation. natural Awakenings teaches our readers about you with news briefs, articles, calendar listings, and classifieds. Don’t just place an ad. Become part of the magazine.

PoWerfuL MArKeTInG Magazines drive web search more than any other medium, including internet advertising and twice that of social media.

BIGinsight Media Behaviors & Influence Survey

Magazine ads rank #1 of all media in driving purchases.

Marketing evolution 2011

61% of readers took action as a result of a magazine ad.

GfK MrI Starch 2011

CreDIBILITy AnD SCoPe Seattle natural Awakenings is part of a family of magazines that has been a respected source for cutting-edge sustainable lifestyle information across the country for 20 years.

In the Seattle area, we reach 50,000 local readers monthly.

425-350-5448

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dena@SeattleAwakenings.com