Natural Awakenings Charlotte - December 2017 Issue

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

FESTIVE CITRUS Colorful Good Health in Holiday Dishes

MAKING DENTAL PEACE WELLNESS

Handling Conflicts in a Healthy and Transformative Way

Kempter Holistic Dentistry in Concord

August 2017 | Location-Edition | NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

December 2017 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com natural awakenings December

2017

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December 2017

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letterfrompublisher Peace on Earth

Conflict has the power to bring to the surface what’s really at stake and to unite people toward a common goal. ~ Ma’ikwe Ludwig

contact us Publisher Shannon McKenzie Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com Advertising Sales Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com Ad Design Helene Leininger Editorial Michelle Bense Randy Kambic Martin Miron Jeanette Watkins Calendar Editor Alison Holmes Calendar@AwakeningCharlotte.com Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Design & Production Chelsea Rose 19825 N. Cove Rd., #176 Cornelius, NC 28031 Phone: 704-499-3327 Fax: 866-632-9118 © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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

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

Having arrived at the end of 2017, I rejoice that this month’s theme of Uplifting Humanity shares enlightened approaches to realizing conflict resolution and peace. Charlotte is on a pace to end the year with the highest tally of murders than in any other year in the past quarter-century. As I write, today’s newspaper reports a gunman killing of four innocents in California, roughly two weeks after the recent church shooting in Texas. I’ve learned that more than 35 percent of Charlotte homicides result from personal disputes and the same appears true for the other states as well. It makes starting the day all upbeat a challenge and I admit to eating far too many dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s.

I’m aware that my inclinations when faced with conflict are to run away, attack or eat comfort food. It’s likely that most of you can identify. In today’s perceived climate of increased conflict, I find myself tuning out a lot, and occasionally getting outraged enough to consider writing an op-ed piece or submitting a buzz to The Charlotte Observer; so far my track record for submissions is a few buzzes and zero letters.

I read with interest Linda Sechrist’s December feature article, “Peace on Earth: Conflict Resolutions that Work to Bridge Divides,” on page 20, and was struck by the concept that sometimes conflict can be a good thing, however unnatural it feels. That’s because it forces us to understand what’s important and worth our efforts to forge progress. How we work together to emerge from problems matters.

April Thompson’s thought-provoking interview on page 28, “Lynne McTaggart on the Power of Group Intention,” documents the results that even small groups can achieve when joined in holding helpful thoughts for a common goal. It reminds me of a tough time in my life when an unexpected idea popped into my consciousness: “I think people are praying for me.” I hadn’t asked anyone for such support, yet I felt like life had begun opening up for me in new ways due to others’ caring prayers.

As we celebrate the winter holiday season and a new year, I am grateful to all that are sending good intentions for blessings to those in need. It makes a difference.

Wishing you peace,

Shannon McKenzie, Publisher

Natural Awakenings is printed with soy-based ink.

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P oliteness is the flower of humanity. ~Joseph Joubert

contents 6 newsbriefs 10 coverartist 10 healthbriefs 12 globalbriefs 10 14 consciouseating 17 inspiration 18 giftguide 24 healthykid 26 community

spotlight 12 27 business spotlight 25 28 wisewords 31 calendar 36 resourceguide 39 classifieds

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com Deadline for editorial: the 12th of the month CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@AwakeningCharlotte.com or AwakeningCharlotte.com/Calendar/Add Your Event $15/each daily $10/each ongoing Deadline for calendar: 12th of the month REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

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.

14 THE GIFTS OF CITRUS

15

Colorful Good Health in Holiday Dishes

by Judith Fertig

17 INSPIRED LIVING

Five Ways to Make

the New Year Sparkle

by Kelly Martinsen

18 HEALTHY LIVING

20

GIFT GUIDE Find Local Treasures

This Holiday Season

20 PEACE ON EARTH Conflict Resolutions that Work to Bridge Divides

by Linda Sechrist

23 THE LANGUAGE

OF COMPASSION

by Terry Chriswell

24 AWAKE PARENTING Raising Connected, Confident Kids

by Judith Fertig

26 AT-RISK YOUTH GET BIG BREAK

by Martin Miron

27 KEMPTER HOLISTIC

26

DENTISTRY

Professionalism, Love and Trust Is This Dental Office’s Creed

by Jay Workman

28 LYNNE MCTAGGART ON THE POWER OF GROUP INTENTION

by April Thompson

natural awakenings

27 December 2017

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newsbriefs Special Holiday Sales Days at Mama Bessie’s Place

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o assist and expand in holiday gift shopping decisions, Mama Bessie’s Place, in Charlotte, will provide 10 percent discounts on specific items in two separate flash sales from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both December 14 and 21.

On the first special sales day, special savings on the beautiful imagery of Egyptian, Celtic, Yoruba and Hindu gods and goddesses plus archangels and many more in eight-inch or larger statues will be offered to start or compete your spiritual altar and invite blessings into your home.

Gemstones and crystals have a variety of health benefits and are used as part of spiritual practices to restore energy fields, gain peace, and promote love and protection. The December 21 sale features magnificent specimen gemstone clusters, polished and natural points from Minas Gerais, in Brazil. Select from Lemurian Seed Crystals, Super Seven Standing Points, Pink Tourmaline clusters, Natural Watermelon Tourmaline, Amethyst Clusters, spheres, points and much more.

Location: 3010 Monroe Rd., Shop 104. For more information, call 704-632-9911 or email MamaBessiesPlace@yahoo.com. See ad, page 28.

Cherokee Cultural Program at Kituwah Historical Site

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isa Kretschmer, owner of Lighter Living, is calling all Cherokee brothers and sisters to join in an Eastern Band of Cherokee cultural celebration program including a Stomp Dance at sunset on both December 2 and 16 at the Kituwah Historical Site, in Cherokee, North Carolina. Participants are asked to bring potluck food items and other contributions to be good to the Earth.

The dance is a traditional medicine dance open to those genuinely interested to experience and participate.

The fire is blessed at sunrise and kept throughout the day. Songs are sung while stomp dancing counter clockwise (cleansing) around the fire. Visiting participants fall in line after the Cherokee dancers alternating man/woman, and follow their lead.

For more information including directions, call Lisa Kretschmer at 980-328-2086, email LKKretschmer@gmail.com or visit LighterLiving.org.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.

Without them humanity cannot survive. ~Dalai Lama

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Many Holiday Events at Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte

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he Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, a vibrant, inclusive and metaphysical spiritual family that honors everyone on their spiritual journey independent of any religious denomination and unique in its approach to spiritual thought, will conduct three major celebratory events this month.

The Winter Solstice and holiday event at 7 p.m. on December 21 will feature music, skits and a special visit from Father Christmas, himself! The entire family is invited to attend and bring a holiday treat to share. At the Year-End Metaphysical Fair, from 1 to 5 p.m. on December 30, attendees can meet talented intuitive readers and healers to gain insights and prepare their energy for the coming year followed by a celebratory potluck feast and drum circle. Then, Reverend Rebecca Nagy will lead a Burning Bowl Ceremony during the New Year’s Eve Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. on December 31. This will be followed with a potluck, so attendees should bring a favorite dish to share.

Rooted in New Thought and Ageless Wisdom traditions, the Center endeavors to connect heart with mind so that one may reach deeper into Spirit. All paths are welcome, creating opportunities to learn from each other.

Location: 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. For more information, call 704-599-1180, email SLCOfCharlotte@att.net or visit SLCOfCharlotte.org. See ad, page 8.

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A Safe & Friendly Setting That Can Include The Comfort Of A Therapy Dog

Okra Yoga School Offers 200-Hour Teacher Training

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hether to pursue a career in yoga or delve deeper into the practice of yoga as a student and practitioner, the 200-hour, Yoga Alliance-registered teacher training program provided by the Okra Yoga School in Charlotte, will support one’s needs. The classes will kickoff from 5:30 to 9 p.m., January 19, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 20 and 21, and continue during the same times February 9 to 11, March 2 to 4 and 23 to 25, April 13 to 15, and May 4 to 6 and 25 to 27.

The curriculum does not focus on one style of yoga as it provides experience in many different modalities so that participants may find their own voice and teach what authentically represents their path. It both prepares one to teach yoga and also helps foster becoming a lifelong student of yoga.

In the Okra program, attendees will start teaching the first week. The staff centers the program on practicums for practicing teaching and giving personal feedback and also from fellow trainees.

Participants are required to attend 10 classes. Besides postures, students will learn yoga history, philosophy, pranayamas, meditation, chanting, physical anatomy as related to asana, ethics, lifestyles, and the business of being a yogi.

Several guest teachers will be invited during the program to share their expertise. Students who complete the training are eligible to register as RYT 200s.

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Cost: $2,400 by Dec 15, $2,600 by Jan 19, payment plan available. Location: 1912 Commonwealth Ave. For more information or to register, call 704-266-1443, email Brooke@OkraCharlotte.com or visit OkraCharlotte.com. See ad, page 3. natural awakenings

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Learn History, Mythology and Mysticism of Christmas

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o celebrate the Unity Spiritual Center of Charlotte’s first Christmas at their Park Road Church location, Reverend Jim Fuller will offer a series of free Tuesday evening programs at 7 p.m., following a group meditation at 6:30 p.m., Jim and Kay Fuller in the Community Center Room 503, and Sunday morning lectures at 10:30 a.m., in the historic Milford Chapel, throughout December. He and Kay Fuller are the founding ministers of the Unity Spiritual Center.

Programs and lectures will explore the history, mythology and underlying mysticism of Christmas including that there are at least two Christmas stories in the Bible, the connections between those stories and other historical and mystical traditions. As a non-denominational Unity Minister, Rev. Jim is familiar with both the historical and the mystical-metaphysical underpinnings of our Christmas stories and traditions. He will help move attendees beyond the dogmas and myths that surround and often obscure the joyful and mystical experience of Christmas.

Location: 3900 Park Rd. For more information, call 704-619-9029 or visit CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org. See ad, page 14.

Mindfulness Counseling and Wellness Provides Numerous Services

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indfullness Counseling and Wellness, PLLC, in Charlotte, offers outpatient mental health and substance abuse services, specializing in treating individuals ages 4 to 65 in areas that include trauma, eating disorders, identity, relationship problems, career transitions, depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse, anger, defiance, anxiety, sleep disorders, medication management, and much more to promote their social, emotional, and positive well-being.

Their licensed clinicians, medical directors/psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners offer outpatient therapy services including individual, family and group (weekdays and Saturdays) therapy, community yoga and nutritional classes, comprehensive clinical, diagnostic, nutritional and substance abuse assessments, and medication management. They also offer stress reduction therapy, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy and reiki treatments.

The practice also provides virtual consultative and coaching services, ideal for those who travel frequently, have demanding work and family duties, and are unable to go outside of one’s residence. Clients work with a licensed and professional counselor on such issues as relationships, mild anxiety, stress-related problems, career issues, motivational difficulties and self-growth. The goal is to empower and improve individuals’ emotional and behavioral health, eliminate barriers to treatment, identify a logical approach, and guide the development and implementation of various services based on the needs of our community. All major insurances, Medicaid, Medicare and Self-Pay are accepted.

Location: 2157 McClintock Rd. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-448-0217 or visit MindfullnessCounseling.com. See ad, page 2.

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Salinity Hosts First Green Fairy Fest

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A Reiki Life Academy Program Supports Children

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Reiki Life Academy, in Charlotte, is collecting new yoga mats for children recovering from the effects of trauma. Those that make donations through December 22 will be entered into a drawing for a healing-themed gift basket valued at more than $120 that will also take place on that day.

Nancy Bunt provides weekly reiki and relaxation instruction at a residential psychiatric treatment facility, which serves the needs of 36 children between 5 and 14 years old with serious emotional and behavioral problems. The goal is to collect enough mats so that each child has access to one for their therapeutic relaxation activities.

“I was given some of the exact same tools I offer these children when I was young, and I know first hand just how great an impact they can have on a child’s ability to navigate life challenges,” says Bunt. “I didn’t realize when I began volunteering my services to them more than six years ago just how much it would change me. I know they feel like what I do is a gift to them, but I truly feel it’s a gift to me that I get to share in their life’s journey.”

Location: 5200 Park Rd., Ste. 105. For more information, call 704-996-4079, email Nancy@ AReikiLife.com or visit AReikiLife. com. See ad, page 29.

or the first time, Salinity, in Hickory, is hosting and sponsoring a free Green Fairy Fest art and wine event from 3 to 8 p.m. on December 10. Along with local artists displaying their wares and selling at discounts, there’ll also be psychic readers, finger foods, wine tasting and Green Fairy mixed drinks.

Attendees will be able to discover local talent and have the opportunity to purchase great Christmas gifts while unwinding and having a great time.

“We will have the most talented artists and psychics at one event, not to mention wonderful local wine,” says Wendy Cooper, owner of Salinity. “Join us and meet the artists in person, enjoy great discounts on art and gift items, talk to our gifted psychics, taste our wines, and sample our Green Fairy mixed drinks at our bar.”

Location: 2221 N. Center St., #3, Hickory. For more information, call Wendy Cooper at 828-855-9980, email Contact@Salinity.net or visit Salinity.net. See ad, page 31.

W e still do not know one thousandth

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December 2017

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coverartist

healthbriefs

G

Jody Bergsma began creating art at age 3, when her mother suggested that she draw her nightmares to vanquish her fears. Monsters illustrated with pink and green crayons were not so scary, and the budding young artist became hooked.

By her mid-teens, Bergsma was selling her fanciful works and she went on to become an award-winning illustrator.

In her whimsical, elfin watercolors and detailed, dramatic images of wildlife, the artist often uses aboriginal, native and geometric designs and symbols derived from the beautiful patterns of ancient cultures. By respectfully working with these images, she reintegrates them into our modern ethos.

“I propose that all humankind shares a common reality just beyond the range of normal sight,” remarks Bergsma, whose watercolor technique is self-taught. “Each person’s physical adventure is unique, but the abstract language of feelings and realization of existence is our shared experience.

“Art is a tradition that helps define who we are and brings us a vision of who we can become,” Bergsma continues. “My painting is my expression and request for a more beautiful, peaceful and harmonious world.”

Fifty healthy patients and 50 with chronic fatigue syndrome were tested for bacteria and immune molecules by researchers from Columbia University. They discovered that imbalances in the levels of certain gut bacteria are prevalent in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome, a disorder often accompanied by extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive issues and insomnia.

Tree Nuts Cut Colon Cancer Relapse

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esearchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute examined nutrition and cancer recurrence data from 826 patients with Stage III colon cancer and found those that consumed two or more ounces of tree nuts a week experienced a 42 percent reduction in cancer recurrence and a 57 percent lower risk of death on average compared to those that ate no nuts.

W hen all else is lost, the future still remains.

View the artist’s portfolio at Bergsma.com.

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~Christian Nestell Bovee

Ben Schonewille /Shutterstock.com

Jody Bergsma

GUT BACTERIA IMBALANCE LINKED TO CHRONIC FATIGUE

Oleksandr Lysenko/Shutterstock.com

In the Spirit of the Season – May We Walk as One

erman researchers studied the correlation between cardiac arrhythmia and alcohol consumption by monitoring 3,000 middle-aged volunteers for 16 days during Oktoberfest. Portable electrocardiographs and breathalyzer machines tested for heart activity and breath alcohol concentration. Arrhythmia showed up in 30 percent of the participants, significantly higher than an estimated 4 percent or less among the general population according to an earlier study. An irregular heartbeat often causes discomfort in the short term and possible heart failure and stroke later.

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

Alcohol Affects Our Heartbeat

A UK study of 19 elderly volunteers participating in a 12-week training program for providing companionship to dying patients showed that considering their own views about death and dying is an important component of serving in this role. Evaluation of the trainees’ diary entries focused on key themes such as reflections about dying alone, the importance of being present, self-awareness, personal loss, the meaning of life, self-preservation and coping strategies.

g-stockstudio/Shutterstock.com

Naps Boost Toddler Talk

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esearchers from the University of Oxford, in the UK, have found that infants that take more daytime naps tend to develop a larger vocabulary at an earlier age than their peers by examining sleeping patterns of 246 babies between the ages of 7 months and 3 years for 10 days. Parents also completed a language analysis at the start of the study and three and six months later to determine how many words each child understood from a list 416 words typically learned in infancy. Infants that napped more frequently during the day performed better on both understanding and expressing vocabulary than the others.

Long-Term Cell Phone Use a Health Risk

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esearchers at Orebro University, in Sweden, conducted a review of research reported since 1965 on the incidence of glioma brain cancer with continued use of cell phones. They found that the highest cumulative exposures to cell phone radiation correlated with a 90 percent increase in the risk of glioma cancer. The risk increased with time; after 10 years of cell phone use, it increased by 62 percent and doubled after 20 years.

DisobeyArt/Shutterstock.com

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December 2017

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

ODM/Shutterstock.com

Senior Sisterhood

New Options for Independent Co-Housing For 20 years, Maria Brenton, an outspoken proponent of older people living independently, has been campaigning and planning for the opening of a different kind of retirement home run by its residents, supporting each other through old age.

She says, “Attitudes to older people in this country are out of date. Most members of the older population don’t wish to have everything done for them.”

She attests that institutions and agencies dealing with older people encourage dependency and are patronizing and paternalistic. “Older people internalize it, and they learn to wait for people to do things for them,” advises Brenton.

New Ground, in Barnet, North London, is the first UK cohousing development set up just for older women, with 26 women from age 50 to 87. Also in London, The Collective has created something similar with enhanced amenities such as a cinema room and a launderette with a disco ball. WeWork is an American company that has set up communal offices, and recently established WeLive, in New York City.

Tiny Baubles

Fotos593/Shutterstock.com

Microplastic Mess Threatens World Oceans Scientists from the University of Hull and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have published research in the journal Science of the Total Environment showing levels of microplastics are five times higher in the Antarctic than previous estimates.

Co-author Dr. Claire Waluda, a BAS biologist, says, “We have monitored the presence of large plastic items in Antarctica for more than 30 years. While we know that bigger pieces can be ingested by seabirds or cause entanglements in seals, the effects of microplastics on marine animals in the Southern Ocean are as yet unknown.”

The tiny beads of plastic come from cosmetics or are shreddings from larger plastic items like clothing or bottles. According to United Nations sources, they may number as many as 51 trillion particles across the seafloor, throughout the oceans and on beaches worldwide. They are considered a serious threat to marine life in general. More international monitoring of the situation is needed, including a requirement for all polar research stations to provide waste treatment options.

For more information, see Tinyurl.com/PlasticInAntarctica.

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Tree Tally

Digitalizing Data Helps Rainforest Census The Amazon rainforest is thought to harbor a greater diversity of trees than anywhere else on Earth, but the exact number has long been a mystery.

In 2013, scientists estimated that the number of species was around 16,000, but no actual count had been done. In a new paper in Scientific Reports, researchers delved into museum collections from around the world to confirm the current number of tree species recorded in the Amazon and assess possibilities of those yet to be discovered.

“Since 1900, between 50 and 200 new trees have been discovered in the Amazon every year,” notes Nigel Pitman, a Mellon senior conservation ecologist with the Field Museum. “Our analysis suggests that we won’t finish discovering new tree species there for three more centuries.”

The study relied upon the digitization of museum collections data— photographs and digital records—of the specimens housed there and shared worldwide through aggregator sites like IDigBio.org. “It gives scientists a better sense of what’s actually growing in the Amazon Basin, aiding conservation efforts,” says Pitman.

Animal Smarts

Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com

Chimps, orangutans and bonobo apes are now known to be capable of understanding what others are thinking and recognize human thoughts, an ability once thought to be impossible. A team led by Christopher Krupenye, of Duke University, had apes take part in a visual experiment where they watched videos on a monitor while their gaze was being tracked. They discovered an anticipation of events that went beyond the visual cues presented.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has determined that zebrafish are social animals, similar to humans and other mammals—they form friendships, experience positive emotions and have individual personalities. The group advises people that eat fish or keep them as pets to consider the moral implications.

Honey hunters in sub-Saharan Africa have a unique form of communication with honeyguide birds that fly ahead to point out beehives which the hunters raid, leaving wax for the birds to eat. A study in the journal Science reports that they listen for a specific call made by their human collaborators.

Dr. Claire Spottiswoode, of the University of Cambridge, in England, and University of Cape Town, in South Africa, observes, “It seems to be a two-way conversation between our own species and a wild animal.”

Robot Roomies Pressmaster/Shutterstock.com

Chimps, Zebrafish and Birds Communicate Like We Do

New Tech May Relieve Elder Isolation

Approximately a third of those older than 65 and half of elders at least 85 live alone, as do many people with illnesses and mental disorders. All can suffer from feelings of profound loneliness. Emerging virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies provide avenues to alleviate such isolation, instilling contentment, peace of mind, enrichment, fun, a sense of companionship and contributing to physical and mental health.

Instead of passively watching TV, seniors can travel virtually to World Heritage sites, revisit old haunts or even attend family events they would otherwise miss. In terms of benefits attained, VR is predicted to measurably improve seniors’ quality of life.

Healthcare applications of AI and telemedicine include reminders to eat, be active or take medications, perhaps assisted by a robotic companion that can share information with practitioners, children, caregivers and emergency personnel. Social applications include helping to form and maintain social connections.

It may also serve as a personal concierge by reminding seniors of appointments, playing games with them and initiating dialogue to spark outward engagement.

breathe natural awakenings

December 2017

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lizabarbiza/Shutterstock.com

consciouseating

THE GIFTS OF CITRUS Colorful Good Health in Holiday Dishes

by Judith Fertig

enjoy

CH Text A to RNA 64 to 84 T rec flip eiv 2 ed bo o ma k of igital gaz you ine r

W

inter citrus fruits that arrive in a gift basket or show up on sale at the grocer present a welcome bright spot on winter’s darker days. Valencia and blood oranges, limes and Meyer lemons are delicious in their own right, and deserve their place on the breakfast table. Yet there are many other intriguing ways to enjoy them in vinaigrettes, salads, main dishes, baked goods and desserts.

Winter citrus is full of health benefits, just when we need them most: during the busy holiday season. To start, they help bolster our immune system, guarding against colds or helping us recover faster. Their high vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, content is water soluble.

According to a comprehensive study by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, a daily intake of 400 milligrams of vitamin C can halve the incidence of colds in adults and cut their duration by 14 percent.

The flavonoid hesperidin in citrus helps boost “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, report researchers in the Journal of Nutrition. In a new study in Nutritional Neuroscience, hesperidin in citrus also was found to ameliorate brain deterioration found in Alzheimer’s patients.

Other studies further show that the grapefruit diet wasn’t wrong; eating half a fresh grapefruit before each meal can help us lose weight. In a study conducted at the Scripps Clinic, in La Jolla, California, and published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers put overweight volunteers on an exercise plan for 12 weeks and asked them to eat either half a fresh grapefruit or drink apple juice and pop a placebo pill before each meal.

The grapefruit group dropped an average of three-and-a-half pounds, compared to only one-half pound for the apple group.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

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AwakeningCharlotte.com

citrus groves between the Atlantic Coast and Indian River.

“Winters meant Dad’s workbench in the garage groaning under the weight of brown paper grocery bags filled to bursting with navels, tangerines, grapefruits, Valencias and tangelos,” writes Schler. “I fondly recall trips in the old green station wagon to the groves on chilly weekend mornings where we could pick them ourselves.” Today, Schler and her husband own and operate the boutique Hotel Diderot, in Chinon, France, where life’s a feast—especially during citrus season.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Limonoids, an antioxidant found in most citrus, may help guard against stomach, lung, breast and skin cancer, according to the U.S. Agricultural Research Service. Animal and human cell studies found that limonoids—especially those in fresh oranges—harbor potential as anticancer compounds. Another study in Nutritional Neuroscience showed that the volatile compound limonene, found in the rind of a lemon, can enhance memory.

As nights grow colder and longer, winter citrus “adds a little sunshine to every meal,” says Jamie Schler, author of the recently released cookbook Orange Appeal: Savory & Sweet. Schler grew up in Florida, surrounded by

Meyer Lemon Chia Seed Bowl with Tangerines

Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Yields: 2 servings for breakfast, or as a snack or dessert ¼ heaping cup chia seeds 1½ cups dairy or non-dairy milk 2 Tbsp maple syrup, or to taste 1 Tbsp Meyer lemon juice (or other citrus juice) Pinch of sea salt ½ tsp lemon zest Fresh tangerine segments for garnish

Zesty Citrus Holiday Recipes Moroccan Spiced Orange Slices with Orange Blossom Water

In a bowl, stir together the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, Meyer lemon juice, salt and lemon zest.

Orange blossom or orange flower water is available at better grocery stores, kitchen shops, Middle Eastern markets or online.

photo by Ilva Beretta

Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

Yields: 4 to 5 servings 5 medium to large navel or large blood oranges 3 Tbsp orange blossom water 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 Tbsp honey or date sugar ½ pomegranate, seeded 1½ to 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped unsalted pistachios 8 to 10 mint leaves, chopped or torn, for garnish Peel the oranges and cut away all of the white pith and outer membrane.

Slice each orange across the core into ¼-inch slices, six per orange, reserving any juice that runs off. Push out and discard any spongy white core.

Fan the slices in concentric circles, slightly overlapping the fruit, on a large round serving platter.

To serve, spoon the chia seed mixture into bowls and garnish with tangerine segments.

Shiitake Mushroom and Pea Risotto with Orange Yields: 6 servings as side dish or starter or 4 as main dish

Drizzle the orange blossom water and any reserved runoff juice over the fruit.

Using a fine sieve, lightly and evenly dust with cinnamon and a generous drizzle of honey.

Chill the oranges for at least 1 hour or longer in the refrigerator before serving.

When ready to serve, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds, pistachios and mint leaves evenly over the top.

2 Tbsp butter or margarine, divided 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided, plus more as needed 8.8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced into ¼- to ½-inch strips Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Zest of 1 orange 2 large oranges, juiced, about 1 cup, divided 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped 9 oz Arborio rice

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December 2017

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Heat 1 tablespoon each of the butter and oil in a large skillet over mediumlow heat until sizzling starts.

Add the mushrooms and salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes, adding more oil if needed.

Add ¼ cup orange juice and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the juice evaporates and the mushrooms are very tender and glazed. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.

Add the remaining butter and oil to the skillet and return to the heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat until softened, transparent and just starting to turn golden.

Add the rice and zest and toss with the onions until all the grains are coated in oil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, stirring, until the rice becomes translucent. Add 2 ladles (about 2/3 cup) of stock and cook, stirring constantly and gently, until the liquid is almost absorbed.

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Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, turning often, until the vegetables have just started to brown at the edges.

Zest the limes and set the zest aside.

Halve the limes and grill, cut sides down, for 1 to 2 minutes or until they have good grill marks; adds a smoky, caramelized flavor.

When the rice has cooked for 10 minutes in this manner, add all the remaining juice and cook until it’s absorbed.

Continue cooking the rice, stirring, adding 2 ladles (about 2/3 cup) of broth at a time until the liquid is absorbed, about another 10 minutes.

For the Charry Lime Vinaigrette, squeeze the juice of the grilled lime halves into a bowl. Whisk in the reserved lime zest, rice wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sorghum and olive oil together until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

When the rice has cooked for a total of 20 minutes, if using frozen peas, stir in the peas, as well as the mushrooms.

Arrange the vegetables on salad plates and garnish with microgreens. Spoon the vinaigrette over all and serve.

Add any remaining stock and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender and creamy. Total cooking time should be 20 to 25 minutes from the moment the rice is added to the skillet. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Adapted lemon and lime recipes are from Red, White, and ’Que: Farm Fresh Foods for the American Grill by Karen Adler and Judith Fertig, permission of Running Press.

Baby Vegetables and Microgreens with Charry Lime Vinaigrette

Adapted orange recipes are from Orange Appeal, by Jamie Schler, permission of Gibbs Smith.

Yields: 4 servings Charry Lime Vinaigrette: Zest of 2 limes Juice from the grilled limes 1 Tbsp seasoned rice wine vinegar 1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp sorghum or maple syrup ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Vegetables: 4 oz baby radishes 4 oz baby carrots, with some of the green top 4 oz baby leeks, trimmed 4 oz baby yellow pattypan squash 2 oz microgreens Prepare a medium-hot fire in the grill.

Brush the radishes, carrots and leeks

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photo by Steve Legato

photo by Stephen Blancett

4 cups warm chicken or vegetable stock or broth 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried; or 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage leaves or 1 tsp dried 1½ cups young, tiny sweet peas, fresh or frozen

with olive oil and place in a grilling basket or on a perforated grill rack.

If using fresh peas, add them with the first addition of stock. Stir in the fresh or dried herbs at the same time.

Continue cooking the risotto over medium heat, adding 2 more ladles (about 2/3 cup) of stock at a time, stirring constantly, allowing each addition of liquid to be almost absorbed before adding more broth.

JAN

inspiration

INSPIRED LIVING Coming Next Month Five Ways to Make the New Year Sparkle

by Kelly Martinsen

I

nspiration may strike anywhere, at any time. The trick is nurturing the process to appear on demand when we need it most.

Often, an inspiration is sparked when we perceive someone being selfless, courageous, physically extraordinary or deliciously creative. However, we don’t need to wait for outside stimulus when we can discover internal stirrings by invoking any of these self-inspiring tips.

Art Stocker/Shutterstock.com

Just Do It – The Nike slogan has never been more appropriate. We all have something we’ve thought about doing or trying. Whether traveling to a new location, trying a different sport, joining a new-to-us group or club, or making more friends, don’t put it off— just do it.

Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and happiness in a large group of American adults, they found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

Journal – People often journal as a way to reflect upon their lives. This can be helpfully revealing, but rather than looking back, look forward, using a journal as a blueprint to manifest the most inspired year yet. Write out plans and dreams with the steps needed to achieve them.

Defeat allodoxaphobia – It’s the fear of others’ negative opinions. Everyone suffers from this to some extent, and it can hinder us from living our best life.

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt remarked, “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”

Gratitude – This is the big one.

One way to be and stay inspired is by starting off each day in a state of gratitude. Every morning before getting out of bed, think of at least three things to be grateful for. By doing this, we recognize the blessings we have and greet the day in a positive frame of mind. It’s a perfect way to end each day, too. When someone routinely inquires, “How are you?” answer, “I am grateful.”

Our time on Earth is not infinite.

With only so many days promised, let’s vow to live them inspired.

Volunteer – A common excuse for not volunteering is, “I don’t have the time.” Next year, make the time. When researchers at the London School of

Kelly Martinsen is publisher of Natural Awakenings Long Island and author of the new book A Year of Inspired Living (Publisher@AwakeLI.com).

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PEACE ON EARTH Conflict Resolutions that Work to Bridge Divides Healing happens when we handle conflict in a healthy and transformative way.

Call to Action

Roughly 30 years ago, notable voices began urging Americans to embrace a sustainable worldview of unity in diversity, recognizing our core oneness as a solution to an increasingly out-of-balance society. Success in this endeavor depends primarily on the “habits of the heart” of our citizens, developed in local milieus of families, neighborhoods, classrooms, congregations, voluntary associations, workplaces and public places where strangers gather.

Activating Answers

While mainstream media often largely focuses on the negative aspects of conflict—discord, divisiveness, intolerance, violence, incivility, injustice, chaos and complex problems—a countermovement is convening constructive conversations. Participants are initiating dialogue and deliberations intended to resolve conflicts and create cohesiveness, collaboration, cooperation and compromise among local factions that disagree on how to deal with everything from health care and social justice to environmental protection and climate science. Educational training materials and books are giving outdated models of conflict resolution a facelift.

In The Revolution Where You Live: Stories from a 12,000 Mile Journey Through a New America, Sarah Van Gelder devotes a chapter to a Greens 20

Charlotte Edition

boro, North Carolina, battle over a story about a deadly, racially charged incident from the city’s recent past. She quotes James Lamar Gibson, a 20-something AfricanAmerican activist and core organizer for the Counter Stories Project: “We’ve been stuck in an old conversation for a couple of decades. We want to have an army of people with restorative conversation skills, so we can get past the divisiveness and imagine together a different sort of Greensboro,” he says.

The project began with facilitator training, and then developed story circles in which residents were able to have the difficult discussions that don’t ordinarily take place among the police, city council, churches and social agencies.

Today’s conflict resolution experts are discovering that conflict is an essential and powerful call for applying spiritual principles and exercising spiritual practices.

Provocative Questions

“What if we considered conflict as a secret ally or a guidepost, showing us what really matters to us and how much we care? What if our intense emotions are sources of invincible energy, with the power to build the world we want, together? What does having conflict in a healthy and transformative way look like?” queries Ma’ikwe Ludwig, executive director of Commonomics USA,

AwakeningCharlotte.com

an organization which educates and advocates for a world where a commons-based economy creates economic and ecological security for all.

“Conflict has the power to bring to the surface what’s really at stake and to unite people toward a common goal,” advises Ludwig. Her thought-provoking questions can help shift perceptions toward the idea that we need to use conflict; maybe even welcome it.

Ludwig, author of Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption, recently helped present new perspectives on conflict resolution during a webinar for Transition US members interested in creating inclusive and diverse communities through collaboration. The nonprofit inspires, encourages, supports and provides networking and training for grassroots initiatives seeking to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as oil spills, climate change and economic crises.

Courtney Breese, managing director for the nonprofit National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) and her colleagues, together with thousands of innovative thinkers, are helping by introducing people to simple dialogue and deliberation structures, processes and resources that invite meaningful and productive conversations leading to constructive civic

Little Perfect Stock/Shutterstock.com

by Linda Sechrist

Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com

A community is a group that can fight gracefully…

Chaos is not just a state; it is an essential process of community development. ~Dr. M. Scott Peck, The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace engagement. Breese remarks, “We’re open to working with anyone interested in learning processes that can help bridge divides. We also like sharing stories about what is working.”

Toolbox

The group’s downloadable free tools help newcomers: A beginner’s guide for exploring dialogue (ncdd.org/rc/ beginners-guide); a how-to-guide for Conversation Café (CC) hosts (Tinyurl. com/ManualForConversationCafe); and the American Library Association Libraries Transforming Communities: Models for Change Project (ala.org/ ltc-models). “To date, we’ve had at least 800 librarians participate in free NCDD webinars,” Breese notes.

CC is a simple tool useful in exploring difficult topics and provides a safe space to process different perspectives. “Initial agreement on basic rules includes suspending judgment while listening and seeking to understand others, refraining from persuading or converting and talking only from personal experience,” explains Breese.

One new network member, J. Scott Wagner, author of The Liberal’s Guide to Conservatives, speaks about the importance of using neutral language in dialogue. “I learned from him how words can be emotional triggers and signal one-sided perspectives, leaving some group members feeling angry or excluded because they feel the speaker won’t be open to hearing their perspective,” says Breese.

After three tours of the U.S. and hundreds of interviews with conservative individuals, Wagner, founder of the nonprofit Reach the Right, was inspired to use his knowledge of five arenas—neurology/cognitive psychology, personality, bias, social conformity and morality—to help progressives understand conservatives that are not only their political leaders, but also their relatives, partners, friends and managers.

He offers a simple explanation for anyone drenched in inaccurate biases.

“We inherit unconscious genetic personality characteristics that lead us to develop our ideology, with which we construct our world and align with others that are in agreement. Differences in our personality characteristics are the culprits that create conflict.”

Community Needs Erase Enmity

Drawing on 25 years of experience of enabling sworn enemies to create peace in places such as South Africa, Northern Ireland and Colombia, Adam Kahane, author of Collaborating with the Enemy: How to Work with People You Don’t Agree with or Like or Trust, shares insights into the “enemyfying syndrome” that instigates conflict.

This habit of thinking and acting as if people we are dealing with are our enemies and the cause of our problems is all around us and dominates the media. “The enemies are always the others, ‘those people’. Enemyfying, which feels exciting and satisfying— even righteous and heroic—usually obscures, rather than clarifies, the reality of the challenges we face. It amplifies conflicts, narrows the space for problem solving and creativity, and distracts us with unrealizable dreams of decisive victory from the real work we need to do,” observes Kahane.

Kahane sees the challenge of conflict becoming more acute.

“People today are generally more free, individualistic and diverse, with stronger voices and less deference.

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity are growing.” Yet, contrary to the common view, it is possible for people that hold contradictory positions to find ways to collaborate.

That’s what he and 40 others representing military officers, guerrillas and paramilitaries; activists and politicians; businesspeople and trade unionists; landowners and farmers; and academics, journalists and young people, accomplished in the Destino Colombia project. They organized to contribute to ending their country’s 52-year civil war.

STARTING TOOLS W

orld Café-style conversations used in Conversation Cafés to discuss issues that matter offer a powerful social technology to engage people in meaningful and constructive dialog in corporate, government and community settings.

Understanding that conversation is the core process that drives personal, business and organizational life, it’s a way of thinking and being together sourced in a philosophy of conversational leadership.

Embracing a combination of these guiding principles can foster collaborative exchanges, active engagement and helpful possibilities for action. n Clarify the Purpose n Create a Hospitable Space n Explore Questions that Matter n Encourage Everyone’s Contribution n Connect Diverse Perspectives n Listen for Insights and Share Discoveries Source: Tinyurl.com/CafeConversation Principles

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December 2017

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Jonathan Bender, founder of The Performance of Your Life, a public speaking and personal development business, has been on a lifelong quest of fostering personal growth and societal transformation. His therapeutic classes and workshops demonstrate how to connect, honor and deeply resonate with others, even if they have different worldviews, and how to listen and hear in the same way we want to be heard.

Acknowledging the adrenalin rush that’s a common response to fear of conflict, Bender says, “When we learn to be mindful and speak from our entire body, rather than just from our head, we notice that the voice resonates and originates from a much bigger place.

This teaches us to cultivate greater awareness of our emotions and how we express them.

“Begin by acknowledging an emotion, and then reduce its intensity through slow, deep breaths, paying attention to the correlating physical sensation. Shifting our focus back to the heart allows us to recognize parts of ourselves in the stories of others and come to understand that our personal history is

Chinnapong/Shutterstock.com

Motivated to Act

Intense emotions can become sources of invincible energy with the collective power to build the world we want.

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the filter through which we ‘enemyfy’,” says Bender, who speaks and presents publicly, educating audiences and clients about the universally challenging performances of everyday life.

According to Robert Atkinson, Ph.D., author of The Story of Our Time: From Duality to Interconnectedness to Oneness, today’s rugged individualism amid conflicts comprises a crisis of consciousness. “No longer can we settle only on seeing things in opposition to one another; we need to shift our consciousness to be able to see the parts coming together in a new whole. Accepting the oneness of humanity as a biological fact, a social necessity and a spiritual reality will lead us further along our journey toward lasting world peace.”

His observation fits with what Joanna Macy, author and scholar of Buddhism and deep ecology, believes is the call of our time: “As planetary citizens, we are being called to wake up together.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings who blogs at LindaSechrist.com.

Non-feeling words generally mean we are interpreting others such as: abandoned, ignored, attacked, betrayed, intimidated. Those are still pointing at what you think others are doing to you. This is not a feeling. n An example of needs: “because I want to grow old with you and continue sharing this wonderful life.”

Notice instead of pointing out what’s wrong with them, you talk about your needs. “The more directly we can connect our feelings to our needs, the easier it is for others to respond compassionately,” writes Rosenberg.

The Language of Compassion

by Terry Chriswell

A

powerful tool for peacefully resolving differences at personal, professional, and political levels, Dr. Marshall Rosenberg’s book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion guides us to reframe how we express ourselves and hear others. Instead of “habitual, automatic reactions,” he writes, “our words become conscious responses based firmly on an awareness of what we are perceiving, feeling, and wanting.

We are led to express ourselves with honesty and clarity, while simultaneously paying others a respectful and empathic attention.”

While most of us will never have the opportunity to guide warring factions abroad, most certainly we can use the insights from Rosenberg to create a more peaceful and loving home environment. NVC aims to change our patterns of blaming, judging and criticizing others to focus instead on what is being observed, felt and needed.

When we spotlight our own perceptions, we mitigate resistance, defensiveness and violence.

Using the four components of NVC, we learn to see clearly our own

behavior, rather than point the finger at someone else. They are: n Observation: the concrete actions you observe that affects your wellbeing; n Feelings: how you are feeling in relation to the observation; n Needs: accepting responsibility for what needs, values and desires creating your feelings; n Requests: concrete actions you request in order to enrich your life.

One conditioned response to a situation might go like this: “I can’t stand your smoking! You are driving me crazy. You need to quit or I’m leaving!”

Instead, using the 4 components of NVC, our compassionate communication might go like this: n An example of observation without evaluation, judgement or criticism: “When I see you smoking” n An example of feelings: “I feel scared that I could lose you too soon from a smoking-related disease”

n An example of a specific request: “Would you be willing to look for different ways that might help you stop smoking?”

It’s important that your request doesn’t sound like a demand, or that blame or punishment will follow if they don’t comply; your request is for a willing participant to eventually fulfill everyone’s needs.

There are many more gems to be discovered in Rosenberg’s book including examples and exercises for compassionate communication, how to express anger, the cost of unexpressed feelings, and resolving internal conflicts, to name a few. While the work is not necessarily easy because it is a consciousness shift from the conditioned ways we express ourselves, it is worth the effort to allow compassion to blossom, enriching your life and those around you.

Resources for Nonviolent Communication: n Search Meetup.com for local practice groups n The Companion Workbook by Lucy Leu n Additional writings by Rosenberg available on Amazon.com n The Center for Nonviolent Communication cnvc.org Terry Chriswell is the publisher of Mile High Natural Awakenings in Denver, Colorado. She can be reached at Terry@ MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com.

natural awakenings

December 2017 23

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AWAKE PARENTING Raising Connected, Confident Kids

by Judith Fertig

O

ne of the greatest challenges parents face is connecting with their children in deep and meaningful ways. The aim of awakened families is to raise strong and emotionally resilient children.

Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., author of The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children and The Awakened Family: A Revolution in Parenting, offers mindful approaches to benefit the family—and the community. Via her practice in New York City, appearances on Oprah and online courses, Tsabary provides awareness, skills and strategies to revolutionize families. She posts videos and blogs at DrShefali.com.

How do parents know if they’re on the right track?

To be awakened or conscious means to realize that we carry emotional baggage and conditioning from childhood that affects our relationship with our children. Our old ways of thinking and

24

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

being from our own childhood shape the manner in which we react and interact today.

Awakened parents are constantly evolving into their truest and most authentic selves. When parents undertake a daily practice of mindfulness and awareness, they begin to extricate themselves from blind reactivity to see how every problem with their children is a call to their own awakening. Parents will know they are on the right track because they will connect more with their children, empowering them to think and live autonomously—separate from a parent’s fantasies and expectations.

How can each family member connect with their true self?

Parents need to understand that the path to creating a connected relationship with their children is to first create one with themselves. Realizing this, they consider their own inner growth a high priority.

Children need to learn who they are and what they really enjoy. Parents

Jack Frog/Shutterstock.com

can help by allowing children to just sit by themselves. If inundated with activities and subjected to numerous lessons, how can young people hope to recognize their authentic voice amid the din of all this “doing”?

How do children benefit from conscious or awakened parenting?

Conscious parenting mandates that we place the task of connecting with our children front and center, especially before correcting them. Admonishing and punishing them becomes secondary to the main imperative of conscious connection. It’s crucial we realize we aren’t raising a “mini-me”, but a spirit throbbing with its own signature. Thus, it’s vital to separate in our mind who we are from who each child is. Children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor their raising to their needs, rather than molding them to fit our needs.

Children raised in this way grow up to be fearless and infinitely resilient, knowing that their purpose in life is to live in their most authentic and true

way. Conflicts decrease and conscious, connected communication increases.

What can parents do when they fall back into old patterns, shaming children or doing other things that create distance?

When this happens, parents need to sit with themselves and look deeply within, asking: “What is it about me that feels the need to deride, scorn

and shame my children?” In such introspection, they might discover triggers from old wounds that have nothing to do with a child’s behavior.

When they can see the internal link, they can begin to make the transformations they need.

As a parent, I have learned that my role is to step aside, stay in infinite possibility, heal my own wounds, fill my own bucket and let my child fly.

How can closer, awakened families co-create a better world via the ripple effect?

When children grow up feeling connected with their parents and deeply seen by them, they march into the outer world feeling self-confident and aware of who they truly are, secure in their own inherent inner-connectivity. Children raised in this manner naturally help advocate for peace and harmony in all of their relationships; incidents of bullying, anxiety and discrediting one’s self and others decrease exponentially.

Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

natural awakenings

December 2017 25

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Charlotte Edition

At-Risk Youth Get Big Break

by Martin Miron

F

riends of the Children, a national organization based in Portland, Oregon, with a successful model of providing the most vulnerable children with long-term, salaried, professional mentors from kindergarten through high school graduation, is awarding $600,000 to Charlotte-based Thompson Child & Family Focus to launch a Friends of the Children affiliate here, enabled by a federal matching grant from the Social Innovation Fund.

With children at greater risk for dropping out of school, substance abuse, incarceratifcion and teen parenting, research has shown the most important factor for breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and building resiliency in children is a long-term, consistent relationship with a caring adult.

Friends of the Children’s evidencebased model works: 93 percent of youth avoid involvement in the juvenile justice system, 83 percent graduate from high school and 98 percent avoid early parenting. Moving mentoring out of the volunteer-dependent format ensures the quality, consistency and commitment needed to break the cycle of poverty for the most vulnerable youth.

With more than 130 years of service to the community, Thompson has worked to fulfill its mission to strengthen children, families and communities through healing, teaching, worship and play. Today, the agency is the most comprehensive provider of clinical

and prevention services for children and families across Mecklenburg County.

The Friends of the Children Charlotte model will begin by identifying 5-and6-year-old children facing the highest risks. They will be chosen for the program by a Friends of the Children risk and needs assessment tool, in class observations and the recommendation of the targeted school teachers and administrators.

Because a 2013 Harvard University report on inherited generational poverty ranked Charlotte dead last in the nation, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force made suggestions for improvement, and this program by Thompson is the first long-term solution to be proposed.

The program will begin serving 16 youth in the first year. By year five, the goal is to serve 192 youths, committing to each of them for 12.5 years, no matter what occurs along the way.

Thompson is based in Matthews, North Carolina, and the children involved in the program initially, will be from one school, and ultimately, will be selected from all around Charlotte.

Will Jones, president and CEO of Thompson, believes Friends are more than mentors; they are life navigators, saying, “This program has more than two decades of data showing that it addresses both systemic and individual challenges.

For children and families facing otherwise insurmountable odds, this program promises to change their life trajectories.”

[R]esearch has shown the most important factor for breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and building resiliency in children is a long-term, consistent relationship with a caring adult.

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empter Holistic Dentistry cate them and help them make takes a whole-body apthe best decisions for their dental proach to addressing dental health. Our staff and doctors needs, often partnering with spemake sure that your experience at cialists, physicians, toxicologists, our office is personalized to you oral surgeons and sleep physiand that you are in a positive and cians to offer patients personalfriendly environment. We want ized comprehensive and collabour patients to feel like family, orative care. Eric Kempter, DDS, and not just another procedure,” joined his brother John’s practice says John and Eric. in 2016 after previously workOther accreditations ining at a traditional dental office clude the American Academy of John and Eric Kempter because he was excited to be Dental Sleep Medicine, CEREC able to focus on dental wellness. Eric has been a great mentorship and the International Congress of Oral asset to the team, and since he has started has been Implantologists. “We provide wellness dentistry, and accredited through the International Academy as the patient’s advocate, give them options of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). to have optimal dental health for the rest He has also helped the office implement of their life,” says John and Eric. Services Invisalign, a way to move teeth and corinclude holistic dentistry; CEREC: one-visit rect bite without the use of metal wires and dentistry; implants; dental hygiene; safe brackets, and Ozone therapy, a treatment (mercury) amalgam removal; Invisalign; that reduces inflammation and helps control ozone therapy; and TMJD treatment. bacteria in the mouth.

At 6 p.m., December 13, Kempter Holistic

The practice is accredited through IAOMT Dentistry will present a lecture, The SMART and follows their protocol for safe removal of Removal Process. There will be an upcoming mercury amalgam fillings. “We have built a seminar series starting in January. family practice based on love and trust with our patients and our employees,” says John and Eric.

Kempter Holistic Dentistry is located at 1000 “We focus on making sure that the materials Copperfield Blvd. NE, Ste. 160, in Concord. we use in our dentistry are biocompatible. We For appointments, call 704-782-0797. For more spend dedicated time with our patients to eduinformation, visit KempterDentistry.com.

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wisewords

Lynne McTaggart on the

POWER OF GROUP INTENTION

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

by April Thompson

T

hirty years ago, speaker, author and journalist Lynne McTaggart recovered from an illness using alternative approaches to health. Since then, she’s been exploring the frontiers of healing through consciousness and alternative medicine. In the 1990s, McTaggart, who lives in London, started a newsletter called What Doctors Don’t Tell You, now an international magazine and popular platform at wddty.com that cites thousands of resources showing what works and doesn’t work in conventional and alternative medicine and how to beat chronic conditions naturally.

McTaggart’s seven books include The Intention Experiment, The Field, The Bond and most recently, The Power of Eight. Her latest work examines the transformative power of small groups of people sending thoughts together for a common goal.

~Oprah Winfrey

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Can you summarize the results of your experiments of healing through collective intentions?

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We’ve done hundreds of experiments using small and large groups; 30 were tightly controlled scientific studies conducted in conjunction with researchers at institutions such as the University of Arizona, University of California and Penn State University.

The experiments have involved all kinds of intentions, ranging from the relatively simple to the impossibly complex. The large-scale intention experiments involved upwards of 25,000 participants remotely logging onto a website to view photos of the targets, sometimes 8,000 miles away, and

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sending them a well-defined intention, like changing the pH balance of water or healing a war veteran of post-traumatic stress disorder.

To date, 26 of those 30 experiments resulted in positive, measurable, mainly scientifically significant effects.

We’ve seen the pH of water change by a full pH number and seen seeds grow twice as much as control seeds.

We also conducted three peace intention experiments with interesting results: After our eight-day intention for Sri Lanka during its civil war, violence levels fell; the government had won several decisive battles that week; and within a few months that 25-year war was over. We can’t say with certainty that we had a hand in this, but our other peace experiments showed similar results. If it happens a few more times, that becomes compelling.

What conditions were the most conducive to manifesting positive results?

Was it intention, the power of the group or altruism? I think it’s a little of all of these. We’ve found that larger groups do not have a larger effect, which brought about the “power of eight” concept. I’ve discovered all that’s needed is a group, whether it’s eight or 8,000. In a group, we seem to lose our sense of individuality and separation from the world. We experience an overwhelming sense of oneness with the other intenders, which may be why our influence then becomes more powerful.

How did the act of sending positive intentions affect the senders?

I was most surprised by the rebound effects reported by participants, whom I started surveying after the Sri Lankan peace experiment. Thousands of extraordinary comments related not only how participants felt during the activity, but also afterwards; they were experiencing major shifts in their relationships, health, careers and well-being.

All they had done was sit individually in front of their computer holding an intention, yet they experienced the altered and mystical states of consciousness described by psychologist Abraham Maslow as “peak experiences”.

Life University, a large chiropractic university in Atlanta, worked with us to study the brainwaves of participants in six “power of eight” groups and found that senders had decreased activity in their frontal and parietal lobes, which govern the sense of self. It was like the boundaries between participants were dissolving into a state of oneness. To me, this partly explained the sense of oneness, compassion and love they

experienced. Andrew Newberg, director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, in Philadelphia, recorded similar effects in Sufi masters, and nuns and monks engaged in prayer and meditation, but only after years of learning certain techniques. My participants, all novices, were primed only by watching a 13-minute YouTube video of me explaining how to send intention in a group. Group intention appears to be a fast-track to the miraculous—no experience necessary.

Why does “groupthink” have such a powerful, multiplicative effect?

I think a huge part of it has to do with the power of getting off of yourself and setting an intention for someone else.

Another is the connection created in a group. When we engage together in an activity like praying or setting altruistic intentions, we create a powerful virtual circle that proves healing to both the receivers and senders.

Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

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December 2017 29

Advertorial apps, devices and applications, user-friendly innovations are addressing America’s sleep deprivation problem.

“Philip Stein lifestyle accessories such as the sleep bracelet are designed to contribute to a better quality of life.

The unique technology inside each one channels beneficial natural frequencies in the environment into your body,” says Will Stein, co-founder and president of the Philip Stein Group. “The result is to help the individual feel centered,

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Although natural-frequency technology was developed programmable appliancearlier by a group of engineers and scientists exploring various es to a seemingly endfrequencies’ influence on water, the initial discovery has been less list of other elecattributed to ancient sages in India that intuited them. For extronic gadgets, we are ample, 7.83 Hz, the frequency of “om”, happens to be Mother in constant contact with Earth’s natural heartbeat rhythm, now known as the Schumann unnatural electromagResonance. Aligned with the brain’s alpha and theta states, this netic frequencies (EMFs) technology of resonating frequencies has been carefully tuned generated by technology. In today’s 24/7 society, invisible and tested by Philip Stein researchers, technicians and sleep EMFs are inescapable; they permeate our working and livexperts. Today, it is at the core of all Philip Stein products. ing spaces. What we may not know is how they negatively

Philip Stein’s tuning technology picks up and channels impact our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle: suppressing the beneficial natural frequencies that have always surmelatonin, the hormone that controls the natural circadian rounded human beings. “We believe that all organisms have rhythm, disturbing slumber and even affecting weight gain, evolved or grown accustomed to these natural frequencies, according to University of Tel Aviv research. and our systems are tuned to operate best with them, rather

On the brighter side, some new technological products than with the increasing number of manmade frequencies we promise to restore balance to the body, including deeper and experience in the modern world,” explains Stein. more restful sleep. From the Philip Stein sleep bracelet, sleep number beds and portable sleep trackers to sleep-related For more information, visit PhilipStein.com.

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calendarofevents FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 Detox You & Colonics – Dec 1-31. For the entire month of December enjoy special promotion pricing on detox treatments, colonics and infrared sauna.

Please text or call Aleesha Ashlie at 704-995-5337 for detox promotions & infrared sauna and Bobbie Pallente at 704-713-7145 for colonics & infrared sauna.

Ancient Healing for Modern Living Breath Work – 10:30am-12pm. Learn to connect: heart/mind breath, heal: breath of fire, releasing toxins, nurture: circular breath, oxygenate and sustain: somatic breath, increasing awareness. Also offered Dec 8, 15. $20. 704-8963111. Meetup.com/TheNook/events/2017-12 Weihnachtsmarkt – Hug a Goat at OMB Christmas Market – Dec 1-2, 8-9, 15-16. Fridays, 4-9pm; Saturdays, 2-9pm. For 3 weekends, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery will transform into a German-inspired Christmas Market with vendors selling gifts and baked goods from open-air booths. Wish We Had Acres will be there with the social goats you met during Goat Yoga this year. They miss their beloved fans and will be on the town spreading cheer. Free to attend. Kid and pet friendly. 4150 Yancey Rd. Candlelight Yoga – 7-8:30pm. Casey Miller will lead you through a candlelit, 90-minute practice of yin, yang and yoga nidra. $20. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 CEC’s with Natural Options Aromatherapy – 9:30am-12:30pm. An intensive training session in aromatherapy – “Teach the Teacher” seminar. 3 CEUs NCBTMB for LMTs, reflexologists, reiki, etc. $195. RVSP 704-896-3111. Meetup.com/ TheNook/events/2017-12 ChiRunning/Walking Workshop – 9:30-11am.

Learn how to use natural forces to run/walk more effortlessly and injury free. $40. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com E.V.E. Consciousness Introduction – 10am. Dr Leslie Wells facilitates an introduction to E.V.E. Consciousness. 401 E Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062.

UnityofCharlotte.org SHiFT Charlotte Holiday Pop Up Market & Psychic Fair – 11am-5pm. The ultimate FREE mindbody-spirit family friendly shopping event this holiday season. Our first ever SHiFT Charlotte pop up market is host to 50 incredible unique and local vendors; with a full Psychic Fair thrown in. Fully programmed family friendly kid’s area. Free. Lenny Boy Brewery, 3000 South Tryon St. 470-310-2016. SHiFTCharlotte.com Calling all Cherokee – Sunset. Stomp Dance cultural program/participation and potluck. Contributions: Be good to the earth. Also offered Dec 16. 980-328-2086. LKKretschmer@gmail.com.

Kituwah Historical Site, Cherokee, NC.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

find interesting. Our Sunday meetings are uplifting and engaging. Meeting on the first Sunday of each month. The Double Tree Hotel at South Park Mall, near the band shell. 6300 Morrison Blvd. 704-6434970. QueenCityCSL.com Unity of Charlotte – 10:30am. Rev Marty Bacher brings a powerful message followed by a workshop at 1pm. 401 E Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062.

UnityofCharlotte.org Angel Wash: A Positive Aspect of Brain Washing – 12:30-1:30pm. Join David Hulse for this amazing experience of being immersed in God’s love, washing away the beliefs that no longer serve you and enjoying the sensation of love, peace and harmony as Angels whisper the truth of who we were created to be. $10 suggested offering. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-599-1180.

SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 Guided Shamanic Meditation – 7:15-8:45pm.

Robbie Warren will work to bring clarity and wisdom through this led meditation. $30. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Life Readings – 1-4pm. Leslie is a certified medium who approaches each reading with compassion and uses her gifts to give insight into what is going on in your life, to share hope and encouragement and to contact loved ones on the other side who have messages of love. Let Leslie help you find understanding and direction in your life by sharing her gifts with you. Also offered Dec 19. $50. 2221 North Center St, Hickory. contact@salinity.net. Salinity.net

Seniors & Veterans Day – 10am-6pm. Seniors and Veterans receive 10% off all merchandise (except books) in store only. Just ask. Mama Bessie’s Place, 3010 Monroe Rd, Shop 104. 704-632-9911 Holiday Make-n-Take – 6pm. Come out and make some natural handmade gifts for the holidays. Make some festive bath salts, room fresheners and more to give out this season. $5-15. Register on Eventbright. com. Haas Wellness Centers, 3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102. 704-387-2420. reception@haaswellnesscenters.com. HaasWellnessCenters.com Essential Oils 101 – 6:15-7:15pm. Learn the basics of Young Living’s essential oil line. Free. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com Yoga Roots: Yoga for Beginners – 8:15-9:15pm. Learn the basics of yoga with Chelisa Alavedra. $7. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Happy Hour Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Join Brooke Carlson for a fun upbeat yoga flow. $15. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com Unity Movie Night – 7pm. Screening the acclaimed Unity Nations Best Documentary Movie Finalist, “Rooted in Peace”, co-sponsored with the Charlotte Spiritual Light Center. Rave reviews: “A much needed film at a time of turbulence in the world”, “A must see”, and “Love conquers all without violence”. $10 suggested donation. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 401 E Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062. UnityofCharlotte.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Rattle Making with Salem Wolf Heart – 10:30am12pm. Make your own rattle filled with personal energy and power. Rattles represent independence, mind clearing, serenity, and healing. $25. RSVP 704-

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Traditional Usui Reiki Level 1 – 9am-6pm. Learn history, basics, chakras, hand positions and more.

Four attunements. RSVP by Dec 1. $195. Meetup. com/TheNook/events/2017-12 Queen City Center for Spiritual Living – 10:30am. Welcome, we have a very positive and open-minded view of spirituality that you may

2221 N. Center St. #3 Hickory NC salinity.net 828-855-9980 natural awakenings

December 2017

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896-3111. Meetup.com/TheNook/events/2017-12 Sound and Stretch: Yin Yoga and Sound Bath Meditation – 1:45-3pm. Join Kristin Wetzel for 75 minutes of deep stretch/relaxing yin yoga and healing sounds with extended meditation/savasana. $20. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Unity of Charlotte – 10:30am. Rev Michele Sevacko presents a moving spiritual message. 401 E Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062. UnityofCharlotte.org Ornament Painting Class – 1-3pm. Join Soulful Sage, Janice Maleyeff, and spice up your holiday decorations with beautiful hand painted glass ornaments. Great for gift giving or just to add to your own holiday décor. $30 investment includes materials for 3 ornaments. Pre-registration required: soulfulsages@gmail.com. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-599-1180.

SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org Green Fairy Fest – 3-8pm. We will have the most talented artists and psychics at one event, not to mention wonderful local wine. Meet the artists in person, enjoy great discounts on art and gift items, talk to our gifted psychics, taste our wines and finger foods, and sample our Green Fairy mixed drinks at

our bar. No charge. 2221 North Center St, Hickory. contact@salinity.net. Salinity.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Improve your Health by Healing your Gut – 6:30pm. Learn natural approaches to resolve acid reflux, bloating, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, Chron’s and colitis. Come hear leading wellness expert, Dr Michael Smith and enjoy a free dinner at Harper’s restaurant in Pineville. Reservation required 704-708-4404.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 The SMART Removal Process – Reserve your seat: info@kempterdentistry.com. 704-782-0797. 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord. KempterDentistry.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 Flash Sale – 10am-6pm. 10% off marked prices on all 8” + statues. Includes Egyptian, Celtic, Archangels and Saints, Hindu and Orishas (in store only). Mama Bessie’s Place, 3010 Monroe Rd, Shop 104. 704-632-9911 The Oils of Ancient Scripture – 6:15-7:30pm.

Learn about The 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture. Amy Williams will teach you about the most significant oils found in the Bible for you to savor and enjoy the beautiful fragrances and intriguing histories of

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these precious pure essential oils. $15 early bird/$20 day of. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 13th Moon Yoga Retreat– Dec 15-17. MoonSchool Yoga & New Moon Initiation. Experience deep cleansing and activation for body, mind and spirit with New Moon initiation and setting intention. 4 warm springs Restorative Yoga classes, meditations, campfires, cleansing baths, sacred space & ceremony. $175 plus room and board. Dillsboro Inn, 146 N River Rd, Dillsboro, NC. DillsboroInn.com.

MoonSchoolYoga.com. 866-586-3898.

Hare Christmas Kirtan – 7pm. Kirtan is sacred Sanskrit chanting. It is both spiritually energizing and mentally quieting. It’s a great tool for moving into meditation as well as for healing. Most chants are simple and easy to sing. $10 suggested love offering (no one turned away). Milford Chapel, Park Rd Baptist Church, 3900 Park Rd. SAGEST: Study and Gathering for Earth-centered Spirituality and Teachings – 7:30-9:30pm.

This is an open and welcoming group designed to facilitate open dialog and understanding. This month we will explore the elements beginning with Earth.

More info: Kiarah sagest.clt@gmail.com. Love offering. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-599-1180. SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Holiday Blizzard NookStore Winter Sale – 10am3pm. Let the winds of winter guide you to the best holiday shopping around – The Mystical Boutique NookStore. 20-50% off. 704-896-3111. Meetup. com/TheNook/events/2017-12 Guided Meditation in the Salt Room – 6-7pm. Learn to effectively calm, tame and manage the mind with the ancient meditative techniques under the guidance of the experienced meditation instructor with the added bonus of all the benefits of salt therapy. $40. 2221 North Center St, Hickory. contact@salinity.net. Salinity.net

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Create with Cait Paint Party – 4-6pm. Unleash your inner artist at Salinity. This is a fun, relaxed place to create an original work of art, signed by you. Step by step instructions by a local artist for all skill levels and ages. No experience necessary. $30. 2221 North Center St, Hickory. contact@ salinity.net. Salinity.net Neuro Linguistic Programming for Women – 7-8pm. We will focus on self-awareness, our belief system, and adding value to our lives. Social time mixed with techniques, tools and strategies to create a more empowered life. Free. Elemental Healing Charlotte, 5200 Park Rd, Bldg 1, 2nd floor, Library. 704915-8375. PhenixNLP@gmail.com. PhenixNLP.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Charlotte Writers’ Club – 7-8:30pm. Tracy Curtis, award-winning author, former syndicated humor columnist for The McClatchy Company, nationwide “Lighten up! Finding the funny in your writing.”

Non-fiction Contest Closes. Selected members reading submission closes. Selected members reading submissions closes. Ruth Moore Flash Fiction Awards. Guests welcome. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd, Rm 104. CharlotteWritersClub.org

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve Morning Candlelight Service – 10:30am. This Christmas Eve service is for both traditional and non-traditional. We will sing hymns and carols and light candles as we welcome the Christ light into our hearts and minds. We will also hear and explore the two Christmas stories found in the Bible, each with its own unique message.

Milford Chapel, Park Rd Baptist Church, 3900 Park Rd. 704-619-9029. CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Sierra Club Central Piedmont Meeting – 6:30, potluck and holiday celebration. Bring a covered dish, drinks provided. Information on a variety of environmental issues. Free and open to the public. Mahlon Adams Pavilion, Freedom Park, 2435 Cumberland Ave. gpfeffer@carolina.rr.com. CharlotteSierraClub.org Guided Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Join Okra community for a guided meditation led by Gen Tilopa Kelsang. $10. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-2661443. OkraCharlotte.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 Flash Sale – 10am-5pm. 10% off marked prices for specimen crystals, clusters and polished points from Brazilian collection (in store only). Mama Bessie’s Place, 3010 Monroe Rd, Shop 104. 704-632-9911 Unity of Charlotte – 10:30am. Rev Michele Sevacko joins Unity as we look back on the events of 2017 and forward to 2018. 401 E Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062. UnityofCharlotte.org Aroma Yoga – 6:15-7:30pm. Discover how to integrate essential oils into your yoga and relaxation routines. $15 early bird/$20 day of. 1912 Commonwealth Ave. 704-266-1443. OkraCharlotte.com Winter Solstice Celebration – 7-9pm. Celebrate the Winter Solstice and the holiday season. Music, skits and a special visit from Father Christmas, himself. Bring a holiday treat to share. Love offering. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-5991180. SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 13th Moon Yoga Retreat– Dec 22-24. MoonSchool Yoga & Winter Solstice Initiation. Experience deep cleansing and activation for body, mind and spirit with Introduction to Spirit Journey as Rite of Passage. 4 warm springs Restorative Yoga classes, activation meditations, nightly campfires, cleansing baths, sacred space & ceremony. $175 plus room and board.

Dillsboro Inn, 146 N River Rd, Dillsboro, NC. DillsboroInn.com. MoonSchoolYoga.com. 866-586-3898.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 Open Farm Holiday Event – 11am-2pm. Are you a shopper hold-out? Did someone just make the list (naughty turned nice)? Whether for stockings or wooden shoes, siblings, cousins or friends, we have hand crafted natural homestead gifts for everyone. Our goats are social even when they’re not doing yoga and they’ve been working hard making soap for your loved ones. Come say hi. Sample farmstead goat cheese, hot herbal teas and craft brews while they last. Donations appreciated. All ages welcome. No pets. Bring visiting family, enjoy samples and finish your last-minute shopping. 10715 Shopton Rd West. WishWeHadAcres.com

Unity of Charlotte – 10:30am. Rev Jesse Harriott returns from Atlanta to present a spiritual Christmas message. 401 E Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062.

UnityofCharlotte.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 13th Moon Yoga Retreat– Dec 29-31. MoonSchool Yoga & New Years Full Moon Transformation Retreat. Experience deep release and cleansing for body, mind and spirit with Yoga as Alchemy and Be in Your Body for 2018. 4 warm springs Restorative Yoga classes, meditations, campfires, cleansing baths, sacred space & ceremony. $175 plus room and board. Dillsboro Inn, 146 N River Rd, Dillsboro, NC. DillsboroInn.com. MoonSchoolYoga. com. 866-586-3898.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 Year End Metaphysical Fair – 1-5pm. Come get your energy ready, gain insight, and set your intentions for 2018. Join our collection of talented intuitive readers and healers, and allow them to assist you with your journey for the coming year.

Potluck and drum circle to follow. See website for services/prices. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-599-1180. SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org.

Year End Full Moon Drumming Celebration – 5-8pm. Bring your drums and a dish to share and help us begin drumming in the New Year. Come celebrate community, the coming of 2018, and the Full Moon.

All ages, rain or shine. More info: Heather phoenix. nest.healing@gmail.com. Love offering. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-5991180. SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Morning Burning Bowl Service – 10:30am. Unity’s Burning Bowl Service is a holiday tradition with purpose and power. Together we will prayerfully release into the ‘burning bowl’ the things that we don’t want to carry into the coming year. We will also create a ‘letter to God’ inviting and welcoming in the good that the New Year offers.

Milford Chapel, Park Rd Baptist Church, 3900 Park Rd. 704-619-9029. CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org.

Special Morning Service New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl – 10:30am. Come release the old year, and set your intentions for the new! All are welcome.

Followed by a New Year’s Potluck – bring your favorite dishes to share. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-599-1180.

SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org.

Burning Bowl Ceremony – 7pm. Rev Michele Sevacko leads the traditional burning bowl ceremony followed by a ‘Letters to God’ service. The burning bowl allows us to release emotions that have been holding us back and the Letters to God sets out our best intentions for 2018. 401 E Arrowood Rd. 704523-0062. UnityofCharlotte.org.

plan ahead SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 Reiki First Degree Training – A 3-month (32 hour) program taught by highly accomplished Master Teacher, Nancy Bunt. It will prepare you for a personal self-practice, and give you the skills and confidence to offer Reiki to your family, friends, pets and plant life. 25 CE hours (NCBTMB). $495 tuition.

A Reiki Life Academy, 5200 Park Rd, Ste 105. 704996-4079. Nancy@areikilife.com. AReikiLife.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

markyourcalendar Ahlara’s Mind, Body, Spirit Expo Private 15-minute sessions with holistic healers and intuitive readers. Heal with reflexology, amethyst bio-mat. Connect with angels and spirit guides. Sessions individually priced.

January 20 · 12-4pm Register: 704-662-0946.

Ahlara International, 155 Joe V Knox Ave, Mooresville

AhlaraInternational.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 2018 Symposium: Urban Roots: Transforming the Urb – Joe Lamp’l, creator and host of public television’s Growing a Greener World, will keynote an all-day symposium, focusing on transforming the urban landscape. $85 early-bird. Register: Gardens.UNCC.edu. 704-6870723. UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E 9th St.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28

markyourcalendar Self-Discovery with Jessica Mangum Learn foundations of meditation and clearing of mind clutter. Self-assess using pendulums.

Discover primary intuitive skill set. Chakra clearing and protection meditation.

January 28 · 2-4pm $35 Register: Jess@jessicamangram.com 704-662-0946.

Ahlara International, 155 Joe V Knox Ave, Mooresville

AhlaraInternational.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 REFRESH 2018 Wellness Expo – 11am-5pm.

Harness your power for better health with the practitioners at Elemental Healing Charlotte and special guests. Demos, prizes, and giveaways. $10. 5200 Park Rd, Bldg 1, 2nd floor, all event rooms. events@elementalhealingcharlotte.com.

ElementalHealingCharlotte.com.

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individuals in finding answers to create healing and transformation. $40. 2221 North Center St, Hickory. contact@salinity.net. Salinity.net.

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

Conversation with Beatrice – 11am-5pm. Readings with Angels, Elemental, Deities, Zodiac. By appointment only. $60/hour Mama Bessie’s Place, 3010 Monroe Rd. 704-293-3578. Beatrice Alvina Bates: beatricebatesllc@gmail.com.

from the busy details of life, let your body relax and be still. See website for pricing. Elemental Healing Charlotte, Bldg 1, 2nd floor, Movement room #1 or 2. theyogaoasis@icloud.com. TheYogaOasis.com

Weekly Wednesday Meditation – 7-9pm. Practice instructions for those new to meditation at 7pm.

Silent mindfulness meditation at 7:30pm, followed by dharma talk and discussion. Donation. Park Rd Baptist Church, Milford Chapel, 3900 Park Rd, Charlotte. IMCCharlotte.org.

sunday Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte - 10:30am.

Rev. Rebecca Nagy, spiritual leader. A nondenominational spiritual community, grounded in the Universal Truth Teachings of New Thought and Ageless Wisdom. Services followed by Master Mind and Fellowship. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-599-1180. SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org.

Unity of Charlotte Sunday Celebration Service – 10:30am. Spirit-led and Heart-driven describes this welcoming spiritual community that offers spiritual enrichment classes throughout the week and a vibrant Sunday Celebration Service with terrific music and inspiring messages. Youth Program ages 4+ avail. Unity of Charlotte, 401 E Arrowood Rd, Charlotte. 704-523-0062. UnityofCharlotte.org.

Unity Spiritual Center – 10:30am. Exploring the history, mythology and underlying mysticism of Christmas during December. Positive music, centering meditations and inspiring messages. We are building spiritual community from a metaphysical multi-faith perspective. Milford Chapel, Park Rd Church, 3900 Park Rd. 704-619-9029. Find us on Facebook, Meetup and CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org.

QiGong Sunday – 1-2pm. The most advanced moving meditation class in Charlotte. 3 traditions combined for health, confidence and great QiGong energy. $20/class or $40/monthly. Elemental Healing Charlotte, 5200 Park Rd, Bldg 1, 2nd floor, Ste 200C, Community room #1 or #2. 704-993-8321.

Jiyad7@gmail.com. CharlotteReflexology.com.

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 7pm. Ongoing study and discussion of ACIM. Jim & Kay Fuller have been facilitating ACIM studies for over 25 years. Bonnie Briar Townhomes, Elm Ln at Hwy 51. 704-619-9029. Find us on Facebook, Meetup and CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org.

Yin Yoga – 4-5pm. This practice is perfect for healing injuries, recovering from illness, and surgery. Unplug

monday A Course in Miracles Study Group – 7pm. Ongoing study and discussion of ACIM. Jim and Kay Fuller have been facilitating ACIM studies for over 25 years. Park Rd Church, Room CC505, 3900 Park Rd. 704-619-9029. Find us on Facebook, Meetup and CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org.

tuesday Weekly Daytime Meditation – 12-1pm. Brief instruction period, 30-minute silent meditation, and a short period of questions and answers. Donation.

Park Rd Baptist Church, Milford Chapel, 3900 Park Rd, Charlotte. InsightMeditationCharlotte.org.

Meditation and Metaphysical Studies – 6:30, 7pm. December programs explore Christmas and the Bible from historical and symbolic perspectives.

Join us for one or both. Appropriate for new and longtime spiritual students. Park Rd Church, Room CC505, 3900 Park Rd. 704-619-9029. Find us on Facebook, Meetup and CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org

wednesday The School of Spirituality – 10:30am-12pm.

On-going class with Barbara Ruff is a discussion on spiritual topics relevant to our changing world and search for deeper meaning. All welcome. Not meeting Dec 20. Love offering. Unity of Charlotte, 401 E Arrowood Rd, Charlotte. 704-523-0062.

UnityofCharlotte.org.

Tarot by Heather – 1-6pm. Heather Gaffney-Darnell is an intuitive reader, teacher and energy healer in the foothills of NC. She joins us weekly to assist

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Wellness Wednesdays – 7-8:30pm. Learn different elements of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness with a variety of teachers on a variety of topics. Check website for details $20 suggested love offering. Spiritual Light Center of Charlotte, 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-599-1180.

SLCofCharlotte@att.net. SLCofCharlotte.org.

Heartfulness Meditation – 7:30pm. This group meets for a period of silent meditation. The process begins promptly at 7:30pm, so we suggest you arrive around 7:15. More info: Heartfulness.org. Unity of Charlotte, 401 E Arrowood Rd, Charlotte. 704-5230062. UnityofCharlotte.org.

thursday A Course in Miracles - 9:30am. A transformative ongoing study group open to all. Where philosophy, psychology, and religion end, A Course in Miracles begins. Freewill offering. Unity of Charlotte, 401 E. Arrowood Road, Charlotte. 704-523-0062, UnityOfCharlotte.org.

friday Therapeutic Yoga Training for Yoga Teachers – Ongoing weekends 2017-2018. Fri, 6-9pm; Sat 8am-6pm; Sun, 9-5pm. Are you a current RYT and looking to do more therapeutic offerings? Learn how to incorporate Viniyoga posture adaptations and sequencing at a foundational level to get real, evidence-based results for your students.

See website for pricing. Elemental Healing Charlotte, 5200 Park Rd, Bldg 1, 2nd floor, Ste 200C, Movement room #1. 980-322-4518. Samantha@ davidsonyogatherapy.com. Learn2TeachYoga.com.

Remember, PLANS CHANGE! Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

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natural awakenings

December 2017

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

CHRONIC & DIFFICULT CASES

ACUPUNCTURE EMPOWER LIFE CENTER

HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

Camilo Sanchez, LAc, MOM, MQG 704-542-8088 EmpowerLifeCenter.com 28 years of experience in acupuncture, Chinese medicine and integrated health. Specializing in identifying and correcting the root cause of your health concerns.

Pain conditions, digestive disorders, stress, women’s health and chronic disorders. Classes in authentic Qigong, Tai Chi and Taoist yoga.

3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 HaasWellnessCenters.com

Specializing in chronic and difficult cases and holistic and wellness care. We identify and treat the root cause of your health issues. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation. See ad, page 22.

COLONICS

TWO TREES ACUPUNCTURE

Paula Kearney, L.Ac. & David Bonilla, L.Ac. 1318-A3 Central Ave, Plaza Midwood 704-770-1318 TwoTreesAcupuncture.com

ody & Mind

ng For Help?

Migraines Of All Types Chiropractic Headache Expert oncussion & Cranial Pain Syndrome s & Chemical Sensitivity Headaches Upper Cervical TMJ Headaches Fatigue / Allergies / Candida Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Chiropractic Headache Expert ation / Virus’s / Recurring Infections 2101 Sardis Road / Thyroid / Autoimmune / Hair Loss Hot Flashes / Stubborn Weight Loss

Providing private and community acupuncture services, herbal medicine, bodywork sessions, classes and more to the city of Charlotte.

See ad, page 24.

HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA 1308 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

Our principle service is Colon Hydrotherapy, but we also offer a wide variety of other services. We o ff e r b o t h t r a d i t i o n a l a n d alternative therapies to assist clients in achieving optimal health, wellness and balance.

ALLERGY

HOLISTIC DOCTOR OF CHARLOTTE

North, Ste 203 704-776-4185 mptoms, Dr.fdesk@holisticdoc.com Cushing has the s clinical holistic experience, ica’s leading health guru’s HolisticDoc.com health issues.

KEMPTER HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

40 years experience as a Holistic Doctor. Highly effective at treating ADD, ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Hormone Imbalances, Allergies, IBS, CFS/Fibromyalgia, Headaches. See ad, page 2.

,

C. Consult

lotte, NC

ASTROLOGY SOUL OF CHIRON

Dorothy Taylor, CH Charlotte 919-889-0457 SoulOfChiron.com Info@SoulOfChiron.com

Charlotte Edition

Drs. John Kempter and Eric Kempter 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 704-782-0797 KempterDentistry.com Biologically minded family dental office offering 3D digital dentistry, preventative dentistry, safe mercury removal and sleep apnea screenings. In a relaxed and caring environment, all patients are given devoted time. Call the office today to request a new patient consultation. See ad, page 37.

EDUCATION KENT-COOK INSTITUTE

Sharing intuitive and insightful awareness for healing, direction and success in life for over 12 years. Discover gifts and overcome challenges reaching your full potential and happiness. Certified Consulting Hypnotist, Astrologer and Life Coach.

36

DENTISTRY

400 N Harbor Pl, Ste C, Davidson 704-896-3111 KentCookInstitute.com Online or on campus. Accredited School with classes in Mediumship Development, Spiritual Healing and Philosophical Metaphysics. The Kent-Cook Institute on Lake Norman has a full curriculum. See ad, page 32.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

FLOAT THERAPY FLOAT CAROLINA

Float Center and Salt Spa 105-D Waxhaw Professional Park Dr Waxhaw • FloatCarolina.com Charlotte’s first dedicated float center offering Floatation and Salt Room Therapies. Visit us to relax, release stress and tension and refresh your mind, body and spirit. Purchase sessions online today. Receive 10% off with promo “floatNA”.

GIFT SHOPS THE NOOK STORE

400 N Harbor Place Dr, Ste C, Davidson 704-896-3111 KentCookInstitute.com The Nook Store, a Divinely Unique Mystical Boutique on Lake Norman, the gem of The Nook. We carry the tools you need for your spiritual journey. See ad, page 31.

HOLISTIC COUNSELING VIVIAN PERALTA-MESA, LICENSED THERAPIST 3900 Park Rd Park Road Baptist Church grounds 704-910-7942 KidsFamilyCounseling.com

Experiencing ongoing difficulties that are not getting better? Vivian offers guidance, in a safe and caring environment, to identify and overcome obstacles that keep you from feeling more satisfied in life. See ad, page 7.

HOMEOPATHY CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER Dr Michael Smith 1114 Sam Newell Rd, Ste A 704-708-4404 CarolinasNaturalHealth.com

C h a r l o t t e ’s o n l y d o c t o r specializing in homeopathy – a power system of natural medicine that stimulates your body’s natural ability to heal, without side effects. Anxiety/ Depression, ADHD, Behavioural issues, Eczema, auto-immune disease, hormonal imbalance, and much more. See ad, page 13.

HYPNOSIS SIMPLE STEPS TO CALM YOUR MIND Heidi E. Kent, C.Ht. & Marsha G. Cook, C.Ht. 704-896-3111

Manage your fears and change your belief systems and your life with the user-friendly tools we’ve developed.

Specializing in Hypnosis, Past Lives and Spiritual Healing. Relief is an appointment away. See ad, page 31.

INTUITIVE SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE

LIFE COACH FIND THE TRUE ME

MARY E. AMON

Mary the Metaphysical Maven 808-283-5249 MaryEAmon.com Mary offers spiritually guided sessions that provide new tools to help you “see” yourself and your life path more clearly. Clients reconnect with their authentic self-worth and develop deeper more meaningful relationships with healthy boundaries. You will be guided towards your unique path of spiritual growth in a loving and nononsense manner.

Dorothy Taylor, CLC, CH Charlotte 919-889-0457 TrueMeCoach.com Info@TrueMeCoach.com Find a clear path to your true center of power and happiness and reach your full potential through the power of your own mind.

Dorothy Taylor Certified Life Coach, Consulting Hypnotist and Professional Astrologer with over 12 years experience.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE CAROLINA FAMILY HEALTHCARE Maureen Scott, ANP-BC 704-847-4000 CarolinaFamilyHealthcare.com

Maureen Scott is a practicing adult nurse practitioner who has been Fellowship trained in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona. She treats physical ailments and the person a s a w h o l e - e m o t i o n a l l y, m e n t a l l y a n d spiritually. Carolina Family Healthcare is a full service primary care facility located in the Ballantyne area. See ad, back cover.

DEVINE INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE, PLLC Stacey E Devine, MD 452 S Main St, Ste 130, Davidson 704-997-5449 DevineIntegrative.com

As one of the few fellowship trained, board certified Integrative Medicine physicians in the Charlotte area, Dr. Devine blends evidence-based complementary and conventional medicine to care for the whole person.

Are You Looking For A HEALTHY NATURAL Smile?

We Care for More than Just Your Teeth….

• 3D Digital Dentistry • Preventative Dentistry • Mercury Safe Removal • Sleep Apnea Screenings

INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICIAN INFINITE HEALTH, PLLC

Sheila Kilbane, MD Deborah Allen, Integrative Pharmacist 2201 Park Rd, Ste B, Charlotte 704-626-6771 SheilaKilbane.com Dr. Kilbane is a board-certified pediatrician who trained in integrative medicine. She works with families to find the root cause of illnesses such as: reflux, eczema, allergies, recurrent ear and sinus infections, asthma, constipation and abdominal pain. Deborah Allen leads a gut restoration program for adults.

IAOMT Accredited Mercury Safe Removal Biological/Holistic Family Dentistry in a Caring Relaxed Environment Failing Amalgams (silver fillings) are removed using safe accredited protective protocols.

All of our crowns, bridges, and veneers are made in-house with CAD/CAM computer milled technology.

As true Biological/Holistic Dentists, Drs. John Kempter & Eric Kempter combine modern technology & safe protection protocols with advanced knowledge of biological dentistry & medicine.

Drs. John Kempter & Eric Kempter

Accepting New Patients!

Kempter Holistic Dentistry 1000 Copperfield Blvd Ste 160 Concord, NC 28025

www.KempterDentistry.com natural awakenings

704-782-0797 December 2017 37

LYMPHATIC CLEANSE JENNIFER DILLON, DC, CCN

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

421-B S. Sharon Amity Rd 704-333-9991 DillonNaturalHealth.com

The Light Beam Generator is a non-invasive oxygen based detoxification system helping to restore function and assist the lymphatic system. When this circulatory system is congested, the whole system becomes toxic causing chronic inflammation as well as many other issues. See ad, page 9.

Dr Michael Smith 1114 Sam Newell Rd, Ste A 704-708-4404 • CarolinasNaturalHealth.com

See ad, page 13.

Diabetes, Depression, Digestive Disorders, ​A llergies, Autoimmune disease, A ​ nxiety,​ ​ ADHD. C h a r l o t t e ’s o n l y d o c t o r specializing in homeopathy. We focus on treating YOU to uncover the cause of your health condition and empower you to better health!​

MASSAGE JEFFREY SHOAF, LMBT (#14847) Certified Yoga Therapist 726 E. Blvd. Charlotte, NC 309-287-0576 JBShoaf113.wix.com/jeffreyshoaf

OF THE EARTH WELLNESS, LLC Dr. Dave Hamilton 10715 Shopton Rd W, Charlotte 980-272-1897 OfTheEarthWellness.com

A community of healing and nonjudgment. You are an individual and encouraged to be an active participant in your own health. We treat a variety of health concerns from the common cold to chronic illness. Begin your journey today.

Plant the seed of health. Grow balanced naturally. See ad, page 38.

Offering therapeutic massage, bodywork, and yoga therapy, utilizing myofascial release, t r i g g e r p o i n t t h e r a p y, a n d physical assessment tools for a collaborative approach to client centered health!

NATURAL DOCTOR DR. MEGAN DING, ND

Charlotte Natural Wellness 10722 Carmel Commons Blvd, Ste 450 704-543-5540 DrMeganDing.com

PSYCHIC PSYCHICS AND SENIOR TEACHERS The Nook Davidson 704-896-3111 KentCookInstitute.com

First Saturday each month from 1-4pm Professional Certified Tarot, Numerology, Palmistry, Medicine Cards, Spiritual Readings. Fees begin at $40. Call today for an appointment. See ad, page 32.

SPIRITUAL PSYCHIC MEDIUM Heidi E Kent, M.A. CM, C.Ht. 423-300-8618 HeidisReadings.com

Heidi E. Kent, co-director of The Kent-Cook Institute, is a certified psychic medium, master palmist, spiritual communicator, numerologist, relationship counselor, metaphysical teacher and certified hypnotherapist. Heidi guides you to the place of “what to do, what to do, what to do”! See ad, page 32.

REIKI A REIKI LIFE ACADEMY®

ORGANIC SALON ORGANIC SALON LKN

591 E Plaza Dr, Mooresville 704-883-6564 OrganicSalonLKN.com

Charlotte’s only naturopathic doctor specializing in natural cancer support. Dedicated to treating the whole body and empowering you to improve your health using natural medicine.

Harnessing nature’s beauty with professional organic products while creatively designing the ideal hair routine and style to fit your life. Call today for a free consultation. See ad, page 27.

5200 Park Rd, Ste 105, Charlotte 704-996-4079 AReikiLife.com Offering reiki treatment for adults, children and animals; comprehensive reiki educational programs; and NCBTMB continuing education. Nancy Bunt, founder and director, has over 22 years of experience with reiki in both clinical settings and private practice, as well as an extensive background in mind-body wellness. See ad, page 29.

Nothing you wear is more important than your smile. ~Connie Stevens

38

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

SALT THERAPY THE SALT PAD

1600 E. Woodlawn Rd, Ste 310 980-498-2895 TheSaltPad.com Relax, breathe and heal in our state of the art salt therapy rooms.

Serving all ages with our Adult and Kid’s Tranquility rooms, and additional healing with our Acupuncture Tranquility room.

SENIOR SERVICES TRANSITION WITH CARE 6135 Park South Dr, Ste 510 704-945-7108 TransitionWithCare.net

When it’s time to downsize and move from a home of many years we understand the details.

Our compassionate teams of move managers reduce your physical and emotional stress by carefully planning and executing your relocation.

SOUL COACH THERESA GENDRON MSN; SC®T; SC®MP

Charlotte 203-710-6453 CoachingYourSoul@outlook.com YourSoulLovestheTruth.com Soul Coaching® empowers you to have a remarkable and prosperous life! Theresa is a protégé of Denise Linn and is a Soul Coaching® Trainer and Soul Coaching® Master Practitioner.

Visit YourSoulLovestheTruth. com today.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS SPIRITUAL LIGHT CENTER OF CHARLOTTE

Rev. Rebecca Nagy, Spiritual Leader 7300 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte 704-599-1180 SLCofCharlotte.org 10:30 a.m. Sunday service and meditation. Spiritual but not religious? Looking for a vibrant, inclusive and nondenominational spiritual family that honors you on your spiritual journey? Then SLCC is for you. Meditations, classes and more.

See ad, page 8.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

VETERINARIAN

Exciting Speakers Every Sunday 401 E. Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062 UnityOfCharlotte.org

ATRIUM ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Unity features a vibrant, joyous Sunday Celebration Service at 10:30am with terrific music, inspiring messages and a warm, welcoming spiritual community. Offering classes and workshops throughout the week with activities that support your health, wellness and spiritual journey.

See ad, page 37.

UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER OF CHARLOTTE

Dr Kim Hombs, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CTui-Na 6520 McMahon Dr, 704-542-2000 AtriumAnimalHospital.com The most comprehensive Holistic/Integrative Animal Me d i c i n e P r a c tic e in th e Charlotte region. Alternative vaccine approaches, double certified acupuncturist and herbalist, offering cold and class 4 laser, TCM food therapy, Tui-na, Animal Rehabilitation with underwater treadmill. See ad, page 25.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

CharlotteSpiritualCenter.org 704-619-9029 Find us on Facebook & Meetup

NATURAL BEGINNINGS BIRTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

We are a welcoming Spiritual Community grounded in Unity Metaphysics, A Course in Miracles and related Eastern Teachings.

Sunday “Casual Service” 10:30am. Sunday & Monday ACIM study groups at 7pm. Tuesday meditation & metaphysical program at 6:30/7pm. Monthly special events. See ad, page 14.

TAROT

1420 Fern Creek Dr, Statesville 704-380-3722 NaturalBeginningsNC.com

Holistic Wellness Center for Women offering primary gynecological care, on-site birthing rooms as well as hospital births, newborn care and a state-of-the-art lactation facility. Staffed by Certified Nurse Midwives who love to care for women during all life stages. Accepts most insurance plans. See ad, page 26.

RAVEN SCHONER

2210 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 803-818-2133 DivineRaven.com

classifieds

Lady Raven is a born empath with over 10 years tarot reader and spiritual herbalist experience. She uses her skills in magick and her natural psychic gifts to receive aid from spirit in both her personal practice and on behalf of her clients. See ad, page 34.

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Ads@ AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline is the 12th of the month.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

THERMOGRAPHY

The Kent-Cook Institute, Inc. Notice Of Nondiscriminatory Policy As To Students

JENNIFER DILLON, DC, CCN 421-B S. Sharon Amity Rd 704-333-9991 DillonNaturalHealth.com

Thermography is a non-invasive way to visualize the health of a tissue. Identify inflammation in breast tissue and other areas of the body. Detect issues early to allow time to make a change before diagnosis occurs. See ad, page 9.

The Kent-Cook Institute, Inc. at The Nook, is an accredited school of Metaphysics, Mysticism, and Spiritual Healing. Organized as a 501(c)(3) school, the school is located at the Davidson Landing complex in Davidson, NC.

The Kent-Cook Institute, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.

Please visit us at 400 North Harbor Place, Suite C, Davidson, NC or at our website http://www.kentcookinstitute.com or call 704-896-3111 for more information.

natural awakenings

December 2017 39

A New Kind Of Primary Care Service Our Providers Take An Integrative And Holistic Approach To Your Health

We Are A Full Service Primary Care Clinic • Same Day Sick Appointments • Preventive Adult & Gynecological Exams • Well Child Checks & Developmental Screenings • Full Service Allergy Clinic • In-house Sleep Center • Licensed Professional Counselor on staff • Doctor of Pharmacy on staff • Advance Lipid Testing • Travel Health Clinic • Integrative Medicine Consultations As An Independent Practice We Are More Affordable Than A Hospital Owned Facility

Our providers are focused on caring for the needs of your entire family from infancy to the elderly We strongly believe in encouraging preventive medicine and are considerate of alternative treatments Dino P. Kanelos, M.D. Board Certified Family Medicine

Maureen Scott, ANP-BC Completed Fellowship in Integrative Medicine Additional Medical Providers On Staff

Erik Osborne, PA-C Jeffrey Seegers, PA-C Kristen Spratt, FNP-BC

Accepting New Patients Schedule Your Appointment Today:

704-847-4000

info@carolinafamilyhealthcare.com We Accept Most Major Insurances 11220 Elm Lane, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28277

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CarolinaFamilyHealthcare.com Charlotte Edition AwakeningCharlotte.com