Fall/Winter 2016 Spirit of Change

HOLISTIC NEW ENGLAND

FALL/WINTER 2016

Revolutionary Healthcare

Vibrational Catalyst Panache Desai • The Food Babe's Revolution New Model for Primary Care • Take Charge of Your Health Helping Children Learn Language • Sufi Breathing

2 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Our lives are stressful on us: our shoulders weigh heavy, and our mind races.

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 3

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R.R., Manchester, Connecticut

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BEFORE

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This woman had only a few hours sleep the previous night and felt exhausted at the time this photo was taken.

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MAIN OFFICE PO Box 405, Uxbridge, MA 01569 Phone: 508-278-9640 Fax: 508-278-9641 www.spiritofchange.org ADVERTISING INFORMATION Phone: 508-278-9640 x 1 E-mail: advertise@spiritofchange.org PUBLISHER & EDITOR Carol Bedrosian Phone: 508-278-9640 x 3 E-mail: carol@spiritofchange.org BUSINESS MANAGER Michella Brudner Phone: 508-278-9640 x 2 Email: Michella@spiritofchange.org PROJECT ASSISTANT Kyle Carbone Email: info@naturalexpo.org WEB EDITOR Laurie Johnston Email: laurie@spiritofchange.org CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Editors of E/Environmental Magazine, Eric Linter, Hilde Larsen BOOK REVIEWS Gail Lord E-mail: SOCBookReviewer@gmail.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION Barry Corbett, Janice Nadeau, Amber Routten-Mitchell, Steve Sedam PRINTING TCI Publications, Seekonk, MA

10

14 26

Departments Features FALL/WINTER 2016 • Vol. 30, No. 135

Departments

Features

Musings

Take Action Now To Prevent Restrictions Against Massachusetts Bodyworkers by Health Freedom Action Massachusetts.................................18

Starspeak

The Food Babe Revolution: An interview with Vani Hari

by Carol Bedrosian.................................................................................................. 20

EarthTalk

by E/Environmental Magazine.......... 14

Home Design Elements to Help Children Learn Language

by Beth Mahar and Susan Eliason..........................................................................26

Power Up

Revolutionary Ergonomic Design by Geoffrey Warner.............................. 30

by Carol Bedrosian.................................. 8

by Eric Linter........................................... 10

by Hilde Larsen....................................... 16

Book Reviews

by Gail Lord............................................. 60

Online at: SpiritOfChange.org Copyright ©2016 Spirit of Change. All Rights Reserved. Spirit of Change distributes 45,000 magazines throughout New England semi-annually (Fall and Spring) and accepts paid advertising as an advertising service.

Responsibility for the products, services or claims of our advertisers rests solely with them; advertisers are liable for any claims made against Spirit of Change Magazine as a result of their advertisement. The information in Spirit of Change is intended as a sharing of knowledge about holistic health for educational purposes. Health care decisions requiring medical advice should be made with the help of your health care professional. Subscriptions are $20.00/4 issues. Article and artwork submissions are accepted for review and will only be returned if accompanied by a SASE. To receive bulk shipments of Spirit of Change to distribute to your clients & customers, please email carol@ spiritofchange.org.

Discover Your Soul’s Life Purpose by Rhys Thomas....................................34 Creative Responses to the Pains of Change by Josef DellaGrotte..........36

Calendar.................................................62

The Resiliency Quotient by Katina Makris.......................................................38

Classifieds............................................. 77

Integrative Medicine — The New Model for Primary Care: An interview with Leo Galland, MD by Karina Gordin................................ 40

Directories Yoga Practitioners of New England.......................................... 53 Holistic Logo Directory..................... 66 Holistic Specialties Directory..........76 Advertiser Index................................... 78

Cover Art

“Fractal Rainbow Body”

by Diana Vehuni

Etsy.com/shop/theartofthematrix

6 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Traditional Indian Holistic Therapies by Vera Kaur..................................... 44 (R)Evolution in Mental Healthcare — Brazilian Style

by Emma Bragdon, PhD......................................................................................... 46 Expanding Sufi Mysteries of Breath by Shahana Devon Beckett............. 50 We’re All Family Here: An interview with Panache Desai

by Peggy Kornegger................................................................................................52 Upcoming in Spring/Summer 2017

Rendezvous with Pain Relief AD DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2017

www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 7

MUSINGS

BY CAROL BEDROSIAN

Your Body is Alive and Well

S

ometimes the most revolutionary ideas are the most obvious — take healthcare, for instance. We’ve all watched that amazing process of a hand wound closing and healing itself where you can see the progress daily. And we’ve all weathered a fever and recovered from flus and viruses and even more serious conditions, both with and without medical help, so we’ve all felt our bodies heal themselves. Yet, for the most part, we still invest our money, our power, our wellbeing and our belief in a disease-based model of healthcare that insists its pills, procedures and prestige are a more potent prescription for what ails you than your innate medicine within.

Has the American healthcare system been hijacked because of calculating, coldhearted CEOs who know that treating disease is much more profitable than maintaining health? Or is it really because we just don’t believe or know how we can keep ourselves healthy anymore? Our fear of becoming a victim of disease or cut off from the healthcare system freezes our will to take charge of our health and shortcircuits our confidence in our own natural healing abilities.

Living in a body means you’re going to be sick some times, be healthy other times, and eventually die when your expiration date arrives. Bodies are organic; they are growing and changing all the time, in and out of health and balance. Every cell of your body is alive with intelligence, seeking out health and striving for homeostasis despite the steady onslaught of unhealthy food, toxins, habits and thoughts that are the reality of modern life. Through our breath (one of the body’s most effective ways to release toxins) and our network of invisible energy meridians circulating life force, our bodies are naturally healing themselves continuously.

Symptoms are your body’s way of telling you “work is in progress” as it adapts to whatever imbalanced conditions it encounters. Hair loss, rashes, tooth decay, bad breath, sore feet, hot flashes, constipation, and even cancer are not attacks from within, but all valuable ways the body strives to self-regulate and communicate what it needs to maintain balance. While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, torturous or even deadly, your body’s intelligence about the needs of its 78 organs, 206 bones, 640 muscles and trillions of cells far surpasses your own or any doctor’s knowledge. You can tap into this wisdom through practices like meditation, listening to your intuition, prayer, exercise or yoga that will help you discern what is healthy for your body and what is not.

And what will you discover? That every body is unique and so is your cure, based on your genetics, timing, personal behaviors and especially what your brain perceives to

be true. The surprising results of studies over many decades testing placebo drugs, surgeries and even acupuncture treatments suggest that what we believe about our health may be just as important to our wellbeing as what we actually do. A November 29, 1995, article from the New York Times, “Pessimism Is Hazardous To Health, A Study Says” describes the “nocebo” effect, where a patient gets sick because he or she believes he will. In one study of asthmatics, there was a 47.5% increase in allergy symptoms when the patient was told he was inhaling allergens rather than pure saline. The study concludes, “because the symptoms were triggered by patient beliefs did not make them less real or less costly to the patients, and the possibility that expectations could be a major factor in illness should be taken seriously.”

Taken seriously? For all we know, our brains are capable of orchestrating perfect health but we just don’t realize it. The truth is, we really don’t know how our bodies heal. Perhaps this is why some people are healed of cancer through chemotherapy and radiation while others are cured through diet and holistic therapies. Is it possible that whatever you believe will heal you is the route that will work for you — provided your expiration date on the planet hasn’t yet arrived?!

The newest healing science of epigenetics has us decoding our DNA to know which pharmaceutical prescriptions will flip our genetic switches this way or that to stay healthy and avoid disease. But if our bodies are designed to be self-healing, as we know they are, then there must be a way to flip those switches without the science and the pills. If you have the gene for turning on a disease, you also have the gene for turning it off. Somewhere the body makes a choice. Researchers are now exploring the idea that some genetic predisposition is learned behavior that flips the genetic switch. Do particular conditions run in families because they learn this behavior and pass it down in a multitude of invisible ways?

This issue of Spirit of Change features one voice after another affirming your role as the primary caretaker of your health. You can do this; your body was uniquely designed to heal and keep itself healthy far longer than we allow it to. Every person you meet and piece of information you read carries the potential to flip your switches into healing mode and create new neural pathways that can take you anywhere.

Carol Bedrosian is the publisher of Spirit of Change magazine. Meet her at the Natural Living Expo, November 12-13 in Marlboro, MA. www.spiritofchange.org.

See page 18 for important information on protecting holistic healthcare in Massachusetts.

8 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

STARSPEAK

BY ERIC D. LINTER

Astrological Forecast for Fall/Winter 2016

HEALING • GUIDANCE • INSIGHT

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything.” — Albert Einstein All readings done via phone or Skype For details visit NavitasCoach.com/spirit

(978) 987 6371 • andy@NavitasCoach.com 10 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

A

s a young student hungry for truth and spiritual knowledge, I learned about the connection between the natural elements and life. Fire corresponds to the animating life force, earth to the physical body, air to the mental processes and water to emotions. These principles are basics of many esoteric traditions, including astrology.

A look ahead to the autumn and winter skies reveals an emerging balance, major planets in the fire, earth, air and water signs. Uranus lights up fiery Aries. Pluto continues to make a slow trek through earthy Capricorn.

Their square alignment has for five long years shaken the status quo of businesses and governments around the world. News of influence peddling, corruption and the concentration of wealth and power in fewer and fewer hands are offshoots of this square.

It’s fair to say progressive causes have also been served. However powerful the celestial forces may be, they always hold the prospect of being used for good.

During the coming months Saturn forms a favorable

angle with Uranus. Bridges between the old and emerging orders will increase. Technological advances will be instrumental in solving many problems. Neptune in watery Pisces continues to occupy a supportive sextile to Pluto. Again, more enlightened and humane sensibilities will be strengthened.

There is another challenging angle to be aware of this fall, a square between Saturn and Neptune. This aspect breeds confusion, suspicion and mistrust. Err on the side of caution when it comes to judgment calls and making personal or professional commitments. Soon Jupiter will leave Virgo and enter airy Libra for a year-long stay. The theme of fairness, a level playing field, is not going away.

Environmental stewardship is a key first step towards healthcare for all peoples and our one true home, planet Earth. Whatever it takes, it is a cost we must bear or face dire consequences. It is those who pollute the air and waters needed to sustain life that must be stopped. As the shorter daylight hours of autumn take hold, let us each be a peaceful light and a strong voice leading the way to a safer world.

SEPTEMBER

A

powerful pre-dawn solar eclipse/new Moon in Virgo ushers in the month. This delicately balanced alignment is an opportunity to tune in on deeper levels, then make course corrections and get ready for a fresh start. With the Sun and Moon at odds with Neptune, Saturn and Mars, these corrections must be made. It could be an attitude adjustment, new job or changed political position. Before you jump in or out, get the relevant facts. Despite obstacles, progress is assured by the Sun’s trine with Pluto.

On Friday the 9th Jupiter enters Libra for a thirteen-month visit. The stresses of that day’s first quarter Moon in Sagittarius may for a few morning hours obscure the renewed emphasis on diplomacy, beauty and harmony. However, over the coming year those born under the sign of balance will benefit from Jupiter’s protective and prospering influence.

Saturn forms a troublesome square with Neptune during the morning of Saturday the 10th. This is a classic aspect of confusion, deceit and betrayal. Unfortunately it has been a key factor during this year’s political campaign season, adding to the climate of fear and outright lies. This aspect is now behind us and will continue to weaken in the coming months.

There are several other challenging alignments as the Moon waxes overhead. Guard against a misunderstanding the weekend of the 10th and 11th. Retrograde Mercury is in the thick of a square between the Virgo Sun and Mars. Our personal desires warrant closer scrutiny. Think before you act. The full Harvest Moon in Pisces is exact at 3:05pm on Friday the 16th. Let’s not forget that gratitude, as well as recreation, are essential parts of a healthy and fulfilling life.

Mental Mercury turns retrograde on Thursday the 22nd, the Autumnal Equinox.

This day marks the Sun’s entry into Libra, one of two days each year when the hours of sunlight equal the hours of darkness. It is time to look inward. Vision is penetrating as Mercury is aligned with Pluto. September ends with the new Moon in Libra, signaling the start of a fresh activity cycle.

OCTOBER

T

he first few days of the month are agreeable in many ways. On the 1st Venus’ trine with Neptune provides a breath of fresh, love-filled air. Affections deepen. Practical matters are advanced by the Sun’s sextile with diligent Saturn on Tuesday the 4th. Make decisions then. Some relationships flourish around this date but others can be beset by disagreements, petty jealousies or broken promises. The Libra Sun’s square with Pluto could occasion an accounting on Friday the 7th. Play fair and be nice.

The holiday weekend has its tense moments but ends on a promising note. With a waxing Moon and mixed planetary trends, the mid-month period moves in stops and starts. High hopes may be temporarily dashed on the 13th but be ready for Friday’s rebound, followed by more challenges. Early Saturday morning, the 15th, the Libra Sun makes a tricky opposition to Uranus, the planet of surprises. Use caution on the motorways as Mercury’s square with Pluto, exact later the same day, may easily cause a lack of perspective. The Aries full Moon tops things off that night.

Exact at 12:23AM Sunday, the Hunter’s Moon is closely conjunct Uranus. This is the stuff of earthquakes, thunder, and lightning-quick changes. Landscapes and alliances may change in an instant. Epiphanies and spiritual breakthroughs are possible. Be prepared for aftershocks around the 19th and 20th. Revolutionary and progressive movements could receive a significant boost this week.

Saturday the 22nd is another busy day. The edgy last quarter Moon in Cancer dominates the afternoon. A few hours later the Sun enters Scorpio. This next stage of the zodiac sees attention turn inward while the daylight hours decrease, temperatures cool and autumn winds send falling leaves scurrying. The sensation of being buffeted by uncontrollable events grows during the last week of October. Faith is also strengthened but drive with extra care as the weekend nears. The risk of an accident is high on Friday the 28th, especially after noon. The Moon, new in Scorpio on Sunday the 30th, casts little light on Halloween, a suitably spooky evening.

NOVEMBER

I

maginations are on fire with the Sun trining mystical Neptune on the 1st. Minds and hearts stay open and agile through the first week of the month. On Election Day results may be skewed for any number of reasons. As polls close Tuesday evening

Continued on page 12

www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 11

FALL/WINTER ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST Continued from page 11

the Moon in Pisces is conjunct Neptune, making it difficult to know exactly what has happened. In “mundane astrology” the Moon represents the general public. Neptune is associated with deception and fraud. Expect some controversy.

With Mars, Venus and Mercury all changing signs between the 9th and 11th, life may seem to be in a state of flux. The Moon is also growing full, culminating at 8:52AM on Monday the 14th with the full Beaver Moon in Taurus. This full Moon highlights resources, as well as the storage and sharing of them during the coming winter months.

On Monday the 21st the Sun and Leo Moon are at odds, forming a last quarter square during the wee hours of the morning. Without meaningful compromises satisfaction will be hard to come by. That afternoon the Sun moves into Sagittarius, signaling the start of the busy holiday travel season. Mercury’s sextile to Jupiter on Tuesday the 22nd facilitates the movement of ideas as well as cars, trains and planes. This week it’s better to travel sooner rather than later. A conjunction between the Winged Messenger and Saturn on Wednesday is likely to bring long waits.

Thanksgiving Day unfolds under a Libra Moon. Jupiter’s late afternoon tiff with Pluto could occasion some prickly exchanges. Use tact if you wish to be heard. Mostly mellow vibes dominate the remainder of the holiday weekend.

The Sagittarius new Moon on the morning of Tuesday the 29th ignites a new round of activity but enthusiasm is tempered by Neptune. Keep less fortunate folks in mind during the upcoming holidays and your personal stars will shine brightly.

DECEMBER

T

he somewhat unusual pattern of a major planetary alignment the first day of the month continues with a fervent trine between Mars and Jupiter. Spirits are high and ambitions are great as the month gets off to a solid start. Momentum builds. On Saturday the 3rd, Mars aligns with tenacious Saturn. “It is the courage to continue that counts,” noted the English statesman, Winston Churchill. Continuing becomes easier and more

12 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

exhilarating when Mars sextiles Uranus on Tuesday the sixth. Allow serendipity to enter into your life. Explore new pathways. More adventures lie ahead.

The Sagittarius Sun makes a fine sextile to Jupiter on Friday the 9th. A delightful social evening or weekend getaway could be on the schedule. Holiday parties are sure to sparkle with the Sun well aligned with Uranus. On Tuesday the 13th the full Cold Moon in Gemini is exact at 7:05PM. The travel bug is contagious. Religious and spiritual interests are at a peak. If possible, finalize travel plans by the 18th.

Early on the morning of Monday the 19th, Mercury begins a three-week long retrograde. The Winged Messenger is conjunct Pluto in Capricorn and in trine to the Virgo Moon. There’s still time to make decisions and last minute plans but complications quickly ensue. Tuesday’s stars can put a wrinkle in even the most thoughtful strategy.

The Sun enters Capricorn and winter officially begins at 5:45AM on Wednesday, December 21st. With the Winter Solstice the Sun’s light gradually returns. Thursday the 22nd is an incredibly busy day. Expect throngs of people to be on the move, doing last minute holiday errands. On Saturday the 24th Saturn forms the first of three exact trines with Uranus. This exciting aspect is an evolutionary bridge between worlds — connecting the old and new, conservative and progressive, the tried and true to the uncharted. The 25th sees Venus playing cosmic ringleader. The Goddess of Love And Beauty is in excellent alignments with Jupiter, Uranus and Saturn. Expect broad smiles all around on this otherwise mellow day.

Monday sees Jupiter form a powerful opposition to Uranus. Feelings of restlessness and irreverence are prevalent. Prevailing beliefs and attitudes are questioned. A search for truth could turn up some interesting information. The new Moon in Capricorn occurs on Thursday the 29th. Nourished by Neptune, many spiritual quests are initiated this week. Creative juices are also flowing. Uranus returns to forward motion that same morning. Support from like-minded people hastens everyone’s progress and productivity.

New Year’s Eve finds fiery Mars moving into a conjunction with Neptune. Stay safe!

This is a risky combination. A misstep or overconsumption of food and drink can lead to regrettable results.

JANUARY

H

appy New Year! The year and month begin with an early morning conjunction between Mars and Neptune. In a best case scenario this is an omen of dreams come true. On the other hand this aspect can present considerable difficulties due to bad judgment and/or intoxication. Late night revelers are advised to play it safe. Call a car service if you are under the influence. The rest of New Year’s Day features more promising alignments. Enjoy comfortable holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Venus’ approaching conjunction with the lunar South Node as well as Mercury’s retrograde prompt a good deal of reflection. Encounters with long lost spiritual family members are probable. Recognize these folks by an immediate sense of familiarity upon meeting. On Friday evening, the 6th, get-togethers are especially intense and warm. The Taurus Moon is in harmony with loving Venus and the Sun conjuncts Pluto. It’s a great night for candlelit dinners, parties and truth-telling sessions.

Mercury’s retrograde ends on Sunday the 8th. This could be an opportune time to dispense with an unfinished business matter. Chaotic forces come into play during the early part of the week. The Capricorn Sun is testing unpredictable Uranus and Jupiter, and the Moon is waxing full. Political and religious figures are likely to take extreme positions. The full Wolf Moon in Cancer is exact at 6:34AM on Thursday the 12th. Instability persists as the opposing Sun and Moon form a cardinal cross with the opposing duo of Jupiter and Uranus. Mix pragmatism with idealism and push on. A mysterious, love-filled atmosphere is calming and all encompassing that evening when Venus joins forces with Neptune. A six-day period of relative quiet follows.

On Thursday the 19th Mars is at odds with Saturn. Self-control is a must. The Sun enters Aquarius the same afternoon and winter’s deepest cold is upon us. The latter part of the month is fairly mellow, seeing moods fluctuate almost daily. A square between Venus and Saturn at the time of the Aquarius new Moon on Friday the 27th indicates the future of a friendship could be in question. Mars enters Aries on the 28th, providing an early taste of springtime energy.

FEBRUARY

F

or the first time since April there is no major planetary alignment on the 1st of the month. There is however, a morning square between Mercury and Jupiter on Thursday the 2nd. This is stimulating enough to jolt sleepy heads and groundhogs into full waking consciousness. Jupiter, the planet of faith and optimism, is slowing. The goodnatured giant of our solar system turns retrograde on Monday the 6th. Mental Mercury slips into Aquarius the following day. Expect many folks to rethink and take new positions on various matters. More shifts are coming and we must be ready to adapt.

The full Snow Moon in Leo on Friday the 10th is also a lunar eclipse. Plans made prior to an eclipse typically don’t go as we think they will but with support from Jupiter and Uranus, everything turns out well in the end.

The Sun’s trine with Jupiter on Saturday the 11th is a delightful omen for a weekend retreat or daytime excursion. The Sun is also on good terms with Saturn. The two stars form a sextile just after midnight on Valentine’s Day. This stabilizing angle fosters trust and security. Moods grow restive during the evening. Lunch with your lovey dove could be the high point of the day.

The Sun arrives in mysterious and creative Pisces on Saturday the 18th, a celestial promise that spring is indeed on the way. Notice the lengthening hours of daylight.

Shifting shadows and color patterns this time of year always seem to coincide with more active dream states.

Be circumspect around the 21st. Mixed trends caution against speaking too bluntly or giving away valuable information. The Pisces new Moon on Sunday the 26th evokes deep longings for a gentler and kinder world. These yearnings are made more passionate by a conjunction of Mars and Uranus. Be careful around mechanical devices.

Watch your temper. This new Moon seems to say, “Yes, life is fragile but at the same time, magical.” Compassion and understanding provide comfort and inspire our best efforts.

Eric Linter offers a complete range of astrological services including readings, classes and his “On Top of the Stars Monthly Guide” for making inspired career and personal decisions.

Contact Eric at www.ericlinter.com and read his daily forecast on the Spirit of Change homepage at www.spiritofchange.org. Meet Eric at the Natural Living Expo on Saturday, November 12 at 4:30 for his workshop “Making Astrological Sense of the 2016 Election.” www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 13

EARTH TALK

Hawaii is home to lush, year-round agriculture, and now also the site of legal battles about genetically engineered crops.

E-THE ENVIRONMENTAL MAGAZINE

Your Environmental Questions Answered Hawaii’s fight against GMOs will set national precedents.

Dear EarthTalk: Why do environmentalists consider Hawaii “ground zero” in the fight against genetically engineered crops? — Michael Van, Poughkeepsie, NY

M

ost of us think of beaches, surfing and luaus when we think of Hawaii. But the constantly warm and moist climate actually provides some of the most productive land in the world with a never-ending growing season. As a result, Hawaii has become a major player in commercial agriculture, and is frequently used to test new farming techniques.

Large agricultural companies moved in on this productivity by using Hawaii for trials of new genetically engineered (GE) crops. Monsanto and DOW Chemical both produce huge numbers of genetically modified seeds in Hawaii for distribution around the world. Some of Hawaii’s more common GE crops include corn, sugarcane, and papaya, among others.

But not everyone appreciates how widespread GE 14 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

crops are in Hawaii. Many local Hawaiians are upset that their homeland, otherwise a natural paradise, is used for such risky activities. Most GE crops are designed to resist intensive chemical pesticides that kill most other plants.

Around the state, vulnerable populations including kids and the elderly have suffered the effects of this type of chemical exposure resulting from the over-spraying of pesticides.

These issues aren’t unique to Hawaii. People all over the world are increasingly wary of GE products, even as the chemical companies insist they are safe. However, the information on long-term effects is still inconclusive.

Consumers want to know what’s in their purchases.

Chemical companies are denying them this right by refusing to label those products containing genetically modified ingredients.

Unfortunately, the state of Hawaii has hesitated to enact any legislation banning some of their most lucrative business ventures. Responsibility has fallen to the counties. Three Hawaiian counties initiated ordinances and moratoriums against additional GE crops and

pesticide use in 2014. However, large companies like Monsanto and Syngenta sued to prevent these measures from being implemented, temporarily postponing these bans. While they did win their initial suit in late 2014, the counties have appealed the decision through the federal 9th circuit court of appeals in a trial that started this past June. The cases hinge on the concept of preemption, i.e. does the county legislation conflict with state rulings? The counties believe that the state’s acceptance of genetically engineered products does not mean that the counties cannot implement their own harsher regulations.

Whichever way the federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decides will set an important precedent. If the court decides the federal law allowing GE products preempts the rights of the Hawaiian counties, any future GE bans would likely experience a similar ruling.

However, the converse is also true. The judge allowing the counties to construct their own regulations regarding genetic engineering would pave the way for other counties and states to do the same. The cases will hopefully be resolved before the end of 2016. Safe to say, Hawaiians, chemical and agricultural companies and the rest of the nation will be watching.

CONTACTS: DOW Chemical, www.dow.com; Monsanto, www.monsanto.com; Syngenta, www.syngenta.com.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of the nonprofit Earth Action Network. To donate, visit www.earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

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FOUNDATION

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 15

POWER UP

BY HILDE LARSEN

Be in charge of your

life &health I

was driven by what I believed I was supposed to do and how I was supposed to act. I believed what I was told by authorities about what was good for me and what was not. I am sure you know what I mean when I say I cared too much what others thought of me, as I tried to fit in and be accepted by the crowd. I wanted to please and to be acknowledged by others and I lost my power in doing so.

When everything fell apart and my body was too sick to function, truth revealed itself to me. A long process of letting go of old conditioning started. I could see clearly that I had been giving away my inner power and that I had not been true to myself. My wanting to please and perform had kept me from living an authentic heart-felt life in peace with myself and Creation.

To be the one who is making all the decisions and who is in charge and on top of everything must be fantastic! We all want that, right? Well, yes and no.

What does it mean to take full responsibility for our lives and why do most of us not?

From simply living in the Western world, having been born and raised in a society that breeds followers, we are conditioned to follow. We are conditioned to give away our power to an outside authority. When we are not feeling good we go to the doctor. We want someone to take charge and make us feel better. Sometimes calling on those that have an expertise is absolutely necessary, but that is the exception.

To take responsibility does not mean to never seek help or guidance. No man is an island and together we are stronger. Yet when your body is not functioning optimally or any other part of your life is not running smoothly, it is your business. There is never anyone to blame for your experiences; you are the one living with your choices.

When you take charge, you own your whole life — past, present and future. You can change the future by changing your perception of the past. By taking responsibility for the past, a shift happens. You become the authority instead of giving that power to someone else. Every time you give someone the opportunity to change your emotions, you are giving them power, making them the boss. It does not matter what the situation is, was, or what you believe it will be. It’s all about you. You are the most powerful being in your life, the one that holds the key to what you experience and how to change it.

Think of it this way. If only one person could be responsible for everything that you experience, wouldn’t you like yourself to be the one in charge? Once I realized that I was the one that had created the situations in my life, I saw that only I could choose to change them.

Tips on how to take charge of your life 1. Make a choice. Decide that you are the boss of your life and that only you can do what is needed to live the life you want. Once you make a decision, stick with it and keep your focus.

Give yourself time, be patient and know that everything is going to be ok.

Signs that you are in charge of your life You know that to change anything in your life, it is you that has to change. Your health becomes your own responsibility. Educating yourself and thinking for yourself become priorities. Being true to yourself first becomes natural. You make choices based on your own inner guidance and research. What other people think is no longer of importance. You have a strong sense of who you are and where you are going. Fear is no longer the driving force of your life. You take action towards your goals. You have no need to follow anyone, blame anyone or point fingers at anyone. Being the boss of your own life feels like true freedom. You never feel like a victim. You realize how amazing you are just being you.

4. Take action. Every transformation requires action. We can think all the positive thoughts we want, but without action there is no progress. Get going and once you take a stand and know what you want, walk towards it and do not be afraid of failure. Act like you mean it.

5. Be your own cheerleader. Be your own best friend and support. Speak highly of yourself and think empowering thoughts. Eliminate any complaining and be proud that you are taking charge and being the boss of your life. Once you see how valuable you are, you will also see the same in others. This means you can be a great support for them as well.

6. Let go of the past. Letting go of anything that is holding you back will make a huge shift in your ability to move forward. The past has no bearing on the future or the now if you do not carry it with you. When the past is obstructing your flow, it’s like carrying heavy luggage filled with something you do not want to own. Once you are free from these burdens of past experiences, freedom will empower you to make better decisions in the now.

2. Be the authority. We are so used to listening to others that hearing your own voice can be hard. Let go of needing everybody’s opinion and validation; listen more to your own inner knowing. This does not mean that you will not need advice and guidance, but keep your power and trust your own intuition.

7. Start today! The only time and the best time is always now. Procrastination takes you nowhere; it is merely a resistance to change. Analyze why you would resist doing what needs to be done and work on setting goals for your life and your health today.

3. Get educated. It is important to do your own research about any topic that involves your life. There are so many opinions and so much information out there, only you can find what resonates with you. You are the one that will live the outcome of every decision you make, so make sure you are in charge of it.

Hilde Larsen is an author, journalist and certified health and wellness coach who spends her time between Norway and Florida exploring health, healing and the human connection to nature. After years of being bedridden with severe chronic diseases, she is inspiring many to take back their power. Visit inspiredbyhilde.com.

16 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 17

Take Action Now To Prevent Restrictions Against Massachusetts Bodyworkers SB 2461

is a draconian bill that seeks to mandate the licensure of all bodyworkers in MA and prohibit the use of the title “bodywork” by practitioners without the new license. There are thousands of practitioners from a wide array of disciplines such as Reiki, Qi Gong, Trager and many more, who would fall under the jurisdiction of this new bill, and who are practicing in MA, providing much desired healing to consumers.

The bill is being promoted as an anti-human trafficking bill and has many sections in the bill that have nothing to do with licensing of bodywork, however these two topics have been merged into one bill and it is giving the impression that bodywork has something to do with human trafficking more than other professions and persons in the culture. This bill should be stopped immediately. Read the full text of the bill at https://malegislature.gov/ Bills/189/Senate/S2461/History.

There is no basis for requiring complementary and alternative health care practitioners to be state licensed with state mandated educational requirements. We need your help in vigorously opposing this licensing attempt. The MA Senate passed the bill on July 23, 2016 [Yeas 40 to Nays 0] and the House referred the bill to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing on July 28, 2016, which is where the bill, entitled An Act to strengthen the anti-human trafficking law, remains.

Massachusetts already has a very good massage law that allows bodyworkers to be exempt from licensure requirements. S.B. 2461 is an attempt to create a new and burdensome licensing law for these currently exempt practitioners and force them to obtain a bodywork license instead.

The bill defines bodywork very broadly covering many common practices including: Feldenkrais Method, reflexology, Trager Approach, Ayurvedic therapies, Rolf Structural Integration, Polarity therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, acupressure, Jin Shin Do, qi gong, tui na, shiatsu, body-mind centering and Reiki.

To become licensed under the bill, a person would need to practice under the jurisdiction of a state board and show, among other things: proof of completion of a course of study consisting of at least 500 classroom hours, professional liability coverage, and demonstrate professional competence as determined by the board – which the bill creates. Licensure renewal requirements will also be set by the board through its rule and regulation-making authority.

The bill’s burdensome requirements will cause practitioners to close their practices and thereby reduce the number of practitioners providing the services covered by the bill. It will raise the cost for consumers to access these services by those who choose to get licensed. This is not a good solution for MA citizens and it will not solve the problem of human trafficking, which the bill supporters claim it is attempting to address.

18 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

What you can do 1. Automatically send a message to your personal legislators in the Massachusetts House and Senate and to all members of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing from this website: http://org.salsalabs.com/o/850/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=20225 2. Call each member of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and leave a message with their staff asking the legislator to vote no on S.B. 2461. A sample message could say: “Please vote No on SB 2461, the anti-human trafficking law, which seeks to license bodyworkers, when it comes up for a vote in the Health Care Financing Committee. I oppose SB 2461 because it threatens my ability to access the natural health practitioners of my choice.”

Or “I oppose SB 2461 because there is no constitutional basis to regulate bodyworkers, since the state has failed to demonstrate that the practices under the bill rise to the level of harm requiring state regulation.” Begin your calls with Senate Vice Chair and sponsor of SB 2461 Mark C. Montigny: 617-722-1440.

Other Senate members of the Committee include: James T. Welch: .....................617-722-1660 Michael J. Barrett: .................617-722-1572 Linda Dorcena Forry: ..........617-722-1150

Brian A. Joyce: .......................617-722-2643 Barbara L’Italien: ...................617-722-1612 Bruce E. Tarr: .........................617-722-1600

Visit https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J24 for a complete list of Committee members and their phone numbers.

3. Arrange a meeting with your personal legislators to discuss your opposition to S.B. 2461 face-to-face. Meet with them at the capitol or in your district at their local office or a local coffee shop. If you don’t know who represents you, you can identify them at https://malegislature.gov/People/Search 4. Stay in touch with NHFA (National Health Freedom Action) for updates on the bill and for ways to support Health Freedom legislation in MA at www.nationalhealthfreedom.org.

5. Support Health Freedom Action Massachusetts (www.hfama.org), a grassroots, non-profit, 501c4 group in MA working to pass S.B. 1136, a strong consumer access and protection bill that would protect access to all complementary and alternative health care practitioners.

Visit the Spirit of Change website at www.spiritofchange.org to read a hyperlinked copy of this alert for easy follow up to take action. Read also a plain language summary analysis of SB 2461 that highlights the items in the bill that would potentially impact the freedom to practice for bodyworkers of all kinds in Massachusetts.

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 19

Vani

AND THE FOOD REVOLUTION

An interview with The Food Babe by Spirit of Change publisher Carol Bedrosian

F

or better or for worse, social media has changed the way the world communicates. From the Arab Spring to Black Lives Matter to corporate pushback against LGBT discrimination, social media has proved itself to be the undisputed champion in mobilizing social change by harnessing the collective power of millions of individuals.

Vani Hari, also known as The Food Babe, discovered first hand the extraordinary power of social media when she launched her blog foodbabe.com in 2011 to educate others about the hidden toxins in our food. While her own passion about the topic inspired her to contact food company CEOs to ask them to change their product formulations, she never expected that her blogging about it and urging others to do the same would galvanize a consumer food revolution, but it has.

Through her national bestselling book, The Food Babe Way, and blog, a virtual army of consumers is being empowered to take back their health and hold food corporations accountable for their actions, including Kraft, Chick-Fil-A, General Mills and many more. Vani was named one of the Most Influential People On The Internet

by Time magazine and has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show and Good Morning America, among others, and is a regular food expert on CNN. 20 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Carol Bedrosian: How did you get involved in food activism?

Vani Hari: I grew up on the standard American diet. I had two immigrant Indian parents that came here knowing nothing about the American food system. They were used to their mothers making everything from scratch, using ingredients from the garden, whole fruits and vegetables, lots of spices, little to no meat, dairy that came from the cow that the village shared, and that ate off the land. They were used to a very different lifestyle back in India.

When they came here they really wanted to adopt the American lifestyle and fit in because of all the opportunities here in America, so they let me and my brother eat basically whatever we wanted — junk food. Because that food was very cheap and my parents were both struggling teachers, they let us eat that food as much as possible; it was cheap, readily available and it was what the other kids on the block were eating and I really wanted to fit in.

As a result I had a lot of health issues as a child that I thought were genetic because my brother also had them — eczema, asthma, allergies. It wasn’t until my early twenties when I hit rock bottom and gained a lot of weight while in a very stressful job, that I really

Continued on page 22

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 21

THE FOOD BABE REVOLUTION Continued from page 20

started to explore this idea that what I was eating actually could be causing all of these health issues in my body. I was in and out of doctor’s offices for most of my life and when we went and saw the doctors they would say, “Here’s a prescription drug.” They never asked me about what I was eating.

So I started to channel this energy into figuring out how to take back control of my health. I had become fed up. During high school when I was a debater, I learned how to research. Back then we didn’t have Google, so you had to go to actual libraries and law libraries and photocopy evidence and look at the microfiche and look through all these really big journals and periodicals and dig deep to find evidence for your case.

One year’s debate topic was health care and I remember realizing how screwed up the health care system was because what we really had was sick care in this country, not preventive health care. I used all that information in high school to win debate rounds but I didn’t really use it towards my own health. So when I went through this crisis in my early twenties, I started to remember that there is a different way to take care of my health. The first thing I did was go to the library and research nutrition and check out the biggest, baddest books I could find on the topic.

“When consumers see a QR code or a 1-800 number, they will know automatically that these companies are using GMOs and also trying to hide them, so they shouldn’t trust these companies. In order for us to continue to buy their products, we have to trust the food companies.”

One of the books that I came across was Gabriel Cousens’ Spiritual Nutrition and then another of his books called Conscious Eating. These became my bible in terms of how to eat. He is the first one that introduced me to the concept that the majority of the food I had been eating for most of my life was dead food, completely void of nutrition.

Once I discovered that, I started to investigate what I actually had been eating. What are all these different chemicals that make up the hundred-ingredient sandwich at Chick-Fil-A or the nineteen or so ingredients in McDonald’s french fries? What are those chemicals and what are they doing to the body? When I started to research that just for my own curiosity, I was shocked. I found out the FDA had not reviewed many of these chemicals.

They had no studies on the majority of these chemicals, that 3,000 of the 10,000 additives that have been approved over the last 50 years have never actually been reviewed by the FDA, that many of these chemicals were banned all over the globe, such as in Europe and in other places where they have a precautionary principle in looking out for the safety of their citizens before profits, unlike we do here in America. All this was so maddening, I found I couldn’t shut up about the things I was learning about the American food system.

At the same time my body and my health started to do a dramatic 180. I went from someone on eight prescription drugs to zero, completely lost all of the weight I had gained, and was able to maintain my weight year after year without dieting. My skin completely cleared up, I had no asthma anymore, I started to achieve a level of athleticism I never had before in my life. I started to have energy that I never thought was possible and more energy than I had when I was a kid.

My friends, family and coworkers saw these changes happening and they said, “I want a piece of what you’re having. I want to know what you are doing.” So they started to ask a lot of questions and I started to share and eventually they convinced me to start a blog. That’s how foodbabe.com was born in 2011. Two of my family members became very sick. My mother-in-law actually died of ovarian cancer less than a year before I started the blog and my dad also got diagnosed with cancer. It propelled me to be more passionate about sharing this information because at this point I had decided to eat preventively to prevent any of these skin issues or the asthma from returning and also to avoid health issues in the future. Because I felt so great, I never wanted to feel again the 22 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

way I used to feel and I knew there was a better way for so many others out there.

Carol Bedrosian: So when did it turn from your personal health interest to contacting major food corporations to get them to change their policies and their ingredients?

Vani Hari: As soon as I started blogging, I realized there is a community of people out there that were as outraged as I was and I started to build this community online through social media. People were saying, “Oh, I felt that way too,” or “I had a hunch this food was labeled healthy, but was not really.” They had been duped the same way that I had and they were stunned at the information that I was uncovering.

For example, what’s in Chipotle. Back then, Chipotle wasn’t non-GMO. It was full of GMOs and artificial ingredients and preservatives and when I discovered that kind of information for people, they were shocked. So they read and they became a dedicated community of activists who read my blog and also called companies and contacted them. That is something that I could never have predicted. When I outed a local yogurt company in the Southeast that was advertising organic yogurt but then putting all sorts of artificial additives on top of the organic milk that they were using, what happened was so beautiful. So many people contacted the company with such a big response that the CEO contacted me and pulled the marketing.

At that point I was still working in the corporate world, still had a job, and this was just

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a hobby. This was my passion outside of work. I actually gave up television so I could find time to blog after work. And it was that one moment when the CEO contacted me that I thought, hmmm, this is really powerful and interesting so maybe I should continue to hold these companies accountable for this kind of misleading marketing and also expose what’s actually in some of the stuff that we thought was healthy for so long.

One of the most famous blog posts I wrote was “Chemical Filet or Chick-Fil-A.” There are one hundred ingredients in a Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich. People never even thought to look at the ingredients in their sandwich. They just thought it was the healthier, safer, cleaner fast food, but they were using the same chemicals and ingredients as McDonald’s.

Many people were very upset when they found this out and it sparked an enormous change by the company. They invited me to their headquarters and hired me as a consultant to teach them about what consumers want and what was most important to us. I told them the most important thing is to have meat not raised with antibiotics because it can create superbugs in the environment and can, frankly, wipe out the human race. And they did it. A year and a half later they made a commitment to do that and they’re one of the only fast food chains that’s made such a dramatic commitment before anybody else.

Continued on page 24

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THE FOOD BABE REVOLUTION Continued from page 23

Carol Bedrosian: What are some of the other companies that you have contacted and worked with who have changed the ingredients in their products?

Vani Hari: There’s been dozens now, which is really humbling to say because I couldn’t have imagined just starting a blog could change an entire multi-billion dollar industry.

Everyone from Kraft to Hershey’s to Nestle to Kellogg to General Mills to Starbucks, Anheiser Busch, Miller, Coors — we’ve touched just about every part of the big food industry with the campaigns and the information that’s been shared on foodbabe.com about these very iconic products that Americans have trusted over so many years.

It’s really just sharing the truth about how our food is made, how it’s produced and why certain chemicals are there, how they’ve been invented largely to improve profits, not for any nutritional reason. Knowing this information has really armed consumers with knowledge on how to eat. Consumers are looking for real food now, and you see the surge in the amount of organic and non-GMO foods that are available.

Here’s a really great example of the snowball effect that can happen. When I started a petition against Kraft to remove Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 from their Kraft Macaroni and Cheese product, it sparked a revolution around artificial food dyes. Since that campaign, not only has Kraft removed artificial food dyes that are linked to hyperactivity in children, but they also have inspired other companies to do the same. General Mills is taking it out of their cereals and many of their foods like Fruit By The Foot and Fruit

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“Gabriel Cousens, author of Spiritual Nutrition and Conscious Eating, introduced me to the concept that the majority of the food I had been eating for most of my life was dead food, completely void of nutrition.”

Roll Ups. Kellogg’s is removing it from their cereals. You’ve got Hershey’s and Nestle and Mars. Skittles will no longer be artificially dyed.

There’s a huge revolution happening. Once consumers become aware about certain ingredients, they start to demand changes across the board and it sparks an awareness that is pretty incredible to watch. Somebody will learn about Yellow #5 in Macaroni and Cheese and say, “Well I found Yellow #5 in my Doritos that I give my kids in their lunchbox. I don’t want to give that to them anymore.” That sparks change.

Carol Bedrosian: What do you think of the new federal GMO labeling law?

Vani Hari: It’s a complete sham and it just shows how corrupt our Congress and our lawmakers are. But what’s important to realize is that this new law that’s probably going to be enacted will only require companies to use a QR code or a 1-800 number, instead of actually on package labeling like they do in so many other countries. It discriminates against minorities and under privileged people because you have to have a smart phone to know what’s in your food. That’s not democracy.

But what it also is going to do, is it’s going to backfire on companies that decide to use QR codes or these 1-800 numbers. When consumers see a QR code or a 1-800 number, they should know automatically that these companies are using GMOs and they’re also trying to hide them, so they shouldn’t trust these companies. There’s a lot of distrust happening in the food industry so it doesn’t help that they’ve lobbied Congress for these very sneaking kind of compromise measures that have now been passed in the Senate.

It’s not going to help overall consumer trust. They need to know that in order for us to continue to buy their products, we have to trust the food companies. These are our bodies, this is the food that we are feeding our families and if they are going to hide the fact that they are using genetically engineered ingredients, consumers will not trust them. It’s up to us activists to continue to educate consumers about these kind of shady practices in the food industry. Food is universal to our survival.

For peacemaking and Forgiveness Prayers please visit Howard Wills at www.howardwills.com

24 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Vani Hari is a food activist and the creator of FoodBabe.com. Meet Vani in person at the Natural Living Expo on Saturday, November 12 in Marlboro, MA. See program guide insert.

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Seven Home Design Elements To Help Children Learn Language

By Beth Mahar and Susan Eliason

2. Noise Level

hildren’s language development can be enhanced through home design. Families can evaluate how their home supports speaking and listening for both children and adults. Many design solutions can be identified and economically implemented that enhance language development. Consider the following seven home design elements and solutions. The key is to consider each element and to try to allow for it to occur some of the time.

Noise level impacts listening skills making it hard to understand what other people are saying when they speak, and can disrupt conversations, sleep, and concentration.

How can home design minimize noise while supporting wanted sounds? Methods for reducing noise penetration into a home are the same as those used for creating energy efficient homes: insulation in the walls and ceilings, and sealing cracks and openings to minimize air penetration.

Noise can be either lessened at its source, absorbed by objects before it reaches the listener, masked by preferred sounds, or cancelled by equipment which changes the sounds.

Soft furniture, floor coverings, window treatments, and wall hangings, such as a decorative quilt, absorb noise and keep it from bouncing around. Nooks can be created for quiet concentration or conversations. Headphones or speakers in chairs can direct media sounds to only those who want to hear them.

C

1. Interaction When children interact with others through conversations — listening and replying, asking questions, and initiating dialogue — they are learning language. In the home, children’s interactions can occur throughout the day: awakening, toileting, washing, dressing, eating, playing, reading, working, bathing, and at bedtime.

To enhance these daily interactions consider a table with high-backed chairs enclosing an eating space to create a place for focused communication. Try opening the kitchen to other areas so that interactions can occur throughout food preparation and clean-up. Have a portable stool handy for a child to see and be part of what is going on.

Play is critical to language development. For young children, being able to freely move their bodies helps them interact with others. Children integrate what they see, hear, and feel into themselves, trying out new words and actions. Consider providing a space for free-form movement with minimal obstacles, non-slip flooring, and limited fragile objects.

26 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

3. Natural Elements Wood, stone, sunlight, plants, water, and animals stimulate the senses of sight, sound, feel and smell. Vegetation, either in the home or visible from windows, is important to children’s well being. Natural elements enhance the development of speaking and listening by supporting creative play, social interaction, concentration, stress reduction, and sleep.

Consider creating access to the outdoors and window views of greenery. Cultivate indoor plants. Maximize natural light. Use stone and wood surfaces. Allow natural sounds

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 27

to filter in — wind blowing, water trickling, birds chirping. Provide areas of warmth and coolness; hard and soft elements; and fresh and natural smells. Even pictures of natural elements can provide meaningful connections to nature.

4. Privacy To develop a sense of self, children need privacy — being out of the sight and hearing of others, and freedom from intrusion. People need a place to rest, store their possessions, invite people to join them, and feel safe. Privacy enhances speaking and listening because it provides a space to practice skills and try out new actions without outside judgment, listen and participate at will, express feelings, and daydream.

The need for privacy develops and changes during childhood. A home can be flexible by including alcoves and extra spaces, near public spaces, where children can listen to conversations in one’s own world. When play areas are located close to parts of the homes used by adults, young children enjoy being able to hear and see adults. Ideally, a home will balance the opportunity to interact with others and provide sufficient space for people to feel comfortable.

Controlling a space is a fundamental element of privacy. Furniture arrangement can create privacy, such as pulling a sofa away from a wall for a private play space. Draping a sheet over a table, turning a closet into a fort, cutting openings in a large cardboard box, and adding adjustable screens are flexible ways to create private spaces.

5. Sleep Good quality sleep is essential for learning and growth, and thus, language learning. The National Sleep Foundation1 analyzed sleep needs based on our five senses. To achieve good quality sleep, they recommend reducing caffeine and fatty food consumption several hours before bedtime, adding the aroma of lavender, weekly laundering of sheets, a clutter-free space with a made bed, temperature of 60 to 67° F, and all light eliminated or minimized by using room-darkening shades and placing night lights in bathrooms or hallways. For people over ten years old, loud noises are especially disturbing and can be masked with white noise machines, fans, and air purifiers.

Sleeping patterns have changed over time and vary culturally. Often many people would share the same sleeping area, and children, especially infants, slept with their mothers. Co-sleeping is becoming more accepted in the United States and is typical in many cultures. A sleeping space does not necessarily mean a separate, private space.

6. Caregiver Support Designing a living environment for a child’s learning is most effective when it meets the needs of the child’s caregiver, too. This includes the ability to supervise children while doing other activities, ease of maintenance, time and space to rest, refresh, and interact with other adults, accessibility and self-sufficiency, and safety features. Everyone benefits from the home design elements listed above. Talking or interacting is how adults play, relax, develop ideas, and connect. If the noise level is too high, these things are difficult to do. Adults also replenish and recharge through natural elements, privacy and sleep. Caregivers help children grow and thrive, and to do this fully, they need to be able to grow and thrive, too.

In addition to caring for children, caregivers are also often the ones responsible for maintaining the home, preparing the meals, and other important tasks. How can home design support caregivers?

We seem to acquire quite a bit of stuff. Ideally, it would be great to keep stuff from coming into our homes. Once inside, the key is to dispose of, recycle, or store it in an accessible place. The more things we have, the more places we need to put them. So before we even think about design, it is helpful to think about our stuff: why we have it, what would it be like if we did not have it, what do we truly need.

It is enlightening to see the variety of ways a child plays with an empty, large cardboard 28 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

box: getting inside it, pretending it’s a house, a vehicle, hiding in it, hiding things in it, drawing on it, turning it into an oven, etc. How many toys do children need? How many things do adults need? Reducing stuff helps in many ways. It means that a home can be designed for people and not for storing stuff, so that a home can be smaller while being less crowded. It means that it is easier to clean and keep organized.

If the cooking area or work area overlooks an eating area and a play area, then the caregiver can supervise while preparing food or doing other tasks. An open floor plan helps caregivers supervise activities.

Since we are all “temporarily able,” a home should allow for residents and visitors of differing abilities. This includes children who are much shorter than adults and may not comprehend all of the hazards in a home. What would a home look like that is truly accessible to everyone? Have our modern conveniences made our houses safer or not?

Accessibility enables self-sufficiency. Children have an innate drive to learn to do things on their own: dress themselves, use the toilet, feed themselves, obtain objects, and more. A home designed to facilitate this also supports the caregiver. People in many countries use squat toilets, which children can use on their own.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has safety tips for each room of a home2. Some safety issues to consider: securing stairs and windows, covering electrical outlets, locking away hazardous materials. Some common, air-cleansing, and safe indoor plants are the Gerber daisy and a spider plant. Exercising, yoga, and meditation can be done with and near children, allowing the caregiver to replenish and recharge while supervising.

7. Culture Language and culture intertwine. Culture supports all literacy skills and is essential for the development of language. Culture will prioritize the use and importance of these individual home design elements specific to each group. For example, privacy norms are culturally determined. A nomadic Mongolian tent dwelling, though visually open, has a hierarchy of who can use which spaces. Homes within the same culture will differ and change over time. In some cultures, eating is done in silence, mindfully appreciating each bite, and then after consuming the meal, families talk with each other. Eating provides an opportunity to come together, during or after a meal, depending on your culture. The kinds of spaces created for gatherings and celebrations are culturally based, too.

We each hold someone, some thing, some being, some belief as sacred, deserving of respect. It often helps to create a separate space to honor and contemplate this, PHOTOS : 123RF.COM which may be used by one or all members of the family.

A sacred space could be in an alcove, on a table, on a wall, in a corner, or a special rocking chair, allowing children and adults an opportunity to pause and reflect.

Families can enhance their children’s learning through simple, do-it-yourself modifications in home design. Those little everyday interactions between parents and children that promote conversation are the foundations of their language development and future success.

NOTES 1. National Sleep Foundation http://www.sleepfoundation.org/ 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Healthy Homes: Tips by Room. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes/byroom/index.html.

Beth Mahar is a licensed architect in Massachusetts with over 25 years experience, as well as 15 years experience as a preschool teacher in Brookline. Susan Eliason teaches early childhood courses at Bridgewater State University, having taught at both the college and preschool level for 12 years, plus 16 years of administration experience. For guided checklists and additional resources on home design elements, visit the Living for Learning blog at https://seliason.wordpress.com.

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 29

SERENDIPITY LEADS TO REVOLUTIONARY ERGONOMIC DESIGN We live in a square Western culture, but ergonomics are based on round and moving centrifugally.

By Geoffrey Warner

A

s a furniture designer living and working in a small fishing village in downeast Maine back in 2009, I was working on a solution for surviving a faltering economy when serendipity struck. I wanted to create a comfortable stool where I was not constantly aware of pressure on my sitting bones (ischial tuberosities), so I began dabbling with removing material from a wooden seat in my shop. Before long, I had removed so much that two prominent holes appeared. The holes looked like eyes that made the seat look like the head of an owl. Realizing that the holes did increase comfort, I began working with a chiropractor and made modifications on the holes to fit everyone’s sitz bones, and the revolutionary ergonomic Owl Stool was born.

That spring Owl Stools began to sell at the local farmer’s market in Stonington. In order to honor affordability, workshops were offered so people could make an Owl in one day and take it home. With the basic parts pre-maContinued on page 32 30 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

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ERGONOMIC DESIGN Continued from page 30

chined for them, people loved the experience of working with their hands and learning simple hand tool skills. Our virtual reality culture has distanced people from knowing how to make things with their own hands, but here they were reconnected with the simple joys of sanding, sawing, gluing and oiling their own Owl Stool to take home at the end of the day with pride.

As people started to receive profound back and sciatica relief from sitting centered on the Owl’s postural support holes, I continued to work with specialists to improve the seat even more. In 2012 a Maine Technology Institute grant was awarded so an ergonomic study could be performed on the Owl seat. Pressure map results showed that “the Owl seat designs were very effective at reducing the peak pressure concentrations at the ischial tuberosities.

The ability for sitting in an attentive posture is increased.”

According to Anatomy Trains author and seasoned deep fascial bodyworker Thomas Myers, “The seats in most of the world’s offices, cars, or schools are not built on sound principles of body mechanics. The seated worker who wants to keep healthy tone and movement in the pelvis and spine, needs a healthy ‘neutral’ for the pelvis in sitting. ‘Sitting is the new smoking’ as the wags have it – but many of us cannot avoid a lot of sitting time in our lives.”

During the course of discussions with thousands of people about their posture, I realized that in our sitting culture we are never taught how to sit properly. It all starts with sitting through 12 years of school in unhealthy chairs and being told not to slouch by teachers. It’s profoundly wrong! Without the proper tools, kids can’t learn and will inevitably slouch. However habitual slouchers can learn how to sit in a healthy posture.

My sister, Jennifer, designed an ergonomic poster using skeletons to help people visualize good and bad seated posture. It also shows how on a traditional seat when we feel pressure on our sitz bones, we tip the pelvis back to relieve pressure. This causes slouch, strain and eventually pain in the lumbar spine. With comfortable room for your sitz bones available in the depressions of the Owl Stool, there is no temptation to slouch and the spine stays naturally aligned.

About two years ago, I began receiving requests for an adjustable standing desk and the synergy between standing and sitting became obvious. Studies show that by standing, work efficiencies are increased by up to 30%.

Traditional office furniture encourages stiff, fixed postures

Unhealthy angle

Optimal angle

and little movement. However, a balance between sitting and standing, which can be aided with a height-adjustable desk, is a proven way to combat the effects of a sedentary work place.

According to UCLA Ergonomics, 2012, “Neither static standing nor sitting is recommended. Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. Research indicates that constrained sitting or standing are risk factors and that alternating work postures may be preferable. Alternation between two postures allows for increased rest intervals of specific body parts, and reduced potential for health risk factors overall.”

Movement plays a key role in becoming healthier and happier. We live in a square Western culture, but ergonomics are based on round and moving centrifugally. In order to have healthy bodies we need to move and keep moving. Imagine a life-long dance with your environment and living with furniture that compliments that theme.

Geoffrey Warner is the designer of the Owl Stool and a furniture maker in Stonington, Maine. Meet Geoffrey and try out an Owl at booth #1103 at the Natural Living Expo or visit www.owlfurniture.com.

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Discover Your Soul’s Life Purpose

by Rhys Thomas

B

eing on a transformational path is empowering. Whether you meditate, study with a teacher, or are involved in a personal growth process, you transcend old patterns and get to know yourself as more than who you thought you were. But that path doesn’t always translate to getting the more practical things you want in life — a fulfilling career, a loving relationship, health and well-being.

Consider there is a missing piece you haven’t yet discovered that would make the difference. That missing piece is what everyone is looking for, the holy grail of a happy and successful life. I call it your Big Why, your soul’s purpose in life — the mission you came to planet Earth to fulfill — and the direction for living it every day.

For most people, finding their Big Why is a hit-or-miss affair, a lifetime of trial and error that is frustrating and exhausting. You long for your purpose, but more likely you give up before you even get there, settling instead for a career or life partner dictated by family or society. The cost of living as someone you are not is huge, manifesting as anxiety or depression, chronic health problems, and a lack of success in all that you do. You’ve lost touch with your Big Why. The truth is you were born with your Big Why — it’s in your spiritual DNA and has always been with you, waiting for you to re-discover it. Your soul already knows your purpose and how you can live it, putting an end to the sheer exhaustion of getting by day after day to simply survive.

So how do you reconnect with your Big Why? The key to discovering your soul’s purpose is in feeling what your purpose is, not in doing it. Trying on different careers or pursuits endlessly, hoping one of them will be “it,” is the old way. But when you learn to feel your unique calling that has never left you, you can harness that power and bridge the gap between what you feel is your truth and what you actually do in life to express that truth.

Great revolutionary thinkers such as Wilhelm Reich and Alexander Lowen have taught us that feeling and energy are physically embodied at the deepest level of our being.

From there, we can see how a person’s appearance can be

34 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

read energetically to reveal their deeper essence. To facilitate this, consider that there are five universal human traits — visible as distinct body types — that link to a person’s unique soul qualities.

The 5 Soul Purposes The five universal human traits make up five tribes of people who are born to live a life purpose of creating, feeling, caretaking, achieving, or leading. All of these are equally essential in the world, and when you discover which one you are, you can make sense of your life and know your destiny. How you choose to express the qualities unique to your type is yours to discover. Creators tend to be intellectual and artistic, a creative force that constantly brings newness to the world. You are fun, playful and sometimes irreverent. Your soul is connected to a source of wisdom beyond what most people are aware of. Feelers are incredibly sensitive and psychically attuned to the feelings of self and others. You are the lovers, constantly nurturing the world and those in it through unconditional love and understanding. Caretakers are open-hearted, loyal, affectionate, happy, connected people, steadfast and committed, very hard to fluster. You are the Rock of Gibraltar, always reliable in your support — powerful, strong, in service to others. Achievers have at their core the essence of genius and mastery, open to truth at every level and letting themselves be guided by their inner light, not by logic. You excel in sports or intellectual pursuits, always performing at the top of your game. You are sharp, organized, and can grasp complex ideas and plans easily, always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Leaders are powerful warriors, protectors, and actors born into a world that supports and serves them in their mission. You are not afraid to stand up for who you are

G LED OW

E • COMPASSION • W IS D

O

M

Which trait do you resonate with? You will resonate most deeply with the creator, the feeler, the caretaker, the achiever, or the leader because you were born to live and feel your best in the energetic field that is characteristic of one of those states. You may find you resonate with a secondary state as well as the primary one, resulting in a combination that gives you your unique dynamic quality. Reconnecting with these qualities, your soul’s purpose is naturally expressed, first in yourself and then in the world.

KN

and what you stand for, and never play down or pretend to be smaller than you are. You inspire others to do the same.

How To Feel Your Purpose Try this simple meditation to feel which of the five traits you most closely align with.

Get comfortable and close your eyes. Roll back in time to your early childhood. Think of a place where you loved to go to play, dream or hide, a place you felt was yours alone and where you loved to spend your time. Even if you brought a friend with you, how much you loved this place was still your secret. It may be in your house or attic, or outside your house, at the beach, or possibly in the company of a loving grandparent. Go there and feel what it is like to be in that secret place. Really feel it in every cell of your being.

Then take a deep breath and come back. Ask yourself: Where was I? What was I doing, thinking, and feeling there? And, How often do I feel that way in my current life?

Whatever it was you were doing and feeling in your secret place during the meditation is a clue to your soul’s purpose. That feeling state is the direct gateway to knowing and aligning with who you are and why you are here. You cannot know your purpose through the way you think — only by how you feel.

Now check how your experience in this meditation aligns you with your soul’s purpose in life: Creators often choose a secret place high up in the top of a tree or hill and are almost always alone. Your mind and fantasies are expansive, and there is always a sense of fun and adventure and playfulness.

Feelers find themselves in their room surrounded by stuffed animals or out in nature with a pet or flowers or the woods —a anywhere that is beautiful and allows you to feel a soft and deep connection to your environment.

Caretakers most often have people with them in their secret place. You may bring friends to a fort, tree house, or park and feel happy when spending time with them. Your secret place could be in the kitchen with your grandmother, fishing with your dad, or snuggling with family on the couch watching TV. You feel the connection with others.

Achievers’ secret place might be in a playhouse, a fort, or office where they can organize people and solve problems. You imagine yourself directing plays or dances, playing house, running a lemonade stand, winning an Olympic gold medal, or learning from books how the world works. You feel focused and able to create anything.

Leaders usually have amazing and fantastical experiences in their secret place, visualizing themselves as super heroes, warriors, actors/actresses, or royalty. You like to be up high, seeing the world below you, enjoying a sense of power, passion, and enthusiasm.

You feel expanded, energized, and one with the universe.

Your experiences may be variations on these five life purposes, but be careful not to focus on what you were doing; instead focus on how your were feeling when doing it.

Similarly in life, you don’t need to know exactly what to do when you are living your life purpose, only how it will feel. Only then can know your life purpose with certainty, feeling it as a huge Yes! in everything you do.

To discover your soul’s purpose and live it fully is to set out on the journey of a lifetime. Along the way, you will find your unique place in the universe as a whole person, the person you were born to be. Once you’ve found your Big Why, nothing will ever stop you from living that life you’ve always dreamed about, the life that has it all — fulfilling career, loving relationships, abundant health — as a true expression of your soul’s purpose.

Rhys Thomas is a visionary author, speaker and trainer in the energy medicine field. He is the creator of the Rhys Method® Transformational System. His most recent book, Discover Your Purpose: How to Use the 5 Life Purpose Profiles to Unlock Your Hidden Potential and Live the Life you Were Meant to Live, is available through Amazon and also at www.rhysmethod.com.

Meet Rhys at booth #702 at the entrance to the Natural Living Expo in Marlboro, MA. www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 35

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Painsof Change Creative Responses to the

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e can avoid neither pain nor change, inevitable factors in our human condition. However, there is always a way through these factors and the possibility to come out better, not worse, by transforming negative energies into something more life sustaining. This requires the awakening, organizing and integrating of the body and the mind, which we accomplish by listening in to our own internal somatic signals. Shifting out of pain is a learned skill involving a body-centered process of reprogramming.

If you look at the statistics of our national physical and mental condition, you will find that along with cancer and heart trouble being the dominant pathologies, one third of the population is obese, ten percent diabetic, three million have knee, hip and shoulder replacements annually, and osteoarthritis and chronic pain are still on the rise. Even eighty percent of running enthusiasts will develop injuries that eventually end their running. Put all the statistics together and what emerges is that most of the population is living with periodic or repetitive pain.

The repetition of pain becomes a conditioned pattern called suffering. While pain is an unavoidable part of the biological experience, suffering is a pattern of adaptation to pain. With so many developed treatment modalities for the

varieties of pain, one would expect the statistics for painful pathologies to show a decline. However, that is not the case, for we see a slowly rising tide of pathologies.

Like the frog that became so accustomed to the slowly heating water in its pot that it never jumped out and boiled to death, how long can our society sustain increasing stress and pain without relief? Eventually catastrophe strikes unless we make changes. Some changes come strong and sudden, whereas others are slower and almost imperceptible. Those who do not know how to manage change can get pulled into a reactive fear state, which immobilizes the body and brain into a habitual pattern of suffering. Those who learn to respond to change can turn crisis into opportunity and may actually improve the quality of their lives, like some of our ancestors from the Middle Ages.

In the year 1348, the Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, hit the European continent and British Isles, eventually wiping out twenty five to sixty percent of the local populations. When the plague struck — mostly in densely populated cities, towns and villages — it was regarded as punishment from God for the sinfulness of the times. So local people took themselves to church to pray more and harder and longer. This was its own heavenly reward for the Bubonic bacteria; it thrived and spread where people gathered in concentration.

Within the human condition, we sometimes experience a form of behavior called cognitive dissonance — the more something is not working or has gone wrong, the more we keep repeating the same behaviors hoping that something will change. The more people went to church, the more breathing, wheezing and close proximity body contact they shared, the more the infections spread. Only those who intuited something else was needed — like getting out of town if you could — survived.

But they were not simply the ones who survived. Their experiences stimulated a new awakening that moved away from the punitive mode of a toil-driven, dreary life and toward a new way of thinking that brought an appreciation for and connection with nature, the human body, beauty, knowledge, and eventually, science. The new thinking became a change agent, ushering in a time of cultural explosion known as the Renaissance (rebirth).

Those who survived had to change their perceptions, habits, behaviors and lifestyle. The Renaissance was a return to principles of nature, a revival of the Greek body-mind-spirit organic connection.

We can talk about change but because of its unpredictable nature, we cannot see the outcome. To be living in a time of change breeds anxiety and can sometimes be painful, but it can also be transformed into creative excitement. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus described change as the very way of nature — the rule, not the exception. You cannot step in the same river twice, the saying goes.

Somatic pioneer Moshe Feldenkrais observed that “movement is life,” and that “awareness through movement” is a necessary process for bringing the body-mind into sync with actions that actually stimulate the brain and improve the quality of life. On the other hand, fear of change results in trying to keep things the same. The reality is that both constellations of habit and change coexist within us. In the universe of physics, things that

We can talk about change, but because of its unpredictable nature, we cannot see the outcome. To be living in a time of change breeds anxiety and can sometimes be painful, but it can also be transformed into creative excitement. do not move or change result in entropy, a gradual decline into disorder.

Any kind of sustained pain is a signal from the brain that something is wrong; it’s a warning that we might do more damage if we continue a particular behavior. Pain signals originate in the brain and nervous system. If pain signals keep firing even after treatments have been applied to reduce them, something else must be causing them internally. This is called state-bound conditioning. The brain becomes conditioned to be in chronic pain, expecting relief from the next treatment, which never comes, so it becomes a closed circle of vicious repetition.

As the signal continues, the once acute pain becomes a habitual pain. “Whenever any activity that links neurons is repeated, those neurons fire faster, stronger, and the circuit gets better at pain,” notes The Brain’s Way of Healing author Norman Doidge. “The brain that wires together fires together. The converse is also true. Stop doing that behavior and the connections are weakened.”

Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change itself, is both a blessing and a curse. If you learn something and get pleasant sensations, it’s a blessing. If you get painful sensations, it’s a curse. Cognitive dissonance perpetuates pain into suffering — a mindset of accepting and adapting to known sources of suffering rather than risking the unknown and unpredictable ways out of suffering. Gautama the Buddha was one of the first to recognize this and called it the major source of suffering: avidya, not wanting to see what is.

We cannot control the stresses of life, but we can learn the skills of transforming the stresses and pains of life into creative responses. This is best achieved through mindfulness in our movements, actions, and decisions in the present moments of everyday life.

Josef DellaGrotte, PhD, CFP-physio, trained with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais from 19731981, becoming one of the first certified Feldenkrais practitioners and trainers in the U.S. His training experience also includes physical therapy, Rolf Structural Integration, yoga and t’ai chi chi kung. For more information visit www.dellagrotte-somatic.com. www.spiritofchange.org

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The Resiliency Quotient

by Katina Makris

“L

ife is not for chickens” one of my friends said to me, shaking his head, as he listened to the litany of my recent 18 months. “You are the most resilient person I have ever known.”

These words gave me a moment to pause and reflect.

Am I truly resilient? Do I deal with life’s blows and power on, or am I a crumbling, tearful wreck behind closed doors, just putting on a brave face to the world? As I tuned into the real knowing inside me, I sensed — yes, I bounce back!

I deal with crisis in phases: I go into shock, cry, disregard it, get angry, then finally accept the card I was dealt, think logically and creatively, set a goal and work my way forward with intention. I envision myself 100% strong, healthy, glowing and energized. Then, I put it all behind me and look ahead to a better, brighter, more exciting role or place I want to be enjoying. Soon, my ambition and enthusiasm replace the sorrow and overwhelming upset, and sometimes I even get inspired to leap ahead and do something grand that helps others or changes my life grid all together.

Am I a fluke? No. The science of epigenetic medicine says survivors all visualize themselves down the line — especially when in wars or chemotherapy trials or after being decimated by natural disasters — in a better place. They typically see themselves happy and united with loved ones in their future.

Instead of crumbling to the immediacy of their rightfully fearful or sorrowful feelings, they move through them and beyond to a better tomorrow. The moment of turmoil is not grasped too tightly, but more or less stepped over in the moment, to be returned to when life returns to normal

and they can process it. Survivors activate the powerful mind-body-spirit mechanisms we all carry, which turn on brain endorphin production, elevate adrenalin release and stimulate the immune system.

According to Dawson Church, author of The Genie In Your Genes and a leader in the EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) movement, we all carry a gene set that can be activated to help us become resilient and thrive in spite of disastrous life calamities “Some families exhibit a natural tendency to pull themselves through near death and catastrophic crisis,” says Church. “In these instances, whether by example or through pure DNA genetic predispositions, we see a small percentage of people overcome the most extreme adversities and not crumble or get locked into bereavement, illness, phobias from trauma, while conversely, many will. The fact is we can all turn on this resiliency gene set.”

My immigrant Greek grandfather left home at age 11 with his 13-year-old brother. They slept on warehouse tabletops in Romania for five years as they packed potatoes and sent their money back home to their widowed mother and younger siblings. As street urchins they lived rugged lives, emigrated to New York City, and worked 12 hour shifts shoveling coal into the big burbling furnaces of the St. Regis Hotel. They went on to become food market owners and live into their late 90s.

My father was left for dead in the World War II jungles of the Philippines, survived a hellacious car wreck, and then 20 years later suffered 18 sudden pulmonary embolisms post-

op to be declared dead, and yet make the decision to come back to life.

My own ten-year battle with misdiagnosed chronic Lyme disease left me bedridden for three years. I lost all the American emblems of success — career and income, marriage and home, health and well-being. Emotionally, physically and spiritually broken, death knocked on my door too many frightening times. With my 80-year-old veteran father coaching me, I chose to live. I embraced a thorough process of self visualizations, prayer, positive thinking, and willing myself to live long enough to see my then 8-year-old son become a man of 18. Today he is 19 years old and I am 100% recovered for the past six years.

My resiliency quotient is not unique. To bounce back and live the life you desire requires inner mental work and dedication to yourself and becoming aware of your patterns.

Psychologists have found certain attitudes and actions to be effective in encouraging greater emotional resiliency.

Resiliency Checklist 4 Accept responsibility for your life and actions. Some events are out of your control, but you can influence the emotional outcome.

4 Think positively. If you are struggling with this, just saying the words “everything will work out fine” over and over is a good place to start.

4 Teach yourself to accept change. Rearrange your furniture or buy some clothing of different colors than your usual wardrobe. In accepting change during a low stress time, you can better adjust when an unexpected change does occur.

4 Develop your self-confidence. Learning a new skill is the simplest way to do this. Take sketching classes, learn yoga, train for a 10K race.

4 Be true to yourself by practicing authenticity. Facades end up limiting you severely in the end. Many people experience anxiety during this sort of self-discovery process.

You may want to see a therapist or counselor for emotional support and confirmation of your blossoming self-identity during this journey.

6. Connect with your inner faith. Prayer, meditation, walks in the woods and community service are all ways to tune in with your personal power and inner beliefs. Teach these things to your children as well.

While help in the form of health care practitioners, therapists, medications or nutritional changes maybe useful supports to a struggling body in need, the greatest potential for lasting well-being lies in the power of the mind, the calling of your heart and the will to make your life your own. These are tools you are born with, which must be honed. Practicing gratitude and honoring both your ancestors and those near and dear as your allies will help you as you build your beliefs into your beautiful tomorrow.

BMG DESIGNS & FEATURES:

Katina Makris, CCH, CIH, has worked in natural health care for over 30 years. A popular host of LymeLight Radio, Katina teaches internationally on topics including Lyme, autoimmune diseases, and integrative medicine. Her most recent book is Autoimmune Illness & Lyme Recovery Guide: Mending Body, Mind and Spirit. Visit www.katinamakris.com. www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 39

Integrative Medicine:

The New Model for Primary Care An interview with Leo Galland, MD

by Karina Gordin, MSc. Author of The Allergy Solution, Dr. Galland wants patients back in charge of their health.

I

n Latin, “doctor” translates to “teacher,” and Leo Galland is a doctor in the truest sense. Using integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Galland combines the wisdom of ancient healing with the latest breakthroughs in medicine to guide patients back to health.

In fact, Dr. Galland pioneered the integrative medical approach over 30 years ago, basing it on the premise of healing the interdependent parts of the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and emotions. If even one part is out of balance, overall health is affected. Dr. Galland’s latest book, The Allergy Solution (Hay House, 2016), examines these principles of personalized medicine within the scope of allergenic diseases, and emphasizes the importance of balancing lifestyle and nutrition to regain and maintain optimal health.

40 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Karina Gordin: Dr. Galland, your medical and philosophical approach to healthcare diverges widely from the standard allopathic system of care. What is your early medical educational background, and how did it ultimately shape your treatment approach?

Leo Galland: I trained at NYU Medical School and Bellevue Hospital in New York, so I received really rigorous training in conventional medicine and in an evidence-based scientific approach. I continue to bring a rigorous evidence-based approach to all my clinical work and my writing.

Karina Gordin: Did your medical training promote natural therapies and lifestyle modifications, and does the current medical school prepare students for integrative medicine?

Leo Galland: My medical training did not. Most medical schools offer electives in integrative medicine, but it remains outside the core curriculum, which is a huge mistake.

Basically, I think that medical educators miss the real story. They view integrative medicine as a series of treatment modalities.

As I’ve developed it, integrative medicine is a way of approaching patients and the problems of illness that differs in a fundamental way from conventional medicine. It is actually more scientific, because it recognizes the individuality of each patient, which is sorely lacking in conventional care. It’s this fact that paved the way for integrative medicine.

What motivated me was the desire to get the best results possible for my patients. I realized that in order to do that, I needed to be able to treat the whole person, not the disease.

At the time, there was no integrative medicine. I didn’t learn about it; I helped to create it, meeting with other health professionals who had similar goals. We formed a study group

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and called ourselves AIMS, which stands for Academy of Integrated Medical Studies.

These meetings took place in the early 1980’s.

Karina Gordin: At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I may liken your separation from allopathy to a schism. After all, you opposed the established system and helped pioneer integrative medicine. Do you find that more medical students and physicians are now following in your footsteps and specializing in integrative and functional medicine?

Leo Galland: That’s not really a hyperbole. It’s exactly what’s been happening.

Karina Gordin: Have you observed an increase in patient autonomy and responsible self-medicating, with supplements for instance?

Leo Galland: More and more patients want to be partners in care with their doctors.

That’s what’s driving the growing acceptance of integrative medicine.

Karina Gordin: How should the medical curriculum be updated to meet the growing demand for integrative medicine? How would you design the standard curriculum?

Leo Galland: I would totally redesign the medical school curriculum. The conventional approach is based around the concept that people get sick because they get diseases and each disease is seen as its own entity. I would train students to think of illness as a dynamic process that is unique for each patient. That’s the process I use in my practice and have taught to thousands of health practitioners. It works.

Karina Gordin: Between the times you first started consulting in 1968 through today, how have health trends evolved and changed? Likewise, have you observed new patterns of disease now vs. 48 years ago?

04

“Integrative medicine is a way of approaching patients and the problems of illness that differs in a fundamental way from conventional medicine. It’s actually more scientific, because it recognizes the individuality of each patient, which is sorely lacking in conventional care.”

S IN

CE

We meet monthly on the second Wednesday, Sept-May, 9-10:30 a.m., in Northboro, MA. Members gather with the intention of creating collaborative relationships and building a professional community. Meetings are opportunities to be inspired, stimulated and educated for the greater good of our respective professions. Together, we join to increase the level of well-being, body, mind and spirit, for ourselves, our clients, our communities and our world.

Continued on page 42 www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 41

LEO GALLAND: INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Continued from page 41

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Leo Galland: I graduated from medical school in 1968. I have had an integrative consulting practice since the early 1980’s. Over the past several decades, there has been a dramatic increase in allergic, autoimmune and environmental illness, and in obesity and diabetes. This is the result of progressive changes in the three environments we live with: outdoors, which is subject to industrial and automotive pollution; indoors, where we’ve introduced tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals; and internal, a growing depletion of beneficial gut microbes due to the use of antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides and disinfectants. These are all increased by dietary practices, eating food that’s been depleted of bioflavonoids, fiber and essential trace minerals.

Karina Gordin: In your latest book The Allergy Solution, you write about a “new mystery disease” — allergies. Over the span of your nearly five-decade long practice, have you observed more allergy-related cases?

Leo Galland: Exactly. I’ve been treating allergic patients for decades; that part hasn’t changed. What all the data shows is that allergic disorders have increased dramatically over the past 4-5 decades, so that more than half the Americans living today will experience an allergic reaction to something during their lifetime and at least a third suffer from some form of chronic allergic condition.

Karina Gordin: Can an acute allergic reaction develop into a more chronic condition, and what are possible root causes?

Leo Galland: Hay fever and other types of respiratory allergy may lead to chronic allergic sinusitis. With this condition there is often a buildup of dangerous staph bacteria in the nose and sinuses. Staph produce toxins that are swallowed and travel through the intestines where they cause malfunction of the immune system, so that food allergy develops, which then produces its own set of problems. Hay fever is a disorder that was virtually unknown before the late 19th century. Its origins lie with the effects of industrial pollution on plants and people.

Karina Gordin: You discuss ice cold showers as a simple yet effective solution to preventing and/or mitigating allergic symptomology. What other natural measures may be taken to address allergic reactions, and how do they compare to standard treatments like Zyrtec and Allegra?

Leo Galland: Probiotics have been shown to alleviate symptoms of nasal allergy.

Unlike antihistamines, they work slowly (it takes at least 3 weeks) and they work by improving the immune response. NAC (n-acetylcysteine) also relieves respiratory allergic symptoms. It works by increasing the resistance of the respiratory lining to inflammation.

Eating broccoli sprouts blocks the ability of automotive pollution to aggravate allergy.

Karina Gordin: What is the difference between allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity?

Has the rise in intolerances directly corresponded with the rise in allergies? Are the root causes similar?

Leo Galland: By definition, an allergy is a hypersensitivity response that is amplified by the immune system, so that a tiny exposure can cause a catastrophic reaction. Other types of intolerance or hypersensitivity do not have the same immune system amplification, so their effects are totally dependent upon the dose of the exposure. Most of them occur through mechanisms that are chemical or metabolic and occur through the agency of intestinal bacteria. Both allergic and non-allergic intolerance is increasing, because our gut bacteria are increasingly under siege.

Karina Gordin: The subtitle of The Allergy Solution is quite compelling: “Unlock the Surprising, Hidden Truth About Why You Are Sick and How To Get Well.” Considering the skyrocketing rate of allergic diseases, compounded by poor treatment approaches, the truth is indeed not readily apparent. Why may that be the case, and what is the future of allergy solutions?

Leo Galland: The truth is hidden by the conventional medical paradigm in which illnesses are divided into separate disease entities. An individualized, person-centered approach to healing is the future and it is the method we’ve built into The Allergy Solution, so that our readers can understand their individual healing needs and implement them.

Leo Galland, M.D., a board-certified internist, is a recognized world leader in integrated medicine, and the director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine, a nonprofit educational organization. For more info, visit www.mdheal.org Karina Gordin, MSc., is a medical journalist, writing for both peer-reviewed and commercial health publications. She may be reached at Write@HealthWright.org

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Limited seating - Cost $20 (your receipt will be your ticket to Leominster/Fitchburg Location Actonbook Location Dr. Donovitz’s autographed AGE Healthier Live HAPPIER!) 274 Great Rd (Rt 2A/119) • Acton, MA 01720 1123 South St. • Leominster/Fitchburg, MA 01420 If you would like to enjoy a gourmet dinner by the award winning Chef William Nemeroff at the Fireplace Restaurant after the seminar, please make sure you reserve your table in advance.

You can find menu & pricing on http://theinternational.com/restaurant/

978-263-1406 978-627-0233 If you would like to enjoy a gourmet dinner by the award winning Chef William Nemeroff at the Fireplace Restaurant after the seminar, please make sure you reserve your table in advance. & Photos Gert Walter, MD FACEP, You canMedical findDirector menu &www.medicalaestheticsNE.com pricing on http://theinternational.com/restaurant/ Specials on our Facebook Stephanie Liatsis, RN, MEP-C

For out of town guests, guest rooms will be available at discounted rates. www.spiritofchange.org

Acton Location

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 43

274 Great Rd (Rt 2A/119) • Acton, MA 01720

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1123 South St. • Leominster

T Traditional Indian DIAGNOSE, TREAT, AND CURE ALL DISEASE WITH

Holistic Therapies Our body has been perfectly created to function properly, providing we observe the laws of nature.

By Vera Kaur he human body is a latticework of energies vibrating at different frequencies, encompassing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects.

Our body has been perfectly created to function optimally, providing we observe the laws of nature. When we divert from these laws through breathing polluted air, eating food far from its natural state, drinking chemical-laden water, ingesting toxic medication, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, using inorganic body and household products, being exposed to electromagnetic pollution, and even thinking negative thoughts, imbalances result within our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body, creating disease.

The symptoms of any disease are merely the body’s innate method of correcting the imbalances within, to allow us to return to our natural state of wholeness. When we attempt to treat our disease by the administration of medication, we are merely temporarily suppressing the symptoms.

We are not addressing the root cause of our disease. The medication causes further imbalances, disrupting our body’s natural immune system, which is rarely given the opportunity to fulfill its role.

Over a period of time our initial disease reappears with more serious symptoms.

Our body, once again, is attempting to correct the imbalances within, to regain equilibrium. Our new symptoms are diagnosed as a new disease, stronger medication is administered and the vicious cycle continues.

Traditional energy healers of India had a wealth of knowledge for diagnosing, treating and curing disease by natural methods.

The purpose of applying traditional Indian holistic therapies is to empower the body’s innate ability to self-heal. Through the generations many of these holistic practices have been kept alive, a few of which are described here. Acupressure is the holistic practice of diagnosing, treating and curing disease by applying intermittent pressure on specific areas of the hands and feet that correspond to specific organs, glands, tissues, and areas of the body. This regulates the vital energy of that body part, empowering it to function optimally. Traditional Indian medicine widely recognizes that the physical root cause of all disease lies within our endocrine and exocrine glands, and it is through the application of acupressure that our glands can be rebalanced and reactivated.

44 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Mudras are hand gestures that balance the vital energy throughout the body by joining together different combinations of the fingers and thumbs. It is believed that the human structure is a miniature form of the universe composed of the five elements, each of which corresponds to a specific finger or thumb. Holding these precise combinations together for a short period of time allows the elements to regain equilibrium, creating a positive environment to encourage the body’s natural healing response. Traditionally mudras were practiced in conjunction with pranayama.

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Pranayama is the holistic practice of controlling the breath to increase the vital energy within the body. Our breath is the life force that flows through each and every cell in our body.

By expanding our life force we can harmonize with the life force of the universe. The regular practice of breath exercises alters our physical, mental and emotional states to initiate the body’s natural capacity to self heal. Traditionally, pranayama was practiced to release negative energy, calm the body, and prepare the mind for meditation. Chanting is the holistic practice of repeating a mantra for a short period of time to return to the present moment and detach from stress, anxiety and fear. A mantra is the rhythmic speaking or singing of a word or sound. It is believed to calm our restless mind and rid it of negative thought processes to create tranquillity and mental purity. Chanting starts loudly, gradually becoming quieter, and ends almost silently. This resonates with the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our body to instill inner peace. Traditionally, chanting was practiced to awaken the divine light and love within us to experience the unity of life. Chromotherapy is the holistic practice of applying specific colors to parts of the body to heal imbalances. The sun is comprised of seven colors, each of which has its own vibration and carries its own healing property. Each of the seven colors is associated with the seven energy centers known as the chakras. Color can be absorbed by our body through sunlight, artificial light, water or visualization to correct imbalances and empower our body’s natural ability to cure disease. Traditionally, the sun was highly praised for its healing capacity as an unlimited source of light energy.

Myofascial Release Retreats An individualized program specifically designed to overcome chronic pain, mobility issues and recognize your feelings with emotional guidance.

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Crystals are well known for their capacity to heal and treat the systems of the body, mind, and spirit by placing them within the body’s magnetic field to restore the flow of healthy positive energy and remove toxic negative energy. Each crystal possesses a unique chemical make-up which determines its healing property and appearance. Placing a crystal on an area of our body that requires healing or on the chakra that governs the area allows our body to raise its vibration to that of the crystal. Barefoot Walking is the holistic practice of walking on earth barefoot to draw upon this powerful and unique energy source. Earth is composed of minerals identical to the mineral essence of the human body; therefore our bodies resonate perfectly with Earth’s energy. Sleeping outdoors during the summer on a natural fiber placed directly on bare earth has been described as charging the entire being with the vital healing force of the universe.

Traditionally, humans walked barefoot or with footwear made of natural animal skins. A Raw Food Diet is the holistic practice of eating food in its whole, unrefined and uncooked form, which is positively and negatively balanced due to its plentiful supply of solar energy and active enzymes. Food eaten in its natural state has a detoxifying, calming and balancing effect on our body, mind and emotions. All of the nutrients required by the body are available in plant-based food in a form that is easily digested. Traditionally, fasting was recommended during illness to allow the body’s energy reserves to be directed towards selfhealing, however adopting a raw food diet for a short period of time can have similar health benefits.

In today’s fast-paced world as we strive to create balance in our bodies, in our minds and in our lives, we can benefit enormously from the ancient Indian wisdom of self-healing practices to cleanse, calm and empower our energies. By ensuring they flow smoothly and harmoniously, we can instill physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Vera Kaur is an author of Sikh Indian origin, who grew up using traditional Indian therapies.

In her twenties she lived in ashrams in India where she observed the positive results of the selfhealing practices used by traditional energy healers. Her book, Diagnose, Treat and Cure All Disease with Traditional Indian Holistic Therapies, is available at www.verakaur.com www.spiritofchange.org

CONNECTICUT Becca Torns-Barker, BA, LMT Arvigo Practitioner, S. Windsor www.BodyWorksCT.com Diane Mullee, LMT Arvigo Practitioner Litchfield, CT • (860) 921-7737 dmullee@yahoo.com NEW HAMPSHIRE Laurie Freeman, LMT Certified Arvigo Practitioner & Self Care Instructor Boscawen, NH (603) 630-6052 www.aha.massagetherapy.com Diane MacDonald, RN, MSN Certified Arvigo Practitioner, Self Care & Professional Care Instructor Antrim, NH • (603) 588-2571 office@arvigotherapy.com Maureen Bourque, PT Arvigo Practitioner Nashua, NH • (978) 788-5221 http://www.wellnessflows.com

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 45

A group of healthcare providers and film crew on location in Brazil.

The (R)Evolution in Mental Healthcare —

By Emma Bragdon, PhD.

C

urrently an epidemic of mental health disorders plagues the U.S. One in five Americans is estimated to be taking one or more prescribed psychiatric medications, despite their many advertised side effects. However, optimizing wellbeing without psych meds is possible, something many Brazilians have been doing for more than 100 years.

46 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

My Time in Brazil

F

rom 2001-2012 I spent 6 months of every year in Brazil exploring Brazilian Spiritism, an offshoot of Spiritualism that specializes in healing. During that time I served as a guide bringing groups to John of God’s spiritual healing hospital in Abadiania, Brazil.

While John of God — whom the indigenous people of Brazil consider a gifted shaman — is a healing phenomenon unto himself, more conventional Spiritists operate over 12,000 community centers and fifty psychiatric hospitals in Brazil. These hospitals combine conventional psychiatry, including the cautious use of psych meds, psychotherapy, art therapy, etc., with various paths of spiritual healing, such as energy work to clear subtle bodies, compassionate fellowship with peer counselors, spiritual healing, blessed water, the assistance of medical intuitives and mediums for diagnostics and treatment.

A person who enters a Spiritist psychiatric hospital for care first meets with an MD for a physical check up, then a social worker to consider psychological stress (loss of a job,

Continued on page 48

www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 47

THE (R)EVOLUTION IN MENTAL HEALTHCARE – BRAZILIAN STYLE Continued from page 46

death in the family, marital problems, addiction, etc). An authorization to receive Spiritist treatment must be signed in order to receive it. After being admitted, the person is guided to a ward in the secure compound that is specific to their problem, such as addiction or schizophrenia.

Euripedes Spiritist psychiatric hospital in Goiania is housed on a former farm. Patients enjoy 100-year-old mango and other trees with fruit, free for the picking, a large permaculture garden where patients can work if they wish, a pond with ducks to feed — even some friendly dogs and a large pet turtle roam freely. Cows graze in a nearby field and amble, mooing, into the compound barns to be milked twice a day. The rhythms of nature are ever present, the food is wholesome, companionship and support of other patients and peer support workers are close by, nurses are there as needed. I could imagine wanting to stay at this hospital on vacation!

A typical residential stay is 28 days, but some patients stay longer, depending on the care needed. Most Spiritist hospitals also provide out-patient services for those who don’t need residential care. Over the years, many generous Brazilians who work in these hospitals have taught me about the spiritual side of maintaining wellness and healing from emotional disturbances.

Our Current System

L

et’s take the pulse of mental health care in the U.S. One of the most influential recent books is Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America by Robert Whitaker (2010, Crown), which won the Investigative Reporters and

Editors highest award for investigative journalism in 2011.

The take-home: We have put too much faith in psychiatric drugs for treatment of emotional disturbance — and they have not delivered what we hoped they would in the last 50 years. In fact we have more mental illness now and more people on disability for mental illnesses than ever before. Whitaker suggests that psychiatric meds themselves may contribute to the rise of mental illness diagnosis and medication.

Whitaker’s disclosures were emphasized again at a conference in Hanover, NH, — “Preventing Over-diagnosis and Over-medication” — sponsored by a group from Dartmouth Medical School. Hundreds of MDs from Europe and the U.S. discussed how to reverse the increase in people diagnosed with mental illness. Targeted were the problems we now face with big pharmaceutical companies who push psychiatric medications for bottom-line profits at the expense of patient well-being, and exert influence on medical schools to exclusively teach a bio-medical approach to treat mental disorders.

The good news is there is a quiet revolution going on that is leading to an evolution in our mental healthcare.

The data clearly indicates that long term use of psych meds leads to problems in thinking, breakdown of physical systems and shortened life span. Short term use can be very beneficial for some, as long as professional monitoring is included to reduce potential harm.

As MDs absorb the newest research, some doctors and healthcare providers choose to stick with what they previously learned in school and keep treating primarily with medication, despite the negative data. On the other end of the spectrum, pioneering MDs of every age are turning to alternatives and creating a more integrative approach, trying to limit powerful psychiatric medications to short term use and applying other effective alternatives when they are beneficial.

Returning to What Works and Adding New Components

I

n some ways the newest scientific research returns us to what has been used in the past to help people recover.

New research on the impact of ancient spiritual practices along with new technologies underscores the endless possibilities for healing potential just waiting to be tapped naturally in every aspect of our daily lives. _ Peer support/compassionate caring relationships, which allow the troubled person to be listened to with attention and care _ Skill building to learn how to maintain open, authentic dialogue with family and friends, such as group therapy and open dialogue _ Encouragement to gain more self-awareness and self-responsibility through cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology

48 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

_ Effective therapies that ease the effects of past trauma, for example, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also called tapping _ Massage, Reiki and other forms of hands-on bodywork, which are useful for helping people relax and de-stress or clear emotional baggage _ Creative expression such as visual arts, music, theater, crafts _ Biofeedback & Neurofeedback

_ Volunteer work and helping others in need to increase one’s own sense of wellbeing through assisting others

_ Electro-magnetic technologies, such as trans-cranial electro-stimulation

_ A secure, caring environment for someone who is a danger to themselves or others

_ Mindfulness practices, meditation, prayer, and other centering methods such as hatha yoga and tai chi

_ Adequate nutrition, micro-nutrients and effective herbs prescribed via specific lab tests

_ The use of a shaman or healer from one’s own culture to augment and enhance existing treatments

_ Adequate rest _ Appropriate exercise

_ The comfort and inspiration of participation in an ongoing spiritual community

_ Gardening, hiking, spending time in nature

_ Alignment with what gives you meaning and purpose

A Closer Look at the Impact of Spiritual Growth on Mental Health

Y

ou don’t have to be religious to find healing, but you do need to align with what brings meaning and purpose to you individually. Many people find that meditation and prayer assist in finding meaning and purpose, which are universal practices found in nearly every culture to induce peace and reduce anxiety and depression. An ongoing community that is personally meaningful might involve making music or art together with others, being in nature, joining a church or a myriad of other interests that bring people into close, authentic connection, which contributes to feelings of wellbeing.

Brazilian Spiritism offers a way of life that supports spiritual growth in the context of a healthy, balanced lifestyle based on the golden rule. Spiritist mediums, medical intuitives and healers offer their services for free through community centers and psychiatric hospitals to individuals of any age, culture and philosophy. (The hospitals charge for hospital services such as nursing, professional assessments and residential care, but at rates much lower than the U.S.) Mediums and medical intuitives are sensitive people gifted with heightened psychic abilities, who have been trained over many years at Spiritist centers to perceive the root cause of mental disturbances in those who are suffering. They generally work in groups to perform spiritual healing supervised by their more experiences teachers. Spiritists have a system of mentoring the gifts of sensitives so they can harness their abilities to lead balanced lives and assist others.

Energy healing, blessed water to enhance healing, study groups, mediumistic meetings, lectures, compassionate fellowship, and training as an energy healer, medical intuitive or medium are services that are also available at community centers. Some centers offer pre-natal care, consultation with MDs and homeopaths, herbal and vitamin/mineral supplements, a soup kitchen and food boxes and clothing for those who are financially challenged. There are many opportunities for volunteer work to benefit others.

Can you imagine what it might be like to receive this Above: Entrance to a clinic in Goiania that kind of care? I was profoundly specializes in helping people with addictions. touched by the compassion and sensitivity in the community centers and hospitals for those suffering with mental illness. My local hospital in Vermont uses Reiki in palliative care; why not bring it into mental health care as well? Medical intuitives would be very beneficial to help with diagnosis and treatment.

In Brazil, Spiritist community care has been available for more than 120 years. It has both stood the test of time and continues to grow in popularity. They call their approach “integrative” because it brings spirituality into mental healthcare, while recognizing the effective role bio-chemistry can play when monitored carefully. In the U.S., the Spiritual Emergence Network and Spiritual Competency Resource Center recognize a category of experience called “spiritual emergency,” which assists individuals experiencing a psycho-spiritual crisis, similar to the Brazilian mental health focus.

An evolution in mental healthcare is taking place where we have become aware of the dangers in leaning too heavily on psychiatric medications. Spiritist centers and hospitals in Brazil offer one model that can facilitate our re-evalution and exploration of options.

Emma Bragdon has a PhD in transpersonal psychology, is the author of seven books, and the founder and director of Integrative Mental Health for You (IMHU.org), a not-for-profit organization delivering online classes to the public to optimize mental health. Emma takes groups of healthcare providers to an annual weeklong tour in Brazil to learn more about Spiritist healing. Visit EmmaBragdon.com. www.spiritofchange.org

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Bringing the Contemplative to Life

An introductory workshop with chanting, lectio divina, contemplative movement, and centering prayer. These practices invite us to a more intimate relationship with God and enliven the Spirit within, helping us bring the contemplative into our daily lives.

Saturday, October 8 9:30am-12:30pm

Suggested donation $20; however all are welcome.

For questions or to let us know you are coming, email Allen at allen.bourque@gmail.com.

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Allen Bourque serves on the Contemplative Outreach Boston Servant Leadership Team and is an advanced student of Cynthia Bourgeault.

Past Life Regression Through Hypnosis with Kerstin Zettmar, trained by Brian Weiss in 2013.

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www.sos.org 50 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

www.sos.org/event

ake a breath. Feel the air passing through your nose, the chest rises and falls, the belly relaxes.

What are you thinking while breathing? Maybe you aren’t thinking, because when you focus on the breath, the body and the mind calms.“Breath has a tranquilizing quality, steady and relaxing if you don’t force it; this is helped by an upright posture. Your mind may wander, but keep patiently returning to the breath.” Breathing is usually the first step in meditation and mindfulness practice.

The Sufis teach that breath has no boundaries. Breathe out, in. Did that in-breath with clean oxygen come from that tree or this bush, the purified carbon dioxide passing through leaves and branches? We live in reciprocal relationship with plants who process our wasted breath and exude purified air for us, while we breathe out and nourish their existence.

Boundaryless, our breath passes through space and time. Is this a molecule of breath from Hawaii? Cleopatra? Einstein?

Science teaches us that we are intermingling with the atoms and breath from all the ages and spheres. Our bodies — collections of stardust — use breath to move effortlessly, converging with distant worlds and returning to here and now, unseen. The subtle currents of breath enter our bodies and minds, penetrating to the very core of our being.

For thousands of years, seekers of the mystical Sufi traditions practiced the art of “breathing well.” In 1910, professor, musician and Sufi Master, Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat-Khan began teaching in the US. “The breath is the current… between all planes of existence. Its current runs from the life unseen to the life on the surface, thus uniting spirit and matter… In breath abides all the mystery there is.”

“Breath must be trained in these five different ways: it must be rhythmic, centralized, deepened, it must reach far, and its volume must be spreading.” When we are angry or afraid, we constrict our breath, disrupting our equilibrium and ability to think and act clearly. We lose touch with essence. Being centralized, the breath enhances certainty in life and we quicken the subtle sphere in the belly. With proper rhythm and volume, balance, vitality and insights grow. As we exhale, we can relinquish old thought forms and shed outworn identities. With intentional breathing, speech and singing are born.

Breathing in...breathing out...Students of Sufism explore the subtle currents of breath, meditation, sacred movement, prayer, immersion in nature, and more. May we all breathe with awareness!

Shahana is a student of Pir Zia, grandson of Hazrat Inayat-Khan, who teaches Sufi meditation and contemplation practices hosted by The Inayati Order of Greater Boston. For more information or to contact Shahana please visit www.gardenlight.org or call 617-522-0800.

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 51

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ALL HERE An Interview with

Panache Desai

By Peggy Kornegger

Vibrational catalyst Panache Desai has helped thousands of people around the world to access soul connection, inner peace, and oneness.

52 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

P

anache Desai is the best-selling author of Discovering Your Soul Signature, A 33-Day Path to Purpose, Passion & Joy, now translated into ten languages. He has appeared on Oprah Winfreyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Super Soul Sunday and teaches at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York; Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts; and teleclasses and in-person events worldwide. The World Peace Prayer Society and the Infinity Foundation have presented him with awards for his contributions to world peace and the advancement of spiritual growth and consciousness.

Panache grew up in London in an Indian family with strong spiritual connections and practices. As a child, he was told by various spiritual masters that he was here to help transform the world. In his early twenties he moved to the United States to try to understand this destiny that he kept being told he embodied. After traveling across the country and meeting many different Continued on page 54

Raffa Yoga Studio, Cranston, RI

Opening Lotus Studio, Holden, MA

Maha Yoga Center, Bridgewater, MA

YOGA DIRECTORY

MASSACHUSETTS

Bridgewater Maha Yoga Center, 992 Bedford St. (Rt. 18), Bridgewater, MA 02324. Yoga all levels, Hatha, Ashtanga, meditation, massage. Yoga teacher training (Yoga Alliance). 508-697-3273 www.mahayogacenter.com.

Everett Tree of Life Yoga Dance, 13 Sherman Street, Everett, MA. 617-719-3110. Yoga and Pilates studio.

Elderly and adult yoga. Thai yoga massage. Alison Da Silva, psychologist. Alisonstar3@hotmail.com.

Framingham Open Spirit – A Place of Hope, Health & Harmony!

Yoga, meditation and more in Framingham, MA. Classes, trainings, special events for enriching mind, body and spirit! www.openspiritcenter.org or 508-877-8162.

Holbrook Real Life Yoga Studio, 239 North Franklin St.(Rt 37).

Traditional hatha, power flow, Kundalini with meditation, monthly restorative yoga, tai chi, gong meditation. 781-767-1827 • www.reallifeyoga.com.

Holden Opening Lotus Yoga. An eco-green studio. Main Street, Holden, MA, 01520. Beginner-advanced.

Gentle-vigorous. Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin. Vibrant health courses. Detoxing chronic stress.

508-829-7435 • www.openinglotusyoga.com.

Marlborough Yoga Pathways. Kripalu Yoga, Amrit Yoga, Vinyasa Flow. Meditation and Yoga Nidra. Pregnancy Yoga and Senior Yoga. Yoga Pathways Teacher Training begins January 28, 2017. 508-740-9870 www.yogapathways.com.

www.spiritofchange.org

Millis Yoga at the Ashram, 368 Village Street, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Hatha, Tai Chi, gong meditations, workshops, retreats and teacher trainings.

First 30 days $30. www.YogaAtTheAshram.org 508-376-4525.

The Yoga Studio. A tranquil, welcoming healing center. Daily classes for all levels, private yoga therapy, and 200/500 hour YTT. First class free.

508-376-8508 • www.theyogastudiomillis.com.

Needham Pipal Leaf Yoga Studio, 945 Great Plain Avenue, Needham. Yoga for everybody and every body.

Kripalu, Viniyoga and hatha skillfully taught in a serene, sacred space. Reiki and wonderful, insightful events! www.pipalleafyoga.com Pembroke Ageless Yoga. 206 Washington St. Pembroke, MA. Hot Yoga, Heated Vinyasa, Yin. All Levels. Rentable Space for Workshops or Yoga Teaching Position. agelessyoga206@gmail.com.

781-826-9642 • www.ageless-yoga.com.

Princeton FrogPond Yoga Centre. Classes in the tradition of Raja Yoga for all levels of practitioners. 200 and 500-hr classes are ongoing. www.frogpondyoga.org.

Uxbridge State of Grace Yoga and Wellness Center. Yoga classes, meditation, massage, Reiki, Atlas Balancing, Full Spectrum healings with reflexology, readings and empowering workshops. 508-278-2818 www.StateofGraceWellness.com.

Weymouth BodyStrongBoston, 14 Iron Hill Street, Weymouth, MA. Yoga, personal training, fitness, restorative yoga, barre, MELT, outdoor fitness, dance, children’s yoga. www.BodyStrongBoston.com 781-974-5757.

Westborough Sohum Yoga and Mediation Studio. 30 Lyman Street, Westboro. All styles of yoga, yoga therapy, yoga for beginners, small class size. Corporate wellness workshops. www.sohum.org.

Westborough Yoga for transformation, healing and spinal health. Offering Svaroopa yoga, meditation, private Yoga Therapy and Embodyment.

Contact Michelle (Kamala) Gross 508-341-6424 • www.westboroughyoga.com Worcester Worcester Yoga Center. Ann Bissanti. Over 30 years teaching experience. Trained in India by B.K.S. Iyengar. Ambq2@yahoo.com. 508-829-6300.

NEW HAMPSHIRE Exeter YogaLife Institute, 6 Chestnut Street, Suite A, Exeter, NH 03833. Teacher training workshops, classes in many styles and all levels, and mentoring sessions.

603-969-8968 • www.yogalifenh.com

RHODE ISLAND Cranston Raffa Yoga and Urban Sweat. 19 Sharpe Drive, Cranston. 401-463-3353. Three state-of-the-art yoga studios, steamrooms, saunas, salt grotto, therapeutic and spa services. www.raffayoga.com.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Spirit of Change’s online Alternative Health Directory offers hundreds of practitioner and studio listings.

Visit www.spiritofchange.org/directory.

Include your studio. Next ad deadline is January 31, 2017. Call 508-278-9640 or email advertise@spiritofchange.org FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 53

INTERVIEW: PANACHE DESAI Continued from page 52

spiritual teachers, one New Year’s Eve all alone in Los Angeles, he had an extraordinary experience of the Divine that changed his life forever. He saw the world and everything in it as an infinite ocean of light in which all beings are loved absolutely unconditionally. The power of this immersion in God shifted everything within him, and that loving divine energy flows through him now when he interacts with people in his programs. Their lives, too, are changed forever.

I first met Panache in 2011 and have participated in dozens of his programs and events since then. From the very beginning, I could see that he carries ageless wisdom and deep compassion in his 37-year-old physical form. It pours out of him in everything he says or does — in his voice, his touch, and his wonderfully irreverent sense of humor. Through laughter, tears, and pure love, people are shifted out of their accumulated emotional density and into soul connection and oneness. Panache interacts with individuals at the level of vibration: he’s like a tuning fork of divine connection and love. His soul and the other person’s soul align energetically, and in that coming together, profound life transformation occurs. I have experienced it myself and have watched hundreds of others experience it as well. That awakening and connection at the soul level affects not only everyone in his programs but also everyone their lives touch as well. This is global transformation, one soul at a time.

Panache and I recently talked about his work as a vibrational catalyst, the energy of 2016, facing crisis in life, and the planetary changes we are all experiencing.

Peggy Kornegger: You have said that life changes don’t occur at the level of the mind but at the level of energy — what you call “vibrational transformation.” You expressed it as “Change your energy, change your life.” Could you say a bit more about that?

Panache Desai: Well, the existing transformational paradigm of “change your thoughts, change your life” was a good start, but it didn’t really allow for the depth of exploration that is required in order for us to make a sustained and permanent shift in our lives. Ultimately, everything in our reality is an energy, and our emotions are nothing more than energies in motion. When we can just abide in this truth that everything is energy and end our inner resistance to feeling and experiencing everything that constitutes the human experience in its totality, we no longer offer ourselves any resistance at all internally. That allows us to surrender our resistance to life, which then allows life to show up dynamically.

An inner shift in energy, or accessing a beautiful state of being, allows you to shift your psychology and then in turn shift your reality. And that’s the new transformational model and paradigm. That’s what allows us to move into alignment with our heart’s deepest desire and to live there in every moment.

Peggy Kornegger: And you feel that vibrational transformation is going mainstream soon, as the way for people to change their lives….

Panache Desai: I firmly believe that in an industry that is populated with solutions and answers, when something actually delivers on its promise, it immediately starts to stand out. Now, almost nine years into this, I’ve had the honor of seeing over and over again how changing your energy and changing your life has impacted individuals: in bringing families back together again, in helping people unleash their creativity, in helping people embrace their sexuality and every aspect of themselves that society has taught them to judge or in some way feel apologetic about.

As we explore this “change your energy, change your life” phenomenon, and it touches more and more people, it’s beginning to reach the point where it can be accepted by everybody. Initially, when something starts and is new and innovative, it’s only ever embraced by a few. But over time, the few become many, and we’re on the verge now of having a critical mass of people who have received the benefits of vibrational transformation. It’s going to become commonly known that when we change our energy, we can change our lives and that all things are possible with love.

Peggy Kornegger: People who experience the divine energy, or vibration, that comes through you, in person or during teleclasses and webcasts, have strong physical reactions as well as profound life transformations. What is occurring when that happens? What are they experiencing and what are you experiencing?

Panache Desai: The body reflects perfectly everything that is unconscious and unresolved in the individual. Everything that we have to feel is within us. So what’s happening in that interaction is that you are elevated into your highest expression. For example, when I see you, I see you in your completeness, and then everything within you moves into alignment with how I see you, because I see you as the truth of who you are. I see you as somebody who is limitless. I see you as somebody who is healthy and whole. I see you as somebody who is the embodiment of love. And the more I am able to hold this vision for you, the more you grow into the acceptance of it as the truth, and then it becomes your reality.

Energetically, when love is present in your experience, it brings up everything within you that you have in some way interpreted to not be love. So on phone calls, when I am simply being in this place of vibrational communion with people, their anger, sadness, fear, belief systems, ideologies, and everything that is unresolved within them begins to be brought to the forefront of their awareness to be felt and integrated. For me, I’m in this state of peace and connection, an absolute state of love. I am just loving whomever I’m with so profoundly, so completely. In that, they are opening up to loving themselves, and they begin then naturally to return to harmony.

“I fully recognize that my willingness to be love is all that’s ever required in any moment and that my willingness to just be myself has the capacity to transform not just my experience but the lives of all the people that I come into contact with.”

Peggy Kornegger: You grew up in London, but when you were in your twenties, you moved to the United States, where you subsequently had a profound experience of God, or the Divine. Could you describe that experience and how it has shaped your life since then?

Panache Desai: For me, the Divine showed up as an infinite ocean of energy with no beginning and no end, and in that experience, I realized that there’s no judgment, no prequalification, within divinity at all. I also realized that the Divine in its infinite nature was relating to us as individuals in whatever way that it could. It was taking whatever form we required in order to have a relationship with it. This experience completely transformed the way I lived my life—so much so that I am now able to perceive the love and the divinity that is present in every single person.

Also, as a result of this revelation, every experience I’d had in my life that I couldn’t reconcile immediately was brought into resolution because I could see that all forms of pain, denial, or separation that I had bought into were, in fact, a part of my greater development. This experience has become the foundation of my message, and the energy of this infinite presence of love has become the undertone or undercurrent that permeates every single thing that I have the honor of sharing as a part of my expression in the world.

Peggy Kornegger: Many people call you a spiritual master or avatar, but you prefer the term “vibrational catalyst.” Could you explain what you mean by that and why you prefer it?

Panache Desai: I think titles render us inaccessible, and the grander the title, the more inaccessible we become. I’ve always considered myself to be an old friend, somebody who is here lovingly holding your hand, walking this path with you. My role as a vibrational catalyst really is to help you integrate any and all unresolved emotional content within so that you can unleash your authentic expression in this world. Because it’s only our unresolved content that is keeping us from knowing ourselves as abundance, health, and love.

It’s keeping us from the peace that is our experienced enlightenment. So, as a vibrational catalyst, I am able to hold a space of connection that allows you to know yourself as the truth of who you are. It also facilitates an accelerated catharsis, an expansion of possibility and synchronicity in the individual’s life.

54 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Continued on page 56

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 55

INTERVIEW: PANACHE DESAI Continued from page 54

Within that is the manifestation of crying, anger, shaking out fear, old traumas and hurts coming to the surface. Again, what they are experiencing is the process of vibrational transformation. It’s the integration of every unresolved emotional wound or trauma that the individual has experienced that keeps them trapped in the past. Vibrational transformation frees them from the memory of themselves so that they can relate to the reality of who they are now.

Peggy Kornegger: My experience of you, and I’ve witnessed it with others as well, is that you are feeling what I am feeling, what I have felt. And that allows you to step into that place of complete empathy and understanding that helps people feel their emotional density. Is that an accurate description?

Panache Desai: That’s 100% accurate. For me, there’s never been any sense of separation between myself and the world around me. That’s what allows me to be of service and support in the way that I am. For example, when I used to do individual sessions, it was almost like I would relive every past hurt, past trauma, or past abuse that somebody had gone through. And in my willingness to feel and experience t would dissolve in them.

So my experience is one of being with the individual and feeling what it is they won’t allow themselves to feel. Feeling it with them. It’s very much a practice of resolving everything within myself but understanding that in resolving it within myself, I am resolving it within the world. The other person that I’m with is me. They’re an aspect of me. Through my willingness to embrace the aspect of me that I’m with, harmony, completion, and balance is restored in everybody.

Peggy Kornegger: In your book Discovering Your Soul Signature (Spiegel & Grau, 2014), you write about how each person has a unique soul imprint that defines them. What exactly is a soul signature, and why is it important?

Panache Desai: As individuals, we are a manifestation of infinite energy.

We’re just expressing it uniquely. Just as no two signatures or fingerprints are the same, who we are as an expression of divinity is entirely unique to us. That’s our soul signature. It’s authentically who we are, our essential self. It’s our greater reason for being. In discovering our soul signature, we begin to once again reconnect with the truth of who we’ve been created to be.

Once we’ve discovered it, we can then be empowered to unleash it and express it in the world, to then serve as an inspiration for other people to do the same. So discovering your soul signature is an opportunity for you to move out of judgment and into love, and in doing so, then become a love-delivery mechanism in this world for other people who have yet to remember that that is their essential nature.

Peggy Kornegger: What is Panache Desai’s soul signature?

Panache Desai: Love. I’m just like a 5-year-old in a 37-year-old body. I just am love.

And I’m happy to say that now I am more comfortable and at ease in being that love than I ever have been in my life. I fully recognize that my willingness to be love is all that’s ever required in any moment and that my willingness to just be myself has the capacity to transform not just my experience but the lives of all the people that I come into contact with. So I am love.

Peggy Kornegger: I feel that, most definitely. You have called 2016 the Year of Soul Emergence, or Divine Emergence. What do you mean by that, and how does this year differ from other years?

Panache Desai: We’re at a point now in our development where we are ready to own our authentic selves. The world is reaching a crescendo, and all of the unworkability in our human experience is being brought to the forefront of our awareness. As much as this is happening on a global stage, it is also happening in our lives. We are really being made real and honest. This year of Divine Emergence is unfolding in the way that it is because we have access to more love and more presence than ever before.

I believe at some juncture in this year people are going to be able to shed the illusion

of separation completely, and embody the oneness that they are, living in connection with that to the point where they no longer abandon that connection even for a moment.

There’s a union that happens, and the union cements them in an expanded state of awareness, energy, and consciousness.

Peggy Kornegger: What you’ve just described is very powerful, and the energy seems to be increasing all the time, affecting people’s lives whether or not they’re on a spiritual path.

Panache Desai: Yes, because we’re all part of a collective tapestry, and the more we remember ourselves as the truth of who we are, the more that provides a doorway or an access point for everyone else to do the same. That’s the magic of being human. One individual human life has the capacity to impact 7.2 billion others. That’s really the greater blessing of our willingness to fully be all that we are, to live what we’ve come here to live, to share what we’ve come here to share. Because that in turn allows everyone else to begin to do the same.

This year is really a year of coming into a level of empowerment and owning who we’re here to be. I’m experiencing it as a quickening—everything seems to be happening a lot faster. The level of resistance that I once used to experience is no longer present. People are just ready. Those people who can be all that they are now are finding me. This is increasing in frequency, and it’s increasing in numbers, to the point that I believe we are reaching a crescendo. That crescendo is going to lead to the greater crossover into more of a mainstream expression and dynamic.

Personally, I am very excited that all this is happening because I knew that there would come a point where we’d be able to shed fear, lack, scarcity, and separation as a way of being and authentically—and almost immediately in some cases—remember the oneness of all life. When that happens, it also facilitates the bigger expansion into a more mainstream conversation throughout North America and the world.

Peggy Kornegger: The other side of this increasing energy and expansion is that many people are experiencing challenges or crises in their lives now, whether as individuals or as communities, like the recent shootings in Orlando. I know you and your wife, Jan, faced a major health crisis with your baby daughter Celeste last year. How do we navigate our lives at times of crisis?

And what role does crisis play in our greater evolving?

Panache Desai: Crisis is a catalyst. It really shows us how connected we are, and it also brings into our awareness everything that we have yet to embrace as a part of our experience. For me, crisis served as a doorway into surrender. With everything that was going on with Celeste and all the surgeries, the only option I had was to surrender. In this surrendering, I was able to remain calm and present in the midst of everything that was happening to this little days-old infant who was plugged into every kind of machine that you could think of. I allowed her journey to be her journey and to simply be there in support of her in an environment that was very stressful and highly emotional.

Crisis also serves as a doorway into authenticity. It allows for humility, support, empathy, and compassion. It challenges every false façade that we have of self-importance or self-aggrandizement. Ultimately, it’s a leveling of life that occurs, and as a result of this leveling, we are then promoted. Crisis comes to elevate us. It comes in this extraordinary heart-wrenching package to help us open our hearts to more love, more light, and more connection than ever before. Crisis has played probably one of the most important roles in my development as a human being.

Whether it’s a health challenge or a mass shooting—regardless of the external circumstances or form of crisis—when it arrives, actually we would be best served to surrender to it and allow crisis to work its alchemy deep within us. Because, in truth, crisis is in some ways supporting us in coming home to our hearts. It’s empowering us to live in a more generous, more compassionate, more patient, more empathic and grateful way than ever before.

We take so much for granted. In my life, so much has happened to me so quickly. I went from traveling to living rooms with my backpack, donation box, and boom box to being a leading figure in spiritual and personal development in the world in a very

“Crisis comes to elevate us. It comes in this extraordinary heart-wrenching package to help us open our hearts to more love, more light, and more connection than ever before.”

56 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Continued on page 58

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 57

e

INTERVIEW: PANACHE DESAI Continued from page 56

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58 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

short period of time. All of this happens, but we don’t actually take the time to develop and mature. Crisis really stripped away any and all things that I had taken for granted. It stripped away my sense of certainty, and it really allowed me to open up to gratitude in a very powerful way so that I could be grateful for everything, all of the incredible blessings I’ve received.

The shift that came about as a result of crisis was a shift from me feeling that I had to be Panache Desai, like in some way it was expected of me because I have this capacity for transformation, this capacity for love, to simply getting to be Panache Desai. I’m now grateful for the fact that I get to be me and in this way serve. That I get to live my life and my daughter’s here. There’s a magic that you begin to access that you can’t even begin to fathom until death pays you a visit. Everything with Celeste and almost losing her has really brought me to life. I’ll never be able to thank her for that. I’ll never be able to articulate in words what her choice to go through what she went through has done, not just for me, but for my entire family. It has fundamentally altered my life forever.

To experience it all has been both amazing and heart-breaking. It challenged every area of my life and really had me re-evaluate and question how I was living and how I wanted to live. It brought everything into perspective. My family is of paramount importance, and I now know why I’m alive. I’m open again. I’m accessible again. I’m happier and more at peace. My relationship with my wife is better than ever, and we are more in love than we ever have been. My relationship with my parents is also better than ever. And I get to be the person who shares this message and this gift. It’s been profound. I’m so grateful to Celeste. I will never be the same because of her and her choice to be my daughter and experience this incredibly hard journey.

There was a moment one of the nights before Celeste was going to have a major surgery when we were at the Ronald McDonald House. I was looking for the teakettle and couldn’t find it in our kitchen, so I walked over to the other kitchen. There was a family there, and they were having a very tender moment with their son, who had health challenges. They looked like people who were living a very hard version of life, and I didn’t want to interrupt. The mother saw me and broke the conversation with her son. I said, “I’m really sorry to bother you, but do you mind if I use the kettle?” She looked at me and said, “Sweetheart, we’re all family here.” And I just started crying. I realized that sometimes this false sense of separation we have really doesn’t mean anything.

The greater meaning of that statement “We’re all family here” is that we as human beings, regardless of what we have or don’t have, regardless of where we’re from, regardless of what our belief system is—somehow when our children are sick or when there’s a calamity, we find a way through the power of our humanity to come together and love each other. And I will never forget that family. Never. We’re all family here. We’re all in this together. Everyone in this house is hurting. Everyone in this house is dealing with the potential of losing their child. The boundaries of race, religion, ideology, indoctrination, socioeconomic background all fall away because in that moment all that matters is love.

And all that matters is the love that we share.

So there have been so many wonderful experiences that I’ve had as a result of this crisis. Every single one of them has served to humble me and help me appreciate this miracle that is life and the blessing that people are in my life. You never know who your angel is on any given day.

That experience at Ronald McDonald House was just one of so many where absolute strangers who didn’t know me, had no idea who Panache Desai was, just loved me and were there for me. They didn’t want anything from me and didn’t need anything from me. They just loved me when they didn’t have to. When someone loves you when they don’t have to, it’s because that’s who they are. It transforms your experience. I will never be the same because of those strangers who just loved me, who picked me up and held me and who were just simply there for me. The vulnerability of that has shifted everything for me in my life.

Peggy Kornegger: You have said you want to help end suffering in the world. How do you do that in your life, and how can each of us do that?

Panache Desai: I think the first thing is to understand that suffering is inauthentic and that actually any suffering that exists in our lives is unnatural to who we authentically are. It requires effort and energy to perpetuate the experience of suffering. Suffering constitutes everything that we’re resisting. The more we can come into a place of acceptance, the more we naturally end our experience of suffering. The more we can accept our personality, our physicality, our psychology, our emotionality, the more we

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can accept who we are as multi-faceted beings, the more we can then end the experience of suffering in our lives. Literally, in ending it internally, it then ends externally to the point where you begin to see life differently, to experience life uniquely. You are empowered to walk on Earth in a way that is open-hearted and loving above and beyond all other ways of being.

Peggy Kornegger: Do you have a sense of what lies ahead for our planet during this period of intense worldwide change?

Panache Desai: Well, I don’t know the how, but when I look at it, I feel like our planet is going to turn golden. What I mean by that is that people are going to end any and all separation, that people are going to love each other, and that people are going to realize that we really are all in this together. I feel like the boundaries of race, religion, nationality, gender, and all of these barriers that we’ve created, are going to fall away. People are going to be empowered to be themselves and to express all that they are. I firmly believe that separation will become extinct within a few generations.

We are on the verge of going through a complete paradigm shift in the human experience. We are going to get to a point where we authentically embody love, and in authentically embodying love, we are going to come together and work together for the betterment of everybody, regardless of who they are, what they have, and where they’re located. The more we can see ourselves in others and the more we can collaborate, the more we’re going to start to resolve everything that we’re dealing with now as a species— all the diseases, all the climate issues, all the inequality issues that are still permeating the landscape of being human. In the moment that we love and accept ourselves, war and all the things that we’ve just gotten used to as part of life will collapse — to the point where the only expression that we’ll be able to offer each other is love.

So that’s what I see as the future. This generation, meaning everyone who is alive right now, is playing a part in that greater remembrance. That’s why I’m so grateful for you all because it’s your willingness to love yourself and accept all that you are that is opening up the doorway for people to love and accept themselves. That then leads to a golden planet.

It leads to a planet where everybody knows themselves, loves themselves, and is fully expressing themselves without reservation.

Peggy Kornegger: In my experience, that golden planet effect you describe happens every year at your global gathering in Florida.

Panache Desai: There is a dynamic power in coming together that amplifies everything. The more people that gather together in this place of love, the more we ripple that energy out to the collective. We all get together, we’re all in this exploration of acceptance and love, and we’re beginning to open a doorway for people who are in judgment to begin to shift out of that way of being into acceptance and love.

For me, it’s about bringing as many people together as possible in that shared experience. Because that’s going to turn the tide, that’s going to shift the paradigm. The more people embody that, the more that’s going to be collectively embodied and remembered.

Actually it just becomes normal again. It just becomes the way things are. So I’d like to bring millions of people together to make love simply just the way things are.

Peggy Kornegger: How can people live this love in their daily lives?

Panache Desai: You are not broken, you don’t need healing, you don’t need fixing, and you don’t need a teaching. It’s time to work with who you are and embrace all that you are. The more you stop resisting your design, embrace every single aspect of who you’ve been created to be, and begin to accept and love all that you are, the more you become a place of peace, empathy, compassion, creativity, inspiration, and innovation in this world.

It’s my deepest wish that you come to know yourself as the love that I know you to be and that you find your way to express that in this world to serve as a reminder to every other person who has yet to know that they are love as well. All that you want in your heart is entirely possible, and it begins and ends with you. Be that change that you wish to see in the world. Own the greater possibility of love that you’ve come here to express and watch what happens.

Panache Desai lives in Florida with his wife, Jan, and their four children. Details about his book Discovering Your Soul Signature and all his events and programs can be found at www.panachedesai.com. His annual global gathering, “Soul Family Global Reunion,” takes place November 11-13 in Orlando, Florida.

Peggy Kornegger is the author of Lose Your Mind, Open Your Heart. Her blog posts regularly at www.spiritflower.wordpress.com. www.spiritofchange.org

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 59

Marie Noel Groves

Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA 2016

BOOK REVIEWS Stephen Dinan

Sacred America, Sacred World: Fulfilling Our Mission in Service to All / Hampton Roads Publishing, Charlottesville, VA 2016 Like our founding fathers, Steven Dinan has high ideals for America. Fortunately, his perfect union also includes all races, genders, religions, fellow global inhabitants and planet Earth. At this unprecedented time of political divisiveness and gridlock, Dinan's Sacred America, Sacred World has the audacity to call out a detailed vision that shifts America towards its highest potential. Thank goodness!

Sacred America, Sacred World isn’t a Kumbaya quick fix; it's a deep look into the festering and devastating problems of our nation, how we got here and what we can do about it. This grand vision turns to our nation's official motto for guidance toward our destiny, E pluribus unum, "Out of many, one." It's a formidable plan for evolving our nation, with strategies for energizing citizens, stabilizing the Middle East and ending global warming. Though you may not agree with everything proposed, the thoughtful possibilities are refreshing.

Incorporating both a psychological and spiritual approach to politics, Dinan replaces the "winner-take-all" Washington bureaucracy with a transpartisan perspective that includes inquiry and respect of differences. Understanding opposite positions can build bridges and unify. Organizer Van Jones, for example, launched an initiative with Republican Newt Gingrich to cut in half our prison population. #cut50 finds common ground for progressives focusing on racial justice and conservatives wanting to shrink government cost and size. The women members of the Senate, known for reaching across the aisle in friendship, are another example of bridge building, using personal connection with those of the other party to often break through gridlock. In spite of the current surreal 2016 presidential race, it's vital that once politicians and a party is elected, we stay on top of what our representatives do once they're in office! The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is the largest citizen lobby for peace and includes Quakers and non-Quakers. Through persistent non-polarizing advocacy, they impact public policy. Their engagement with elected representatives in Washington, regardless of party, affects more change than simply supporting and voting for candidates that mirror their own views.

60 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

By Gail Lord

In our reach for a more sacred America we must not only create a future of transpartisianship, we must also journey into and reconcile our dark past; we are a nation founded on genocide. In an atrocity larger than Germany's Hitler, millions of indigenous people of diverse societies living north of Mexico were disrespected and then killed to create these United States. Africans were brutalized as slaves and then also killed. Genocide and slavery is our national wound. To evolve we need to heal; we need to leave the denial stage and address the legacy of violence that surrounds the forming of our nation. This work will bring forth a necessary intolerance of the injustices our system currently perpetrates on our citizens, our neighbors, and our planet.

Our massive national debt not only incites partisan power struggles, it has the potential to undermine our future. Our leaders' inability to balance our nation's checkbook is not singularly due to federal government over-spending. The banking system, with its creation of money out of actual thin air, is a system of usury. One bold solution is to dissolve the misleadingly named Federal Reserve. This private (not federal) consortium of banks creates (not reserves) money, then profits from the interest it makes from loaning the "debt-money" it created to our government and other banks. The profit (interest paid) goes to a consortium of banks, and thus wealthy financiers, creating a mounting debt for our government (we the people).

Dissolving the Federal Reserve System will be challenging, but this reform can start with states creating their own banks. The model for this is the Bank of North Dakota, the only state-owned bank in the country. This public banking system is owned by the public and returns all its profits to the public, not to privately held banks. North Dakota's foreclosure and credit card default rate, the lowest in the country, and its ability to reduce income and property tax while returning $300 million to the state's general fund proves it's an economic success. Involve yourself in the local banking movement by engaging with the Public Banking Institute.

As citizens we need to shift from revolutionary thinking to evolutionary thinking. Paralleling Barbara Max Hubbard's idea of a Peace Room in the White House, a national White House Solutions Council would look for the latest innovations to improve our country. A survey done less than a decade ago found 71% of Americans agree with the statement, "I see myself as a citizen of planet Earth as well as an American." Ultimately as America evolves politically and spiritually, less energy will be spent on partisan divides within our current borders, and instead, as global citizens we'll serve our nation's most sacred mission — spreading peace.

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Body into Balance looks at the root cause of disease, and supports your body back to optimal wellness by puzzling out appropriate herbs and therapies for you.

Exploring and understanding specific patterns of health and disease, this guide explores our body’s basic needs. It delves into how our body systems — nervous, endocrine, digestion and detoxification, affect everything else. You do herbs and yourself a disservice if you think herbs are simply a substitute for drugs. Aside from usually being less expensive than allopathic medicine, natural therapies encourage your body to balance and heal itself.

Vitex is a reproductive herb that doesn't contain progesterone. Instead, it encourages the ovaries and brain to produce healthier levels of estrogen over time.

Herbs help your body relearn patterns of health rather than force it in a particular direction the way a single isolated compound might. The benefits of hawthorn not only include improved blood pressure, but may also improve mood, energy levels, and mental clarity. Sometimes we do need to turn to modern medicine to fight or prevent infection, but often a totally holistic approach works just fine.Then there's the added benefit of fortifying the body so disease-fighting mechanisms and white blood cells work better, boosting long-term immune system health. Many herbs are modulating, which is amazing; they can ramp up or calm down a system depending on what's needed in the body.

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Let Your Spirit Guides Speak: A Simple Guide for a Life of Purpose, Abundance, and Joy / Hampton Roads Publishing, Charlottesville, VA 2016

If you haven't heard from your spirit guides in a while, it's probably time to re-establish the connection. And if you've never heard from them, Let Your Spirit Guides Speak tells you how to get in touch.

Debra Landwehr Engle feels we each have several spiritual helpers. After a lifetime of interacting with her guides, she says unequivocally they are always present.

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Talking Stick: Peacemaking as a Spiritual Path / Bear and Company, Rochester, VT 2016

We are all peacemakers at heart. So says community builder and peacemaker Stephen Beyer in Talking Stick, a resource of traditional wisdom to illuminate the path to peacemaking. Walking the peacemaker path isn’t easy; it means giving up power, ego, and anger, and cultivating the warrior virtues of transparency, courage vulnerability and accountability. A peacemaker must put down all armor, and must walk disarmed in an armed world. For conflict resolution, Beyer deploys the peacemaking tool of radical egalitarianism, recognizing the inherent worth and unique gifts of each person. Sacred council circles and ceremony are a correction against our hierarchical and punitive society. Sitting in a round council circle, all people are equal. Passing a talking stick

Christopher Willard, PsyD.

Growing Up Mindful: Essential Practices to Help Children, Teens, and Families Find Balance, Calm, and Resilience / Sounds True, Boulder, CO 2016

If you have a teenager, or are one, it probably won't surprise you to learn that the American Psychological Association finds today's teens are the most stressed group in America. Younger children are also feeling stressed.

Psychologists Christopher Willard shares the heartbreak he feels when an eleven-year-old says he'll only live past twenty if he's in jail, and a slender seven-year-old laments she's too fat to have friends. Children fear the future, they worry about wars, prejudices and the planet. Stress on our young people is bad enough; even more concerning is they have fewer skills for coping with it. Growing Up Mindful offers coping skills, the gift of calm and clarity, with over www.spiritofchange.org

come in the form of a voice, a song on the radio, or a sudden insight that flashes into your mind. Other people actually see guides. You’ll know it is your guide speaking because the guidance is direct and clear, and the voice, which doesn’t sound like your own, is judgment free.

We've been trained to rely on tools such as a telephone or computer to communicate, but inviting your guides into your life is even simpler. You don't need to formally meditate, just close your eyes, sit quietly and take a few deep breaths. If you feel any fear in your body, ask that your fear-based thoughts be healed. Visualize an invitation, make it look however you want, picture it clearly. Though your guides are already with you, this invitation is a statement that you want to feel their presence. Clearly see yourself sending the invitation out into the universe. Do this with confidence, and if you find you have any fears, ask again for your fear-based thinking to be healed. Then, be open to whatever comes next. Just like any friendship, we need to attend to our relationship with our spirit guides. Whether you refer to your guides as angels, intuition or your inner GPS, they are listening and want to be in a relationship with you. Schedule regular times to meet with them and you’ll hear from them more often!

around the circle ensures no one is rushed, interrupted or dismissed.

Silence is always acceptable in the circle. You may have nothing to say or someone may have already said it, or you may sense that everyone needs a little silence at that moment.

Our culture, in teaching the need to always be prepared with a response, does not teach us how to listen to each other. Sitting in council, watching the talking stick come around the circle to you, you may try to think of what to say, or you might hear someone say something wrong and watch for the stick to come to you so you can correct them. Either way, what you aren't doing is listening. Conversation between two people often finds one person talking and the other person not listening, but reloading. Council and its sacredness is about relationship; before we enter the council circle we intend, among other things, to speak honestly from our hearts. The pronoun "I" begins almost everything spoken in the circle because it is the speaker's heart being shared, the speaker’s truth. Being listened to is a powerful way to connect to another. Any time you devoutly listen to another person, whether in a council circle or anywhere else, you are creating sacred space. You are powerfully modeling peacemaking by bringing peace into the room. seventy exercises that can be learned by anyone. A child's mindfulness practice won't necessarily include twenty minutes on a cushion.

A child struggling with ADHD plays on the floor with stuffed animals taking three mindful breaths when a bell rings, and a young athlete uses a quick body scan to bring attention to the soles of his feet when he feels anxious during a game. While the practices can look as different as each child, all counter the culturally conditioned response of checking out. Checking in with their sense lets children know how they're doing. A great check-in exercise is The Seventy-Ninth Organ. We have seventy-eight organs in our body that help keep us alive. Most of us also now have a seventy-ninth, an external organ, the smartphone. Get a partner. With your phone off, put it in your hand. See how it feels. Notice your emotions, your body's response to holding it. Now turn your phone on, mindfully noticing how you feel as the screen comes on. Hand your phone to your partner. How do you feel? Mindfulness teaches children how to be alone and also how to be more present with others. Unplugging from technology for specific days or hours for a "technology Sabbath" benefits social skills and reduces stress. Kid's fear of missing out, FOMO, is being increasingly replaced with the relief of JOMO, the joy of missing out.

Tami Simon, Editor

The Self-Acceptance Project: How to be Kind and Compassionate Toward Yourself in Any Situation / Sounds True, Boulder, CO 2016

Psychologist Rick Hansen reminds us that the neurons in our brain that fire together, wire together.

When we constantly focus on self-scorn, our brains become increasingly reactive to negative experiences. So why do we do this? Why do so many people have such a hard time with self-acceptance? The Self Acceptance Project is a collection of twenty creative thinkers who offer ideas and practices to cultivate self-compassion — among them, Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg, who once asked His Holiness the Dali Llama his thoughts on self-hatred.

Genuinely having no idea what she was asking about, His Holiness questioned if it was some kind of a nervous disorder, then wondered how anyone could think that way when Buddha nature is within. Our deeply rooted feelings of self-condemnation come from our tendency to see our experiences as fixed.

When we make a mistake, we might feel we're a terrible person and always will be. A Buddhist view, however, sees that everything changes. We get to try the precept again. Whether in the next moment, the next day, or the next lifetime, there is always an opportunity to try again, to forgive or seek forgiveness. No judgment or hurling yourself down a tunnel of guilt or shame needed.

Simply do different next time. Lucy, the character from Charles Schulz's Peanuts cartoon, is a voice in Salzberg's head that she calls her inner critic. The Lucy voice tells you you're not good enough, you can't do anything right, and when we pay attention to the Lucy voice she just gets louder in our head. While we can't ignore her, we can develop the self-kindness competencies of mindfulness, wisdom and intention so that we can, as Salzberg does, "give Lucy a cup of tea and send her on her way."

Gail Lord is a freelance writer living in Massachusetts. Please send book review copies to 51 North Street, Grafton, MA 01519 or email socbookreviewer@gmail.com

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 61

FALL/WINTER

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 9/10 — REIKI CERTIFICATION. Newton, MA. Libby Barnett, MSW. 34 years experience. Reiki Energy Medicine author. Notebook, pin, certificate awarded.

Credit cards accepted. CEU’s/contact hours. Call (603) 654-2787. www.reikienergy.com. Reiki II: 9/11

9/17 — WOMEN OF WISDOM PSYCHIC AND HOLISTIC FAIRE. Psychics, mediums, angel readers, spirit art. Reiki, chair massage, IET, Gaiadon Heart, crystal healings, etc. Sign yourself up for a few appointments and bring your friends! Appointments recommended/walk-ins welcome! Call to book! (508) 230-3680. www.womenofwisdominc.com

9/10 — MEET MARY CATHERINE VOLK, author of Believe in Forever — How to Recognize Signs from Departed Loved Ones, at the RI Authors Meet & Greet. Saturday, 10am-3pm. Narragansett Theatre at the Pier, 3 Beach Street, Narragansett, RI. www. marycatherinevolk.com

9/19 — THE WHYNOT WAY. Delve deeper to soar higher. Read, discuss and implement a blending of personal growth and spiritual wisdom from, “Why Me? Why Now? Why Not? Finding Opportunity in Your Obstacles” with author, Trish Whynot, D.C.Ed. www.trishwhynot.com.

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Lead by Linda MacConnell, (508) 783-6200. CEU’s offered. More information at Bancroftsmt.com.

9/20 — REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR 10DAY RETREAT ON WUYI MOUNTAIN IN CHINA. Join Dr. Zhenqiang Zheng and Dr. Ming Wu for a transformational Fall healing retreat at Wuyi Mountain Healing Spa. Only 9 spaces available.

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Boston School of Herbal Studies. (781) 646-6319 or bostonherbalstudies.com.

9/17 — SAT NAM RASAYAN HEALING WORKSHOP, a traditional healing art that uses purely awareness to heal. Sat Nam Rasayan® is free of dogma and its study is open to all sincere students. www.YogaAtTheAshram.org. (508) 376-4525 9/17 — REIKI CERTIFICATION. Wilton, NH. Libby Barnett, MSW. 34 years experience. Reiki Energy Medicine author. Notebook, pin, certificate awarded.

Credit cards accepted. CEU’s/contact hours. Call (603) 654-2787. www.reikienergy.com. Reiki II: 9/18 62 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

9/21 — EAT TO THRIVE CLASS FREE INTRO NIGHT. 6:30pm-8:30pm. The 10-week class to learn life long healthy habits and healthy living begins 9/28 for 10 Wednesdays, 6pm-9pm. Held in Cambridge, MA. Register http://goo.gl/Vg2oij 9/21 — TURTLE WISDOM. Authentic introduction to Earth Wheel teachings by Native spiritual teacher Ohki Simine Forest. Discover how to release fears, shadows and heal old wounds on the path to true consciousness and totality. 7-9:30pm. At Roudenbush Community Center, Westford, MA. (978) 633-7388. www.ohkisimineforest.com/events/ 9/23-9/24 — MARCONICS SPIRITUAL ALCHEMY AND HEALING SEMINAR. Level 1 & 11 in Boston, MA. For information and registration visit www.marconics.com.

9/23-9/24 — WEEKEND RETREAT: VOICE OF SPIRIT. Friday evening, 9/23: chanting, multi-faith Shabbat dinner, storytelling. Saturday, 9/24: experiential workshops, healing spa. Early registration: $25/ weekend, $20/Saturday only. Scholarships. Open Spirit, Framingham, MA. www.openspiritcenter.org 9/24 — LECTURE WITH BRIAN CLEMENT, Director of Hippocrates Health Institute, “Sweet Disease: What Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners are Doing to Your Health”, 7-9 pm First Parish, Waltham. Tickets $10 at brianclementwaltham.bpt.me $15 at door.

(781) 899 – 6664.

9/24 — THE ENERGY OF LIFE I.D.E.A.L. INTUTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS MODULE 1. Receive the Energy of Life attunement, activate and use the EOL flow and cellular memory to begin to apply the I.D.E.A.L. process to your daily life activities.

This module is the prerequisite of the workshop series. 9am-6pm. The Way to Balance Center, 21 Water Street, Amesbury, MA. (978) 834-0341. www. thewaytobalance.com.

9/24 — AN AROMATHERAPY CERTIFICATION COURSE WITH LINDA PATTERSON. Learn how essential oils work to heal body, mind and spirit. This comprehensive course addresses the body systems, their common ailments and the essential oils most helpful for each condition. Boston School of Herbal Studies. (781) 646-6319 or bostonherbalstudies.com.

9/25 — THE ALCHEMY OF SOAP MAKING. Come learn the ancient art of soap making this fall. Watch the demonstration of kitchen chemistry reveal techniques for creating beautiful and successful soap.

The workshop will cover the benefits of different ingredients, molds, recipes and tools. All participants will leave with a sample of soap made that day.

Boston School of Herbal Studies. (781) 646-6319 or bostonherbalstudies.com.

9/25 — CRYSTAL WISDOM AND WELLNESS CONFERENCE. All-day, includes meal, Yoga, morning and afternoon sessions (experiential learning and shares), and crystal shop. Pre-registration required. Email Kyle@CrystalConcentrics.com for details. Limited number of spaces, early-bird pricing (first come first served). crystalconcentrics.com.

9/28 — FALL OPEN HOUSE, Baylight Center for Homeopathy. Join our faculty as well as current students and alumni for this wine and cheese event in our beautiful classroom. Bring your questions about homeopathy and our programs! Wednesday, 5:30-7pm. 222 Saint John Street, Suite 238, Portland, ME. info@baylighthomeopathy.com or (207) 774-4244

OCTOBER 10/1 — LIVE LIGHT! KUNDALINI YOGA AND MUSIC FESTIVAL with Snatam Kaur. Plus KidFest! Ramdesh Kaur: “Accepting Your Body, Loving Your Self.” Harnam Singh: “Awakening Your Creative Fire.” Bazaar, food court, Yoga, kirtan. www.YogaAtTheAshram.org.

(508) 376-4525.

10/1 — COME CELEBRATE WITH MIRABAI DEVI and experience a blissful, life-changing event! Attend Mirabai Devi’s Public Transmission of Divine Light (Darshan) at Lesley University on Saturday, October 1st at 6:00pm. Contact Michele at (760) 216-1029. www.mirabaidevi.org.

more are set up through the lens of our approach to Family Constellations. Seminar is experiential with multiple opportunities to participate and experience the family energy field, one’s soul nature and ancestral healing. Saturday 9:30-6pm.

Belmont/Waltham area. Registration/info: www.

ConstellationApproach.com/seminars

10/1-10/2 — ARCTURIAN HEALING METHOD CLASSES with Gene Ang, PhD. Gene Ang teaches five levels of his multi-dimensional healing method, a form of light, energy and information meant to accelerate a person’s evolution. Level 1 is October 1-2. Check www.circlesofwisdom.com for advanced level dates. Andover, MA. (978) 474-8010.

10/16 — RIHHA’s HOLISTIC AWARENESS EXPO will provide you with a day to experience and learn various healing/energetic modalities. 21 speakers are scheduled, over 50 exhibitors to inspire, educate and empower! 10am-5pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI. www.RIHHA.org.

10/3 — SEEING WITH THE HEART: AN APPRENTICESHIP IN CORE SHAMANISM. Application deadline Sept. 15 for new first-year class beginning October 3. Details at www.spirithollow.org.

10/18 — WISDOM OF THE AGES CELEBRATES ITS 19TH ANNIVERSARY! Everything on sale 15% off in celebration! Huge selection of crystals and gemstones, meditation items, jewelry, angels…

Family owned and operated! Simsbury, CT. (860) 6511172. www.WisdomoftheAges.biz. www.Facebook. com/WisdomoftheAgesStore.

10/7-9 — MINDFUL GODDESS WEEKEND RETREAT. Theme: Creating Sacred Space. Workshops include Feng Shui, Money Archetypes, How Thoughts Can Hurt or Heal, plus tai chi, yoga, entertainment and more. $299. Location: Graylag Cabins, NH. Details at www.mindfulgoddessretreats.com.

10/19-10/21 — HEALING FROM THE BODY LEVEL UP™ 1 TRAINING. Healing Trauma and Installing Boundaries. 9am-6pm each day. With Judith Swack, PhD. Special one-day add-on, 10/23: History Trauma.

Learn how to heal PTSD. HBLU™ integrates the best of biomedical science, psychology, spirituality, applied kinesiology, NLP and energy psychology techniques along with original research to rapidly transform and heal your clients and yourself. (781) 444-6940. www.hblu.org. info@hblu.org

10/8 — OPEN HOUSE FREE FAMILY WELLNESS FESTIVAL. 11am-3pm. Spend a beautiful day focusing on your health and wellness including spa treatments and mini medical services, café samples, bounce house and farm animals, face painting and vendors. Groton Wellness, 493 Main Street at Mill Run Plaza, Groton, MA. (978) 449-9919. www. grotonwellness.com.

10/8 — BRINGING THE CONTEMPLATIVE TO LIFE. Saturday, 9:30am-12:30pm. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Framingham, MA. Introductory workshop with chanting, lectio divina, contemplative movement, centering prayer. Contact Allen at allen.bourque@gmail.com.

10/8 — VICTORIAN SÉANCE AND TEA. The First Spiritualist Church of Quincy, Quincy, MA. Séance settings of 4-6 people per table followed by an authentic Victorian Tea. Noon to 3 pm. For reservations, contact Laura McCarthy. (781) 871-4625. www.quincyspiritualists.org.

10/9 — CRYSTAL SALE AND PSYCHIC READINGS. Huge selection of quality crystals.

Healing and classes monthly (live and/or online). Email Kyle@CrystalConcentrics.com for details. 7 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA. 9am3pm. crystalconcentrics.com.

10/13 — AQUARIAN TEACHER KRI LEVEL ONE CERTIFICATION IN KUNDALINI YOGA BEGINS. In this 220-hour, one-year program with lead trainer Hari Kaur, you will become an instructor and learn the fundamental principles and practices of Kundalini Yoga. Yoga At The Ashram, 368 Village Street, Millis, MA. (508) 376-4525. Yogaattheashram.org.

www.spiritofchange.org

10/21-10/23 — BECOME A CHILDREN’S YOGA TEACHER! No prior certification required. Childplay 22-hour training with Gurudass Kaur. Educating, exercising and empowering children. For anyone interested in offering creative, fun and “yoga”oriented activities for children from 3-12 years old. www.YogaAtTheAshram.org. (508) 376-4525

March 18-31, 2017 — Experience a sunrise ceremony at the Sphinx on an Egyptian pilgrimage with authors Normandi Ellis and Sandy Corcoran. See Upcoming listing or visit starwalkervisions.com.

10/13 — A NEW WAY TO AGE! MEDICAL AESTHETICS 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY BASH. Delicious appetizers, soothing jazz, prizes and guest speaker Dr. Gary Donovitz. The International Golf Club, 159 Ballville Road, Bolton, MA. www.medicalaestheticsNE.com for details.

10/15 — REIKI I CERTIFICATION. Concord, MA, Libby Barnett, MSW. 34 years experience. Reiki Energy Medicine author. Notebook, pin, certificate awarded.

Credit cards accepted. CEU’s/contact hours. Call 603654-2787 www.reikienergy.com Reiki II: 10/16 10/15 — THE CONSTELLATION APPROACH SEMINAR with Jamy and Peter Faust, healers and facilitators. Any issue with family lineage, illness, career, relationship and

10/22-10/25 — PERUVIAN HEALERS DONAS YSABEL AND ORLINDA will be teaching a Saturday workshop on susto healings. Separate evening San Pedro ceremony. Followed by 3-days of private healing sessions. All events are preregistration only. Sandy (508) 435-2681 or sandy@starwalkervisions.com.

10/26-10/30 — 6TH ANNUAL GEMSTONE THERAPY RETREAT. Experience the healing potential of gemstone therapy with a 2-hour daily session in this healing intensive at the Guest House Retreat Center in Chester, CT. Contact Isabelle Morton at www.gemstonetherapyinstitute.com to register.

10/28-30 and 11/4-6. AQUARIAN TEACHER KRI LEVEL TWO TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM. In this 50-hour course, cultivate the core skill for this coming age and identify habits, attitudes and practices that help or hinder your life in the present, past and future. Yoga At The Ashram, 368 Village Street, Millis, MA. (508) 376-4525. YogaAtTheAshram.org.

Continued on page 64 FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 63

CALENDAR

workshops, readings, shopping and fun. New this year: Healthy Foods Tent! www.NaturalExpo.org. See expo program insert in this issue.

Continued from page 63

10/29 — JOIN JOHN HOLLAND AND LYNN ROBINSON for a one-day workshop “Power of the Soul” and learn to use soul guidance and intuition for all your life’s decisions. Saturday, October 29th at Hilton Hotel Boston, Andover. To register: http://johnholland.com/newsletters/powerofthesoul

11/12-11/13 — USUI REIKI CLASSES. Certification upon completion! Reiki I, November 12, $175. Reiki II, November 13, $300. Email for pre-requisites and details, pre- registration required. abraxasintuitivearts@icloud.com.

Springfield, MA. 11/12-11/13 — WAKAYA PERFECTION. Visit us at the Natural Living Expo booth #716 & 718. Be well and prosper. Life and good health to you!

WakayaWellnessGroup.com. (603) 566-4382.

NOVEMBER 11/4-11/6 — MARCONICS SPIRITUAL ALCHEMY AND HEALING SEMINAR. Level 1 & 11 in Concord, NH. For information and registration visit www.marconics.com.

11/13 and 11/27 — PAST LIFE REGRESSION THROUGH HYPNOSIS. Group event in Newport, RI at 4pm. $30 via PayPal. For information, registration or appointment for private session ($100) call (401) 848-0288 or Kerstin@Zettmar.com.

11/5 — REIKI CERTIFICATION. Newton, MA, Libby Barnett, MSW. 34 years experience. Reiki Energy Medicine author. Notebook, pin, certificate awarded.

Credit cards accepted. CEU’s/contact hours. Call 603-654-2787 www.reikienergy.com Reiki II: 11/6 11/6 — INTRO TO THE TRAGER® APPROACH. The Trager Approach is an innovative approach to movement education, incorporating both passive (tablework) and active (Mentastics®) movement.

Working in a meditative state, and from their own experience of lightness and freedom, Trager practitioners guide the body of the client through a series of gentle, rhythmic movements that facilitate release of holding patterns in the body/mind. Lead

by Linda MacConnell, (508) 783-6200. CEU’s offered.

More information at Bancroftsmt.com.

11/6 — ZUZU’S HOLIDAY HOLISTIC EXPO. 10am5pm. Doubletree Hilton, 50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA. $5 admission. Enjoy energy healing, chair massage, aura photography, psychic or mediumship readings, unique vendors and more. Details: www. zuzushealingarts.com. (781) 665-8844.

11/10-13 — INTERNATIONAL KUNDALINI YOGA THERAPY PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: A YOGIC PATH IN HEALTHCARE. Open to Level One KRI Certified Kundalini Yoga teachers. Next segment: “Unraveling the Knot: The Interplay of Stress, Pain, Inflammation and Sleep in Wellness and Disease.

Yoga At The Ashram, 368 Village Street, Millis, MA. Approved for CEUs and contact hours.

(508) 376-4525. YogaAtTheAshram.org.

11/12 — REIKI I CERTIFICATION. Wilton, NH. Libby Barnett, MSW. 34 years experience. Reiki Energy Medicine author. Notebook, pin, certificate awarded.

Credit cards accepted. CEU’s/contact hours. Call (603) 654-2787. Reiki II: 11/13.

11/12 — PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT, PAST LIVES & ANGEL COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP with Ross J. Miller, psychic healer, medium, regression therapist.

In this unique, experiential workshop you’ll learn how to identify your guardian angels and spirit guides by name and receive their guidance, healing and 64 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

11/18 — WOMEN OF WISDOM SCHOOLS OF WISDOM OPEN HOUSE. Designed to assist you in your personal and professional development.

Discussion and Q & A. Gain a greater understanding of the level of challenge and commitment needed to be a successful graduate of our extensive professional programs.

(508) 230-3680. www.womenofwisdominc.com

January 20-22, 2017 — Learn from Sergio Magaña, Toltec/Mexihca teacher, healer, author who shares ancient knowledge of advanced energy healing, dreamtime and rejuvenation techniques. See Upcoming listing or visit starwalkervisions.com.

inspiration; discover your soul’s life purpose; experience two of your past lives and heal the residual karma from them; give psychic readings to others in class and more.

Saturday, 10AM-5PM, Newton, MA. To register for the workshop or to schedule a psychic or past life reading or healing session in person or over the phone, visit www.

TheMysticWay.com or call Ross J. Miller (617) 527-3583.

11/12 — THE CONSTELLATION APPROACH SEMINAR with Jamy and Peter Faust, healers and facilitators. Any issue with family lineage, illness, career, relationship and more are set up through the lens of our approach to Family Constellations. Seminar is experiential with multiple opportunities to participate and experience the family energy field, one’s soul nature and ancestral healing. Saturday 9:30-6pm. Belmont/Waltham area.

Registration/info: www.ConstellationApproach.com/ seminars 11/12-13 — 10TH ANNUAL SPIRIT OF CHANGE MAGAZINE NATURAL LIVING EXPO. Royal Plaza Trade Center. 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlboro, MA. Saturday 9-6; Sunday 10-5. Featuring 225 exhibits, 90

11/19 — WOMEN OF WISDOM PSYCHIC AND HOLISTIC FAIRE. Psychics, mediums, angel readers, spirit art. Reiki, chair massage, IET, Gaiadon Heart, crystal healings, etc. Sign yourself up for a few appointments and bring your friends! Appointments recommended/walk-ins welcome! Call to book!

(508) 230-3680. www.womenofwisdominc.com 11/19-11/20 — 41ST ANNUAL WORCESTER MINERAL CLUB JEWELRY, GEM, FOSSIL & MINERAL SHOW. Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4:30pm at the National Guard Armory, 701 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA. 16 dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and more.

Donation: $5 adults, $4 students and seniors. www.worcestermineralclub.org.

11/20 — CRYSTAL SALE AND PSYCHIC READINGS. Huge selection of quality crystals.

Healing and classes monthly (live and/or online). Email Kyle@CrystalConcentrics.com for details. 7 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA. 9am3pm. crystalconcentrics.com.

DECEMBER 12/3-12/4 — KNOW THYSELF: MEDITATION SEMINAR WITH PIR ZIA INAYAT-KHAN. Discover the infallible voice of guidance within that leads to happiness, and may be called divine in its truest meaning. 10-5, Cambridge, MA. 12/2, 7:30-9:00, “Exploring the Sufi Path,” Free! (617) 522-0800. www.inayatiorder.gardenlight.org.

12/10 — THE CONSTELLATION APPROACH SEMINAR with Jamy and Peter Faust, healers and facilitators. Any issue with family lineage, illness, career, relationship and more are set up through the lens of our approach to Family Constellations.

Seminar is experiential with multiple opportunities to participate and experience the family energy field, one’s soul nature and ancestral healing. Saturday 9:30-6pm. Belmont/Waltham area. Registration/ info: www.ConstellationApproach.com/seminars

classes, enjoy Evenings with Vywamus September 15, October 6, November 3. (617) 332-1541. www. andreaseiver.com DOWN TO EARTH CRYSTAL FAIRS. Held monthly: September 25th, October 23rd, November 20th, December 11th, January 15th, February 26th, March 26th. Cape Cod Center for Whole Health, 116 State Road, Sagamore Beach, MA, 10am-3pm, cell (508) 680-6195. Free admission, 10%-20% discounts!

Quality crystals, minerals and jewelry! www. downtoearthcrystals.com. www.capecodcenterforwholehealth.com

12/10 — HOLISTIC HEALTH AND PSYCHIC FAIR. 10am-5pm. Free admission. Sponsored by the Canton Spiritualist Church. Held at the Blue Hills, Canton, MA. Psychics, mediums, readings for a fee.

Free healings. (617) 469-2568.

AWAKEN YOUR INNER WISDOM TEACHER as you receive certification to teach the ancient technology of Yoga and/or learn the mystical practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho via Gendai Reiki Ho. September 18: Shoden & Okuden Reiki I & II. September 24 or October 2: Shinpiden Gendai Reiki III (pre-req Level II). September 25 or October 30: Gendai Reiki Shihan (Pre-req Level III). January 9: Yoga Teacher Training begins (8 weeks). Marlborough, MA. www.Yoga-Reiki.net. (508) 740-9870.

12/11 — CRYSTAL SALE AND PSYCHIC READINGS. Huge selection of quality crystals.

Healing and classes monthly (live and/or online).

Email Kyle@CrystalConcentrics.com for details. 7 Mystic Street, Arlington, MA. 9am-3pm. crystalconcentrics.com.

12/16 — SOUND HEALING WITH GONGS AND HIMALAYAN SINGING BOWLS. Experience the soothing sounds and sweet vibrations into a deep meditative state. Central Mass Yoga, W. Boylston, MA. For more info, contact Priscilla Gale at sacredsongreiki@yahoo.com or (978) 897-8846.

See full schedule at sacredsongreiki.com.

UPCOMING January, 2017 — TWO-YEAR HEALER PROGRAM begins at the Budrose Center for Spiritual Growth in Topsfield, MA. Visit www.blossomhealings.com.

1/20-1/22, 2017 — SERGIO MAGANÑA, TOLTEC/ MEXIHCA TEACHER healer, author shares ancient knowledge of advanced energy healing, dreamtime and rejuvenation techniques. First East Coast teaching. Friday evening lecture. Separate 2-day Obsidian Mirror workshop. Space limited. Both events require registration. Email sandy@starwalkervisions. com or visit starwalkervisions.com 1/26-1/31, 2017 — MARCONICS SPIRITUAL ALCHEMY AND HEALING SEMINAR. Level 1 & 11 on Cape Cod, MA, Jan 26-28. Level 111 on Cape Cod, MA, Jan 29-31. For information and registration visit www.marconics.com.

3/18-3/31, 2017 — EGYPTIAN PILGRIMAGE with authors Normandi Ellis and Sandy Corcoran.

Spring equinox at Sphinx; sunrise ceremony to Isis at Philae; initiation in Great Pyramid. Sail the Nile in a private dahabeya for 9 days to multiple ancient sites.

Limit 16. Email sandy@starwalkervisions.com or visit starwalkervisions.com April 2017 — HERBAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM. Begins April 2017. Hands-on!

Comprehensive program. Experienced teachers.

Excellent facility. Campers welcome. Registration

www.spiritofchange.org

December 3-4 — Join Pir Zia Inayat-Khan on a journey to inner guidance through contemplation, meditation, stories, sacred sound and breath practices. See December listing or www.inayatiorder.gardenlight.org.

is now open. Misty Meadows Herbal Center, Lee, NH. Wendy Snow Fogg, Director/Senior Herbalist. www. mistymeadows.org.

4/1-4/2, 2017 — 7TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S GETAWAY WEEKEND. Relax, connect, laugh, learn, grow, light your spark, rediscover joy and fun! Held right on the ocean at the Ashworth by the Sea, Hampton Beach, NH. Hosted by Julie McGrath of The Joy Source. Register at thejoysource.com/womens-weekend-2017/

ONGOING BOSTON SCHOOL OF HERBAL STUDIES. Arlington and Lincoln, MA. Affordable, evening and weekend classes, aromatherapy certification course, herbal apprenticeship programs and advanced training.

(781) 646-6319 or bostonherbalstudies.com.

GREATER BOSTON CHURCH OF SPIRITUALISM. We are moving! Services Sunday mornings at 10:30.

Spiritual development classes. Mediums nights last Tuesday of the month. See our website for our new location and a detailed list of classes and events. www.greaterbostonchurchofspiritualism.com.

CLASSES IN CHANNELING AND SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION with Vywamus, a teacher of higher consciousness, channeled by Andrea Seiver. Have a personal reading, join Learn to Channel, other

WELLNESS ROUNDTABLE HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS NETWORKING GROUP. Please join us at our monthly meetings, second Wednesday each month Sept-June in Northborough, MA. Stay inspired and create collaborative professional relationships.

A welcoming community working for the greater health and wellbeing of all.

Contact marilyn@confident-directions.com.

PRANIC HEALING WORKSHOPS. With Miriam Smith, certified MCKS Pranic healer/teacher. Level 1, November 12-13 and January 14-15. More workshops for Fall and Winter TBA on website including Level 2, Advanced, Level 3, Pranic Psychotherapy, and Level 4, Crystal Pranic Healing.

(978) 807-1634. www.PranicHealingNE.com.

SHOP OWL FURNITURE, a wing of Geoffrey Warner Studio at www.owlfurniture.com or visit us at Common Ground Fair, September 16-18 in Unity, Maine; Paradise City Arts Festival, October 8-10, in Northampton, MA; Natural Living Expo, November 12-13, Marlborough, MA; Paradise City Arts Festival, November 18-20, Marlborough, MA. Boston Craft, December 2-4, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA. Visit our website for other upcoming events at www.owlfurniture.com.

REIKI HEALING offered every day, Yoga and meditation offered Tuesday and Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. Yoga workshops held every 3rd Saturday of the month. (508) 335-3814. 160 School Street, Waltham, MA. ReikiofGreaterBoston@gmail.com.

ReikiofGreaterBoston.com.

INTRODUCTION TO AROMATHERAPY CERTIFICATION COURSE. With Linda Patterson, offered through Alternatives for Health, Sturbridge, MA. Four dates: 10/23, 11/20, 12/3, 1/8. 10am-5pm.

(508) 347-2111. www.alternatives-4health.com.

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 65

NEW ENGLAND’S

HolisticDirectory FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

Categories Acupuncture and Asian Medicine . . . . . . . . . 66

Colon Hydrotherapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Homeopathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Astrological Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-67

Consciousness Transformation . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Counseling and Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71-72

Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-75

Children's Health & Services . . . . . . . . . . . 67-68

Crystals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Salons and Spas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Classes, Certifications & Schools . . . . . . . 68-70

Healing and Bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-73

Spiritual Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Coaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Healing: Combined Modalities . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Acupuncture & Asian Medicine Healing Roots Acupuncture Specializing in Allergy Elimination TERRY PLANTE, RPH, LAC 124 Watertown Street, Watertown MA

How Terry Can Help You As an alternative allergy specialist for over 10 years, I’d like to share 3 tips that can provide hope to allergy sufferers: 1. Consider the root cause may be emotional rather than biochemical 2. Many people can be desensitized to their allergen by using NAET treatments 3. Sugar and/or poor nutrition can contribute to people’s allergy sensitivities.

Call for information on our FREE MONTHLY WORKSHOP on wellness to learn more.

617-549-5648 g tplante74@gmail.com www.HealingRootsAcupuncture.net

Acupuncture Plus Yoga

Treatments and classes for healing all stress-related ailments, sports injuries, women’s health issues and more Specialties include: anxiety, mild to moderate depression, back pain, migraines, and infertility, as well as other health issues.

We also specialize in facial rejuvenation (micro-current facial) and offer non-needle options. Bryn has over 22 years experience.

Available weekdays and weekends by appointment.

481 Great Road #6, Acton, MA 01720 info@acupunctureplusyoga.com www.acupunctureplusyoga.com S 978-266-9889 S

ACUPUNCTURE OF WORCESTER Holistic Health since 1974

Dr. Yvonne Chen, Lic. Acupuncturist One of the first practicing acupuncturists in the United States, Dr. Yvonne Chen began her acupuncture practice in Washington, D.C. in 1973, moving to Worcester one year later. Trained in China as a medical doctor, Dr. Chen’s years of study and research included in-depth work with both traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Her approach to health incorporates keen knowledge on the nature of disease, use

of energy balancing, nut­ritional counseling and the promotion of spiritual well-being.

Acupuncture is especially effective in the treatment of: • Pain: migraine headaches, stress relief, tendonitis, arthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, whiplash, accident and trauma injuries and TMJ syndrome • Improving bodily functions: respiratory ailments, insomnia and impotency • Nervous system disorders: Bell’s Palsy, paralysis, multiple sclerosis and stroke recovery • Behavioral changes: weight control and smoking cessation.

Located at 110 June Street, Worcester, MA 01602. For an appointment or for more information, please contact Dr. Yvonne Chen at 508-755-5557.

Astrological Consulting

?

Questions?

Astrologer Eric Linter has answers.

Changes in relationships, career, health, finances or spiritual practice are inevitable.

Eric’s clarity will help you stay on the right path. His insights help you better understand and appreciate life’s challenges. His clients say Eric Linter is “profound and enlightening” and “one of the best astrologers on the East Coast.”

Eric, a professional astrologer for 25 years, works with individuals, couples and businesses. Specialties include career moves, personal creativity and karmic relationships. Consultations are available in person, by telephone, or on cassette.

Eric also offers classes, lectures and appearances at parties and special events.

For more information and to schedule a private session, contact Eric by email or call: stars@ericlinter.com X 508-541-4115 X

“I learned more from one session than I did from 5 years of analysis.”

- J.G., Cambridge, MA

Astrological Consulting, continued

66 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Astrological Consulting, continued

Astrology

& Esoteric

Psychology Monique Pommier, M.A., Ph.DE

Astrology illuminates one’s psychological landscape and journey. It times life developments and reveals their designs for the soul.

I offer astrological services and ongoing psychospiritual counseling with astrology, Jungian and esoteric psychology as a comprehensive ground of exploration and guidance

on current issues and lifelong questionings.

By accessing the deeper order of your life, you gain transformative insights into the evolutionary meaning of particular challenges and new perspectives to direct your choices.

My background includes an MS and PhD in Esoteric Psychology and Philosophy. Jungian psychology, Eastern and Western Traditions are key foundations in my approach.

I have been in practice for 25 years.

U Astrological Consultations U U Psychospiritual Counseling U www.astrologicalpsychology.com 617-524-7072

q Yoga, meditation, Qigong q Wellness workshops q Cancer support q Veterans’ Yoga

q Youth programs in public schools & beyond q Interfaith gatherings

q An annual Weekend of Spirit retreat

q Gardening, composting, foraging, caring

for the planet

A Multi-Faith Center for the Wider Community Join us… as we seek to heal the world holistically… one person, one relationship, one community at a time.

Centers We are a nonprofit Center devoted to teaching meditation and exploring Advaita, the spiritual tradition of self-realization.

To learn more about us, go to our website or visit us at our lovely, historic house in Waltham.

Wednesday Evening Open Meditation Introductory Classes Reading Groups and other Activities

Ample parking and wheelchair accessibility.

28 Worcester Lane, Waltham, MA 02451 info@advaitameditation.org www.advaitameditation.org G 781-647-0020

Alchemical Healing Integrative Energy Therapy Essential Oil Healing Techniques CLASSES AND CERTIFICATIONS IN :

Heal e Learn e Teach Join us as we create a healing community dedicated to creating change one life at a time... beginning with you.

SERVICES OFFERED:

Transformational Coaching Mystical Energy Healing Multi-Vibrational Healing Transformational Reiki Essential Energy Healing

Transformational Reiki Mystical Energy Healing AromaTouch Technique e IET Psychic and Intuitive Development Meditation

Visit Booth #1122 at the Natural Living Expo Home of Trinity School of Mystical Energy Healing classes now forming!

Located in the lovely hills of Western MA, just outside of Northampton 18 North Farms Rd, Haydenville MA 413-268-3181

39 Edwards St, Framingham, MA 508-877-8162 q info@openspiritcenter.org www.facebook.com/openspiritcenter www.openspiritcenter.org

SCHOOLS OF WISDOM

C

ing elebrat

20 Y

Holistic Practitioner and Professional, Earth Medicine, Angel Alignment, Akashic Soul Mastery, Hypnotherapy, Animal Communication; Training for Reiki, IET, Gaiadon Heart, etc., plus workshops daily

ears!

Women of Wisdom HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER

Usui and Karuna Reiki G Hypnotherapy BARS G Massage G Crystal Healing Integrated Energy Therapy G Akisni Inner Child Healing G Past Life Regression

GIFT SHOP

Unique Jewelry G Healing Tools G Statues Crystal Bowls G Ritual Items G Angels Mediums or Psychic Readings Hours: M-F 10 am-8 pm, S/S 10 am-6 pm 118 Washington Street, N. Easton, MA www.womenofwisdominc.com 508-230-3680

Children's Health & Services Peaceful Playful Parenting Coach Su Eaton 617-623-3521 sunsupeace@gmail.com www.sunsucreations.com

Parenting can be wonderful and rewarding, but it can also be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Let me help you create a more sustainable way of parenting through many different strategies, such as conscious communication and peer counseling. Healthy, peaceful, playful, loving ways to set limits.

It takes a village...

Touchstone offers: Offering a wide selection of Crystals, Gems and Minerals G Jewelry Candles G Oils and Mists G Sage G Incense Fairy, Goddess and Angel Gifts, and More!

Psychic and Mediumship Readings Classes, Workshop and Events METAPHYSICAL HEALING CENTER

122 West Emerson St., Melrose, MA www.zuzushealingarts.com G 781-665-8844

Touchstone Community School offers a progressive, child-centered approach to education. For more than 30 years, we have nurtured and inspired children to be creative, independent partners in their learning.

Small, mixed-age classes Thematic studies that integrate subjects Dedicated, expert teachers A diverse community and highly positive culture Parent-teacher-child partnership in educational development To learn more about our holistic approach to education for children ages 4 to 14: www.touchstoneschool.com 508-839-0038 Children's Health & Services, continued

www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 67

Children's Health & Services, continued relate effectively with others and foster their natural enthusiasm for learning.

S Child-centered preschool program S Nurturing, small group setting

S Developmentally appropriate, standards-

limited openings available At Small Miracles Preschool the unique spirit of each child is acknowledged and cherished. Our mission is to provide a loving, supportive environment where children thrive in an atmosphere of security and mutual respect. We strive to nurture children’s self-esteem, guide them in learning to

based curriculum S Ages 2.9 to 5 S Two or three days, 9 option available)

am

- 1

pm

(5-day

Ellen Kerstein, M.S. in Ed S Holliston, MA ellenkerstein@gmail.com ellenkerstein.com S 508-429-5764

Classes, Certifications & Schools DellaGrotte

Core Movement Integration Using Principles of M.Feldenkrais

PRACTITIONER TRAINING

100 and 300 hour CMI certificate seminars open to all body workers t

t

t

Enhance movement with CMI’s 6 Movement Pathways Develop new movement habits using M.Feldenkrais-based brain plasticity concepts Improve your own and your clients’ functional performance

“I am awed by the richness and usefulness of the method.” – S.D., Occupational Therapist

Personal and professional training in awareness based lesson-exercises to keep your body movement integrated and efficient — fit for life!

Buy DVDs with CMI-Feldenkrais based lesson-exercise program 978-461-0221 www.dellagrotte-somatic.com

Yoga AT THE ASHAM

Study at the Ashram

Professional Certificate Trainings Autumn 2016

It’s the Aquarian Age: Become an Aquarian Teacher! The Aquarian Teacher program is the KRI Level One Certification program in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan®.

In Level One you will become an instructor and learn the fundamental principles and practices of Kundalini Yoga. This is a 220hour course, which includes 180 hours of classroom instruction in a well-defined curriculum. Begins Oct. 13, 2016, graduates June 4, 2017. Lead Trainer Hari Kaur has been training teachers since the 1970’s and was recently honored by Yoga Journal as one of 10 Influential Teachers Who Have Shaped Yoga in America.

Become a children’s yoga teacher! With Gurudass Kaur, creator of the Childplay Yoga Program. This 22-hour in-depth training program is geared to anyone interested in offering creative, fun and empowering yoga-oriented classes for children aged 3-12, teens and groups of adults. Program details at childplayyoga.com. No prior yoga teaching certification required. Oct 21-23; one weekend and a ton of fun!

Kundalini Yoga Teachers: Expand your training at the ashram with Level Two KRI Trainings and the International Kundalini Yoga Therapy Professional Training.

The Aquarian Teacher™ KRI Level Two Teacher Training Program: LifeCycles and LifeStyles with Gurudass Kaur, Harbhajan Kaur, Siri Sevak Kaur. Oct.

28-30 and Nov. 4-6. In this 50-hour course, cultivate the core skill for this coming age.

Discover mystery and mastery through every cycle of life. Identify habits, attitudes and practices that help or hinder your life in the present, past and future. Examine and map out the stages and cycles of life.

Confront the fear of death and learn to live weightlessly. Renew your self-concept by discovering your purpose and destiny for living an extraordinary life. Join the ashram Level 2 Loyalty Program and save!

International Kundalini Yoga Therapy Professional Training: A Yogic Path In Health Care. Open to Level One KRI Certified Kundalini Yoga Teachers. Next segment: “Unraveling the Knot: the Interplay of Stress, Pain, Inflammation and Sleep in Wellness and Disease.” Nov. 10-13 with Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa, PhD, Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, PhD, Japa Kaur Khalsa, D.O.M., Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa, MD. With the knowledge of science and ancient yogic tradition, we explore how these four aspects of human physiology are entwined and sometimes entangled.

Through the technology of Kundalini Yoga and yogic lifestyle, we untangle and liberate the source of these conditions to restore health and vitality. Approved for 31.8 contact hours for nurses as required by the California Board of Registered Nurses, Provider #CEP 13960, for 26.5 and 28.0 Continuing Education Units for IKYTA and Yoga Alliance. Must participate in the full training in order to receive a certificate of completion. This is a required segment of the International Kundalini Yoga Therapy Professional Training of the Guru Ram Das Center for Medicine and Humanology. You do not have to be enrolled in the 1,000 hour training to take this segment.

368 Village Street, Millis, MA 02054 508-376-4525 G info@YogaAtTheAshram.org yogaattheashram.org

ACCREDITED HOLISTIC DEGREES Certificate and Coach Training Programs in Emerging Fields of Inquiry MASTER OF ARTS DEGREES:

a a a a a

Our Mission is to create an environment for learners to pursue their passions and affect changes in their lives and work. All of the programs are experientially based and designed to facilitate both professional growth and personal development.

Integrative Health and Healing Consciousness Studies Learning and Thinking Writing and Oral Traditions Organizational Leadership

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS IN: a Positive Psychology, Emotional WellBeing and Happiness a Integrative Health and Healing a Health Coaching and Patient Navigation a Ecotherapy and Cultural Sustainability a Story Telling COACH TRAINING:

“This school has brought me to a new level.

Simply put, it is the place where I realized my dreams and where I was encouraged, taught, and supported to pursue a creative life. I have made life-long relationships at this institution.”

Contact us to learn more about programs and financial aid options.

~ Pierre Sorey, High School English Teacher Master of Arts in Oral Traditions, Class of 2012

171 Amity Road, Bethany, CT 06524 203-874-4252 | info@learn.edu

a Transformative Coach Training a Health Coaching and Patient Navigation

Massage | Aesthetics Polarity | RYSE Ipswich • Plymouth • Westboro You deserve an education that honors who you are and who you are becoming.

A great education is spiritually transforming: You overcome your limitations and realize your highest potential, at the same time you learn the foundation and skills to succeed.

Excellent education is not by chance; it comes from years of listening to employers, graduates and students to find the best way to teach the most valuable information to make you successful.

As a leader in energy medicine and

energy based education since 1980, Nancy Risley recognizes that your education is a transformational healing process. As a successful therapist, author and teacher, her vision is to help you realize your dream of work that is creative and supports all aspects of who you are. Whether you work in a spa, clinic, or have your own business, you gain the required skills to create satisfaction as well as increased flexibility, control and income.

The next step to fulfilling your future is to call for a no obligation, information interview with our Career Advisor. We look forward to meeting you and learning about your future.

Programs take from 4 to 12 months, depending on your schedule: Full-time, mother’s hours or part-time evenings.

Accredited. Licensed. Financial Aid available for qualified students.

800-262-8530 v www.spatech.edu

Classes, Certifications and Schools continued

68 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Classes, Certifications and Schools continued sion and hundreds of other pathologies.

Workshops are offered in Stratham,

NH and throughout New England: RESTORE 1 - Light Touch Therapy

RESTORE 2 - Advanced Light Touch Therapy

LIGHT TOUCH THERAPY WORKSHOPS For Beginners & Professionals* RESTORE is an Integrated Holistic

Medicine Technique. It was designed by Susan Burdick to support children and young adults with special needs or disabilities, and can also be used as preventive care. Positive results may include a reduction in negative emotions, anxiety, depres-

Eclectic Institute of Aromatherapy and Herbal Studies Instructor Linda Patterson offers over 20 years of experience in the science, art and principles of herbalism and aromatherapy.

Training Programs to complement all medical and holistic modalities AARON & SUE SINGLETON, FOUNDERS

Internationally renowned Medical Intuitives, Authors, Visionaries, Inventors and Founders of The Energy of Life® (EOL) Integrative and Intuitive Healing Process, Sue and Aaron Singleton offer a diverse variety of Training Programs to complement all medical and holistic modalities, and to empower practitioners and laypersons.

EOL I.D.E.A.L. Process for Creating a Life You Love! Workshop Series A totally unique intuitive development and healing process that transforms lives for healers, doctors, executives, and fulltime parents. Apply the EOL Process alone, or to enhance Reiki, Pranic Healing, etc.

The EOL Process for Discernment is prerequisite for medical intuitive training with Sue Singleton.

EOL Visionary Acupressure System

Workshop Series This fusion of ancient and modern techniques makes a quantum leap to address trauma and illness, without relying solely

* Contact hours for nurses and massage therapists. This Continuing Nurses Educational Activity was approved by the Northeast MultiState Division, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

For workshop dates and other information, call us or visit our website.

603-770-6177

i

restoreforlife.com

Ongoing certification courses offered throughout the northeast including: ✴ 7-Month Herbal Certification ✴ 4-Month European-Based Aromatherapy Introduction ✴ 4-Month Advanced Aromatherapy Course ✴ 3-Month Conscious Nutrition Course ✴ Palmistry a tool of diagnoses www.aromatherapyandherbalstudies.com 978-297-4502

New England Institute of Reflexology & Universal Studies ~ Now teaching throughout New England ~ www.walkinbalance.com v 508-317-3044 v

Technology for Quantum Healing: Revolutionary technology imbedded in The Rings of Oden accelerates light resonance and provides modulating energy frequencies for healing. Users resport rapid resolution of chronic pain, injuries, glaucoma, chronic emotional patterns and illnesses. The Rings combine Crop Circles, and DNA Holographic Re-Patterning to create specific vortices and frequencies for various conditions and spiritual transformation. Powerful for self-healing, as well as helping others.

Other Workshops and Programs

F EOL

Radical Hands-On Healing™

F Introduction F BioMorphic F Stone

to Medical Intuition

Geometry™

Play™ Crystal Matrix Technology

Classes as online webinars, DVDs/CDs, home-study manuals, and in-person in MA/CT. 21 Water Street, Amesbury, MA 01913 www.TheWayToBalance.com BioMorphicGeometry.com 978-834-0341

Follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

v

v

Approved Continuing Education in Reflexology, Massage, and Reiki Integrative techniques strengthen foundations and create a balanced treatment style NCBTMB provider

Our goal is to act as a bridge between complimentary and conventional medicine through the training of qualified holistic practitioners. Join us!

Dream Workshop Sept. 18

Lauren Potter

Holy Fire II Karuna Reiki I, II, & Master Oct. 8, 9, and 10 Inner Guide Retreat w/ Archangel Michael Oct. 15 and 16 Usui-Holy Fire II Reiki I Certification Class Dec. 4 or Jan. 22

Intuitive Channel Usui-Holy Fire II Reiki Master Teacher Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher Lightarian Institute Facilitator Adjunct Faculty at RVCC (Claremont, NH) CLASS OFFERINGS

Classes held in various locations in Vermont Usui-Holy Fire II ART/Master Classes Sept. 9, 10, and 11 or Dec. 9, 10, and 11

Usui-Holy Fire II Reiki II Certification Class Jan. 14 and 15 or Feb. 11 and 12 Inner Guide Level I Feb. 18 Inner Guide with Archangel Gabriel Feb. 19 For more information, visit: http://laurenpotterreikihealing. massageplanet.com Please call or email for details.

802-591-0507 h laurenpottervt@gmail.com

The training process is deep and rich, supporting the coach trainee in stepping fully into the field, through personal and shared processes, didactic training and co-coaching practice. For more about our training and our trained psychosynthesis coaches, visit www.synthesiscenter.org.

on linear meridian techniques. Learn powerful protocols for deeper, more rapid release of the Root Cause. Our easy to learn 60-point number system includes detailed diagrams; no prior acupressure experience or knowledge required.

EOL Rings of Oden™ Net-Neutral Ionic

v

The Synthesis Center Professional Training in Psychosynthesis The Synthesis Center offers professional training in psychosynthesis, a holistic, transpersonal model of human development integrating psychology and spirituality in the healing arts. The Center offers programs inperson, in New England and Florida, via teleconference and by independent study for all helping professionals, students and those pursuing their own transformation and healing. We also offer training to small groups who come together to study psychosynthesis and become certified life coaches, and we offer our training and consulting to businesses, large and small.

The Will to Grow: Transformational Life Coaching is a nationally certified, coach training program. This program trains people in psychosynthesis coaching and leads to a Psychosynthesis Life Coach (PLC) certification through the Center and to the prestigious and nationally accredited Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential.

The program prepares people to work in the expanding field of life and business coaching and its many variations.

The Training teaches psychosynthesis theory, the principles of holistic psychology, and the process of psychological and spiritual development. It provides indepth theoretical and practical training as well as intensive personal, professional and spiritual growth. This is a comprehensive two-level program that leads to certification as a Psychosynthesis Life Coach (PLC) and national BCC certification, as well as being applicable to all helping professionals and those interested in their own personal and spiritual growth. Full program information, syllabus, articles on psychosynthesis, as well as information on coaching certification, are available on our site.

Synthesis Center Teaching Staff are available to meet in person (or by phone) to answer questions and explore program options.

Free Self-Coaching Exercises: For a copy of “Got Self? 4 Great Self-Coaching Exercises,” send us your email! Information on the program can be sent as well.

The Synthesis Center e Amherst, MA admin@synthesiscenter.org

www.synthesiscenter.org e 413-256-0772 Classes, Certifications and Schools continued

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FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 69

Classes, Certifications and Schools continued Online Integrative Mental Health Courses www.IMHU.org/courses G Certification: Spiritual Emergence Coach G Weeklong seminar in Brazil: The Spiritist Paradigm of Care

Integrative Mental Health for You www.IMHU.org

Online resources to optimize mental health Wellbeing must spring from attending to the body, mind and spirit…

G A-V Library of Interviews with Leaders in the Field G Continuing Education Courses: Spiritual Emergence G An Integrative Approach to Many Mental Health concerns Personal Coaching and Support Groups for those in Spiritual Emergence

“We so need what Dr. Bragdon has to teach us. I recommend her courses highly and without reservation.”

— David Anick, MD (psychiatrist)

Contact us for more information and options for partial scholarship.

PO Box 325, Woodstock, VT. 05091 info@IMHU.org G 802-674-2919 www.IMHU.org

UPCOMING HERBAL CLASSES

Lyme Disease Practitioner Training begins Sept. 12 Aromatherapy Certification Course begins Sept. 24

The Alchemy of Soap Making — Sept. 25 Healing the Gut — Oct.22

For more information on all of our classes: www.bostonherbalstudies.com Arlington, MA ❖ 781.646.6319

Transformational Coaching and Counseling John brings wholeness to sensitive people looking for deeper fulfillment. He guides you in celebrating your unique gifts, getting unstuck and living the life you yearn for. Inner Peace, awesome relationships, a career that fits you perfectly, a life that reignites your passion!

You no longer have to suffer or do it alone. Using specialized tools for your transformation, clear communications,

connecting with Higher Guidance or finding your Life Purpose, John helps you make the shifts that count!

“John is like chelated vitamins for the soul!”

– Past client A former “rocket scientist” with NASA, he is a leader in men’s circles, a model of New Paradigm Masculinity, guiding men to being the kind of men this world needs.

He is also a trained Oneness Blessing Giver and gifter of the 9 rites of the MunayKi, the energy transmissions of the Peruvian Inca shamans. Since 1995, a gentle guide you can trust.

Call John at 978-443-3460 for a chat.

PossibilityCoach@HoweToTransform.com http://tinyurl.com/JohnHowe-linkedin-2

Healthcare Providers can earn Continuing Education Credit

Primary Instructor: Emma Bragdon, PhD, Transpersonal Psychology, author of seven books, with over 35 years of teaching and counseling in the field of spiritual emergence and emergency.

Herbal Apprenticeships Advanced Training Ongoing Classes, Medicinal Plant Walks

John Howe The Transformation Rocket Scientist

find “us” again with Come Back to Love Coach™

Private Coaching, Intimate Puja Circles, Workshops

Intensive 7 Month Herbal Apprenticeships

❖

Advanced Training

❖

Aromatherapy Certification

❖

Weekend Intensives and Evening Classes

www.RobynVogel.com phone/text: 508-380-9254

Colon Hydrotherapy

AFFORDABLE HERBAL EDUCATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ❖

Rediscover the true connection that ignited your passion for each other when you met. Tantric intimacy coaching and psychotherapy tools will help you find the “us” again in your relationship.

Experience colon hydrotherapy in a safe, relaxed environment using state-of-the-art FDA registered equipment.

Stephanie Dumas

I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist, Owner

Lexington Medical Building 16 Clarke Street, Lexington, MA

Coaching Quintessential Coaching Kathy Quinton

Personal & Professional Coach Coaching puts you on a faster trajectory to where you want to go, and most importantly—to who you want to be. Whether for personal empowerment or business, coaching can take years off of

Cleansing for the body, the mind, the spirit

your climb to success. It provides clarity and a shift in direction in how you think and navigate through your day.

I am a certified Life Coach and Strategic Intervention Coach. I specialize in helping people break through obstacles that stand in their way. Let me help you reclaim clarity, fun, excitement and excellence to reach your goals and transform your life.

Time for that change? Contact me today: * 774-249-4976 *

Kathy@quintessential-coaching.com www.Quintessential-Coaching.com

70 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

stephanie@healthyspiritcleansing.com 781-860-5116

DEBRA GRAHAM, ND, CT I-ACT Certified (Advanced) NBCHT Certified 2 Narrows Road Suite 104 Westminster, MA 01473 * Reasonable Rates * Flexible Hours

COLON HYDROTH E RAPY

Call Today

Experience the Angel of Water, the premier colon hydrotherapy system.

413-522-0061 q deb@drdebma.com www.drdebma.com

Consciousness Transformation the past at a core level, our true self emerges and our lives take on a whole new meaning and purpose.

Knowledge of oneself at a Soul level is the key to freedom & happiness.

Since 1992, the guiding light of Galacticta Institute has been the pursuit of human healing and transformation.

Within each one of us is a spark of genius and humanity that calls to be discovered, liberated and channeled into a useful and fulfilling life. When we heal the wounds of

Dr. Santi Meunier is an author, gifted healer, yoga therapist, hypnotherapist, psychotherapist and inspirational speaker recognized for her unique style of practical spirituality and groundbreaking strategies for personal growth.

Call today for a private session or information on upcoming workshops, certification trainings and classes. (CEU available.)

401-667-7399 www.GalacticaInst.com www.SantiMeunier.com

Psychotherapy clients have reached a point where they know why they feel badly, but don’t know how to release these bad feelings that keep them attached to their old stories and in the past. Using Gentle Reprocessing and other leading edge therapies, I help clients let go of these old stories so they can move on to a happier future.

PATH TO THE PRESENT

If you’re a veteran, a first responder, a victim of physical, mental, or sexual abuse, a victim of a disaster, a person with a traumatic background, a person who has anger issues, or a person who is afraid of public speaking, this process could be for you.

Diane Spindler, LMHC, LMFT Healing and teaching for over 25 years h Relief of PTSD and depression h Elimination of phobias h Reduction of anxiety, panic attacks,

h 508-886-0007 h

unexplained body pain, nightmares, flashbacks, and dissociation

www.GentleReprocessing.com

HELPING PEOPLE

live better lives

GLENN BIGONET, M.A.

Andrea Seiver, Ph.D. Channeled Readings Classes Have you spoken with an ascended master recently? Vywamus, channeled by Andrea Seiver, is a master and teacher who is working to help all humans make the shift into the higher levels of consciousness.

Readings with Vywamus cover your life work, relationships, past lives, and other

issues with his characteristic warmth, humor, and practical advice.

Channeled Classes and Spiritual Tutoring help you personally evolve and begin to live in a state of higher consciousness.

Evenings with Vywamus: Vywamus shares his energy and discusses your questions on topics of general interest. Donation $10.

Other Classes: Learn to Channel • Advanced Channeling For information, contact Andrea at 617-332-1541 • www.andreaseiver.com

Available Now! The Next Big Bang: The Explosion of Human Consciousness A Vywamus Book Read more at www.andreaseiver.com

Mental Health Counselor Clinical Hypnotherapist Initial consultations are free.

Counseling Individuals, Couples & Families Weekly Group G Workshops Offered

Conveniently located in Wellesley.

Just a short drive from Rte. 128/I-95.

www.CompassionateAcceptance.com 617-462-6642

COMPASSIONATE ACCEPTANCE

Center of the Heart Whole Health Integration

Joan Holzman, Psy. D.

Counseling and Therapy Holistic Counseling Concepts Trish Whynot, D.C.Ed. Doctor of C.O.R.E. Education Dr. Trish Whynot’s way incorporates

ASAT™ C.O.R.E. Counseling, meditative

techniques and wise guidance that comes through the Mineral Kingdom.

Eliminate the root of physical, social, and financial problems: Discover, address, and release issues blocking health and wealth.

G View relationship discord and illness as opportunities for growth and change.

G Open to an array of extraordinary futures.

G

Learn perspectives for living and loving that expect opportunities even during challenging times. You can’t thrive on problems but you can thrive on the wisdom, understanding and compassion gained from them.

Dr. Trish Whynot is a holistic counselor, speaker and author of “Why Me? Why Now? WHY NOT? Finding Opportunity in Your Obstacles.” Paperback and electronic versions available.

“What im­pres­sed me about Dr. Trish Whynot was her ability to see through the chaos of life’s web and identify the root cause of any problem.”

— Bob Olson, Editor, OfSpirit.com Workshops and Sessions Available In Office, Phone or Skype Windham, NH G trish@trishwhynot.com www.TrishWhynot.com G 978-314-4545

Glenn Bigonet brings a rare level of compassion, acceptance and hope to his work. As a relationship specialist, his clients report increased connection, intimacy, better communication, and more joy. In addition, he is skilled at helping clients with trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, self-esteem, anger, and co-dependency.

Lic. Psychologist, Lic. Marriage and Family Therapist Dance/Movement Therapist From the time we are very young we take life’s experiences to heart. Over time we may forget our core, hurts and feelings, but they remain with us. Our heartfelt experiences help shape our sense of self and our interactions with others.

Holistic Psychotherapy Lori Miller-Freitas, LICSW Get to the core — Transform your life!

You are on this earth to be happy and realize your true potential.

EMDR R TAT R Hypnosis R Reiki

I use a combination of traditional, body centered and energy therapies to increase the speed and deepen the level of holistic healing.

I offer a variety of modalities such as: EMDR, Sandtray Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, Therapeutic Movement & Psychotherapy to help heal our core issues and attain a more integrated sense of health and well being. I look forward to meeting you.

Client Comments: s Sandtray – “Sand tray therapy helped me see my life more clearly.” s EMDR – “I had insights I never had before.” s Therapeutic Movement – “It was great to feel the freedom in my body after working with you.”

42 Thoreau Street, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-6138

Brainspotting A neurobiological tool for releasing traumatic/emotionally-charged issues within the brain.

Holistic Psychotherapy Clinical Consultation Using extensive professional experience to resolve issues related to: Trauma, Grief, PTSD, Anxiety and Phobias.

Certifications: LICSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists.

Visa/MC acccepted.

294 Pleasant St. R Ste. 103B R Stoughton, MA www.eaglespirittherapies.com 781-297-2003 Counseling and Therapy, continued

www.spiritofchange.org

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 71

Counseling and Therapy, continued

Body-Centered Psychotherapy Listen to your body…follow your heart.

The heart is the first organ to form in the body, and is the organizing factor for physical formation, including brain formation. Trauma, deprivation or neglect creates heart wounds, which keep us from accessing our deepest selves.

Emotional-Kinesthetic Psychotherapy (EKP) facilitates an emotional, energetic rewiring, helping us activate and express the power of the heart. Emotional safety,

words, touch, meditation, movement, presence and silence facilitate verbal and non-verbal expression. Meaningful work, fulfilling relationships, self-esteem, purpose and passion, love, intimacy and sexuality follow. Straight, GLBT and poly-friendly.

Coaching for soul-centered living. Body psychotherapy groups Sunday nights in Newton. Apprenticeship training.

ALISON DA SILVA Yoga Instructor RYT Yoga Teacher: Elderly and Adult Thai Yoga Massage Certified Stress Reduction Meditation Therapist

15 Sherman Street, Everett, MA 617-719-3110 alisonstar31@hotmail.com

Reiki Practitioner and Teacher Offering Workshop on Mental Health

Books: Living with Vision, and Healing the War Between the Genders Blog: www.heartspacecafe.com/blog Mediation for couples and families.

Coaching for soul-centered living. Body psychotherapy groups. Apprenticeship training.

Newton, MA www.healingheartpower.com LSMHEART@aol.com 617-965-7846

Patricia Warren Reiki Jin Kei Do

Union, returning 13 times, as well as to thousands of people in medical, religious and educational settings throughout the Caribbean, Europe and Middle East since 1989. ✦ ✦

Barbara Madden Johnson M.A., C.A.G.S., L.R.C., L.P.C. Do you have a belief that, inside of you, you have the potential that yearns to be released?

For most, a fleeting glimpse is all they’ll ever have. For others, there is a way. Just imagine…releasing your true potential.

Work­ing together, one-on-one, you can over-

come problems that have kept you from achieving your goals and desires.

Unlock your potential! Restore inner bal­ance!

Come alive!

Barbara Madden Johnson, M.A., C.A.G.S., L.R.C., L.P.C., a certified master practitioner and licensed trainer in Neuro Linguistic Programming, has over 25 years experience helping individuals with: u Career and identity is­sues u Immune and autoimmune illnesses u Chronic fatigue syndrome u Depression u Learning disabilities and ADD u Relationships u NLP Certification Training Program u Bel­mont, MA. Some insurance accepted.

For an appointment, call 617-484-1716.

Crystals Andara Crystals Raise your Vibration and Expand Consciousness www.Andarawakening.com www.Andaraoraclecards.com G Automatically expands your state of awareness

InternationallyExperienced

New Englands most InternationallyExperienced Reiki Master since 1989 Patricia has taught healing techniques of Buddhist, Sikhs and Christians for over 25 years. She is the appointed East Coast representative of Reiki Jin Kei Do ~ Buddho Healing, authentic and advanced teachings of Usui Reiki in the lineage of Buddhist Monk Seiji Takamori. Patricia was the first woman to teach Reiki in the former Soviet

Reiki Satellite, LLC

G Increases access to universal knowledge

Kimberly Pacek, RMT

G Accelerates the spiritual development process

Life Coach Facilitating Death and Dying Horse and Pet Therapy Traditional U.H.T. Methods

G Activates channeling abilities

G Creates a bridge between ethereal and physical dimensions

G Manifests and creates by inserting your intention into the Andara Energy Field

8 years experience

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Reiki Jin Kei Do CD $16

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Patricia Warren, Reiki Master Teacher 508-528-5888 ✦ warrenhealing@gmail.com www.patriciawarren.com

Altering disruptive short circuits so that energy may flow more easily throughout the body.

Create a balance for a healthier habit of everyday living.

By Appointment Only In person or long distance healings by phone: 603-897-5979 R Nashua, NH www.reikisatellite.com

G Clears and balances chakras

G Raises your frequency of energy, raising your overall vibration Bringing complimentary and alternative care to our community... We are a dedicated and professional group of practitioners providing compassionate care to assist our clients on their journey to wellness.

Healing and Bodywork YOGA R REIKI R MEDITATION CRYSTAL HEALING LISA HASSETT Reiki Therapist, CYT

HEALING F O R B O D Y, M I N D & S P I R I T

✦

All Levels of Reiki Jin Kei Do Training Buddho Healing (advanced Reiki classes) “His Garments Hem” Christian Healing Touch Gung Fu Chinese Tea Ceremonies Past Life Regression Justice of the Peace Spiritual Director

160 School St., Suite 1-1, Waltham, MA reikiofgreaterboston@gmail.com

72 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

www.reikiofgreaterboston.com 508-335-3814

38C Park Street, Medfield, MA 02052 www.holisticwellnesscenter.org 508-359-7400

Our offerings include Acupuncture and Cupping, Ear Candling, Facial Rejuvination, Holistic Health Coaching, Mayan Abdominal Massage, Massage Therapy, Reflexology Reiki, Polarity, Eden Energy Healing, Wardrobe Consulting/Coaching and Holistic Life Counseling. And if all that wasn’t enough... crystals and gifts too!

Healing and Bodywork, continued

Healing and Bodywork, continued Deborah is a dedicated practitioner committed to the health and wellness of her clients, and a devoted teacher gently guiding her students into their own experience of Reiki through attunement and training.

WHAT HER CLIENTS SAY:

DEBORAH STRAFUSS Reiki Master and Teacher, Usui Reiki Ryoho Creating a Personal Path to Inner Healing through Reiki Crystal Reiki offers traditional Usui Reiki, Crystal Chakra Balancing, Space Healing and Clearing and Reiki Training, Shares and Classes for those desiring to incorporate Reiki into their lives and work.

“Deborah is a caring professional who puts a new client at ease.”

- Brenda “I felt so at peace last night. I slept through the night and am still at peace this morning.”

- Steff WHAT HER STUDENTS SAY:

“I love your space, the location, the energy of it, how prepared you were. I think you are a very professional and comforting presence.”

- Bonnie Find Crystal Reiki at The Gentle Place Wellness Group in Framingham, MA

Libby Barnett, MSW, RMT Awaken Your Healing Touch Libby is a gifted, knowledgeable Reiki Master with 37 years experience. Libby learned Reiki from John Harvey Gray in 1979, and is the longest practicing Reiki Master Teacher on the East Coast. Her book, Reiki Energy Medicine, Bringing Healing Touch into Home, Hospital, and Hospice has sold over 75,000 copies in five languages.

Use Reiki to create more joy, ease, and happiness. Let Libby’s warm, heart-centered approach help you take your next step toward self-love and inner peace. Reiki brings balance and harmony, supporting you doing the work you were born to do.

Reiki facilitates transitions, promotes creativity and wisdom, and accelerates spiritual growth, helping you manifest your magnificence.

Libby has been teaching Reiki at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for 15 years. She has taught medical and nursing students at Harvard, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brown, Tufts, and Yale, as well as staff at Mass General, Brigham and Women’s, Beth Israel, Mt. Auburn, Emerson, DartmouthHitchcock, Southern New Hampshire, New York Columbia Presbyterian hospitals, and social workers at the University of Maryland. Libby was featured in a Reiki segment for the PBS nationally televised series, Body and Soul.

“Libby has a beautiful way of teaching and creates a perfect atmosphere for healing and learning.”

www.spiritofchange.org

REIKI FOR PEOPLE & PETS K A R E N TA L B OT

Usui/Holy Fire II Reiki and Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher Offering Reiki Sessions in office or remotely for both people and pets. Also unique combined sessions with parent and child, or parent and pet.

Large Animal Reiki also provided at homes/barns. Prices determined on an individual case basis.

R 508-353-5136 R

Claim your healing hands birthright!

www.CrystalReikiEnergy.com

One of Libby’s passions is teaching hospice staff and volunteers. Fueled by Reiki energy, their healing touch is enhanced, creating greater effectiveness in calming agitation, soothing pain and providing comfort. ©

Reiki Inspired Healing

In class, a powerful slide presentation captures the essence of Reiki and highlights the latest research. Reiki stories from Libby’s extensive experience will uplift and inspire you, showing how anyone can learn Reiki. You receive attunements and practice giving and receiving Reiki. You leave class with an illustrated notebook, certificate, and Reiki pin, fully trained and certified to do Reiki on yourself, family, friends, and animals. “Hands on, Reiki’s on.”

"My commitment to teach the Usui System of Reiki Healing in the authentic, traditional manner inspired me to visit Japan to retrace the roots of Reiki. I am dedicated to teaching this sacred healing art to promote health and conscious living on the planet. I invite you to give yourself the gift of Reiki. It is an easy, effective self-care tool to love, heal, and empower yourself. I look forward to meeting you and sharing Reiki.”

Reiki I, Boston Area Classes: Newton, MA: Sept. 17 or Nov. 5 Concord, MA: Oct. 15 Reiki I, Wilton, NH Classes: Sept. 10 or Nov. 12 Reiki II Class: on day following Reiki I Class Reiki Master, Wilton, NH Class: Oct. 8 Graduates of other Reiki teachers welcome.

Additional Reiki training dates can be found at: www.reikienergy.com All credit cards accepted.

Social Work, Nursing and Massage contact hours/CEU’s available. Reiki Master Teacher Training info available on request.

To register or for more information: www.reikienergy.com reiki@reikienergy.com • 603-654-2787

Northeast Reiki Center 61 Nicholas Road, Framingham, MA 01701 508-808-5696

www.northeastreikicenter.org Experience Reiki free, first Sunday of month

THE JOHN HARVEY GRAY CENTER FOR

Reiki Healing

Lourdes Gray, Ph.D. Awaken your healing skills immediately and be a powerful channel for Reiki energy!

The John Harvey Gray Center for Reiki Healing was established by John Harvey Gray and Dr. Lourdes Gray in 1996 to empower and develop a student’s capacity for healing. The Center offers the most thorough Reiki healing training available, ‘with no cut corners’, as it was taught by Mrs. Hawayo Takata. John Harvey Gray received his entire Reiki training from Hawayo Takata. He was one of the original 22 Reiki Master Teachers trained by her.

He was also the longest-practicing Reiki Master Teacher in the Western Hemisphere until his passing into spirit on January 12, 2011.

REIKI CLASSES

Usui/Holy Fire II Reiki I Reiki II z Advanced Reiki Training Master/Teacher and Karuna Master Teacher Levels Centrally located in Central Massachusetts 232 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA Above the Living Earth store By appointment only ReikiInspiredHealing@gmail.com www.ReikiInspiredHealing.com 774-272-2717

We’re all born with the ability to heal with our hands. Our affordable, inspiring training provides the instruction and inclass practice you need to confidently bring Reiki’s healing to yourself and loved ones.

Our comprehensive trainings help you: v heal your own heart, mind and body v become clear channel for Reiki’s healing v bring healing and love to the world Learn this life-transforming method from a Reiki Master Teacher with 14 years experience. Receive a manual, practitioner certificate, and lots of after-class support.

Already Reiki-certified, but feeling something is missing? Deepen your practice by learning Usui Sensei’s Japanese Reiki spiritual self-development techniques to experience more joy of your true pure self.

Lourdes was initiated by John Harvey Gray as a Reiki Master Teacher in 1996 after intensive one-on-one training by John Harvey Gray. As a Reiki Master Teacher, Lourdes has taught over 700 Reiki workshops and trained more than 8,000 Reiki students to date and serves as the director of the John Harvey Gray Center for Reiki Healing.

Each workshop consists of two full days of learning and hands-on practice. You will immediately be able to effectively channel Reiki healing energy for yourself, others and pets. In Reiki First Degree you will:

✴ Quickly and easily develop your natural,

intuitive powers. Within minutes, be able to scan and feel a person’s aura and chakras for analysis. ✴ Effectively treat any condition with Reiki energy— physical, emotional or spiritual, chronic or acute. ✴ Immediately be an effective Reiki healer, confidently bringing comfort and calm to family, friends, clients and pets ✴ Receive a training manual & certificate.

The John Harvey Gray Center for Reiki Healing P.O. Box 696, Rindge, NH 03461 Visa/MC Accepted

See Full Class Schedule: www.learnreiki.org ✴ 603-899-3288

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 73

Healing: Combined Modalities Katie Beecher, MS, LPC

Medical Intuitive Medium v Licensed Professional Counselor Readings from anywhere in the world knowing only your name and age.

Include a four page written report, symbolic painting, a meeting and follow up.

Abilities and accuracy verified by physicians in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Over 50 five-star reviews on facebook page: facebook.com/beechermedicalintuitive

“Katie is amazing and truly gifted. I had a medical intuitive reading and was a little skeptical since we were doing it long distance.

Katie knew nothing about me but my first name and age. I had goosebumps and chills and some tears as I read her report before our meeting. She knew things about me that NO ONE knew, very private information. I was completely blown away.”

Please e-mail or call Jay for an appointment Shamanic Practitioner/ Energy-Healer

Received Altomesayoc Rites from Q’ero Paqo Don Sebastian in Peru

Chakra Illumination G Soul Retrieval Entity Extraction G Object Extraction Cord Cutting

HEALING

Wendy Marks

M.Ed, C.A.S., FAPA R Medical intuitive sessions, energy heal-

ing and integrative therapy

R 30 years of experience in traditional and

complementary healthcare

Vibrational Transformation

spiritual health

R Works with individuals to develop their

own intuitive skills “By healing ourselves we create changes that have a ripple effect on the world around us.”

Looking for practical guidance to create your own spiritual path? You’ll find it in Wendy’s book Your Soul’s Companion, available on her website and at amazon.com. www.wendymarks.com R 781-449-5368 wlm922@wendymarks.com

By increasing your Vibrational Frequency, you’ll transform the denser, heavier energies within your system allowing you to: G

CHERYL WRIGHT

We are vibrational beings.

G

Embody and reveal who you truly are Unleash your innate gifts, talents and abilities

G Come back into harmony with your true

Does not interact with other medicines

Classical Homeopathy Homotoxicology (FCT CEASE) Pranic Healing

HEALING Reconnective Healing® The Reconnection® and Reconnective Healing® with Animals

Brings rapid, gentle balance of the immune system Holistic approach to healing and wellness www.behealthyhomeopathy.com veravolfson@gmail.com T 508.397.6098

Nutrition Holistic Nutrition Services, LLC BETH COLON, M.S., HHP Nutrition and Wellness Counselor Certified GAPS Practitioner Specializing in digestive wellness and gut repair.

Come on a journey with me to improve your health with holistic nutrition.

Offices in Watertown, MA and Cumberland, RI Available in-person or by phone

PROGRAMS FOR: S Practical Nutrition

S Digestive Wellness S GAPS

S Cancer Recovery Nutrition S Brain Health

S Detoxification

987-340-0448 www.HolisticNutritionServices.com

Readings

Cheryl@WrightHereNow.com 617-448-8749 G www.WrightHereNow.com

Julianna Kallas, LIGHT & LOVE

soulworkerhealing@gmail.com

desires in all areas of your life

Your Vibrational Frequency informs your entire reality.

Vibrational Transformation is a process whereby vibrations are introduced into the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and energetic bodies for transformation.

G 617-340-9593 G

Safe, effective, non-toxic, no side effects

VERA VOLFSON, CCH

intuitive

soulworkerhealing.com

Homeopathy

www.katiebeecher.com v 860-304-6991

R Improve your physical, mental, and

Donation of $40-$80 per one-hour session

Give yourself, a loved one, or beloved animal a Reconnective Healing,® uniquely customized by the intelligence of the universe, whereby you or they will receive what is needed — emotional, spiritual or physical healing, not merely just what you think you should have.

The objective of The Reconnection® is to return the body to balance, while tapping into the universal healing intelligence.

74 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

www.lightandlovehealing.com RUSSELL RICCIO r 603-935-9106

M.Ed.

Intuitive, Psychic, Medium Julianna is an internationally known psychic and medium who has been practicing for over thirty years. She has appeared nationally on WBZ radio and FOX TV and has been a guest on many radio

stations. She has also been interviewed for the TV show “Psychic Detectives” and has helped the Boston Police Department solve a quadruple murder. She’s featured in the book Spiritual Prescriptions for Turbulent Times. She also has several of her relaxation tapes on iTunes.

Her gifts include her psychic abilities, channeling her guide, mediumship, reading the aura and tarot.

Contact Julianna at: 978-468-1478 g Jkallas27@gmail.com www.JuliannaKallas.com

Readings, continued

Readings, continued

KELLE SUTLIFF

Salons and Spas

she is having a one-on-one conversation with you. She shares her world, making it relatable to your own life, and connecting you to loved ones. Her book has won two very prestigious awards, “Reader’s Favorite” and “Mom’s Choice.” It is available through her web site, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble book outlets.

You will LOVE your glowing, smooth, healthier looking skin after a gentle and nourishing Holistic Facial with Ellen at ‘Love Your Face!’

q

PSYCHIC MEDIUM | NEW AGE AUTHOR $185 for an hour appointment.Call for Readings: Z 978-420-8213 Z

psychicmediumkelle.com Kelle Sutliff’s work has been seen on ABC, CBS, and FOX, and in The Boston Herald and The Boston Globe.

Kelle’s psychic predictions for 2016 were #1 on Google out of 1.5 MILLION psychics making predictions for the new year.

Her award-winning book, Listen UP! The Other Side is Talking has influenced people around the world, showing them how to connect to their loved ones. Kelle writes like

by

…In the presence of loving Angelic energy READINGS AND SESSIONS IN

F F F F F F

Spiritual mediumship Spirit portraits of loved ones in Spirit Akashic record life readings Session packages available Group sessions and classes Free inspirational “Wing Tips” at angelscapes.net

Connecting to Spirit for inspiration, sustenance and support for your life’s journey. Nancy gently guides you into a connection with spirit and your soul for

Nancy Johansen RN, CCH, RMT

“I am a psychic medium, author, psychic investigator, and former radio show host who has been practicing for over fifteen years. As a psychic investigator, I have provided accurate information in missing person cases using my expertise for private investigators, individual families, and national missing persons organizations.

My show “Psychic Cup of Coffee” was affiliated with CBS radio and Transformation Talk Radio for three years. I am currently connected with the #1 talk show host in Boston as a permanent guest on “Night Side With Dan Rea” on WBZ radio.

I conduct in-person readings at my office at 505 Middllesex Turnpike, Suite 13, in Billerica, MA. I also take appointments for national and international readings via phone and Skype. I look forward to having the opportunity to read for you.” ~ Much blessings, Kelle

guidance, healing and direction. Whether you want to connect with a loved one who has passed, or you have questions and challenges you want to work with, allow spirit to inspire you in a reading session with Nancy.

Sign up for Nancy’s 7-month series, School of Akashic Soul Mastery. Next session starting Apr. 16. Open house: Mar. 1, Mar. 4, and Mar. 29. Contact: Women of Wisdom in North Easton, 508-230-3680.

Classes in North Andover: F Ongoing Mediumship development classes on Thursdays F Apr. 30: Learn to read your Akashic Records, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

F May 14: Wisdom and Healing from Past Lives in your Akashic Records, 10:30 – 4:30 F June 4: Understanding Soul Contracts and your Life Path in the Akashic Records, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Psychic Intuitive S Angel Therapy Practitioner ®

www.spiritofchange.org

Ellen O’Donnell

Licensed Aesthetician & Reiki Master 20% off first-time clients Reiki Facial a Perfect Pumpkin Phyto Facial Seasonal Phyto 5 Facial a Anti-Age Phyto Facial a Decadent Chocolate Phyto Facial

Creative Strands HAIR

&BODYWORKS

Chill Out, Ease Stress & Restore Balance Treat yourself to the ultimate in relaxation!

The Greater Boston Church of Spiritualism The Greater Boston Church of Spiritualism embraces a religious and spiritual belief blending ancient wisdom with contemporary thought.

Services are held at 10:30 AM every Sunday, with mediumship, live music, inspirational talks, and healing by laying on of hands.

As an evolving spiritual community,

Enjoy a Thai Yoga Massage or enjoy a softer touch with a Swedish Massage. We also have Deep Tissue Massages and many more. Facials to fit every season.

Skin care and hair care products for all skin types and hair care needs. Our whole team continues to keep up with the latest trends and state of the art techniques.

The Greater Boston Church of Spiritualism offers weekday evening classes in mediumship, healing and meditation, Medium Nights on the last Tuesday of the month, plus seminars and workshops throughout the year.

We are moving! For a brochure including upcoming events, or to speak with the Pastor, please call us or visit our website.

An affiliate of the Spiritualists United Network (SUN) and the International Spiritualist Federation.

617-923-4334 GreaterBostonChurchofSpiritualism.com The Oneness Blessing frees the senses from the constant chatter of the mind, bringing clarity and spontaneous feelings of love, joy, peace and inner silence. It dissolves negative patterns, releases traumas stored at the cellular and energetic levels, and facilitates deep emotional physical healing. Eventually the process brings a permanent end to personal suffering and full Awakening to the very highest states of consciousness.

Connecting you with your Angelic Dream Team, creating your Happily Ever After

Nancy@Angeltouche.com www.Angeltouche.com S 508-577-4552

978-457-1431 a ellen.design16@comcast.net 110 Haverhill Road, Amesbury, MA www.healinghands-ellen.com

Spiritual Practices

NANCY SMITH | ANGELSCAPES

Private sessions in person or distance by phone and e-mail.

Classes and workshops ~ North Attleboro, MA

To schedule your appointment:

3 Boston Road, Sutton, MA www.creativestrandsllc.com i 508-865-1141

North Andover F nancy@angelscapes.net www.angelscape.net F 978-835-0005

Angel Readings S Past Life Regression Angel Therapy® S Reiki S Hypnotherapy

at Angeltouche

This is a deeply relaxing experience and a perfect time to start caring for your skin. Facials are preventative wellness for the skin…you are worth it! No parabens, sulphates or chemicals.

Start your Neurobiological Shift www.onenessma.org/awaken The Oneness Blessing is a direct transfer of intelligent sacred energy, which causes the heart to flower and the mind to quiet. It initiates a neurobiological change in the brain.

We have regular large group events and smaller blessing circles within the Oneness Massachusetts group – check our website: OnenessMA.org for details and locations.

Sign up for our newsletter and get email invitations to our large events.

Meet us at the Natural Living Expo, Nov. 12-13. Visit Booth #16

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Spirit of Change 75

Directory of

Holistic Specialties ANGELS

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY TREATMENT

PAST LIFE THERAPY

Ross J. Miller, psychic. Meet your angels and spirit guides. 617-527-3583.

Visit www.The MysticWay.com

Healed in 2 Hours. Ross J. Miller, psychic healer.

617-527-3583. www.TheMysticWay.com

Ross J. Miller. Relive past lives and release blocked energy. 617-527-3583. www.The MysticWay.com

EMF PROTECTION

READINGS

The Rejuvenizer®, protection from EMFs and other damaging frequencies. www.lighthealing.com.512-301-2999.

Rachel Perry, Psychic Medium. (508) 681-0320. www.RachelPerryMedium.com.

ANIMAL SERVICES MASH Integrative Veterinary Care, est 1982.

Margo Roman, DVM. 508-435-4077. www.mashvet.com

ASTROLOGY Eric Linter, over 25 years experience. Readings, classes, daily forecast. stars@ericlinter.com.

508-541-4115.

CERTIFICATIONS Hypnotherapy, NLP, Reiki, IET and Crystal Healing.

508-539-2885. Clinics and crystal fairs. www.capecodcenterforwholehealth.com

FENG SHUI Urban Eden. Transform and empower your home/work spaces. 401-351-5632. karenfeldmanurbaneden.com Feng Shui Services of New England. Julie PelletierRutkowski, MS, RN. Consulting and education. www.FSSone.com.

GHOSTS REMOVED

REIKI Libby Barnett, MSW, Reiki Master Teacher.

603-654-2787. www.reikienergy.com. CEU’s.

The John Harvey Gray Center for Reiki Healing.

603-899-3288. www.learnreiki.org Sacred Song Reiki and Sound Healing. Priscilla Gale, Reiki Master/Teacher. SacredSongReiki.com.

Northeast Reiki Center. Exceptional Reiki Training. www.northeastreikicenter.org.

Schools of Wisdom for Professional Development & Spiritual Enrichment. WomenofWisdominc.com.

From Your Home/Aura. Ross J. Miller, psychic medium, healer. Call 617-527-3583. www. The MysticWay.com

CHILDREN’S HEALTH

HYPNOSIS

Touchstone Community School. Education for ages 4-14. Grafton, MA. 508-839-0038. www.touchstoneschool.com.

Cliff Aguirre, certified hypnotherapist. 339-214-8194 www. mindbalancehypnotherapy.com

Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center.

Haines Falls, NY. 518-589-5000. www.peacevillageretreat.org

MEDICAL INTUITIVE

REFLEXOLOGY

Sue Singleton. 20+ years accurately finding Root Cause. 978-834-0341. TheWayToBalance.com

Dee MacLean. Comfortable and relaxing. Home visits for your convenience. Whitman, MA. catlinggirl@aol.com. 508-562-0813.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY Genesis Alternative Health. 31 years of experience.

I-ACT certified instructor. NBCHT certified.

603-347-1861. detoxgenesis.com Debra Graham, CT, ND. I-ACT and NBCHT certified. Westminster, MA. 413-522-0061.

DrDebMA.com Body Balancing Center. I-ACT and National Board certified. 508-868-3624. www.bodybalancingcenter.com

Constance Jones. Since 1980. I-ACT certified instructor. NBCHT certified. Manchester, CT. 860-287-4558. www.cleanmycolon.com

COUNSELING AND THERAPY Joel Perlmutter, Ph.D. Licensed 35 yrs. Stress, anxiety, relationships. Stow & Shrewsbury, MA. Putnam, CT. 978-897-9797.

76 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Intuitive Healing with Wendy Marks.

Over 25 years of experience. 781-449-5368. www.wendymarks.com Elizabeth Thorson, RN. Certified by Carolyn Myss and Norman Shealy, MD. elizabeththorson.com.

207-712-9495.

NUMEROLOGY Joelle, Master of Intuitive Numerology.

508-735-0005. www.joelleroseszlosek.com

PAIN RELIEF Pat Lebau, MA, ERYT-500, Kripalu Yoga teacher, offers Integrated Positional Therapy sessions.

Discover how to relieve your pain. PatLebau.com

RETREAT CENTERS Wild Dolphin Swims. Yoga, healthy food, Atlantean legends. www.wildquest.com. 800-326-1816

VISION IMPROVEMENT Rosemary Gaddum Gordon, MA. Cambridge, MA and Portsmouth, NH. www.visioneducators.com

YOGA Worcester Yoga Center. Ann Bissanti, CYT. 30 years experience Iyengar yoga. 508-829-6300.

Add your listing!

Next deadline: January 31, 2017.

Email advertise@spiritofchange.org.

BUSINESS SERVICES

AKASHIC RECORDS

Could you use a helping hand... or two?

Personal and professional requests accepted. Visit TwoHelpfulHands.com for details or call (401) 651-6881 and ask for Kehrey. Email address is Help@TwoHelpfulHands.com. You may also find me at FindKAD.com.

CLASSES

ASTROLOGY Need guidance for your soul path, life, or relationship? Meet your guide/angels or talk to your furbaby? Astrology and psychic readings available. Coupon for 8% off "SOC8%". Visit www.Etsy.com/shop/MysticalSynergy or Instagram @mystical.synergy

BUSINESS FOR SALE Established 20 year 5 Element Acupuncture practice for sale in beautiful Southern Maine (Springvale). Currently working 3 days/wk. Majority cash basis. Accept credit/ debit cards and some insurance billing.

Income $92-95K. Furniture for 1 treatment room, supplies, patient files, patent herbs. Getting ready to retire and will stay on to introduce you to loyal patient base. $65,000. Currently housed at the Gate of Hope Holistic Center, which is also for sale separately. This includes a 17808 sq. ft. lot size, a 3285 sq. ft. medical office building, partially finished basement. Parking is available for 28-30 cars. Building is fully leased on the right side with long term tenants. Left side has potential for 3 additional offices. Highly visible location and handicapped accessible. $499,900.

Visit: www.gateofhopeholisticcenter.com.

Serious inquiries only!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Energize your water with i9 bottle We are looking for distributors and agents in the USA and Canada. visit us: www.i9bottle.us

Upper Cape Tech in Bourne, MA, near Cape Cod Canal is a leading provider of career and wellness training offering Culinary Arts, Art, Aromatherapy, Gemstone Therapy, Facial, Hand & Ear Reflexology, Energy Medicine, Release Stress, Stop Smoking, Weight Loss, Professional Reflexology, over 750 online courses and more. Visit uppercapetech.cc or call (508) 759-7711, ext. 211 for details.

COACHING Choices in life — A Creative Insight provides intuitive life counseling. Let me assist in problems solving. $35 per session. Contact Indala.

(781) 599-8275.

COLLEGE PLANNING

Your HS Student Is More Than A Test Score!

Holistic College Counseling and Prep Beginning 9th-12th Start planning now, avoid senior stress

Lisa Paige, PhD

Affordable Rates; Sliding Scales (774)571-1761 • lastpaige111@gmail.com

www.lastpaige.com Medway • Holliston • Westwood COUNSELING & THERAPY

Sanford (Sandy) Rosenzweig, Ph.D., Metrowest psychotherapist, who believes that real contact is more important than DSM diagnostics. Call (508) 358-5918 and leave a message for Sandy.

DOWSING All About Dowsing. Through dowsing discover more about yourself and your health.

Self-instructional DVD's, books, instruments. www.dowsing.com. (805) 649-5721. Catalog: PO Box 30305, Santa Barbara, CA 93130.

BUSINESS SERVICES DeVoe Accounting and Bookkeeping. Various business services to assist you at reasonable rates. Call Brian or Linda.

(781) 599-8275.

www.spiritofchange.org

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD! Deadline for Spring/Summer issue: January 31, 2017.

Email advertise@spiritofchange.org

SPACE FOR RENT

FENG SHUI Boston Feng Shui with Lynn Taylor. After decades of studying many different feng shui traditions, as well as teaching and consulting both nationally and internationally, I have blended what I believe to be the best of many approaches. For more information or to arrange a consultation please contact me at (617) 924-4205, or e-mail lynntaylor@bostonfengshui.com. www.BostonFengShui.com. Residential, business and staging services.

FOR SALE Union Hospital in Lynn, Mass., for sale.

Extensive renovations needed. We are seeking substantial alternative therapy participation after renovation. Fax/call Neil Barry (781) 598-0602.

HERBAL TRAINING Herbal Apprentice Program! Moore Farm, Alton, NH. Starts April 2017. Fun, exciting, hands-on program! Visit our website at www.moorefarmherbs.com. (603) 859-0464

HOLISTIC HEALTH PRODUCTS Distill the Water. Quality, USA made water distillers. Remove contaminants, chemicals, fluoride, arsenic, lead, and bacteria from water. Approx. 25¢ per gallon. www.distillthewater.com. (207) 536-9007.

Beautiful space for rent in the center of Shrewsbury for practitioners of body and energy work, consultations, classes, meetings, etc. Full, part-time and hourly rates available. Please contact Becky at Bhavna's Wellness Group: (508) 970-5620.

Newton Center Office Space For Rent.

Full-time/part-time availability. Inviting, furnished psychotherapy suite includes private office, waiting room, clerical space and bathroom. Contact Chris Gruener, crossroads-counseling-services.com, chris.gruener@comcast.net. (617) 965-6552 Spacious office suite available at Pleasant Health Center for the Healing Arts, 294 Pleasant Street, Stoughton, MA. Suite 204, 1,500 sq. ft. ideal for group practice of experienced health practitioners. Reception area. Private kitchenette and bathroom. Two sound reduction rooms. Floor plan on request. Rental space also available per event or by appointment in the conference room and in suite 105, The Upham Room. Join a growing community of fifteen independently owned health practitioner businesses. Contact John P. Ando, Sr., Eggrock Realty Corporation, 294 Pleasant Street, PO Box 745, Stoughton, MA 02072. Email eggrockrealty@gmail.com. or visit www.facebook.com/PHCHAStoughton/ (781) 341-3416

SPIRITUAL GOODS Beautiful hand painted angelic and spiritual wall hangings, banners and altar cloths. Divine designs and mandalas with a magickal twist!

Visit www.etsy.com/shop/MysticalBanners, email Marsha: reikimsdm@gmail.com.

HYPNOSIS Kathryn McGlynn Hypnosis. Past life regression and metaphysical hypnosis.

Schedule your private session today or gather your group together for an illuminating experience. (781) 340-2146. http://www.hypnosis.ws

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(805) 649-5721. dowsing.com. Catalog: P.O. Box 30305, Santa Barbara, CA 93130.

REFLEXOLOGY Rosalie Cryan, reflexology advanced certification. Reiki Master. Promoting balance and stress relief for 15 years. Experience bodywork for the first time or change your current routine. Only the feet are exposed. Quincy, MA. (617) 471-4190. Mention this ad: $60.

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SPACE FOR RENT Office space available in Arlington. Two separate office spaces available for rent. Perfect for massage therapist. One room includes sink.

Both spaces approximately 250 square feet.

Call (781) 648-9867.

Art of Healing Holistic Center, Pepperell, MA. www.AOHholistic.com. Room rentals available for holistic practitioners by the hour, day or month. Email AOHholistic@yahoo.com or Call Patti Eames (978) 302-5460.

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Contact one of our Volunteer Supervisors for more information Jami-Lynn Lamy: Ann Brum: Visit our website to learn more about our specialized hospice care and services AscendHospice.com

WILD DOLPHIN SWIMS Swimming with Wild Dolphins. The ultimate human-dolphin connection. Meditative, healing Caribbean Island retreats. Yoga, healthy food, Atlantean legends. www.wildquest.com.

(800) 326-1618.

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Index of Advertisers Fall/Winter 2016 A A-HA Design....................................................... 34 Abra Therapeutics.............................................. 43 ABRAXAS Intuitive Arts................................... 55 Acupuncture of Worcester................................ 66 Acupuncture Plus Yoga...................................... 66 Advaita Meditation Center................................ 67 Ageless Yoga...................................................32,53 Alternatives for Health....................................... 41 Akashic Record Readings.................................. 77 Andara Crystals.................................................. 72 Angelscapes......................................................... 75 Angeltouche........................................................ 75 Arvigo Massage................................................... 45 Ascend Hospice.................................................. 77 ASEA.................................................................... 57

F First Spiritualist Church of Quincy.................. 24 Four Winds One Breath..................................... 11 The Fourwinds Society...................................... 22 FrogPond Yoga Centre....................................... 53

B Shivani Baker...................................................... 49 Libby Barnett....................................................... 73 Basic Earth Essentials........................................ 57 Baylight Homeopathy........................................ 32 Beadniks.............................................................. 57 Katie Beecher...................................................... 74 Bhavna’s Wellness Group................................... 47 Glenn Bigonet..................................................... 71 Biofield Tuning................................................... 43 Blossom Healings............................................... 57 Body Balancing Center...................................... 49 BodyStrongBoston............................................. 53 Boston School of Herbal Studies, The.............. 70 Allen Bourque..................................................... 50 Kelly Buckowski.................................................. 36 Susan Burdick..................................................... 69

H Healing from the Body Level Up...................... 28 Healing Roots Acupuncture.............................. 66 Healthy Spirit...................................................... 70 Holistic Oasis...................................................... 35 Holistic Wellness Center...............................59,72 John Holland....................................................... 21 Joan Holzman..................................................... 71 John Howe........................................................... 70 Hug Patrol............................................................ 57

C Nancy Canning................................................... 28 Canton Spiritualist Church............................... 38 Amy Caparco...................................................... 57 Circles of Wisdom.............................................. 12 Cold Spring Wellness......................................... 57 Constellation Approach..................................... 17 Core Movement Integration.............................. 68 Creative Strands Hair & Bodywork.................. 75 Crystal Concentrics............................................ 33 Crystal Reiki........................................................ 73 D David Young Music............................................ 37 Déjà vu Psychics................................................. 58 Developmental Alphabiotics............................... 7 Dr. Sharon Doolittle........................................... 36 E Su Eaton............................................................... 67 Eclectic Institute of Aromatherapy and Herbal Studies, The....................................................... 69 Enchanted Fox.................................................... 59 EnerGold............................................................. 79 Enlightened Care................................................ 34

G Gemstone Therapy Institute.............................. 17 Geoffrey Warner Studio..................................... 27 Arthur Gertler..................................................... 38 Jesse Goldman..................................................... 55 Graduate Institute, The...................................... 68 Deborah Graham................................................ 70 Andy Grant.......................................................... 11 Greater Boston Church of Spiritualism........... 75 Groton Wellness Center..................................... 11

I I Am The Flame Candles................................... 47 Inner Traditions.................................................. 33 Integrative Mental Health for You.................... 70 J Jo Jayson............................................................... 38 John Harvey Gray Center.................................. 73 Barbara Johnson................................................. 72 Johnson Compounding and Wellness............. 15 The Joy Source..................................................... 37 Just Bee and Me.................................................. 57 K Julianna Kallas.................................................... 74 Sasa Kosir............................................................. 77 L Light and Love Healing...................................... 74 Light Unlimited.................................................... 4 Eric Linter............................................................ 66 Living Earth, The................................................ 19 Lotus Flower Living............................................ 36 Love Your Face Holistic Skin Care................... 75 LoveLight Illuminations.................................... 51 M Marconic Recallibration.................................... 13 M.A.S.H............................................................... 59 Massachusetts Satsang Society, Inc.................. 21 Massage Envy........................................................ 2

78 Spirit of Change | FALL/WINTER 2016

Judith Mabel........................................................ 42 Maha Yoga Center.............................................. 53 Tina Marian......................................................... 33 Linda Marks........................................................ 72 Wendy Marks...................................................... 74 Sam McCartin..................................................... 34 Medical Aesthetics of New England................ 43 Metrowest Thermal Imaging............................. 31 Santi Meunier...................................................... 71 Ross Miller.................................................19,25,58 Lori Miller-Freitas.............................................. 71 Mirabai Devi....................................................... 24 Misty Meadows Herbal Center......................... 33 N Natural Living Expo............................................. 9 Nature’s Rite......................................................... 25 NE Institute of Reflexology............................... 69 New England Forever Aloe............................... 57 Northeast Reiki Center...................................... 73 Nutritional therapy Association....................... 47 O Oneness................................................................ 75 Open Spirit.....................................................53,67 Opening Lotus Yoga........................................... 53 Optimum Health Solutions..........................19,21 P Lisa Paige............................................................. 77 Path to the Present.............................................. 71 Rachel Perry........................................................ 31 Pets and Spirits.................................................... 49 Pipal Leaf Yoga Studio....................................... 53 Pleasant Health Ctr For The Healing Arts........ 27 Monique Pommier............................................. 67 Lauren Potter....................................................... 69 Pyramid Books.................................................... 51 Q Quintessential Coaching................................... 70 R Raffa Yoga & Urban Sweat..............................5,53 Real Life Yoga Studio......................................... 53 Regina’s Connection........................................... 31 Reiki Satellite....................................................... 72 Reiki of Greater Boston..................................... 72 Rhys Thomas Institute....................................... 80 RI Holistic Healing Association....................... 36 S Sacred Song Reiki............................................... 21 Salve Regina University..................................... 27 Sanctuary for Celestial Empowerment, The...... 51 Science of Spirituality......................................... 50 Andrea Seiver...................................................... 71 Skin to Soul......................................................... 45 Small Miracles Preschool................................... 68

Miriam Smith...................................................... 49 Sohum Yoga and Meditation Studio................ 53 Soul Worker......................................................... 74 Spa Tech............................................................... 68 Spirit Hollow....................................................... 55 State of Grace Yoga and Wellness Center........ 53 Kelle Sutliff.......................................................... 75 Synthesis Center, The......................................... 69 T Karen Talbot........................................................ 73 Touchstone School............................................. 67 Tree of Life Yoga Dance................................53,72 MaryLee Trettenero............................................ 42 Trinity Healing Sanctuary................................. 67 U-V-W Tina Vesely.......................................................... 34 Vibrant Health.................................................... 25 Robyn Vogel........................................................ 70 Vera Volfson........................................................ 74 Mary Catherine Volk.......................................... 32 Vesta..................................................................... 17 Edward Waite...................................................... 23 Wakaya Perfection.............................................. 19 Dot Walsh............................................................ 34 Pat Warren........................................................... 72 Way to Balance, The......................................39,69 Wellness Roundtable, The................................. 41 Westborough Yoga.............................................. 53 Trish Whynot...................................................... 71 Wisdom of the Ages........................................... 37 Women of Wisdom.......................................35,67 Worcester Mineral Club.................................... 51 Worcester Yoga Center...................................... 53 Cheryl Wright..................................................... 74 Wu Healing Center............................................... 3 X-Y-Z-Y-Z Yoga at the Ashram..................................23,53,68 Yoga Family......................................................... 55 YogaLife Institute................................................ 53 Yoga Pathways................................................39,53 The Yoga Studio.................................................. 53 Your Health Matters........................................... 23 Kerstin Zettmar.................................................. 50 Zuzu’s Healing Arts.......................................12,67

Spring/Summer Issue Advertising Deadline Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Contact Us: (508) 278-9640 advertise@spiritofchange.org

Visit Our YouTube Channel To See Our Gold-Plated Bottle And Our Sparkling ORMUS.

Visit our website www.EnerGold24k.com, Amazon, and eBay for our complete line of 24-Karat Gold-based products:

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