Natural Awakenings Naples/Fort Myers April 2015

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NATURE’S WISDOM

Celebrate Earth Day

Spring House Greening Yoga for Trauma Master a Martial Art Kids Confront Climate Change Why Cleanse and Detox?

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contact us Publisher/Senior Editor Sharon Bruckman Naples/Fort Myers Editors Randy Kambic Linda Sechrist National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Calendar Editor Sara Peterson Design & Production Lisa Avery Stephen Gray-Blancett Steve Hagewood C. Michele Rose Sales & Marketing Christine Miller Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Heather Gibbs Accounting Amie Delozier Kara Scofield

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Springtime, Find Your Natural Match!

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In a Sea of Nature

I’m fresh off the ship from a weeklong vegan cruise at sea. Joined by two of my sisters, several Natural Awakenings publishers, 1,800 new friends and some of the most respected medical doctors in their fields, I found the whole adventure heightening my own ongoing natural awakening.

The keys to longevity, vitality and healPublisher Sharon Bruckman (right) ing and just about anything that ails you, with San Diego Natural Awakenings backed by thousands of scientific studies, publisher Elaine Russo convinced me once again that good health is a matter of what’s on our forks and in our minds. Meeting world-renowned expert T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study, perhaps the most comprehensive research done on the effects of plant-based diets on health, was inspiring. We also enjoyed critiquing the first sneak peek of the enlightening new documentary PlantPure Nation, directed by his son, Nelson Campbell.

The Campbells begin a two-month nationwide bus tour this month, with rallies to engage communities by bringing attention to the political and economic policies that suppress the most important health breakthroughs of our time. Natural Awakenings is all in, and we invite you to join in the Tampa-St. Petersburg event on Sunday, April 12, to show our support. See page 29 for more information.

At sea, I also enjoyed snorkeling Dr. T. Colin Campbell (left), Sharon adventures on two of the four Caribbean Bruckman and Nelson Campbell islands we visited. The immediacy of encountering nature’s wonders under the sea shifted me into a bliss-filled state of awe and became highlights of my week.

We don’t need research to tell us that spending time in nature is good for us, but studies are showing a host of physical and mental health benefits across a broad spectrum of conditions. Discover more in Christine MacDonald’s April feature article, “Nature’s Wisdom: Its Lessons Inspire, Heal and Sustain Us,” on page 44. Connecting with nature trumps almost everything for me. A forest hike or sunset beach walk unfailingly elevates my mood, intuitively balances me and stimulates my imagination. It’s often a spiritual experience.

This month, we naturally highlight Earth Day and urge you to tune into HBO’s new four-part documentary, Saving My Tomorrow, starting April 22. While scientists discuss how climate changes are affecting life on Earth, most of the voices are those of children concerned that they are inheriting a dying planet if adults don’t get their act together big-time and soon. Avery Mack reports on page 48.

Earth Day is so much more than one designated day a year, it’s every day.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities for connecting with supportive resources in Southwest Florida at local Earth Day events, listed on page 20. Our thanks go to all those working to spark and strengthen our resolve to step up our own efforts and join our children in improving the legacy we’re leaving them.

To honoring Earth’s glories,

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Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

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newsbriefs earthdayevents healthbriefs globalbriefs actionalerts ecotip community spotlight greenliving readersnapshot wisewords healthykids businessspotlight fitbody fitnessfinds spatherapy calendar classifieds resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact Christine Miller at 239-272-8155 or email ChristineM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com for Collier County or Lisa Doyle at 239-851-4729 or email LisaD@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com for Lee County.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: NAEditor@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. Or visit: swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Resources CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email calendar events to: NACalendar@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com or fax to 239-434-9513. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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

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

36 THE FOOD ARTISANS NEXT DOOR

Homemade Delicacies, Direct from Our Neighbors

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by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

38 HOME-GROWN

ORGANIC MADE EASY 10 Time-Saving Tips for a Healthy Garden

by Barbara Pleasant

42 HEALING JOURNEYS

Paul Stutzman Finds Universal Truths on His Treks

by Randy Kambic

44 NATURE’S WISDOM Its Lessons Inspire, Heal and Sustain Us

by Christine MacDonald

48 EARTH IN PERIL

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Children Confront Climate Change

by Avery Mack

50 WHY CLEANSE

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AND DETOX?

by Linda Sechrist

58 DOGS WITH

LIBRARY CARDS

Kids Love Reading to Animals

by Sandra Murphy

62 SPRING GREENING

Easy Ways to Detox a House

by Lane Vail

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66 STRONG WINDS

STRONG ROOTS

What Trees Teach Us About Life

by Dennis Merritt Jones

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newsbriefs Natural Awakenings Earns Top Franchise Business Award

National Esoteric Healing Conference in Naples

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atural Awakenings has been ranked in the best 50 in its size class among 200 companies named in the Franchise Business Review’s 2015 Top Franchises Report. The healthy living magazine was one of five franchise companies cited as best-in-class in the advertising and sales category. To select the top franchises across industries and performance categories, the organization surveyed more than 28,500 franchisees.

“We feel privileged that it was our franchisees’ expression of high satisfaction that earned us this award,” says Sharon Bruckman, CEO of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. “Gaining this recognition proves that our process of providing franchisees with editorial, promotional and operational support, partnered with their enthusiastic dedication in individual markets, serves communities well. Together, we are nourishing and growing a healthy living consciousness in America.” The network now encompasses nearly 100 franchisees nationwide and in Puerto Rico.

Franchise Business Review, headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. 2015 marked its 10th annual Top Franchises Report.

For more information, call Anna Romano at 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com and FranchiseBusinessReview.com. See ad, page 52.

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he National Association for Esoteric Healing will hold its annual conference in Naples for the first time from April 24 to 26, at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Shining light on the inner and outer perceptions of all of our senses, the event will include an Introduction to Esoteric Neurology evaluation and treatment that is simple and forms the basis of the work with the senses.

Organizers attest that participants will find the treatment techniques and methods are easy to understand, effective and often profound in their results. Completion of at least Esoteric Healing Part 1 is required to attend.

Cost: $160 members, $185 nonmembers. Location: 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. For more information or to register, call 239-289-2049, email BWilliams@msn.com or visit naehOnline.org.

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Fitness Training for the Brain

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hristine Sullivan, an Institute of Integrative Nutrition health coach and the owner of Seize the Day Wellness, in Naples, has formed a new partnership with Posit Science, a company pioneering brain-fitness software to improve memory and processing speed in older adults. “I am very enthused about collaborating Christine Sullivan with Posit Science to offer Brain HQ’s 25-plus online brain-training exercises as part of my sixweek Alzheimer’s Prevention classes. There are more than 70 published papers showing the real benefits from using these fitness exercises for the brain,” explains Sullivan, who specializes in brain health.

One of the aspects that Sullivan finds most exciting about Brain HQ is its founder and creator Michael Merzenich, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco. “He is one of the few doctors and researchers who, in the past 30 years, has transformed the field of neurology by overturning the idea that our mental abilities are immutable and fixed early in life,” notes Sullivan.

For more information, call 239-250-2592, email Christine@ SeizeTheDayHealth.com or visit SeizeTheDayHealth.com.

See ad, page 25.

Learn About Our Lost Orchids at Naples Botanical Garden

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he Friends of Fakahatchee will host The Cuban Connection: Finding Florida’s Lost Orchids, a dinner program, at 5 p.m., April 18, at Naples Botanical Garden.

The event will feature presentations by American and Cuban orchid experts that have been working together to return South Florida’s “lost” orchids—several species that disappeared due to the habitat destruction and collecting that took place during the 20th century.

The event begins with a tour of the orchid pavilion, followed by a Cuban-inspired buffet dinner with island drinks. The Cuban-American team, including Mike Owen, a park biologist at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park; Dr. Rolando Perez, the director of science at Soroa Botanical Garden, in Cuba; and Dennis Giardina, an Everglades region biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will deliver a presentation on the progress they have made to conserve and reintroduce rare and extinct orchid species.

Cost: $50. For reservations (required) or more information, visit OrchidSwamp.org. natural awakenings

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newsbriefs Annual Autism Spectrum Disorders Conference

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free conference on autism spectrum disorders will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., April 11, at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Cohen Center. The eight annual Promising Pathways, the Road to Best Practice in Autism, will focus on topics relevant to families, educators and health professionals.

Keynote speaker Chantal Sicile-Kira, a leader in the field of adolescence and transition to childhood, awardwinning author of five books and creator of the recently launched AutismCollege.com, which provides practical information and training for parents and educators, will discuss the many aspects, including sensory processing, communications, social relationships, safety and the strengths and dreams of those living with autism.

Breakout session topics include Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, Instructional Supports and Accommodations, Using the Floortime Model, Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders, Assessment and Treatment of HighFunctioning Autism in Children, Navigating the Neurotypical Working World, Seizures and Autism Spectrum Disorder, IEPs that Work, How Do Special Education Services Relate to Your Child? and Supports for Work. A resource fair with vendors from autism-related businesses and service providers will also be available.

To preregister (required), visit fgcu.edu/events/promisingpathways. For more information, call 239-745-3400 or email PromisingPathways@fgcu.edu.

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Moringa Energy Life Expands Product Line

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oss and Aylin Hagen, co-founders and co-owners of Moringa Energy Life, have added a new anti-aging cream to their selection of health products. The product line includes Moringa oleifera, a nutrient-dense plant known is Asia as the “miracle tree” and one of the most productive in producing powerful, natural multivitamins, plus Moringa dried leaf powder, teas, oil, anti-wrinkle oil, shampoo and soap.

A true superfood, moringa includes 92 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatories, 18 amino acids, nine essential amino acids and 13 essential vitamins and minerals in a natural form readily absorbed by the body.

Aylin was exposed to the affordable, high-quality nutritional value of the Moringa (malunggay) tree while growing up in her native Philippines. Raising two young children in Fort Myers that thrive on moringa, the couple realized that launching their company would be a wonderful way to share this nutrient with our area and beyond. Starting with many local farmers’ markets, their moringa business has grown to include health food stores, health practitioners, ECHO Global Farm, in North Fort Myers, and their own website.

For more information, call 239-246-1731, email Healthy@ MoringaEnergyLife.com or visit MoringaEnergyLife.com. See ad, page 57.

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newsbriefs Two Days of Music and Healing at Unity of Naples

U Kristen Tenpenny

Christie Lenée

nity of Naples will host three special events this month. Twin Flames Igniting: A Journey of Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Awakening, featuring a presentation by Kristen Tenpenny, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Christie Lenée from 8:45 to 9:30 p.m., takes place on April 24. When Feelings Feels Too Much: Self-Empowerment for the Energy Sensitive, a class led by Tenpenny, will take place at 2 p.m., April 25.

Tenpenny, a Reiki master, Theta Healer and yoga instructor, will provide live music, Beta and Theta Sound Healing, featuring crystal and Tibetan bowls and other instruments, yoga, guided meditation and more, followed by a candlelight concert by singer-songwriter and energy healer Lenée on April 24.

Tenpenny’s class features guided visualizations, taking students through self-exploration and dialogue, building faith in healing using her skills as a spiritual coach and ordained minister.

Requested love donations: $25 concert and class, $15 class. Location: 2000 Unity Way. For more information, call 239-775-3009 or visit MadeiraBeachYoga.com or NaplesUnity.org. Music samples are available at ChristieLenee.com.

Feline Frenzy Events at Brigid’s Crossing

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he Brigid’s Crossing Resale Shop and Adoption Center known as Shabby Cat, in Naples, will host free April Feline Frenzy events from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 17 and 18. Attendees can enjoy Healing the Circle of Life presentations on proper cat care by Director Heather Burch, kids’ coloring and family photo activities, raffle prizes and unique sale items. Several adoptable cats will be at the store hoping to find their fur-ever homes.

Brigid’s Crossing will accept donations in exchange for raffle tickets to win prizes, including cat care gift items, a certificate for a yoga class and lunch for two at Shangri-La Springs.

Location: 963 4th Ave. N. For more information, call 239-263-6019 or visit ShabbyCat.org. See ad, page 31.

Infinite Stones Opens in Fort Myers

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nfinite Stones, a new retailer and wholesaler of granite, marble and crystals, is located at 12911 Metro Parkway, in Fort Myers, offering a selection of crystals and metaphysical tools and hosting psychic healing fairs, classes and other events.

“We have a mine in Brazil and have some unique crystals coming straight from there,” says Debbie Randolph, who supervises the events. The warehouse can be visited by appointment only.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 678-717-8584, email DeborahRandolph101@comcast.net or visit InfiniteStonesllc.com. For more information on granite offerings, call Dominique Fuentes at 561-541-3437.

See ad, page 45.

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Rev. Christopher Macklin to Host Healing Events

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ev. Christopher Macklin, a Melchizedek Being and a powerful channeling medium and healer from England, will host several Scott J. Erickson healing events this month, including a Divine Healing Experience from 1 to 3 p.m., April 19, at Unity of Naples; 15-minute pet healing sessions from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 20, at Pet Paradise 1, in Bonita Springs; private 45-minute healing sessions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 23 and 24, and Discovering Your Gifts, an advanced healers’ training workshop during the same time period on April 25, both at the Center of Eternal Light, in North Fort Myers.

In private healing sessions, Macklin works with past and present emotional issues, physical pain and energy blockages. Workshops include Dimensional Healing Gifts, Three Past Life Regressions, Combing Meridian Lines, Complete DisEase Ensemble and Rebalancing.

Macklin utilizes divine healing techniques cultivated through divine knowledge from God and the spirit world to help people recover from illness. His new book, Dissolving the Enigma of Divine Healing, is available at Amazon.com.

Cost: pet healing sessions $40, private healing session $100, workshop $225. Locations/contact information: Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, 239-775-3009; Pet Paradise 1, 27241 Bay Landing Dr., Ste. 19, RSVP (required): 239-495-8880, PetParadise1.com; Center of Eternal Light, 260 Professional Pl., 239-5994700, CenterOfEternalLight.com.

Also visit ChristopherMacklin Ministries.com. See ad, page 55. natural awakenings

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newsbriefs International Yogi Corn in Fort Myers this June

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uby & Pearls Yoga Studio, in Fort Myers, will present Seane Corn, an internationally celebrated yoga Seane Corn teacher known for her impassioned activism, unique self-expression and inspirational style of teaching. She will lead The Body and Beyond, a two-part workshop, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., June 11, and 9 to 11:30 a.m., June 12, at Fiddlesticks Country Club, in Fort Myers. Participants are asked to bring a mat, props, water, pen and paper to the class.

Corn will focus on the functional cues of a healthy vinyasa practice, including a challenging sequence ending in restorative, meditative and yin poses; proper alignment, pranayama, meditation, reflection and prayer; integration of asana, breathing techniques and conscious intention and more.

Cost: $68 per class. Location: 15391 Cannongate Dr. For more information or to register, call 239-768-1021, email RubyPearlYoga@gmail.com or visit RubyAndPearls.com. See ad, page 31.

Carol L. Roberts, M.D., ABIHM Dr. Roberts has been practicing integrative/ holistic medicine for over 20 years. This style of medicine offers a more patient-centered model to medicine.

Dr. Roberts is the author of Good Medicine: A Return to Common Sense, hosted a radio show and is on the faculty of the USF College of Medicine and the College of Public Health.

239-649-7400

800 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 270 • Naples PerlHealth.com

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Dr. Roberts teaches the LIGHTEN reasons for weight UP FLORIDA! gain and the cure for cravings, A permAnent Weight fatigue and loss progrAm depression!

by Dr Carol Roberts She uses hCG hormone therapy to reserve your spot call to achieve incredibly 941-202-4149 rapid weight loss in seven weeks.

One unique aspect of the program is the addition of four sessions of hypnotherapy.

This is not only a weight loss program, it is a learning opportunity.

For more information, location and program schedule call:

941-202-4149

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Award-Winning Psychic Appearing in Naples in May

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sychic medium Jill M. Jackson, the 2015 Psychic of the Year from Best American Psychics, will speak at the Altered Elements Meditation Studio, in Naples, next month. She will present An Evening with Spirit, a gallery demonstration of mediumship from 7 to 9 p.m., May 1; a Psychic Development Class Level 1 two-day Jill M. Jackson course from 1 to 5 p.m., May 2 and 3; and psychic and mediumship readings from 1 to 5 p.m., May 4 and 5.

An Evening with Spirit will include mediumship messages to random audience members, and the classes feature grounding, clairvoyance, chakras, spirit guides, animal totems, pendulums and more.

Jackson is a tested and certified psychic by Shay Parker’s Best American Psychics and Certified Psychic Society, and an esteemed member of the Psychic Angels and Psychic Investigations Academy.

Costs: $33 May 1 event, $222 for classes, including workbook. Location: 5630 Yahl St., Ste. 1. For more information or to register, call 828-414-4765, email Gail@JillMJackson. com or visit JillMJackson.com. See ad, page 54.

Kuiper Returns for Dimensional Energies Workshop

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d Kuiper, an acclaimed teacher, author and recognized leader in holistic practices, will return to Naples to conduct Journey Into the Higher Energies, a weekend workshop on dimensional energies, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 2, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 3, at Kuan Yin Sanctuary. His unique Ed Kuiper approach impacts those seeking a path of enlightenment.

Kuiper says that he has traveled a road from the thirddimensional business world to a new fourth- and fifthdimensional energy experience. His intention is to enlighten individuals regarding planetary transformation and rebirthing within the new energies, moving them from a limited human experience to a full-potential, unlimited universal status.

Cost: $225 includes workshop, materials, lunches and refreshments. Location: 2380 NE 8th St. For more information or to reserve a space, call 207-512-5645 or email TheOnenessConnection@gmail.com.

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newsbriefs Sculpted Beauty Teams Up with Naples Laser and MedSpa

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ebra Florio, at Sculpted Beauty, is now offering the services of Naples Laser and MedSpa, a leading area skincare health and beauty destination, at its Bonita Springs location. The partnership is built upon the mission of fulfilling the clients’ desire to attain healthier, younger and more vibrant skin. “We are excited to welcome their services here Debra Florio in our facility, which can serve all your skin care needs, as well as our beauty contouring by CaviLipo,” says Florio.

They offer comprehensive skin analysis and create a treatment plan based each client’s needs, using leading-edge technologies and the latest skincare science. Pam Neitzel, founder of Naples Laser and MedSpa, has been in the skin care service industry for more than 15 years.

Location: 26381 S. Tamiami Tr., Ste. 136. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-221-0921. See ad, page 17.

Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation at House of Gaia

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alentina Dimitri, of Swinging on a Star Transformational Seminars, and Lulu Carter, of the House of Gaia, will come together to present a seminar of self-discovery and transformation from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 25, at the House of Gaia Center, in Naples. Participants will learn a step-by-step process to shift self-sabotaging behavior and Valentina Dimitri actions into clarity and freedom using strategies for positive change.

Attendees will discover how to live a more fulfilling life by learning how to handle the loss of direction, which emotions govern behavior and how they become individualized energy fields, and discerning what energy they are attracting into their lives. A continental breakfast, refreshments and healthy snacks will be served.

Cost: $55. Location: 1660 Trade Center Way. For more information or to register, call Dimitri at 239-877-6808.

N ature always wears the colors of the spirit.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson 18

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Peace, Love and Music Fest Returns to Bonita Springs

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he third annual Peace, Love and Music Festival 2015 will feature 17 bands on two stages to benefit the Naples-based nonprofit Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled at Summer Land, in Bonita Springs. Gates open at noon, April 9, with open jamming that evening. Scheduled performances begin at 9 a.m., April 10, with Spider’s Native Wake-Up Call, concluding at 10 p.m., April 12. Camper pack-up day is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 13.

A performance by local band Yazgar’s Farm will highlight the event. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the band has performed at several Woodstock reunion festivals.

A celebration of original music in a beautiful outdoor setting, the event includes local artists and healthy food vendors. All proceeds benefit an organization that enhances the quality of life for developmentally disabled adults through community awareness, family support, housing options, education, social and recreational activities and more.

Cost: $50 per person includes tent camping. $30 for a one-day pass, free for children under 13. Location: 27501 Kent Rd. For advance tickets, email PeaceLoveAndMusicFestival@hotmail.com. For more information, call 239-641-7704 or visit Facebook.com/peaceloveandmusicfestival.

kudos Betsy Opyt has been named the 2015 Florida Young Mother of the Year (awarded to those under the age of 40) by the Florida Chapter of the American Mothers Association. A Naples-based registered dietitian and personal trainer, Opyt recently launched Betsy’s Best, a new line of gourmet and all-natural nut and seed butters (peanut, almond and sunflower) that is currently available in all Florida Whole Foods stores, Bristol Farms, and online at BetsysBest.com.

Honorees serve as ambassadors for their states and Betsy Opyt the Association, focusing particularly on their efforts to raise awareness of human trafficking, domestic abuse and other issues facing women worldwide.

Profiles of the honorees will be featured throughout the year at AmericanMothersBlog.com. For more information, visit AmericanMothers.org.

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earthdayevents The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens – Party for the Planet

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 4 Party for the Planet, the national Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) annual Earth Day event, is one of the largest Earth Day celebrations on record. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly conservation fun at the Naples Zoo.

The Conservation Station has information about organizations that protect the Naples environment. This celebration includes Zoo Town for Kidz, with fun games and arts and crafts made from recycled materials. Nature’s Mall features green-friendly businesses.

EARTH

DAY 2015

Hope for Our Future

by Julianne Hale

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hen we learn about the condition of our most valuable resource—this spinning planet we call home—we may feel a sense of urgency, desperation or even defeat. Global climate change is a powerful foe, and current efforts may seem like a losing race against time.

Yet, mounting evidence suggests that the global community is making progress, giving rise to the possibility that climate change may not be the insurmountable obstacle we once thought. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) article, “We Can Do This: 10 Reasons there’s Hope for our Climate,”

by Dan Upham, summarizes a speech given by EDF President Fred Krupp at the 2014 Aspen Ideas Festival (Tinyurl. com/HopeForTheClimate). Here are some encouraging highlights.

The price of solar energy panels has dropped by 75 percent in the U.S. since 2008, and affordable wind energy is increasingly available. According to a study published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, carbon dioxide emissions from energy in this country dropped by 10 percent between 2005 and 2012.

In addition, China, the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases, is actively

seeking ways to reduce emissions.

Proof of progress is also found in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan to cut billions of tons of pollution, a goal supported by two-thirds of Americans, according to a survey conducted by Harstad Strategic Research. Aligned with this, the government is requiring that manufacturers double automobile fuel mileage by 2025.

Perhaps the best argument for hope reflects the priorities of America’s younger generations. A recent bipartisan poll of young voters conducted

by Benenson Strategy Group and GS Strategy Group suggests that 80 percent of voters under the age of 35 support the president taking action to address climate change, making it an issue that both major political parties must take seriously.

It’s time to realize that mankind is making decided progress, that the majority of us do care, that what local communities accomplish has a positive effect and that the global community can take the steps needed to avert catastrophic climate change.

Become a part of the solution by attending one or more of the community events listed here.

Mounting evidence suggests that the global community is making progress, giving rise to the possibility that climate change may not be the insurmountable obstacle we once thought.

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Location: 1590 Goodlette Rd., Naples.

For more information, call the Info ZooLine at 239-262-5409 or visit NaplesZoo.com.

Earth Day Program Birdhouse Project

9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 18 Celebrate Earth Day by painting birdhouses at the park. Participants will have the opportunity to find a spot at the park to hang their masterpiece. Additional birdhouses may be donated to the park.

Cost: $5 includes the cost of a small birdhouse and painting materials.

Parking fee required. Location: Main entrance of Caloosahatchee Regional Park, 18500 N. River Rd., Alva. For more information, call 239-822-5212.

To register, call 239-533-7440 or visit LeeParks.org.

Lee County GAC Earth Day Trash Bash

9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 18 Sponsored by Keep Lee County Beautiful, this 26th annual countywide cleanup and beautification campaign— the nation’s largest organized event of its kind—is part of the nationwide Great American Cleanup effort, sponsored by Keep America Beautiful.

Location: Check-in and collection sites are located throughout the county. For a site list and more information, call 239334-3488 or visit klcb.org.

Earth Day at the Refuge J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18 Meet and greet Bagzilla, a refuge educator dressed in a year’s worth of an average person’s disposable bag consumption. This celebration includes free, family fun activities; plein air artists’ works on display; narrated refuge tram tours and nature hikes; a marine debris timeline contest for kids; family storytime presentations on sea turtles and manatees. Wildlife Drive is free and open to bikers and hikers only. Free bikes are provided by Tarpon Bay Explorers (must be picked up at their location).

Location: 1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel Island.

For more information, call 239-4721100, ext. 236 or visit DingDarlingSociety.org/earth-day.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Earth Day Festival

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 18 This celebration includes electric boat tours along the gordon river; educational programs for kids and adults; expert lectures, live animal programs and exhibitors; arts and crafts, face painting and hands-on habitat experiences; live music, locally made crafts and festival food; and free T-shirts to the first 50 guests.

Cost: free for members, $10 adults, $5 children 3 to 12. Location: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Rd., Naples.

For more information, call 239-430-2466 or visit Conservancy.org.

Movie in the Park and Earth Day Event in Bonita Springs

5 p.m., Saturday, April 18 This celebration includes a free showing of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, beginning after dark.

Earth Day for kids activities including free face painting, a movie-themed game, Dr. Seuss photo booth area and more.

Popcorn, ice cream and drinks will be available for purchase from Royal Scoop.

Bring low-back chairs or blankets to sit on and sweaters or blankets if it gets chilly.

Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St. on Old U.S. 41. For more information, call City Hall at 239-949-6262 or visit CityOfBonitaSprings.org.

Earth Day Guided Nature Walk at Caloosahatchee Regional Park

9 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 21 In honor and celebration of Earth Day, park staff will lead a one-and-a-halfmile guided walk at the park to explore and learn about native plant communities, flowering plants and natural history of Southwest Florida. Dress appropriately and bring a water bottle.

Cost: Free with paid parking. Children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Location: Main entrance of Caloosahatchee Regional Park, 18500 N. River Rd., Alva. Limit of 25 participants. Registration is not required.

Groups of five or more call ahead. For more information, call 239-822-5212 or visit LeeParks.org.

Celebrate Earth Day at Naples Botanical Garden

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 22 Free tours begin at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Unearthed: Dinosaurs in the Garden, will be on exhibit until July 5.

Pre-Hurricane Season Household Hazardous Waste Roundup 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 25 Collier County Solid and Hazardous Waste Management will host a free pharmaceutical take-back by Drug Free Collier’s Operation Medicine Cabinet; free tire recycling; auto and home products and devices for recycling; free paper shredding by Adera OnSite Security Shredding; and clothing, shoes and books collected by Goodwill Industries for resale.

Five Collier County Recycling dropoff locations: Golden Gate Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd, W Naples; Hazardous Materials Collection Center’s Collier County Landfill, 3720 White Lake Blvd., Naples; 2640 Corporate Flight Dr., Naples; 9950 Goodlette Rd. N., Naples; and 990 Chalmer Dr., Marco Island. For more information, call 239-252-7575.

Earth Day Celebration

Cost: Free for members, $14.95 adults, $9.95 children 4 to 14. Location: 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. For more information, call 239-643-7275 or visit NaplesGarden.org.

Goodwill Industries Earth Day Re-Use and Recycle Roundup

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 22 Donated clothing, electronics, shoes, books, household items and cell phones go to Goodwill Industries. Free shredding for residents and businesses is offered by Goodwill Secure Shred.

Rid medicine cabinets and homes of unused, unnecessary or expired medicines with safe disposal by Drug Free Collier’s Operation Medicine Cabinet and bring hazardous household chemicals, rechargeable batteries, paints, used motor oil and fluorescent bulbs for collection by Collier County Solid Waste Management.

9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25 Learn, discover and participate in Earth care in Collier County. Donations will be accepted to purchase native shrubs to plant in Collier County. Visitors will enjoy a drum parade at 9:15 a.m.; 30 arts and crafts, environmental and horticultural vendors; a tree sale, healing circle and kids’ activities; separate showings of 20-minute Symphony of the Soil movie series; creation of Navaho bamboo loom during the day; and a drum circle from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free. Location: 8200 Immokalee Rd., North Naples. For more information, call 239-269-7341 or email JMEtzal@hotmail.com.

Location: Goodwill Towne Centre parking lot, 3759 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples.

For more information, call 239-9952106 or 239-252-5354.

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healthbriefs

Strawberries Reduce Blood Pressure

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study published in the World Journal of Diabetes concluded that the regular consumption of a flavonoidrich strawberry beverage reduces blood pressure in people with Type 2 diabetes. The study divided 36 subjects, all with moderately high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, into two groups— the first drank the equivalent of one serving of fresh strawberries per day made from freeze-dried berries, and the other group drank the same amount of an imitation strawberry-flavored drink over a six-week period. Blood pressure was tested at the beginning and end of the study for all participants.

At the end, the group drinking the real strawberry beverage registered significantly lower diastolic blood pressure than at the outset; it was also lower than the imitation strawberry group. The average diastolic blood pressure of the group drinking real strawberries went down by 6.5 percent and the systolic dropped by 12 percent. The strawberry-flavored group’s systolic blood pressure was also reduced, but only by 3.7 percent.

THE BENEFITS OF USING A SYSTEMICALLY ORIENTED OPHTHALMOLOGIST

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o poets, the eyes—whether round, beady, deep-set or doey—have long been known as the windows to the soul. An ophthalmologist, which is less likely to wax poetic, would describe the eyes as the windows to our health. Systemic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies are easily seen under the scrutiny of a holistic ophthalmologist’s biomicroscope.

Patients that visit a systemically oriented ophthalmologist will discover that not only will they receive an assessment of the eyes, but also feedback about telltale signs of their emotional conflicts, musculoskeletal problems, root canals, toxic infections and other health issues that appear in their eyes.

Unfortunately, this connection between overall health and eye health is rarely addressed during conventional eye exams. The majority of doctors that treat eye disease and prescribe eyeglasses are merely following their training, which is traditionally based on the standard treatment of spectacles and surgery. Without a background in nutrition and non-conventional approaches to treating eye problems, conventional optometrists and ophthalmologists treat the eyes as isolated organs.

A systemically oriented, board-certified ophthalmologist trained in regenerative nutrition may maintain that our overall health has much to do with the state of our vision and that the use of multimodal protocols such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, homeopathy, detoxification, supplementation, low-level microcurrent to stimulate cellular activity, palming (using the hands over closed eyes) and other alternative methods can be used to reverse visual loss.

Dr. Edward C. Kendrot, M.D., is also a medical doctor of homeopathy at Healing the Eye and Wellness Center, 2666 Swamp Cabbage Ct., Fort Myers. For more information, call 352-588-0477 or 800-430-9328 or visit HealingTheEye.com. See ad, page 35.

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Olive Oil Boosts Healthy Cholesterol

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n an effort to understand what makes olive oil so good for heart health, a study from Europe’s Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group and the U.S. National Institutes of Health has found that olive oil’s polyphenols significantly increase the size of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) in the blood and enhance the HDL’s ability to inhibit formation of the abnormal fatty deposits, known as plaque, within the walls of arteries. Polyphenols are natural compounds from plants known to help prevent cancer and heart disease.

In the three-week study, researchers isolated the effect of polyphenols by dividing 47 healthy European men into two groups: one ate a diet containing polyphenol-poor olive oil and the other consumed polyphenol-rich olive oil. The enriched diet resulted in increased size, fluidity and stability (resistance to oxidation) of the HDL molecules by reducing their triglyceride core. The researchers note that the oxidation of cholesterol lipids such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is linked with arteriosclerosis.

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healthbriefs AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FROM MOTHER NATURE

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nlike their Eastern counterparts, North American and some European herbalists seek to directly mitigate health issues or facilitate specific bodily functions using particular plants, roots and barks. Native Americans embraced the belief that Mother Nature provides, contending that the herbs of a local environment provide for all of the needs of the people dwelling there. For example, snake weed is prevalent in the Southwest, where encounters with rattlesnakes are frequent. Herbs such as comfrey, arnica and sage, which are found from coast to coast, are used to heal wounds, relieve pain and get rid of parasites, maladies common to people everywhere, according to the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.

Every culture in the world has developed and maintained a system of healing based on their indigenous plants, relying on these natural pharmaceutical entities for thousands of years. A human that lived 5,000 years ago found preserved in ice in 1991 was carrying herbs and mushrooms to mitigate health conditions that scientists confirmed were present in his body.

Despite their effective use for millennia, many modern-day people still question the efficacy and safety of medicinal herbs. Instead of looking to pharmaceutical companies—born of an industry with less than 200 years of experience—to handle our healthcare needs, perhaps the real Affordable Care Act can be found in the plants, roots and barks provided

by Mother Nature.

For more information, call 888-4654404 or visit NaturesRiteRemedies. com. See ad, page 57.

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Memory Works Better Reading Real Books

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esearchers from Norway’s Stavanger University and France’s AixMarseille Université found that readers remember a story better if it’s on paper.

The study tested 50 people that read the same 28-page short story. Half of the group read the paper version and the other half read the story on a Kindle e-reader. The researchers discovered that readers of the digital version could not remember details from the story or reconstruct the plot as well as the group that read the paper copy.

The researchers found that the feedback of a Kindle doesn’t provide the same support for mental reconstruction of a story as a print pocket book does. “When you read on paper, you can sense with your fingers a pile of pages on the left growing, and shrinking on the right,” explains Stavanger University’s Anne Mangen, Ph.D. These findings confirm a study performed a year earlier, also led by Mangen. Seventy-two 10th-graders were given text to read either on paper or on a computer screen. The students that read the paper text versions scored significantly higher in reading comprehension testing than those reading digital versions. natural awakenings

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healthbriefs

Acupuncture Increases Quality of Life for Allergy Sufferers

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esearch from Berlin’s Charité University Medical Center suggests that acupuncture is an effective treatment for patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, in 2013, the study analyzed data on the costs and quality of life of 364 allergy patients that had been randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: rescue medication alone (taken when symptoms are greatest); acupuncture treatment plus rescue medication; or sham (non-therapeutic) acupuncture plus rescue medication. Patients receiving acupuncture incurred higher total treatment costs, but also gained significantly more quality of life compared with the rescue medication-only groups.

THE COLOR GREEN MAKES EXERCISE FEEL EASIER

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esearch from the University of Essex, in England, suggests that viewing natural green images while exercising may be better than being exposed to other colors. The researchers tested 14 people doing moderate-intensity cycling while watching video footage of predominantly gray, red or green imagery. Each of the participants underwent three cycling tests—one with each of the videos—along with a battery of physiological and mood testing.

The researchers found that when the subjects watched the green-colored video, they had better moods, with a lower relative perception of exertion than when they exercised while watching the red and grey videos. They also found those that exercised while watching the red video experienced greater feelings of anger during their exercise.

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Local Toxins Increase Risk of Autism

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onfirming previous findings, a large study from the University of Chicago has found that autism is linked to toxic environmental exposure.

The research examined data from nearly a third of the U.S. population, which showed that both autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities increased as exposure increased in region-by-region testing.

The research measured clusters of autism incidence together with exposure rates in different counties and states across the country. The areas with greater environmental toxin exposures had significantly increased autism rates. The correlation was significant among both boys and girls, but stronger among girls. Proximity to urban areas also increased autism incidence. For every 1 percent increase in urbanization, there was about a 3 percent rise in autism and intellectual disabilities. Influential toxins include pesticides, plasticizers, lead and pharmaceuticals.

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

Thriving Eco-Towns

Malaysian Villages Model Sustainability

photo by MIGHT

Innovations being successfully pioneered in Malaysia offer ideas for improving the world, according to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), including the construction of high-tech, self-sustaining ecological “smart” villages.

These villages are lifting incomes for scores of rural families while promoting environmental sustainability. Each 50-acre community consists of about 100 affordable homes, advanced educational, training and recreational facilities and an integrated, sustainable farm system that provides villagers with food and employment that on average, triples their monthly income.

Low-cost, 1,000-square-foot homes are built in 10 days and the communal farming operations include a cascading series of fish tanks, or “aquafarms”.

Filtered fish tank wastewater irrigates trees, grain fields and high-value plants grown in “autopots”, a three-piece container with a valve that detects soil moisture levels and releases water as required, reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Free-range chickens feed on the fast-reproducing worms that process the plant compost.

This system optimizes nutrient absorption, minimizes waste and enables crops to be grown on previously non-arable land. The village’s solar-generated power is complemented by biomass energy and mini-hydro electricity. A community hall, resource center, places of worship, playgrounds and educational facilities equipped with 4G Internet service support e-learning and e-health services.

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globalbriefs Soil Salvation

Organic Farming May Counteract Greenhouse Effect The nonprofit Rodale Institute, the United Nations and the Soil Association are reporting that modern, chemical-intensive industrial farming is stripping the soil’s natural ability to take carbon back out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it in the soil. Rodale researchers say that by returning to small-scale organic farming, more than 40 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions could be captured in the soil, and if the entire world’s pasture and rangelands were managed using regenerative techniques, an additional 71 percent of those emissions could be sequestered.

Further, organic practices could counteract the world’s yearly carbon dioxide output while producing the same amount of food as conventional farming. Rodale claims that using regenerative organic agriculture—like low or no-tillage, cover crops and crop rotation—will keep photosynthesized carbon dioxide in the soil, instead of returning it to the atmosphere. The institute cites 75 studies from peerreviewed journals, including its own 33-year Farming Systems Trial, which directly compare organic farming with conventional farming.

Buzzing Buddies

‘Flying Doctor’ Bees Prevent Cherry Disease

People in the United States waste more than a third of all of the food they produce, but more than 180 cities and towns are beginning to realize that wasted food can be valuable; they are asking residents to separate unwanted food from the rest of their trash and put it in a curbside compost bin. The idea is to stop sending food waste to the landfill, where it generates harmful methane gas pollution, and start turning it into something useful, like compost.

In 2011, Portland, Oregon, launched a curbside compost program in which residents are encouraged to put food scraps into the city’s green yard waste bin.

Since then, the amount of garbage sent to the landfill has decreased by 37 percent.

According to Bruce Walker, the city’s solid waste and recycling program manager, the program also reduces the environmental footprint of the trash heap.

Getting people to separate their food waste, however, can be difficult. To motivate its residents to put more food waste in the compost bin, the city of Seattle, Washington, has proposed both making curbside composting mandatory and fining residents a dollar every time they put a disproportionate volume of food waste in their trash.

University of Adelaide researchers are introducing a “flying doctor” method of employing bees as preventive medicine. Project leader and bee researcher Katja Hogendoorn, Ph.D., says, “All commercial cherry growers spray during flowering to control the later development of cherry brown rot.

Instead of spraying fungicide, we’re using bees to deliver a biological control agent right to the flowers, where it’s needed.” The innovative delivery works via entomovectoring.

This is a new technique for Australia, with potential application in many horticultural industries. The biological control agent contains spores of a parasitic fungus that prevents another fungus that causes the brown rot from colonizing the flower. Future applications of the small, winged medics are expected to become available for disease control in almonds, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, apples, pears and stone fruit.

Source: NetNebraska.org

Source: Adelaide.edu.au

Source: OrganicConsumers.org

Curbside Composting

No Food Scraps Need Go to Waste

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National Tour for New PlantPure Nation Film Comes to Tampa-St. Petersburg

T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., bestselling author of The China Study, and his son, Nelson Campbell, are conducting a nationwide bus tour to preview the opening of the feature-length documentary PlantPure Nation. Beginning in April, they are visiting 23 cities, and will be in Tampa-St. Petersbury on Sunday, April 12 to screen and discuss the film, which examines the political and economic factors that suppress information about the benefits of plant-based nutrition, including its positive impacts on medicine, farming and food deserts.

Events will include book signings of The PlantPure Nation Cookbook by Kim Campbell, Nelson’s wife; filmed meet-and-greet rallies and fan interactions that may appear in the final release; community engagement to celebrate the benefits of a plant-based diet; and recruitment of ambassadors in each city to help build local interest in viewing the official release of the film, which is planned for the week of July 4 in the tour cities, with subsequent rollout throughout the country.

PlantPure Nation—directed by Nelson with producer John Corry and writer/director Lee Fulkerson, who also teamed up on the acclaimed documentary Forks Over Knives, features the perspectives of Colin and other worldrenowned experts, doctors and authors.

For more information, including the tour schedule, visit PlantPureNation.com. natural awakenings

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actionalerts

Urge the Florida Legislature to Buy Sugar Land Now and Save the Everglades

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he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is again dumping excess nutrient-polluted water from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers, threatening the health of marine life in coastal communities. Meanwhile, the Everglades, a unique ecosystem stretching from Orlando all the way to Florida Bay at the tip, is starving for clean water.

According to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and conservation partners Everglades Trust, Sierra Club and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the solution is for the South Florida Water Management District to buy land previously occupied by sugar farms, where water can be stored, cleaned and then sent south to the Everglades. In 2010, the state of Florida made an agreement with the sugar industry to acquire land to clean up the industry’s pollution, protect drinking water and clean up polluted waterways on both coasts.

Thanks to the Florida Water and Land Conservation Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of voters in 2014, there are available funds dedicated to acquiring, restoring and managing conservation lands, including lands protecting water resources and drinking water.

“We need more storage in addition to the C-43 Reservoir for adequately addressing the devastating high flows during wet periods, and that is why purchasing additional lands in the EAA [Everglades Agricultural Area] is so crucial to protecting the economy and quality of life here in Southwest Florida,” says Jennifer Hecker, director of policy for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Floridians can tell Governor Rick Scott now to urge the South Florida Water Management District to exercise the current option that it has to buy 46,800 acres of land in the EAA south of Lake Okeechobee before the state’s option expires in October 2016.

To sign the Act Now petition, visit Act.ProgressFlorida.org/ sign/everglades.

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Floridians for Solar Choice Ballot Initiative

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loridians for Solar Choice (FSC), a grassroots effort to change unfair state energy policies, is proposing a 2016 Solar Ballot Initiative amendment to the Florida Constitution that gives home and business owners a solar option for power needs, as well as which source that provides it.

Ironically, Florida is one of only five states that deny the choice to buy solar-generated electricity directly from a company other than a monopoly electric utility. Past legislative efforts to overcome barriers to solar choices have been defeated due to lobbying by Florida Power and Light and Duke Energy.

FSC needs to collect 800,000 signed petitions to allow registered Florida voters the chance to vote on this issue. So far, 100,000 petitions have been signed in the first month of the state petition drive and are being certified by local election supervisors. Of these, 68,314 signatures must be validated in order to trigger Florida Supreme Court approval of the language.

“In total, we need 663,149 signed petitions collected by December 2015 to allow time for county supervisors of elections to verify the signatures by the deadline date of February 1, 2016,” says Susan Glickman, of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, which is backing the FSC drive. “Signing the petition will help FSC to secure a place for solar choice on the 2016 ballot.”

View the petition and get more information at FLSolarChoice.org.

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ecotip Sustainable Shopping Tips Smart Choices Help Our Home Planet

The buy local movement and popularity of local farmers’ markets continue to grow, but we can do even better when it comes to sustainable shopping. A recent Greendex.com survey on environmental impacts of consumer behaviors in 18 countries reports that more Americans are eating local and organic foods and say they’re going to consume less meat and bottled water. Nevertheless, we continue to eat the most processed and packaged foods and the fewest fruits and vegetables of all the countries surveyed. Evidently, we need to literally put our money where our mouths are.

The Greendex survey cites several basic ways to make our diets more sustainable. These include eating more vegetables and less beef and lamb (recognizing the greater environmental impact of raising animals); participating and supporting community supported agriculture and fishery initiatives; economizing meal planning; and storing food properly in the refrigerator to maximize space and freshness periods.

When grocery shopping, peruse the perimeter aisles first, where whole foods are stocked, instead of the interior shelves, which typically comprise processed foods according to MotherEarthLiving.com.

More cooperation between the public and private sectors and individual involvement can also increase sustainability in communities around the world.

Rachael Durrant, Ph.D., a research fellow with the UK-based Sustainable Lifestyles Research Group, cites in a recent paper the need for improved understanding of the key roles that civil society organizations play within processes of large-scale social change and warned that many communities are vulnerable to grave environmental and social risks.

Durrant lauds “greener, fairer and healthier practices, such as community gardening or cookery classes,” plus “those that change the rules of the game through campaigns or lobbying to coordinate and facilitate activities of other groups.”

Supporting food and farming management that’s independent, cooperative and welcomes volunteers, for example, is highly beneficial.

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communityspotlight

The Beneficial Effects of Singing

by Linda Sechrist

The soul reveals itself through the voice. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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ccording to Stewart Pearce, author directing and acting in backyard plays. In of The Alchemy of Voice: Transform a community surrounded by soybean and and Enrich Your Life Through the cornfields, we were the entertainment. I even Power of Your Voice, our true voice is an got my younger brother involved in dances organic and deeply resonating frequency of I choreographed to songs such as Cherokee sound deep within the body. The master of Nation, by Paul Revere and The Raiders,” voice at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre also she quips. suggests that long before childhood ends, After Poorman’s family settled into we slowly become disconnected from Naples, she signed up for local talent shows, it. Reconnecting offers us transformative and in her high school years, enjoyed drama Tish Poorman (center) with clients energy for soul inspiration and personal classes. “By age 7, when I asked my mom to development. Tish Poorman, a professional vocal/performance buy me a wig, I already knew that I wanted to be an actress and coach whose business is built around connecting with and singer when I grew up,” she notes. releasing this true voice, wholeheartedly agrees with Pearce.

Poorman’s entrepreneurial sense kicked in after high

“After reading a study in the Journal of Integrative Psyschool, college and the birth of her son. To meet the many chological & Behavioral Science, which explored the posneeds of her single-parent obligations, she started a residential sible beneficial effects of singing on the well-being of singing cleaning business. “Thankfully, I ‘woke up’ on a vacation in professionals and amateurs during a singing lesson, I knew Maine with my sister and corrected my course. When I got back that what I see happening in my coaching experiences has to Naples, I created my first summer theatre camp for children been proven by medical science.” at Cambier Park. When I look back on my life in Naples, it

According to Poorman, study results reported increasing makes me smile to remember the many children’s camps at joy and elation in amateurs that had used singing lessons as a different Naples locations, children’s productions at various area means of self-actualization, self-expression and a way of releaselementary and high schools, the singing duo that I was part of, vocal coaching and after school drama programs.” ing emotional tensions. “Both groups noted more energy and

After 40 years living in downtown Naples, she now has relaxed feelings after lessons. This proves that no one has to be a her own music and acting studio and gives private vocal and professional singer to get the health benefits of singing lessons,” acting lessons to children and adults, as well as conducting a advises Poorman, who provided voice coaching for Lazaro theater program at Pine Ridge Middle School.

Arbos, a Naples resident and sixth-place finisher in season 12

“I was blessed that my true voice needed only a gentle of the television game show American Idol. Poorman, who is nudge to emerge after the age of 25. I’ve always been an artenjoying the pinnacle of her lifelong career in the entertainment ist. I was born to help others free up their inner artist. It can industry, also coached Casey Weston, a young Bonita Springs singer/songwriter who was one of the eight finalists on the break- take some gentle persuasion, but in the end, our soul knows out season another network singing competition, The Voice. that it was worth it,” enthuses Poorman.

Poorman recalls that in 1972 her family waved goodbye to Fremont, Ohio, and moved to Florida. “In Fremont, from about Contact Poorman at 239-571-3305 or SeeTishRun1@aol.com. the age of 5, I was loving the arts—writing songs and plays and See ad, page 40.

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The Food Artisans Next Door Homemade Delicacies, Direct from Our Neighbors

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

Neighbors in most states can now legally buy fresh breads, cookies and preserves from local food artisans.

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he locavore movement of eating locally produced foods continues to expand, thanks to 42 states passing cottage food laws that permit community members to make certain foods at home to sell to neighbors.

Some enterprises use a contract packer to deliver on a scale not possible domestically, or even operate from a commercially licensed production facility.

From sauerkraut and distinctive jams and organic jellies to gluten- or peanut-free cakes and regional artisanal breads, some of the most flavorful products are being produced with no chemical preservatives, artificial colors or other laboratory ingredients. Nearly all are made in small batches, and usually by the owner. Many source local ingredients or serve special dietary

photo courtesy of Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery, Naples, FL

consciouseating

needs largely underserved or ignored by larger food businesses.

“In a sharing economy, individuals look less to big chain stores for their food needs and more to each other, making fresher, tastier and often healthier foods more accessible,” explains Janelle Orsi, co-founder of the Oakland, California, Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC), citing its Policies for Shareable Cities report partnered with the nonprofit Shareable.

The Specialty Food Association reports that sales of specialty foods— primarily at grocery retailers, but also cottage operators via farmers’ markets and direct orders when allowed by their state—grew 22 percent from 2010 to 2012, topping $85 billion.

Healthy as it Comes

“All of our products are made by hand and in small batches daily,” says Ruth Wardein, co-owner, with Andrew Amick, of Epiphany Gluten Free Bakery, in Naples, Florida, which she launched from her home kitchen. Besides glutenfree cookies, cakes and breads, she’s always “perfecting” her Paleo cookies, brownies and pancake mix.

Paleo recipes contain no grains, dairy, yeast or refined sugars, explains Wardein. “They require nut and seed flours, coconut oil and natural sugars like honey or maple syrup. So they are naturally higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbs than the average glutenfree recipe.” (See ad on this page.)

“We’re experimenting with the community supported agriculture model with local fruit,” says Erin Schneider.

She and her husband, Rob McClure, operate Hilltop Community Farm, in LaValle, Wisconsin, which produces value-added products with organically grown crops. “We have salsas, pickles and jams. Our black currant and honey jam is sold before it’s made. Rob’s garlic dills have their own following.” Wisconsin’s cottage food law restricts sales to only high-acid foods.

Quality over Quantity

In Royal Oaks, California, Garden Variety Cheese owner, cheesemaker and shepherd Rebecca King feeds her 100 milking ewes organically raised, irrigated pasture grass and brewer’s 36

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grain to yield award-winning farmstead easier-to-digest sheep cheeses from her Monkeyflower Ranch. “Many first-time customers like my story as a small producer and want to buy direct from the farm. They keep buying because of the taste,” says King.

“My marinara and pizza sauces are made in small batches by hand in a home kitchen, enabling us to hot pack them to retain the ingredients’ natural favors,” says Liz James, owner of The Happy Tomato, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her sauces are also low in sodium and contain no sugar, saturated fat or gluten. James’ production is facilitated by Virginia’s home food processor license, which lets her work from home and sell wholesale. Whole Foods Market is among her major retail accounts.

When home-based cottage food businesses are spurred into expansion to keep up with demand, a situation sometimes complicated by state limits on sales volume, many opt for renting space in the growing number of incubator, or community, kitchens nationwide.

“We did farmers’ markets for three years and went from seven customers to thousands,” says Wardein, who now rents a commercial kitchen space. “Returning customers are the momentum that has pushed us forward.”

“By growing food in and around our own neighborhoods and cities, we decrease our dependence on an oftentimes unjust and ecologically destructive global food system and build stronger, more connected and resilient communities,” affirms Yassi Eskandari-Qajar, director of SELC’s City Policies program.

“We think it’s important to produce what grows well on our soil and then sell it, so that ecology drives economics, rather than vice versa,” says Schneider.

“Random things prosper in our area, like paprika peppers, elderberries, hardy kiwi, garlic, pears and currants. It’s our job as ecologically-minded farmers to show how delicious these foods can be.”

Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko are coauthors of the new book Homemade for Sale, a guide for launching a food business from a home kitchen, plus ECOpreneuring, Farmstead Chef and Rural Renaissance. Learn more at HomemadeForSale.com. natural awakenings

April 2015

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greenliving

Home-Grown Organic Made Easy 10 Time-Saving Tips for a Healthy Garden

by Barbara Pleasant

Organic gardening experts share strategies for growing a great garden and having a life, too.

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he arrival of planting season has a stunning effect on veggie gardeners. We talk to our seedlings as if they were children, and don’t mind working until dark if that’s what it takes to get the fingerling potatoes in the ground. Then, complications like crabgrass and cabbageworms appear, and keeping up with all the details feels impossible. We can lighten looming chores by using these time-saving tips, which will reduce later workloads

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when storms and the hot summer sun threaten to squelch the magic.

Mulch to reduce watering and prevent weeds. “You can cut your watering time in half by mulching crops with a three-to-four-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves,” says Niki Jabbour, award-winning author of The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener and Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden. “Crops like toma-

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toes, potatoes, kale, broccoli, cucumbers and squash all benefit from a deep mulch, which reduces the need to water and also prevents weeds, saving even more time.”

Grow herbs in convenient containers. Family cooks will harvest kitchen herbs every day, in all kinds of weather, so don’t waste footsteps. Grow some parsley, basil and other herbs in large containers near the kitchen door.

Try promising perennials. Plant them once, and vegetables like asparagus and rhubarb come back year after year in cold winter climates like the Midwest and Northeast. Where winters are mild, artichokes or chayote (pear squash) are long-lived and productive. Many resilient herbs will return each spring, too, including sage, mints, thyme and oregano. Tarragon and marjoram make trusty perennial herbs in the Sun Belt.

Stock up on organic seeds. “As a year-round vegetable gardener, I try to come up with a list of all the seeds I’ll need for every season when I place annual seed orders,” Jabbour says. “That way, I will place fewer orders and have everything on hand at the proper planting time, saving both time and money.”

Organic seeds in consumer seed catalogs and retail racks won’t be genetically modified or treated with pesticides.

Be generous with organic compost. With each planting, mix in organic compost along with a balanced organic fertilizer. Food crops grown in organically enriched soil are better able to resist challenges from pests and diseases, which simplifies summer tasks.

Grow flowers to attract beneficial insects. Reducing or eliminating pesticides and increasing plantings of flowers can radically improve the balance

between helpful and harmful insects in a garden. Horticulturist Jessica Walliser, co-host of Pittsburgh’s The Organic Gardeners KDKA radio show and author of Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, recommends starting with sweet alyssum, an easy-to-grow annual that can be tucked into the edges of beds or added to mixed containers.

“The tiny blossoms of sweet alyssum are adept at supporting several species of the non-stinging parasitic wasps that help keep aphids and other common pests in check,” Walliser says. In warm climates where they are widely grown, crape myrtles have been found to serve as nurseries for lady beetles, lacewings and other beneficial insects.

Protect plants with fabric barriers. Pest insects seeking host plants won’t find cabbage or kale if they’re hidden beneath hoops covered with fine-mesh fabric like wedding net (tulle) or garden fabric row cover. “Cover the plants the day they are transplanted into the garden,” advises Walliser. As long as the edges are securely tucked in, row covers will also protect plants from wind, hail, rabbits and deer.

Hoe briefly each day. Commit 10 minutes a day to hoeing. While slicing down young weeds, hill up soil over potatoes or clean up beds ready to be replanted. Look out for small problems to correct before they become big ones.

No more misplaced tools. Time is often wasted searching for lost weeders, pruning shears and other hand tools, which are easier to keep track of when painted in bright colors or marked with colored tape. Jabbour uses a tool stash basket placed at the garden entrance.

Stop to smell the flowers. Use moments saved to sit quietly, relax and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the garden. Pausing to listen to the birds or watch a honeybee work a flower is part of the earned reward of any healthy garden that can’t be measured by the pound.

Barbara Pleasant, the author of numerous green thumb books, including Starter Vegetable Gardens: 24 No-Fail Plans for Small Organic Gardens, grows vegetables, herbs and fruits in Floyd, Virginia. Connect at BarbaraPleasant.com. natural awakenings

April 2015

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readersnapshot Who’s a Natural Awakenings reader?

Meet Dr. Gerry Segal

Life’s mission: Be healthy, happy and peaceful, live in harmony with nature and help others to do the same.

Work: Founding associate professor of business at Florida Gulf Coast University, where I developed the entrepreneurship concentration in the Bachelor of Management degree program, as well as the Institute for Entrepreneurship and the courses in sustainable business management and permaculture.

Proudest achievements: I studied macrobiotics with Michio Kushi and then holistically raised my three wonderful sons. They were born at home with a midwife and were raised without vaccinations, allopathic medicine, meat, dairy and eggs. Whenever they were ill, which happened only rarely, I treated them with herbal or homeopathic remedies. To this day, none of them (ages 21 to 33) have ever been to a medical doctor for treatment.

I founded and ran natural food stores in Colorado and Oregon, each serving over 3,000 customers per week. Later, I earned a Ph.D. in business at age 49.

Expectations for the future: Continued involvement in home gardens, local agriculture, organic food, alternative medicine and holistic lifestyles. Also, increased interest in spirituality, as people seek stronger connection to themselves, other beings and nature.

Character is like a tree

and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. ~Abraham Lincoln

Favorite app: Dashlane (remembers all my passwords).

Favorite websites: GreenMedInfo.com, NaturalNews.com, Mercola.com, Pandora.com, Facebook.com, YouTube.com.

Local causes supported: ECHO, a Fort Myers nonprofit that seeks agricultural solutions for families growing food under difficult conditions. Through Florida Gulf Coast University, the late Frank Oakes and I taught an organic gardening course during the 2009 fall semester as volunteer instructors. I was able to get the university to agree that all proceeds would be donated to ECHO. In January 2010, Frank and I presented a check for $6,800 to ECHO. Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: I always read Natural Awakenings cover to cover. I especially rely upon it for updates about local people and activities focused on personal and planetary health.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: Food & Thought How you invest in your community: I founded a 10-member community garden, taught organic gardening and permaculture, and cofounded a community Kirtan group that currently has over 300 members.

Favorite quote: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

—Joseph Campbell What are you doing to be the change you want to see in the world? In the spirit of Don Miguel Ruiz, I am always doing my best.

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natural awakenings

April 2015

41

wisewords

Healing Journeys

Paul Stutzman Finds Universal Truths on His Treks

by Randy Kambic

P

aul Stutzman was a successful executive with a family restaurant chain and a happy father and husband married for more than 30 years when his wife, Mary, passed away from breast cancer in 2006. Questioning his faith as to why this happened, Stutzman quit his job to hike the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail (AT), advising everyone he encountered, “Don’t take spouses and families for granted.” His book, Hiking Through, recounts this extreme adventure and relates his subsequent thoughts about grief, healing and life.

Stutzman chronicled his second journey, a 5,000-mile-plus crosscountry trek, in Biking Across America. This time, he perceived a “noble, yet humble America that still exists and inspires.” More recently, the author has turned to fiction with The Wanderers and Wandering Home, both enriched with reflections upon the values of his Amish Mennonite upbringing and marriage.

What kept you going?

Early on, I realized how soothing nature was to my grieving soul. Still, there

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were times it would have been easy to abandon my journeys and head for the safety of home. The desire to discover if my life held any meaning after such a great loss kept me moving forward. I kept telling myself on both journeys, “If my wife can fight cancer for four years, I can overcome any obstacle I encounter.”

I was determined to write about what I was being taught by nature. I also believed books written by and about someone seeking solace via an incomplete pilgrimage would be cheating the reader.

What do such journeys teach about nature and our response to experiencing it?

I find comfort in nature. I believe the beautiful streams and waterfalls, the grand views from mountaintops and the wildlife were all created for our enjoyment. When we absorb this beauty and wonderment, the stresses in life slowly melt away. Granted, not everyone will be able to do what I did; however, a stroll through a local park, along a beach or in a flower garden can have similar effects.

Did these extended physical endeavors make mental demands that catalyzed unexpected self-growth?

Treks like these into the unknown are physically demanding. With time and effort, one’s body gets into shape for extended hiking and biking. The mental hurdle must be crossed next. You’ll miss home and loved ones. Loneliness will set in. This is where you discover who the real you is. Are you tenacious enough to push through the desire to abandon the pilgrimage or will you succumb to the allure of comfort and safety?

On my journeys, I had to make difficult choices. There is a saying that applies to folks planning to hike the AT end-to-end through 14 states: “If hiking the entire Appalachian Trail isn’t the most important thing in your life, you won’t accomplish it.”

My daughter gave birth to my grandson while I was hiking. Although she asked that I come home for the event, I declined. I kept on hiking because I knew I wouldn’t return to the trail if I went home. I’d spent my lifetime trying to do the right things for my three children, but now had to do what was right for me.

What did you learn about Americans along the way?

I discovered that most Americans are kind, law-abiding citizens. Most are still willing to help a stranger in need.

Unfortunately, I feel we focus too much time and energy on the minority of malcontents.

Laser Dentistry “Creating New Smiles Every Day”

How have these experiences informed your creative process?

America is a great country. The beauty I’ve witnessed from a bicycle seat and on two feet hiking the mountains is a continual source of inspiration. Many folks are unable to do what I do. My ongoing desire is to describe the images imprinted in my mind in such a way that others can feel as if they are there walking with me.

For more information, visit PaulStutzman.com.

Randy Kambic is an Estero, FL, freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

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April 2015

43

Nature’s Wisdom Its Lessons Inspire, Heal and Sustain Us

by Christine MacDonald

The environment is not separate from ourselves; we are inside it and it is inside us; we make it and it makes us. ~ Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, Amazon shaman

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hile the idea that we humans stand apart from—or even above—nature is a prevailing theme in much of modern civilization, naturalists and other clever souls throughout the ages have observed that the opposite is true: We are part of, depend on and evolve with nature— and we ignore this vital connection at our peril.

“If one way is better than another, that you may be sure is nature’s way,” admonished the Greek philosopher Aristotle, in the third century B.C.E.

“Time destroys the speculation of men, but it confirms the judgment of nature,” Roman politician and philosopher Cicero ruminated two centuries later.

Nobel Prize-winning physicist and philosopher Albert Einstein remarked, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Today, more of us are looking to nature for ways to improve physical, mental and emotional health, develop 44

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intelligence, innovate, overhaul how we build homes and neighborhoods, and raise our children.

Healthful Nature

As Henry David Thoreau wrote in his classic 1854 book Walden, “We need the tonic of wildness.”

While we know firsthand how walking in the woods can elevate mood, scientists have documented that a regular dose of nature has other far-reaching benefits. It can lower stress hormone levels, blood pressure and undesirable cholesterol; help heal neurological problems; hasten fuller recovery from surgery and heart attacks; increase cancer-fighting white blood cells; and generally aid overall health (Health Promotion International research report; also Nippon Medical School study, Tokyo).

Regular playtime outdoors helps children cope with hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders, accord-

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ing to research published in Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care.

Exposure to nature can help adults escape from today’s wired lives; reinvigorate, be fitter and less likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as reported in studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and a University of Washington research summary. It can also unlock understanding of the spiritual essence of life.

Hours regularly spent by youth outdoors stimulate imagination and creativity and enhance cognitive development, helping them learn.

Nature also helps youngsters develop social awareness, helping them better navigate human relations (Tinyurl.com/ OutdoorHealthBenefits Research).

“It’s strange and kind of sad that we are so removed from nature that we actually have to ask why nature is good for us,” says Dr. Eva Selhub, a lecturer at Harvard Medical School, author of the new book Your Health Destiny, and co-author of Your Brain on Nature. “The fact is our brains and bodies are wired in concert with nature.”

Recognition of nature’s positive effects has grown so much in recent years that physicians increasingly write their patients “prescriptions” to go hiking in the woods, counting on the healthy exercise and exposure to sunlight, nature and soothing views to address health problems stemming from poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Healthcare clinics and hospitals in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, Indianapolis, Albuquerque, New Mexico, California’s Bay Area and elsewhere have launched Prescription Trails programs aimed at objectives from preventing obesity in children to healthful activities for retirees (Tinyurl. com/AmericanHealthTrails).

Bestselling author Richard Louv calls the positive nature effect “vitamin N” in The Nature Principle. He contends: “Many of us, without having a name for it, are using the nature tonic.

We are, in essence, self-medicating with an inexpensive and unusually convenient drug substitute.”

Scientific studies show that a regular dose of nature has far-reaching health benefits. More doctors now write “nature” prescriptions for their patients.

Such ideas are commonly accepted in many cultures. The Japanese believe in the restorative power of shinrin-yoku, which could be translated as “forest medicine” or “forest bathing”. Indigenous peoples like the Brazilian tribe led by Shaman Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, fighting to preserve their land and way of life in the Amazon, profess to be at one with the innate riches of sustainable rainforests (SurvivalInternational.org/parks).

Innovative Nature

Scientists, inventors and other innovators are increasingly inspired by nature. Biomimicry, part social movement and part burgeoning industry, looks to how Earth’s natural systems work and solve problems. University of Utah researchers, inspired by the durable homes built by sandcastle worms, are creating a synthetic glue that one day could help repair fractured bones. Architectural components manufacturer Panelite makes energy-efficient insulated glass by mimicking the hexagonal structure that bees use in honeycombs. (Find other precedents at Tinyurl.com/ BiomimicryCaseExamples).

The inspiration for biomimicry comes from many places, says Dayna Baumeister, Ph.D. co-founder of Biomimicry 3.8, a Missoula, Montana, company working with other companies and universities to propel biomimicry into the mainstream.

“People are recognizing that they’ve been disconnected to the natural world,” she says. “We also realize that [as a species] we are in trouble.

We don’t have all the answers, but we can look to other species for inspiration” for clearing pollutants from our bodies and environments.

Plants and fungi are now com-

monly used to clean up old industrial sites that resemble nature’s way of removing pollutants from water and soil. A University of California, Berkeley, meta-study confirms that farmers currently using organic farming methods and solar power achieve roughly the same crop yields as conventional techniques with far less dependence on fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gases and petrochemical pesticide and fertilizer pollution.

Cyclical Nature

These breakthrough technologies emulate the way nature uses the building blocks of life in an endless cycle of birth, reproduction, decay and rebirth.

It’s part of a broad rethinking of the principles behind sustainability—building, manufacturing and living in greater harmony with natural systems, perhaps eventually eliminating landfills, air and water pollution, and toxic site cleanups.

“A toxin is a material in the wrong place,” says architect William McDonough, of Charlottesville, Virginia. The only individual recipient of the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development, he is co-author of

Cradle-to-Cradle, a groundbreaking book that calls for re-envisioning even the nastiest waste, and The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability—Designing for Abundance. McDonough imagines a world where waste becomes raw material for new buildings, furniture and other goods—akin to how a forest reuses every deceased tree and animal to nourish the ecosystem and spawn new life.

With 80 percent of U.S. residents currently living in urban areas, architects, builders and municipal planners are likewise pivoting toward nature, prompted by the scientific evidence of the many ways that human health and general well-being rely upon it. While this contact is preferably the kind of “stopping by woods” that inspired New England poet Robert Frost, even a walk in a city park will work.

“Urban nature, when provided as parks and walkways and incorporated into building design, provides calming and inspiring environments and encourages learning, inquisitiveness and alertness,” reports the University of Washington’s College of the Environment, in Green Cities: Good Health.

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True-Life ‘Aha!’ Reads 10 Lessons from Nature to Inspire Our Everyday Lives

by David Miller, Tinyurl.com/10InspiringLessons FromNature 9 Amazing Lessons from Nature to Inspire Your Everyday Life

by Annie Hauser, Tinyurl.com/9InspiringLessons FromNature Intelligence in Nature

by Jeremy Narby Life Lessons from Nature

by Elvis Newman Cathedrals of the Spirit

by T. C. McLuhan Your Brain on Nature

by Eva Selhub

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Man is everywhere a disturbing agent. Wherever he plants his foot, the harmonies of nature are turned to discord. The proportions and accommodations that ensured the stability of existing arrangements are overthrown. Of all organic beings, man alone is to be regarded as essentially a destructive power. ~George Perkins Marsh, Man and Nature (1864)

The American Planning Association stresses the importance of integrating green space into urban neighborhoods. Not only does so-called “metro nature” improve air and water quality and reduce urban heat island effects, urban wilds such as Pittsburgh’s Nine Mile Run and Charlotte, North Carolina’s Little Sugar Creek Greenway also restore natural connections in densely populated city centers.

Natural Intelligence

A growing number of scientists say that research about our place in nature has sparked fresh thinking about our role

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and devastated quaint notions about our species’ superiority. “Single-celled slime molds solve mazes. Brainless plants make correct decisions and bees with brains the size of pinheads handle abstract concepts,” points out Anthropologist Jeremy Narby, author of the groundbreaking book Intelligence in Nature.

At a national conference of Bioneers, an organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and San Francisco that gathers nature-minded social and scientific innovators, Narby said: “We are nearly identical to many animals.

Many behaviors once thought to be exclusively human are shared by other

species. The zone of the specifically human, as determined by science, has been shrinking.”

We haven’t lost the ability to tap that primal animal inside, even if most of us are more likely to “venture into the forest” by watching a movie or playing video games. We may feel cut off from our instincts, but studies show time in the woods can do wonders to restore the keenness of our senses to connect with the subtle changes in natural habitat, the movements of other species and the changing seasons.

The rise of human civilizations may have taken “survival of the fittest” in new directions, often decidedly tamer ones, but experts ranging from scientific researchers to lifestyle analysts say humankind is still hardwired by our more primitive past. Despite the ingenious ways we’ve devised to exploit other life forms, capitalize on Earth’s resources and protect ourselves from nature’s sometimes terrifying power, our fate remains linked to natural laws and limits, from nurturing our body’s immune system to resolving planet-sized problems like climate change.

“‘Nature’ is our natural environment,” according to Selhub. We don’t have to move to the country to reconnect, she says. “Even spending 20 minutes a day outside has an effect.”

Houseplants, nature photos and aromatherapy Earth scents can also help indoor environments better reflect our own nature.

The wealth of research and common sense wisdom is aptly summed up by celebrated author Wendell Berry in The Long-Legged House. “We have lived our lives by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong.

We must change our lives so that it’ll be possible to live by the contrary assumption, that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires we make the effort to know the world and learn what is good for it.”

Christine MacDonald is a freelance journalist in Washington, D.C., whose specialties include health and science.

Visit ChristineMacDonald.info. natural awakenings

April 2015

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healthykids

EARTH IN PERIL Children Confront Climate Change

by Avery Mack

135 years of recordkeeping, with rising ocean temperatures driving the global heat index.

Nine of the 10 hottest years have occurred since 2000. The odds of this taking place randomly are about 650 million to 1, especially without an El Nino influence, according to University of South Carolina statistician John Grego.

“The globe is warmer than it has been in the last 100 years,” says climate scientist Jennifer Francis, Ph.D., of Rutgers University, in New Jersey. “Any wisps of doubt that human activities are at fault are now gone with the wind.”

At Sea

“We do more damage to the planet than we think.” ~Peri, age 9

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his month, Home We only have they believe is a dying planet in desperate need of Box Office (HBO), one home. If we healing. in collaboration with New York City’s American mess this one up, In the Atmosphere Museum of Natural History, where do we “We need to know the will air the new documentruth, because adults tary, Saving My Tomorrow. go next? clearly aren’t doing enough Scientists representing the museum discuss how ~Hippocrates, age 8 to stop this.” ~Zoe, age 12 temperature change affects life on Planet Earth, but the The National Oceanic and Atmospheric majority of voices are those of children.

Administration and NASA recently anTheir words cry out for universal action nounced that last year was the hottest in to prevent them from inheriting what

would like to welcome

Dr. Howard C. Schlachter

“Dr. Rusty” comes to us from a prestigious career in pediatric medicine and will join us in providing exceptional care to our patients.

“An old Fashioned Approach to Modern Medicine”

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239-348-7337 www.thornburgpediatrics.com

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In the same 100 years, sea levels have risen seven inches, mostly due to expansion as the water warms. “We have over 2 million preserved fish in our collection. We study them to see the effect of temperature change,” says Melanie Stiassny, Ph.D., curator of ichthyology at the museum. “The mummichog fish is less than an inch long.

It’s a bottom feeder and that’s where pollution like mercury lies. When the water is warm, fish eat more and mercury is stored in their bodies.” The contaminants move up the food chain, bringing the effects of pollution to our dinner table.

A 2006 study by Nicola Beaumont, Ph.D., with the Plymouth Marine Laboratory UK, found that 29 percent of the oceans’ edible fish and seafood species have declined by 90 percent in the past 100 years. The international team of ecologists and economists led by Boris Worm, Ph.D., of Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, predict total saltwater fish extinction by 2048 due to overfishing, pollution, habitat loss and climate change. Rising ocean acidity due to absorption of increasing carbon dioxide and other emissions from burning fossil fuels impacts creatures large and small, like dissolving the shell of the tiny sea butterfly, a vital link in the ocean’s food chain.

Americans currently consume 4.5 billion pounds of seafood each year.

On Land

“Each species was put here for a reason. We are the caretakers.” ~a youth at a climate rally Scientists look back to look ahead.

Henry David Thoreau fell in love with the wilderness around Concord, Massachusetts, 160 years ago. From his renowned journals, scientists know when flowers like the pink lady slipper (Cypripedium acaule),

Forward Good Change Today 4 Reuse more, buy less. Less trash equals less pollution.

4 Bike or walk, instead of driving.

Don’t use the car at least one day a week. Less use of fossil fuels equals less drilling, fracking and oil spills.

4 Substitute a planet-healing activity for the usual after school program. Replace lawns with native plants, which need less water and no mowing. Email manufacturers to urge them to use less packaging and plastic, auto makers to produce more fuel-efficient cars, grocery stores to carry more locally sourced foods and ban plastic bags, and government agencies to improve pollution control measures.

bird’s-foot violets (Viola pedata) or golden ragworts (Packera aurea) used to bloom. Today, with temperatures six degrees Fahrenheit warmer than in Thoreau’s time, these species now bloom two weeks earlier. The Canada lily (Lilium canadense), plentiful before, is now rare, unable to adapt to the new reality.

Paul Sweet, collections manager of the museum’s ornithology department, studies “skins” (stuffed birds). He says, “The skins show us how birds lived years ago.” In just the past 100 years, bird species that have gone extinct range from the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) to the onceabundant passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) and Carolina parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis).

In Colorado, 70 percent of the lodgepole pines have been lost, with pines in other states also in trouble.

Pine beetles feed on the pines. Historically, winter brings death to both the beetles and weakened trees, which fall to feed a renewed forest. Due to warmer temperatures, the beetles are

living longer and migrating to higher altitudes to kill more trees. Forest fires follow the dry timber line.

All Are Needed

“I don’t have time to grow up before becoming an activist.” ~Ta’Kaiya, age 12 “Get your parents involved.” ~Teakahla, age 11 Children are more informed now than ever before. Schools offer classes on ecology, the environment, global warming and climate change. Disasters are instant news, constantly streaming through digital media. Kids are aware that they need adults to work with them to keep Earth habitable.

HBO will air all four parts of Saving My Tomorrow starting Apr. 22. Check local listings—and watch as a family.

See Tinyurl.com/SavingMyTomorrow.

Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.

4 When eating meat, make sure the animals were humanely and locally raised, not factory farmed.

4 For fish, factory farmed is preferred when farmers are vetted by watchdog agencies for being devoid of disease, pollution and heavy metals; clean fish are especially rare among international providers. Learn more at Tinyurl.com/ SustainableFishFarming.

4 Support wildlife. Help hatchling sea turtles make their way to the sea.

Predators and man are the biggest threats—only one in 1,000 hatchlings reach adulthood. Plant milkweed to feed monarch butterflies. Use natural insect repellants like basil or marigolds instead of killer sprays.

4 Speak out and speak up. Search c2es.org/science-impacts/basics/kids for event ideas and resources. natural awakenings

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Why Cleanse and Detox?

by Linda Sechrist

The digestive system is an extraordinary being that thinks for you without involving the brain, repairs damage, and puts up with the maltreatment that you give it. ~Irinia Matveikova, M.D., Digestive Intelligence: A Holistic View of Your Second Brain

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oday, any individual that questions the importance of detoxing and cleansing the body might consider the fact that within the U.S. there are a total of 80,000 toxic chemicals used for a variety of purposes. Only 200 chemicals found in non-organic food, children’s toys and other kids’ products, cleaning and personal care items, furniture, electronics, food and beverage containers, building materials, fabrics and car interiors have been tested for their effects on our health and environment. For the 22,000 chemicals introduced since 1976, manufacturers have provided little or no information to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding their potential health or environmental impact.

The invisible presence of untested chemicals is found in every environment within which we live, work, play and rest. The significance of this on our health is far-reaching, which makes it a wise decision to follow the advice of health professionals trained in functional medicine.

Nationally recognized experts such as Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen, authors of You, the Owners Manual, suggest that periodic cleansing and detoxing the body is an essential aspect of maintaining, restoring and optimizing health. For an in-depth perspective on why flushing out toxins and resetting major organs involved in digestion and elimination is more important now than ever, Natural Awakenings interviewed local health practitioners trained in functional medicine, along with two Florida licensed colon therapists: Deborah Post, board-certified advanced nurse practitioner and owner of Wellbridges LLC; Dr. Pamela Hughes, owner of Hughes Center for Functional Medicine; her colleagues, 50

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Dr. Carol Roberts and Dee Harris, a registered dietician and nutritionist who also owns D-Signed Nutrition, LLC; Dr. Zorayda Torres, owner of Upstream MD; Dr. Gary Gendron, DC, owner of Nutrition Specialists; Silvia Casabianca, licensed mental health counselor Reiki master and owner of Eyes Wide Open; Robyn Berry, LMT, certified colon therapist (CT) and owner of RB Institute; and Rosalind Fusco, LMT, CT, owner of Cleansing Springs.

Environmental Medicine

According to Physicians for Social Responsibility, The American Academy of Environmental Medicine and the Environmental Working Group, human biomonitoring studies show that environmental contaminants and carcinogens are finding their way into the body.

“The sources of these contaminants are wide-ranging, from pesticides used in agriculture, industry, fracking, home and garden to chlorine, disinfectants and wood preservatives,” says Post.

Within the area of environmental medicine, even low doses of certain chemicals are linked to disturbances in the hormonal, reproductive and immune systems. Multiple chemicals act together to harm human health and can lead to cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, allergies, birth defects and reproductive problems.

Unfortunately, the conflict continues between achieving optimal health through proactive preventive methods such as cleansing and detoxifying versus the reactive treatment of disease with pharmaceuticals or surgery. Conventional medicine relies strictly on the organs of elimination— the colon, kidneys, skin, lungs, sweat glands and lymphatic system—for expelling toxins, while functional

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medicine prefers to use diet, detoxing/ cleansing and lifestyle changes.

“Aside from the issues associated with overspecialization and exclusive reliance on drug therapy, the biggest deficiency of conventional medicine today is the vast Dr. Carol Roberts desert of ignorance surrounding the huge problem of environmental toxins.

Testing particularly needs to be done on food additives such as flavoring agents, food colorants, preservatives, emulsifiers, stimulants and artificial sweeteners,” says Roberts, author of Good Medicine: A Return to Common Sense.

Few health professionals have any training in environmental medicine, but this relatively new area has been accumulating data on toxins and their impact on the Dr. Pamela Hughes human systems.

Hughes, Roberts, Post, Gendron, Harris and Torres have seen, through experience with patients, that allergies, arthritis, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatigue, Deborah Post gastrointestinal disorders, excessive weight gain and body pains are frequently related to an accumulation

of toxins in the body. They report that these are conditions that respond well to cleansing.

Colonics

Colonic treatments are as much about the healing of the gut and emptying the liver and gallbladder of bile residue as they are about the release of old fecal matter and mucin (mucus) build up on the walls of the colon.

During rapid weight loss, which can occur during the cleansing process, pesticides and other chemicals bioaccumulate in the liver, gallbladder and bile at twice the usual level. They unfortunately do not all leave with the fat cells, which form around toxins and heavy metals to protect the body.

After mucin reaches a certain degree of thickness and density, it can interfere with the efficient absorption of food, normal peristalsis and toxic elimination. Stress and Rosalind Fusco acid-producing soft drinks, coffee, alcohol, meat, bread and white sugar are a few of the things that cause the goblet glands lining the entire alimentary canal to secrete this substance. “Deep cleansing with an elimination diet and a series of colonic treatments twice a year can ease this,” says Fusco, who notes that colonics and the lymphatic system, which accumulates the waste products and debris of cells, in addition to bacteria and protein, are closely related.

Berry recommends twice yearly cleansing and detoxification of the colon, as well as retraining the gut with a healthy lifestyle that encourages good intestinal Robyn Berry health. “The majority of individuals have never been informed about toxicity and are unaware that when detoxification is impaired by a buildup of a gel-like, slimy, mucin substance on the bowel

tional medicine and toxicity, Dr. Robert Roundtree. ‘We are what we eat, drink, breathe, touch and can’t eliminate.’”

wall, free radicals pile up and can damage the body, “ says Berry.

It’s Not About Diarrhea

The words “colon cleanse” generally bring to mind induced diarrhea.

“Cleansing is not about massive poop, but rather about revitalizing the colon and liver, healing a leaky gut Dee Harris and pulling toxins out of tissues which have to pass through the liver. By providing the liver with detox nutrients, it is less sluggish in doing its job—cleansing the blood, making bile and protein and storing energy in the form of glycogen. Reducing inflammation, partially caused by immune reactions to food sensitivities, and toxins in the environment, is important every day, not just during cleanses,” says Harris, who semiannually does the same 14-to-21-day cleanse that she prescribes for patients.

Hughes advises, “Multiple types of toxicity: physical, chemical, hormonal and environmental, are the result of toxins poisoning a host after levels of concentration are high enough to interfere with biochemical and physiological processes. I particularly appreciate a quote from a leading expert in func-

Physician Support for Detoxing

Functional medicine practitioners believe that a spring and fall complete detox of the colon, small bowel, liver and cells should be done with the help of a physician that Dr. Gary Gendron ensures that the body is prepared to handle the process.

Hughes, Gendron and Torres prefer a 10-to-14-day elimination diet that includes reducing or removing emotional stressors and Dr. Zorayda Torres toxic habits.

Gendron favors starting slow and making sure patients have proper nutrients. “When someone detoxes and their symptoms worsen, the body is telling us that there is something wrong, and it needs additional support,” he says.

Helpful Tips to Keep Your Internal Environment Clean n Place a charcoal filter on the shower and on faucets that supply drinking water to reduce toxin intake. Consider purchasing a reverse osmosis system for drinking water. n Purchase organic dryer sheets and Seventh Generation organic cleaning products. n Use only organic vitamins and personal care products. n Use EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides and GMO (genetically modified) foods. n Eliminate glyphosate pesticides and Bt toxins in GMO foods by eating as much organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free foods as the grocery budget will support. n Use Reiki or medical qigong sessions, yoga practice, breath work and regular walking for purging turbid qi and remove energetic blockages in the body. n The use of visualizations, affirmations, guided meditation and chanting mantras can reduce obsessive mental chatter. natural awakenings

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Cleansing the Energetic Anatomy

Individuals benefit from clearing the energetic anatomy.

“In medical qigong, we learn that natural energy fields can be debilitated by environmental influences such as Silvia Casabianca extreme cold, heat, dampness, dryness, fire, wind, lack of rest, deficient nutrition or breathing and emotional traumas, as well as unprocessed emotions of anger and grief,” explains Casabianca. Any discipline aimed at cultivating qi, (vital energy) will keep the energy flowing unobstructed throughout the body, nourishing organs and maintaining their optimal function. “Meditation and mindfulness are two excellent methods for cleansing the mind of negative mental chatter [that is] toxic to our physiology,” she says.

Guidelines and Protocols for Cleansing/Detoxing

The body has the ability to detoxify and heal itself, given the proper nutrients.

While cleansing/detoxing guidelines offered by these experts to patients do vary, all exclude acidic foods and unhealthy fats that agitate the colon for 10 to 21 days.

The treatment plan for a full elimination diet excludes eggs, beef, pork, processed meats, dairy, peanuts, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, all soy and corn products and all processed foods. These are replaced with healthy

portions of fresh, organic, leafy, green and colorful vegetables and fruits.

Protocols also include: n A high-fiber diet (six to eight servings per day of vegetables), along with a daily dietary supplement that can provide 25 grams per day of fiber for two weeks beyond the cleanse. n Removal of offending microorganisms in the gut, which can be done gently with lemon or coffee enemas, or herbal bactericides such as wormwood or goldenseal. n Daily sufficient hydration, with at least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water, which help to flush out toxins. n Eight hours of sleep, which allows the body to repair itself. For additional support, a balanced supplement with extra curcumin (the principal curcuminoid of turmeric) can be added, along with the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), as well as minerals. When a patient is not depleted of minerals, a far-infrared sauna two or three times a week is helpful. n Prebiotics and probiotics are necessary for replacing good bacteria lost during the initial cleansing phase.

Digestive enzymes are equally important. For repair of the mucosal lining, healthy mucosal cells and goblet cells, it is necessary to support the immune system with clean, organic foods and supplementation.

We have a long wait for an overhaul and strengthening of federal laws aimed at limiting human exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides. In the meantime, cleansing/detoxing protocols may be our body’s best friends.

NA Fun Fact:

Natural Awakenings is published in 95+ U.S. markets.

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Local Resources for Cleansing and Detoxing: Cleansing Springs, Inc., 239-596-1110, 239-571-9816.

CleansingSprings.com.

D-Signed Nutrition, LLC, 27499 Riverview Center Blvd., Ste. 214, Bonita Springs; 239-444-4204.

D-SignedNutrition.com. See ad, page 25.

Eyes Wide Open LLC, 9200 Bonita Beach Rd., Ste. 202204, Bonita Springs; 239-948-9444.

EyesWideOpenC.com.

Hughes Center for Functional Medicine, 800 Goodlette Rd., Ste. 270, Naples; 239-649-7400.

HughesCenterNaples.com. See ad, inside back cover.

MainstreamMD, 27499 Riverview Center Blvd., Ste. 255, Bonita Springs; 239-444-5636.

UpstreamMD.com. See ad, page 7.

Nutrition Specialists of Florida, 28315 S. Tamiami Tr., Ste. 101, Bonita Springs; 239-947-1177.

DoctorGendron.com. See ad, inside front cover.

RB Institute, Inc., 13601 McGregor Blvd., Ste. 13, Fort Myers; 239-939-4646. RobynBerry.com. See ad, page 32.

Wellbridges, Inc., 9200 Bonita Beach Rd., Ste. 113, Bonita Springs; 239-481-5600. DebPost.com. See ad, page 37.

To advertise with us call: 239-272-8155

businessspotlight

New Partner Helps Mindful Life Academy Grow

by Linda Sechrist

W

1 million food items, hen Eric Ecas well as an exercise cles became database that calculates a partner at calories burned. TrackMindful Life Academy, ing food consumption in Bonita Springs, in helps clients make betJanuary, it was ineviter choices. The webtable that the company’s site also features links menu of successfully to other recommended proven staples—neuroapps for tracking food linguistic programming and fitness on the go.

(NLP), biofeedback Eric Eccles and hypnosis training—would expand to include numerCardiovascular Exercise ous fitness offerings. Eccles is a 23-year Education on the proper way to exercise veteran of the fitness and wellness in order to maximize fat-burning and get industries; a life and meditation coach; a healthier, stronger body is essential, an educator for Yoga Alliance and the particularly with regard to the cardiovasauthor of A Lifestyle Worth Living: A cular aspect. “We tailor programs to an Powerful How to Guide for a Happy, individual’s medical issues and age. We Healthy and Purposeful Life. also teach everyone that proper recovery

“The timing couldn’t be better for time must be incorporated into their fitsuch a collaboration,” says Eccles, an ness routine,” Eccles advises. innovator who also invented the Yoga Bench. “I see it as an evolution of the wellness industry that paves the way for Strength Training Eccles trains clients using a workout a new generation of custom-designed wall with a suspension training syshealth and wellness programs that tem and stall bars (a piece of strength, meet an individual’s goals. It’s also the conditioning and flexibility equipment future of hands-on well-being education, encompassing mental and spiritual that looks like a wide ladder, about three feet by eight feet). “Stall bars have health and physical fitness for novices been used since the 1960s by gymnasts and professionals. It comprises life and and professional athletes,” he notes. meditation coaching; personal training “The concept is based on an individual in cardio fitness, strength and flexibilusing their own body weight, versus a ity; and mental skills training.” Eccles explains the Mindful Life Academy Five machine or dumbbells.”

Pillars of Wellness.

Mindful Nutrition

“Along with supplementation suggestions and guidance, we help clients develop better eating habits,” notes Eccles. The program incorporates My Fitness Pal, a free, easy-to-use calorie counter and diet tracker app and website (MyFitnessPal.com) that offers a searchable database of more than

Yoga and Flexibility

Beyond basic Iyengar, vinyasa and hatha yoga for flexibility, Eccles incorporates proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching, commonly used in clinical environments to enhance active and passive range of motion.

The ultimate goal is optimizing motor performance and rehabilitation.

“This helps with inflexible and tight

hamstrings, back, shoulder and core muscles,” explains Eccles. “Foam rollers are also used for myofacial release, breaking up scar tissue and softening tight muscles.”

Meditation

From the perspective of medical science, meditation makes a good coping mechanism for relieving the stress and anxiety. Findings from the Shamatha Project, at the University of California, Davis, published in the journal Health Psychology in 2013, showed that mindfulness meditation may help to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Research suggests that practicing meditation may reduce blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, insomnia and the incidence, duration and severity of acute respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.”

“Keeping the body and mind healthy and flexible are key components to living a long, healthy life,” remarks Cara Corr, an associate at the Mindful Life Academy and the wellness director for Spanish Wells Country Club and Tarpon Cove Yacht & Racquet Club.

“Common sense tells us that because healthcare costs continue to rise, a comprehensive personal wellness plan is a necessity. We show our clients how to take the necessary steps to stay healthy in body and mind.”

Mindful Life Academy is located at 9122 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, in Bonita Springs. For more information, call 239-676-5009 or visit Tinyurl.com/ MindfulLifeAcademy or Tinyurl.com/ FBMindfulLifeAcademy.

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fitbody

MASTERING THE FORCE

The Martial Arts Hold Deep Inner Lessons

by Eric Stevens

F

ew words are as oddly coupled as martial and arts. The first means “relating to war and soldiers,” while the second means “something that is created with imagination and skill, and is beautiful or expresses important ideas or feelings.” All martial arts represent a paradox of push and pull, yin and yang, external and internal.

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Their practice represents the blending of our physical lives in harmony with our emotional makeup, allowing our external activity to mirror our internal being. Seldom is the fusion of body, mind and spirit easily achieved with one activity, but martial arts are an exception, because they focus equally on internal and external well-being. Here are five key

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life lessons that martial arts can teach us.

Learn how to breathe. True connection with our breath permeates an artist’s realm. A vocalist must reach deep within the diaphragm to sing proficiently and a dancer must learn to time their breath while performing. A martial artist learns to control breath with stillness and speed, like juxtaposing yoga with intense contact sports. Breathing properly makes the practitioner a better martial artist and a healthier one. According to a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, hypertensive qigong program participants were able to both lower their blood pressure after 10 weeks and increase their oxygen uptake by 20 percent.

Avoid conflict by developing character. While it may seem counterintuitive that learning how to fight could avoid conflict, it’s an essential part of martial arts. The philosopher Lao Tzu said the best fighter is never angry. The martial arts are primarily about discipline, heightened awareness and honing an ability to face our own internal conflicts. Several studies corroborate that practicing martial arts produces positive behavioral changes. For instance, according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescence, participating students in the martial arts were characterized as being less impulsive and less aggressive.

Connect the external (body movement) with the internal (energy movement). The energetic force that catalyzes expressive kicks, punches, blocks and other outward forms is as essential as the movements themselves.

In Chinese martial arts, that force is referred to as qi, the life energy that intrinsically unites body, mind and spirit.

Be both an artist and athlete.

Artistry and athleticism need not be divergent forces. The martial artist combines the grace of a creator and skill of a warrior, and watching a martial arts competition can be as riveting as watching a ballet or sports event. Most of us may not be talented artists or natural athletes, yet all students can learn how to integrate both worlds by blending physicality with stillness and expression through action.

Let go of ego, find mental clarity and access the present moment.

Jirōkichi Yamada, a master of Japanese kenjutsu, said, “The way of the sword and the way of Zen are identical, for they have the same purpose; that of killing the ego.” The focus of all true martial arts is the process, not the outcome. Whatever the style of execution, preparatory practice and meditative application, they all require the discipline of being purely present. Gaining such clarity requires grappling more with ego than with opponents; the real battle of a martial artist is waged within.

Bruce Lee, the film star who revolutionized Western awareness of martial arts and founded jeet kune do, realized that martial arts’ transcendent philosophy gives us many lessons to draw upon.

He suggested, “Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.”

Eric Stevens has been a fitness professional and martial arts coach for 15 years. He writes about related topics from Denver, Colorado. Connect at EricChristopherStevens@gmail.com. natural awakenings

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fitnessfinds

Yoga and Wellness Center Specializes in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

by Linda Sechrist

T

rauma exposure is pervasive in our society, according to a 2009 issue of the International Journal of Yoga. More than half the general population reports exposure to at least one traumatic event over their lifetime. While between 5 percent and 10 percent of these individuals may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many more are undiagnosed or fall under other trauma-related associations, such as complex childhood trauma disorder and/or disorder of extreme stress not otherwise specified.

The debilitating effects of unresolved trauma on the overall quality of life may include anxiety, depression, dissociation, hypervigilance, panic disorder and other psychological disorders, giving individual wellness practitioners and treatment centers good reason to incorporate trauma-sensitive protocols into their practices.

Vivasana Yoga & Wellness Center, located 20 miles east of Clam Pass Beach Park on more than three acres in Naples, specializes in trauma-sensitive yoga. Founder Monique Danielle, an experienced yoga teacher with a gradu56

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ate certificate in The Clinical Foundations of Trauma from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, has a favorite quote by author Stephen Cope, director of the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living: “Human beings are tender creatures. We are born with our hearts open. And sometimes our open hearts encounter experiences that shatter us. Sometimes we encounter experiences that so violate our sense of safety, order, predictability and right that we feel utterly overwhelmed—unable to integrate and simply unable to go on as before. Unable to bear reality, we have come to call these shattering experiences trauma.” The quote not only inspires Danielle’s practice but also subtly acknowledges the numerous types of trauma besides PTSD. “Our goal is to create an environment that is welcoming and sensitive to the needs of all clients,” notes Danielle.

“In this way, survivors of trauma can be served by yoga within a non-triggering, nonclinical framework and without discussing the details of their trauma histories. Vivasana provides individuals the tools to strengthen, nourish, balance and empower their physical,

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emotional and spiritual selves. This is done in private, semiprivate and group classes as well as two- and three-day retreats. We create a self-help environment that is compassionate, noncompetitive, noninvasive, psychologically informed and nonjudgmental.”

Danielle, a yoga instructor since 2006 who has studied with Yogi Hari, of the Sivananda lineage, believes that the true success of trauma-sensitive yoga lies in how it positively changes the way individuals live their lives off the mat and in their relationships. “Ours is a safe space in which no one has to stress over having to perform the perfect posture,” she says. “We want students to cultivate a friendly relationship to their bodies through gentle breath, meditation and movement practices that can literally help people free their bodies and neurological systems of somatized trauma.

“Vivasana sessions help students identify a sankalpa (intention) and work through it using postures, breathwork, meditation and tapping [a form of energy medicine in which a person taps on the endpoints of the major energy meridians with the fingertips].

Individuals who are highly stressed live much of their lives in a state of high beta brainwaves. Our goal is to help students reach alpha and low-beta brain patterns, states which are often found in experienced meditators and are associated with an increased sense of calm and well-being.” Danielle adds that although trauma-sensitive yoga supports the efforts of individuals in recovery, it is not a replacement for clinical care.

Vivasana also offers a residential 200-hour teacher training, an online, interactive 12-month teacher development program and online or onsite continuing education workshops.

The company helps treatment centers design and market relevant advanced yoga and mindfulness programs for their clients and provides yoga coaching and corporate wellness programs. Personal retreats are available by arrangement.

For location details and more information, call 239-444-8160 or visit Vivasana.net. See ad, page 34.

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Researchers at the University of California, Davis have found that reading skills for kids that read to dogs during a 10week literacy program improved by 12 percent.

Dogs with Library Cards

photo courtesy of Jean Maclean

naturalpet

Kids Love Reading to Animals

by Sandra Murphy

The goal of Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ), launched in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1999 as part of Intermountain Therapy Animals, is to improve children’s literacy skills with the mentoring help of certified therapy teams. Its reach has spread through library programs across the U.S. and Canada and internationally, with other therapy groups following suit.

D

“

octors told the parents of an 11-year-old autistic son that he would never read… so quit trying to teach him,” says Suzanne Vening, an organic farmer in Jackson, Mississippi.

“The doctor didn’t count on Adam, my Australian shepherd.” Abused and aban-

doned before being adopted by Vening, she had trained him for therapy work.

Vening knew nothing about autistic or learning-disabled children, but she knew Adam could work miracles. The boy made eye contact with Adam during his library visit and read a few words. His

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parents were overjoyed as his reading continued to improve. “It’s hard to include children with special needs in many family activities,” Vening says. “A library is a place the whole family can enjoy.”

She advises, “Designate a safe corner where a child can escape if feeling overwhelmed. After entering the room, handlers should sit on the floor with the dog lying beside them. A standing dog can cause too much excitement.

It’s important to trust that your therapy dog will know how to approach a child that’s afraid, has tremors or can’t sit up or sit still.”

“An animal’s heartbeat seems to call to kids,” observes Rachael Barrera, a children’s librarian at Brook Hollow Public Library, in San Antonio, Texas.

“Dogs have come here once a week for more than a year. Now older kids that are comfortable with the reading program are showing younger ones how to choose a book.”

At California’s Benicia Public Library, kids read to Honey, a friendly brown dog, on Wednesday afternoons.

Sheila Jordan, managing editor and owner of Booklandia, founded in Bend, Oregon, says her 8-year-old, Chase, found it difficult to concentrate because of ADHD (attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder). “The Tales and Tails program was a big help. All summer, we went every week and chose books he said the dog would love.”

Jordan’s reward was a more focused child; Chase’s reward was a dog of his own last fall.

North Carolina’s Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers 14,000 free programs a year throughout its 20 locations, including Paws to Read. Librarian Cathy Cartledge, reading program coordinator for the Morrison Regional branch, shares this story from Jaylee’s mom, Jill.

National Library Week, April 12 to 18, celebrates the program Unlimited Possiblities @ Your Library “Jaylee was tutored in reading for a year. After she also began reading to Zoey, a great Pyrenees, or Hunter, a golden retriever, I saw improvement in fluency, confidence and enjoyment.

It worked miracles compared with the hours and money spent for tutoring,” her mom remarks.

The Mount Prospect Library, near Chicago, has an age requirement for its Tales to Tails program. “Rachael, 8, will hardly put a book down now,” says her mom, Nicole Sasanuma, a senior associate with Business Communications & Advocacy, in Northbrook, Illinois. “Her sister, Emi, 6, is anxious for her next birthday so she ‘can read to doggies,’ too.”

Reading programs aren’t limited to libraries or schools. Jean Maclean, of Lompoc, California, trains her two dogs in agility and rally skills. For a change of pace, they visit the Chumash Learning

Center, in Santa Ynez, once a month. The Chumash people value education from both its elders and teachers outside the tribe. Maclean relates that Donny, age 11, was afraid of dogs until he met hers, after which his teachers saw his reading improve three levels in one semester.

Animals help kids relax and become teachers to the dogs. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have found that reading skills for kids that read to dogs during a 10-week literacy program improved by 12 percent.

Children in the same program that didn’t do the same showed no improvement.

Dogs and other pets prove that reading out loud doesn’t have to be scary. All it takes is a good book and a good listener.

WOMEN LEAD THE WAY

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

Other Four-Footed Reading Partners

photo courtesy of Nancy Bailey

Cleo, a small gray cat that lives with Michelle Cardosi, a retail clerk in Denver, enjoyed her Love on a Leash therapy visits.

When she became arthritic, moving from lap-to-lap was painful, and Cardosi considered retiring her, but Cleo didn’t agree. “So we went to the library’s Whiskers and Tales program instead, where she could sit on a pillow, get petted and be the center of attention,” she says. “She was able to visit until her 18th birthday.”

Clifford, a 24-year-old Morgan horse, is a well-known literacy advocate. He tours libraries in Michigan and using a sponge and watercolor paint, “signs” his biography, Clifford of Drummond Island, by author and Lansing artist Nancy Bailey, for his fans. “The kids probably won’t remember what I say, but they’ll always remember the day they saw a horse in the library,” says Bailey. “We’ve been visiting for about four years. He’s nosy and gets into everything, like the day he noticed the used book shelf. He picked out pulp fiction books and kept handing them to me.”

Bailey notes that Clifford teaches children that horses have feelings and a sense of humor when he goes for laughs and changes his responses when doing tricks.

Advertise in

Natural Awakenings Awakenings’ May Women’s Health Issue To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

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April 2015

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spatherapy

Massage for Stress and Anxiety

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Holistic Healing Arts, Naples. 732-2665276. TheArtofHolisticMassage.com.

InnerConnections Physical Therapy, Fort Myers. 239-398-3154.

InnerConnectionSpt.com.

by Lee Walker

ccording to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 75 percent of individuals surveyed in 2013 said their primary reasons for receiving a massage in the past 12 months were medical or stress-related.

People no longer seek a massage solely for relaxation, says the AMTA, but many use massage therapy to assist with numerous medical conditions or to manage stress and anxiety, which translates physiologically as tension held in the body. In the 2013 survey, 59 percent of respondents said their physician recommended massage.

While the fight-or-flight response which produces the stress hormone cortisol was once a reaction to lifethreatening situations such as encounters with wild animals, today this physiological reaction of the autonomic nervous system could be the result of perceived threats such as negative selftalk or a hectic workday, or could even be triggered as a side effect of prescription medication.

Many people carry a significant portion of stress as tension in the shoulders, neck and back, and posture plays a big part. However, the opposing muscles, such as those in the chest, also often contribute to the pain in the back of the neck.

A review of more than a dozen studies concluded that massage therapy helps relieve anxiety by affecting the body’s biochemistry. Researchers at the

Bonita Springs. 239-948-9444.

EyesWideOpenC.com.

University of Miami School of Medicine reviewed data measuring the cortisol in participants before and immediately after massage and found that the therapy lowered cortisol levels by up to 53 percent.

Massage also increased serotonin and dopamine, which are both neurotransmitters that help reduce the occurrence and severity of depression.

Local Resources for Massage Therapy Assuage, Fort Myers. 239-333-1450.

AssuageCenters.com.

Axis Natural Medicine, Fort Myers.

239-288-0900.

AcupunctureClinicFortMyers.com.

Ayurveda Massage & Yoga Institute, Naples. 239-450-6903.

Best Body Massage, Naples. 239-2930960. BestBodyMassage.com.

Cleansing Springs, Naples.

239-596-1110, 239-571-9816.

CleansingSprings.com.

Annaliese Klein, Silver Wave Acupuncture, Bonita Springs. 239-949-6002.

SilverWaveAcupuncture.com.

LA Green Spa, Naples. 239-963-4949.

LaGreenSpa.net.

Massage Envy, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral. 239-274-3689.

MassageEnvy.com/Regions/FL/ Southwest-Florida.

Meredith Musick, Naples. 239-2698846, MeredithMusick.com.

Organicskincareandbodyworx.com, Naples. 239-514-4494. OrganicSkinCareAndBodyworx.com.

RB Institute, Fort Myers; 239-939-4646.

RobynBerry.com.

ReHealth Massage, Naples. 239-5959116. ReHealthMassage.com.

Salt Cave, Naples; 239-403-9170.

SaltCaveNaples.com.

Sculpted Beauty by Cavi Lipo, Bonita Springs. 239-221-0921.

SculptedBeauty.net.

Shangri-La Springs, Bonita Springs; 239-949-0743. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Paula Terry, Naples/Fort Myers.

239-821-3088.

Cura Holistic Health and Massage Center, Naples. 239-450-4325.

FeelHealed.com.

Trim and Tone Spa, Naples. 239-5965522. TrimAndToneSpa.com.

Lillian Deng, Naples/Fort Myers. 239263-7089.

Ultimate Relaxation, Naples. 239-7938888. MyUltimateRelaxation.com.

Eyes Wide Open Wellness Center,

Stuart Wright, Naples. 239-272-6433.

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healingways

Even small changes can measurably reduce your family’s daily exposure to healthdamaging chemicals. ~Rick Smith

Spring Greening Easy Ways to Detox a House

by Lane Vail

F

or most individuals, odorous chemicals are simply unpleasant. For those that are sensitive and susceptible, however, even common chemical exposures may evoke a toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT) marked by multiplesystem symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, autoimmune disease, asthma, depression and food intolerance. Since the post-World War II expansion of petrochemicals, the incidence of TILT has increased dramatically, says Claudia Miller, a medical doctor, researcher and professor at the University of Texas

Health Science Center at Houston and co-author of Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes.

“Fortunately, public awareness has also grown significantly in the last few years,” says Rick Smith, Ph.D., a Canadian environmentalist who co-authored Toxin Toxout. “Now companies and governments worldwide are moving toward making safer products.”

We can support progress by leveraging some practical tips in greening our home.

Start somewhere. Many volatile

organic compounds (VOC) that include formaldehyde and benzene are concealed in household items such as couches, chairs, particleboard furniture, mattresses, box springs, carpeting, rugs, synthetic flooring, wallpaper and paint.

Green TV host and Fresh Living author Sara Snow implores us not to become overwhelmed, disheartened or fearful.

“Creating a healthy home is a gradual process that doesn’t require throwing all the furniture out,” she advises. Start by scrutinizing labels and choosing not to bring new toxins in.

For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely found to be associated with reproductive toxicity and is found in many waterproofed and flexible plastics. Select PVC-free toys, shower curtain liners and mattress covers.

In the kitchen, avoid potentially carcinogenic perfluorinated chemicals (PFC) found in nonstick coatings of pots and pans. Toss the Teflon when it scratches, says Snow, and upgrade to stainless steel or cast iron. Weed out bisphenols, the DNA-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and epoxy resin can liners. Even “BPA-free” products likely contain alternative and equally harmful substances, according to a recent study published

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in Chemosphere. Choose clear glass instead of plastic containers.

When remodeling, look for zeroVOC items, Miller says, plus materials free of stain-resistant sprays and flame retardants whose efficacy is questionable. Consider natural fiber rugs like jute or wool. Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwoods or alternative flooring like cork or glass tile are safer investments in long-term well-being.

Clean green. Conventional cleaners are among the worst offenders, and even some “eco-cleaners” can be deceptively unsafe, says Smith.

He recommends avoiding antibacterial products containing triclosan, which proliferates antibiotic-resistant bacteria that prolong and exacerbate illnesses, as well as phthalates, a chemical oil that carries artificial aromas and has been repeatedly linked to cancer and abnormal fetal development. “Even so-called natural fragrances are often complex petrochemicals that outgas and contaminate the air,” notes Miller.

Snow advises formulating products at home using staple pantry ingredients, including distilled white vinegar for disinfecting, baking soda for scouring, liquid castile soap for sudsing, lemon juice for degreasing and olive oil for polishing.

Freshen with fresh air. Americans spend about 90 percent of their time amid indoor air pollutants that are significantly more concentrated than outdoor pollutants, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports. “Most energy-efficient homes are well sealed with ventilation systems that recirculate indoor air, so opening the windows helps dilute accumulated airborne toxins,” says Miller. Snow further recommends bringing air-purifying plants into the home such as Gerbera daisies, bamboo palms and English ivy.

Vacuum and dust. Vacuuming with a high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter and dusting with a moist cloth eliminates allergens such as pet dander, mites, pollen and mold, and helps remove phthalates, flame retardants, lead and pesticides that “latch onto house dust and accumulate in dust bunnies,” says Smith.

Green TV host and Fresh Living author Sara Snow recommends bringing air-purifying plants into the home such as Gerbera daisies, bamboo palms and English ivy.

Weed out lawn chemicals.

“Organophosphate pesticides are profoundly neurotoxic,” says Miller, especially to the developing brains of children. Instead try integrated pest management, which involves controlling pests’ food sources and applying non-toxic deterrents. Eliminating potentially carcinogenic herbicides might mean managing more weeds, says Snow, but it’s worth it.

Eat green. “Buying produce as close to its source as possible, from a farmer or farmers’ market, provides threefold benefits,” says Snow—less wasteful packaging, re-

duced exposure to chemical plastics and greater concentration of healthpromoting nutrients. Buy in bulk and favor glass containers or rectangular cardboard cartons.

Take tests. Radon, an invisible, odorless gas that can emanate from the ground and accumulate in homes, annually causes 21,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths, according to the U.S. EPA. Lead, a neurotoxin that may occasionally leach from home water pipes, can also hide in pre-1978 paint. Testing for both and implementing reduction or precautionary measures is simple, advises Smith. Most hardware stores stock test kits.

Take action. Join with other concerned citizens by launching a pertinent petition at Change.org; campaigning with organizations like the Environmental Working Group (ewg. org) or Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SaferChemicals.org); and supporting cleaner, greener companies with family purchases.

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

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inspiration

Strong Winds Strong Roots

What Trees Teach Us About Life

by Dennis Merritt Jones

A

great experiment in the desert called the biodome created a living environment for human, plant and animal life.

A huge glass dome was constructed to house an artificial, controlled environment with purified air and water, healthy soil and filtered light. The intent was to afford perfect growing conditions for trees, fruits and vegetables, as well as humans.

People lived in the biodome, for many months at a time, and everything seemed to do well with one exception. When the trees grew to a certain height, they would topple over.

It baffled scientists until they realized they forgot to include the natural element of wind. Trees need wind to blow against them because it causes their root systems to grow deeper, which supports the tree as it grows taller.

Who among us doesn’t long for a perfect growing environment for ourselves, with no disruptions from outside influences?

We strive to avoid the times of contrast and tension, when life’s daily challenges push against us. When they do, the normal tendency is to curse them. If trees could talk, would we hear them curse the wind each time they encountered a storm?

We can learn a great deal from nature’s wisdom at work if we are open to the lesson. Watch how a tree bends and sways gracefully when the wind blows against it. It does not stand rigid, resisting the flow of energy. It does not push back. The tree accepts the strong wind as a blessing that helps it grow.

Such experiences develop our character and deepen our spiritual roots. When we grow deep, we too, stand tall.

Dennis Merritt Jones, D.D., is the author of Your Re-Defining Moments, The Art of Uncertainty and The Art of Being, the source of this essay. He has contributed to the human potential movement and field of spirituality as a minister, teacher, coach and lecturer for 30 years. Learn more at DennisMerrittJones.com.

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calendarofevents WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 Upcycle! Art Fest – Apr 1-2. 9am-4pm. A showcase of fine art and crafts made from recycled and repurposed material. Featuring 28 artists and art sale, silent auction, make-and-take activities, informational area to learn more about the importance of recycling and protecting our lands, waters and wildlife. JN “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel Island. 472-1100 ext 233. UpcycleArtFest.org.

Baby Animals Preschool Program – 10-11:30am.

Preschoolers will learn the names of animal babies, play games, sing songs and make a craft to learn about animal babies. $5 plus parking fee. Caloosahatchee Regional Park, campground entrance, 19130 N River Rd, Alva. Register: 533-7440 or LeeParks.org.

Women’s Gathering (CBC) – 7pm. A bimonthly gathering for women over 21 to discuss women’s issues in society, religion, relationships, etc. Support and empower other women and network. Vent in a safe environment. Refreshments will be served. $5.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 Tarot Part I – 2pm. Learn the meanings of the cards and how to utilize this wonderful tool. A Rider Waite deck is required. $30. Part II on 4/9.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Practice, Practice, Practice – 6:30-8pm. Rev Michelle Love provides structured guidance as one practices and explores their natural spiritual abilities of prophecy, mediumistic communication and spiritual healing. $20. Light The Way Spiritual Center, 5600 Trail Blvd, Ste 15, Naples. 250-4710.

Light-TheWay.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Bird Beaches and Mangrove Creeks Kayak Tour – 10am-2pm. A protected wild area of shallow waters, lots of birds and a variety of creatures, including

dolphins and manatees. $50 per person, includes all equipment and a FL master naturalist guide. At Bunche Beach and San Carlos Bay with GAEA guides. RSVP required: 694-5513. GAEAGuides.com.

Happy Fascia Hour – 5:45-6:45pm. With Tania Melkonian. A myofascial release class offered the first Friday of every month. Learn techniques to help break down scar tissue, increase circulation, reduce chronic pain and improve range of motion. $16/drop-in or regular class package applies. Naples Yoga Center, 13240 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 206, Naples.

592-4809. NaplesYogaCenter.com.

Full Moon Sacred Sounds: Honoring the Temple – 6:30pm. With Dana House. Experience the energy of vibrational awakening, cosmic connection. Sacred sounds of the empowering gongs and bowls accelerate energetic healing, spiritual awakenings and immersion into blissful remembrances of unity with all creation. $15. Anahata, 5th Ave N, Naples. RSVP: 262-0811. QuantumHealing-SacredSound.com.

trade; everything is free. Fleischmann Park, Naples.

Facebook page: Naples Really Really Free Market.

Party for the Planet – 9am-1pm. Conservation Station has information about organizations that protect the Naples environment. Zoo Town for kids includes fun games, arts and crafts made from recycled materials. Nature’s Mall features greenfriendly businesses. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette Rd, Naples. 262-5409.

NaplesZoo.com. See article, page 20.

Live Blood Cell Analysis – 10am-5pm. With Brandi Stewart. Utilizing one drop of blood, see 42 anomalies of your health relating to digestive dysfunction, liver stress, toxicity, inflammation markers, yeast imbalances, lymphocytes, health of white and red blood cells and more. $50 includes DVD and personal score sheet. For Goodness Sake, 7211 Radio Rd, Naples. RSVP: 353-7778.

Psychic Development Class – 11am. New series of 10 bimonthly classes begins. Class one is a progressive class to form a foundation for psychism, as well as exercises to enhance your intuition. $20.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Mini Readings – 1-9pm. With Candyce Strafford.

Petunias of Naples, 825 5th Ave S, Naples. RSVP: 403-3550.

Scrying – Into the Looking Glass – 2pm. Learn how to use a crystal ball or a mirror to get intuitive visual information. Cleansing and preparing of the tools will be discussed as well as different techniques used for scrying and how to interpret messages. BYO crystal ball, crystal or mirror or borrow one from the center. $20. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Crystal Bowl Sound Bath – 6:30-8pm. With Sue Lovett. Experience good vibrations. $20. Limited space.

Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Preregister: 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Full Moon Celebration – 5:45pm. With Cathy Blair. Honor the moon, Mother Earth and the divine creator. Heal the waters of the planet. Bring beach chair or towel. Love offering goes to wildlife rescue.

Horizon Way Public Beach, on Gulf Shore Blvd N off Park Shore Dr, Naples. 398-3953.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Really, Really Free Market – 10am-2pm. 1st Sat. Potluck of reusable items. No money, barter or

Intro to Wicca – 2pm. In this weekly progressive class, learn what Wicca is, concept of deity, altars, holidays, magick and more. Free. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

MONDAY, APRIL 6 The Poison in Your Teeth Book Giveaway – 9:30am-5pm. Dr Mark Corke will distribute the book, The Poison in Your Teeth, by Dr Tom McGuire. Call the office for a tour or with questions on holistic care. Laser Dentistry, 1550 Matthew Dr, Ft Myers. 936-5442. FortMyersLaserDentist.com.

Acupressure: Self-Care for Wellness – 11am12:30pm. Four-week workshop on Mondays. Learn to integrate different acupressure points into your daily routine. Work with peers striving toward the same goal. Every class reveals secrets to acupressure and its many uses. $75. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Mini Sessions – 5:30-9pm. With psychic Candyce Strafford. Daniela’s Restaurant, Wiggins Pass Plaza, 13500 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. RSVP: 514-4414.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 Psychic and Healing Fair – 5pm. Psychic readings, healing, tarot readings, crystals and related products

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available. Infinite Stones, 12911 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. RSVP: Debbie: 678-717-8584.

Vagina Monologues – 7pm. Presented by Project HELP, Collier County’s only state-certified rape and crisis center. Local actresses donate their time to perform the funny and poignant monologues that celebrate female empowerment. Wine, hors d’oeuvres cocktail hour featuring silent auction and fund-a-need tables followed by play at 8pm.

Wear black with red accents. $35/advance or $45/ door. Sugden Community Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 649-1404. Tickets: NaplesPlayers.org.

Complimentary Meditation – 7-8pm. Jennifer Stevens guides students through an hour of meditation and provides an opportunity to explore new ways to begin or deepen a meditation practice in a comfortable and supportive environment. Free.

Bala Vinyasa Yoga, 6200 Trail Blvd, Naples. Info: 598-1938 or BVYoga.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 Enlightenment Art Show – Apr 8-June 3. Gallery hours: 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri. Featuring the fine art works of Peter Sargent, Renee Ray, Gene Masters Salerno. Art opening 6-9pm on 4/8 as part of the celebration of Art & Nature. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 949-0749.

ShangriLaSprings.com.

Cataracts Seminar – 11am-noon, seminar; noon1pm, discussion and healthy organic lunch. Learn new information about how to reverse cataracts without dangerous surgery. Free. Healing the Eye and Wellness Center, 2666 Swamp Cabbage Ct, Ft Myers. RSVP: 588-0477. See ad, page 35.

Small Changes – Big Opportunities – 2-4pm. With Mary Cline Golbitz. Four-week workshop on Wednesdays. Learn to integrate positive change into your life.

Work with peers striving towards the same goal. Share your successes and challenges in a supportive group. $60. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

and shoes that can get wet. $25 includes equipment. Caloosahatchee Regional Park, campground entrance, 19130 N River Rd, Alva. 694-0398.

LeeParks.org.

Celebration of Art & Nature – 6-9pm. Art opening, live piano and flute by Alchemie, live painting by master sidewalk artist Jane Portaluppi Durand, community drumming circle, community yoga class, kirtan and sound healing by In the Bhav Project.

Free. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Spiritual Development Circle – 6:30-8pm. With Rev Michelle Love. Utilizing proven methods the group learns and takes the necessary steps to develop spiritual awareness. Attendees will explore their natural abilities for healing, prophecy and spirit communication. $20. Light The Way Spiritual Center, 5600 Trail Blvd, Ste 15, Naples. 250-4710. Light-TheWay.com.

Electronics and Your Heart Health, Is There a Connection? – 6:30pm. With Deborah J Post, ARNP. We have been turning on more and more electric gizmos; are they causing damage to our electric circuitry? Food & Thought Café, Naples. 481-5600. DebPost.com.

Usui Reiki Level II – 7pm. Learn long-distance healing method using channeled life force energies.

Symbols, visualizations, meditations and exercise are included. Attunement and certification available upon completion. Prerequisite level one. $50.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 Third Annual Peace, Love & Music Festival – Apr 9-13. Camping, 17 performances, two stages, open jams, vendors, food and raffle. Proceeds benefit The Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled.

Summerland, 27501 Kent Rd, Bonita Springs.

PeaceLoveAndMusicFestival@hotmail.com. Facebook.com/PeaceLoveAndMusicFestival. See news brief, page 19.

Oxbow Kayak Clinic – 9-11am. Learn the basic techniques of paddling. All ages and abilities.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. BYO drink, sunscreen, binoculars, clothing

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Breath of Life/Music of the Spheres – 6:30pm.

Journey from the superficial daily experience to the depths of your heart and soul with Dana House and Linda. Conscious connective breathing, Reiki attunements, percussive music and the sounds of gongs and bowls. Bring pillow, blanket and mat. $25. Anahata, 1065 5th Ave N, Naples. RSVP: 2620811. QuantumHealing-SacredSound.com.

Vibrational Angel Healing and Messages – 7-8:45pm. Trance channeling with Candyce Strafford. Healing and messages from the emissaries of light and Archangel Michael. Goddess I AM Healing and Art Center, Empire Plaza, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Spring Cleaning for the Mind – Various integrative practitioners collaborate in creating a unique day of healing every 2nd Saturday of the month.

Times, teachers, classes and fees vary. Therapeutic modalities include sound therapy, yoga, integrative relaxation, breath healing and creative expression. Monarch Therapy, Naples. 325-9210.

MonarchTherapy.com.

GROW Your Business

For more info about advertising and how to participate in Natural Awakenings of Collier/Lee counties,

call 239-272-8155

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Eighth Annual Promising Pathways Conference – 8am-3:15pm. A conference addressing autism spectrum disorders with topics relevant to families, educators and health professionals. Keynote speaker: Chantal Sicile-Kira. A resource fair with vendors from a variety of autism-related businesses and service providers also available. Florida Gulf Coast University, Cohen Center, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 745-3400. PromisingPathways@fgcu. edu. See news brief, page 12.

Reiki Level II Retreat – Apr 11-12. 8:30am-6pm.

With Silvia Casabianca, RM. Focus: shifting ego to soul perspective. Build powerful affirmations; learn three symbols for emotional/mental/distance healing. Prerequisite: Reiki I. $265 before 4/10.

18 FL CEUs, LMTs, nurses, LMHC, midwives, nutritionists, CSWs, MFTs. 9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 204, Bonita. Preregister: 948-9444.

EyesWideOpenCenter.com.

The Holy Speaking Program – Secrets of Powerful Presentations: Beyond Public Speaking – Apr 11-12. 10am. With Mark Kolack. Unlocking your Power and Potency in Public. Present your unique message with loving mastery. A comprehensive mystical model for connecting with your GodSelf and the soul of the audience. $165. 3570 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 352-362-5417. MarkKolack.com.

BYOB Matlacha Paint Session – 11am. Guided paint session. $42 includes all art supplies. Leoma Lovegrove’s Studio, 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha Island, RSVP: 288-6953 or VinosPicasso.com.

ABCs of Yoga – 1-3pm. With Amy Voelkl. A beginner-level class for new students. A studio orientation focused on a step-by-step breakdown of poses and alignment to build a solid foundation for practice will be provided before class. $10. 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples. 598-1938. BVYoga.com.

Complimentary Gentle Movement Meditation – 1:30-3pm. With Kim Clayton. Using simple techniques based on the principles of Trager Mentastics, these movements incorporated in this workshop will relieve stress and tension with the use of inquiry, imagery and gentle movements. Free. 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples. 598-1938. BVYoga.com.

Pendulum Workshop – 2pm. Learn how to choose, cleanse and program your pendulum. Also learn how to use your pendulum for divination, to find lost objects, dowse and test energy fields and chakras. Free, includes charts. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Align Your Spine – Improve Your Asanas – 2-4pm. With master teacher Meredith Musick, E-

ter of Naples, 3339 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. RSVP: 571-5234. QuantumHealing-SacredSound.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14 Improve Your Memory and Brain Power – 6pm.

With Christine Sullivan of Seize the Day Wellness.

Learn why you must act now to protect your brain.

Learn which foods harm it and how a brain-healthy lifestyle will improve your overall health. $10.

House of Gaia, 1660 Trade Center Way, Naples.

250-2592. SeizeTheDayHealth.com/brain.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 RYT, LMT. Correct common posture mistakes and create a healthier spine. All levels. $25. BKS Yoga Studio, 2900 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. 269-8846.

BKSYogaStudio.com. See ad, page 15.

Paint for a Cause – 6pm. A guided paint session to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

BYOB (beer/wine only) or try something new from our wine bar/craft beer selection. $40 includes all art supplies. 15250 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 109, Ft Myers.

RSVP: 288-6953 or VinosPicasso.com.

Wand Construction – 4pm. Make your own wand using local materials. Choose from a variety of woods. Learn the history of the wand, what it is used for and how to cleanse and empower it. $30 includes all materials. Bring your own embellishments such as crystals, gems, etc. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Save on Medical Bills Through Customized Nutrition – 6:30pm. With Dr Gary Gendron, of Nutrition Specialists. Learn how to save on medical bills without expensive blood tests through customized nutrition. Free. Whole Foods Market, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. RSVP: 947-1177.

DoctorGendron.com. See ad, page 2.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Yoga Day – 10am. Begins with a 75-minute Vivasana yoga practice, followed by 45 minutes of yoga nidra. Tea and veggie lunch at noon. The day closes with a one-hour interactive lesson by Vivasana faculty. Vivasana Center, Naples. Register: 444-8160 or Vivasana.net.

The Poison in Your Teeth Book Giveaway – 8am5pm. Dr Mark Corke will distribute the book, The Poison in Your Teeth, by Dr Tom McGuire. Call the office for a tour or with questions on holistic care.

Laser Dentistry, 1550 Matthew Dr, Ft Myers. 9365442. FortMyersLaserDentist.com.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 10am & 1pm. With Cathy Blair. Move into higher levels of awareness to begin to experience the multidimensionality of your heart. Let the loving harmonics expand your soul into the new light codes. Bring pillow, mat and blanket. $10. Winterview Ct, 2960 Immokalee Rd, Ste 3, Naples. 398-3953.

Cypress Creek Kayak Tour – 9-11am. Learn the basic techniques of paddling. All ages and abilities.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

BYO drink, sunscreen, binoculars, clothing and shoes that can get wet. $25 includes equipment. Caloosahatchee Regional Park, campground entrance, 19130 N River Rd, Alva. 694-0398. LeeParks.org.

ECK Worship Service – 11am. Topic: How do we Learn the Language of God? SW Florida Eckankar Center, 16387 S Tamiami Trl, Ste H, 2nd floor, Ft Myers. 482-4034.

Thermal Imaging Clinic – 10am-3pm. Learn how thermography can help solve chronic pain puzzles, detect early warning signs and monitor breast health.

Early prevention beats early detection. No radiation, no contact; safe. 9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 204, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 948-9444. EyesWideOpenCenter.com.

Soaring Sacred Sounds – 6:30pm. With Dana House. Evoke divine will through the empowering gongs and unconditional love through the gentle bowls and ancient aromatic blends for helping, healing and transformation personal and planetary. Bring mat, pillow, blanket. $15. Arthur Murray Dance Cen-

Usui Reiki Level II – 2pm. Learn long-distance healing method using channeled life force energies.

Symbols, visualizations, meditations and exercise are included. Attunement and certification available upon completion. Prerequisite level one. $50.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Movie Night: Bought – 6pm. See why prescriptions, vaccines and big pharma run our medical and food system. Free. Genesis Non GMO Vitamins & More, 877 91st Ave N, Naples. RSVP: 596-9017.

Pendulum Class – 6:30pm. With Donna Payne.

Learn how to properly use a pendulum and ask it a question. $30 includes pendulum or $20/ BYO pendulum. Infinite Stones, 12911 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. RSVP: Debbie Randolph: 678-717-8584.

Practice, Practice, Practice – 6:30-8pm. Rev Michelle Love provides structured guidance as one practices and explores their natural spiritual abilities of prophecy, mediumistic communication

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and spiritual healing. $20. Light The Way Spiritual Center, 5600 Trail Blvd, Ste 15, Naples. 250-4710.

Light-TheWay.com.

this 26th annual countywide cleanup and beautification campaign – the nation’s largest organized event of its kind – is part of the nationwide Great American Cleanup (GAC) effort sponsored by Keep America Beautiful. Check-in and collection sites in Lee County. Site list/info: 334-3488. klcb.org. See article, page 20.

Environmental Toxins – 6:30-8:30pm. With Deborah J Post, ARNP. Toxins, heavy metals and pesticides constantly unloaded into our environment excessively stress the total body burden. Learn how to identify heavy metal toxicity, unburden your body and promote optimal functioning. $15. 9200 Bonita Bch Rd, Ste 204, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 948-9444.

EyesWideOpenCenter.com.

Reiki Circle – 7-8:30pm. With Reiki Master Pam Bzoch. $20. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Preregister: 949-0749.

ShangriLaSprings.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 Private Yoga Day – Offering psychologically informed trauma-sensitive yoga and meditation. 50% off first-time private session and 20% off for others.

Naples. 444-8160. Vivasana.net.

April Feline Frenzy – Apr 17-18. 10am-5pm.

Featuring activities for the whole family, raffle prizes, unique sale items, photo op and adoptable cats. Heather Burch, director of Brigid’s Crossing, will present the Healing the Circle of Life series with discussions on cat care. Donations accepted in exchange for raffle tickets. Shabby Cat, 963 4th Ave N, Naples. 263-6019. ShabbyCat.org. See news brief, page 14.

Seven Archangel Healing System Training – 1-5pm. In this interactive workshop, Rev Elka Boren initiates attendees this powerful healing system to help others and for personal development. Experience healing initiation from the angels. Learn to give angel art sessions and angel healings to others.

Connect with Archangel Michael and his light army. $350. Anahata, 1063 5th Ave N, Naples. Susanna Tocco: 262-0811. UnityAngelHealing.com.

Movement and Breath for Labor Workshop – 6-7:30pm. With Cheryl Bernardi, LMT, Birth Doula, E-RYT. Experience hands-on practical labor run-through. Practice movement, breathing, self-hypnosis techniques for pain management.

Effective advice for pushing phase. $25/prepay or $30/door. House of Gaia, 1660 Trade Center Way, Naples. 248-7931. Preregister: LifeBehold@gmail. com. LifeBehold.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7pm. Let the power of Reiki help promote healing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Free. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Freeing the Heart Chakra: Healing Circle – 7-9pm. With Panamanian healer Elka Boren. Rev Elka opens healing vortex with unique source energy, giving rarified blessings with ascended masters and angels. She offers each participant an individual healing. Remove blocks energetically from subtle, physical and heart chakra. $30. Anahata, 1063 5th Ave N, Naples. Preregister: 434-9392. UnityAngelHealing.com.

Sacred Sound/Sacred Space – 6:30pm. With Dana House. Connect to the divine spark within through the energies of the grace-filled gongs and the blissful bowls using 3-D mandalas and ancient aromatic blends to enhance your powers of creative expression and manifest your greatest potential. Bring mat, pillow, and blanket. $20. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 949-0749.

QuantumHealing-SacredSound.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Private Healing Sessions – Apr 18-19. With Shaman Elka Boren from Panama, gifted since childhood with healing abilities and clairvoyance for 30 years. Elka works with geometric grids at the cellular level to remove blocks ancestrally on all levels and powerfully shift your energy. Anahata, 1063 5th Ave N, Naples. RSVP: Susanna Tocco: 821-9648.

UnityAngelHealing.com.

Earth Day Program: Bird House Project – 9-11am. Celebrate Earth Day by painting bird houses at the park. After birdhouses are painted, participants will have the opportunity to find a spot at the park to hang their masterpiece. Open to all ages. $5 includes supplies. Parking fee. Birdhouse donations accepted. Caloosahatchee Regional Park, main entrance, 19130 N River Rd, Alva. Register: 533-7440 or LeeParks.org. See article, page 20.

Lee County GAC Earth Day Trash Bash – 9amnoon. Sponsored by Keep Lee County Beautiful,

Earth Day at the Refuge – 10am-3pm. Family fun activities; meet and greet “Bagzilla”, plein air artists works on display, tram tours, nature hikes, kid contest and family story time. Wildlife Dr open to bikers and hikers only, free bikes provided by Tarpon Bay Explorers. Free. JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel Island. 472-1100 ext 236. DingDarlingSociety.org/ Earth-Day. See article, page 20.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Earth Day Festival – 10am-4pm. Electric boat tours along the Gordon River. Educational programs for kids and adults. Expert lectures, live animal programs and exhibitors. Arts and crafts, face painting, hands-on habitat experiences. Live music, locally made crafts and festival food. Conservancy Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. 262-0304. Conservancy.org. See article, page 20.

Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. Get a spiritual “tune up” with gifted readers and healers. Psychic readings, mediums, healers, tarot readings, jewelry, books, candles, sage, crystals, incense, angels. $25/25 minutes. Center of Eternal Light, 260 Professional Pl, N Ft Myers. 599-4700. CenterOfEternalLight.com.

Yoga Rx Workshop – 12:30-2:30pm. With Yoga Therapist Jacqueline Glasgow and Master Body Worker Tania Melkonian. A combination of yoga therapy, fascia work, mobility training and rebalancing to bring the body back to center. Common injuries and ailments will be discussed, along with tools to prevent or treat those issues. $40. Naples Yoga Center, 13240 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 206, Naples.

592-4809. NaplesYogaCenter.com.

Yin Harmony Spring Retreat – 1-4:30pm. With Sue Lovett. Based on the five element theory of Chinese medicine, discover self-care practices to balance the meridian energy specific to each of the five seasons. Yin and restorative yoga, mindful movement, breath work and meditation to balance the wood element of spring and more. $55. YA CEU eligible. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Crystal and Gemstones Workshop – 2pm. Learn how to choose, cleanse and work with your crystals and gemstones. Crystal grids will also be demonstrated using the flower of life pattern also known as sacred geometry. Free. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Testimonials - Four Alternative Survivors – 2-4pm. Four alternative health survivors discuss their difficult diagnoses, how they worked through it and their subsequent health recovery using alternative approaches. Cancer, bulging discs and more.

Followed by Q&A. $10. Naples Ballroom Company, 1644 Trade Center Way, Naples. Linda: 518-5228191. LindaRawFood@gmail.com.

Cuban Connection Program: Finding Florida’s Lost Orchids – 5pm. The Friends of Fakahatchee will host a Cuban-inspired dinner program featuring presentations by American and Cuban orchid experts that have been working together to return South Florida’s “lost” orchids. $50. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. RSVP: OrchidSwamp.org. See news brief, page 11.

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Movie in the Park and Earth Day Event – 5pm.

Earth Day for kids featuring Dr Seuss’ The Lorax beginning after dark. Face painting, a movie-themed game, Dr Seuss photo booth area and more. Popcorn, ice cream and drinks will be available. Bring chairs/ blankets to sit on. Free. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St on Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 949-6262.

CityOfBonitaSprings.org. See article, page 20.

New Moon Celebration – 7pm. With Cathy Blair.

Set an intention for yourself, envision for self, Mother Earth and all of humanity. Let the singing bowls carry your requests up into the universe.

Bring beach chair and blanket. $25. Salt Cave, 4962 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. 403-9170.

Spirit Live Jam – 7:30-9:30pm. Unwind inner tension and return to your peace and sound self through creative movement and the accompaniment of live music from a vast range of musical styles. Wear clothes to move in, bare feet or dancing slippers. Adults: $15/cash donation or $25/couples; $12.50/student ID. Arthur Murray Dance Center, 3339 Tamiami Trl N, Naples.

Amala: cvamuse@yahoo.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 Second Annual Hats for Cats Friendraiser and Brunch – 11:30am-3pm. This event is to raise awareness, explain the mission of The Naples Cat Alliance and create lasting community support.

Ladies with the best decorated hat wins a fabulous prize. $45/event and $25/raffle tickets. Port Royal Club, 2900 Gordon Dr, Naples. Info: Pam Reed: 370-2437 or CPamRide@comcast.net.

Divine Healing Experience – 1-3pm. With Rev Christopher Macklin. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way. Info: 775-3009. ChristopherMacklinMinistries.com. See ad on page 55 and news brief on page 15.

MONDAY, APRIL 20 Integrate Aromatherapy into Your Practice – Apr 20-21. 9am-5pm. With Candace Newman, MAT, LMT, the Oil Lady. For massage therapists, health practitioners and anyone willing to learn. 12 CE hrs for NCBTMB 451025-09. The Historic Lakeside Inn, Mt Dora, FL. Register: 352-602-7218 or OilLadyAromatherapy.com.

Pet Healing – 11am-5pm. With Rev Christopher Macklin. $40/15-min session. Pet Paradise 1, 27241 Bay Landing Dr, Ste 19, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 4958880. PetParadise1.com. See news brief, page 15.

Sand Tray Group – 6:30-8:30pm. Gain control over your life in a healthy way with increased awareness.

Experiential activity allows a safe and contained space to explore and gain clarity. $40 or $30/current clients. Monarch Therapy, Naples. 325-9210.

MonarchTherapy.com.

Aligning Personality With Soul – 7-8:30pm. With Dona Matera. Three-session series. Congruence between personality and true nature allows for a natural sense of being in the flow. Learn to identify and transform the unconscious beliefs that can subvert conscious intentions. Call for pricing. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 9490749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 Earth Day Guided Nature Walk – 9-11am. In honor and celebration of Earth Day, park staff will lead a one and a half-mile guided walk at the park to explore and learn about native plant communities, flowering plants and natural history of Southwest Florida. Free with paid parking. Caloosahatchee Regional Park, main entrance, 18500 N River Rd, Alva. Info: 694-0398. See article, page 20.

Crystal Bowl Celebration – 7pm. With Cathy Blair.

Move into higher states of joy and peace through the loving harmonics of the singing bowls. Open your heart to receive more love. Bring mat, pillow and blanket. $10. Peaceful Escapes, 601 E Elkcam Circle, Marco. 398-3953.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 Earth Day Re-Use and Recycle Roundup – 9am4pm. Donate clothing, electronics, shoes, books, household items and cell phones to Goodwill. Free paper shredding, pharmaceutical take-back. Bring hazardous household chemicals, rechargeable batteries, paints, used motor oil and fluorescent blubs for collection. Goodwill Towne Centre parking lot, 3759 Tamiami Trl E, Naples. 995-2106 or 252-5354.

See article, page 20.

Earth Day at Naples Botanical Garden – 9am5pm. Free tours at 11am & 2pm. Unearthed: Dinosaurs in the Garden on exhibit until July 5. $14.95/ adults; $9.95/children 4-14. Free for members. 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 643-7275. NaplesGarden.org.

See article, page 20.

Oil Pulling and Other Unusual Ways to Help the Body Clear and Heal – 6:30pm. There are several techniques considered folklore that science is now proving effective and naturally good for you. Food & Thought Café, Naples. 481-5600. DebPost.com.

Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? – 7pm.

An Eckankar presentation. Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 533-4000. Info: 482-4034.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 International Healer Christopher Macklin – Apr 23-24. 9am-5pm. Macklin works with past and

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candlelight acoustic concert with Christie Lenée.

Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. NaplesUnity.org. See news brief, page 14.

present emotional issues, physical pain and energy blockages. $100/45 minutes. Center of Eternal Light, 260 Professional Pl, N Ft Myers. RSVP: 599-4700. See news brief, page 15.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Candle Magick – 2pm. Learn how to anoint and infuse candles with energy for healing, blessing, prosperity and more. Make your own personal candle. $30 includes supplies. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Lecture – 5:30pm.

Learn about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Snacks and drinks provided. Hughes Center for Functional Medicine, 800 Goodlette Rd, Ste 270, Naples. 6497400. See ad, page 87.

Medicine Cabinet Makeover – 6pm. Learn how essential oils can replace almost everything in your medicine cabinet. Genesis Non GMO Vitamins & More, 877 91st Ave N, Naples. RSVP: 596-9017.

Bat Kayak Tour – 6-9pm. Visit a lovely creek in the wilderness, part of our estuary system, with many plants and animals. At dusk see bats come out of hiding and learn about these creatures from a certified Florida master naturalist guide. $40/pp.

All equipment included. GAEA Guides, N Ft Myers.

RSVP:694-5513. GAEAGuides.com.

Spiritual Development Circle – 6:30-8pm. With Rev Michelle Love. Utilizing proven methods the group learns and takes the necessary steps to develop spiritual awareness. Attendees will explore their natural abilities for healing, prophecy and spirit communication. $20. Light The Way Spiritual Center, 5600 Trail Blvd, Ste 15, Naples. 250-4710.

Light-TheWay.com.

Goddess Circle – 7-8:30pm. With Reiki master Pam Bzoch. $20. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old

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US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Preregister: 949-0749.

ShangriLaSprings.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 National Association for Esoteric Healing (NAEH) Conference – Apr 24-26. Shining light on the senses, vision, hearing and balance – inner and outer perception. Includes an introduction to esoteric neurology evaluation and treatment. $160/members; $185/nonmembers. Completion of Esoteric Healing Part I required. Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd, Naples. 289-2049. NAEHOnline.org. See news brief, page 10.

Led Zeppelin Power Yoga – 7-8:30pm. With Kim Clayton. Rock out in this glow-in-the-dark black light class to the classic sounds of Led Zeppelin.

Climb the Stairway to Heaven with this fun and invigorating practice. $25. 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples.

598-1938. BVYoga.com.

Twin Flames Igniting – 7-8:30pm. With Kristen Tenpenny and Christie Lenée. Sound and Theta Healing with yin yoga and live music. 8:45-9:30pm,

swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

A Journey Into Self-Discovery and Transformation – 8:30am-1pm. With Valentina Dimitri and Lulu Carter. Learn a step-by-step process to shift self-sabotage into clarity and freedom using strategies for positive change. Continental breakfast, refreshments and healthy snacks will be served. $55. House of Gaia, 1660 Trade Center Way, Naples.

272-6152. Register: Valentina: 877-6808. See news brief, page 18.

Pre-Hurricane Season Roundup – 8:30am-2pm.

Pharmaceutical take-back, tire recycling, paper shredding. Many auto and home products and devices accepted for recycling. Clothing, shoes and books collected by Goodwill Industries for resale. Five Collier County Recycling Drop-off locations: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd, W Naples; 3720 White Lake Blvd, Naples; 2640 Corporate Flight Dr, Naples; 9950 Goodlette Rd N, N Naples; 990 Chalmer Dr, Marco Island. Info: 252-7575. See article, page 20.

Wellfit Girls Benefit Class – 9-10:30am. With Debi Grilo. Enjoy a 90-minute Power Vinyasa class, meet the Wellfit Girls who starred in the Warrior One documentary and support their empowerment efforts by donating via the bake sale, Warrior jewelry and/ or T-shirt purchases. $20/drop-in or regular class packages apply. 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples. 5981938. BVYoga.com.

Discovering Your Gifts Workshop – 9am-5pm.

With Rev Christopher Macklin, international healer.

Advanced healers training includes: dimensional

healing gifts, three past-life regressions, combing meridian lines, complete dis-ease ensemble and rebalancing. $225. Center of Eternal Light, 260 Professional Pl, N Ft Myers. RSVP: 599-4700. See ad on page 55 and news brief on page 15.

Reiki Level I Course – 9am-5pm. Learn how to connect to healing energy and awaken healing abilities through interactive lectures, attunements, practicing techniques and experiencing energy flow. $100 includes lunch and snacks. Avow campus, 1095 Whippoorwill Land, Naples. 280-5996.

AvowCares.org.

Earth Day Celebration – 9am-7:30pm. Learn, discover and participate in Earth care in Collier County. Drum parade at 9:15am. Thirty arts and crafts, environmental, horticultural vendors, tree sale, healing circle, kids’ activities. Four showings of 20-minute Symphony of the Soil movie series.

Participate in creation of Navaho bamboo loom.

Drum circle from 6-7:30pm. 8200 Immokalee Rd, N Naples. Info: 269-7341 or JMEtzal@hotmail.com.

See article, page 20.

Psychic Faire – 10am-4pm. Choose from an assortment of well-established and gifted psychics and healers. Tarot readers, soul chart progression, astrology, oracle card reader, energy matrix healer, rune caster, medium, chakra cleansing and alignment and shamanic journeys. 25 min for $25. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. 939-2769.

Whole Kids Club – 11:30am-12:30pm. Focus: Sprouts. Cork sprouters are a great way to introduce gardening and are super cute and decorative. Free member event. $5 annual membership fee benefits the Whole Kids foundation. Whole Foods Market, outside patio, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. Preregis-

ter: 552-5100. WholeFoodsMarket.com.

When Feeling Feels Too Much: Self-Empowerment for the Energy Sensitive – 2pm. With Kristen Tenpenny. Class topics: What is negative energy?

How do you get it? What are energy vampires? How to love without giving away your energy, owning your power, building faith, sympathy verses empathy and more. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. NaplesUnity.org. See news brief, page 14.

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 Free Community Yoga – 10-11am. Bring your mat to enjoy an all-levels yoga class led by Naples Yoga Center at Whole Foods Market in the Lifestyle Center, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. Preregister: 5525100. NaplesYogaCenter.com.

Yin Yoga Hip Flow – 1-2:30pm. With Jennifer Colucci. A guided sequence of deep hip-opening asanas. Release unwanted energy and awaken areas of your body that may be closed off while integrating yin yoga, a practice of holding the poses for extended periods of time. $30 with $5 off paid/ registered by 4/25. 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples. 5981938. BVYoga.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 27 Laughter Club – 6:30-7:30pm. With Jill Emmerich, certified Laughter Yoga leader in partnership with Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida. 4th Monday of every month. Free. Monarch Therapy, Naples. 325-9210. MonarchTherapy.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28 Improve Your Memory and Brain Power – 6pm.

With Christine Sullivan, of Seize the Day Wellness.

Learn why you must act now to protect your brain.

Learn which foods harm it and how a brain-healthy lifestyle will improve your overall health. $10.

House of Gaia, 1660 Trade Center Way, Naples.

250-2592. SeizeTheDayHealth.com/brain.

Online Meditation and Tapping Class – 8:30pm.

An interactive, live mindfulness/breathing lesson and group guided meditation/tapping session online.

Students will also receive four weekly emails with inspirational messages and practical information.

Free. Register: Vivasana.net.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 Trim and Tone Spa Open House – 3-7pm. Information and demonstrations on some of the newest technologies available to look and feel your personal best. Trim and Tone Spa, 1201 Piper Blvd, Ste 20, Naples. RSVP: 596-5522. See ad, page 15.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 7pm. With Cathy Blair.

Experience newly channeled healing and rejuvenating crystalline sound frequencies and the Himalayan salt.

Restore your spirit and rejuvenate your body in the loving frequencies of light. Bring beach chair and blanket. $25. Salt Cave, 4962 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. 403-9170.

Tea Leaf Reading: The Art of Tasseography – 7pm. A tea party with extras. Learn how to read the tea leaves for yourself and others. Also receive a free tea leaf reading during this class. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers.

RSVP: 939-2769.

Vibrational Angel Healing and Messages – 7-9pm.

Trance channeling with Candyce Strafford. Healing and messages from the emissaries of light and Archangel Michael. $22. Mystical Moon, 8890 Salrose Ln, Ft Myers. 939-3339.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30

TUESDAY, MAY 5

Caloosahatchee to Hickey’s Creek Kayak Trip – 9am-3pm. Paddlers should be in good physical condition and/or experienced for a five-mile roundtrip paddle on the Great Calusa Blueway. BYO drink, lunch, sunscreen, binoculars and clothing/shoes that can get wet. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. $40/pp, kayaking equipment included.

Campground entrance, 19130 N River Rd, Alva.

Register: 533-7440. LeeParks.org.

Hidden Dangers of Diabetes Treatment – 11amnoon, seminar; noon-1pm, discussion and healthy organic lunch. Learn why some Type 2 Diabetes therapies are dangerous and what can be done. Free. Healing the Eye and Wellness Center, 2666 Swamp Cabbage Ct, Ft Myers. RSVP: 588-0477. See ad, page 35.

Practice, Practice, Practice – 6:30-8pm. Rev Michelle Love provides structured guidance as one practices and explores their natural spiritual abilities of prophecy, mediumistic communication and spiritual healing. $20.

Light The Way Spiritual Center, 5600 Trail Blvd, Ste 15, Naples. 250-4710. Light-TheWay.com.

plan ahead FRIDAY, MAY 1 An Evening with Spirit – 7-9pm. Gallery psychic and mediumship demonstrations with 2015 Psychic of the Year Jill M Jackson, tested and certified member of Best American Psychics. Mediumship messages random audience members. $33. Altered Elements, 532 Park St, Naples. Info: 828-414-4765. JillMJackson. com. See ad on page 54 and news brief on page 17.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 Journey into the New Energies – May 2-3. 9am5pm, Sat; 9am-2pm, Sun. With Ed Kuiper, accomplished teacher and author. Learn how to transition from third-dimensional energy into fourth- and fifth-dimensional energy in this exciting work-

shop. Expect fun and surprises. $225. Kuan Yin Sanctuary, 2380 8th NE, Naples. 207-512-5645.

TheOnenessConnection@gmail.com. See news brief, page 17.

Psychic or Mediumship Readings – 1-5pm. With 2015 Psychic of the Year Jill M Jackson, certified member of Best American Psychics and Certified Psychic Society. Altered Elements, 532 Park St, Naples. Info: 828-414-4765. JillMJackson.com. See ad on page 54 and news brief on page 17.

MONDAY, MAY 11

Psychic Intuitive Development Course – May 2-3.

1-5pm. With 2015 Psychic of the Year Jill M Jackson, certified member of Best American Psychics.

Course includes grounding, clairvoyance, chakras, spirit guides, animal totems, pendulum and more. $222 includes workbook. Altered Elements, 532 Park St, Naples. Info/register: 828-414-4765 or Gail@JillMJackson.com. See ad on page 54 and news brief on page 17.

SEVA Stress Release Acupressure Protocol – 9amnoon & 1-4pm. The morning self-help class utilizes an acupressure protocol used for self-care, addressing a wide range of needs, including general relaxation and wellbeing or extreme shock and stress. Afternoon class offers techniques to apply the protocol to others. $60/morning class only, 3 CEUs; $120/both classes, NCBTMB and FL 6 CEUs. Naples. Register: Alvina: 732-266-5276. HolisticHealingArts.info.

MONDAY, MAY 4

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Women’s Health Acupressure Protocol – 9am-5pm, with lunch break. A proactive approach to health and well-being. $175. 8 CEUs. Naples. Register: Alvina: 732-266-5276. HolisticHealingArts.info.

Touch with Oils Hand Massage Instructor Course – May 15-17. 9am-5pm. With Candace Newman, MAT, LMT, the Oil Lady. For health practitioners that want to be part of Candace’s team of hand massage instructors. 18 CE hrs for NCBTMB 45102509. The Historic Lakeside Inn, Mt Dora, FL. Register: 352-602-7218 or OilLadyAromatherapy.com.

Psychic or Mediumship Readings – 1-5pm. With 2015 Psychic of the Year Jill M Jackson, certified member of Best American Psychics and Certified Psychic Society. Altered Elements, 532 Park St, Naples. Info: 828-414-4765. JillMJackson.com. See ad on page 54 and news brief on page 17.

MONDAY, MAY 18 Clinical Acupressure I: Basic Applications – May 18-21. A four-day class through Soul Lightening International. Includes manual of 75 acupressure protocols. $695/registered by 4/18; $795/thereafter. NCBTMB and FL 24 CEUs. Naples. SoulLightening.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Residential Teacher Training – June 5-20. A Yoga Alliance-approved program that balances ancient wisdom with modern research to create an integrated system for students to utilize time honored yoga and energy modalities within a framework informed by evidence-based practices. Register by 4/31 to save $1,200. Vivasana Center, Naples. Vivasana.net. See ad, page 34.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11 The Body and Beyond Workshop Part I & II – June 11-12. 6:30-9pm, Thurs; 9-11:30am, Fri. With Seane Corn. Learn foundational cues to a healthy Vinyasa practice. Includes a challenging yoga sequence ending in restorative, meditative and yin poses. Proper alignment, pranayama, meditation, reflection and prayer will be facilitated. $68 per class. Fiddlesticks Country Club, 15391 Cannongate Dr, Ft Myers. 7681111. Info: 768-1021. RubyAndPearls.com. See ad on page 31 and news brief on page 16.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Magical Journey Retreat – Sept 24-Oct 3. Experience the authentic spiritual and cultural wonders of Peru, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Macchu Picchu.

Optional yoga classes offered each day with Naples Yoga Center owner Jacqueline Glasgow. 592-4809.

Details: NaplesYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 33.

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ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email NAcalendar@naturalawakeningsmag.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com/advertising to submit online.

Al-Anon Family Groups – Support for families and friends troubled by someone else’s drinking.

Naples. 263-5907 or 888-425-2666 for 24/7 info.

Schedule at SouthFloridaAl-Anon.org.

Adult Children of Alcoholic/Dysfunctional Families – 3:30-5pm. Did you marry an alcoholic and/or become one yourself? YANA Foundation Building, 1185 Lake McGregor Dr, Ft Myers. Jane: 728-7106.

FloridaState.ACAInterGroup.org.

Shelling in the Ten Thousand Islands – 8am-2pm.

An approximately 20-minute scenic boat ride to a barrier island. Choose from a 1.5-hr-to-3.5-hour trip. Goodland Boat Park, Goodland. Info/RSVP: 249-9878. ReelKindFishing.com.

Guided Tour and Organic Lunch – Mon-Fri. 10am-3pm, gift shop open. 11am & 2pm, guided tour, $15; 11:30am-2:30pm, organic lunch: vegan, vegetarian and protein offerings. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs.

949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

sunday Beach Yoga – 8:45-10am. With Caryn Gallagher.

All levels. Bring a large beach towel. Ideal shade area behind high-rise at Sea Gate/North Gulf Shore Public Beach, Naples. CC Yoga: 312-505-9642.

YogaNaplesFl.com.

service. Spiritual connection, meditation, ritual, prayer and song. 1939 Park Meadows Dr, Ste 1, Ft Myers. 560-6314. ChurchOfSpiritualLight.org.

Unity of Bonita Springs Sunday Service – 10am.

With Rev Phil Schlaefer, music by Jerry Stawski.

Inspiring lesson, music and meditation. 28285 Imperial Pkwy. 947-3100.

Unity of Naples – 10am. Service and Sunday school conducted in open, accepting and empowering environment. Children deepen their relationship with God. Nursery care provided. Naples. 775-3009.

NaplesUnity.org.

Yoga in the Garden – 10-11am. With Susie Lentz.

Bala Vinyasa Yoga at Naples Botanical Gardens.

All levels, rain or shine class. $10/members; $20/ nonmembers, includes admission. 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 598-1938. BVYoga.com.

Rivers and Creek Kayak Tour – 10am-2pm. Mangrove forest and nesting birds. Includes equipment and FL master naturalist guide. GAEA guides. Ft Myers. 694-5513.

Unity of Ft Myers – 9:15am and 11am service.

With Rev Jim Rosemergy, minister. Susie Hulcher, music. Youth ministry at 11am. Open to all. 11120 Ranchette Rd. 278-1511. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Center for Spiritual Living, Cape Coral – 10:30am service. Celebration, connection, community and more. 406 SE 24th Ave, Cape Coral.

574-6463. CSLCapeCoral.com.

Celebration Church Services – 9:30-10:30am. A church that meets outdoors, welcomes everyone and has a huge heart. Cambier Park, 580 8th St S, Naples. 649-1588.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples – 10:30am. Service, youth classes and childcare. Celebrate freedom, reason and compassion.

All welcome. 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples. 4556553. UUNaples@earthlink.net. UUNaples.org.

Church of Spiritual Light – 9:45-11am. Sunday

Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft Myers Sunday Service – 10:30-11:30am. All welcome. 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 561-2700. uucfm.org.

Cycling Class for Parkinson’s – 12:30-2pm. Find support from other people with Parkinson’s, feel better and reduce your symptoms. Physician referral required. Free. Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Rd. Marla Ramsey: 221-7560.

daily

Yoga in Nature – Tue-Sat. 9-10:15am. All levels.

Mindful movement, breath work and meditation in nature. Bring mat and wear comfortable clothes.

Props available. $10/drop-in (cash/check). Happehatchee Center, 8791 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 9925455. Happehatchee.org.

Science of Mind Spiritual Study Group – 10:3011:30am. Based on the Science of Mind book, This Thing is You, by Ernest Holmes. Donation. Happehatchee Nature Center, 8791 Corkscrew Rd, Estero.

922-5455. Happehatchee.org.

Introductory Buddhist Teach-Ins and Meditation Practice – 4:45pm. Last Sun each month.

Bala Vinyasa Yoga, 6200 Trail Blvd, Naples.

FloridaMindfulness.org.

Drum Circle – 6-9pm. Drummers, dancers, jugglers, everyone welcome. BYO chair and instrument.

Under the pavilion by the water in Centennial Park, Ft Myers. Facebook page: Fort Myers Drum Circle.

935-5551.

Buddhist Teach-Ins and Meditation Practice – 6:30pm. With dharma teacher Fred Epsteiner, in the spirit of Thich Nhat Hanh. Bala Vinyasa Yoga, 6200 Trail Blvd, Naples. FloridaMindfulness.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 6:30pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Cape Christian Fellowship, 2110 Chiquita Blvd, Cape Coral. 338-5948.

monday Gentle Yoga and Body Mechanics – 9-10am. With Jacqueline Glasgow. Gentle movement with fascia release and soft tissue work to free the body from limitations. Naples Yoga Center, 13240 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 206, Naples. 592-4809. NaplesYogaCenter.com.

Morning Meditation – 9:30am. With Monique Danielle, of Vivasana Center. 15-minute group Skype meditation. Free. Vivasana.net.

Mindful Movements – 9:30-10:45am. With Francis Reilly. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 9490749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Beachcombing and Shelling Lecture – Thru April.

10am. Free. Entrance fee without park permit.

Barefoot Beach Preserve Learning Center, Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita. fobbp.org.

Chair Yoga – 12:15pm. $10. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 204, Naples. 692-9747.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

Kids Yoga – 4-5pm. With Heather Pilling and Jenny Deeley. Kids are taught playful yoga in a non-competitive, self-accepting and team-building atmosphere. $10/drop-in. Optional simultaneous heated Power Vinyasa Yoga class for grown-ups. $20/drop-in. 6200 Trail Blvd, Naples. 598-1938.

BVYoga.com.

Caterpillar Kids Club – 4:30-5:30pm. With rotating teachers. Ages 5-12 build positive coping skills, improve focus, self-control, self-regulation. $20,

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$70/4 sessions or $10/current clients. Monarch Therapy, 843 Myrtle Terrace, Naples. 325-9210.

Qigong for Everyone – 5:30-6:30pm. Begins 4/20.

With Dona Matera. Standing, or sitting if needed, with slow movements to harmonize physical health. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Hatha Level III – 5:30-6:45pm. An advanced asana class that was rescheduled from Thursdays. $20/drop-in. 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples. 598-1938.

BVYoga.com.

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) – 6pm. 12step meeting. Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr, Ft Myers. Rob: 948-9162.

Prenatal Yoga – 6-7pm. With Cheryl Bernardi. Yoga and movement exercises for pregnancy. Energize pelvis, practice pain management and breathing for birth. $15. House of Gaia, 1660 Trade Center Way, Naples. 248-7931. LifeBehold.com.

Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families (ACA) – 6-7:30pm. 12-step meeting.

Unity Church of Naples, choir room, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. Lissa: 908-752-0068. FloridaState.

ACAIntergroup.org.

Clay Handbuilding and Raku Techniques – 6-9pm. Five-week class with Richard W Rosen. $195 plus materials ($20). Rosen Gallery & Studios, Naples Art District, 2172 J&C Blvd, Naples. RSVP: 821-1061. rictra@earthlink.net.

A Course in Miracles – 7pm. Love offering. Unity of Naples Church, Fireplace Room, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. NaplesUnity.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 7pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Community Congregational Church, 15300 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. Nancy: 352-0527.

Reiki Healing – 7pm. 1st & 3rd Mon. Love offering. Unity of Naples Church, Fellowship Hall, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. 775-3009. NaplesUnity.org.

Candlelight Yoga Flow – 7-8pm. With Dina Radcliffe. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Integrative Mindfulness, The Fountains Professional Park, 3372 Woods Edge Cir, Ste 102, Bonita Springs.

Preregister: 590-9485. IntegrativeMindfulness.net.

Gurdjieff Fourth Way Study Group – 7-8pm. An exploration of the teachings of GI Gurdjieff, with readings and discussion. Introductory sessions meet at Unity Church of Bonita Springs. Info: 565-1410.

TheGurdjieffSocietyOfFlorida.org.

Conscious Community Class – 7-9pm. Online class on a variety of topics providing insight for personal and career growth through the power of transforming the subconscious mind via hypnosis.

Classes are live, with a chance to be interactive and ask questions. tfioh.com.

tuesday Morning Series – 8-9am. With Meredith Musick. All levels yoga class. BKS Yoga Studio, 2900 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. 213-9276. BKSYogaStudio.com.

Yoga – 8:30am. With Julie Christenbury. Beginners to intermediate. All ages. Strengthen/lengthen your muscles, while calming, soothing your mind. $15. Eyes Wide Open Center, 9200 Bonita Bch Rd, Ste 204, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 948-9444.

EyesWideOpenC.com.

Beach Yoga – 8:45-10am. With Caryn Gallagher.

All levels. Bring a large beach towel. Ideal shade area behind high-rise at Sea Gate/North Gulf Shore Public Beach, Naples. CC Yoga: 312-505-9642.

YogaNaplesFl.com.

Guided Nature Walk – Thru May. 9-11am. 1st Tue. Explore natural plant communities. Limit 25 participants. Free with paid parking. Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park, Alva. Info: 822-5212.

Guided Nature Walk – Thru May. 9-11am. 3rd Tue. Walk through natural plant communities. Limit 25 participants. Free with paid parking. Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva. Info: 694-0398.

Santini Sunrise Fresh Market – 9am-1pm. Live music. Optional pet food donation for Find a Home/ Give a Home Island Pet Rescue. Santini Marina Plaza, 7225 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 443-8810.

Kundalini Yoga – 9:30-10:45am. With Jessica Hesser. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 9490749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

La Leche League – 10am. 2nd Tue. Motherto-mother breastfeeding support group. Summit Church, 19601 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy, Ft Myers.

489-3095. lllflorida.com.

Women’s Overeaters Anonymous – 10am. Free.

9470 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Ste 104, Estero.

Sandy: 973-809-5338 or Carol: 676-7793.

Estuary Kayak Tour in Estero Bay – 10am-1pm.

Birds, dolphins, manatees and more. $40. Includes equipment and FL master naturalist guide. GAEA guides, Bonita Bch. 694-5513.

Nia – 10:30-11:30am. With Valerie Hill. Limit 15 people. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Preregister: 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Emie Qigong – 11am-noon. With Melanie Hope. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749.

ShangriLaSprings.com.

Cycling Class for Parkinson’s – 12:30-2pm. Find support from other people with Parkinson’s, feel better and reduce your symptoms. Physician referral required. Free. Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Rd. Marla Ramsey: 221-7560.

Chair Yoga – 1-2pm. With Dina Radcliffe. $15/ drop in or $120/10 classes. Integrative Mindfulness, The Fountains Professional Park, 3372 Woods Edge Cir, Ste 102, Bonita Springs. Preregister: 590-9485.

IntegrativeMindfulness.net.

Hatha Yoga – 5:30pm. With Chris Neal. Beginners to advanced. Quiet your mind, improve balance, range of motion, performance. $15.

Private classes available. Eyes Wide Open Center, 9200 Bonita Bch Rd, Ste 204, Bonita. 948-9444.

EyesWideOpenC.com.

Prenatal Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. With Cheryl Bernardi. Yoga and movement exercises for pregnancy.

Breathing techniques, relaxation, pain management. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, Bonita Springs. LifeBehold.com.

Health Starts Here Cooking Class – 6:30-7:30pm.

With Lily, healthy eating specialist. An educational evening filled with amazing health-inspired foods. $10. Whole Foods Market, outside patio, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. Preregister: 552-5100. WholeFoodsMarket.com.

Adult Children of Alcoholic/Dysfunctional Families – 6:30-8pm. Did you marry an alcoholic and/or become one yourself? YANA Foundation Building, 1185 Lake McGregor Dr, Ft Myers. Jane: 728-7106.

FloridaState.ACAInterGroup.org.

Men’s Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) – 6:30-8pm. A 12-step program. Common purpose is a desire for healthier relationships. 9470 Corkscrew Palms Cir, Ste 104, Estero. David: 470-0899.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 7pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Riverside Church, 8660 Daniels Pkwy, Ft Myers. 338-5948.

Spano’s Meditation – 7pm. 2nd & 4th Tues. Love offering. Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. NaplesUnity.org.

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Ecstatic Kirtan – 7:15-8:45pm. Last Tue of the month. With Missy Balsam. An evening of connection, community building and heart-opening singing.

No experience necessary. $15 love offering. House of Gaia, 1660 Trade Center Way, Ste 1 & 3, Naples.

272-6152. HouseOfGaia.org.

become one yourself? Dry Palms Foundation Building, 1251 Lamar Rd, N Ft Myers. Jane: 728-7106.

FloridaState.ACAInterGroup.org.

wednesday

Kids Yoga – 4-5pm. With Heather Pilling and Jenny Deeley. Kids are taught playful yoga in a non-competitive, self-accepting and team-building atmosphere. $10/drop-in. Optional simultaneous heated Power Vinyasa Yoga class for grown-ups. $20/drop-in. 6200 Trail Blvd, Naples. 598-1938.

BVYoga.com.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 9am. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Community Congregational Church, 15300 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. Nancy: 352-0527.

Chakra Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. With Cheryl Bernardi.

Warm up with the Five Tibetan Rites, followed by yoga sequences to balance and revitalize the chakras. $15. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Yamuna Body Rolling Class – 9-10am. Self-massage techniques to create space back into the body and tone muscles. Call to reserve balls. $18. Arthur Murray Dance Center, Naples. Patti: 649-0814.

Yoga for Well-being – 9:30-10:45am. With Mary Cline Golbitz. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes.

Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Exploring Coastal Estuaries – Thru April. 10am.

Guided walk. Free. Entrance fee without park permit. Barefoot Beach Preserve Learning Center, Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita Springs. fobbp.org.

Women Seeking Serenity Through the 12 Steps – 10am. Free. Hope Lutheran Church, Old US 41, Bonita. Carol: 676-7793.

Cocohatchee River/Wiggins Pass Estuary Kayak Tour – 10am-1pm. Birds, dolphins and other critters. $45. Includes all equipment and FL master naturalist guide. GAEA guides. N Naples. 694-5513.

Shake, Rattle and Roll – 11am-12pm. Parent and baby yoga class in the garden. For babies 4 weeks to crawling. $18/drop-in or $56/four-class pass.

Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Urantia Book Study Group – 11:45am-1:15pm.

Unity of Fort Myers, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers.

989-4052. UrantiaBook.me.

Lunchtime Meditations – 12:15-1pm. With Joann Lawrence. Series: Courage of a Spiritual Warrior.

Companion Book: The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. $10/drop-in. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Adult Children of Alcoholic/Dysfunctional Families – 2:30-4pm. Did you marry an alcoholic and/or

Sunset Beach Yoga – 6:45-7:45pm. With Candice Oligney. Take your practice outdoors at DelnorWiggins State Park. Enjoy yoga while being surrounded by the beauty of nature. $5 plus state park entry fees. Naples. Info: 598-1938 or BVYoga.com.

Healing, Prayer and Meditation Service – 6pm.

1st Wed. Love offering. Unity of Naples Church, Sanctuary, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. 775-3009.

NaplesUnity.org.

Pet Loss and Grief Support Group – 6:30pm.

2nd Wed. Compassionate support: pet loss, medical crisis, chronic illness. Free. 1939 Park Meadows Dr, Ft Myers. 936-1732.

ARTS Anonymous – 6:30-8pm. Only requirement is a desire to develop creative potential. Crossroads Community Church, 1055 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples.

Dennis: 608-345-2726. ArtsAnonymous.org.

A Course in Miracles – 7-8pm. 2nd & 4th Wed. Readings and interpretation. Everyone is welcome.

Love offering. Unity Church of Bonita Springs, 28285 Imperial Pkwy, Bonita. 272-5456.

Compassionate Friends: Collier County Group – 7:30pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. For bereaved parents.

YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd, Naples. Anne Arbelaez: 287-5968.

Compassionate Friends: Lee County Group – 7:30pm. 3rd Wed. For bereaved parents. YMCA, 1360 Royal Palm Sq Blvd, Ft Myers. Anne Arbelaez: 287-5968.

thursday Morning Series – 8-9am. With Meredith Musick. All levels yoga class. BKS Yoga Stu-

dio, 2900 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. 213-9276.

BKSYogaStudio.com.

Beach Yoga – 8:45-10am. With Caryn Gallagher.

All levels. Bring a large beach towel. Ideal shade area behind high-rise at Sea Gate/North Gulf Shore Public Beach, Naples. CC Yoga: 312-505-9642.

YogaNaplesFl.com.

Yoga – 9am. With Julie Christenbury. Beginners to intermediate. All ages. Strengthen/lengthen your muscles, while calming, soothing your mind. $15.

Eyes Wide Open Center, 9200 Bonita Bch Rd, Ste 204, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 948-9444. EyesWideOpenC.com.

Gentle Yoga – 9am-10am. Free. For Goodness Sake Organic Market, 7211 Radio Rd, Naples. Register: 353-7778.

Mindful Yoga – 9-10:15am. With Mary Cline Golbitz. $15/drop in or $120/10 classes. Integrative Mindfulness, The Fountains Professional Park, 3372 Woods Edge Cir, Ste 102, Bonita Springs.

Preregister: 590-9485. IntegrativeMindfulness.net.

The McGregor Fresh Market – 9am-1pm. A fresh and artsy market with a twist. Faith United Methodist Church, 15690 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 443-8810.

Women Seeking Serenity Through the 12 Steps – 9:30am. Free. Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr, Estero. Helen: 992-4864.

Hatha Yoga and Meditation – 9:30-10:30am. With Johnny Freedom. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes.

Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Warrior2Warrior: Yoga for Veterans – 11amnoon. With Gary Granza. Adaptive yoga with long sequences to calm your spirit. Followed by coffee, water and snacks. Free. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 1:30pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Community Church of Christ, 368 Herron Rd, N Ft Myers. 585-955-3910.

Vinyasa Flow – 5:30-6:30pm. With Karen Lepree. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

New Hope Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) – 5:30-6:45pm. New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3825 McGregor Blvd, Room 106, Ft Myers. 931-9009.

Reiki Circle – 6:30pm. 2nd & 4th Thurs. With Reiki master Silvia Casabianca. Open to all. Satsang, meditation, tea, potluck and receive healing. Love offering. Eyes Wide Open Center, Bonita Springs.

948-9444. EyesWideOpenC.com.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 7pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Riverside Church, 8660 Daniels Pkwy, Ft Myers. 338-5948.

La Leche League – 7pm. 1st Thurs. Mother-tomother breastfeeding support group. Children welcome. Free. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5001 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 454-1350.

Peaceful Mind – 7-8:30pm. With rotating teachers.

Unwind and energize through use of breath, sound, humor and relaxation exercises. $20, $70/four weeks or $10/clients. Monarch Therapy, 843 Myrtle Terrace, Naples. 325-9210. MonarchTherapy.com.

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Transformational Breath – 7-8:30pm. 2nd & 4th Thurs. With Carrie Sopko. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Preregister: 949-0749.

ShangriLaSprings.com.

Spiritual Connection, Guided Meditation and Messages – 7-9pm. With Candyce Strafford, psychic/medium. Connect to higher consciousness, be more intuitive and feel better. Love offering. Naples.

949-3387. Canbria@aol.com.

friday Hatha Yoga Level II – 9-10:30am. With Meredith Musick. BKS Yoga Studio, 2900 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. 213-9276. BKSYogaStudio.com.

Restorative Yoga – 9:30-10:45am. With Sue Lovett. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Beachcombing and Shelling Lecture – Thru April.

10am. Free. Entrance fee without park permit.

Barefoot Beach Preserve Learning Center, Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita Springs. fobbp.org.

La Leche League – 10am. 2nd Fri. Mother-tomother breastfeeding support group. Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 404-4933. LaurieLLL@aol.com.

Co-Dependents Anonymous – 12pm. Hope Lutheran Church, Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Sally: 948-9162.

Cycling Class for Parkinson’s – 12:30-2pm. Find support from other people with Parkinson’s, feel better and reduce your symptoms. Physician referral required. Free. Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Rd. Marla Ramsey: 221-7560.

Chair Yoga – 2-3:15pm. With Dina Radcliffe. $15/ drop-in or $120/10 classes. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Yin/Yang Happy Hour Yoga – 5-6pm. With Michele Gugliotta. $15/drop-in or $120/10 classes.

Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Sunset/Bird Rookery Kayak Tour – 5-8pm. On the Caloosahatchee River. See thousands of birds coming in to roost for the night. $40. Includes equipment and FL master naturalist guide. GAEA guides, Ft Myers. 694-5513.

Yoga for Sobriety – 5:15-6:30pm. With guest teachers. A judgment-free zone to work on your inner and outer well-being. Free. Mats and towels for rent or BYO. 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples. 5981938. BVYoga.com.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 6:30pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Cape Christian Fellowship, 2110 Chiquita Blvd, Cape Coral. 338-5948.

Healing Circle – 6:30-8pm. 4th Fri. Receive the combined healing energy of Reiki, restorative yoga and crystal bowls in nature. Dress appropriately for the weather; bring mat, flashlight and blanket. $15 donation. Happehatchee Center, peace pavilion, 8791 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 992-5455.

Happehatchee.org.

Mantra Sound Healing Circle – 6:30-8pm. 2nd Fri. Evening may include crystal singing bowls,

drums, gongs, flutes, kirtan, chanting and more.

Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow. $15 donation.

Happehatchee Center, 8791 Corkscrew Rd, Estero.

992-5455. Happehatchee.org.

Women’s Sacred Circle – 7-9pm. 3rd Fri. For healing, empowerment and spiritual development. $10 donation. Happehatchee Center, 8791 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 992-5455. Happehatchee.org.

saturday

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for up to the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word.

To place an ad, email NAclassifieds@ naturalawakeningsmag.com.

FOR RENT

Outdoor Farmers’ Market – Thru May. 8am1pm. Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, NW corner of Airport Rd and Vanderbilt Beach Rd, N Naples.

273-2350.

PRIVATE APARTMENT INSIDE HOME – Walk

Guided Nature Walk – Thru April. 9-10am. Free.

Entrance fee to the park without permit. Barefoot Beach Preserve Learning Center, Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita Springs. fobbp.org.

Naples. 220-0299.

Guided Nature Walk – Thru May. 9-11am. 1st Sat. Walk through natural plant communities. Limit 25 participants. Free with paid parking. Caloosahatachee Regional Park, Alva. Info: 694-0398.

second floor, quiet area. 682-5169.

Green Market – 9am-1pm. Alliance for the Arts, Ft Myers. 939-2787. ArtInLee.org.

office. $500/month includes utilities. 216-0759.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 10am. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. Nancy: 352-0527.

Purna Power Yoga – 9:30-11am. With Meredith Musick. BKS Yoga Studio, 2900 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. 213-9276. BKSYogaStudio.com.

La Leche League – 10am. 3rd Sat. Mother-tomother breastfeeding support group. Children welcome. Free. Lee County Public Library, Lehigh Acres. 823-8219.

Lecture Series – Thru April 11. 10am. Topics from native plants or animals to photography or exotic plants. Free. Entrance fee to the park without permit.

Barefoot Beach Preserve Learning Center, Barefoot Bch Blvd, Bonita Springs. Schedule: FriendsOfBarefootBeach.org.

Women Seeking Serenity through the 12 Steps – 10am. Free. Hope Lutheran Church, Old 41 Rd, Bonita. Carol 676-7793.

Estuary Kayak Tour in Estero Bay – 10am-1pm.

Birds, dolphins, manatees and more. $40. Includes all equipment and FL master naturalist guide. GAEA guides, Bonita Bch. 694-5513.

Really, Really Free Market – 10am-2pm. 1st Sat. Potluck of reusable items. No money, barter or trade; everything is free. Fleischmann Park, Naples. Facebook page: Naples Really Really Free Market.

Eckhart Tolle Meditation Group – 3pm. Meets 4/4 & 4/18. DVDs, CDs and discussion. Free. Unitarian/Universalist Church, 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples. 249-6916.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow – 4:30-5:45pm. With Laurie. This class will heat, strengthen and open up the body. Naples Yoga Center, 13240 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 206, Naples. 592-4809. NaplesYogaCenter.com.

David Essel Alive – 6-9pm EST. Get inspired.

Join the national radio show with guests like Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer. Tune in at DavidEssel.com.

to beach. Single, quiet, clean individual. $1,300 includes everything. No pets, smoking, parties.

CONDO 2+2 – New floors, dishwasher, central A/C unit. $950/month yearly lease. Bayshore Dr, Naples, TREATMENT ROOM RENTAL – Run your own practice in an eight-by-12 room in North Naples

OPPORTUNITIES SEEKING PERSONAL BUSINESS ASSISTANT – Acting/improv experience useful, not required. My work includes recognizing and energizing potential business projects while confronting boredom and distractions. The opportunity will include creating goals, marketing, managing timelines and supporting focus and personal motivation to empower a senior citizen to continue to produce value to humanity. The initial agreement will include a five-to-10-hour/week work commitment that will be renegotiated as the work relationship develops.

Bill: 597-7372.

PRODUCTS IGNITE YOUR DIVINE SPARK – With Genai Ellen’s vibrational alchemy for healing and empowerment. 750 flower, star and sacred site essence waters, custom blends, shamanic chants, spiritual messenger and guide. Great gift ideas, too. 2984839. AllOnePeace.com.

SERVICES ARE YOU READY TO DEVELOP YOUR CONSCIOUS CHANNEL? – Sensitives, intuitives, healers, meditation or yoga teachers/students and self-healers have found support for their next step with Genai Ellen Wachs, conscious channel, coach and shaman healer. In person or by phone. 298-4839.

AllOnePeace.com.

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

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF NAPLES

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE/HYPNOTHERAPY

Patricia Acerra, LAc, Dipl Ac (NCCAOM), CCht 2335 9th St N, #303B, Naples 34103 239-659-9100 • HealthAndBeautyClinic.net Supporting your goals toward peace, wellness and personal growth in mind, body and spirit using traditional and Esoteric Acupuncture and Interpersonal and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, NLP and holistic psychology. Serving Naples since 1994.

ACUPUNCTURE/PSYCHOTHERAPY John E. Patton, Board Certified Acupuncture Physician Licensed Mental Health Counselor 971 Michigan Ave, Naples 34103 239-262-6828

Specialty: acupuncture, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, meditation—wellness through maintenance and prevention.

Indigestion, hormone imbalance, pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, detoxification. AP488/MH2616.

ACUPUNCTURE/TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Rosemary Harris, Lic. Acupuncture Physician Complete Well-Being Center 684 Goodlette Rd N, Naples 34102 239-404-0648 We combine modern medicine with the wisdom of ancient healing utilizing acupuncture, auricular therapy, herbal medicine, cupping, dietary therapy, electrical acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, a therapeutic massage chair and cold laser pain therapy. “We treat you like family!” See ad, page 43.

ACUPUNCTURE CARE OF NAPLES Charles Caccamesi, Acupuncture Physician, DOM 501 Goodlette Rd N, Unit D100, Naples 239-877-2531

New England School of Acupuncture graduate with 25 years experience. Charles specializes in complex symptomology, chronic pain conditions, expert facial rejuvenation, side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. See ad, page 61.

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Dr. Xiu Qiong Cen, AP, OMD (China) 5683 Naples Blvd, Naples 34109 P: 239-513-9232 • F: 239-513-9293 Drcenacupuncture@gmail.com

Licensed acupuncture physician with 28 years experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Experienced in pain management, women’s health, insomnia, migraines, digestion issues and much more. See ad, page 24.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Oriental Medicine 239-841-6611, Naples & Ft Myers Specializing in treatment of allergies, hormonal imbalances, auto-immune problems and pain using acupuncture, herbs, NAET, Biomagnetic Pairs Therapy.

AP771. See ad, page 16.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE DR JOEL YING, MD

2335 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 206, Naples 239-200-6796 • JoyHealthWellness.com Support body, mind and spirit with a holistic approach to health and wellness. Integrate natural medicine, wellness, craniosacral therapy. Yoga, tai chi, meditation classes.

AXIS NATURAL MEDICINE

Graydon Snow, AP, DOM Board Certified Acupuncture Physician Keri Garcia, LMT – Massage 7680 Cambridge Manor Pl, Ste 100; Ft Myers: 239-288-0900 All Natural Primary Care.

Providing acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, lymphatic drainage, acupoint injection therapy and B 12 injections to treat pain, stress, insomnia, fibromyalgia, asthma and more. Come in for a free consultation to learn how we can help you feel well again. We bill insurance for you. AP2378, MM29338.

ANNALIESE KLEIN, AP, LMT, DIPL OM (NCCAOM)

24850 Burnt Pine Dr, Ste 2, Bonita Springs 239-949-6002 • SilverWaveAcupuncture.com Providing high quality and affordable health care for all ages. Treatment options include acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine and nutritional counseling. AP3481, MA35260, MM32778.

DR. HU PAN, A.P.

Office in Naples & Ft Myers 239-821-4482 PanAcupuncture.com Dr. Pan graduated from the department of acupuncture in Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and post-graduated from Tongji Medical University. He is proficient in both Eastern medicine and Western medicine with over 25 years of experience. See ad, page 39.

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ASTROLOGY BOB MULLIGAN

239-261-2840 • TheAstrologyCompany.com Picture Plan for your future.

Understand your past. Have a blueprint for your life. Bob is a professional astrologer with over 40 years’ experience in achieving success for his clients. Confidential and Objective. Astrology Consulting.

See ad, page 74.

AYURVEDA CHRISTINA CARLIN, AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Ayurveda Clinic, Massage & Yoga Therapy 501 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Ste A107, Naples, 34102 • 239-450-6903 Practicing holistic medicine since 1987. Professional Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, specializing in highly personalized Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle consultations, Massage and individual Yoga sessions for chronic and acute problems. Pancha Karma, Shirodhara and skin care. Ayurveda and Yoga Study program available. MA0023929, MM0008584, FB0716888. See ad, page 6.

BIOFEEDBACK FIREFLY WITHIN, LLC

Karin S Wolfe, CBT 3405 Pelican Landing Pkwy, Bonita Springs 239-980-3257 • FireflyWithin.com FireflyBiofeedback@gmail.com Certified Biofeedback Technician by the Natural Therapies Certification Board. Testing nearly 7,000 patterns in your body, mind and spirit, and providing energy to the most imbalanced areas creating a space for healing. A consultation and report is provided with each session. CBT#5563.

BODYWORK LAURA BARNES

Certified Advanced Rolfer™ Member – The Rolf Institute, since 1995 Member – The International Association of Structural Integrators, since 2004 2335 Tamiami Tr N, #206, Naples 239-825-8555 You can stand straighter, breathe deeply, move more easily with Rolfing®. Injuries, repetitive strain, even favorite sports and hobbies can create chronic tightness and pain; Rolfing unwinds patterns of pain and restriction. Call for free initial consultation and brief sample of the technique.

MA32084/MM29763.

LILLIAN DENG, LMT

Offices in Naples & Fort Myers 239-263-7089 MA66792 Lillian Deng is proficient in Chinese Message, Shiatsu, and Swedish Message. She specializes in pain management, relaxation, and weight loss with over 20 years of experience in medical therapy and 10 years of experience in massage therapy. See ad, page 39.

FEET FIRST REFLEXOLOGY Mary Ann Mugaas, NCR 5051 Castello Dr, Naples 261-8833

Reflexology is a natural system of relaxation based on the principles that the body is reflected on the feet. The application of pressure to these areas promotes circulation, balance and relaxation. Nationally certified. Practicing since 1986.

MA24479, MM8962.

HOLISTIC HEALING ARTS Est. 1991 Alvina Quatrano, LMT FL MA 50896 For Info or Appt: 732-266-5276 TheArtOfHolisticMassage.com

Enjoy a relaxing and healing massage to suit your needs.

Integrating a lifetime of experience.

Swedish, Zero Balancing, Process Acupressure, Reflexology, Reiki, Sports, Cranio-Sacral, Pregnancy and facials. Facial Specialist FB9742820. FL Provider #50-9777 – Classes.

ROLFED IN PARADISE, INC.

Cindi Curci-Lee, RN, BSN Advanced Certified Rolfer Movement Practitioner Yamuna Body Rolling Instructor 5600 Trail Blvd, Ste 15, Naples 7680 Cambridge Manor Pl, Ste 100, Ft Myers RolfedInParadise@gmail.com • 239-777-4070 Longing for relief from headaches, backaches, joint restrictions, or pain? Love to improve your posture or sport performance? Rolfing’s the 21st century solution! MA38152, MM28692, MM66086.

NUTRITION SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA 28315 S Tamiami Tr, Ste 101 Bonita Springs 34134 239-947-1177 • DoctorGendron.com

Uniquely qualified, Expertise in Nutrition, Certified Sports Physician. Palmer graduate with 28 years experience. Integrative Chiropractic with Nutrition to effectively reduce pain in the body.

Getting you back to enjoying sports and leisure. See ad, page 2.

CLEANING SERVICE THE GREENER CLEENER, LLC

Business & Residential Green Cleaning Services Naples • 239-404-7102 • TheGreenerCleener.com Karma@TheGreenerCleener.com

ROLFING NAPLES

George Beahan Certified Advanced Rolfer Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist Board Certified Structural Integrator Advanced Myoskeletal Therapist 239-919-4413 • RolfingNaples.com Advanced Rolfing techniques & Egoscue structural exercises used to provide lasting relief from chronic pain & sports injuries.

Improves alignment athletic performance,balances golf swing.

MA50132.

Let us take care of your mess while you do what you do best.

Offering summer specials, group discounts and familyfriendly personal services. Do not confuse familiarity with safety. Call today for a free estimate. See ad, page 62.

COLON THERAPY CLEANSING SPRINGS INC.

Rosalind (Roz) Fusco LMT, CT 239-596-1110 • 239-571-9816 • MA27876 CleansingSprings.com

PAULA TERRY, LMT

239-821-3088, by appt. (Collier & Lee) Trained at the Upledger Institute, Paula utilizes CranioSacral Therapy combined with HeartC en ter ed Th er ap y, S o mato Emotional Release™, Lymphatic Drainage, love and nurturement to foster the healing your body needs.

Doula services. MA35358.

Internationally Certified with 30 years Licensed Nursing experience; offering a new dimension of colonics with stateof-the-art water system. Massage with Vodder trained Lymphatic Specialists. Facials, Body Wraps, and Far-infrared Sauna. MM13162.

RB INSTITUTE, INC.

STUART WRIGHT, ND

C. Robyn Berry, LMT, CRR, CCT, CLDT 13601 McGregor Blvd, Ste 13, Ft Myers 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com

Certified Advanced Rolfer Advanced Cranial Therapist Advanced Visceral Therapist Certified Movement Educator Naturopathic Wellness Consulting

By Appointment: 239-272-6443 Over 30 years excelling in Quick Pain Relief. Specializing in Back Pain, Structural Integration & Alignment, All Joint Pain Related Issues, Mobility Improvement, Sports Injuries, Non- Chiropractic Spinal Release. MA36890.

CHIROPRACTOR

Colon therapist since 1994.

Enclosed gravity method, uv/ozone purified water, superior to others.

Massage, Reflex-ology, Upledger CranioSacral/SER & Lymph Drainage, Visceral Manipulation, Raindrop, Ear Candling, Ozone/ Oxygen Steam cabinet, BEFE foot detox, Far-Infrared Sauna. MM7376, MA018351. See ad, page 32.

CRYSTALS & MARBLE INFINITE STONES, LLC

Granite, Marble and Crystals 12911 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers 33906 678-717-8584: Debbie Randolph for Crystals 561-541-3437: Dominique Fuentes for Granite InfiniteStonesllc.com

NETWORK CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Michele Pelletiere 9138 Bonita Beach Rd (Sunshine Plaza) Bonita Springs • 239-949-1222 N.S.A. Practitioner level III. “Healing waves” release tension throughout the body, increasing wellness and quality of life, promoting new strategies for a healthy spine and nervous system.

Specializing in unique granite from oversea, precious stone slabs and crystals. We sell wholesale and retail. Please call for an appointment to visit our ware-house. See ad, page 45.

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DENTISTRY LASER DENTISTRY

Mark Corke, DDS 1550 Matthew Dr, Ft Myers 33907 239-936-5442 • FortMyersLaserDentist.com Dr. Corke enjoys working with holistic patients and practitioners on the journey to wellness. His practice “gets it” and is worth the trip to Fort Myers to experience his many services. From dental lasers to ozone he has many tools and a sympathetic ear. See ad, page 43.

WILLIAM E. LOVETT, DDS

860 111th Ave N, Ste 5, Naples 239-593-4911 • RestorativeDentist.com Dedicated to mercury-free dentistry for over 25 years, preserving teeth and gums for a lifetime, high quality restorative dentistry, and preventative measures with cancer patients during radiation and chemotherapy.

See ad, page 11.

ENERGY HEALING

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

REV. SUSAN ARCY, SPIRITUAL ENERGY PRACTITIONER

HUGHES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Techniques which include Chakra Color/Sound Tuning, Brazilian Light Energization, Crystal and other energy therapies (e.g., John of God crystal bed) are designed to release energy blocks and improve physical energy/health. Doctor of Metaphysics, Delphi University.

Honored to continue the traditions of the retiring Dr. David Perlmutter, Dr. Hughes, through functional diagnostic medicine and a comprehensive patient-specific approach, will provide adults and children the tools to restore normal body function by locating the root source of their illness or symptoms. See ad, page 87.

Naples Abundant Health Chiropractic Greentree Shopping Ctr, 2310 Immokalee Rd 239-287-7450

CORE STAR – JIM CRABTREE CoreStarEnergyHealing.com 239-597-7372

Graduate of Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Jim has conducted more than 9,000 healing sessions, using many techniques to help restructure the energy body and restore health.

PARTNERSHIP HEALING

ROGER J. PINT, MPH, DMD

9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 111 Bonita Springs, 34135 • 239-676-8730 BonitaDentalStudio.com Dr. Pint can join your health journey and play a role in minimizing toxicity; this includes protection while removing dental materials plus consultation. All X-rays are digital and minimal. See ad, page 47.

ECO SPIRITUAL-CENTER HAPPEHATCHEE CENTER

8791 Corkscrew Rd, Estero 33928 239-992-5455 • Happehatchee@gmail.com Happehatchee.org A sanctuary in nature with weekly Healing Circles and Yoga Hours every Tuesday thru Saturday at 9am and Wednesday thru Thursday at 6pm. The Peace Pavilion and Girl Scout Meeting Room are available to rent for ceremonies and classes.

See website for info on becoming a member.

Leon & Suzie Favreau 2 locations in Fort Myers Sf5549@hotmail.com • 603-723-5175

A unique spiritual healing experience that combines hands off energy healing with intuitive information. Healing can take place on physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual levels.

RECONNECTIVE HEALING®

Terry Hiduke, Reconnective Healing Foundational Practitioner & ReconnectionCertified Practitioner 239-691-9112 • TheReconnection.com Reconnective Healing® is a holistic health philosophy of returning the body mind and spirit to an optimal state of balance by directly tapping into the universal healing intelligence.

MAUREEN SANDERS, THE HORSE SHAMAN

Healing Mind, Body & Spirit since 2005 MaureenSanders.com • TheHorseShaman.com 239-253-9008

Every flower is a soul

Maureen’s work opens the pathways to reveal the underlying causes that prevent humans and animals from truly healing.

Difficult physical, emotional and behavioral issues are resolved, spiritual growth is achieved and a more joyous life is possible.

blossoming in nature. ~Gerard de Nerval

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Pamela Hughes, D.O. 800 Goodlette Rd, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • HughesCenterNaples.com

HEALTHY DINING FOOD & THOUGHT ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ

2132 Tamiami Trl N, Naples 239-213-2222 • FoodAndThought.com Open Mon-Sat 7am-8pm.

Florida’s only 100% organic market and café. Fresh produce delivered daily. Homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. See ad, page 10.

KITCHEN41 HEALTHY FOOD

Dine-in/Take-Out/Catering 2500 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 111, Naples 239-263-8009 • Kitchen41.com Homemade, healthy food cooked Sous-Vide, from scratch without any fat or preservatives. Everything gluten-free! Open Mon-Sat 4-9pm. See ad, page 38.

WYNN’S MARKET

141 9th St N, Naples 239-261-7157 • WynnsOnline.com Discover what Wynn’s Family Market has to offer! Fresh, quality, healthy meals as well as your favorite comfort foods! Organic, natural and imported selections. Gluten-free offerings. See ad, page 39.

HOLISTIC CENTER EYES WIDE OPEN CENTER

9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Stes 202-204 EyesWideOpenC.com • 239-948-9444 Regain Body Wisdom! Looking to eat healthier, reduce stress, recover joy, find purpose in life?

Come for counseling & art therapy (individuals, couples & families); Nutrition Education; Medical QiGong; Trager Approach®, Massage, Reflexology; Reiki classes & sessions, and free Reiki circles on 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

CEUs. Call ahead. MM21921.

INTEGRATIVE HEALING CENTER Monarch Therapy 843 Myrtle Terrace, Naples 34103 239-325-9210 • MonarchTherapy.com

“ Tr a n s f o r m , E m e rg e , Become…” Empowering children, families, adults. specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to life challenges. professional counseling/psychotherapy, yoga, laughter yoga, Transformational Breath®, sound therapy, integrative relaxation.

HYPNOTHERAPY CONCERNED HEALTH ALTERNATIVES Lynn D. Thomas, RN, CHt, Director Certified Medical Clinical Hypnotherapist & Energy Practitioner 239-494-1363 • HypnosisBasics.com

Achieve permanent, positive life and habit changes through safe, rapid, effective relaxation techniques.

Work with your subconscious mind through direct suggestion and regression to reach your fullest potential. Release the Past = Gain Freedom. PL, LBL, EFT, NLP. See ad, page 32.

INTUITIVE READINGS ANNE DANCU INTUITIVE, MEDIUM

239-272-2583 Phone readings also available.

HealingWordsCreativeSpirit@gmail.com HealingWordsCreativeSpirit.com Align your unique soul connection through the guidance of healing words infused with vibrational attunements of higher wisdom for your present need and personal transformation.

WELLBRIDGES, INC

MEDICAL SPA

9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 113, Bonita Springs 239-481-5600 • 239-481-5603 fax DebPost.com

ASSUAGE SPA

9407 Cypress Lake Dr, Ste C Ft Myers 33919 239-333-1450 • AssuageCenters.com The finest relaxation treatments from around the planet have been brought to Fort Myers. Each technique is perfected for your mind, body, face and skin. See ad, page 25.

Comprehensive, fully integrated health care individualized for adults and children. Chronic fatigue, male and female hormone imbalance.

Digestive disorders, women’s health care, autism, ADHD and related issues. See ad, page 37.

NUTRITION

NATURAL & ORGANIC MARKET

D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE 27499 Riverview Center Blvd, Ste 214 Bonita Springs • 239-444-4204 D-SignedNutrition.com

7070 College Pkwy, Ft Myers 33907 Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm Ph: 239-939-9600 • Fax: 239-288-6210 AdasMarket.com Natural and organic produce and grocery items. Vitamins and supplements. Organic juice and smoothie bar. New Green Leaf Café. Market- prepared foods.

1000’s of gluten-free items. See ad, page 46.

Medical Nutrition Therapy and health coaching that personalizes your program to restore health and wellness. Improve digestion, elimination, brain health, immune support and hormonal balance.

See ad, page 25.

NUTRITION SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA

NATURAL HEALTH

28315 S Tamiami Tr, Ste 101 Bonita Springs 34134 239-947-1177 • DoctorGendron.com

JAMES OCCHIOGROSSO, MH

Natural Health Practitioner, Herbalist N Ft Myers • 239-652-0421 HealthNaturallyToday.com Improve your health naturally.

Hormone testing. Bio-Identical Hormones. Powerful healing herbs and supplements. Male/ female anti-aging and sexual problems. Want to feel better?

Call now! See ad, page 79.

State Board Certified Expert and Specialist in Nutrition. We use an individual, customized and systemic approach. Consult, exam and reassessment for optimum results. See ad, page 2.

LIFE COACH/PERSONAL GROWTH TMC PRODUCTIONS

We offer life coaching and personal growth courses for self awareness, breakthrough, leadership, couples or parenting. Free vision workshops monthly, call for dates. Since 1992. See ad, page 30.

LOCALLY-GROWN PRODUCE 31 PRODUCE

18500 State Rd 31, Alva, FL 33920 239-313-8213 • 31Produce.com Family owned U-Pick Farm.

Open all year-round from 9am5:30pm everyday! Farmers’ Market selling our produce along with local farms produce and local artist crafts, crystals and furniture. See ad, page 23.

Boost Your Mood and Energy Levels!

One Serving Has the Equivalent Antioxidants of Four Servings of Fruits and Vegetables.

Ne Sh w op W ly U Ou eb pg r Sto rad re ed

8359 Beacon Blvd, Ft Myers 33907 239-939-4769 • tmc4.com

Made with certified-organic, non-GMO, Paleo profile ingredients, Natural Awakenings Green Powder supplement nourishes and strengthens every system in your body, resulting in:

• SUSTAINED ENERGY • ENHANCED RECOVERY • MENTAL CLARITY • OVERALL WELL-BEING

9.5-oz jar $54.99 (30-day supply) $5 shipping for up to 3 jars Order online today at

ShopNaturalAwakenings.com or call: 888-822-0246

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

INNERCONNECTIONS

Frederick B. Stahlman, BS, PT, CST-D InnerConnectionsPT.com Naples: 239-398-3154

Upledger Institute instructor.

30 years of experience. Holistic practice focusing on personal empowerment and teamwork.

Craniosacral therapy, fascial mobilization, lymphatic drainage.

Energy balancing, structural manual therapies with customized exercise. See ad, page 6.

REALTOR KAREN L. BEATTY, ABR, GRI

Downing-Frye Realty, Inc Naples • 239-269-7788 Klbeatty48@aol.com • KarenBeatty.com Florida native, loving and selling Naples since 1977. Karen knows the market, offers expert counseling with efficient reliability. She takes the stress out of buying or selling and gets the job done with a smile. Choose Karen for ease and joy in your real estate transaction!

YOGA

PSYCHOTHERAPY JILL WHEELER, MA, LMHC, RYT

Psychotherapy/Counseling/Life Coaching 2335 Tamiami Tr N, #206, Naples 239-595-3199 • WellfitInstitute.com Looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation?

Ready for a fresh start? Let me help you fulfill your true potential, accomplish your goals and live your dreams.

GREENMONKEY YOGA POWERED

BY BALA VINYASA bvYoga.com • 239-598-1938 6200 Trail Blvd N, Naples 1800 Tamiami Tr E, Naples

New South Naples location.

Baptiste Power Vinyasa Affiliate studio. 200- and 300hour Registered Yoga School (RYS). Daily classes, monthly workshops and private sessions with excep-tional teachers, plus massage therapy and BV Boutique. See ad, back cover.

MEREDITH MUSICK, E-RYT, LMT

Master Yoga Teacher and Massage Therapist MeredithMusick.com 239-269-8846 Positively change your life physically and mentally using time-tested, classical Hatha yoga and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi bodywork. Specializing in therapeutic yoga and The Great Yoga Wall®. See ad, page 15.

VIVASANA YOGA EDUCATION & WELLNESS

Teacher Training/CEs/Privates/Corporate Vivasana.net • 239-444-8160 We balance ancient wisdom with modern research to create psychologically informed teacher trainings, CEs, private sessions and workshops designed for deep, physical and emotional transformation. See ad, page 34.

N ature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu

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