Natural Awakenings Fort Myers/Naples Florida- December 2021

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

HOLIDAY ISSUE

FESTIVE TREATS WITHOUT SUGAR • CELEBRATING THE SOUL OF WINTER THE HEALING POWER OF A SACRED CIRCLE • SIX WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY December 2021 | Collier/Lee Edition

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

COLLIER / LEE EDITION

Acupuncture Center of Naples CUSTOM PRESCRIPTION HERBAL MEDICINE for all your health concerns Dr. Cen has more than 25 years experience in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Arthritis • Chronic Pain • Injuries • Insomnia • Stress Menopause • Stroke Recovery • Shingles • Anxiety Migraines • Fibromyalgia • Well-being • Bell’s Palsy & More 5683 Naples Boulevard • Naples, FL 34109 Dr.Xiu Qiong Cen A.P., D.O.M Licensed Acupuncture Physician

Publisher Sharon Bruckman

Editors Linda Sechrist

Martin Miron

Randy Kambic

Sara Peterson

Design & Production C. Michele Rose

Lisa Avery

Contributing Writers Linda Sechrist

Sandra Yeyati

Sales & Marketing Christine Miller

Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Accounting Amie Delozier Website Kristy Mayer

CONTACT US 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-350-0141 • Fax: 239-434-9513 swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Digital subscriptions are available through swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com.

239-513-9232

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We are not living in eternity.

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Since the beginning of time, our ancestors have been deeply rooted in the tradition of sitting in circles for peacemaking, healing or storytelling.

Connecting in community is not only built into our DNA, but also integral to our survival and happiness as a species. When it comes to celebrating the holidays or any other important event, it is no surprise that something deep within us longs to be supported in a loving circle of friends and family.

Growing up, my sisters and girlfriends created what we called the “Truth Hour” circle—a secret, invitation-only game where we asked each other probing questions and you had to answer truthfully. Only the brave showed up, but the rewards were worth it, bringing light and support to our deepest, darkest fears and secrets. I don’t think we realized back then what a universal longing it is to feel connected, heard, understood and accepted for who we are.

Before COVID, I regularly hosted New Year’s Eve parties so that I could say farewell to the old and embrace the new in the company of my closest friends. Since the pandemic, I’ve lost touch with some of these people, and I find myself longing to reunite with them and to gather in a circle sharing intimate conversations about what’s important to us deep in our hearts.

That yearning prompted me to create this month’s feature story, “Circles of Healing: The Power of Gathering in Community,” beautifully written by editor Linda Sechrist on page 28. So many people have been feeling isolated and feel the need to foster opportunities to come together for healing and wholeness. From wisdom, story and prayer circles to support and dialogue groups, these community gatherings invite people to share their personal experiences, find creative solutions to societal issues and mentor each other’s growth.

Over the years, these types of intentional circles and personal connections have enriched and supported my life. I’ve benefitted from grief support groups for bereaved parents, environmental action meetings, The Artist’s Way creativity sessions and oodles of transformational workshops where everyone fell in love with each other. Finding a supportive community—whether it’s large, small or a cyber-circle—can empower us to create positive change we never could have achieved alone.

This holiday, I invite you to look for ways to bring purposeful ceremony and meaning to your connections. Something as simple as lighting a candle and inviting others to share what’s in their heart can create a safe opening for more intimate conversations. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to form your own unique circle in the new year, gathering together those special individuals that you’d like to get to know better and grow with. You’ll find lots of tips for starting a circle on page 30.

Our holiday issue is packed with other ways to enrich your life during this holy season and into the new year. All of us here at Natural Awakenings wish you and your loved ones a very special holiday and Happy New Year. Make it so!

Holiday Blessings,

Follow us!

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Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

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Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 22 GREENING THE HOLIDAYS

22

How to Celebrate Sustainably

24 THE SWEET DANGER OF SUGAR

Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare

28 CIRCLES OF HEALING The Power of Gathering in Community

32 AMP UP IMMUNITY

24

Proven Boosters for Good Health

36 HOLIDAY ZEN

Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

42 THOMAS MOORE on the Art of Soulful Listening

44 SEASON OF LIGHT Celebrating the Soul of Winter

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, contact Christine Miller at 239-272-8155 or email ChristineM@ NaturalAwakenings.com for Collier County or Lisa Doyle at 239-851-4729 or email LisaD@NaturalAwakenings.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.NaturalAwakenings.com/ Resources.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Submit print and online events at swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com/ pages/calendar-listings. Email NAMCalendar@Natural Awakenings.com with any questions.

REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392.

For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

36

46 THE BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS

Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

DEPARTMENTS 10 news briefs 16 event spotlights 32 healing ways 18 reader spotlight 36 fit body 19 health briefs 40 business 20 environmentally spotlight speaking 42 wise words 21 community 44 inspiration spotlight 46 healthy kids 22 green living 49 calendar 24 concious 53 resource guide eating 55 classifieds December 2021

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news briefs

Integrative Direct Primary Care Opens in Naples

I

ntegrative Direct Primary Care has opened in Naples at 2590 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 106. Their treatments and services are tailored to the individual needs, and they contract directly with the patient for their primary care without co-pays or deductibles.

The medical provider, founder and owner Elizabeth Smith is a boardcertified family nurse practitioner (FNP) who enjoys working with patients on lifestyle factors that impact health and disease, including stress, Elizabeth Smith sleep, physical activity, nutrition and social relationships. Each patient is provided as much time needed to have all their issues addressed.

Her interests include functional and preventative medicines and integrative therapies that work with a patient’s natural physiology to encourage healing. ‘‘I want you to think about what you need, what you’re missing and what will help you move forward towards health and wellbeing and what is standing in your way,’’ says Smith, who was a FNP along with serving in other healthcare capacities in our area, for the last 10 years.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-3504900, email Info@Integrativedpc.com or visit Integrativedpc.com.

See ad, page 11.

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New Cannabinoid Medical Practice in Cape Coral

C

ompassionate Healthcare of Florida is opening an additional location at 2612 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Suite 10, in Cape Coral, to better serve those looking to become certified for medical marijuana usage and find an alternative to addictive and expensive pharmaceuticals. All of their providers including at their Naples location are boardcertified physicians that believe in the numerous benefits of medical marijuana.

“Our practice’s sole concentration is cannabinoid medicine and providing the best experience to our patients,” says owner David Friedman, who holds an MBA in business administration with a concentration in health care, and has been in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years. He notes, “We see patients of all ages with hundreds of different medical conditions, and have seen countless patients reduce their pharmaceutical usage and realize the benefits cannabis can offer them.”

Since the passing of Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program, patients’ interest in medical cannabis have been on a steady rise.

Naples location: 5600 Trail Blvd., Ste. 10. For more information or to arrange for a free consultation, call 239-431-6739, email info@flmmjhealth.com or visit flmmjhealth.com. See ad, page 45.

Purely You Spa Opens Second Location with Special Offers

P

urely You Spa recently opened its second location in Naples at suites 207 and 213, 7935 Airport Road, by appointment only to add more convenience experience their treatments and services. It has operated for 11 years at the original Naples location.

The spa can now customize special events onsite or offsite for any occasion for individuals, companies or organizations during the holidays or any other time; is offering three new products in the Marine Flower Peptide Collection with unique algae extracts to target the visible signs of aging; is providing special fall discounts for cinnamon-infused massages ($199 for 90 minutes) and yam and pumpkin facial experiences ($199 for 60 minutes or $260 for 90 minutes with a 10-minute foot masssage); and is including a free Citrus & Kale Potent C&E Serum container with the purchase of two Eminence Organic Skin Care products.

Other location: 3066 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 302. For more information or to make an appointment at either location, call 239-331-8266 or visit PurelyYouSpa. com. See ad, page 5.

Creating new smiles every day :-) • Mercury Free & Mercury Safe • Holistic Approach • Ceramic Restorations • Gentle Laser Treatment of Gum Problems and Cavities • Ozone for Cavities

• Nitrous Oxide Gas, Oral Sedation • Orthodontics • Cosmetic Dentistry • It’s Worth the Trip!

LASER DENTISTRY Dr. Gerald Lorino and Dr. Suzanne Lorino

C A L L TO DAY F O R A N A P P O I N T M E N T 239-936-5442 | www.FortMyersLaserDentist.com 1550 M AT T H E W D R I V E | F O RT M Y E RS, F LO R I DA 33907 December 2021

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news briefs

Lecture on Stem Cell Treatment

D

r. Chadwick C. Prodromos, of the Prodromos Stem Cell Institute, in Antigua, along with the Illinois Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, in Bonita Springs and Glenview, Illinois, will host a free, in-person and webinar lecture on the safe and evidence-based mesenchymal (not embryonic) stem cell treatment that he provides in Antigua, at 5:30 p.m. on January 13 at the Tiburon Golf Club, in Naples. Attendees will learn more about stem cell treatment that can assist with diseases and conditions including multiple sclerosis, diabetes and oseoarthritis. Prodromos is board-certified in both orthopaedic surgery and regenerative medicine.

Event location: 2620 Tiburon Dr. Local practice location: 9400 Bonita Beach Rd., Ste. 204. For more information or to register for the event, call 847-699-6810, email Care@ThePsci.com or visit ThePsci.com or TheForem.org. See ad, page 27.

Lotus Blossom Clinic Adds a Second Acupuncturist

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cupuncture physician Dr. Michelle Simmons Brown joined the Fort Myersbased Lotus Blossom Clinic last month and can be met in person by appointment at the Dr. Michelle practice’s holiday party Simmons Brown which is open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. on December 10.

With more than a decade of experience, she has trained in both China and the U.S., and is a certified medical examiner for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Combining Western with Eastern medicine in her work, she is also skilled in using a medical-grade laser that has excellent effects on many issues, including reducing and eliminating the pain of arthritis.

Brown’s presence means Lotus Blossom

now has, along with Dr. David Martin, two natural medicine doctors available to see patients. The clinic’s services have expanded to include the skilled and knowledgeable use of essential oils for healing along with offerings of acupuncture, tuina (Chinese medical massage), herbs and supplements, therapeutic massage (with eight therapists), live blood cell education sessions, sound healing, yoga classes and therapy, qigong, energy medicine, food as medicine and other functional medicine.

Location: 6710 Winkler Rd., Ste. 2. For more information, arrange to meet Brown or to make an appointment, call 239-277-1399. Also visit LotusBlossomClinic.com. See ad, page 31.

Themed Sunday Services at Unity of Naples

S

unday services this month at 10 a.m. at Unity of Naples will be themed “The Power of Light.” In addition, Unity will conduct several special holiday events and gatherings this month: a Community Christmas Concert at 5:30 p.m. on December 11, a Winter Solstice from 1 to 6 p.m. on December 19, a Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. on December 24 and Burning Bowls at 6 p.m. on December 31.

Unity is a nondenominational spiritual community rooted in radical, loving acceptance. Services and special events offer community connection, spiritual inspiration and ways for attendees to be more present and happy with the removal of stress and worry from their lives.

Location: 2000 Unity Way. For more information, call 239-7753009, email Hello@UnityNaples.org or visit UnityNaples.org. See ad, page 38.

House of Gaia to Host Two Special Events

H

ouse of Gaia, in Naples, will launch its Together and Stronger event series with two editions this month. In a clothing swap from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on December 11, people can bring gently used, clean clothing and accessories for women and teenage girls for trading. A holiday potluck will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on December 20, with attendees bringing a vegan or vegetarian dish to share.

There will be a DJ and live music, dancing and a showcase of local artists’ work.

Admission to Dec. 11 event: $5 donation to House of Gaia. Location: 1660 Trade Center Way. For more information, call 239-2906008 or visit HouseOfGaia.org. See ad, page 35.

December 2021

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news briefs

Trailhead Sponsorships from CREW Land & Water Trust

I

n an innovative way to raise funds to support the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) Land & Water Trust educational efforts during the pandemic, six trailhead signs on three different trail systems can now be sponsored by individuals, companies or organizations because CREW was not able to conduct its annual Concert and Silent Eco-auction last year. The Everglades Golf Course Superintendents Association was among the first to participate to the new fundraising effort.

Each sponsor logo can appear on all six structures encompassing CREW Marsh Trails and CREW Cypress Dome Trails off Corkscrew Road, CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails off Bonita Beach Road and CREW Bird Rookery Trail off f Immokalee Road. An unlimited number of sponsorships are available.

Executive Director Brenda Brooks says that trailhead sponsors

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will be in the spotlight to reach approximately 60,000 visitors a year—that walk the trails between sunup and sundown at no cost with donations encouraged via boxes—instead of just on the evening of a concert. “Like many nonprofits in these times, we had to get creative,” she says.

For more information, email Brenda@CREWTrust.org.

Happy Feet Offers Reflexology Massage Sessions

H

appy Feet, in Naples, is providing one-hour reflexology body massage sessions for $61.99. The service encompasses neck, shoulders, head, hands and feet to revitalize the body and mind, and induce a state of relaxation. Customers can also experience traditional Chinese body massages that incorporate deep tissue shiatsu, as well as Swedish, walk on back, hot stone and four hands regimens to reduce pain, inflammation and stress, plus improve circulation.

While their massage therapists are highly trained in using their hands to determine tightness and restrictions in the body, individuals are asked prior to treatment to describe the locations of the physical problems and any limitations in treatment.

Location: 4661 Tamiami Tr. N. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-465-0708 or visit HappyFeetRelaxingNaples.com. See ad, page 38.

Hall Provides Transdermal Skin Patches

kudos Naples residents Charlie and Angie Sunderland recently donated $100,000 to the Immokalee Foundation Engineering & Construction Pathway program, which provides opportunities and training for high-demand professional careers, especially in engineering and construction management, throughout our area paying wages that lead to financial independence.

“We want to help set these students up for lifelong success,” says Angie. “The Foundation’s groundbreaking educational and professional development programs give these children a path to achieve their dreams, and we’re excited to offer our support.”

Students in the program have the option to intern at the Foundation’s Career Pathways Learning Lab, in Immokalee, building homes under the supervision of construction industry professionals. They also learn about other aspects of home construction, land development, marketing and sales.

For more information, call 239-430-9122 or visit ImmokaleeFoundation.org.

L

isa Hall, of Trinity Personal Fitness (TPF), based in Cape Coral, can provide counseling and guidance on using the Lifewave transdermal skin patch to support health needs including on body placement options. As a Lifewave distributor of phototherapy products throughout our area, she is offering each sleeve of 30 patches for $5 off the regular price along with three sleeves for $200 throughout this month.

“The opportunity to support your body’s immune system has been paramount the past two years, and myself, family, friends and TPF family have been using the glutathione (master antioxidant) daily to prevent illness with success,” she says. “Others, myself included, utilize Energy Enhancers on the long days and for an extra boost for sports and fitness. Insomniacs find relief with Silent Nights. There are more, but the ‘star’ patch is the X39, which increases a copper peptide known to increase stem cells for a multitude of support.”

Cost: Most patches average $3/day (X39 is $5/day). For more information or to order products, call Hall at 732-766-2002 or email TrinityFitnesscc@gmail.com. See listing, page 53.

News to share?

Send your submissions to: NAeditor@NaturalAwakenings.com December 2021

15

event spotlights

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Ada’s Natural Market Celebration

G

etting a head start on the holidays, Ada’s Natural Market, in Fort Myers, is celebrating early on December 11. Joining Ada’s in encouraging participants to consider giving the most important holiday gifts of all— love and wellness—are Linda Sechrist, Natural Awakenings editor and president of SWFL RESET Center, as well as Barbara Sabran, CEO of Cleanzing Company, LLC, a local producer of natural health and beauty products, as well as environmentally friendly cleaning products.

“For the past 27 years, Natural Awakenings has been providing Lee and Collier County with the tools and resources necessary to lead healthier lives and maintain a healthy local environment with clean water, air and healthy, clean food.

Since Natural Awakenings, Ada’s and Cleanzing Company are all about promoting wellness in our communities, it was a nobrainer to participate. And from each of our perspectives, love is another word for caring. We care about our communities and want to see people caring for their bodies and homes with non-toxic food and products,” says Sechrist.

Festivities marking the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 include food samplings, product demonstrations and prizes.

Ada’s Natural Market is located at 7070 College Pkwy., in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-939-9600. See ad, page 41.

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Naples’ Inaugural Green Tent Circle

W

hile the vision for the global Green Tent Circle initiative began in Verona, Italy, it quickly made its way to Naples.

From 10 a.m. to noon, December 4, in Cambier Park, Southwest Florida’s first Green Tent will inspire women and girls, giving them the encouragement to tell their stories and create actions for bringing about worldwide healing and heart-to-heart connections intended to care for Mother Earth.

Facilitated by Naples’ resident Janet Weisberg, a Project Nature Connect (PNC) facilitator and educator, attendees will also be given the opportunity to experience how they are connected with nature rather than separate from it via a nonverbal nature connect experience.

The event, which will fly the Green Tent Circle flag, tells women and girls that a sacred circle is open. The flag also represents that circle principles and guidelines (on page 30) will be ensuring a safe, sacred place for sharing stories. The Green Tent flag/logo has the image of a green tent in a pink circle on a background that is color of a new green leaf. This symbolizes turning a new leaf for humanity in forming sacred relationships based on sacred feminine values and circle principles.

Calling two or more women together to dream and plan a Green Tent Circle can be in a tent, a yurt, under a canopy of trees, on a blanket on the ground, in a room in home, church or community center. “Wherever the Green Tent Circle flag is displayed, women and girls, as well as men and boys, know that the circle is open and ready for all who enter,” says Ann Smith, who advises that the Green Tent mission is to inspire women and girls to hold Green Tent Circles to bring about a tipping point of sacred relationships and connections everywhere.

At noon, attendees will connect by Zoom to greet other Green Tent Circles in Italy, Brazil, Germany, Spain and the U.S. Thus everybody is a link to thousands of connections that create other links to more and more connections in a proliferation of Green Tent circles around Mother Earth.

Yoga is the Journey of the Self, Through the Self, To the Self.

The Bhagavad Gita

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Bring blanket, water, and a paper and pen. Tell others and RSVP to Janet_PeacePrevail@me.com. To learn more about the global initiative, visit GreenTentCircle.com.

December 2021

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reader spotlight

Meet Sarah Owen

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Check out our facebook page for upcoming events and classes at www.facebook.com/AccessHolisticHealing info@accessholistichealing.com • accessholistichealing.com 27975 Old 41 Road, Suite 200, Bonita Springs 34135

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Work: As the CEO, I lead the team at Collaboratory (formerly the Southwest Florida Community Foundation), in downtown Fort Myers.

Proudest Achievement: Assembling and supporting teams and partners much smarter than me and having the opportunity to work alongside them.

Expectations for the Future: Collaboratory is committed to solving all the social problems in Southwest Florida on a daring, 18-year deadline. Not alone, but with everyone: all ages, neighborhoods, beliefs, colors and imaginations.

In addition, we’re committed to building the infrastructure required to coordinate all of this at the scale and in the way NASA coordinated hundreds of thousands of people to get us to the moon in nine years.

Favorite APP: Any public transportation app, I get terribly lost in big cities, so I depend on apps to help me navigate.

Favorite websites: Collaboratory.org.

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Fort Myers Resident

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Local causes supported: All of them, because I don’t believe things happen in silos. I think all the causes are entangled and connected.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: Green Cup Café, in downtown Fort Myers.

How I invest in my community: Supporting the problemsolvers in our community so they can do the work they are uniquely qualified to do.

Favorite quote: “To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” ~ Leonard Bernstein.

What I am doing to be the change I want to see in my community and in the world: Staying committed to dreaming big dreams and creating possibilities for a thriving community.

health briefs

Persistent redness? • PimPles?

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Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease snapwire/Pexels.com

Staying well hydrated throughout life could reduce the risk of heart failure, according to a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology 2021 Congress. Researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health reported that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Their conclusion was based on the analysis of 26 years’ worth of serum sodium levels in 15,792 middle-age Americans. Higher serum sodium concentration in midlife was associated with heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy 25 years later. Few people meet daily hydration recommendations (54 to 71 ounces for women and 67 to 101 ounces for men). According to the researchers, when people drink less fluid, the concentration of sodium in the blood increases, and the body attempts to conserve water by activating processes known to contribute to the development of heart failure. “The findings indicate that we need to pay attention to the amount of fluid we consume every day and take action if we find that we drink too little,” says study author Natalia Dmitrieva.

Larissa Smolen

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Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study of 636 people from San Diego’s Loma Linda University. Other risk factors for heart health—small LDL particles and intermediate-density lipoprotein—also decreased, signaling a lower chance of cardiovascular events. “Many people are worried about unwanted weight gain when they include nuts in their diet,” says study co-author Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D. “Our study found that the healthy fats in walnuts did not cause participants to gain weight.”

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19

environmentally speaking Environmentally Speaking is intended to alert, inform and educate residents of Collier and Lee counties regarding educational events and threats that challenge our unique and delicate Southwest Florida ecosystem.

December 14, 3 to 4 p.m. RESET Conversation with Christopher Nesbitt.

Christopher Nesbitt has run the Maya Mountain Research Farm, an ongoing permaculture project in southern Belize, Central America, since 1988. Former degraded citrus and cattle land, the farm is focused on the intersection of agriculture and ecology. Since 2004, the farm has been working on specific ways to draw down carbon, with an emphasis on food security, degraded land repair, multistrata agroforestry systems and staple tree crops.

Tinyurl.com/ResetWithNesbitt.

The 2020 Wading Bird Report, produced in collaboration with the South Florida Water Management District, Audubon Florida and other partners, is now available. The rise and fall of wading bird population numbers is an important indicator of ecosystem health.

Whether or not the health of the Everglades is improving from restoration and conservation efforts is best evidenced in this annual report. which provides insights into systemwide trends in the hydrology of South Florida ecosystems. FL.Audubon.org/sites/default/ files/sfwbr_af_2020-final-3.pdf.

Fecal bacteria contamination of Florida’s waters is widespread. Numerous sources of fecal bacteria contamination such as aging and malfunctioning sewage treatment plants, leaking septic tanks and animal waste are impairing 1 million acres of coastal estuaries, as well as 9,000 miles of Florida rivers and streams, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Florida’s inadequate notification system and ineffective restoration plans are putting an increasing number of Floridians and visitors at risk of dangerous pathogens found in fecal contamination.

While the Safe Waterways Act (SB 604/HB 393) is designed to address this public health risk, public support is needed to demand reinforcement. Floridians have a right to know if waters designated for recreation—boating, wading and fishing—pose a health threat.

Floridians also have a right to demand that legislators accelerate restoration in compliance with Florida regulations. Call, write or email Florida legislators to request signage at public access points warning of waters contaminated with fecal bacteria.

Calusa Waterkeepers new executive director, Trisha Botty, has more than 15 years of experience in driving social change by leading innovative programs, strategies, collaboration, capacity building and campaigns, while building meaningful and authentic relationships that lift up people, organizations, and communities. Her experience comes from working in government, philanthropy, labor, organizing, and nonprofits in Washington, D.C., New York and Southwest Florida. Botty was a 2020 recipient of the 40 under 40 award from Gulfshore Life magazine. A native of upstate New York near Lake Ontario, she resides with her husband and two active children on a freshwater canal in SWFL.

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.

If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality. ~Desmond Tutu 20

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Community garden beds are available for rent at the Bill Brewer Family Gardens, on the grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Myers (UUCFM), located at 13411 Shire Lane. With two master gardeners and a third in training, there will be informational classes and onsite assistance.

Some seed donations and low-cost vegetable plant starters may be available for renters, as well as compost made in collaboration with the SWFL RESET Center and FGCU. Prices for four-by-eight-foot beds are $85 per bed with automatic watering, $75 without. Growing year—October 15 to September 15, 2022.

Contact garden manager Bonnie Jean Clancy at FamilyGardens@UUCFM.org.

Calusa Waterkeeper’s latest film, Waterborne, a documentary exploring the public health impact of harmful algal blooms (HAB) and waterborne bacteria, will be available for viewing on January 12 at the Collaboratory, located at 2031 Jackson St., in Fort Myers. Hear from scientific experts and officials on how Florida’s policies are failing to reduce the occurrence of HABs and bacteria contamination, and inadequately protecting the public from exposure. CalusaWaterkeeper.org, 941-4792560, Info@CalusaWaterkeeper.org.

1,000 Friends of Florida’s podcast on preemption, the use of state law to nullify a local government ordinance or authority, is available to view. This issue is becoming increasingly problematic in Florida because each year the legislature passes bills that supersede local authority on issues ranging from collecting impact fees to regulating building design, banning plastic bags, regulating cruise ships and more. Even more proposals are anticipated to surface during the 2022 session. Find out why this is a critical issue as 1,000 Friends of Florida Policy and Planning Director Jane West, Florida League of Cities Deputy General Counsel Rebecca O’Hara and Florida Association of Counties Executive Director Ginger Delegal discuss the impacts of inappropriate preemption and the need for more proactive advocacy to counter the problem. Register.gotowebinar.com/recording/1587706204585107980.

community spotlight

She Brings Medicine

at RB Institute

by Linda Sechrist

W

hile working for the Fort Myers News Press in her early 20s, Robyn Berry, the owner of R B Institute, Inc., in Fort Myers, was involved in a serious car accident.

Thrown from her vehicle, she suffered a broken neck. Enduring extreme pain from the injury as Robyn Berry well as diverticulitis, Berry quickly learned that traditional medicine did not have answers to her healing needs. That realization launched a long, complex, in-depth learning journey.

Before computers were used to store and access information on the breadth of valuable healing knowledge in naturopathic medicine, Berry studied and became proficient in herbology, homeopathy, iridology and reflexology. She became a licensed massage therapist and healed her diverticulitis with colonics and many regular detoxes and cleanses throughout the years. Today, “She Brings Medicine”, by which Berry is known by in her Native American culture, freely shares her collection of detox recipes with clients.

In the early 90’s as a community educator, Berry began bringing natural medicine to her community when she rented the First Federal Bank of Fort Myers community room. Focusing on a different body system each month, she offered a free, two-hour teaching session to the public. Consistently drawing 25 to 50 people, she educated attendees in layman’s terms about imbalances in the body that cause disease within the system she highlighted. Citing specific herbs, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics and enzymes that could be used as a support for the body, she advised how supplements and plant medicine could help the body balance itself, allow individuals to achieve wellness and live a healthier lifestyle.

“My patients became my teachers. As people came to me for help, I had to expand my understanding and my skill set to accommodate the things I was seeing in multidimensional layers with each patient. I did not do this alone, thanks to numerous good doctors in our area and some who were not. They taught me a lot and I referred clients to them,” says Berry.

Encouraged by numerous friends and mentors to keep learning, growing, increasing the depth of her knowledge and expanding her menu of services, Berry reflects upon the fields of expertise

and the experts from which she benefitted. “I learned from chiropractors, holistic dentists, acupuncturists, doctors of Oriental medicine, as well as medical and osteopathic doctors. I’m very grateful for being able to learn from highly regarded individuals such as Bernard Jensen, ND, Dwight Byers, Judy King, Charles Dugan, DC, Kirk Chris, DC, John Upledger, DO, John Pierre Barral, DO, Bruno Chikly, DO, Herschel Stanford, DC, Jim Ledder, Sanibel scientist, John Fry, DC, Steve Nedd, DC, Steve Atwood, DC, Robert Davis, DC, Steve Racine, DC, Jay Holder, DC, Isali Ben Jacob, AP, DAOM, Buck Campbell, DAOM, Ray Behm, DDS, Gary Pynckel, DO, Frank Shallenberger, M.D., and Ross Hauser, M.D. I want to recognize these amazing people for the important part they played in my personal healing journey and for their wisdom I was able to share within my community,” shares Berry.

She uses the quote, “It takes a village to raise a child,” to explain how many expertly trained professionals it takes to create a connected healing community where everyone shares and works together faithfully for many years in service for the good of all.

“It’s good for people to understand that because everything in the body is connected, healing is never about addressing one thing. It takes a village of practitioners trained in various healing modalities to create the perspective of connectedness and wholeness that is missing from conventional medicine. It also takes a community of health practitioners to teach individuals how they can shift their wellness by lifestyle and diet changes,” she says.

Actively serving the community for nearly 30 years, Berry takes time to train and receive certifications in the areas of sports therapy and rehabilitation, colonic hydrotherapy, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, CranioSacral Therapy, visceral manipulation, lymphatic drainage, sound and vibrational therapies, ozone modalities, the best uses of the ionic foot detox bath, infrared sauna, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, power plate rehabilitation exercises and PEMF therapies such as the BEMER 2000 HD, used by many chiropractors. She recently completed certification in traditional Thai massage and is training for a doctorate in Thai medicine.

She offers all these services under one roof at RB Institute. The institute also rents wellness suites to like-minded wellness professionals in need of office space for offering different modalities and wellness services to the local community.

Currently renting space are Aga, a European-trained esthetician who offers organic skin care, mental health coach and counselor Rebecca Morely and Elise Kaplovitz, a Gyrotonics and Pilates instructor also trained in Gyro Kinesis movement therapy, which retrains the brain and muscles to work in synergy and balance.

The institute currently has three rooms available and is seeking an acupuncturist, as well as a nurse practitioner, that can start a personalized IV therapy boutique.

RB Institute, Inc. is located at 13550 Reflections Pkwy., Ste. 5-502 and 5-503, in Fort Myers. For appointments and more information, call 239-939-4646 or visit RobynBerry.com. See ad, page 15.

December 2021

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green living

Greening the Holidays How to Celebrate Sustainably

tanyajoy/AdobeStock.com

by Sandra Yeyati

W

ith every record-setting storm and catastrophic fire, more people are realizing that we are embroiled in a climate crisis. Consider this holiday season as an opportunity not just to make sustainable choices, but also to take strategic action that positively impacts the planet and inspires friends and family to join the environmental cause. Whether that means modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics or responsible gifting, every environmental choice can be a teaching moment or conversation starter. Together, we can make a difference.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Dinner

Growing fruits and vegetables is generally kinder to the Earth than the industrialized production of meat, which pollutes the environment and mistreats animals. Hosting a vegetarian holiday feast with locally sourced, organic produce is a great way to support regenerative farming systems, slash transportation emissions and introduce guests to new culinary traditions.

If meat is a must, opt for sustainably wild-caught salmon or shrimp and pastured, organic turkey or chicken over beef, as cow production leads to significant methane emissions.

To conserve energy, use the oven or stove sparingly, opting instead for recipes that employ crockpots, air fryers, pressure cookers, outdoor barbecues or the microwave. For both health and environmental reasons, gently encourage smaller meat portions and fill the plate with scrumptious side dishes. After the party, leftovers can be sent home with 22

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guests, turned into next-day lunches and soups or frozen for later use. Compost scraps to keep them out of the landfill.

Responsible Gift Wrapping

Eliminating wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and greeting cards from the holiday equation is a great zero-waste lifestyle choice. Gifts can just as easily be wrapped in fabric, scarves and cloth napkins, or presented inside a reusable shopping bag.

Another alternative is to use wrapping materials and greeting cards that are biodegradable, from recycled origins or certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (fsc. org) to ensure they did not contribute to deforestation. Avoid papers with glitter, foil and other decorations that may contain nonbiodegradable, petroleum-based

elements. Glitter is usually made from plastic, contributing to the microplastics problem. When recycling, remove tape, bows and ribbons.

Earth-Friendly Holiday Decorations

The most eco-friendly Christmas decoration is a potted, living tree that can be decorated and exhibited indoors during the holidays and planted in the garden afterwards. A mini-rosemary tree is also a fragrant tabletop alternative. Opt for LED string lights, which use a fraction of the energy that traditional lights require.

With the help of online instructional videos, families can come together to craft decorations out of biodegradable, recycled and consumable materials, including tree ornaments made of reclaimed wood or soda can tabs; garlands of popcorn, dried fruit slices or cinnamon sticks; wreaths and centerpieces studded with pine cones, herb branches and flowers from the garden; and candles made with essential oils and soy wax.

The home will smell festive, fresh and healthful.

r Not yoeudicine! ym ordinar RecoveR fRom tRying times!

come in to restore and recharge with nutrient iv’s, oxygen, frequency, light, and vibration.

Thoughtful, LifeAffirming Gifts

Environmentally responsible holiday shopping takes many forms. Some people pledge to buy nothing during Christmas and instead donate their holiday budgets to families in need. Others set out to buy gifts they know the recipient wants or needs to avoid waste. They shop at local, small businesses and choose durable, repurposed, easily repairable and upcycled items.

Thoughtful gifts that affirm a commitment to the planet are electric bicycles and comfortable hiking shoes to encourage slow transportation and healing walks in nature; solar-powered devices and chargers in support of renewable energy; consumable items and foods that won’t clutter the home or landfill; services and experiences that don’t need to be gift wrapped; and donations to environmental charities that are meaningful to the recipient.

Consider gifts that encourage loved ones to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs; plant shade trees in their backyards; and nurture flowering plants that support bees,

12734 Kenwood Lane # 84 Ft Myers, Fl 33907 (239)425-2900 • rtcausesmd.com

Reusable Gifts that Ditch the Plastic

These reusable gifts make it easy and fun for recipients to be kind to the planet year-round by reducing our devastating dependence on single-use, nonbiodegradable plastic that pollutes the environment and harms aquatic wildlife. n Straws made of stainless steel, organic bamboo, silicone, biodegradable paper or glass n Water bottles and insulated containers made of stainless steel or glass n Food bags, wraps and bowl covers made of beeswax, silicone, cotton or canvas n Stainless steel plates and bamboo utensils for sustainable picnicking n Zero-waste shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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butterflies and other pollinators—greenthumb gifts like herb planters, wildflower seed packets, garden tools, utility gloves and vegetable-growing instruction books.

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December 2021

23

conscious eating

The Sweet Danger of Sugar ways to enjoy healthier holiday fare

by Christy Ratliff

azurita/AdobeStock.com

C

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hocolate Santas, decorated cookies and other sweet confections are ingrained in our holiday traditions, yet sugary food does little to actually make us feel merry and bright in the long run.

A high-sugar diet increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, inflammation, weight gain and weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It can also contribute to tooth decay and acne. “Most high-sugar foods are ‘treats’ and are not intended to be high in nutrition or consumed instead of healthier foods,” says Shelley Maniscalco, registered dietitian and CEO of the consulting firm Nutrition on Demand, in Arlington, Virginia. “When we have too many foods that are what we call calorie-dense versus nutrient-dense, we run the risk of displacing healthier foods, and, therefore, under-consuming key nutrients.”

This can impact mental health and impair the body’s ability to manage stress. “When we eat nutritious foods, and our gut is healthy, we obtain necessary nutrients to create neurotransmitters, which are key to optimal mental health,” explains Maggie Roney, a licensed counselor and certified functional medicine provider in Wylie, Texas. “There’s mood-stabilizing serotonin, which is a precursor for melatonin, needed for sleep; dopamine, involved in pleasure, focus and motivation; and GABA, which provides a calming effect that can help with stress and anxiety. All of these require amino acids, zinc, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, copper and B vitamins.”

In moderation, sugar is not necessarily detrimental to our health and well-being, but differentiating between naturally occurring sugar and added sugar is key to finding a middle ground. “New changes in the food label allow consumers to more easily identify sources of sugar in foods,” Maniscalco says. “Many healthy foods naturally contain sugars, such as fructose in fruits and lactose in dairy products. These natural sugars don’t need to be avoided. When checking the label, look for amounts of added sugars and choose the options that have less.”

Foods and beverages with added sugars are now required to list the number of grams and percent daily value for added sugars on the nutrition facts label. For example, a container of yogurt with fruit on the bottom might list total sugars at 15 grams (g), including 7 g of added sugar, which means 8 g of naturally occurring sugars.

Hidden sugars are often found where we least expect them.

–Ricardo Díaz In a society long obsessed with counting calories, we may assume we’re making smart choices with low-fat, non-fat, reduced calorie or light versions of grocery items. But, the amount of added sugar is actually higher in low calorie versions of a wide variety of foods because sugar is used to compensate for the loss of flavor from fat. “Sugar tastes good and balances out other flavors, so many foods that we wouldn’t consider sweet have added sugars,” says Colleen Tewksbury, Ph.D., bariatric program manager and senior research investigator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Common products include pasta sauce, cereal and salad dressing. Reading food labels looking specifically for added sugars is key to finding these foods.”

“Hidden sugars are often found where we least expect them,” adds Ricardo Díaz, chef and registered dietitian nutritionist at the

New York-based nonprofit Wellness in the Schools, which works to improve nutrition in school lunches. “Many savory or salty foods tend to have added sugars, such as tortilla chips, popcorn, jerky and frozen prepared foods. Check your labels and compare between products on the supermarket shelves to find the healthiest pick for you and your loved ones.”

“Often, we think of eating in ‘all or nothing’ terms. When we cut out foods we enjoy, it often backfires and we end up overeating them in the end when our willpower runs out,” Maniscaclo says.

“I would really encourage mindfulness in eating so that individuals can enjoy treats in moderation and feel satisfied by them so that there’s less need to over consume. Also, being physically active year-round is a great habit to get into and can create more space in the diet for treats.”

As we implement these small but significant low-sugar strategies, we’ll be rewarded with better physical and emotional health all year long. That’s something to celebrate.

Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

Tips to Eat Less Sugar

brent hofacker/AdobeStock.com

Shelley Maniscalco, MPH, RD: Eat fruit. Most are naturally sweet and provide healthy nutrients without a lot of calories. As an added bonus, the fiber and water content in fruit helps with feeling satiated.

Add spices and fresh herbs. Studies show that adding them enhances flavor, and it also lowers the use of such unhealthy nutrients as added sugars, sodium and saturated fats.

Colleen Tewksbury, Ph.D., RD: Choose plain yogurt, as it contains no added sugar. Top it with fresh fruit, cinnamon or nuts. Choose yogurt that contains live and active cultures, as these promote gut health and boost immunity.

maxim khytra/AdobeStock.com

Nearly a quarter of added sugars consumed come from sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas and fruit drinks, even more than from desserts and sweets. A simple way of reducing added sugar is reducing intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Three approaches are: setting a frequency goal (limit to x times per week); setting a portion goal (limit to x ounces per day); or setting a substitution goal (replace sugarsweetened beverages with sugar-free options).

Jennifer Martin-Biggers, Ph.D., RDN: To reduce sugar intake, as with any other new habit or behavior change, it’s important to set manageable goals and set new ones as you go.

Another way to support dietary changes is through supplementation. The mineral chromium, in particular in the form of chromium picolinate, has been shown in clinical studies to reduce food cravings. ronstik/AdobeStock.com

marilyn barbone/AdobeStock.com

Chef and dietitian nutritionist Ricardo Díaz: Swap out fruit juice cocktails and fruit juice concentrates for whole fruits and 100 percent fruit juice. Fruit beverages rely on added sugar to provide much of their sweetness.

Choose whole grains over enriched grains.

Include a variety of whole grains in your diet, such as oats, brown rice or whole-wheat pastas and breads.

To maximize fiber intake, pick products labeled “100% Whole Grains” over labels stating “Whole Grains” or “Multigrain”.

Make your own baked goods. Besides controlling the amount of sugar in your treats, baking at home is a great way to get your youngest family members involved in cooking.

Film Suggestion: Watch That Sugar Film, a 2014 Australian documentary/drama directed by Damon Gameau at WatchDocumentaries.com/ that-sugar-film. According to New York Times film critic Daniel M. Gold, “The food-doc shelf is crowded with good-for-you movies, including Fed Up, Fast Food Nation, Food Inc. and, yes, Super Size Me. That Sugar Film is a worthy addition, entertaining while informing.”

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Low- or No-Sugar Holiday Treats Baklava Cookie Cups 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour 1 tsp orange zest ½ tsp ground cardamom ¼ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature ¾ cup honey 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

photo provided by allrecipes.com

FilliNG aNd syRuP:

½ cup pistachios, chopped ½ cup honey 3 Tbsp water 2 tsp orange juice 4 green cardamom pods, crushed 1 cinnamon stick

Heat oven to 350° F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, orange zest, cardamom and salt. In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and honey for about 1-2 minutes. (The mix will look a little curdled at this point and that’s fine; scrape down the sides.) Beat in the eggs, then the vanilla. Mix in the flour in

two parts. Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough into the prepared muffin tin and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven; let sit for about 3-4 minutes before using a dowel to carefully press down in the center of each cookie to make a well. Let the cookies cool for about 15 minutes in the tin before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely. In a small saucepan over medium heat, prepare the syrup by combining the honey, water, orange juice, cardamom pods and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer and remove from the heat. Drizzle a small amount in the bottom of each cookie cup and then fill with the chopped pistachios. Drizzle more syrup on top of the filled cookie cups. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Courtesy of the National Honey Board. For more information, visit Honey.com.

Baked Apples

Preheat oven to 375° F. Wash apples.

Using an apple corer, remove cores and leave ½ inch of the bottom of each apple. (If using a paring knife, just cut the center core out fully.) Make the hole ¾-inch wide, and remove the seeds using a spoon. Place the cored apples in an 8-inch-by 8-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle lemon juice over apples to prevent browning. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, chopped nuts and raisins or another dried fruit. Stuff each apple with the filling mixture. Top with a dot of butter (about ½ to ¾ tsp per apple). Add boiling water to baking pan.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until tender, but not mushy. Remove baked apples from the 26

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oven, and baste apples several times with the juice from the pan. (Apples can be baked in a muffin tin. Place muffin liners into the muffin tins, and place cored apples inside.)

Chef ’s Note: Personalize the baked apples with seasonal fillings and spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom or pumpkin pie spice. For a twist, try a savory, fresh herb like rosemary or thyme.

Courtesy of Wellness in the Schools. For more information, visit WellnessInThe Schools.org. roman samokhin/AdobeStock.com

photo provided by allrecipes.com

4 large Granny Smith baking apples Juice of one lemon (about ¼ cup) 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ cup chopped pecans or another nut of choice ¼ cup raisins or another dried fruit of choice 1 tsp butter ¾ cup boiling water

photo provided by allrecipes.com

Honey Lavender Cookies This recipe was developed after lavender was accidentally weeded from the garden. These cookies are made with honey and whole-wheat flour.

yield: about 24 cookies ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup honey 1 egg 1 Tbsp lavender flowers 2 cups whole-wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat butter in a bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat honey, egg and lavender into the creamed butter until incorporated.

Stir flour, ½ cup at a time, into butter mixture until blended. Drop spoonful of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven until cookies are browned on the bottom, about 15 minutes.

Courtesy of Sue B. For more information, visit AllRecipes.com.

December 2021

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The Power of Gathering in Community

by Linda Sechrist

H

ad the intellectual achievements of human culture evolved during a revolution based on living systems in the natural world rather than one of rapid industrial growth and resource consumption, we might be experiencing interconnectedness instead of divisiveness during this time of social and ecological crisis.

A nature-focused revolution embracing humans as an integral part of the Earth’s natural systems would have instilled a deeper understanding of the wonders of the human body as a living system imbued with inner intelligence, as well as the intelligence of the non-human living world. This perspective, held by Native Americans, would have helped to create sustainable human communities that flourish by connecting, collaborating, cooperating and communicating.

With such approaches as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, support groups, prayer circles and dialogue circles exploring conflict solutions, Western minds are just beginning to comprehend how small-community experiences of fellowship and communion can assuage feelings of separation and isolation, and create inner experiences of wholeness and belonging.

Mentoring Each Other

Although not always sharing a common geographical location, 28

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small communities formed around common interests and shared values enable emotional healing. The ManKind Project (MKP), which describes itself as a “men’s community for the 21st century,” has more than 1,000 peer-facilitated groups in 22 countries in which men mentor each other through their life passages.

“In our MKP communities, there’s a sense of shared commitment and the shared values of accountability, authenticity, compassion, generosity, integrity, respect, leadership and multicultural awareness, along with a shared vision pointing us in the direction we want to go together,” says Boysen Hodgson, MKP-USA communications director. “While MKP’s mission statement informs our work, in New Warrior Adventure training, each man creates a personal mission statement. Mine is, ‘I transform culture by designing change, building bridges and co-creating space for connection.’”

According to Hodgson, when a man shares how he hears his inner voice for the first time along with his story in another man’s story, he becomes aware of his interior capacities and cultivates internal and external listening skills. By sharing personal stories, men experience epiphanies that can result in connections and bonding.

Douglas Bonar, a 35-year veteran of mental health counseling and owner of A Center for Wellness, in Pinellas Park, Florida, has been facilitating men’s groups for 22 years. Men and occasionally women that have been court-ordered to undergo counseling with

fizkes/AdobeStock.com

Circles of Healing

Bonar for 29 weeks after their incarceration learn the value of growing together in community. “I initiate the uninitiated who’ve never heard about the powerful impacts of respectful, attentive listening without judgement, giving/receiving feedback and support, and learning about successes and failures in the company of community,” says Bonar. “Actively engaging the minds, hearts and energy of people participating in community makes experiencing emotional healing possible. Feeling truly heard and deeply listened to and comprehending life from a multisensory human perception and a sense of oneness can lead to understanding that we are never alone, the universe is alive—conscious, intelligent and compassionate.”

More about progress than perfection, Bonar’s unique Roots and Wings Way of Wholeness approach to healing in community tills the soil of an inner world and plants seeds via the introduction of guidelines for creating authentic power, spiritual growth, levels of consciousness, coherence, the realization of one’s true self as more than an enculturated personality, the Noetic experience of oneness, humans as energetic beings, emotions as energy in motion and a coherent energetic field that the HeartMath Institute notes creates synchronization, or entrainment, between the heart and mind, as well as a sense of unity.

Sharing Sacred Space

Jean Shinoda Bolen, a Jungian psychiatrist, activist and author of Moving Toward the Millionth Circle: Energizing the Global Women’s Movement, encourages everyone to follow a path with soul and take on a personal assignment that contributes to change, while relying on the support of circle communities of like-minded individuals. “Fundamental principles applicable to any group include creating sacred space, listening with compassion and for wisdom, speaking from the heart and personal experience, inviting silence and reflection when needed, taking responsibility for your experience and your impact on the circle, keeping the confidence of the circle and making decisions when needed by consensus,” says Bolen, whose active events include a prayer circle and another with women she has been together with since the 1980s.

“The more frequently a circle meets to fully witness one another’s life stories, including all the changes and crises, a growing trust and heart connection occurs and a coherent energy field is created,” says Bolen. At the beginning of her circle gatherings, upon hearing the tone of a Tibetan bowl, she says, everyone immediately drops into coherence; a state of connectedness in which the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Cultivating Deep Listening

As the host of New Dimensions, a nationally syndicated radio program that addresses cultural shifts, Justine Willis Toms has deeply explored interconnectedness with some of the greatest minds on the planet, including the Dalai Lama and physicist David Bohm.

Referring to her circle communities as “friends of the heart,” she enthuses, “When I am deeply listening to another or speaking authentically aloud in a circle of trust, I get to hear myself in a way that I don’t if I’m only listening to what is in my head.”

Recalling a tumultuous time in her life, Toms relates a profound healing experience that occurred in a circle community in which she and her husband had been participating since the 1980s. “This particular circle usually gathers for an entire weekend. On one, I arrived in deep distress—so much so that on Friday I began pouring out my fears, anxiety, blame and judgements. I raged through the night and didn’t stop until after breakfast on Saturday, when I felt complete, totally heard, emotionally healed and revived.”

From a sense of peace and clarity, Toms knew that healing occurred because of the circle’s capacity for deep listening. “We know and trust the true genius that each of us is, and we know how to not be afraid for each other when life is in a rollercoaster cycle and we’re at the bottom, but don’t want to pull the brake because we’ll never have the momentum to go back up. This is the power of a circle of friends of the heart who love you,” says Toms, who shares a favorite African saying, “‘A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it.

Those who love you are not fooled by the mistakes you’ve made or the dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly, your wholeness when you are broken, your innocence when you’re feeling guilty and your purpose when you are confused.’”

Connecting through Common Emotions

Physician Jennifer Phelps, owner of Phelps MD Integrative Medicine, in Redding, Connecticut, is a trained facilitator of small groups who has worked in communities traumatized by natural disasters and human-caused catastrophes in her role as a faculty member of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, in Washington, D.C. “Where individuals listen to the grief and loss of others, emotional healing can be quite profound. Sharing stories in community, we learn we’re not alone and isolated, but rather related and connected in our human emotions,” says Phelps, adding that in groups of fewer than six people cohesiveness dissipates, leaving only conversation and cross-talk.

The process of human and community development unfolds from within each person, relationship and community. According to Cate Montana, of Kula, Hawaii, author of The E-Word: Ego, Enlightenment & Other Essentials, awakening to the illusion of separation, which can happen in community, sparks healing.

“The persona of an individual as only a body and mind is the big sleep,” advises Montana, whose life work has been about waking people up to the truth of their essential spiritual nature and giving them tools for a more fulfilling life.

Having experiences of fellowship and communion with likeminded people can make it possible to observe and understand how ego and mind function, and to become aware of crippling social programming which fragments, separates and divides us.

Experiencing a sense of wholeness in such an environment allows for healing naturally on many levels.

Linda Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

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Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle

by Justine Willis Toms When I tell someone that I’ve been meeting in a circle with the same people for more than three decades, they invariably ask, “How can I have that in my life?” They are eager to hear my stories, but feel overwhelmed about how to start a circle of their own.

While those first steps feel like the biggest steps, they are really baby steps.

Best Practices for Circles These agreements have helped circles to function more successfully for all participants.

Three-step advice: 1. Make the commitment and write it down 2. Put out the call 3. Be consistent

n Consider it a sacred space

Step One: Set forth a clear intention.

n Encourage and welcome diverse

n One person speaks at a time n Speak and listen from the heart

Years ago, I learned from Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey that everything is born twice: first in the imagination and then into the world. In the beginning, you will not know all the details, but you need to be clear in the overall intention of starting a circle and meeting regularly. Instead of saying, “Having a circle in my life is a good idea,” say, “It’s as good as done; I’m going to make it so no matter what.” Then write it down. This anchors it into the world of manifestation.

Step Two: Put out the call.

After making the inner commitment, you need to tune into other people that want to travel with you. It doesn’t take a lot of people to begin; one or two others will be fine.

Talk to a friend about this idea. You may feel awkward at first, but be assured there is a field of energy holding you—humans we have been circling since the dawn of history.

If people turn you down, do not be discouraged. Trust that the perfect people will begin to show up. It is my experience that if even two people meet using circle principles on a regular basis it acts as an attractor for others.

Step Three: Meet on a consistent basis.

Put your circle time in your calendar as an important event. Keep this commitment just as you would a medical or dental appointment. Show up and keep the appointment even if you are the only one. There will be times when you feel too tired to go.

Go anyway. Afterwards, you’ll be truly delighted you went. Being sporadic in your meeting time will create a “leaky container”. Meeting consistently builds a powerful and vitalizing bond.

points of view

n Listen with discernment instead

of judgment

n When in doubt or need, pause and

silently ask for guidance

n Share leadership and resources n Decide together how decisions

will be made

n Work toward consensus

when possible

n Offer experience instead of advice n Decide together what is to be held

in confidence

n Speak from your own experiences

and beliefs rather than speaking for others

n Open and close the circle by hear-

ing each voice (Check-ins and check-outs)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: New Dimensions Radio NewDimensions.org

Cate Montana CateMontana.com

Mankind Project MankindProject.org

Institute of Noetic Science (IONS) Noetic.org

Jean Shinoda Bolen JeanBolen.com

Douglas Bonar A Center for Wellness ACenterForWellness.net

Circle Principles MillionthCircle.org/circle-resources/ circle-principles 30

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swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

The Center for Mind Body Wellness cmbm.org HeartMath HeartMath.com Jennifer Phelps, M.D. cmbm.org/faculty-member/ jennifer-phelps-md

Millionth Circle gathering

Local Resident Cites Benefits of Circle Membership

by Linda Sechrist

N

aples resident Ann Smith has been participating in the Millionth Circle since its inception. “In 2001, at our first international gathering of Gather the Women, we created our mission statement, circle principles and guidelines described by Justine Willis Toms on page 30. Jean Shinoda Bolen was there, and we’ve been having Millionth Circle gatherings ever since. Jean believes that every sacred circle is like a pebble dropped into the water, creating wider and wider circles of influence. She sees every circle contributing to the tipping point,” says Smith, who has participated in circles since 1976.

Smith points out specific benefits from taking part in circles— shared leadership, a deep sense of sisterhood, loving and meaningful relationships, a sense of being supported and having fun.

“It’s meaningful to take part in something that demonstrates a different way to be with one another, where there is no power over, but power in collaboration with, co-creativity and committed participation. It’s really the most productive setting for human beings, where they get to experience and be part of the collective wisdom,” she says.

In a circle, Smith notes that everyone gets to express intuitively how they feel and express things from a spiritual perspective. “I’m listened to, heard, and not judged. With no hierarchy, everyone is equal in circle, which is a true form of democracy, where everyone is equally valued. Rich or poor, Ph.D. or GED, we are all equal and have something to contribute. In a patriarchal setting, women speaking about their intuition and spirituality are put down and dismissed,” advises Smith, who is looking forward to using circle principles and guidelines in Naples’ inaugural Green Tent Circle on December 4 in Naples’ Cambier Park (see event spotlight on page 17).

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healing ways

Amp Up Immunity Proven Boosters for Good Health

foxyliam/AdobeStock.com

by Ronica O’Hara

A

s we head into the holidays, a gift that many of us wish for is a strong immune system to protect us not only from serious illness, but also from wintry coughs and sniffles. Robust immunity rests on three pillars, research shows: getting at least seven hours of sleep a night to allow immune functions to reboot; daily exercise to stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off harmful bacteria and viruses; and plant-based foods to supply the antioxidants and phytochemicals needed to reduce inflammation and keep cells humming happily.

In addition, we can enhance immunity by adding specific adaptogens and mushroom powders into our daily routine. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. As powders, they can be easily added into drinks or foods, and they can also be taken as tinctures or pills.

Modulating Immunity with Adaptogens

Used for millennia in China and India, adaptogens are plants 32

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that keep the body in balance by helping it adapt to stress. They interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex system of glands, hormones and receptors that helps manage homeostasis, stress responses and energy metabolism. “Adaptogens are a great way to boost immunity, especially if you are constantly sick and run down due to feeling stressed,” says Heather Hanks, a Plymouth, Michigan, nutritionist with USA Rx. Adaptogens typically take two or three weeks to become effective; follow package directions for proper dosage.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), an herb called locoweed in the U.S., boosts immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity and enhancing the function of macrophages, the “immune sentinels” that reside in tissues. A recent review suggests that long-term use of astragalus might help prevent colds, and taking it for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing. It has also been shown to improve recovery after illness, disease or prolonged stress and to help post-chemotherapy patients regain health.

Polish researchers found that rowing team athletes given 500 milligrams of astragalus root extract each day for six weeks had immune systems that recovered faster after strenuous exercise.

Panax Ginseng, a perennial plant from East Asia, keeps the immune system in balance by regulating its components, including macrophages, dendritic cells and both T and B cells. It improves resistance to illness and microbial attacks, helps counter stress, controls inflammation, improves cognitive functions and has been found effective in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, insulin resistance and hypertension.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as holy basil, “enhances the immune response, protects the body against bacterial and viral infection and promotes clear and comfortable breathing,” says Ameya Duprey, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner in Nevada City, California. Studies show that it also helps prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

The Marvel of Medicinal Mushrooms

Used medicinally since at least 3,000 BCE, certain mushrooms have been found to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, liver-protective and anticancer properties. They are usually not cooked, but rather taken as a powder that can be added to foods like smoothies, cereals and stir-fries.

Reishi mushrooms increase the activity of killer cells and lower inflammation in white cells, warding off infections. “They are used by cancer patients, as they support a healthy immune system, have antioxidant properties and may prevent or treat infections,” says Linda Strause, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of human nutrition at University of California San Diego, whose husband with brain cancer was encouraged to take the mushrooms as a supplement.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensi) is harvested from the larvae of caterpillars in the high Himalayas. In a randomized, eight-week Korean study of 79 adults, supplementing with 1.7 grams of cordyceps extract daily led to a significant 38 percent increase in the activity of natural killer cells that protect against infection. It has been used traditionally to treat fatigue, sexual dysfunction, asthma, kidney problems, high blood pressure and weak hearts.

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) contains a compound called polysaccharide-K that stimulates the immune system. It also acts as a prebiotic, which promotes the health of the gut microbiome, a key player in immunity. A Harvard Medical School study of 22 healthy people found that taking 3,600 milligrams of polysaccharopeptide extracted from turkey tail mushrooms each day led to beneficial changes in gut bacteria and suppressed the growth of problematic E. coli and shigella bacteria.

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

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MONTHLY PLANNER

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uperhero stem cells of unlimited potential wait in the body to be activated and help it heal. Although stem cells, which the body uses to repair and renew damaged cells, are in the body from its earliest embryonic stage and produced throughout our entire lifetime, their activation and production slows as we age. By 35, the body has lost more than half of its stem cell activity, and by 60, nearly all stem cell activity is lost. Additional loss occurs due to illness, as well, as with exposure to all electronics.

Building blocks for organs, tissues, blood and the immune system, stem cells generate and regenerate all the cells and structures inside the body, acting as an internal repair system. When the body activates stem cells, they divide and regenerate to do everything from healing a skin wound to regenerating an entire organ.

According to a World Journal of Experimental Medicine “Effect of Aging on Stem Cells” study in PubMed, “Stem cells have remarkable self-renewal ability and are capable of differentiating into multiple, diverse cells. There is increasing evidence that the aging process can have adverse effects on stem cells. As stem cells age, their renewal ability deteriorates and their ability to differentiate into the various cell types is altered. Understanding the role of the aging process in deterioration of stem cell function is crucial, not only in understanding the pathophysiology of aging-associated disorders, but also in future development of novel, effective, stem cell-based therapies to treat aging-associated diseases.”

Additionally, Dr. Natesh Parashurama, one of the nation’s top stem cell researchers and lead author of more than 30 studies on stem cells, advises, “Nearly all chronic disease could be addressed by stem cells. The potential is infinite.”

To have the same healing power that stems cells afford in youth, stimulating their production and activating them is now possible with a small patch worn on the skin that contains the patented and clinically proven nanotechnology of photo-biomodulation. This wavelength of light signals the body to up the production of a specific peptide called copper peptide (GHK-Cu). Resetting 4,000 genes to a younger state, this peptide stimulates the repair of collagen in all tissues, in addition to activating and resetting an individual’s stem cells to a younger, healthier state. It is this peptide GHK-Cu that increases expression of p63, a regulatory mechanism for the proliferation of stem cells in the body.

In GHK Copper Peptides: for Skin and Hair Beauty, Loren Pickart, Ph.D., author and renowned biochemist, as well as the discoverer of the original copper-peptide GHK-Cu advises, “This is a rejuvenating technology of the future. What’s more, it is a very affordable and safe approach.”

Beth Greer is the author of Super Natural Home and a cellular health consultant.

She’s a distributor at LifeWave, a research and development company working in the field of cutting-edge regenerative health technologies. For more information and a free consultation, call 415-497-1844. For a free e-book about the new technology, visit TrueVitalityProject.com. See ad, page 43.

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

Tips for Negotiating the Holiday Blues

by Linda Sechrist

H

oliday blues, the feelings of sadness that settle in and last throughout the season, become a significant mental issue for many individuals, particularly in November and December. A time of high emotions, big demands and great expectations, even individuals that enjoy being busy and attending holiday festivities can suffer mental fatigue and slight depression from the emotional letdown as the holidays ebb in January. From the perspective of Jennifer Hoi, owner of Peaceful Summit Counseling, this year may present an exaggerated set of circumstances to navigate due to the havoc and uncertainty still playing out around COVID-19. “Generally, people find uncertainty very unsettling, so I’m offering some of the suggestions that I give my clients,” says Hoy. n “Acknowledge feelings. Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people. I think we’re getting beyond the stigma of reaching out for help.” n “Recognize the feelings of stress and fatigue in the body when they begin to stir.” n “Beware of unrealistic expectations. Rather than be over extended, step back, take a deep breath and create realistic expectations with attainable goals. Unattainable goals set the stage for disappointment and depression.” n “Appreciate all the good things around us, beautiful sunsets, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful weather and many of the good things about Southwest Florida.”

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n “Try to live in the present. Don’t compare this holiday with the holidays of the good old days. Many times we idealize the past and forget about the negative parts. Stop pretending things were better than what they were.” n “Learn to say no. Don’t get so caught up in shopping, decorating and entertaining that exhaustion sets in and fun is squeezed out.”

Learn, Be Inspired & Transform

Hoy advises, “If you are a transplant like me, who has been in Southwest Florida for 30 years, you don’t have family here, so the friends we’ve made become our family. Enjoy them and make some great memories.”

Make Positive Changes in 2021

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fit body

HOLIDAY ZEN

Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

by Maya Whitman

D

espite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves and snag us in an unhealthy loop of overindulgence. To combat holiday pressure, the Mayo Clinic suggests maintaining a regular exercise program and investing in me-time activities like meditation and deep breathing.

Movement and simple self-care, even for a few minutes, can lower cortisol levels that often contribute to excessive food cravings.

Walking, going for a run, lifting weights, or getting into the pool or onto the yoga mat can help us enjoy the season with less angst.

foto helin/AdobeStock.com

Cancelling Guilt, Staying Healthy

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With simple strategies, enjoying the office party dessert table doesn’t have to get us off track. “One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself when reaching for a cookie is to be in full approval of eating it. Let your experience of eating it be clean, present and so free of resistance that you can really experience it,” says Maria Miller, a spiritual life coach in Oceanside, California.

Stephanie Mansour, host of the weekly national PBS health and fitness show Step It Up with Steph, also opts for a no-stress approach, especially when it comes to working out. “When cortisol levels are through the roof, we crave fattening, salty or sweet foods. Studies have shown that people have a more positive body image just after five minutes of exercise,” says the Chicagobased wellness coach. “This mindset is huge when it comes to eating healthier and taming holiday cravings.”

Bolstering neurotransmitters through good nutrition can take the edge off the to-do list or a gloomy winter day. “When we fuel our bodies with a variety of whole foods, we are also supporting healthy

Five-to-25-minute power naps are a great way to rest and recharge with a very high return on your investment of time. ~Maria Miller, spiritual life coach, Oceanside, California brain function, which has a direct impact on our emotions,” says Teigan Draig, a life coach in Spencerville, Ohio. Draig suggests berries, citrus fruits, fresh fish, turkey, walnuts, almonds, avocados and eggs to boost serotonin and dopamine levels, “which improve mood and help to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.”

Prioritizing Self

Most of us are short on time, but committing to good health doesn’t require hours at the gym. “Many of my clients are looking for fast, simple workouts that they can squeeze in during the holidays,” says Mansour. “Set the timer for five minutes and get down on the floor to do ab exercises. Doing leg lifts, bicycle abs and crunches for five minutes is an excellent way to fire up the core.” She also suggests setting the morning alarm or going to sleep at night five minutes earlier to do some stretches in bed. “If you’re cooking, you can do squats in the kitchen while a smoothie is blending or calf raises while stirring a pot on the stove.”

For Miller, putting on some music and dancing in the living room is a sure way to get a boost. She is also a fan of guilt-free, unplugged intervals of shut-eye: “Five-to-25-minute power naps are a great way to rest and recharge with a very high return on your investment of time.” During the winter months, it can be easy to turn to screens for distraction and as a way to cope with the stress of the season. Miller reminds us to nourish our souls and get out in nature to “notice the way the weather impacts your body, the way it feels to draw in a breath and how you’re part of a constant exchange with life through each breath you take.”

Inhaling Peace

Conscious breathing makes the effects of workouts go further and halts the cascade of stress hormones. “Whatever fitness routine you’re doing is fine, just always breathe through your nose. Mouth breathing triggers cortisol release,” says Ed Harrold, breathwork and performance coach in Draper, Utah, and author of Life with Breath. “When we slow the breath rate, we encourage a relaxation response. We can manage the release of cortisol by inhaling through the nose, slowly from the belly to the collarbone and exhaling slowly through the nose by gently drawing the belly back into the lower spine. This is called diaphragmatic breathing and is our proper breath, even during exercise.”

For nature, winter is a time of repose from which we can take a cue and enjoy the moment. Draig muses, “Mindfulness requires us to be present in the here and now, rather than worrying about the to-do list or stressing over holiday finances.”

Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life. Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

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Holiday Party Recipe from Personal Vegan Chef Lisa Brown

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oliday parties are the perfect setting for delicious finger foods.

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⅔ cup unbleached all-purpose flour (or substitute gluten-free flour) ¼ cup cornstarch or tapioca starch ½ tsp baking powder ¾ tsp salt, divided ½ tsp black pepper 2 tsp nutritional yeast 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika ¾ cup plus 2 Tbsp water, plus more as needed.

1 tsp tamari or coconut aminos 1½ cups breadcrumbs (or substitute gluten-free) 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional) 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bitesized florets Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, starch, baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and spices, water, tamari or coconut aminos and whisk well to combine. If needed, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time to make

a thin, pancake-type batter. In another medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, remaining salt and Italian seasonings.

Dip florets in the batter, tap them gently against the sides of the bowl to remove excess batter, then dip them in the breadcrumb mixture to coat the florets and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.

To avoid messy hands, use the floret stem to dip and coat.

Bake florets for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired. Optionally, broil the cauliflower florets for one to five minutes at the end to brown them.

Toss the cauliflower florets in the buffalo sauce while hot and enjoy!

Buffalo Sauce

½ cup vegan butter melted, (Miyoko›s or Earth Balance) ½ cup hot sauce (siracha or franks) 2 tsp vegan Worcestershire (Annie’s or Wizard’s) 2 Tbsp white wine or apple cider vinegar ¼ tsp paprika (optional) ¼ tsp liquid smoke (optional) In a medium bowl or mason jar, combine the melted vegan butter, hot sauce, vegan Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, white pepper, paprika, liquid smoke and whisk until completely combined.

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In small mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Add additional soy or almond milk as needed until it is the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings.

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Casa Shanti

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are Leah, Paasa Shanti, mela and Trish. a house of Spirit told me to peace and go bigger now transformation, and make more is a Fort Myers connections. I icon. Located in listened just as a 1911 historic I listened when home downtown, Spirit said to start Casa Shanti’s cozy Peace Day,” says front porch hints Zachari, founder at what lies beyond of Fort Myers’ the front door; Peace Day in the a healing ambiPark, which has ance accented by a Zachari become a staple delightfully eclectic event for Fort Myers since it first variety of items created by local artisans launched in 2007. and more from around the world.

“For most years that Casa Shanti has Casa Shanti’s metaphysical instrubeen open, it’s just been me doing readments for healing, such as crystals and ings, offering energy work, classes and gemstones, as well as tea blends, magical putting on events. It was only in the past herbs, incense, home décor and art, orfew years that I added additional services ganic health and beauty products, handand began offering local artisans a place made jewelry and more are integral to the to display their works. We’re back now unique, non-commercialized space that is to having activities such as a monthly as authentic and genuine as the indispa day, holistic fair and days of offering viduals that provide services there: “Leah services at special rates and specialty items Ryan, a talented licensed esthetician, Pain our boutique and apothecary where we mela Fisher, an Earth Mama and intuitive carry fair trade items curated with love healer who creates potions, lotions and handcrafted items such as mystical garden and the purest intent.

“People who come here often comcrystal dreamcatchers, and Trish Trapment that they feel as though they’ve nell, a third-degree Sekheim reiki master, found a like-minded tribe where they who is also skilled in sound healing with fit in, and that’s just what our little Casa tuning forks and vibrational therapy,” says Shanti family intends when we hand Zachari, Casa Shanti owner. them a warm cup of tea and make “In Casa Shanti’s 12-year history, I’ve them feel welcome as soon as they walk never had to advertise. Word of mouth through the door,” he advises. built our reputation along with referrals and clients sharing with friends about Casa Shanti is located at 2052 Cottage St., the value of my services as a professional in Fort Myers. For more information, call reader, which I’ve been doing in this town 239-208-9872 or visit CasaShanti.us. See since I was 15 years old. I know I’m doad, page 33. ing here what I was born to do, and so

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Thomas Moore on the

Art of Soulful Listening

by Marlaina Donato

What inspired you to write Soul Therapy?

We need more therapeutic conversations in all areas of life, and my book is for the ordinary person, as well as the professional therapist. We could talk to each other with

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the intention of befriending and offering useful care. Medicine is in need of an injection of this therapeutic talking and listening to add soul and spirit to an otherwise materialistic approach to the human being.

What is soul therapy in modern times?

The ancient Greeks wrote extensively about the soul. Their word was psyche, so it takes very little effort to see how psychotherapy is about caring for the soul. The ancients felt that the soul’s natural home is in the “underworld”, and soul therapy sees it the same way. We are not interested in causing behavior changes or finding explanations for current problems. These don’t go deep enough. They do not touch the underworld, or deep narratives and memories of a person. For example, if a person complains that he eats too much, then we might go deep and see if the underlying issue is a failure to nourish his life and person. We look for metaphors and layers of meaning. We don’t want change for the

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

photo by Simone Anne

T

homas Moore, New York Times bestselling author, Jungian-based psychotherapist, musician and former monk, has been an advocate for conscious living since authoring his first book, Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. Twenty-three books later, Moore breaks ground with his latest release, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations, in which he invites therapists, psychiatrists, spiritual directors, ministers and caregivers to cultivate deeper connection based on soulful listening. His timeless wisdom inspires all of us to live from a state of spirituality and conscious wonder so that we might bridge the chasm between cultural, political and personal differences.

sake of change. We don’t necessarily expect a person to feel better or be better adjusted to life. We stay close to the symptom, like eating too much, and hope to see it fulfilled at a deeper level, truly nourishing your life.

What soul work is required of the helper to be able to address the needs of others?

The helper in soul therapy has to learn to observe carefully, and at a deep level, the narrative or story being lived out, often

unconsciously, in a client. The arts, mythology, alchemy, dreams—these can all give hints about the deeper story being lived. The soul therapist does not give much advice, if any, and doesn’t try to figure a person out. He or she stays close to the symptoms to see what the pain and confusion are all about. A person gets to know better the desires and fears that motivate him, without judgment or agenda. You try to see where the soul might have been wounded or not cared for.

Why do you think there is a perceived increase in anxiety and depressive disorders?

Our underlying philosophy or way of seeing everything is based on quantified studies, brain and laboratory research and the need to explain and define everything.

There is no room for mystery and its language, which is poetic and metaphorical.

The soul suffers.

How can we truly listen to others and cultivate authentic presence?

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What gives you hope for humanity?

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They are not plagued with cynicism or despair. We can’t give up our idealism and surrender to pessimism. The world has always had deep troubles. The challenge should bring out all our creativity and passion for life.

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Celebrating the Soul of Winter

by Marlaina Donato

I

nevitably, the wheel of the year turns with the nuances of the seasons hardly noticed in the blur of our busy days. “Next year,” we say, when we realize that we’ve run out of time to try that holiday recipe, connect with friends or revel in a winter sunset. Collecting small joys takes us out of survival mode and into wide-awake living.

Pausing to sip from winter’s steaming cup of comfort can be the perfect way to begin a new chapter that prompts us to come back to the center.

In the ancient world, fire festivals marked holy days celebrating the sun’s promise of return and supplied felicity in a time of hardship. Today, something inside our ancestral memories makes us crave celebration as we wrap the year’s end in shiny ribbon, ethereal lights and scented candles.

Singing, chanting or caroling this time of year—“old-fashioned” pastimes—were ancient elements of winter’s revels that invited benevolent energy and chased away bad luck. While most of us no longer grace our neighbors with song, raising our voices to any capacity can be an offering, an invitation to hope and beauty. Singing multicultural songs with the kids, writing a spontaneous prayer or sharing seasonal or funny stories naturally boosts the immune system and helps to fight off the winter blues.

Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention: ruby fruits baked with brown sugar, rosy desert mornings and snowy sapphire twilights. Pointing out December constellations over a beach or lacing up our boots for a brisk walk helps us to unplug from the world’s problems. Sprinkling heart-healthy spices in our morning coffee opens a gloomy day on a lovely note.

Winter can feel long, so go ahead and treat your senses; buy a few yards of red velvet to sleep on or pick up that novel you’ve been planning to read. Live and give a little more deeply. Feed the birds and feed your soul.

Marlaina Donato is an author and a composer of ambient holiday music. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Revels Around the World:

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n The celebration of Soyal by the Hopi people of northern Arizona centers on purification, dancing and inviting the favor of the Kachinas, or protective nature spirits.

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to see the sunrise and eat foods such as pomegranates and nuts. n The Chinese festival of Dong Zhi, or the “arrival of winter”, is an ancient celebration of labor and the closing year. n The Ukrainian celebration of Malanka, or Orthodox New Year, is a type of Mardi Gras involving masks, costumes and singing from house to house.

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healthy kids

The Best Books for Kids Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

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by Sandra Yeyati

H

elping children learn to read and love books is one of the greatest parental endeavors. Many kids learn their first words after hearing the adults in their lives sing a lullaby or tell them a nursery rhyme. “Building a child’s vocabulary is the key to reading, and rhymes, singing, word games, synonyms, homonyms and rap are great places to start,” says Claudette McLinn, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature and former librarian, teacher, school administrator and children’s bookstore owner.

A child’s first reading experience will likely involve a picture book. “What’s powerful about picture books is that the illustrations and text intertwine,” McLinn explains. “You can read them aloud together. As the child looks at the artwork, the adult can ask, ‘What is that?’ And the child can use their imagination while you teach them to observe, articulate and start the reading process.”

To encourage childhood reading, it’s helpful to have a variety of books around the house and to set aside reading time every day. “It costs nothing to check out a pile of 25 books at the library, take them home and try them,” says Maeve Knoth, a librarian at Phillips Brooks School, in Menlo Park, California. When buying books, she suggests consulting 46

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librarians and booksellers for recommendations, as well as relying on book awards such as the Newbery or Caldecott medals, and on book lists compiled every year by reputable organizations and committees, notably the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

Choosing books for kids should always start by discovering what their passions or interests are and then finding a good book on that subject, says McLinn, adding that encouraging children to browse the shelves and choose their own books is an empowering exercise that builds self-esteem and a love of reading. Whether it’s dinosaurs,

cars or the stars and planets, there’s a kid’s book about it. “Although fiction is important early on because it increases imagination, nonfiction books help kids learn new information and understand the role of the table of contents, the glossary and index, and informative diagrams,” she says, adding that she prefers award-winning nonfiction books because they’ve been vetted for accuracy.

“Kids often gravitate toward books that are a little bit less challenging,” Knoth says. “While I have no objection to those popular books, which are lots of fun, they’re not going to give kids a new way to think about themselves or the world. I want my children to have consequential reading experiences with books that offer new points of view where kids can live in someone else’s heart and mind for a little while. I want them to know what it might be like to live in a different time period or to grow up in China.”

According to Knoth, a great children’s book will include an engaging character that has an experience, prompting them to change and grow. “I want it to be well structured and beautifully written, with setting, point of view and all those elements that fit together to create a theme and give you a literary experience,” she explains. She looks for nuanced books that invite kids to use their imagination and find their own way.

“The reader might be young, but they’re not dumb. They just haven’t had lots of experiences yet. If a book concludes with one narrow solution to a child’s problem, then I would say it’s not that useful or successful,” says Knoth, a frequent contributor to The Horn Book, a resource for children’s book reviews and articles.

McLinn believes that kids should be exposed to a diversity of authors and illustrators that explore the lives of all cultures.

“We live in silos with the people in our group, and we don’t know anything about other groups,” she explains. “When you read about other cultures, you learn that we are more alike than we are different.

We may eat different foods, wear different clothing and have different customs, but you find out that it’s not scary. Kids love to read about heroes that they can identify with and become their friends. Children are

into social justice and fairness. As a child, I loved biographies. I wanted to read about great people and what made them great so that maybe I could be great like them.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

Children’s Book Awards Newbery Medal: Tinyurl.com/NewberyMedal-Award Caldecott Medal: Tinyurl.com/Caldecott-Medal-Award American Indian Youth Literature Awards: Tinyurl.com/American-IndianAward Pura Belpré Award, celebrating Latino culture: Tinyurl.com/Pura-Belpre-BookAward Coretta Scott King Awards, showcasing African American values: Tinyurl. com/Coretta-Scott-King-Awards

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Children’s Book Lists Rainbow Book List, presenting LGBTQIA+ viewpoints: glbtrt.ala.org/ rainbowbooks Best Books by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature: csmcl.org/best-books-2020 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Booklists, various topics: Tinyurl.com/ ccbcBookList Association for Library Service to Children Book Lists, various genres and topics: Tinyurl.com/alscBookList Notable Children’s Books by the Association for Library Service to Children, identifying the best of the best in children’s books: Tinyurl.com/ alscNotableBooks

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calendar of events The events described in this section were scheduled to take place at the time we went to press. Please check ahead to confirm their status.

your intuition, and receive your own insights using crystals and cards. Go home with a crystal that chooses you! $20. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399.

LotusBlossomClinic.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Virtual Reiki Share with Chat Rooms – 6:30-8pm.

1st Tues. Join for monthly reiki share online using distance reiki. Begins with a Holy Fire meditation and then chat rooms for private sessions. Donation.

Register by email to receive the Zoom link: Pattie@ pcarney.net.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Morning Yoga – 9:15-10am. Nov 1-30. All classes are gentle to moderate, and based on the fundamental tools of traditional yoga philosophy: expanding breath, building strength, improving balance, accessing flexibility, harnessing focus and finding ease. $20/drop-in or $55/5-sessions. 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs. AccessHolisticHealing. com/yogasignup.

Sip ‘n Shop at CasaShanti Emporium – 4-8pm.

Also Dec 8, 12, 22. CasaShanti Emporium is open until 8pm on Wednesdays until Christmas with after-hours sales, appetizers, giveaways, and fun!

Enjoy a glass of wine or special holiday mocktail while you shop and bask in a peaceful moment after a busy day! CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers.

208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

Wind Down Wednesday – 6:30-7:30pm. Also Dec 15. Doors open at 6pm for tea time and connection.

Join Michele for a healing self-meditation to wind down and heal your mind, body and spirit. $20.

27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs. AccessHolisticHealing.com/yogasignup.

New Moon Meditation and Sound Healing – 7pm.

Doors open at 6:30pm for tea time and connection.

Lunar education, meditation and live sound healing. $20. 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200 Bonita Springs. AccessHolisticHealing.com/yogasignup.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 Animal Reiki Clinic – Dec 3-4. Noon-5pm, Fri; 8-10am, Sat. Our animal companions love reiki and greatly benefit those struggling with health concerns, end of life, or one who is new to your family! Pattie will give reiki in nature outside the Lotus Blossom Clinic. More appointments available on Saturday morning. Sessions may also include animal communication. $60. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399.

Info: Pattie@pcarney.net. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Master Tarot Class – 6-7:30pm. Learn everything from the meaning of the cards to methods of reading in one night! This class is a full course in everything you need to become a professional tarot reader. $50.

Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 2286949. GoddessIAM.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Community Yoga – 9:15-10am. A special monthly donation yoga class. Love offering. 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200 Bonita Springs. AccessHolisticHealing. com/yogasignup.

Naples’ Inaugural Green Tent Circle – 10amnoon. The first Green Tent will inspire women and girls, giving them the encouragement to tell their stories and create actions for bringing about worldwide healing and heart-to-heart connections intended to care for Mother Earth. Facilitated by Naples’ resident Janet Weisberg. Bring blanket, water, and a paper and pen. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. RSVP: Janet_PeacePrevail@me.com.

Info: GreenTentCircle.com. See article, page 17.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Santa’s Christmas Bazaar – 10am-2pm. Also Dec 11 & 18. Christmas comes early, every Saturday in December at Access Holistic Healing. Check out the crystals and books at seasonally low prices, free drawing for Access Bars and same-day mystery specials. Free. 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs. 776-2211. AccessHolisticHealing.com.

Food Healing Oracle Deck Book Signing and Readings – 11am-1pm. Authors Joanna Salerno and Laine Sevante Wulkan will share about spirit, the archangelic realm, tarot and our chakras. Free.

CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 208-9872.

CasaShanti.us.

Community Kirtan and Vegetarian Potluck – 5-8:30pm. Hosted by Linda Collins and Dan Gorney. Potluck (5pm) followed by kirtan. Bring a vegetarian dish to share and a mat or cushion for comfort. Chairs provided. Bring a musical instrument – chords and lyrics are displayed on a large screen for all to follow along. $20 love offering.

Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009.

UnityNaples.org.

Cambier Park Drum and Dance Circle – 6-8:30pm. Meets biweekly (Dec 4 & 18). Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family-friendly. BYO chair.

Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

Crystal Bowl Service – 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd Wed. Join on the second Wednesday of each month for a healing crystal bowl service facilitated by the gifted Linda Collins. Bring a mat, pillow or blanket, though chairs will be provided. Experience this serene, peaceful practice and melt into the divine with the gorgeous sounds of the singing bowls. $20 love offering (no one turned away). Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009.

UnityNaples.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 Holiday Party – 5-8pm. Complimentary drop-in event to meet the Lotus Blossom Clinic practitioner/ healers that offer Chinese and functional medicine, reiki and polarity therapy, many forms of therapeutic massage, sound healing and more! Enjoy healing and super yummy foods at the holiday nosh tables.

Sample home-brewed ginger kombucha. Dr. David & Vickie Gelardi will be signing their newly published book: It’s Not Just a Cookbook. Prizes and surprises! Free. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399.

LotusBlossomClinic.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 Ada’s Natural Market Celebration – Festivities marking the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 include food samplings, product demonstrations and prizes. Ada’s Natural Market, 7070 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Info: 939-9600. See ad, page 41.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 Rap with the Rev – 11:30am-12:30pm. Whether you’re new to Unity and want to know what’s next or a long-time member seeking spiritual expansion, join in the sanctuary immediately following Sunday service for a one-hour gathering. Bring your thoughts and questions for a deeper dive into the morning discussion. Learn about the spiritual journeys of others as you share your own. Free.

Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009.

UnityNaples.org.

Access Intuition via Heart, Crystals and Cards to Reconnect with Your Authentic Self – 2-3:30pm.

Experience deep calm and internal alignment with your authentic self in this class led by Nick Kidawski and Deb Martín (certifications in Heart Math, Emotion Code, Intuition and Oracle Card Reading). Access your heart’s wisdom, explore

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Yoga and Live Crystal Bowl Sound Bath – 9:30am: all levels yoga; 11am: chair yoga. Enjoy a relaxing yoga class with Carla Hyde while Christar Damiano performs live on crystal singing bowls. $20/class. Held in the Chapel, Bldg A at Unity of Fort Myers. 11120 Ranchette Rd. 239-278-1511.

UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Full Cold Moon Gathering – 6-8pm. It’s time to celebrate the December full moon. Kindred spirits of the old ways, come together, give thanks and recharge our souls in this magical event. Blessed be! Cake and ale provided. $20. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20

Sisterhood Together and Stronger: Clothing Swap – 1-4pm. 1pm set up; 1:30-4pm swap. Bring gently used clean clothes and accessories for women and teen girls for trade. $5/donation to House of Gaia. 1660 Trade Center Way, Naples. Info: 2906008. HouseOfGaia.org. See news brief, page 13.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 Light Code Activations – 9-10:30am. Join for channeled energy, activations and messages.

These activations can be shortcuts to ease and grace, healing and prosperity. $22. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949.

GoddessIAM.com.

Reiki Circle – 5-6pm. Join amazing facilitators for a reiki healing circle every 2nd Sunday. Experience an atmosphere of healing while using reiki energy to remove blockages by balancing the many chakra energy channels. Great for healing emotional and physical pain, non-invasive. RSVP or drop-ins welcome. $10. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd, Naples. GoddessIAm.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 RESET Conversation – 3-4pm. Christopher Nesbitt has run the Maya Mountain Research Farm, an ongoing permaculture project in southern Belize, Central America, since 1988. Former degraded citrus and cattle land, the farm is focused on the intersection of agriculture and ecology. Since 2004, the farm has been working on specific ways to draw down carbon with an emphasis on food security, degraded land repair, multistrata agroforestry systems and staple tree crops. Tinyurl.com/ResetWithNesbitt.

See article, page 20.

Yoga Under the Stars – 6-7pm. The perfect way to end your day, join Yogamama for an hour of gentle flow yoga, dynamic meditation, and crystal bowl sound healing under the night sky. $15.

CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 208-9872.

CasaShanti.us.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Wind Down Wednesday – 6:30-7:30pm. Doors open at 6pm for tea time and connection. Join Michele for a healing self-meditation to wind down and heal your mind, body and spirit. $20. 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs. AccessHolisticHealing. com/yogasignup.

Full Moon Meditation and Sound Healing – 7pm.

Doors open at 6:30pm for tea time and connection.

Lunar education, meditation and live sound healing. $20. 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200 Bonita Springs. AccessHolisticHealing.com/yogasignup.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 Somatic Movement Workshop – 11am-12:15pm.

3rd Fridays. These slow and mindful techniques can physically help reduce pain, mental stress, and emotional anxiety. Stay supple, reduce fatigue and insomnia, improve joint mobility, and regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Bring a mat (or borrow). $20. Class package pricing available. Lotus

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Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399. Preregister: JoanieFlavin@gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Christmas Pageant – 7pm. Join for the Unity of Fort Myers annual Christmas Pageant. This is a humorous adaptation of A Christmas Carole, at 7pm. Purchase food starting at 6pm. The play cost is a love offering in the Sanctuary. 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Shanti Holiday Serenity Spa Day – 10am-5pm.

Relax and rejuvenate with a reading, reiki, facial, or ionic detox footbath that will give you the boost you need for the holidays. Special pricing for Spa Saturday sessions. $35-$45/session. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. RSVP: 208-9872.

Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. Mini-readings with some of Naples’ most experienced psychics and healers. Some of our services include: mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30 for 20 minutes, Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Cambier Park Drum and Dance Circle – 6-8:30pm. Meets biweekly (Dec 4 & 18). Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family-friendly. BYO chair.

Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 Winter Solstice Celebration – 1-6pm. Join with your native roots or indigenous attire for an afternoon of ceremony and fun as we gather together to begin this journey. Highlights opening ceremony with tea, nature walk, group creation of an altar to honor Mother Earth, Sage blessing, labyrinth walk, meditation, BYO drum circle with fire pit and dancing, alchemy crystal bowl meditation, closing ceremony and community potluck. Bring a labeled dish to share. $20 love offering (no one turned away). Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. RSVP: UnityNaples.breezechms. com/form/wintersolstice.

Singing Bowls and Gongs Meditation Series – 6pm. 3rd Sun. Thru Apr 17. Dana Marie House will facilitate relaxing and meditative crystal bowls and gongs, in an hour of sound therapy bath in an outdoor courtyard under the stars. Bring your mat, bean bag, lawn chair or blanket and pillow. $20 donation. Weather permitting. RB Institute, Inc, 13550 Reflections Pkwy, 5-502, Ft Myers. Advance RSVP: 571-5234. QuantumHealing-SacredSound. com/about.html.

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

Grounding 101: Connecting with Earth Energies – 6-8pm. Ever felt like you’re running to catch up with yourself? Learn the tools and practices you can use to ground yourself whenever you feel like you’re out of step with yourself. $20. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

Together and Stronger: Holiday Potluck – 6-9pm.

DJ, live music collaboration, art, dance, community.

All ages. Bring a musical instrument and a vegan/ vegetarian dish to share. Love donation. House of Gaia. 1660 Trade Center Way, Naples. RSVP by text: 290-6008. HouseOfGaia.org. See news brief, page 13.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Unity Christmas Eve Service – 5pm. Join for a beautiful and empowering traditional Unity Christmas Eve Service complete with a powerful message and magical music from the choir! All are welcome.

Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 6-7:30pm.

Music and message are intertwined as we light the advent candles in celebration of the birth of our brother Jesus, and the heralding of the light of the Christ within each of us. Families are welcome – kids can enjoy a special story-time with Santa, and will be treated to their own fun Christmas Eve experience.

Love offerings accepted. Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. UnityNaples.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 Unity New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Service – 5pm. Burn away the burdens of the past year and embrace the hope of the new year. All are welcome.

Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Service – 6-7:30pm.

Join for a guided meditation and experiential process to assist in releasing that which no longer serves us.

Join us in this experience of letting go and clearing the field to prepare for a new beginning. Facilitated

by Rev. Claudia René, with crystal singing bowls by Angela Black and acoustic music by Amy and Jesse Hughes. Love offering. Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. UnityNaples.org.

plan ahead SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 White Stone Ceremony – 10am. This ceremony is symbolic of a clean slate which allows you to be open to receive what spirit calls you to be in the new year. Stones are supplied. Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 New Year’s Holistic Cleanse – Jan 7-14. A transformative, yoga based mind-body detox. Start the New Year off right! Available live online or in person.

Mid-Cape Farmers’ Market – 10am-2pm. 125 SW Third Pl, Ste 200, Cape Coral. For info: MercolaMarketcc.com.

Sunday Morning Celebration Service: Unity of Ft Myers – 10-11am. A spiritual community open to all. Experience loving acceptance and comfort during challenging times. Come listen to inspiring, empowering, and uplifting messages from Rev. Crystal. 1112 Ranchette Rd. 278-1511.

UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Sunday Celebration Service: The Power of Light – 10-11:15am. Explore the real light of your life, the true light of your love and the ecstasy of knowing who you really are and to whom you really belong.

Free yourself from the experience of pain, lack and limitation in your life by calling on the presence of Christ. Spiritual inspiration from Rev. Denise Schubert and Rev. Claudia René. Musical inspiration by Amy and Jesse Hughes. Love offering. Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009.

UnityNaples.org. Livestream at Facebook.com/unityofnaples or YouTube.com/unityofnapleschurch.

Info/register: 437-9355 or SanibelWellness.com/ NewStart2020.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 Calusa Waterkeeper’s Film Viewing – Waterborne, a documentary exploring the public health impact of harmful algal blooms (HAB) and waterborne bacteria. Hear from scientific experts and officials on how Florida’s policies are failing to reduce the occurrence of HABs and bacteria contamination, and inadequately protecting the public from exposure. Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers. CalusaWaterkeeper.org, 941-479-2560, Info@CalusaWaterkeeper.org. See article, page 20.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Lecture on Stem Cell Treatment – 5:30pm.

Co-hosted by Dr. Chadwick C. Prodromos, and Illinois Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center.

An in-person and webinar lecture on the safe and evidence-based mesenchymal (not embryonic) stem cell treatment. Attendees will learn how this treatment can assist with various diseases and conditions. Tiburon Golf Club, 2620 Tiburon Dr, Naples.

Info/register: 847-699-6810, Care@ThePsci.com, ThePsci.com or TheForem.org. See ad on page 27 and news brief on page 12.

ongoing events

sunday Community Yoga – 8:30-9:30am. Free the first Sunday of every month. Weekly classes include Monday and Friday at 9am, Wednesday at 6:15pm, and Sunday at 10:30am. $20/class with package deals available at MysticalBookshop. com. Free. Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Pl, Cape Coral. 338-7816.

Higher Shelf Bookstore – 9am-noon. Spiritual/metaphysical books, inspirational cards, meditation cd’s, sacred ceremonial instruments, jewelry, incense and more. Unity of Fort Myers campus, 1112 Ranchette Rd, Bldg B. 278-1511.

UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Sunday Night Spiritual Gathering – 5:30-7pm.

A Zoom venue for spiritual seekers to gather and have positive conversations. We teach and practice affirmative prayer and embrace our inherent divinity. Our principles are positivity as we work through life’s puzzles. Love offering. Obtain link by emailing RevLuluLogan@gmail.com.

RevLulu.org.

Fort Myers Drum Circle – 7-9pm. Dance, drum, hoop or just enjoy the beats. BYO chair. Downtown Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Facebook page: Fort Myers Drum Circle. Info: Facebook.com/groups/fortmyersdrumcircle.

monday

Qigong – 10-11am. Join JaySun (Jason) Wechs in person to learn and practice the ancient art of qigong (Sheng Shen form), a spiritual form of the practice.

Qigong has been taught in China for thousands of years. Experience and expand your own healing energy. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399.

Love Flow Yoga – 5:30pm. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Wisdom Wednesday Service – 6-6:45pm. Midweek service on Facebook Live or YouTube. Engage in topics and conversations that awaken the mind, lift the spirits and open the heart. Musical inspiration provided by Amy and Jesse Hughes. Free. Love offering. Unity of Naples Church, 2000 Unity Way. 775-3009. Facebook.com/UnityOfNaples.

thursday Iyengar Yoga – 9:15am. With Carla Hyde. All levels.

Explore the art and science of letting go and experience gratitude and joy, all while enjoying the physical aspects of Iyengar yoga. $15 per class or 5/$60. Heart Space Yoga Collective, 13451 McGregor Blvd, Ste 30, Ft Myers. 850-8177. HeartSpaceYogaCollective.com.

Love Flow Yoga – 5:30pm. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 6:45-7:45pm. With Jenny Hong. Participants will comfortably lie down or sit while the frequencies reverberate throughout the body, promoting deep relaxation and healing on all levels. Physical distancing and face masks required. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. 277-1399.

Preregister: JennyLotusBlossom@gmail.com.

LotusBlossomClinic.com/events.

Lunar Flow – 7am. With Maggie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

friday

Gentle Flow Yoga – 7pm. With Chrissie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples.

692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Sacred Alignment – 11am. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 692-9747.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

tuesday

saturday

Chair Yoga – 10:30am. With Carla Hyde. All levels.

Calm the mind as you stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. The chair offers so many possibilities for movement. $15 per class or 5/$60. Heart Space Yoga Collective, 13451 McGregor Blvd, Ste 30, Ft Myers. 850-8177. HeartSpaceYogaCollective.com.

Gentle Beach Yoga Class – 9-10am. With Dr. Brian Healy. All levels and beginner-friendly. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water and at least one beach towel. A yoga mat is optional. Free; parking fee: $2. San Carlos Bay Preserve and Bunche Beach, 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Info: 437-9355 or FortMyersAcupunctureMassage.com.

Multidimensional Healing Group – 6:308pm on Zoom. Connecting and healing with spirit guides and loved ones in spirit. Mediumship master Patti Wilson facilitates therapeutic conversations with loved ones that have crossed over and helps you develop your own abilities in multidimensional communication. $30/ class or $100/4-classes. Register: 270-1876, SpiritualCoach@hotmail.com.

wednesday Lunar Flow Yoga – 7am. With Maggie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

The Green Market – 9am-1pm. Fresh air and fresh produce make Saturday mornings worth rising for.

Discover an exclusive selection of locally grown, caught and cultivated foods and other products available for purchase. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 939-2787. ArtInLee.org/ experience/satruday-greenmarket.

Cambier Park Drum and Dance Circle – 6-8:30pm. Meets biweekly (Dec 4 & 18). Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family-friendly. BYO chair.

Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

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Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night.

“It saved me last holidays,” she said.

“The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.”

Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said.

By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast.

September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.”

“They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched.

Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished.

Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses.

Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA24. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?”

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives.

Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever.

The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL Collier/Lee Counties swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com 52

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

S

community resource guide

COLON THERAPY

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

BODYWORK

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF NAPLES

ART OF HOLISTIC MASSAGE Est. 1991

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 6.

CDC guidelines followed (mask etc). Zero Balancing, Process Acupressure, Reiki. Webinar classes all discounted; call for registration. Reflexology, SEVA Stress Release, Insomnia, MT’s get CEs. Free self-massage video at AOHMassage.com.

Dr. Xiu Qiong Cen, AP, OMD (China) 5683 Naples Blvd, Naples 34109 P: 239-513-9232 • F: 239-513-9293 DrCenAcupuncture@gmail.com

LOTUS BLOSSOM CLINIC

Acupuncture – Oriental Medicine David Martin, AP, DOM Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita 239-277-1399 • LotusBlossomClinic.com Offering treatment for many health issues: pain, anxiety, stress, PTSD, fertility, heart, strokes, digestive and immune disorders. U.S. veterans: no cost with a V.A. referral.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine 6249 Presidential Ct, Ste E, Ft Myers 33919 239-841-6611 • GulfCoastAcupuncture.com Specializing in pain, chronic disorders, overall wellness, allergy treatments (NAET) and kinesiology.

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to heal all on its own! AP771.

Alvina Quatrano, LMT FL MA 50896 For Info or Appt: 732-266-5276 AOHMassage.com

PAULA TERRY, LMT

239-821-3088, by appt. (Collier & Lee) Trained at the Upledger Institute, Paula utilizes CranioSacral Therapy combined with Heart-Centered Therapy, Somato Emotional Release™, Lymphatic Drainage, love and nurturement to foster the healing your body needs. Doula services.

MA35358.

TRINITY PERSONAL FITNESS

Lisa A. Hall, RYT 732-766-2002

By Appt Only - In Person or Virtual Reiki Master, Lifewave skin patches (phototherapy), Holobody coach, yoga/pilates, personal training. Optimal health from the inside out; certified and insured since 1999.

BOOKS AND GIFTS 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.

MYSTICAL BOOKSHOP LLC

13141 McGregor Blvd, Ste 7, Ft Myers 33919 239-338-7816 • MysticalBookshop.com Contact@MysticalBookshop.com Mystical Bookshop is not just books! We also offer one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, crystals, classes, monthly community circles and much more.

CHIROPRACTOR NETWORK CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Michele Pelletiere 3411 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 302, 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.

RB INSTITUTE, INC.

C. Robyn Berry, LMT, CRR, CCT, CLDT 13550 Reflections Pkwy, 5-502 & 5-503, Ft Myers • 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com Since 1994, gravity-enclosed UV/ Oxygen/Ozone sterilized medicalgrade water colonics, therapeutic, relaxing, chair, sports, prenatal massage, Craniosacral/SER, Heart Centered therapy, manual lymph drainage & XP2 System, visceral manipulation, HALO Photonic Blue-Violet Laser Botanical System, Asyra/Quest4 MSA Bio Meridian Stress Analysis, ear candling, Lakota YLEO Raindrop Therapy, Tuning Fork/Crystal/Bowls Therapy, reflexology, MPS, cupping, ozone steam cabinet and applied ozone therapies, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox by AMD, BEMER sessions, Power Plate, Hyperbaric Chamber, PER 2000 PEMF and notary. MM7376. See ad, page 15.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY UPTOWN CHEMIST

Pharmacy, Compounding, Wellness Norman Ruiz-Castaneda, PharmD, Owner/ Pharmacist 2700 Immokalee Rd, Ste 24, Naples 239-431-4217 • UptownChemist.com Norman is a licensed pharmacist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in compounding. He offers a personable approach in consultation, practicing with integrative medicine and fostering a relationship with the prescribing doctor; creating a “hometown” pharmacy for all of our patients.

DENTAL HEALTH 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 23.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Eduardo Maristany, MD 800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com Eduardo Maristany, M.D. is a board-certified internal medicine physician trained in functional/integrative medicine, genomic interpretation, and anti-aging. Dr. Maristany incorporates genomic intelligence and cutting-edge tools to provide his patients with comprehensive genetic health risks and benefits, and a personalized health plan for optimal wellness. See ad, page 55.

December 2021

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NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Carol L. Roberts, MD 800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com Carol L. Roberts, M.D. has practiced functional/integrative/holistic medicine for 25 years. She provides patients with testing to uncover causes of chronic illness, guidance in resolving health issues and education to assist the patient in her own healing. She is Medical Director at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine, formerly the Hughes Center. See ad, page 55.

ZORAYDA “JIJI” TORRES, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP

Internal Medicine, Functional Medicine Office: 239-444-5636 • UpstreamMD.com Dr. Torres is a board-certified internist with over 17 years of experience and knows the limitations of conventional internal medicine. She is among the few Certified Practitioner M.D.s, trained by the Institute For Functional Medicine. See ad, page 12.

HOLISTIC CENTER ACCESS HOLISTIC HEALING & HYPNOSIS Michele Durham, CH, MBA 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs, 34135 office: 239-301-3501 • cell: 239-776-2211 AccessHolisticHealing.com

Specializing in hypnosis, QHHT, NLP, SRT. Offering sound and light therapy, massage therapy, reiki, access bars, salt therapy, Conscious1Vibe crystals and bookstore.

Joined by Dr. Daniel Stanciu offering IV Infusions and nutrition testing. See ad, page 18.

LIFE COACH LULU CARTER

Top Expert in Science of Happiness Positive Pyschologist Coach – 30 Years of Experience Chief Happiness Officer/President of House of Gaia 239-290-7008 • Lulu@HouseOfGaia.org HappinessBeyondBorders.com HouseOfGaia.org Ready for positive changes in your life in 2021? First session is free – call to schedule. Private sessions on-line, affordable packages. Get inspired, learn, transform and be happy! English, Spanish and Portuguese. See ad, page 35.

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.

NATURAL & ORGANIC MARKET ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

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.

1000s of gluten-free items. See ad, page 41.

BUSINESS BLOOMS when you advertise with us.

NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS ANATTA

Collier/Lee Counties

MagnetudeJewelry.com/LisaDoyle ljbluestar@hotmail.com 239-851-4729 We use the strongest Neodymium bio-magnets (4000 gauss) to attach our “‘tudes” to our bases.

These bio-magnets help to overcome the harmful effects of EMFs by increasing cellular energy and vitality. Interchangeable, beautiful and most are designed with powerful gems with your health in mind.

NUTRITION D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE Bonita Bay Executive Center 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Sprgs 239-676-5249 • D-SignedNutrition.com Nutrition is our lifeblood. Healing with food starts with a personalized plan to address inflammation, nutrient insufficiencies, toxic burden and imbalances in the body.

See ad, page 39.

MARCY HESS, BS

501 Goodlette Rd N, Ste C208, Naples 239-231-6028 ThePerfect10Strength@gmail.com Looking and feeling strong and healthy is the first reason for working with a nutrition coach.

Let me help you get back on track for life without dieting! See ad, page 37.

PLANT-BASED CHEF & CATERING LISA BROWN

Plant-based Chef & Educator 646-642-0083 FreeFlowingHealth.com Chef Lisa offers customized, personal, plant-based chef services and catering to busy professionals and individuals looking to eat healthier and feel better.

447 Broadway, Ste 204 New York City, NY 10013 347-762-1268 • AnattaMarket.com Anatta is a global online marketplace for natural, organic and raw products from farmers worldwide.

The newly-formed company’s products include a variety of essential oils and waters, and its unique business model eliminates overhead costs by connecting customers directly with farmers.

239-272-8155

54

MAGNETUDE JEWELRY

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

YOGA MEREDITH MUSICK, LMT, E-RYT 2000 239-269-8846

Master Yoga Teacher and massage therapist with 28 years experience, serving Naples since 1999. Sundamaged skin repair clinician, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, sports and neuromuscular therapy, cranio facial and TMJ relief, heal injuries. Improve posture: alignment-based yoga and posture classes.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. Must be pre-paid. Email listing, include billing contact info, by 10th of month prior to publication to: NAClassifieds@ NaturalAwakenings.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing.

Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings. com/mymagazine.

FOR RENT ROOM FOR RENT – Full- or part-time room.

Ideal for professional practitioner of coaching, yoga or massage. Bonita Beach Rd. 239-776-2211.

ROOMS FOR RENT – Massage establishment Medical RB Institute Wellness Suites: $400, $450, $550 plus tax. By appointment. Text: 239939-4646.

PRODUCTS LUXURIOUS CRYSTALS – Raw and polished healing crystals, jewelry, home decor and more!

Find your natural beauty that vibrates within.

LuxuriousCrystals.com.

SERVICES THE FIDDLE FLOWERS FIDDLE GRAM – By JamesSteven Farnsworth. A wonderful gift of one dozen beautiful roses in a vase and gift card, plus a lovely mini-concert of violin or fiddle music. Special intro price: $55 local delivery.

Call/text: 510-292-7786, JsfViolin@gmail.com.

TheHealingViolin.com.

Promote your special service, class or event in our print and online calendar. Easy to use!

Affordable options. Visit swfl.naturalawakenings. com/pages/calendarlistings.

GROWYour Business Secure your ad spot!

Contact us for special ad rates: 239-272-8155

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