MARK NEPO

Mark Nepo on Living a Wholehearted Life

by Sandra Yeyati

Bestselling author, poet, cancer survivor and inspirational spiritual teacher Mark Nepo has published 22 books and made numerous appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday program. His latest book, published this year, is The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters.

What do you mean by, “To be broken is not a reason to see all things as broken?”

In my cancer journey, after I had a rib removed from my back and a botched chemo treatment, I found myself in a Holiday Inn getting sick every 20 minutes, frightened and in pain, not sure what to do. As the sun started coming up, I realized that while this was happening to me, it wasn’t happening to everyone. Somewhere nearby, a baby was being born and a couple was making love for the first time. Somewhere an estranged parent and grown adult child were talking for the first time after many years. That’s when it came to me that to be broken is no reason to see all things as broken, because the wholeness of life is what is healing. When I am broken, I need the company of those who know what it’s like to be broken, but I also need everything not broken to heal. When I’m afraid, I need the company of those who know what it’s like to be afraid, but I need everything safe to heal.

How does acceptance strengthen our resilience?

Acceptance is not resignation. Acceptance begins with the hard task or practice of seeing things as they are. When we can see things as they are—clearly—then we have real choices. So, if I am afraid and I give over to my fear, then I’m afraid of everything. If I can see things as they are, I can see more clearly exactly what I’m afraid of, and then I have real choices of what my next steps are. Acceptance lets us move forward.

What practices do you recommend?

Two of the oldest medicines known to human beings are our ability to hold and our ability to listen. Even though there are times when I have been told things I didn’t want to hear, there has never been a time that I have listened or been listened to that hasn’t been healing. There has never been a time when I have held or been held that hasn’t been healing.

Another practice is being completely present and holding nothing back. We tend to drift up into our minds, especially when afraid, and one of the reasons that all of the different traditions have breathing or meditation practices is to return us to where we are. If I start worrying, if I start getting lost in my fear, I try to look at whatever is before me. I’m in my study as I’m talking to you. I’m looking out the window. I’m seeing the leaves on the trees. I take a breath and try to give my full attention to whatever is before me, and then I start getting grounded again.

The thing is, we’re never going to be free of fear or pain, because that’s part of living, but when we can be present and practice being real and authentic, then the fear lives in us and we don’t live in the fear.

What is the power of authentic expression?

One of the most powerful things we can do when feeling powerless is admit the truth. When I was a little boy, I was so captivated by a butterfly that I wanted to look at it closely. I didn’t want to hurt it, so I carefully cupped it in my hands. But then I realized that as long as I had it cupped in my hands, I couldn’t see it. I had to let it go to see its magnificent, colorful wings. Forty years later in my cancer journey, I realized that this [experience] was a teacher about expression. When we keep things closed inside us, they pound and make a lot of noise, but we don’t see them. Once we express them, we’re lighter and we see their true colors.

For more information, book readings and conversations, visit MarkNepo.com. For webinars, visit Live.MarkNepo.com.

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

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Plans Change

- Call ahead to confirm events will occur as scheduled.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Retreat with Teilhard de Chardin & Thomas

Berry – 7-1pm. Runs through Sun., Oct. 4. Led by Springbank staff member Jim Conlon, PhD. Teilhard de Chardin was a French philosopher and Jesuit Catholic priest who conceived the controversial idea of the Omega Point (a maximum level of complexity and consciousness toward which he believed the universe was evolving). A Catholic priest from North Carolina, Thomas Berry was influenced by Teilhard. He believed that humanity, after generations spent in despoiling the planet, is poised to be a vital part of a larger, interdependent Earth community. “We venture forth to take a bold step in our yet-unfinished journey,” Conlon says. $290. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. SpringbankRetreat.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Power of Choice Virtual Discussion Group

Unity of Charleston – 11am-12:30pm. Jackie McCullough lead the virtual discussion group. Jackie is a Life Options Coach/Counselor. She helps us choose joy, peace and happiness instead of fear, anxiety and depression. Email unitycharleston@ msn.com for login instructions. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566- 0600. unitychs.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 Growing One’s Soul... Every Body’s Prayer – 10:30am-4pm. Runs through Wed., Oct. 7. Led by Doreen Cloutier. Our bodies express what our souls know to be true -- lifting arms in wonder, tapping feet to some inner song, holding someone rocking in grief. Through a gentle, contemplative experience, participants will explore the beauty of uniting heart, mind, and body to express through movement what our souls are longing to share. They will be stretching into the body’s marvelous ability for prayer in motion. All body types and physical limitations welcome. Look for this event in the September issue of Natural Awakenings. $200. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. SpringbankRetreat.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Singing Retreat – 7-1pm. Runs through Sun., Oct. 11. Led by Anita Braganza. A singing retreat is a joyful and uplifting experience. Using our voices in singing centers and grounds us. It helps shift the mood, aligning our bodies, minds, and spirits, providing a positive impact on physical and mental well-being. It can bring mindfulness and peace and is a wonderful way to be open to the guidance of the Spirit. $290. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. SpringbankRetreat. org. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 Indigenous Wisdom & Pottery – 10:30am-1pm. Runs through Sun., Oct. 25. Led by Springbank director Trina McCormick. Participants will share ancient wisdom and learn ways of relating to the natural world with greater reverence. They will create earthen vessels using a hand-building technique and will experience Prayer Lodge and Spirit Quest. No art experience is necessary. $1195. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382- 9777. SpringbankRetreat.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 Spirit Quest – 9am-1pm. Runs through Sun., Oct. 25. Spirit Quest is a deeply prayerful, insightful experience. Being open and receptive to the Spirit & listening in the profound quiet of the natural world is the focus of this five-hour quest. . $150. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. SpringbankRetreat.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Healing Oils – 10am-4pm. Led by Springbank staff member Theresa Linehan, using Zoom. Aromatic oils for healing, cleansing, & holy anointing are mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible. Participants will learn, enjoy and experience how modern science had discovered why people in ancient times used oils for daily well-being. They will experience how these healing oils are effective antibiotics and promote overall health and vitality. Time for quiet reflection and walking Springbank’s trails will be provided. $75. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. SpringbankRetreat.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 Doctrine of Signatures – 10am-12:30pm. Led by Springbank staff member Theresa Linehan, using Zoom. Dating from ancient times, the doctrine of signatures states that herbs resembling various parts of the body can be used by herbalists to treat ailments of those body parts. In a theological justification, some botanists said that God would have wanted to show all the ways that plants can be useful. $35. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382-9777. SpringbankRetreat.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 Retreat with Thomas Merton – 7-1pm. Runs through Sun., Nov. 1. Led by Springbank staff member Jim Conlon, PhD. “What people want is a way to God,” said Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion. Retreat participants will re-discover the beauty and depth of Merton’s journey by reflecting on his way of contemplation and action. $290. Springbank Retreat, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree. 843-382- 9777. SpringbankRetreat.org. Plans Change - Call ahead to con

firm events will occur as scheduled.

sunday

Power of Eight Intentions Virtual Discussion

Group – 1-2pm. Unity of Charleston Rev Sarah Scott Putnam leads the weekly Sunday 1pm Zoom virtual group based upon Lynne McTaggart’s “Power of Eight”. The book is recommended but not necessary. Tap into your extraordinary human capacity for healing, using the miraculous power of group intention and its mirror effect. Email unitycharleston@msn for login instructions. Donation at www.unitychs.org. Donation. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566- 0600. unitychs.org.

monday

ONLINE – ThetaHealing Technique with Maria

Fink – 7-8:30pm. 1st & 3rd Mon. Maria Fink is a starseed, a soul awakener and an intuitive that uses her clairaudience and clairvoyant gifts to improve the lives of others: people, animals and plants. Her favourite healing method is ThetaHealing Technique because it is simple and effective. Intuitive abilities can be used to bring spontaneous physical and emotional well being. Donation to Bliss Spiritual Co-op. Zoom links at blissSpiritualCo-op.org/Blog/ ThetaHealing-Technique-w-Maria-Fink Exploring Your Gifts ~ 4 Week Series – 7-9pm. Do you have a desire to communicate with loved ones who have passed? Do you long to receive clear guidance from a higher consciousness? Perhaps you’d simply like to strengthen your spiritual gifts. Join Will Brown for an exciting 4-week introduction to psychic ability, mediumship, and channeling. In this unique class, you will have the opportunity to sense human energy fields and auras, learn the difference between mediumship and channeling, and understand how a psychic reading differs from a mediumship reading. You’ll learn by doing and will be able to practice your skills in a safe and intimate setting. By the end of the course, you’ll be amazed at your ability to connect with Spirit, and your confidence will skyrocket! Will Brown is an experienced psychic, medium, and channel, who has worked with clients all over the world, bringing them messages of love, peace, hope, joy, and connection. After five remarkable years of training with his spiritual team, who call themselves The Collective, Will is now being guided to teach others how they can enjoy their own connection with Spirit! This inaugural class is specially priced at only $99 and will be limited to just 10 participants. Participants will meet each Monday in October (5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th) from 7pm-9pm at The Treehouse in Moncks Corner. $99. The Treehouse, 203 Summer Lane, Moncks Corner. palmandlotus. com/product/exploring-your-gifts.

Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day. ~John Wooden

community resource guide

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ALTERNATIVE HOLISTIC MEDICINE

Michael Bauerschmidt, MD Deeper Healing Medical Wellness Center 1300 Hospital Drive, Suite 360 Mt Pleasant SC 29464 843-388-5995 DeeperHealing.com Experience a refreshing MD consult at Deeper Healing Medical Wellness Center where they take the time to dive deep to uncover root causes and focus on healing the body naturally. Dr. Michael Bauerschmidt, an expert in Functional & Environmental Medicine, offers state-of-the-art treatments for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, a powerful cellular cleansing program, progressive allergy treatments, natural pain management, chelation and IV infusions. Dr. B is a leading expert on environmental toxicity and a compassionate professional who teaches tirelessly on how to live “well” in our modern world.

DR . PATRIC K S. LOVEGROVE Merge Medical Center Mt Pleasant 843-469-1001 MergeMedicalCenter.com A M A b o a r d - c e r t i f i e d M D specializing in family medicine, holistic internal medicine, Antia g i n g , C h i n e s e m e d i c i n e , naturopathy. Merge Medical Center … where modern thinking meets natural healing. Services include Primary Care, Weight Loss, Fatigue management, Bioidentical hormones, Colonics, Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Chiropractic, IV vitamins, and Bemer therapy.

A

EARTHE N APOTHECAR Y Jennifer Byrne MPH, CAP, LMT NAMA-certified Ayurvedic Practitioner Body Revelations Wellness 217 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401 843-743-8373 • EarthenApothecary.com Jennifer@EarthenApothecary.com Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of health and longevity. An Ayurvedic consultation can help you understand your unique constitution and identify how your system manifests imbalances. Individualized dietary, lifestyle and herbal recommendations are tailored to address any current imbalances. Call/email for scheduling. YOUR GROOMING GURU 1319 Savannah Hwy, Ste C Charleston (in Artisans Inc. Salon) 843-813-1838 • YourGroomingGuru.com Your Grooming Guru, Barbara Brant-Williams, is an experienced hair-stylist, makeup artist and certified Organic Color Specialist practicing out of the Artisans Salon. Charleston’s go-to source for hair, makeup and beauty product knowledge. See ad, page 13.

IOMAGNETIC THERAPY

Paula McGuire Mt Pleasant/Charleston 843-732-0293 • Paula@ireinst.com ireinst.com BioMagnetic Therapy can help create balance, restore vitality within the body and facilitate clearing of viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic infections; allergies; ADD; autism; autoimmune issues; heavy metal and other toxicity; chronic pain; infertility; herpes; MS; among other conditions. See ad, page 17.

CHIROPRACTORS

ACCURATE CHIR OPRACTIC 3373 S Morgans Point Rd, Ste 307 Mt Pleasant • 843-971-8814 CoursonChiropractic@gmail.com MtPleasantChiro.com Holistic Family Care practice, offering a variety of techniques and therapies to help improve overall health and wellness. Proudly serving the Charleston area for 17 years.

Atlas Sp in e & Welln ess Care Dr. Rick DiGregorio 3400 Salterbeck Street #102 Mount Pleasant, SC 843-352-7941 • Drrick@aospinalcare.com AOSpinalCare.com Offering Atlas Orthogonal Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. A nonforce neck realignment procedure that uses a sound wave that is precise and safe. As well as Class 4 Laser Therapy and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

COLUCCI CHIR OPRACTIC AND WELL NESS CE NTER Dr. Gina Colucci 1806 Trolley Rd, Summerville 843-875-5700 • ColucciChiropractic.com Serving the Summerville area for 29 years. Specializing in holistic care; weight loss and nutritional cleansing; pain management; bio-identical hormones; sugar detox; stress testing; chiropractic; peripheral neuropathy; detox footbaths; emotional (TBM/NET) and wellness care. Dr. Ann Jenk in s, Not Your Ordin ary Chirop ractor 12-C Carriage Ln, Charleston SC 29407 (West Ashley) 843-270-9913 • DrAnnJenkins.com Exclusive to the area: Whole Body Magnetic Therapy. Mention Natural Awakenings for a BOGO Magnetic session. Holistic family care. Relief of neck, back and emotional pain. Homeopathy and essential oils.

CHURCHES

Un ity Church of Charleston Rev. Ed Kosak, Minister 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston 843-566-0600 • Unitychs.org Sunday Service: 10:30 am. Are you more spiritual than religious? Do you believe in many paths to God? Then please join us.

COACHING

SHERR Y KACHA NIS North Charleston • 843-743-9488 SherryKachanis@gmail.com SherryKachanis.com Transformational Coach and Shamanic Healer. Break through unconscious barriers to fully LIVE the LIFE you desire! Monthly Meditation/Shamanic Healing, Moon Ceremonies and Healing Retreats.

COUNSELING

HOLISTIC YOU COUNSELI NG Angel Muehlenkamp, MA Professional Counseling Summerville 843-327-1440 • LivingAngel777@gmail.com UniquelyuNow.com We are here to live in the fullness of who and what we truly are. Angel uses her unique ability to Connect to Source to assist you in moving beyond daily limitations. Open to a brand new way of living. Talk, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy; Quantum-Touch; Reiki; Intuitive Counseling; Art of God; Life Coaching; and Spiritual Counseling.

DENTISTRY

I SMILE MATHIS FERR Y DE NTISTR Y Wendy S. Haefner, DDS 1571 Mathis Ferry Rd, Mt Pleasant 843-884-1215 • MathisFerryDentistry.com Biological dentistry using IAOMT protocol. Natural products free of BPA and mercury. Mercury-safe filling removal. Now offering ozone therapy! See ad, page 9.

YOUNG LI VING ESSE NTIAL OILS WITH LISA BAYORE K Lisa Bayorek, Member #10796546 Charleston MYYL.com/LisaBayorek Curious about essential oils? I would love to share Young Living with you! I offer classes on family wellness, chemical-free cleaning, business opportunities and more! See ad, page 14.

HEMP OIL

PrimeMyBody Hemp Oil 843-847-1927 • AnaHaugsoen@msn.com Anah.primemybody.com/ Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, Phyto-Cannabinoids and Hemp Oil! There is research on more than 250 conditions and cannabidiol. Hemp oil might be the most important product you add to your health regimen!

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Low coun try Welln ess Cen ter 1941 Savage Road, 100E Charleston • 843-793-1353 info@lowcountry-wellness.com Lowcountry-Wellness.com Holistic and Integrative Primary Care offered in an affordable monthly membership model. Bringing healthcare back to true patient driven care between you and Dr. Penni! See ad, inside front cover. JANA DA VIS , MS, RD , CDE 215 East Bay St., Suite 201-A Charleston, SC 29401 www.carolinagreenliving.com Online booking available 843-801-4686 CarolinaGreenLiving@gmail.com Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 25 years of experience. Private consultations, grocery store tours, public speaking. Owner of Carolina Green Living LLC, which focuses on teaching clients about avoiding toxins and other environmental factors that can impact health.

ORGANIC SALON & BOUTIQUE

COTTA GE AR OMA BELLA DA Y SPA 2671 Ft Trenholm Rd, Johns Island 843-266-3619 CottageAromaBella.com Relax and renew your mind, body and soul while enjoying our luxurious services. All treatments are tailored just for you using the finest all-natural products. See ad, page 11.

SAL ON INDI GO 732 S Shelmore Blvd, Ste 100 Mt Pleasant (Shelmore Village) 843-991-6835 Our experienced team of hairstylists and skin care specialist use 100 percent-certified organic products. We specialize in haircutting, coloring and make-up application. We sell All Nutrient™, Moroccan Oils, Dr. Hauschka™, 100% Pure™, iLike™ and many other boutique items.

For Less than $ 3 per day... You Can Start Marketing Your Business!

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You will also receive: One News Brief or *Health Brief every 6 months (your opportunity to share what’s new with your business or to expound upon a health issue within your area of expertise) – approximately 200 words PLUS Up to 3 Calendar Events per month! Listing appears both in print and online! *Health Brief needs to be backed by reputable studies, etc.

contact us Today: 843-821-7404

or email Publisher@NALowcountry.com DR ALLIS ON BROWN, QUA NTU M HEALI NG PRACTITI ONER 843-425-4906 allison.brown@drallisonbrown.com DrAllisonBrown.com In-person or online sessions available Experience BQH, a heart and energy-based regression experience that is considered one of the most advanced healing modalities on the planet today. Connect directly with your Wisdom Team for purpose, guidance, and healing!

SPIRITUAL LIFE COACH

LAURA GRIFFITH GARLA ND, PHD Charleston Holistic Center 2366 Ashley River Rd, Bldg 8, Charleston 843-452-7996 • DrLaura.Coach@gmail.com CharlestonReikiAndTarot.com Transform your life from the ordinary to the extraordinary by understanding how the aspects of your being interact and block your progress. Together, we can heal your past and find your true future. See ad, page 9.

WATER

Your Water Girl Margaret Blalock (843) 647-8885 • yourwatergirl.com Specializing in gold standard certified filtration and advanced Japanese technology. Turns tap water into Ph- balanced, antioxidantrich, alkaline drinking water and waters capable of removing pesticides from produce while replacing harmful cleaning, sanitizing and personal care products.

November The d iabe tes c hallenge

ISSUE

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Personalized Diabetes Strategies Plus: Skin Care

NAPUB110

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