December 2019 Natural Awakenings Volusia Flagler Edition

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Holiday Conscious Joyful Renewals Breathwork Giving Refreshing Traditions

How Breathing Deep Heals

How Generosity Transforms Us

December 2019 | Volusia / Flagler Edition | VoFLNatural.com

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Contents 10 THE EMERGING

19

POWER OF ‘WE’

Awakening to the Evolution of Community

14 INHALING THE JOY OF LIFE

Conscious Breathwork

16 BEYOND CALCIUM Full-Spectrum Bone Health

19 THE MERRY VEGAN

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People-Pleasing Holiday Sweets

22 REFRESH HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Making the Old New and Green

24 PERFECT PET PRESENTS Safe and Eco-Smart Toys

26 SURGEON MARY NEAL On Lessons From Heaven

29 THE GENEROUS HEART How Giving Transforms Us

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DEPARTMENTS 5 news briefs 6 health briefs 9 global briefs 14 fit body 16 healing ways 19 conscious

eating 22 healthy kids 24 natural pet 26 wise words 29 inspiration 30 calendar 34 resource guide December 2019

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

VOLUSIA FLAGLER EDITION PUBLISHER Rebecca Young Publisher@VoFLNatural.com

MANAGING EDITOR Melanie Rankin Editor@VoFLNatural.com

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letter from publisher

immerse in nostalgic side trips to a time when life moved at a slower pace. Being present and living in the moment work for every other month of the year, but December begs us to pause and remember.

Growing up during the 1960s and early 70s in a small city, traditions revolved around family, neighbors and community.

There was a strong sense of belonging as we gathered around a giant pine tree in the town square, and the local volunteer fire department gave a box of candy and an orange to every child. Songs were sung, hands were held as we circled the tree and our community was strengthened. Looking back, it was a surreal time, and I feel blessed to have many similar scenes in my memory bank.

In the spirit of the season, one of this edition’s main themes is “Awakening to the Evolution of Community.” Many of our wellness partners create community groups by incorporating events, collaborative projects and group activities into their business.

This evening I attended the second annual Friends Giving event hosted by New Journey Chiropractic in Ormond Beach. Families gathered to share covered dishes prepared from recipes on Dr. Jayme’s website, and many new friendships were made.

During this season of giving, we experience transformative healing benefits from the most simple and selfless acts. Learn how giving increases balance, connection and happiness from Cindy Ricardo on page 29.

This month’s Wise Words takes us on a spiritual journey through the eyes of Mary Neal, an orthopedic surgeon and author of 7 Lessons from Heaven: How Dying Taught Me to Live a Joy-Filled Life. Neal relays her near-death experience in which she believes she penetrated the veil dividing the physical and spiritual worlds. Her life-altering experience prompted her to pay more attention to those things that are truly important: faith, family and relationships with others.

The theme of joy appears again in “Inhaling the Joy of Life: Conscious Breathwork,” on page 14. Simply breathing with depth and quality can help us to be aware of our emotional states and be a doorway to achieving the benefits of deep meditation. During this busy and sometimes hectic season, breathwork will help you center and savor the joy in every moment.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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From the Natural Awakenings Volusia-Flagler team to your family, we wish you a December to remember, filled with joy and peace.

Rebecca Young, Publisher

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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In December, I tend to get delightfully distracted and

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news brief

event brief

Your CBD Store Celebrates One Year, Receives Awards

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llen and Jessica Warner, owners of Your CBD Store in Palm Coast, are celebrating one year of business.

Your CBD Store is the largest CBD retailer in the U.S., L-R: Store owners Jessica and Allan with 540 locations Warner, manager Ashley Hart in 32 states, as well as two in the United Kingdom. They carry SunMed brand CBD exclusively. Using a CO2 extraction process, SunMed eliminates the need for chemical solvents, allowing them to produce a highquality CBD oil. For their broad-spectrum products, the oil is processed again to remove all traces of THC.

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John DeSouza

Brad Johnson

Jason Quitt

Codes of Awakening Event Comes to Orlando

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he Codes of Awakening event—a weekend promoting deeper spiritual awakening and understanding through presentations and interaction with three international speakers and authors—is coming to the Springhill Suites Orlando, Lake Buena Vista January 10 through 12. Friday’s event will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday’s hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday’s events begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 6:30 p.m.

Featured speakers are Jason Quitt, author and speaker on ancient mysteries, John DeSouza, former FBI special agent and collector of the real-life “X-Files,” and psychic Brad Johnson, the personal channel of the multidimensional consciousness known as Adronis.

Desouza, now a leading writer, speaker and researcher on the paranormal, will present a Clear Hearers workshop and Hacking the Matrix. Johnson will present Channeling Adronis: Codes of Awakening and the Spirit Ambassador Workshop. Quitt will present Multidimensional Journeys, Altered States and the Unseen Worlds and Rebuilding the Energetic Matrix. All three speakers will participate in an “anything goes” Q&A session titled Q, the Cabal and Opening the New Age.

Location: 8601 Vineland Ave., Orlando. For full schedule and additional information, visit the Events tab at EmpoweredLight.com.

See ad, page 7.

December 2019

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Eat Mushrooms to Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer Researchers followed more than 36,000 Japanese men older than 40 for an average of 13.2 years.

They found that those that consumed culinary mushrooms three times a week had a 17 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those that ate mushrooms less than once a week. Participants that ate mushrooms once or twice a week had an 8 percent lower risk. The trend was even greater for those men over the age of 50 and was unrelated to other dietary habits.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight to Lower Cataract Risk

What a

site to see!

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A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition used adherence to dietary guidelines and total diet scores to assess the effects of diet on cataract risk.

The researchers followed 2,173 older Australians for five and 10 years in two phases. They found that maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, combined with a healthy diet, reduced the risk of developing cataracts.

Train Students in Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Grades Sixth-graders that received mindfulness training each day for eight weeks experienced lower stress levels, less depression and improved academic performance compared to their peers in a control group that studied computer coding, report Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers. In addition to that 100-student study, researchers surveyed 2,000 students in grades five through eight and found those that showed more mindfulness tended to have better grades and test scores. They also had fewer absences and suspensions.

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health briefs

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Eat a Better Diet to Improve Gut Bacteria Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center tested stool samples of 858 men and 877 women in Los Angeles and Hawaii with a mean age of 69—regarded as an ethnically diverse study population with varied food intakes. The study found that those with higher quality diets also had significantly better gut bacteria diversity, a factor linked to reduced risk for a variety of diseases. Diet quality and a reduced risk of developing chronic disease is strongly associated with fecal microbial diversity.

SK Design/Shutterstock.com

Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks With Better Gut Bacteria New research offers potential paths for treatment for the nearly 20 percent of patients with high blood pressure that don’t respond well to medications. University of Florida College of Medicine researchers, testing 105 volunteers, found that the populations of gut bacteria differed between hypertensive individuals with depression and those without depression. A second study by Italian researchers found that patients with heart attacks had different bacteria in their guts than patients with stable angina.

December 2019

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Seven years without a cold?

had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops

By Doug Cornell nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had a way to kill viruses and years since. in years.” bacteria.

He asked relatives and friends to try Copper can also stop flu if used early Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. he patented CopperZap™ and put it on placed 25 million live flu viruses on a Colds start the market.

CopperZap. No viruses were found alive when cold viruses Soon hundreds soon after. get in your nose. of people had Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply tried it and given confirming the discovery. He placed fast. If you don’t feedback. Nearly millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, 100% said the “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and copper stops colds they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. if used within 3 People have even used copper on In hundreds hours after the first cold sores and say it can completely of studies, EPA sign. Even up to prevent outbreaks.

New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university 2 days, if they The handle is researchers have confirmed that viruses still get the cold it is milder than usual curved and finely and bacteria die almost instantly when and they feel better. textured to improve touched by copper.

Users wrote things like, “It stopped contact. It kills germs That’s why ancient Greeks and my cold right away,” and “Is it picked up on fingers Egyptians used copper to purify water supposed to work that fast?” and hands to protect and heal wounds. They didn’t know “What a wonderful thing,” wrote you and your family. about microbes, but now we do.

Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Copper even kills Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. have become resistant of copper disrupts the electrical balance Pat McAllister, 70, received one to antibiotics. If you are near sick in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may keep serious infection away. It may even Tests by the EPA (Environmental works.” save a life.

Protection Agency) show germs die Now thousands of users have simply The EPA says copper still works fast on copper. So some hospitals tried stopped getting colds. even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of copper for touch surfaces like faucets People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent serious or even fatal illness.

MRSA and other illnesses by over half, used to get colds after crowded flights.

CopperZap is made in America of and saved lives.

Though skeptical, she tried it several pure copper. It has a 90-day full money The strong scientific evidence gave times a day on travel days for 2 months. back guarantee. It is $69.95. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she Get $10 off each CopperZap with he felt a cold about to start he fashioned exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA15.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL Volusia / Flagler VoFLNatural.com 8

Copper in new device stops cold and flu

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Nature Cure

global briefs

Forests and Shrubs Lower Medical Costs

Lab Steak

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BK foto/Shutterstock.com

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Making Meat Without Animals

Five major food technology companies have converged to form the Alliance for Meat, Poultry and Seafood (AMPS) Innovation, which seeks to create real meat from animal cells without the need to slaughter animals. The founding members of the coalition are both cell-based seafood companies BlueNalu and Finless Foods and meat makers Fork & Goode, San Francisco-based JUST Inc., and Memphis Meats.

AMPS Innovation (ampsinnovation.org) intends to tackle obstacles presented in the cellular agriculture industry and bring products to the consumer faster with transparency and proper regulatory frameworks for cell-based products. Each member company has made significant strides in the development of these products with the hope they will soon be options in the everyday diets of individuals, as well as a nutrition source for a human population projected to grow to 10 billion by 2050.

A new study based on the National Land Cover Database of 3,086 of the 3,103 counties in the continental U.S. published in the journal Urban Forestry and Urban Greening found that increases in forest and shrub cover corresponded to decreases in Medicare health care spending, even when accounting for economic, geographic or other factors that might independently influence healthcare costs.

Urban and rural counties with the lowest socioeconomic status appeared to benefit the most from increases in forests and shrubs. University of Illinois graduate student Douglas A. Becker, who led the new research with Matt Browning, a professor of recreation, sports and tourism, says, “It occurred to me that low-income communities are getting the biggest bang for their buck because they probably have the most to gain.”

Other studies have shown that people in intensive care units recover more quickly and have fewer complications after surgery if their hospital rooms look out over trees rather than parking lots and that forest walks can influence potentially health-promoting hormone levels or anti-cancer immune cells in the blood.

Charge It

Electric Vehicles Get Their Own ‘Gas’ Station

The RS Automotive gas station, in Takoma Park, Maryland, has been around since 1958, and Depeswar Doley has been running it for 22 years. Now, frustrated by the complicated rules, requirements

and contracts of oil and gas companies, he has completely transitioned away from offering petroleum and become the country’s first exclusively electric vehicle (EV) charging station.

Because there has been a shortage of EV charging stations in the state, the station’s changeover was partially funded by the Baltimore-based

Electric Vehicle Institute and the Maryland Energy Administration. Its new 200-kilowatt electrical system will now be able to recharge up to four vehicles at a time while drivers wait inside. Doley says, “It’s not something that I expect to become rich overnight or something like that, but it’s a good cause [and] good for the environment.”

December 2019

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Awakening to the Evolution of Community

by Linda Sechrist

Z

en master Thich Nhat Hanh’s suggestion that the next Buddha would likely not take form as an individual but rather as a sangha, a community practicing mindful living, led many people to ask, “Why a community?” The author of more than 100 books that explore the Buddha’s core teachings on mindfulness, kindness and compassion, Hanh clarified the meaning of sangha as a good community necessary for helping individuals learn how to encounter life in the present moment, resist the unwholesome ways of our time, go in the direction of peace and nourish seeds of enlightenment. Even the best intentions, he noted, can falter without such a group of trusted family, friends and co-practitioners experiencing mindfulness together.

A Migration to Forming Community

Today’s trend toward collaborative processes and opportunities for transformation through online communities is made easier by the availability of affordable video conferencing providers such as Zoom, Skype and Mighty Networks, as well as online platforms like Facebook and MeetUp. Although many groups form for marketing, 10

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political, civic or social purposes—allowing participants to share values and common interests—thousands more gather as online intentional communities associated with personal growth and spiritual awakening.

Myriad individuals have been able to experience some aspect of community through international organizations such as MindValley, Hay House, the Shift Network and Dr. Deepak Chopra’s Jiyo, a wellness-focused mobile app intended to extend the reach of his ideas on health and social transformation from millions of people to more than 1 billion.

In MeetUp, spiritual awakening groups recently comprised 1,113,972 members in 3,631 groups worldwide. Additionally, co-housing communities, spiritual residential communities and eco-villages continue to form around the intention of designing and implementing pathways to a regenerative future.

The Old Story Versus the New Story

The increased interest in intentional communities may hint at a possibility that the human desire for community might be nature’s evolutionary nudge toward a collec-

tive leap that helps us to survive a changing climate and Earth’s potential sixth mass extinction. If so, this possibility needs a new supportive story that includes humans as part of nature, with its evolutionary impulse as a guide for body, mind and soul.

With our modern scientific worldview, when people talk about nature, they typically mean animals, plants, geological features and natural processes, all happening independently of humans. A more suitable new story is cultural historian Thomas Berry’s moving and meaningful narrative in The Great Work: Our Way Into the Future, in which humans aren’t above nature by virtue of superior intellect, but instead are equal partners with all that exists in a materially and spiritually evolving universe.

From Berry’s perspective, humans are the eyes, minds and hearts through which the cosmos is evolving so that it can come to know itself ever more perfectly through us.

Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell shared Berry’s perspective. Traveling back to Earth after walking upon the lunar surface, Mitchell gazed out of the spacecraft window, whereupon he was flooded with an ecstatic awareness. “I was a part of the universe I was observing, and I became

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THE EMERGING POWER OF ‘WE’

aware that everything that exists is part of one intricately interconnected whole,” recounts Mitchell, who founded the groundbreaking Institute of Noetic Sciences to explore the nature of human consciousness.

A Guiding Light

Seijaku Roshi, the abbot and founder of the Pine Wind Zen Community, aptly named for its location in a pine forest in Shamong, New Jersey, advises, “People are searching and hungering for community, which is number one on my agenda. If we aren’t talking about community, we’re squandering the moment.

Whether it’s an evolutionary nudge or not, it appears that our tragic world situation is pushing us towards an alternative vision for living a meaningful life that meets the needs of people, society and the environment. We are awakening to the fact we’re interconnected, interdependent and need community, which is the spirit and guiding light whereby people come together to fulfill a purpose, to help others fulfill their purpose and to take care of one another.”

Conscious Evolution

Craig Hamilton, the guiding force behind the movement known as Integral Enlightenment, is the founder of the telecourse training program Academy for Evolutionaries. His spiritual guidance and teachings reach a growing international online community spanning 50 countries. “Transforming ourselves in the deepest possible way is, in fact, an evolutionary imperative, and we need to be able to identify the indicators of emergent shifts and participate creatively with change as an evolutionary force. Evolution up to this point has been playing out unconsciously. We’re now waking up and realizing that we can collaborate and participate in an emerging future.”

Hamilton’s experience is that where humans awake to the one that is expressed through the many, they also begin to engage together. “Practicing community isn’t as simple as it seems. In online communities, a lot less can go wrong. The stakes aren’t as high. People come and go, share and engage as they like.”

A Community of Sisterhood Laurie McCammon, author of Enough!

How to Liberate Yourself and Remake the

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World with Just One Word, feels certain that humans are evolving. “We were last to the party with our big brains, and now we’re trying to intellectualize our way to an uncertain future without important feminine values such as feeling, intuiting, nurturing, interdependency and vulnerability,” says McCammon, who is deeply involved in the circle movement, in which women gather in small groups to empower each other.

A regular participant in Gather the Women Global Matrix, a worldwide sisterhood that connects thousands of women sharing meaningful conversations and celebrating the divine feminine with the intention of bringing about personal and planetary transformation through cooperation and collaboration, McCammon says, “No one of us can bring about large-scale transformation alone. It’s time to tell the new story wherein our lives and actions demonstrate that together we are enough.

Non-hierarchical circles that encourage authentic communication are part of this new story.”

Citing other important circle communities such as Tree Sisters and The Millionth Circle, McCammon suggests that women tap into The Divine Feminine app, which allows them to find circle communities and events anywhere in the world.

Co-Creating With the Intelligence of Nature

Teacher and futurist Peter Russell writes

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books that are focused on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. His lectures help humans free themselves of limited beliefs and attitudes that belie many of humanity’s personal, social and global problems. The author of The Global Brain: The Awakening Earth in a New Century, Russell posits that the evolutionary process naturally draws humans together. “Humans are social creatures that need community, which I find very energizing,” says Russell, who cites the Findhorn Foundation eco-village, in Scotland, as a dynamic experiment in community.

“Although residents went through hard times, they recognized the need for honest communication so they could attune to one another in loving ways that would allow everyone to work through their difficulties. Today, life at Findhorn is guided by the inner voice of spirit, and residents work in co-creation with the intelligence of nature,” he says.

The Collective Wisdom of Community

An uncertain future is emerging, making it necessary for new and more intuitive methods and spiritual practices for developing collective wisdom, human potential and the skills for practicing community. “I’m in the process of finalizing 118 chapters from 90 different authors for a Collaborative Change Library: Transforming Organizations, Revitalizing Communities, Developing

Human Potential,” says associate editor Carole Gorelick, who clarifies that spiritual practices are now playing a part in bringing about collaborative change. She notes that several chapters are updated versions of The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today’s Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems (2007 second edition), which included modalities such as World Café, Open Space Technology, Art of Hosting, Appreciative Inquiry and many others.

A living handbook for developing human potential and the skills to practice community, Fred Eppsteiner has been teaching Buddhism for 23 years. A student of Hanh’s since the 1960s, he is the founder of the Florida Community of Mindfulness, in Tampa. Eppsteiner sums up why the next Buddha could be a community: “A better future will be created by people who are living the values they want for the world, not just abstractly using only the intellect. In community, we ask ourselves, ‘Can I be what I want to see in the world?

Can I practice these things mindfully in community with love, acceptance, deep listening, compassion and kindness?’ These are values that every Buddha has lived for centuries, and certainly ones we need to evolve from a culture of, ‘It’s all about me’ to a culture of, ‘It’s all about we’.”

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

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Many people have found that a regular breathing practice has helped them increase energy and decrease anxiety. ~Rachael Walter

Three Weeks of Profound Workshops at Cabo Breath Fest

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n celebration of Natural Awakenings’ commitment to promoting higher consciousness during the last 25 years, the Cabo Breath Fest will offer many lifechanging workshops plus other activities from February 1 to 21, in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

Some of the 20-plus international experts offering workshops include event founder Dan Brule, author, breathwork pioneer and the creator of Breath Therapy; Stig Avall Severinsen, champion free diver and author of the bestselling book Breathe-ology – The Art of Conscious Breathing; Dr. Jim Morningstar, author and founder of the School of Integrative Psychology; and Lena Kristina Tuulse, Breathwork pioneer and author of Passion for Life, who introduced conscious breathing to much of Europe.

As this historic event is a cocreation of the trainers and guests, attendees are also invited to make presentations during some of the 100 available sessions. There will also be yoga on the beach, drumming circles, concerts, social gatherings, great food, dances, art and other enriching activities.

INHALING THE JOY OF LIFE

Conscious Breathwork

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Tickets: $100 for any or all workshops.

For more information, tickets and cheap accommodations, call 800-568-7957 or visit CaboBreathFest.com or Facebook.com/ cabobreathfest.

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by Marlaina Donato

ur first breath is instinctual and belly-deep, but as we grow into life, everyday stress and trauma can bring us into the shallows. Mindful breathing can help guide our breath back to its original, healthy rhythm. Both the brain and organs benefit from increased oxygen, and the vagus nerve that connects the two—prompted by changes in the body’s pH levels—releases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for lowering heart rate.

Breathwork can improve vagal tone, a major component in a wide range of conditions like depression, pain syndromes, sleep disturbances, anxiety disorders and chronic inflammation. A 2016 study by the Medical University of South Carolina published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows a lower number of proteins associated with inflammation in the saliva of participants that employed breathing exercises. A study that appeared in the journal Psychophysiology in 2015 found that 20 minutes of mindful breathing at bedtime fostered a good night’s rest for people with insomnia.

Breathing Breaks

From traditional rebirthing techniques using circular breathing to Middendorf Breath Work for somatic awareness, there are many styles of conscious breathing.

The gentler approaches best suit everyday needs and taking a breathing break can actually provide more refreshment than one featuring coffee.

“Many people have found that a regular breathing practice has helped them increase energy and decrease anxiety. It is a powerful tool to reset the nervous system when we’re overwhelmed and stressed,” says Somatic Breath Therapy (SBT) practitioner Rachael Walter, owner of Breathe-HereNow, in Keene, New Hampshire. Like many forms of breathwork, SBT bridges the chasm between mind and body. “Conscious breathing can also help people access and understand their emotions,” notes Walter.

Pranayama, an ancient technique of yoga that focuses on breath control and employs alternate nostril breathing, can be performed while lying down, seated or on the yoga mat. Kundalini yoga teacher Melissa Crowder, owner of 4 States Yoga, in

Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock.com

fit body

Joplin, Missouri, advises students to start out slowly, three to six minutes a day, and then work up to a longer practice. “Alternate nostril breathing is a great practice for everyone.

As little as six minutes of yogic breathing, as needed, can make a profound difference in decreasing pain and stress,” she says.

and in turn, presses upon the stomach and helps to churn the gastric juices. For this reason, it can aid earlier stages of digestion.”

When used in conjunction with other modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, diaphragmatic breathing might be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome.

Belly Benefits

Breathing Into Feelings

The American Lung Association recommends a variety of exercises, including diaphragmatic (belly) breathing, for conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Engaging the diaphragm is key in breathing to fullest capacity.

Walter explains, “An open, healthy breath is one in which we use the diaphragm to initiate the breath, followed by the belly expanding and the breath moving into the chest.”

Most of us unconsciously fall into shallow and sometimes self-conscious breathing patterns at an early age. “During my training, I read that by age 6, we pick up on cues telling us to tuck in our tummies.

This simple, bad habit begins a cascade of physiological responses. Upper chest breathing can create anxiety symptoms and poor digestion,” explains Colleen Breeckner, owner of Colleen Lila Yoga, in New York City. “Diaphragmatic breathing causes the diaphragm to become flat and wide,

The depth and quality of the breath can help us to become aware of emotional states that include “holding patterns”. “Conscious breathing is a doorway into deep meditation, which can help alleviate anger and insecurities. It can also be helpful in dropping addictions,” says Crowder. “Linking pranayama with physical movement [asanas] helps to release tension and emotions that can be held in the body’s soft tissues.”

Breeckner agrees, “Developing this awareness can help us to move unpleasant and stuck emotions through the body.”

Well-being can be just a breath away, says Walter. “When we open up our breath, we open ourselves to a fuller experience of being human. It has the capacity to bring us into the present moment to access our joy and our life’s purpose.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Noteworthy Breathwork Styles Clarity Breathwork: Developed from the groundwork of Leonard Orr, with a focus on accessing the subconscious mind for self-awareness Holotropic Breathwork: Developed by psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, M.D., and his wife Christina and employs deep, rapid breathing to initiate an altered state of consciousness; training in the Grof method is required Integral Breath Therapy: Gentle technique for an altered state of consciousness that works with the body’s natural healing capacity Middendorf Breath Work: Named after German-born Ilse Middendorf, a gentle technique that does not include forcing the breath to promote healing Rebirthing Breathwork: Pioneering and well-known form of breathwork that was also developed by Orr with a focus on releasing unconscious energy blocks imprinted during the birth process Shamanic Breathwork: Uses specific breathing methods, chakras or energy centers, music and movement to overcome emotional blocks for deep-level healing Transformational Breath: Developed by Dr. Judith Kravitz using uninterrupted breathing, Kundalini yoga and other elements of physical and energetic healing; recommended by Dr. Christine Northrup and Dr. Deepak Chopra

Go-to Breathing Exercises From Rachael Walter: The Three-Breath Sigh Place one hand on your lower belly and the other on your chest. Breathing in through your nose, let your breath start in the belly and move up to the chest. Then exhale through your mouth while making an audible sighing sound.

Repeat two more times.

The Four-Eight Relaxing Breath Place one hand on your lower belly and the other on your chest. Using a belly breath, inhale to the count of four and exhale to the count of eight, making your exhale twice as long as your inhale to facilitate relaxation. Feel free to play with how fast or slow you count to find a comfortable breathing pace. Repeat for six to 10 times as needed.

Breath Walk This is an excellent exercise to do while at work, school or a public place to give your nervous system a break, even when the world is crazy-busy around you.

Walk at a slightly slower pace than normal and breathe in for one step; breathe out for the next step, counting three or four for each breath/step. Continue as you walk, being mindful of your breath, counting and surroundings.

For further inquiry, Melissa Crowder recommends these Kundalini yoga breaths: Shabad Kriya for promoting deep restful sleep Sitali Pranayama for lowering a fever or cooling off a hot temper Breath of Fire for improved brain circulation, stimulating digestion and weight control Right nostril breathing for afternoon slumps Left nostril breathing to quiet mind chatter at bedtime December 2019

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What’s good for muscles is good for bones. ~Susie Hathaway

Osteoporosis can be prevented, and I’ve seen many patients reverse osteoporosis. ~Leat Kuzniar

BEYOND CALCIUM Full-Spectrum Bone Health

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by Marlaina Donato

ur bones are the foundation that supports our bodies and the quality of our lives. Unlike the brick and mortar and bedrock of a building, the human skeletal system is living tissue that breaks down and rebuilds; this constant remodeling demands much more than just taking an obligatory calcium supplement.

Compromised bone health is most often associated with postmenopausal

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women, but it can also impact men and younger adults. Genetics, hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies can all foster bone loss. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that 44 million Americans have low bone density and 10 million suffer from osteoporosis, facing a high risk of fracture from this debilitating condition.

Fortunately, it’s never too early or too late to do right by our

bones. “Osteoporosis can be prevented, and I’ve seen many patients reverse osteoporosis,” says Leat Kuzniar, a Nutley, New Jersey, naturopath. “It becomes more difficult after menopause and if the bone density is very low, but we can always make some improvements in bone health.

We need to assess diet, exercise, gastrointestinal health, hormones, medications, pH and even stress levels.”

Synergy of Vitamins and Minerals

Walter Willett, M.D., chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, argues that the daily recommended 1,000-to-1,200 milligrams of calcium is based on inadequate studies, and advises half that amount.

Other minerals may play an equally critical role. The body robs calcium from the bones when blood levels of this vital mineral fall too low; but taking a calcium supplement—especially without co-nutrients—can increase fracture risk. “Calcium supplementation is complex; more isn’t better. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and vitamin K2 is essential for getting that calcium to your bones and keeping it out

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healing ways

of your arteries,” Kuzniar says. Magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and potassium are also allies in calcium metabolism.

Vitamin C, too, is a key player in bone health, promoting collagen synthesis. Nutrient absorption relies on integrity of gut health, so opting for probiotics is a wise choice across the board.

Bone Up on Superfoods

Optimally, the quest for stronger bones begins with a nutrientdense diet. “Plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein and some fats create a physiology in the body to support optimal bone health. Avoiding too much sodium and animal protein also helps,” says Mary Jane Detroyer, a New York Citybased nutritionist and certified dietitian. She underscores the importance of mineral-packed kale, collards, mustard greens, bok choy and broccoli, but warns against oxalate-laden spinach and chard, which inhibit calcium absorption. “Other calciumrich foods like tofu, edamame, yogurt, kefir and cheese are also good, as well as milk substitutes fortified with calcium.”

Omega-3-rich chia seeds, walnuts and other tree nuts are heavy hitters that boost both calcium absorption and collagen production essential for bone strength.

A 2016 Brazilian study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that a diet with excessive sweets and caffeinated beverages negatively impacts bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Soda consumption also amps up the risk of fractures. An analysis of female subjects spanning 30 years published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2014 reveals a 14 percent increased risk for fractures with each daily serving of soda, including diet beverages.

Get Moving

High-impact activities like jumping rope and jogging build strong bones in our youth, but as we age, low-impact exercise is easier on the joints. Mayo Clinic recommendations include walking, gardening, dancing, stair-climbing and elliptical training.

Resistance also yields significant results. A 2018 Korean study published in the journal EnM reveals that exercise employing free weights, weight machines and elastic bands increases muscle and bone mass in both women and men. American College of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer Susie Hathaway, in Fairfield, Iowa, explains why. “What’s good for muscles is good for bones. When a muscle contracts, it gives a beneficial pull on the adjacent bones, stimulating the bone-building cells to be more active.”

Hathaway highlights safety and the importance of bearing weight on the feet. “Gravity is important for bone health. Weightbearing aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, provides a mild stimulus for your bones and helps slow down bone loss.”

Kuzniar reminds us that with the right care, our bones can carry us through life. “Once we know what factors are at play in the patient, we can address the underlying causes.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Make your community a little GREENER …

Support our advertisers For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community source: the350project.net December 2019

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conscious eating

Petrovich Nataliya/Shutterstock.com

Stick with your favorite recipes that you know are going to be a success and are going to leave everyone’s taste buds happy. ~Pamela Reed

THE MERRY VEGAN

People-Pleasing Holiday Sweets

by Julie Peterson

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he holidays may send too many sugar plums and frosted gingerbread figures dancing in the heads of people with dietary restrictions. Anyone that chooses to avoid highly processed flours or sugars, artificial ingredients and loads of butter will typically be presented with all of this and more at social gatherings this time of year. They arrive on visually appealing cookie platters that tempt with their cute shapes, vibrant colors and sparkle.

Some, like the gingerbread and reindeer cutouts, will beckon with glazed

eyes: “Just one,” they whisper. But one can turn into nine and make someone that may normally avoid sugar or gluten feel bodily regrets. Someone that is vegan or allergic may feel they can’t have treats.

Making healthier choices about food is difficult for reasons many don’t understand. “People have relationships with food—involving family, comfort and traditions—and they don’t want to give that up,” says James Brandon, of Tampa, founder of Facebook’s Vegan and PlantBased Beginner’s Community. Brandon

says that holiday treats are tough to resist, but staying true to health goals is most important in the long run.

The best defense to avoid frustration at social food events is to bring a dish to share that meets your dietary needs, says Megan Gilmore, the author of No Excuses Detox: 100 Recipes to Help You Eat Healthy Every Day and a blogger at Detoxinista. com. “That way, you can introduce something delicious to your friends, family or co-workers and be sure you’ll have something to eat!”

A batch of simple, delectable, visually appealing and healthful cookies can be that plate to share, a gift to give or something to keep on hand for guests. Keep the focus on simple, advises Pamela Reed, who blogs at BrooklynFarmGirl.com. There are plenty of recipes that will satisfy the sweet tooth and decorate the holiday buffet (until they’re all eaten, that is). Don’t increase holiday stress by trying a new recipe at the last minute.

“Stick with your favorite recipes that you know are going to be a success and are going to leave everyone’s taste buds happy,” she says.

Transitioning to a more conscious way of eating isn’t about deprivation or leaving tradition behind. Bring on the new and healthful cookie recipes and name one after your grandma.

Julie Peterson writes from her home in rural Wisconsin. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Conscious breath control is a useful tool for achieving a relaxed, clear state of mind. ~Andrew Weil

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Peanut Butter Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free) Yields: About 18 cookies 1 cup creamy peanut butter ½ cup coconut sugar ½ cup brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla ⅔ cup oat flour 1 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt ¼ cup almond milk Additional sugar to roll cookies in Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter and sugars with a hand mixer. Once combined, add vanilla and continue mixing.

Add flour, baking soda, salt and almond milk into the bowl and mix for a few seconds, until combined. The cookie dough will be a little crumbly.

Prepare 2 cookie sheets with silicone baking sheets or spray with nonstick spray. Roll the dough into large balls, and then gently roll in sugar to cover them. Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie a little bit—not too much, or they will crumble.

Bake cookies for 12 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow to cool for 15 minutes. This is important, as the cookies will be very soft when they come out of the oven, but they will harden up as they cool.

Store in an airtight container or freeze.

Recipe courtesy of BrooklynFarmGirl.com.

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

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photo by Pamela Reed

Oh-So-Healthy Holiday Treats

photo by Megan Gilmore

No-Bake Pecan Snowballs (Grain-Free, Vegan)

Source: Detoxinista.com/no-bake-pecansnowballs-paleo-vegan

Yields: 12 balls

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free)

1 cup pecan halves ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut 1 cup soft Medjool dates, pitted (about 10 dates) 1 Tbsp coconut oil ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp vanilla extract ½ cup arrowroot or tapioca starch Extra arrowroot for dusting, or coconut sugar Place the pecans and shredded coconut in a large food processor fitted with an “S” blade, and process until the pecans are broken down and crumbly. Add in the rest of the ingredients and process again, until a sticky dough is formed. (It should stick together when pressed between two fingers.)

Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons and roll the dough between your hands, forming balls. Arrange the balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then place them in the freezer to set, about 1 to 2 hours. For a “snowball” look, roll the balls in additional arrowroot or tapioca starch—just a light coating will do—since the starch will not enhance the flavor. It’s just for looks!

Note: If you’d prefer to roll the balls in coconut sugar or shredded coconut, roll them in one of those options before freezing, so the coating will stick better.

Peanut Butter Filling: ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil Pinch of sea salt Chocolate Topping: ¼ cup cocoa powder ¼ cup melted coconut oil 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper and set it aside. In a medium bowl, stir together the chocolate crust ingredients until a moist dough is formed. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the lined loaf pan and place it in the freezer to set.

To prepare the filling, you can use the same bowl to stir the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil and salt. Depending on whether you’re using salted or unsalted peanut butter, consider adding more salt to taste. Store-bought peanut butter cups are quite salty, so I like to add a generous pinch of salt to mimic that flavor. Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the peanut

butter filling over the top, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Return the pan to the freezer to set.

Rinse the mixing bowl and use it again to make the final layer. Combine the cocoa powder, melted coconut oil and maple syrup, whisking well to break up any clumps. Once the mixture has become a smooth chocolate sauce, pour it over the peanut butter layer, and return the pan to the freezer to set until firm, about an hour or two.

Once the bars are firm, grab the edges of parchment paper to easily lift the solid bar from the pan, and use a sharp knife to slice the bars into your desired size. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to a month. (The bars become very firm if frozen for too long, so I prefer serving them from the fridge after the initial firming-up time.)

Source: Detoxinista.com/no-bake-peanutbutter-cup-bars-vegan

photo by Megan Gilmore

Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two weeks for best texture.

Chocolate Crust: ¾ cup ground almond meal 2 Tbsp cocoa powder 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil Pinch of sea salt

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Refresh Holiday Traditions Making the Old New and Green

by Ronica A. O’Hara

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elebrating classic holiday traditions the same way we always have—and maybe the way our parents and grandparents did—is part of the rich family heritage we pass on to our children. These family rituals are binding, grounding, memorable and much more, says Saul Levine, M.D., professor emeritus in psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego.

A survey of 50 years of family research published in the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Family Psychology found that family holiday rituals, as well as everyday routines like family dinners and bedtime stories, build stronger family relationships, enhance children’s health and academic achievement, help teenagers’ sense of personal identity and even boost marital satisfaction.

It’s also natural and perhaps inevitable that these traditions undergo changes over the years. “If people from only five or six generations ago could see our modern Christmas, they’d barely recognize it,” says Brian Earl, host of the popular Christmas Past podcast that chronicles holiday traditions. “New trends and customs become traditions in time; every generation has 22

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its opportunity to add new chapters to the narrative and continue the story.”

For Elizabeth Newcamp, Christmas festivities took an eco-turn for her military family of five when they were living for a few years in the Netherlands, where “Sinterklaas” traditionally delivers gifts in reusable burlap bags. “In an effort to reduce wrapping paper, we now use the sacks on Christmas,” says Newcamp, who blogs about family travel at DutchDutchGoose.com.

She and her husband Jeff also ask for and give experiences as gifts whenever possible; their 7-year-old son asked if he could organize a little library for their Navarre, Florida, neighborhood. Anyone that wants to send gifts to their sons is asked to find them used. “I don’t think we’ve lessened any of the fun of the holidays, but hopefully we are eliminating some of the waste,” she says.

For many years, Ginny Underwood’s family in Bluffton, South Carolina, would dress up and go to a restaurant on Christmas Eve, exchange gifts and then return home to watch a movie or play board games. Last year, they tried something new: staying home, putting on pajamas, eating cottage pie and playing handmade

“Minute to Win It” games that Underwood, a professional organizer who blogs at VirginiasEasyLivingSolutions.com, created.

“We had a blast; we didn’t stop laughing all night,” she says. “We saved hundreds of dollars and we had a lovely time.”

Lighting red, green and black candles while focusing on principles like unity, selfdetermination or purpose are key in the seven-day Kwanzaa celebrations; but, “Instead of just lighting the candle amongst friends and family and discussing, I want my family to spend that day exemplifying the principle,” says Vanessa Davis, executive director of the nonprofit African Village International, in Jacksonville, Florida. Now her children meditate, journal and practice mindfulness to learn about self-determination; volunteer or pick up trash outdoors to learn about collective work and responsibilities; and buy something at a locally-owned store and discuss future finances for cooperative economics. “I was inspired to change because Kwanzaa isn’t really a religious holiday, but it is a darn good way to reflect on the past year and goal-set for the future,” she says.

“Giving children more hands-on experiences for Hanukkah and taking the emphasis off of ‘What am I going to get?’ makes the holiday more meaningful for the kids,” concurs Pamela Morris, early childhood education director at the East Valley Jewish Community Center, in Chandler, Arizona. Each Hanukkah evening, her family of five lights a menorah and says traditional prayers while also volunteering to wrap food packages at a local Feed My Starving Children event, crafting personal menorahs at a pottery studio, going to see Phoenix ZooLights and gathering to make the traditional potato latkes or jelly donuts.

“Each night is a focus on family time and welcoming friends to join us,” she says.

By observing and evolving traditions, family bonds can strengthen through time, relates Earl: “By participating in holiday rituals, children are learning about who they are. And by passing them down, parents reaffirm what’s important to them and keep the connection to the past intact.”

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural-health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Olesia Bilkei/Shutterstock.com

healthy kids

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Updating Favorite Traditions n Instead of buying a Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush in a store lot, get one in a pot that can be replanted later. n Take a family holiday photo, either serious or wacky, and recreate it every year with members in the same poses and expressions. n Invite someone to a holiday dinner that’s not part of the family, such as an international student or newcomer in town. n Cook up a batch of healthy, vegan cookies with the kids and organize a neighborhood cookie swap. n Have a $10 or $20 gift exchange challenge in which everyone competes to come up with the most useful, creative or eco-clever use of the money. n String together popcorn and cranberries to make a tree garland or door decoration, and later drape it on outdoor trees to feed birds and wildlife. n Give kids $10 to donate to a carefully selected charity of their choice. n Take a favorite holiday story, parable or song and have the kids (and adults) act it out with costumes and all.

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Perfect Pet Presents

Safe and Eco-Smart Toys

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by Julie Peterson

he pet aisles are so full of squeaking, plush and colorful toys it can make a dog or cat parent’s head spin like a Frisbee. Add blinking lights, flavors, promises of higher intelligence or cleaner teeth; then toss in concerns about sustainably sourced materials, potentially toxic ingredients and varying degrees of quality. The choices are complex.

It would be nice to look for that gold seal of approval from the Pet Toy Regulatory Agency. But don’t bother: There is no such thing. It’s all up to the consumer to figure it out.

The Problem Is Real

Concern regarding toxicants in children’s toys and the realization that they posed a risk of chemical exposure led to regulatory protections. “Similar safeguards do not exist for pets, even though they exhibit similar chewing and mouthing behaviors,” says Philip

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N. Smith, Ph.D., associate professor of terrestrial ecotoxicology at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. “Owner education is key to limiting unintentional chemical exposure.”

According to a 2013 study co-authored by Smith and published in the journal Chemosphere, common endocrine-disrupting chemical toxins in plastics can enter a dog’s body through saliva.

Concentrations of leachable chemicals can increase in older, degraded toys, according to the National Institutes of Health.

For anyone that has ever had a pet destroy a toy faster than it takes to calculate the cost per second, durable construction may be the highest concern. After all, if the toy is vigorously ripped to shreds, pieces may be swallowed. The most immediate issue becomes intestinal blockage.

This is a common problem for cats and dogs with a propensity to eat garbage, plants and holiday decorations. But when we spend good money on actual toys, we would like to think that it won’t lead to surgery. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee. Poorly constructed toys have required many pet owners to watch for the parts to pass through the animal or, worse yet, make a trip to the vet.

Even if a toy seems sturdy, it’s best to observe the animal with the toy. Charlotte Easterling, a graphic designer in Madison, Wisconsin, learned this from her cat, Hazel, who choked on a common cat toy. “She was playing with a glitter ball and then started meowing kind of frantically, scrambling around and pawing at her face. I jumped up and pulled the ball out of her mouth,” recalls Easterling. Hazel only gets big glitter balls these days.

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natural pet

A New Generation Spurs Change

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey provides insight into the demographics, buying habits and other traits of dog, cat, bird, small animal, reptile, fish and horse owners.

The 2019-2020 survey shows that about 85 million U.S. homes, or 67 percent, include a pet. This leads to a lot of money flowing into the pet toy and care community.

Annually, dog owners spend about $124 and cat owners spend about $89 on treats and toys. The survey also indicates that Millennials are the largest pet-owning demographic.

“The pet care community is doing a great job of meeting the demands of a new generation by offering a range of products made from sustainable, recycled and upcycled materials,” says Steve King, CEO of APPA, in Stamford, Connecticut. King notes it’s expected that as Gen Z pet owners

begin to assert themselves in the marketplace, we will see more products based on sustainability and transparency.

Shopping for Safety

Experts offer some guidelines for ways consumers can choose harmless toys: 4 Be suspicious of toys manufactured overseas or cheap ones made in the U.S. 4 Contact the manufacturer and ask if toys contain phthalates, BPA, arsenic, bromine, chemical dyes, chromium or formaldehyde.

4 Look for toys made with ingredients from nature (hemp, leather or wool).

4 Find a pet supply store that has natural, safe and sustainably sourced products.

4 Inspect toys periodically for loose parts and watch the pet with new toys.

4 If a pet plays with a toy and then acts oddly, contact the vet.

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin.

Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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wise words

Surgeon Mary Neal on Lessons From Heaven

by Kajsa Nickels

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n 1999, while kayaking on the Fuy River in Chile, orthopedic surgeon Mary Neal became trapped beneath a waterfall and drowned.

She was underwater for 30 minutes before the current pulled her out. During that time, Neal experienced what she believes to be a miraculous event in which she penetrated the veil dividing the physical and spiritual worlds. There, she was told that it was not yet her time, and of the future death of her eldest son, a prediction that was fulfilled 10 years later. The experience gave her a new perspective on the purpose of our Earthly existence and life after death.

She has since written two books on the subject: To Heaven and Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels and Life Again; and 7 Lessons from Heaven: How Dying Taught Me to Live a Joy-Filled Life. Her life-altering ex-

perience prompted her to pay more attention to those things that are truly important: faith, family and relationships with other human beings. She lives with her family in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she continues to mend broken bones.

How do you think your medical background makes you uniquely qualified to speak on neardeath experiences (NDE)?

I am a very concrete thinker and analyze everything. Being a doctor also gave me access to many resources that the common person would not. I spent many months researching scientific and medical literature to try to come up with a logical explanation of what had happened to me. I was forced to conclude that my experience fell

outside of the parameters of both science and medicine. I could not find any examples to disprove what happened, especially when the predicted death of my oldest son came to pass.

What was the most profound moment of your experience?

It’s hard to pinpoint the most profound moment of the entire experience, but what impacted me most was the realization that God is real, and He is present to each and every one of us every moment of our daily lives. I realized to the depths of my soul that all God’s promises are true, not just wishful thinking or a vague hope.

How has your NDE made you a better wife, mother and medical professional?

You can’t have an NDE without having your entire life changed. When you realize that there is more to life than what you can see with your physical eyes, it changes your entire perspective on every moment of every day. The things we say and the things we do create a ripple effect that spreads beyond the boundaries of our human sight. Love is ultimately the only thing that matters, to reflect love to the world and other people. I was a “good person” before my NDE, but I now see differently. I see that each human being is incredibly loved, and that we are all one: We are them, and they are us. Everything else in the world is secondary to God’s love and presence in our lives.

How is your approach to everyday life different than it was prior to your NDE?

I am able to be entirely present in every moment of my life. I can experience deep and abiding joy regardless of my circumstances. I am able to trust that grace covers my past, that there is life after death and a plan for my life. No matter what is happening, even if it is terrible, beauty will come out of it. Most people are trapped in regrets of the past and worry about the future.

With complete trust in God, I am able to fully have joy in each and every moment.

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Is there a difference between joy and happiness?

Absolutely. Happiness is an emotion based on circumstances.

Happiness can accompany joy, but not always. Joy is a state of being, of trusting in God, of believing that his promises are true.

Joy comes from freedom—freedom from disruptive emotions like guilt, remorse, unforgiveness. Even in the devastation of my oldest son’s death, I can honestly say that I experienced a deep joy from trusting in God’s love and promises.

Why do you believe heaven is written in our hearts?

As a scientist, I firmly believe that we are created beings with physical bodies and spiritual souls. I believe that our spiritual self remembers heaven and remembers joy. Part of our journey here on Earth is to rediscover our connection with God. As adults, we often feel that we have to choose between science and spiritualism. The truth is that they coexist, answering questions in different ways.

Kajsa Nickels is a freelance author who lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Connect at fideleterna45@gmail.com.

Don’t live in the past. There’s no point. You can’t change anything. What a waste of time. ~Bob Newhart

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inspiration

Choen photo/Shutterstock.com

HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY PLANET

2020 EDITORIAL CALENDAR

The Generous Heart How Giving Transforms Us

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by Cindy Ricardo

ne of the ways we come into balance and connection with each other and with life is by giving from the heart. When we give to others, whether it’s an act of kindness, generosity or compassion, it helps us live from the heart instead of the ego.

Living from the ego is painful and exhausting. It’s like feeding a hungry monster that’s never satisfied. Ego craves, pursues and clings to status, approval, material wealth and control. It views the world through the eyes of fear—constantly evaluating, judging and acting in ways that are self-centered, defensive and protective.

Like with Scrooge, ego closes our heart and makes us small, fearful and contracted.

By contrast, generosity requires that we open our hearts to the world and each other. We allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

In doing this, we open ourselves fully to life, love and relationships. We let go of striving and pursuing things. When we stop striving, we begin to see, value and respond to what’s happening in the present moment in ways that are healthy and healing. Our priority shifts from acquiring things to appreciating what we have and being open to sharing with others.

Generosity is a quality of kindness, of living from a place of abundance. We see the world through a clear lens that isn’t clouded by fear, wanting or clinging. When we interact with others, our connection is

genuine. We see people instead of judgments or labels.

Being generous arises from the heart, not the wallet. We don’t need to have material wealth in order to be generous.

The only requirement is a willingness to open our hearts, to see life as it is and to interact with others from a place of compassion and love. Some examples of generous acts are: n Doing a household chore without being asked. n Setting aside what we’re doing and listening to someone in need of emotional support. n Telling loved ones what we appreciate about them. n Listening to children and trying to see the world through their eyes before offering advice.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

JAN

Age-Defying Habits Plus: Healthy Immune System

FEB

Cardiovascular Health Plus: Regenerative Medicine

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

MAR

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet Plus: CBD

APR

Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies Plus: Healthy Home

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

MAY

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Plus: Protein & Collagen Connection

JUN

Inspired Lifestyle Travel Plus: Brain Health

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

JUL

Beyond Factory Farming Plus: Gut Health

AUG

Biological Dentistry Plus: Environmental Education

SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEP

Emotional Well-Being Plus: Adaptive Yoga

OCT

Stress Management Plus: Joint Health

n Smiling at a stranger.

THE DIABETES CHALLENGE ISSUE

n When asking, “How are you?” looking into the person’s eyes and taking time to truly listen with an attitude of curiosity and compassion.

NOV

Personalized Diabetes Strategies Plus: Skin Care

DEC

Creating Community & Connection Plus: Spending Locally

Generosity awakens goodness in the heart, and this helps us open to life, love and relationships.

Cindy Ricardo is a Coral Springs, Floridabased psychotherapist who blogs at ACaringCounselor.com.

IN EVERY ISSUE...

HEALTH BRIEFS | GLOBAL BRIEFS ECO TIP | GREEN LIVING HEALING WAYS | FIT BODY CONSCIOUS EATING HEALTHY KIDS | WISE WORDS INSPIRATION | NATURAL PET

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calendar of events TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 Rainbow Tuesday – 9am-7pm. Save 20% on all regularly priced items. Debbie’s Health Foods Port Orange, 3850 S Nova Rd. 386-763-7046; and Debbie’s Health Foods Orange City, 862 Saxon Blvd.

386-775-7002.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 Awaken to Your Divine Nature – 7-9pm. With Jnana, Bhakti and Raja Yoga. Free. Port Orange.

GirijaQ@aol.com. Meetup.com/Shanti-MandirMeditation-Port-Orange.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 Meditation – 10-11am. Weekly meditation lead

by Dr. Janolyn Moore, PhD. Journey together into deep relaxation and exploration. Topic: Rebirthing The Divine Feminine Within. All meditation and spiritual levels welcome; bring water or a beverage and a shoulder wrap; crystals or other items to enhance your meditation or contribute to the group energy. $10. The White Orchid Inn & Spa, 1104 S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Bch. WhiteOrchidInn.com.

Tickets: Eventbrite.

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Evening – 5-7:30pm. Gift baskets and bags for the holiday season! Join for a fun testing evening. Proceeds benefit the Persephone Building Fund. Persephone Healing Arts Center, 485 6th Ave N, Jacksonville Bch. 904-246-3583.

DrPautz.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 Classic Car Cruise-In – 9am-1pm. The market welcomes more than 300 classic and collector cars every first Saturday. Enjoy the music of DJ Frank in the west parking lot during the Cruise-In. It’s free to show your car and free to browse rows of classic automobiles. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-253-3330.

DaytonaFleaMarket.com.

Sugar Crash Workshop – 10-11am. With Dr. Jayme Frear. Learn how to identify hidden sugars in your food. Food choices to help you balance your blood sugar, prevent disease, manage your weight, strengthen your immunity, and decelerate your aging. Easy lifestyle strategies for enjoying social events while reducing your sugar intake. Free. New Journey Chiropractic, 292 N Nova Rd, Ormond Bch. 386-236-8085. NewJourneyChiropractic.com.

Tickets: Eventbrite.

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Visit Santa – Dec 7-8, 13-15, 20-23. 11am-1pm.

Santa will be on row D-South with his elf for free photo ops, so bring your camera. All kids get a free gift when visiting with Santa. Free for kids of all ages. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-253-3330. DaytonaFleaMarket.com.

Christmas Fairy House – 2-4pm. With Hattie Sutterfield. The house and supplies will be provided.

Bring your own special enhancements to add to your house. Prepayment is required. $25. Spice of Life Herbs, 214 W Beresford Ave, DeLand. Register: 386-734-0035.

Jewelry Making Class – 3-6pm. Annie Destito of Glassbeads.com will teach the basics of making a beaded necklace with hand-made glass pendant.

Learn how to string a one-of-a-kind wearable piece of art jewelry. Supplies are included. Natural Concepts Revisited, 142 W International Dr, Daytona Bch. 386341-5068. NaturalConceptsRevisited.com.

Talking Stick Circle and Pot Luck – 5-7pm. Native American gathering to share ancient teachings and drumming circle. Bring a chair, family, friends; children are welcome. Bring a dish to share. Andrew Jackson Davis Blvd, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga.

Info: 386-503-4930 or Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 Arts and Crafts Show – 9am-5pm. The market hosts a monthly arts and crafts show on the second Sunday of every month on row D-South. All area craftspeople are invited to book a booth at a special discounted rate. Dozens of booths are set aside for this monthly show, concentrating vendors with hand-made or home-made items in one area. No manufactured items will be permitted. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-253-3330. DaytonaFleaMarket.com.

Delightful Days of Joy and Peace – 1:30-3:30pm.

Join to identify and align your vibrations with pure joy, delight and peace during this holiday season.

Universal love will be gifted through arch angels, spirit guides and the God source. Connect to their guidance, knowledge and receive personal guidance for those in attendance. A true gift to self! $20. 56 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Bch. Info: 386-503-4930 or Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Guided by Your Light – Spirit Circle – 6-7:30pm.

Join Judi for this spirit circle where she will call in universal light beings and channel messages to the group. The gathering will provide information, healing energies and personal guidance for a more peaceful and balanced life. Grace and gratitude

VoFLNatural.com

provided through a universal guided meditation. $20/ class. Hot House Yoga, 400 Parque Dr, Ormond Bch. Info: 386-503-4930. Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com.

Open House – 6-7:30pm. Meet Dr. Pautz and learn about her practice and philosophy. Ask questions, earn about the services offered and decide if their unique blend of integrative and conventional medicine can benefit you through integrative, conventional, and anthroposophic medicine with a great emphasis to personalized one-on-one care. Taking patients of all ages. 485 6th Ave N, Jacksonville Bch. 904-246-3583. DrPautz.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Holiday Potluck – 6-8pm. The office of Dr. A. Schaffer-Pautz, MD, board-certified in both integrative and internal medicine, invites the community to an evening of celebrating the season, nurturing, heart-to-heart, fun, good conversation, and thanksgiving. This is an opportunity for existing patients to introduce friends and other family members to Persephone. Bring your favorite dish to share.

Families with children welcome under your supervision. Persephone Healing Arts Center, 485 6th Ave N, Jacksonville Bch. RSVP: 904-246-3583.

DrPautz.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Reflexology – 8am-5pm. With Beverly Wells. Call ahead to set up a time. $30/1.5-hours, $60/-hour.

Natural Concepts Revisited, 142 W International Dr, Daytona Bch. 386-341-5068. NaturalConcepts Revisited.com.

Healthy Living Group – 11am-noon. Do you need to loose a few pounds, are you tired, want to reverse diabetes or learn how to make better food choices for optimal health? This class is for you. Group led

by Sharon Herr, RD. Free. Port Orange Library (auditorium), 1005 City Center Cir, Port Orange.

Sharon766@gmail.com. Sign up for newsletter at: MyIntegrativerd.com/newsletter-sign-up.

Chili Cook-Off – Noon-3pm. Show off your cooking skills and enter for the Third Annual Chili Cookoff. $50 cash prize to the winner. Have your crock pot of chili in by noon. Registration closes Dec 7.

Free to enter. Spice of Life Herbs, 214 W Beresford Ave, DeLand. Register: 386-734-0035.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Family Christmas Service – 10am. Service with a short pageant presented by the Sunday School children. Reception in Fellowship Hall to follow. Love offering. Unity of Daytona Beach, 908 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill. 386-253-4201.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

plan ahead

Bhagavad Gita Study – 2-4pm. For wisdom and knowledge; reading and discussion; concludes with 15-minutes of meditation. No previous study is required. By donation. 56 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Bch. Meetup.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Study-Wisdom or GirijaQ@aol.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Lecture on Anthroposophy – 7-9pm. Speaker Howard Pautz discusses the existence of an objective, comprehensible spiritual world, accessible to human experience. Persephone Healing Arts Center, Integrative Holistic & Internal Medicine Services, 485 6th Ave N, Jacksonville Bch. Fee per adult.

RSVP/info: 904-246-3583. DrPautz.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Reiki Circle – 10am. All are welcome to join in a guided meditation, prayer circle, and reiki share.

RSVP to ensure adequate seating. Parking is available in the fenced in lot next door. Free. Spice of Life Herbs, 214 W Beresford Ave, DeLand. 386-734-0035.

Intuitive Movement – 4-5:30pm. As this class begins and the music starts allow your intuition to take your body into movement. It may be postures or dance-like or moments of stillness within your body. Open your heart to the universe. Donna and Faith will be in the room to assist. Both are professionals in their fields. Donna is a teacher at Padma Yoga and Faith is an intuitive energy healer and massage therapist. $10. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4734.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 Christmas Candle Lighting Service – 9am & 11am. Love offering. Unity of Daytona Beach, 908 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill. 386-253-4201.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 Meditation – 10-11am. Weekly meditation lead by Dr. Janolyn Moore, PhD. Journey together into deep relaxation and exploration. Topic: We Have Heard – Bringers of the New Dawn. All meditation and spiritual levels welcome; bring water or a beverage and a wrap;

crystals or other items to enhance your meditation or contribute to the group energy. $10. The White Orchid Inn & Spa, 1104 S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Bch. WhiteOrchidInn.com. Tickets: Eventbrite.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Healthy Living Group – 11am-noon. Do you need to loose a few pounds, are you tired, want to reverse diabetes or learn how to make better food choices for optimal health? This class is for you. Group led

by Sharon Herr, RD. Free. Port Orange Library (auditorium), 1005 City Center Cir, Port Orange.

Sharon766@gmail.com. Sign up for newsletter at: MyIntegrativerd.com/newsletter-sign-up.

“2020 Vision” Transformational Workshop – 2-4pm. Facilitated by John McKenna. Release last year’s limitation. Learn how to use the five questions that will remove any blocks you have. With 2020 vision you will see clearly. Spice of Life Herbs, 214 W Beresford Ave, DeLand. Introductory session: $35/2-hours. Info/RSVP: 720-417-9631 or John@ ezLivingSystems.com.

Cassadaga 125th Anniversary Masquerade Ball – 7-11pm. Music, refreshments, gift cards, mask competition. $25/person or $40/couple. Andrew Jackson Davis (Bookstore) Building, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Info: 386-228-2880.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30 World Peace Service – 9am &11am. Love offering.

Unity of Daytona Beach, 908 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill. 386-253-4201.

Healthy Living Group – 11am-noon. Do you need to loose a few pounds, are you tired, want to reverse diabetes or learn how to make better food choices for optimal health? This class is for you. Group led

by Sharon Herr, RD. Free. Port Orange Library (auditorium), 1005 City Center Cir, Port Orange.

Sharon766@gmail.com. Sign up for newsletter at: MyIntegrativerd.com/newsletter-sign-up.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 Rainbow Tuesday – 9am-7pm. Save 20% on all regularly priced items. Debbie’s Health Foods Port Orange, 3850 S Nova Rd. 386-763-7046; and Debbie’s Health Foods Orange City, 862 Saxon Blvd.

386-775-7002.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 CranioSacral Therapy I – Jan 16-19. Offered

by Upledger Institute International, a healthcare resource center known worldwide for its extensive education programs, advanced treatment options and products. The institute offers classes in more than 110 countries, with more than 125,000 alumni to date. Contact them directly for information regarding tuition and early registration savings, prerequisites and class times. 800-233-5880. Upledger.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 Living With the Principles – Jan 25-29. The fifth annual Living With the Principles Retreat and Shoulder Rehabilitation Workshop in a peaceful environment. This four-day retreat provides an opportunity to slow down and step away from life’s hassles, and balance and heal the mind, body and spirit through mindful practices and movement. In conjunction, the workshop provides an introduction to tai chi, how it can be used to rehabilitate and strengthen shoulders and what makes it so effective. 12-14 CE hours. $25 discount with code: LWPNA25. Jekyll Island, Georgia. LivingWithThePrinciples.com.

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ongoing events

Readings – 10am-4pm. Tarot, psychic mediumship, astrology. Walk-ins welcome Mon & Sat. $65/:30 $125/:60 Ask about $20/$40 specials. Schedule a reading during the week. Mystical Expressions of Paradise LLC, 1014 Reed Canal Rd, S Daytona. 386274-0038. Facebook: @ MysticalExpressionsLLC.

daily Annual Nights of Lights Celebration – Thru Feb 2. Features millions of white lights outlining the trees and architecture of the city. One of Florida’s most popular holiday events, this brilliant showcase in America’s oldest city will set the stage for many exciting events taking place this holiday season. St. Augustine.VisitStAugustine.com/event/ nights-lights.

What Can Functional Nutrition Do for You? – Optimize your health and feel your best. Sign up for a free 15-minute phone consultation online at MyIntegrativeRd.com with Sharon Herr, RD, LDN. Sign up for newsletter at: MyIntegrativerd.com/ newsletter-sign-up.

sunday Sunday Service – 9am & 11 am. Inspiring message and music. Love offering. Unity of Daytona Beach, 908 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill. 386253-4201.

Yin Yoga – 9 -10:30am. Begin your Sunday with this gentle yin class. Energetic, yet calming. All levels. BOGO: new students pay for first class; attend your second class free. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

Arts and Crafts Show – 9am-5pm. 2nd Sun. Shop rain or shine for hand-made wares from painters, potters, wood-workers, crafters and artists.

Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach.

Farmers’ Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices, gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch. Cassadaga Spiritualist Lyceum – 9:30-10:15am.

Learn more about the science, philosophy and religion of spiritualism at Lyceum (adult Sunday school). A different teacher each week instructs on the truths of spiritualism and other related subjects. Free. Andrew Jackson Davis (Bookstore) Building, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Info: 386-228-2880.

Zumba – Noon. With Jacqui Harrington. All fitness levels. $5/member, $10/nonmember drop-in fee.

Punch cards available. Bodez by Tasso, 1140 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Bch. RSVP: 386-672-6464.

Cassadaga Sunday Church Service – 10:3011:45am. Following the church service join for community brunch and free all-message service from 12:30-1:30pm. Andrew Jackson Davis (Bookstore) Bldg, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Info: 386-228-2880.

Unity Community Church – 11am. Join for a weekly spiritual celebration. 1001 S Ridgewood Ave (US 1), Edgewater.

Senior Discount Day – Noon-6pm. Seniors save 10% off all regularly priced items. Two locations: Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. 386-775-7002; and 3850 S Nova Rd, Port Orange. 386-763-7046.

monday Monday Special – 15% discount on regular priced Himalayan salt lamps. Mention Natural Awakenings for discount. Mystical Expressions of Paradise LLC, 1014 Reed Canal Rd, S Daytona. 386-274-0038.

Facebook: @ MysticalExpressionsLLC. Monday Madness – 8am-6pm. 1st Mon. Save 25% on supplements and food items. Family Nutrition at Healing Zone, 515 Canal St, New Smyrna Bch. 386-402-7825.

Scrub Strolls – 9-10am. Environmental specialists lead these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve. Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave, Deltona. Register: 386-789-7207 ext 21028.

LyoniaPreserve.com.

Hatha Movement – 9:30-11am. Challenge yourself with this upbeat, fun and energizing class. BOGO: new students pay for first class; attend your second class free. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a wonderful new year!

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VoFLNatural.com

Meditation Classes –6-7pm. Registration: 5:455:55pm. Meditate in love and joy. Become happier and healthier. For all ages and spiritual beliefs. $12 (exact cash only). Solas, 18 Bovard Ave, Ste C, Ormond Bch. BeHealedWithinMeditation.com.

Cassadaga Mediums’ Night – 7pm. 1st Mon. Mini-readings from certified mediums and advanced student mediums. Selection begins at 6:30pm and mini-readings at 7pm. Purchase tickets early for best selection. Bookstore stays open until 7pm. $25. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg (Bookstore), 1112 Stevens St. Info: 386-228-2880.

Shimmy Chic – 7-8pm. Shimmy into shape with this fun dance class. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733. Info: PadmaYogaOnline.com.

Psychic Development Circle – 7-9pm. An ongoing circle with fun and exciting, yet challenging exercises offered each week. No experience necessary; all levels of development are welcome. $20. The Karma Castle, 1437 N US Hwy 1, Ste C8, Ormond Bch. Check schedule to confirm: TheKarmaCastle.com/calendar.

tuesday Gentle Hatha Yoga – 9am. $12. All levels. Mind Body Soul, 821 Canal St, New Smyrna Bch. 386-410-2175.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Lyceum – 9:30-10:15am.

Learn more about the science, philosophy and religion of spiritualism at Lyceum (adult Sunday school). A different teacher each week instructs on the truths of spiritualism and other related subjects.

Free. Andrew Jackson Davis (Bookstore) Building, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Info: 386-228-2880.

Yang Tai Chi for Beginners – 10-11:30am. With Lee Walker Shi Fu. Traditional tai chi focused on short form, development of proper structure and breathing; a meditative and relaxing exercise. First class free; $10/drop-in or $40/monthly unlimited.

Silva Dance Studio, 2355 S Ridgewood Ave, S Daytona. 386-405-4489.

Mindful Meditation – 4:30-5:45pm. New class. A time to help put you deeper in touch with your mind, body and spirit. Learn something new or deepen your ongoing practice. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

Yin Yoga – 6-7:30pm. All levels. BOGO: new students pay for first class; attend your second class free. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast.

386-225-4733.

Meditation Class – 7pm. 1st Tue. Taught by Buddhist Nun Kelsang Jindak. $5-$10 sliding scale.

DeLand Community Acupuncture, 245 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand. 386-626-1944.

Nicotine Anonymous – 7-8pm. 12-step support group. St James Episcopal Church, Conference Rm, 38 S Halifax Dr, Ormond Bch. NicotineAnonymous.org.

Mediumship Development and Practice Circle – 7-8:30pm. This practice circle is open to mediums that are able to exhibit prior mediumistic training or instruction. Email to confirm requirements. $20. The Karma Castle, 1437 N US Hwy 1, Ste C8, Ormond Bch. Carl@CarlSeaver.com. Register: TheKarma Castle.com/events.

Mediumship Development Class – Thru June.

7-9pm. With Cassadaga Certified medium/teacher Joan Piper. Beginners encouraged and welcomed. $20. Andrew Jackson Davis (Bookstore) Bldg, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Info: 386-228-2880.

wednesday Chair Yoga – 9am. All levels. $12. Mind Body Soul, 821 Canal St, New Smyrna Bch. 386-410-2175.

Women’s Wellness Wednesdays – 9am-5pm. Lymphatic drainage relaxation massage, ionic detoxification foot bath, far-infrared sauna for removing heavy metals and toxins, meditation, stretching. $1/min. by appt. Bodez by Tasso, 1140 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Bch. RSVP: 386-672-6464.

Book Study Group – 10-11:30am. Led by Rev. Nancy Saputro. Current book: Frequency – the Power of Your Personal Vibration, by Penny Pierce.

Unity Community Church, 1001 S Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater. Info: 386-481-0890.

Prayer Break – Noon-12:30pm. A thirty-minute prayer break led by Susan Hounsom that begins with a time of centering prayer followed by individualized affirmative prayer. All prayer is confidential.

Unity Community Church, 1001 S Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater. Info: 386-481-0890.

Wild Wednesdays – 2-3:30pm. Join an adventure with native reptiles, saltwater invertebrates and other resident animals. Free. Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave, Deltona. Preregister: 386-789-7207.

Bhagavad Gita Study – 2-4pm. 3rd Wed. Reading and discussion of text, with meditation. No fee.

Universalist Building, 56 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Bch. Info: 845-649-1394. GirijaQ@aol.com.

Kripalu Yoga – 6-7:30pm. A variety of postures to join the mind, body, and spirit, allowing the more advanced yogi to explore deeper movements. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-2254733. PadmaYogaOnline.com.

Meditation and Energy Healing – 6:30-8pm.

Meditation and instruction; pranic healing offered to all; effective for any problem. Donation (free

gift for newcomers). New Smyrna Meditation and Healing Center, 516 S Orange St, New Smyrna Bch. Kathy: 386-566-5677. PranicHealingnsb@gmail. com. PranicHealingnsb.com.

An Evening of Bliss – 6:45-8pm. With Debra Pardee, AP. This technique will get you high and happy with no drugs. Though it feels “spiritual” it is based on solid science. Cedar Ridge Pointe, 2235 S Woodland Blvd, Ste 104, DeLand. 386-734-4126.

AcuDebra.com.

Cassadaga Message and Healing Service – 7-9pm.

7-7:30pm (hands-on healing); 7:30-9pm (message service). Mediums give spirit greetings. $5 donation. Andrew Jackson Davis (Bookstore) Bldg, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. 386-228-2880.

thursday Senior Discount Day – 9am-7pm. Seniors save 10% off all regularly priced items. Two locations: Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City.

386-775-7002; and 3850 S Nova Rd, Port Orange.

386-763-7046.

Meditation and Healing Circle – 11am. All are welcome to join the circle in sending healing energy to those on your healing lists and the planet. 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. 386-228-2880.

Cassadaga Historic Tour – 2-3pm. Learn about the history and gain insight into spiritualism. $15/ adult, $7.50/children 7-12, free/under 6. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg (Bookstore), 1112 Stevens St. Info: 386-228-2880.

New Smyrna Beach Metaphysical Group Meet Up – 6-8pm. 1st & 3rd Thur. No meeting 12/19.

Healing Zone, 515 Canal (rear entrance), 515 Canal St, New Smyrna Bch. Community Yoga – 7pm. With Summer Moore.

All levels. Bring yoga mat. $5-$15 sliding scale.

DeLand Community Acupuncture, 245 N Woodland Blvd. 386-626-1944.

friday Facial Fridays – All day by appt. Women can relax and renew in a serum infused anti-aging facial while men can enjoy a deep cleansing facial with hand and foot massage. Starting at $50/60 mins. Bodez by Tasso, 1140 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Bch. Must RSVP: 386-672-6464.

Compost and Honey Special – All day. Compost $5/bag and 10% off local honey. 142 W Int’l Speedway Blvd, Daytona Bch. 386-341-5068.

NaturalConceptsRevisited.com.

Gentle Slow Flow Yoga – 9am. All levels. $12.

Mind Body Soul, 821 Canal St, New Smyrna Bch. 386-410-2175.

Scrub Strolls – 9-10am. Environmental specialists lead these exploratory hikes through Lyonia Preserve. Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave, Deltona. Register: 386-789-7207 ext 21028.

LyoniaPreserve.com.

Farmers’ Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices, gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch. Yin Yoga-Challenging – 9:30-11am. Challenge yourself to a deeper yin practice. Bring health to your organs and flexibility to your deep tissues. All levels. BOGO: new students pay for first class; attend your second class free. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

An Evening of Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga – 7-9pm. Study of yoga philosophy followed by devotional chanting, mantra and meditation. Free.

Port Orange. Info: 845-649-1394 or GirijaQ@aol.com.

Cassadaga Historic Tour – 2-3pm. Learn about the history and gain insight into spiritualism. $15/ adult, $7.50/children 7-12, free/under 6. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg (Bookstore), 1112 Stevens St. Info: 386-228-2880.

Know Thee as Thy Self: Ancient Wisdom Teachings – 7-9pm. With Rev Dr Don Zanghi. Sacred music and enlightening videos included in this ongoing class; notebook suggested. Donation. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg (Bookstore), 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Info: 386-228-2880.

Come Feel the Spirit Message Service – 7-9pm.

1st Fri. Certified Cassadaga Medium Rev. Louis Gates gives Spirit Greetings to all in attendance. $5 donation. Andrew Jackson Davis Educational (Bookstore) Building, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga.

386-228- 2880.

December 2019

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community resource guide ACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIANS ACUPUNCTURE, NUTRITION & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Debra Pardee, AP, PhD Cedar Ridge Pointe 2235 S Woodland Blvd, Ste 104, DeLand 386-734-4126 • AcuDebra.com Specializing in sensitivities, nutritional counseling, homeopathy, herbal medicine, in a family practice clinic.

Acupuncture without needles is available for children. See ad, page 27.

saturday Hatha/Nidra Combo – 9-10:30am. Half the class creates strength and flexibility; the other half creates healing with nidra. All levels. BOGO: new students pay for first class; attend your second class free. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast.

386-225-4733.

Classic Car Cruise-In – 9am-1pm. 1st Sat. The market welcomes more than 300 classic and collector cars. Enjoy the music of DJ Frank in the west parking lot during the Cruise-In. It’s free to show your car and free to browse rows of classic automobiles. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-253-3330. DaytonaFlea Market.com.

ACUPUNCTURE & PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER

You Chang Hu, DOM, AP Kunning Li, DOM, AP • 2135 S Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach 386-760-2112 • 50 Leanni Way, Palm Coast 386-445-0098 AcupuncturePainMgmt.com Dr. Hu and Dr. Li are graduates of Traditional Chinese Medical Universities in China.

They have practiced acupuncture and Chinese medicine for a combined 45+ years.

See ad, page 11.

Farmers’ Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch. Yang Tai Chi Beginners – 10-11:30am. With Lee Walker Shi Fu. Traditional tai chi focused on short form, development of proper structure and breathing; a meditative and relaxing exercise. First class free; $10/drop-in or $40/monthly unlimited. Silva Dance Studio, 2355 S Ridgewood Ave, S Daytona.

386-405-4489.

Readings – 10am-4pm. Tarot, psychic mediumship, astrology. Walk-ins welcome Mon & Sat. $65/:30 $125/:60 Ask about $20/$40 specials. Schedule a reading during the week. Mystical Expressions of Paradise LLC, 1014 Reed Canal Rd, S Daytona. 386274-0038. Facebook: @ MysticalExpressionsLLC. Tea Charm Readings, Butterfly Readings, Meet Your Power Animal Sessions– Noon-4pm. Spice of Life Herbs, 214 W Beresford Ave, DeLand.

386-734-0035.

Cassadaga Historic Tours – 11am-noon & 2-3pm.

Learn about the history and gain insight into spiritualism. $15/adult, $7.50/children 7-12, free/under 6. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg (Bookstore), 1112 Stevens St. Info: 386-228-2880.

Meditation Classes – 1-2pm. Registration 12:4512:55pm. Meditate in love and joy. Become happier and healthier. For all ages and spiritual beliefs. $12.

Cash only. Please bring exact change. Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach. BeHealedWithinMeditation.com.

Cassadaga Encounter the Spirits Night Tour – 7:30-9:30pm. Bring digital camera for pictures of spirit orbs during tour. $25/adult, $15/children 7-12.

Tickets available on Cassadaga.org or in bookstore prior to 6pm. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg (Bookstore), 1112 Stevens St. Info: 386-228-2880.

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Volusia / Flagler

ACUPUNCTURE & SKIN CARE CLINIC

Lorenzo Phan, DOM, AP 725 W Granada Blvd Ste. 15, Ormond Beach 386-615-1203 • AcuBeautyTherapy.com Dr. Phan has great success in promoting fertility with acupuncture and herbal supplements. Nonsurgical modalities for natural pain relief include acupuncture, trigger point therapy, Chinese herbal remedies, cupping, neuromuscular therapy, and cold laser for neck injuries, chronic lower back pain, sciatica, hip/knee arthritis and migraines and more.

MM20928. See ad, page 16.

RP ACUPUNCTURE ROSA PANOS, AP, DOM, PT

397 Palm Coast Parkway SW #5 386-283-4655 • RPAcupunctureFL.com Acupuncture Physician, Physical Therapist and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Dr. Rosa Panos offers integrative pain management combining Eastern Medicine with e x p e r t p h y s i c a l t h e r a p y.

Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupoint Injections and Zyto Elite Scanning. See ad, page 7.

VoFLNatural.com

ANGEL LIFE COACH PATRICIA ALTON

Angel Therapy Practitioner® Spiritual Life Coach 386-873-2517 Angel-Pathways.com Channeled angel messages to heal and transform relationships, life purpose and health. Angelic mediumship, past life regressions, wise women gatherings, ordained minister. House blessings. Gift certificates available.

BOOKS • CREATIVE ARTS • GIFTS & MORE CASSADAGA BOOKSTORE 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga 386-228-2880 Cassadaga.org

Open Monday-Saturday, 10am6pm and Sunday, 11:30am-5pm.

We’re so much more than a bookstore with: books, CDs, DVDs, rocks, crystals, gems, jewelry, figurines, lamps, oils/ aromatherapy, incense, sage and Native American items. Personal readings, historical tours, Saturday night orb tours and gift certificates.

See ad, page 17.

MAMA GAIA’S METAPHYSICAL SHOP 104 W Rich Ave, DeLand 386-366-4385 Facebook: mamagaiasmystiqueboutique

Metaphysical and new age shop for the mind, body and spirit.

CBD products, crystals, minerals, gemstone jewelry, essential oils and aromatherapy products, books, incense and smudging supplies, workshops and classes, Holistic and Spiritual coaching and much more. See ad, page 27.

MYSTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF PARADISE, LLC

1014 Reed Canal Rd, S Daytona 386-274-0038 MysticalExpressionsOfParadise.com Facebook: @MysticalExpressionsLLC Open daily 10am-4pm; closed Thurs & Sun (open by appointment). A unique experience of natural stones and crystals, sage/blends, cones/ stick incense, singing bowls, pendulums, runes, tapestries, organite, ceramics, tarot cards, jewelry, Himalayan salt lamps, chaga and more. Classes, Chakra Healings, Reiki Attunements, Readings: tarot, psychic, mediumship and astrology.

CAFÉ – JUICE BAR SUPERFOODS CAFÉ & JUICE BAR 515 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach 386-402-7825 TheFamilyNutritionStore.com

Daily lunch specials include vegan, paleo and gluten-free soups made daily from all organic ingredients.

Cold-press juices, 3, 5 and 10 day cleanse. Doctor formulated protein smoothies, and create-your-own smoothies with a variety of fruit bases and supplements. Call for daily specials. See ad, page 18.

CBD PRODUCTS ASHA VAPES - ASHA’S ELIXIRS

Medicinal Organic Hemp CBD Products 1500 BevilleRd, Ste 409, Daytona Beach 386-275-1018 AshasElixirs.com Got Pain? Try Asha’s long-lasting Max Pain Cream with its 35 essential oils, strong menthol and 200 mg of medicinal CBD per oz. Zero THC, Zero Chlorophyl, 3rd party testing. Edibles, organic tinctures, K-9 treats, pre-filled vape tanks & pens, soft gels. See ad, page 20.

NEW JOURNEY CHIROPRACTIC A Maxliving Center Dr Jayme Frear 292 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach 386-236-8085 NewJourneyChiropractic.com

Our goal is to provide you with a holistic wellness plan to help you lead a healthier, happier life. Offering spinal correction, nutritional plans, health talks and workshops, science-based exercise programs, health resources and more. See ad, page 5.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY BEACHSIDE COLONICS

Lidia Nash 18 Bovard Ave Ste A, Ormond Beach 1655 Restarrick Ave, South Daytona 386-760-0035 Lidia@BeachsideColonics.com Gentle rinsing of the colon removes toxic waste that can contribute to pain, inflammation and disease. Relaxing and effective. Lidia also offers ionic foot cleanse, infrared detox wraps and healthy food preparation classes. MA46199.

COUNSELING

YOUR CBD STORE

• 2249 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand • 386-627-6715 DeLandFl.CBDrx4u.com • 160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste A105 Palm Coast • 386-627-5271 PalmCoast.CBDrx4u.com Offering the highest quality CBD products to market; products are formulated using other cannabinoids and terpenes, creating unique synergies that increase efficacy, Samples target specific ailments and increase the Stop in & try a binding sample of CBD. Stop in and try a free sample for foryourself. yourself.

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SENSITIVE SOUL THERAPY

Patti Sabla, LCSW, EMDR 245 W Blue Springs Ave, Orange City 407-307-2932 I can help you quiet your inner critic, stand up for yourself, end perfectionism/people pleasing, overcome social anxiety, stop looping negative thoughts and more. See ad, page 7.

DENTIST

386-402-8997 • BeWellNSB.Com

Drs. Wendy and Christian Edwards are dedicated to providing holistic patient-centered care. In addition to chiropractic, they offer Class IV (K-Laser), Frequency Specific Microcurrent and functional medicine. Through specific testing they locate imbalances and recommend natural approaches. See ad, page 18.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician before use. For use by adults 18+.

VALERIE G DAVIS, MD

504 S Orange St, New Smyrna Beach 386-423-2218 • DavisDerm.com Valerie G Davis, MD, integrates holistic dermatology in the forms of homeopathy, herbal medicine and energy medicine. Her latest fields of study are ozone therapy and stem cell medicine. Davis also practices and teaches Twin Hearts meditation and Pranic healing at New Smyrna Meditation and Healing Center, next door to her office.

DIET & NUTRITION MARGO KING, PHD, DN

Debbie’s Health Foods Port Orange • 386-763-7046 Orange City • 386-775-7002 DebbiesHealthFoods.com Dr. Margo King is board certified by the American Alternative Medical Association and practitioner member of the American Holistic Health Association. Available for personal nutritional counseling.

See ads, page 2 and back cover.

SHARON HERR, RD LLC 386-214-0576 MyIntegrativeRD.com

A functional nutrition practice using genetic and biochemical tools for getting at the root causes of chronic illness; creating diets and life plans for weight loss, diabetes and Parkinson’s.

ENERGY HEALING NEW SMYRNA MEDITATION AND HEALING CENTER

DR STEVEN CHAMBERLAIN, DMD

516 S Orange St, New Smyrna Beach 386-689-6868 PranicHealingNSB.com

one-appointment porcelain crowns, veneers with whole-family progressive dentistry. For more information, visit iaomt.org.

Learn simple techniques to live a happy and healthy life with a sharper mind. Pranic Healing often brings instant relief for acute and chronic conditions.

Free meditation and energy healing session every We d n e s d a y a t 6 : 3 0 p m . D r Valerie Davis teaches Twin Hearts meditation and Pranic healing. See ad, page 31.

Palm Coast 2727 N Atlantic Ave, Ste 12 160 Cypress Point Pkwy., Ste. A105 Daytona Beach • 386-677-8466 BE WELL CHIROPRACTIC Palm Coast, FL 32164 @Healing Zone PalmCoast.CBDrx4u.com We offer biological dentistry, safe mercury removal 515 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach (386) 627-5217 protocols, biocompatible materials, detox programs,

CHIROPRACTIC

DERMATOLOGY – HOLISTIC

HOLISTIC DENTAL HEALTH CARE

GEORGE W EDWARDS, DMD DAVID W EDWARDS, DMD 541 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford 407-322-6143 • HolisticDentalHealth.com Holistic dentistry focuses on whole-body wellness that starts with the mouth. We are dentists who perform dentistry that is good for the body, as well as the teeth and gums.

See ad, page 19.

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FITNESS CENTER BODEZ BY TASSO 1140 W Granada Blvd Ormond Beach BodezFitness.com 386-672-6464

Bodez by Tasso has an elite staff of trainers and customer service representatives ready to help improve your health and quality of life. Personalization and supervision is what sets Bodez apart from other fitness centers. Tasso and his staff strive to ensure your fitness goals are met. Hours: 5:30am-8pm, Mon-Fri; 7am-2pm, Sat.

GRAPHIC DESIGN/ ILLUSTRATION MY ART DEPARTMENT Wendy Wilson 386-775-7275 LoveToDrawW@gmail.com

Custom logo design, business cards and graphic layout, and illustration created just for you.

Tu t o r i n g i s a v a i l a b l e f o r beginners in Photoshop. Visit us on Facebook.

FAMILY NUTRITION/HEALING ZONE 515 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach 386-402-7825 TheFamilyNutritionStore.com

Receive 20% off on only the highest quality vitamins, supplements, herbs, essential oils, homeopathic remedies, natural foods, personal care and pet products offered.

Free delivery Thursdays. See ad, page 18.

HEALTH FOODS FOR LIFE Bob Lewandowski, LNC 122 E Rich Ave, DeLand 386-734-2343

Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Bob has been in business more than 39 years with specialties including: non-allergenic foods, energizing weight reduction, organic skin care, herbs and vitamins. Licensed Nutritional Counselor. #0000177.

LOVE WHOLE FOODS CAFÉ & MARKET

• 275 Williamson Blvd, Ormond Beach 386-677-5236 • 1633 Taylor Rd, Port Orange 386-767-6543 LoveWholeFoods.com

HEALTH FOODS

Open Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sunday, 11 a m - 5 p m w i t h f r i e n d l y, k n o w l e d g e a b l e s t a ff . G e t involved in your community, shop local and support organics.

Save more with our “Get Healthy, Get Rewarded” program.

DEBBIE’S HEALTH FOODS

• 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City 386-775-7002 • 3850 S Nova Rd, Port Orange 386-763-7046 DebbiesHealthFoods.com Open Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11-6pm. Receive 20% off entire stock, not including discounts and sales on the first Tuesday of every month. Debbie’s has the area’s most knowledgeable and friendly staff. See ads, page 2 and back cover.

DELAND NATURAL MARKET 933 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand 386-736-7919

Open Sunday, 10am-5pm; Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm.

Store and deli closed on Saturdays. Deli features organic and gluten-free hot entrees, wraps, salads and smoothies.

NATURE’S GARDEN NATURAL HEALTH FOODS 2405 Enterprise Rd, Orange City 386-774-1222

Open MondayFriday, 10am–6pm; Saturday, 10am5pm. Quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, body building and dietary supplements, personal care, children and pet products, essential oils, books and mail-order available. 20% discounts every day.

The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity. ~Leo Tolstoy 36

Volusia / Flagler

VoFLNatural.com

HERBS – HOLISTIC SPICE OF LIFE HERBS

214 Beresford Ave, DeLand 386-734-0035 SpiceOfLifeHerbs.net Open WednesdayFriday, 11am-5pm; Saturday, 11am-7pm.

Herb and vegetable plants, dried herbs, organic teas, Tea Forte, essential oils, skin care products, gemstones, jewelry, incense, oracle and tarot cards, books, CDs, dragons, fairies, reiki sessions and holistic classes.

Read our newsletter and calendar at SpiceOfHerbs. net. Like us on Facebook.

INSURANCE GREAT FLORIDA INSURANCE Cal Seibert, Agent 415 Dunlawton Ave, Ste 108 Port Orange • 386-256-4812

*Each location is independently owned and operated.

Say goodbye to high insurance rates.

Contact us for quotes on auto, home, condo, renters, boat, motorcycle, dwelling and flood insurance. Experience personalized service. SR22 and FR44 policies available.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE A. SCHAEFFER-PAUTZ, MD

Board Certified in Internal and Integrative Medicine Persephone Healing Arts Center 485 6th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach 904-246-3583 • DrPautz.com Medical practice emphasizing highest quality personalized care, integrating spiritual, emotional and physical. Practicing naturopathy, homeopathy, anthroposophic medicine. Monthly open house and lecture.

LIFE/HEALTH COACHING CASSANDRA FAYE Life Coach 631-334-3872 CassieFaye.com

Cassandra Faye is a Life Coach and Law of Attraction expert who helps people manifest their desires and move past any limiting beliefs, so that they can start living life at their highest potential. She works with clients on every aspect of life, including finding true love, attracting money, landing that dream job, lifting up their self-worth and so much more. Call/text or email to schedule a phone consultation.

CELIE WESTON

Certified Life & Business Coach 1440 Deerfoot Rd, DeLand 818-445-6265 • CelieWeston.com Celie Weston is a Personal Leadership Coach with a focus on helping women and heart-based entrepreneurs take decisive confident action in their life and business in alignment with their vision, so they can achieve stressfree abundance and have a freedom-based lifestyle. See ad, page 33.

CHERI FLAUTO

Life & Health Coach | Hypnosis Mind Body Soul, New Smyrna Beach Zoom • Skype • Messenger Video Chat 407-401-0890 • CheriFlauto.com Cheri Flauto is a Certified Whole Life Coach. Her passion is to empower others to achieve and succeed, to change and transform, and to create their hearts desires utilizing developed programs designed to transform from within.

Specializing in life coaching, health coaching, confidence coaching, overcoming anxiety and women’s coaching.

THAI YOGA MASSAGE & LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE FACIALS Michele Toner Available by appointment 386-264-4922

Thai Massage treats energy blockages, nerve problems, creates flexibility in body and is done in workout clothing.

Lymphatic Drainage facials strengthen facial muscles, boost oxygen flow and leave you with a radiant complexion. MM34283.

MA45970.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA COASTAL WELLNESS CENTERS 725 W Granada Blvd, Ste 22 Ormond Beach 386-302-4THC (4842) CoastalWellnessCenters.com

Medical marijuana treats and manages many conditions. Call Florida’s premiere medical cannabis centers today for your free consultation. See ad, page 27.

WALK-IN MEDICAL MARIJUANA CLINICS

BEACHFRONT INN & HOLISTIC SPA RETREAT

100 S Spring Garden Ave, DeLand 386-232-5599 631 Beville Rd, Daytona Beach 386-222-1667

Recipient of Trip A d v i s o r Certificate of Excellence. Amenities include heated mineral pool, swimming pool, full breakfast, afternoon wine & appetizers, beach chairs, bicycles, high-speed WIFI. Holistic healing and spa services on site. See ad, page 11.

Certified marijuana doctors. Get your medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana treats more than 250 medical conditions such as: chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s, IBS, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, lupus and more. No appointment required. See ad, page 28.

MASSAGE

MEDIUM

LODGING 1104 S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach 386-439-4944 • WhiteOrchidInn.com

ANGELA SHAFFER, LMT

Whispering Pines Plaza 2425 S Volusia Ave, Ste B-2 Orange City • 386-848-5528 AngieShaffer.com Licensed massage therapist, certified RNR™ practitioner, (Reconnecting Neuromuscular Responses). Therapeutic Swedish and sports massages, outcalls, chair and couples’ massage available. Call or text for appointment. MA40442.

PEST CONTROL NATURAL NATURALLY GREEN PEST SOLUTIONS PO Box 354591, Palm Coast, FL, 32135 386-237-9663 NaturallyGreenPest.com Info@NaturallyGreenPest.com

Offering pest solutions for your home and lawn with a natural focus. Unwanted pests in your home can negatively affect your family’s health and your peace of mind. Eliminate them with a program you can feel good about.

PET SUPPLIES BARKLE N SHINE

1370 N US Hwy 1, Ste 201, Ormond Beach 386-256-4999 BarkleNShine.com All dog lovers welcome to come and pamper your pet without getting you or your bathroom soaked at our beautiful self-serve d o g w a s h f a c i l i t y.

Lavender diffused, state-of-the art grooming salon features quality shampoo, ramped tubs and fullservice grooming appointments. Also offering doggy daycare and home pet sitting. See ad, page 24.

BULL RUN FARM SUPPLY

1020 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach 386-672-2735 BullRunFarmSupply.com Full-service pet store. Large selection of holistic treats and certified organic pet products, toys, beds, flea control products and natural flea control for home and yard. Great selection of livestock feed for horses, cattle, poultry and more, also carrying several varieties of hay. See ad, page 25.

CARL SEAVER

Carl@CarlSeaver.com CarlSeaver.com Carl Seaver is an international psychic medium. His calling to become a medium has led him on an inspired journey to be the voice for our departed loved ones, as they lovingly remind us of their continuation of life after death, that they are not alone or suffering and that they are still very much a part of our lives, even after they are gone from our sight. Services include 1:1 private mediumship session, psychic readings, mediumship demonstration events (with audiences), private house parties and psychic/ mediumship development classes. All sessions are by appointment and are as effectively done over the phone as in person.

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PSYCHIC CHANNEL REV JUDI WEAVER

Heart 4 Souls Inc, Ormond Beach Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com 386-503-4930 • Heart4Souls.com

energy distance.

Channeled spirit messages, crystal light healer, divine personal guidance, shamanic practitioner, spiritual counseling, guided meditations, home/property blessings, vision quest journeys.

For individuals or groups—in person, virtual/on-line, phone or

SPAS BEACHFRONT INN & HOLISTIC SPA RETREAT

1104 S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach 386-439-4944 Connecting you holistically to nature’s bounty of minerals and exquisitely scented plant extracts. Spa services include reflexology, body treatments, wraps, facials, hands & feet.

Massage services include Swedish, deep tissue, Japanese hot stone, couples, Lomi Lomi, Ayurvedic treatments and more. Packages may include spa cuisine lunch and use of our heated mineral pool.

Follow our Facebook page for current events. See ad, page 11.

SOLAR ENERGY SOLAR-FIT

1523 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Volusia • 386-441-2299 Flagler • 386-445-7606 Solar-Fit.com Relax and let the sun do the work for you. Solar-fitting your home or business is a smart, economical and environmentally sound investment. We offer a wide range of options to make your home more energy efficient.

We are making America energy-independent one home at a time.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS THE KARMA CASTLE

A Center for Spiritual Growth and Intuitive Development 1437 N US Highway 1, Ste C8, Ormond Beach TheKarmaCastle.com The Karma Castle is a center for anyone who is on a path of personal or spiritual growth, and for those wishing to move beyond their perceived, limited capabilities into a place of knowing that we are limitless. Classes, workshops and events include Psychic and Mediumship Development, Mediumship Demonstrations, Spiritual Healing, Guided Meditations, Psychic Fairs and more. The Karma Castle welcomes all levels of abilities and honors the fact that everyone is on their own unique and individual spiritual path of growth and development. See ad, page 6.

38

Volusia / Flagler

VoFLNatural.com

UNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH

1001 S Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater 386-481-0890 • UnityCommunityChurch.com Sunday service is at 11am. Offering prayer services, book study groups, classes, spiritual counseling, weddings, christenings, memorial services, home blessings, home/hospital visitations. See ad, page 20.

UNITY OF DAYTONA BEACH

908 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill 386 253-4201 • UnityDaytonaBeach.org Please join us for Sunday services at 9am and 11am and stay for coffee, snacks and fellowship afterwards.

Nursery services available for both services with full youth programs at 11am. Our vision: “Centered in God, empowered by Spirit, we celebrate an awakened world”. See ad, page 30.

SPIRITUAL HEALING SHANNON MACDONALD

Divinity Speaks, LLC 1437 N US Hwy 1, Ste C8, Ormond Beach DivinitySpeaks.com Shannon@DivinitySpeaks.com Spiritual Healing unites the holistic practice of energy healing with the harmonizing vibration of Source Energy to help activate the innate, self-healing abilities we all possess.

The love, which emanates from Divine Consciousness, opens a path for positive transformation for mind, body and spirit. A registered nurse for over 25 years, Shannon successfully facilitates Spiritual Healing Sessions across the country as well as in her local area of Ormond Beach. Visit the website to learn more, and to schedule Spiritual Healing or Source to Soul Message Sessions.

VETERINARIAN FLORIDAWILD VETERINARY HOSPITAL

115 E Euclid Ave, DeLand 386-734-9899 • FloridaWildVetHospital.com FloridaWild provides compassionate and outstanding care for dogs, cats, birds and exotics. We are an integrative veterinary practice that offers acupuncture, ozone therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

See ad, page 25.

FLORIDA VETERINARY REHABILITATION

Dr Lisa Mason DVM, CCRT, CVA 441 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand 386-337-7106 FLVetRehab.com If your pet has difficulty moving, is recovering from surgery or has suffered an injury, we can help by providing a customized treatment plan, including home exercise program, to restore your pet to full function.

Treatments offered include laser, shockwave, acupuncture, chiropractic, aqua therapy and more.

See ad, page 24.

GENTLE PET PASSINGS

Dr Gayle Burrell Volusia / Flagler 386-279-8525 • GentlePetPassings.com Saying goodbye to your beloved friend is a loving, but difficult decision. Spend those final precious moments with your pet in the comfort of their home surrounded by all that they love.

See ad, page 25.

WELLNESS AMETHYST WELLNESS

Amy Coopersmith, ARNP 50 Cypress Point Pkwy, B-1 Palm Coast 386-283-4180 • AmethystWellness.com Preventative healthcare, IV Nutrition, Hormone Optimization and sexual health treatments for men and women, acupuncture treatments, SculpSure Body Contouring, laser hair removal, weight loss and more. See ad, page 12.

YOGA PADMA YOGA

Micki Higgins, E-RYT 500 YACEP 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast 386-225-4733 • PadmaYogaOnline.com Evening Classes, Sky Styx and Chair Sky Styx offered. Experience improvement in flexibility and strength in your body and a calming of the mind and spirit reducing stress and anxiety in your daily life. Yoga for all body types and all ages. We are the only yoga studio in Palm Coast that is not hot. See website for schedule. See ad, page 7.

Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word. ~Goran Persson

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December 2019

39

PORT ORANGE

ORANGE CITY

M-F 9-7 • Sat 9-6 • Sun 12-6

Mon-Sat 9-7:30 • Sun 11-6

862 Saxon Blvd

3850 S. Nova Rd

(386) 763-7046

Serving the community since 1988!

(386) 775-7002

www.debbieshealthfoods.com

“Good Health is Your Best Insurance Policy!”

Anniversary Celebration

Leon

Cerankowski

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Debbie

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