natural awakenings magazine ~ december 2009

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2 December 2009


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How to AdvertiseTo advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email: [email protected]. Deadline for space reservation is the 12th of each month prior to publication.

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wHere to PicK uP NAturAl AwAKeNiNGsIf you enjoyed this magazine and would like to know where you can pick up a free copy in your area, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email us at: [email protected]

and much more online...more...healthbriefs, globalbriefs, news, articles, archives, calendar, classifieds, natural directory & more!

8 globalbriefs

11 healthbriefs

12 greenliving

18 consciouseating

20 healthykids

30 healingways

31 inspiration

14 DECK THE HALLS NATURALLY bySharonPisacreta

18 RADICALLY CLEAR SKIN GlowfromtheInsideOut byLisaMarshall

20 SNIFFLE PATROL EasyTipstoKeepKids HealthyThisWinter byDr.LauriGrossman

22 AWAKENING CONSCIOUSNESS BoldNewVisionsforUs, theEarthandtheUniverse byBarbaraAmrhein

29 TOUCH YOUR TOES IN 30 DAYS byBessheenBaker

30 WINTER ITCH byBobHuttinga

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

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4 December 2009

letterfrompublishers

Thismonth,asIponderedourfocusofAwak-eningConsciousness,MaryDawsonofTen-

dressaStudiosofferedtheseinspiredthoughts,whichwehappilysharewithyou:

On Presence, Awakening and PurposePresence... What does it really mean? Leonard Jacobson, known as a master of presence, says, “There is no life outside the present moment.”

As a seeker, my own journey has been interest-ing, busy and sometimes stressful. I have spent a

lot of time and money searching for answers to the big questions related to presence, like “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose in all of this?” I smile inside when I consider all that I have experimented with over the years... vast amounts of therapy, hundreds of self-help books, healing modalities, seminars, retreats, readings, products, diets and meditation practices. The list goes on. It has all been purposeful, interesting and worthwhile, and I remain grateful to all those in the healing arts who have supported my journey as, day by day, I learn how to break through into the joyous pres-ence of living in the now.

Awakening... A simple truth is emerging for me. After 57 years of search-ing and experimenting, I have learned to breathe into a deep exhalation of relief. “You mean I can stop trying so hard to get it, and just relax in the moments as they occur?” I believe I am awakening to a reality that the plants and animals have always known as they naturally live in the present.

The Only Real Challenge... and it is a big one, is that my mind still wants to run everything in a framework of linear time. It loves to visit the past, relentlessly and without mercy, rehashing, reliving and obsessing. Its mo-dus operandi is admittedly tedious and monotonous, sometimes juicy and sometimes horrific, but highly effective in keeping me from enjoying the wonders and the beauty of the present moment.

These days I am practicing the art of gently bringing myself back to the presence of the present moment. Again and again I let my straying mind know that it is not in charge. I have concluded that a state of worrying about the past and fearing the future is a thief and a robber of my unique and wondrous gifts, which are only visible in the present moment.

Purpose... When I choose to let my soul run the show, its more expan-sive agenda feels something like this. Be present... listen... know... ahhh. Sometimes, I sense and hear a soft, childlike inner presence whisper “You must become as a child to enter heaven, which is the present moment.” This has become my purpose.

LikemyfriendMary,Ithinkmanyofusmightexperiencesimilarissues,sothatherwordsofwisdomcanprovideaspringboardtowelcomead-justmentsinourownlives.Whatarelieftorecallwhatreallycountsinthemidstoftheholidayrush.

Blessings,progressandpeace,

AmyandKyle

Subscriptionsareavailablebysending$30(12issues)

totheaboveaddress.

©2009byNatural Awakenings.All rights reserved.Althoughsomepartsofthispublicationmayberepro-ducedandreprinted,werequirethatpriorpermissionbeobtainedinwriting.

Natural Awakeningsisafreepublicationdistributedlo-callyandissupportedbyouradvertisers.Itisavailableinselectedstores,healthandeducationcenters,healingcenters,publiclibrariesandwhereverfreepublicationsaregenerallyseen.Pleasecallforalocationnearyouorifyouwouldlikecopiesplacedatyourbusiness.

Wedonotnecessarilyendorsetheviewsexpressedinthearticlesandadvertisements,norareweresponsiblefortheproductsandservicesadvertised.Wewelcomeyourideas,articlesandfeedback.

Natural Awakenings is printed on 100% recycled newsprint with soy based ink.

PublishersKyle&AmyHass

EditorsMaryAnnLawrenceS.AlisonChabonais

LindaSechrist

Design & ProductionInteractiveMediaDesign

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PrinterNewsweb

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newsbriefsMulticulturalDiscussionsWorkshopHave you ever found yourself

in a difficult multiculturaldiscussionwhereyouwishedthatyou could respond in a differentwaytoaninappropriatebehavior,remarkorjoke?TheLeavenCenter,inpartnershipwithMichiganStateUniversityExtension,willprovidetoolsthatcanhelpattheirone-dayworkshop,“LeadershipinDealingwith Difficult Multicultural Dis-cussions: FindingVoice throughPositive Confrontation,Tuesday,December8,atTheLeavenCenterinLyons.Theworkshopwillrunfrom10:00am-4:00pm.Thecostof$50includeslunchandmaterials. ExperiencedMSUExtensionfacilitatorsDionardoPizañaandKarenPacewillofferparticipantssomeapproachestorespondtolanguageandsituationsthatchallengetheircommitmenttoworktodiminishthebarriersofracism,sexism,ableism,andtheotheroppressive “isms.” Participants will become more conscious,committedandcompetent inpro-activelyaddressingdifficultmulticulturalsituationsanddiscussionsthroughaninteractiveexperiencewithotherparticipants. TheLeavenCenterisaretreatandstudycenterthatnurturestheconnectionbetweenspiritualityandsocialjusticethroughworkshops,retreatsandrentalspace. Formoreinformationortoregister,pleasecontactTheLeavenCenter7981PeckinsRd.,Lyons,MI48851at989-855-2606orvisitwww.leaven.org.Seeadpage39.

BlackElderberryFightsFluAdouble blind study

carried out during aflu outbreak in Panamahas shown that the stan-dardized elderberry ex-tractSambucolinhibitsthereplication of at least 10different human influen-zaA/B viruses (includingNorthAmericanswineandfowl,AnnArbor, Shang-

dog,Beijing,Texas,Singapore,Panama,andYamagata).Morethan90%ofthepatientstreatedwithelderberryshowedimprove-mentofsymptomswithintwodaysandcompletecureinthreedays,whiletheplacebogrouptooksixdaystoachieveacure. Source:HebrewUniversity-HadassahMedicalSchoolFac-ultyResearchsite.StandardizedelderberryisavailablelocallyatRosewoodMarketinColumbia,(803)765-1083,seeadpage48;14CarrotinLexington,(803)359-2920;andatAlternativeHealthCenterinWestColumbia,(803)796-9999.

EastGRChiroClinicHostsSalvationArmyAngelTreeTheChirofitWellnessCenterwillhaveanAngelTreein

itsofficethisholidayseason.TheSalvationArmy’sAngelTreeProgramprovidesnewclothingand/ortoysforchildren.TheChirofittreeisdecoratedwithnumberedpaperangeltags with the first name, age and gender of a child whowillreceivethegift.Contributorsremoveoneormoretagsfromthetreeandpurchaseappropriategiftsforthechildorchildrendescribedonthetags.Thetoysarethendeliveredtotheunitandlaterpickedupbytheparenttodistributetothechild/childrenonChristmasDay. TheChirofitWellnessCenterislocatedat2249WealthyStreet SE, Suite240, in EastGrandRapids. [email protected].

LargestHealthyLivingExpooftheCaribbean

Natural AwakeningsCorp. proudly presentsits sixth annual ExpoCalidaddeVida(QualityofLifeExpo),thelargesthealthy living conven-tion inPuertoRicoandtheCaribbean.Thismag-

nificentevent,tobeheldJanuary29ththroughthe31st,2010at thePuertoRicoConventionCenter,consistsofawide

6 December 2009

rangeofholisticservices,naturalproducts,sustainableliving,lecturesandworkshops,alldedicatedtoprovidinginsightsonhowtoachievehappierandhealthierlifestyles.Since2004,ExpoCalidaddeVidahasbeenunitingconsumersandbusi-nessesinalifechangingevent. Formoreinformationortomarketyourproductsorservicestothousandsofhealth-consciousconsumersandbusinessesattheExpo,Visitexpocalidaddevida.comorcall(787)918-1768,TollFree1-866-692-7888.

TheBodyCenterPresentsHealthyHappyHour

TheBodyCenter,aHeal-ing Arts destination in

Holland, has developed analternative and holistic ap-proach to the traditionalhappy hour – the HealthyHappyHour.OwnerofTheBodyCenter,MarcellaClarkand her team created H3

withthedesiretoprovideaconvenienttimeforindividualstodosomethingphysically,mentallyandemotionallyhealthyforthemselvesinawarm,supportive,andfunenvironment.DubbedH3,HealthyHappyHourfeaturesearlyclasseseverydayoftheworkweek,includingBodyRolling,aYogabasedexercise to improve posture, balance and mobility, GentleYoga, ideal for those new toYoga, Mindful Pilates, a bodyconditioningthatseekstobuildflexibility,strength,enduranceandcoordination,BellyDancing,aclassthathelpstonethebody,andHulaHoop,aplayfulwaytoslimthewaist. HealthyHappyHourlaunchedinNovemberwithclassesbeginningat4:15pmeachday,MondaythroughFriday.Par-ticipantspurchaseapunchcardfor10classesandmayattendanyH3classtheychoose,anydayoftheweek,andasoftenastheylike. FormoreinformationcontactTheBodyCenter650RileyStreetinHolland616orvisitwww.thebodycenter.us.Seeaddpage5&28.

NewAdditiontotheChiroFitTeamAliciaBestewillbejoiningtheChiroFitteamasanintern

in January 2010. She will be assisting with exerciserehabandnutritionprogramsfromJanuary-AprilatChiroFit. “Weareexcitedtohaveherasanadditiontoourteam.Shewillplayanimportantroleallowingourpatientstohaveextraattentioninareasofnutritionandexercisestrengthen-ing,”saysDr.LindsayRademacher,DC.BesteisanExerciseScienceMajorwithanemphasisinClinicalNutritionandwillbegraduatingfromGVSUnextspring. TheChiroFitWellnessCenterislocatedat2249WealthyStreet SE, Suite240, inEastGrandRapids. [email protected].

LightenUp&ShineVitality.Joy.Laughter.Sparkle.Clarity.Peace.How

canyoumaintainthesepositivestatesasthedaysgrowshorter,gloomy clouds domi-natetheskiesandthebusyholidaysloomonthenearhorizon? The new class “LIGHTEN UP & SHINE”, now beingofferedattheYogaStudio,isdesignedtohelpdojustthat.BasedonBrainGymRactivities,easyintegrativemovementshelpsynchronizemind,body&spirit,helpingparticipantsrelease tensionandre-directblockedenergy. Thisallowsyourowninternallightstoshinemorefullyandfreely. Sincelaughteristhebestmedicine,eachclassbeginswithplayfulgames,musicandjustkiddingaround.Afterwarm-up activities, you begin to notice a particular areawhereyoufeellimited.Then,througheasy,specificmove-ments,youuntangleoldpatterns thathave inhibitedyou,therebyfreeingthebodyandmindtocomenaturallyintocoherence.Finishfeelinglighterandjustalittlebit...orawholelot...brighter.Classesare$14perpersononWednes-daysfrom1-3pmwithRebeccaKirk. FormoreinformationcontacttheYogaStudio,955CherrySEinGrandRapidsat616-776-0836orvisitgryoga.com.Seeadpage16.

http://www.utopianmarketplace.com

http://janatwood.com/


Healthy3

WeightManagementProgram

ShorelineNaturalWellness ispleased toannounce thelaunchingofHealthy3alife-longweightmanagement

successprogram.ShorelineNaturalWellnesshasdevelopedaweightlossprogramthatisproducingamazingresults.Itincorporatesdetoxificationofthebody,nutritioneducation,mealplanning,quickfixrecipes,personaltraining,groupexercise, group “decompression”, and strategies to takecontrolbackinanoutofcontrolworld.CometothefreeinformationalseminaronThursday,December10that7:00pm.Calltoregisteryourselfandafriend.Thefirst20peoplewhoregisterwillreceiveafreegift. For more information contact Heather David, HHP,CPTatShorelineNaturalWellness,2320LakeAveinNorthMuskegonatheather@shorelinenaturalwellness.comor231-750-2525.Seeadpage33.

Parkinson’sDisease(PD)ClinicalTrialBurconChiropracticislookingforpatientstotakepart

ina90dayclinicaltrialtitledUpperCervicalSpecificManagementandResultsof30Parkinson’sPatients.Patientsofanyageandeithergenderwithadocumenteddiagnosisbyaneurologistareeligibletoparticipate.Clini-calcommitmentconsistsofthreecervicalx-raysanduppercervicalspecifictreatmentsgivenasneeded.UnifiedPar-kinson’sRatingsScalewillbeutilizedatthebeginningandendofthetrail.Currentmedicationswillnotbechangedandthereisnochargetopatients. FormoreinformationcontactBurconChiropractic,3501LakeEastbrookBlvd,SESuite252inGrandRapidsat616-575-9990orvisitBurconChiropractic.com.Seeadpage29.

ZumbaatArmentaStudioThisHolidayseasonArmentaStudiowelcomesErinMacy

totheteamasanewCertifiedZumbainstructor.JoinErineveryWednesdaymorningat7:30am.Don’tlettheWinterBluesgetyou!ArmentaStudio’sfitnessprogramscontinuetogrow,inadditiontoZumba,FullMightyBootCampisalsoofferedonSaturdayandSundayafternoons. ArmentaStudio955WealthyStSEinGrandRapids.Checkwww.lauraarmenta.comfordetailsorcall616-235-9642.Seeadpage17&29.

FlexSpendingAstheNewYearapproachesitistimetoconsiderthefund-

ingofflexaccountsandotherhealthsavingsplans.Manycompaniesallowtheuseoffundsforpreventativeorwellnessservicessuchasacupuncture,massagetherapy,cranial-sacralwork,Rolfing,dentalcare,yoga,meditationandnutritionalcounseling. Some plans even allow for wellness or healthrelatedworkshopsandclassesasapprovedexpensesforre-imbursement. Requirements and inclusions vary widely socontactyourhumanresourcesdepartmentformoreinforma-tion.Iftheydonothaveyourpreferredprovidersontheirlist,itiswellworthyourtimetoinquirewhatitwouldtaketohaveyourrequestapproved.Healthcarereformincludesustakingresponsibilityforourownwellnessprogramsandsharingin-formationaboutwhatreallyworksforuswithouremployers,co-workersandcommunities.Sointhisbusyseasonremembertoplanaheadandempoweryourselfforanewyearblessedwithhealthandarenewedsenseofwellbeing. SubmittedbyTheresaPierce&Dr.KevinFloodwithBeAlignedandDentalHealth&WellnessCenter,4990CascadeRd,GrandRapids.Seeadpage2.

http://nite-mtp.com/

8 December 2009

Newsandresourcestoinspireconcernedcitizenstoworktogetherinbuildingahealthier,strongersocietythatworksforall.

globalbriefs SaveGreenbacksChoosetoTravelGreenThisHolidaySeasonU.S.BureauofTransporta-tionstatisticsshowthatAmericanstake54percentmorelong-distancetrips(50milesorlonger)dur-ingtheThanksgivingholidaythantherestoftheyear.Then,wetopitoffwith23percentmoresuchtripsbetweenChristmasandNewYear’s. TheUnionofConcernedScientistsoffersthesetipstohelpusminimizeourpersonaltransportationemissions:traveloffpeak,adaybeforeandaftertherushtoavoidtrafficholdups;flycoachclass,andnonstop,ifpossible,onabudgetairlinewhereeveryseatiscoach;gobytrainiftravelingsolo;drivebycarorrentedhybridforafamily;orsimplygetonabus,thebesteco-choiceforeveryone(especiallytrueforjourneysofunder500miles).

Source:ucsusa.org

Santa’sReindeerVastAntleredHerdsareFastGrowingThinDisruptionsinclimateanditsconsequencesindiminishingfoodsourcesandrisingpestpopulationsarebelievedtobebehindprecipitousdropsofcari-bouherdscirclingtheplanet’sarcticrooftopfromAlaskaandCanadatoSiberia.AglobalsurveybyresearchersattheUni-versityofAlberta,publishedinGlobalChangeBiology,reportsthat34of43monitoredherdshavedeclinedanaverage57percentfrommaximumnum-

bersofrecentdecades.Humanpopulationswhorelyonthemigratinganimalsasaprimaryfoodsourcearealsoinjeopardy. Thisyear,theCanadianParksandWildernessSocietylaunchedapublicvideocampaigntofightloggingandroad-buildingthatisfurtherthreateningwoodlandcaribouinQuebec,ManitobaandOntario.CanadiancitizensaremakingtheirvoicesheardviaacompanionlettercampaignatCaribouAndYou.ca.

RadicalTransparencyGoodGuideRatesConsumerProductsCarefulshoppersarethinkingtwiceaboutwhattheybuy,butuntilnowit’sbeenvirtuallyimpossiblefortheaverageconsumertoaccesstheinforma-tiontheyneedtoevaluateifaproductistrulysafe,healthyandgreen.DaraO’Rourke,co-founderofGoodGuide,awebsiteandiPhoneappthattapstheexpertiseofscientistsandengineerstoanalyzetheimpactsofindividualproducts,isouttochangethat.Untilnow,“Webasicallydon’tknowanythingabouttheproductswebuy,”saysO’Rourke,apro-fessorattheUniversityofCalifornia–Berkeley.“Insomeways,weliveintheDarkAgeswhenwegoshopping.” GoodGuide.comisasortofCliffsNotestotheconfoundingandcomplexworldofingredientstypically—butnotalways—foundlistedonthebackofeverydayproducts.Itrates75,000itemsfrom0to10.Theratingsteamconsidersanoverall6to8tobegood.Scoresforeachof600criteriacoveramultitudeoffactors,trackingaproduct’senvironmentallifecycleandfullrangeofcorporatesocialvalues.

Source:TheChristianScienceMonitor

Buy NothingConsider No Cost Holiday Gifts and ActivitiesChristmas won’t be the same when families get creative and gift each other loving services and home-made crafts, and then venture into the community to do good unto others. The Buy Nothing Cata-logue at BuyNothingChristmas.orgpresents a compendium of ideas, materials and testimonies celebrating the true spirit of the holiday. Searching under Alterna-tives on the site yields everything from initiating a cookie exchange, scrapbooking family recipes and offering instruction in a personal skill to creating a dress-up trunk for kids and printing out babysit-ting coupons.

Source: Mennonites of Canada


WeCareFundaFavoriteCharityatNoExtraCostConsciousshoppersspendtheirmoneywisely.Butwhentheydoshop,theycanfeelgoodaboutautomaticallydonatingapercentageoftheironlinepurchasestotheirfavoritecharityatnoextracosttothem.We-Care.comisauser-friendly“clickthrough”websitethatgivesshop-persaccessto800retailersonline,andthenletsthemchooseamonghundredsofcharitiestobenefitfromtheirpurchase.Theycanevenaddacharitytotheoptionsifit’snotalreadylisted.Nonprofitcategoriesrangefrompeaceandjustice,women’sadvocacy,animalwelfareanddisasterrelieftoarts,educationandenvironmentalcauses.

HolyiTunesChurchMusicMinistriesAdoptPoint&ClickRepertoireSome1,000songsandhymns,includingscoresofChristmascarols,areavail-abletocustomizeanddownloadatLifeWayWorship.com.Threeyearsindevel-opment,MikeHarland,directorofLifeWayWorship,believestheinitial2009SongMaprecordingprojectwasthebiggestinNashvillehistory. It’sthefirstWeb-basedtechnologythatenablesuserstochoosespecificsectionsofsongs—suchasverses,chorusesandtransitions—ineitheroftwo

keysandthendownloadsheetmusicandMP3audiofilesofthecustomarrangements,filedonsiteintheuser’sown

medialibrary.Selectionsrangefromtraditionalhymnstocontemporaryworshipsongs,aswellasstandardslikeAmericatheBeautiful,eachforlessthan$2.Regis-trationisfree.“Somechurchesneedsheetmusicforafullrockband

eachweek,whileothersrelysolelyonaccompanimenttracks,”saysHarland.“Wesetouttofindawaytohelp

thesechurchescreatemusicthatsuitstheircongregations.”

TheEcoLogoProgram,knownfortwodecadesforcertifyingtheworld’s7,000mostsustainableproducts,thisyearturneditsattentiontoinitiatingitsfirstenvironmentalstandardforchildren’stoys. “Growingnumbersoftoysandchildren’sproductshavebeenmakingen-vironmentalclaimslike‘allnatural’and‘Earthfriendly,’withoutpro-vidinganyproofoftheaccuracyorrelevanceoftheclaims,”ex-plainsScotCase,theorganization’sexecu-tivedirector.

EcoLogostandardsfortoysarebeingdevelopedinanopen,public,transparentprocess,withinputfrominterestedparents,grandparents,manu-

facturers,retailers,governmentagen-ciesandnonprofitadvocacygroups.Oncethestringentstandardofenvi-ronmentalleadershipisfinalized,a

manufacturermustdemonstratecom-pliancetowintheEcoLogomark.

MonitorprogressofthenewgreentoystandardatTerraChoice-certi-

fied.com/enunderthedrop-downmenu“StandardsinDevelop-

mentorReview.”[email protected],613-247-1900,ext.231.

HealthyPlaythingsEcoLogoProgramWillExtendtoToysNextChristmas

A HeAltHy GlOw

Candles made from soy are an easy alternative to expensive beeswax candles for revelers

who have learned to shun passé petroleum-based paraffin for

a glowingly Earth-friendly holiday home. Both beeswax and soy candles are nontoxic and produce less soot than old-style candles; they also

burn longer and clean up more

easily in the event of spillage.

Source:Soya.be

Green WrAppInG

Wrappingwithvirginpaperisobsolete.IfeveryAmeri-

canwentpaper-freeforjustthreegifts,we’dsaveacollective47,000footballfields’worthofwrappingpaper.Betterchoicesincludeclothwrappingmaterialslikescarves,guestorkitchentowels,T-shirtsandevensocks.Outdatedmapsworkwell,too.It’safun,easy,chicwaytogogreen.

Source:kstw.com

10 December 2009

globalbriefsWorldWatchPresidentObamaWinsNobelPeacePrizeBarackObamaisnowjustthethirdsittingAmericanpresidenttobeawardedtheNobelPeacePrize,tobepresentedDecember10,inOslo.TheNorwegianNobelCommitteeawardedthe2009prizetoObama,“forhisextraordinaryeffortstostrengtheninternationaldiplomacyandcooperationbetweenpeoples.”Theyalsorecognizedinitiativesthathaveyettobearfruit:reducingtheworldstockofnucleararms,easingAmericanconflictswithMuslimnationsandstrengtheningtheU.S.roleincombatingclimatechange. Obama’sdiplomacyisfoundedintheconceptthatthosewhoaretoleadtheworldmustdosoonthebasisofvaluesandattitudesthataresharedbythemajorityoftheworld’spopulation,thecommitteesaid.“Onlyveryrarelyhasaperson,tothesameextentasObama,capturedtheworld’sattentionandgivenitspeoplehopeforabetterfuture,”commentedcommitteeChairThorbjoernJagland. Obamasaidheviewedthedecisionas“acalltoaction.” FormerwinnersincludeWoodrowWilsonin1919,TheodoreRooseveltin1906andJimmyCarterin2002,21yearsafterheleftoffice.FormerVicePresidentAlGorewassimilarlyhonoredin2007. Inhis1895will,AlfredNobelstipulatedthatthepeaceprizeshouldgo“tothepersonwhoshallhavedonethemostorthebestworkforfraternitybetweenthenationsandtheabolitionorreductionofstandingarmiesandtheformationandspreadingofpeacecongresses.”Thecommitteehaswidelyinterpretedtheguidelinestoembraceeffortstocombatpoverty,diseaseandclimatechange.

Offering Health Coaching in use of Therapeutic Essential Oils, Cleanses,

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Call Clara: 616.698.6148www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

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coverartist

Our Little Treeby Robert Duncan

Wyoming’swide-openspaceslassoedRobertDuncan’simaginationasaboyandneverletgo.ThoughhegrewupinthesuburbsofSaltLakeCity,hespentcherishedsummersonhisgrandparents’ranch,wherehisgrandmothergiftedhimwithhisfirstsetofoilpaints.Today,hislight-filledcanvasesportraytheruralscenesandsimplerwayoflifeoftheAmericanWest.

Realisticandrespectfulofnature,in-digenousculturesandthepioneerspiritthatstillpermeatespartsoftheWest,Duncan’sartgivesvisualtestamenttothequietpeaceandbeautyofruralliving.“Weallneednatureinourlives,”Dun-canbelieves.“Thefamilyfarmisdisap-pearingatanalarmingrate.

“Iwantmygrandchildrentobeabletowalkthroughafieldandhearameadow-lark’ssong,”hesays.Heseeshispaintingsasacalltothinkaboutthethingsthattouchourlives.“Wedon’tallhavetoliveonafarm,buttopassbyandseethecowsgrazing,orjusttoknowthattherearewildplacesbeingkeptwild,makesourlivesbetter.”

RobertDuncan’sartisheldinprivatecollectionsworldwide.ViewhisportfolioatRobertDuncanStudios.com.

INTEGRATIVEMEDICINE

Thefutureofhealthcare

CominginJanuary


Coping with Grief Over the HolidaysHolidaycelebrations,tradition-

allymemorablefortheirjoysandhappiness,canbetoughemotionalsleddingforthosegrievingthelossofalovedone.Expertscounselthatac-knowledgingthefactthattheholidays

won’tbethesamewithoutthedeceasedisafirststeptowardbeingatpeacewiththeactivitiesunfoldingaroundus. Then,weneedtodecidewhatwecanhandleandhowmuchresponsibilitywearewillingtoassume;thismightmeanlettingothersdotheshoppingorcooking.Gettingenoughrestiscrucial;ifweneedtimealone,weshouldhonorthatneed. Itcanhelptocreatenewtraditionsthatincludethedeceasedinalovingway.Wemightlightacandle,displayaphotoorrevisitphotoalbumsofgoodtimes,thusincludingthelifeofourlovedoneinourconversationsandcelebrations.Wecouldevenhangastockinginthenameofthebelovedforfamilyandfriendstostuffwithnotes,therebysharingtheirfeelingswithus. Holidaysarenotabout“shoulds,”butaboutwhat’scomfortableandbestforourfamilyandus.Ifthisisthefirstholidaywithoutalovedoneandcelebrat-ingseemsimpossible,wecaninsteadcelebratewinter,byengaginginaphysicalnatureactivity.Whateverwedo,wecanknowthatgrievingisanecessaryandhealthyprocessandthathealingispossible.

AdaptedfromGriefAndRenewal.com,Griefnet.organdHospiceFoundation.org.

FrAnkIncenSe A WISe MAn’S reMedYFrankincense, the herb Boswellia carteri, is often found in festive aromatherapy blends, due to its warm, sensual aroma. Originat-ing in Africa, India and the Middle East, researchers have now dis-covered that this relatively inex-pensive herb has potential as a therapeutic aid for bladder cancer, the fourth most common type of cancer for men in the United States. Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Scienc-es Center and Oklahoma City VA Medical Center discovered that frankincense oil has the unique ability to discriminate between normal and cancerous bladder cells in culture and kill

the cancer cells. The oil also suppresses cancer cell growth.

Source:BMCComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine,2009

healthbriefs

12 December 2009

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greenliving

“TheonlynameIhaveeverbeencalledthatreallystungwas‘Grinch’,remarks

McKibben.ThatwastheyearheandafewfriendsstartedtheHundredDollarHolidayprogramthroughtheirneighborhoodchurches.Theysimplyaskedfamiliesandfriendstolimittheamountofmoneyspentontheholidayto$100. Localbusinesscolumnistsdidn’tgetit.Instead,theychargedthemwithbeingdourdo-gooders,bentontakingthejoyoutofChristmas.“Asintheclassic,TheGrinchWhoStoleChrist-mas,theyforesawusrobbingthetownofitspackages,tinsel,treesandfood,downtothelogsinthefireplace,”hesays.“But,theGrinchesofourculturereallyarethoserelentlesscommercial

forcesthathavespentacenturytry-ingtoconvinceusthatChristmasdoescomefromastore,catalogandvirtualInternetmall. “WethoughtwewantedlessforChristmas,remarksMcKibben,“butinfact,wewantedmore...wewantedthistobeamorespecialtime.” RelativelyfewAmericansneedmorestuff.Mostofusarelookingformoremeaningatthistimeofyear.ManyofthebesttraditionsofChristmasandotherholidayspredatesociety’scurrentcommercialcelebrations.Cus-tomsthatconnectuswithothers,suchassingingcarols,laughingaroundthetableandspecialfamilyactivitiesareamongthethingsweneedtorecaptureasweinventnew,moredeeplyfeltmo-mentsofcelebration.

Manypeopledreadtheapproachoftheholidays;aseasonthatshouldbethemostrelaxed,intimate,joyfulandspiritualtimeoftheyear.AuthorBillMcKibbenofferswelcomeperspectiveforrethinkingtheYuletideseason,sothatourobsessionwithbuyingpresentsbecomeslessimportantthansoul-nourishingtraditionsandcelebrations.

$100 Holiday

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LiketheGrinch,wetoo,cometorealizethatChristmascomesfromnostore.Asthebookreveals,“Itcamewithoutribbons!Itcamewithouttags!Itcamewithoutpackages,boxesorbags!”

McKibbenexplainsthatthemes-sageoftheHundredDollarHolidaywentdeeper.Itwasconceivedoutofconcernforthepoorfamilieswhoneedhelptosurviveandthosegoingintodebtinpursuitofa‘proper’Christmas.Toomanyofushaveseenhowholidaybingebuyingcanencouragealackoffiscalresponsibilityandevencontributetobankruptcy. Yet,theinnercravingforsatisfactionofteneludesus.Merepossessionscan-notmakeourliveswholeorfilltheneedforcommunicationandunity.Althoughwemayknowthisintellectually,thepsy-chologicalforcewieldedbymerchandis-ershasmadeascienceofmanipulatingourfeelings.We’recaffeinated,buzzed,wiredandplugged-in,24/7. Allthestuffweaccumulatehasanenormouseffectontheenvironment,too.Earthissufferingfromtheresultingpollution.AccordingtotheWorldwatchInstitute,NorthAmericanshaveusedmorenaturalresourcessincetheendofWorldWarIIthanallofhumanitythroughouthistory. Ifthere’sonethingwe’dreallyliketoexperiencethisChristmas,it’salittleofthatseasonofsacredpeacethatthegreetingcardsandSilentNightpromise.“Forme,themomentwhenwesingthiscaroleachyearattheendoftheChrist-masEveservice,withthelightsoutandeveryoneholdingacandlethatframestheirfacewithsoftlight,markstheabsoluteheightofChristmasjoy,”notesMcKibben.“Itdoesn’tcostanickel,letaloneahundreddollars.”BillMcKibbenhasbeenanAmericanenvironmentalistandauthorfor20years.Hisbook,HundredDollarHoli-day,offerstipsforgivingoneanotherthepricelessgiftsoftime,attentionandfellowship.

RelativelyfewAmericans

needmorestuff.Mostofus

arelookingformoremeaning

atthistimeofyear.

Traveling? When traveling eliminate those little travel size plastic bottles of your toiletries by pur-

chasing the travel glass bottles form your local health food store and refill them with your

shampoo, hairspray, lotion, etc.

14 December 2009

deck the Halls naturallybySharonPisacreta

Beagood-heartedGrinchthisyearandstealChristmasawayfrompracticesthatdamagetheenvironment.Astheholiday

seasonapproaches,thinktwicebeforeunwrappingthatsyntheticgarlandandtinsel,orbuyingafewmoresetsofincandescentlights.Withalittleimagination,youcantransformyourholidaydecoratingschemeintoonethatnotonlycostslessmoney,butwillbemorenaturalandeco-friendly.

Trees:Thedebateragesonbetweenwhichismoreenviron-mentally sound: artificial treesor real trees.According to theNationalChristmasTreeAssociation,foreveryacreofChristmastreesplanted,enoughoxygenisproducedfor18people.Andifyouprefertobuylocal,takenotethattheleadingexporterofartificialtreesisChina,whichproduces85%ofthetreessoldintheU.S.Inaddition,manyartificialtreescontainhazardouschemicalcomponentssuchasPVC;a2002samplingofartificialtreesturneduphighlevelsofleadinaquarterofthem.

Whileit’struethatartificialtreeseventuallyendupinalandfill,theyaredesignedtolastforliterallydecades.Treefarms,however,requireasignificantamountoflandtogrow,aswellaspesticidesandfertilizers.Andallforausagethatspansbasicallytwoweeks.Ifyoudochoosearealtree,findalocalrecyclerthatchipsthetreeintomulch.Thismulchisusedascompost,landscaping,biomassfuel,andtohelpstabilizeshorelineandpreventbeacherosion.

Stillundecidedaboutwhethertocutdownalivetreeorpurchaseonemadeofpolyvinylchloride?Considerbuyingapottedtree,whichcanthenbeplantedoutsideaftertheholidays.Thewebsitewww.livingchristmastrees.org gives informationabouthow toacquireapottedevergreenfromlocalnurseries.

Wreaths:Ifyou’relookingforthemosteco-friendlychoiceforawreath,purchaseapineorbalsamwreathfromthenursery,orfashiononefromtheevergreentreesorshrubsinyouryard.Tocreateanaturalwreath,simplyplaceonepieceofgreeneryover theother, overlapping them. Fastenwith twine.Berries,cinnamonsticks,twigs,driedflowers,pinecones,podsorotheroutdoorgreenerycanbeaddedfordecoration.

Wreathscanalsobemadeoutofavarietyofcommonhouseholditemssuchascellophanewrappedcandies,winecorks,jigsawpuzzlepiecesandcookiecutters.OrrecycleburntoutChristmaslights,discardedornamentsandlastyear’sChristmascardsbyglu-ingthemontoawreathmadeofstraw,woodorevencardboard.

Garland:Littledidweknowbackingradeschoolthatthosepaperchaingarlandswemadeweresoeco-friendly.So,too,arepopcorngarlands.Justremembertousepopcornthatisatleastadayold; freshpopcorncrumbles tooeasily.Garlandsmadeoffreshrawcranberriesarealsoperennialfavorites.Afive-footgarlandrequiresroughlyonepoundofcranberries.Forbestre-sults,useheavy-dutythreadorwaxeddentalfloss,andaplasticneedle.Metalneedlesmayturnthefruitbrown.

Ofcourse,thegreenestgarlandisanaturalone.Freshevergreengarlandcanbemadeusingthesamemethodasthatforpineorbalsamwreaths. Insteadof formingthegreeneryintoacircle,simplykeepoverlappingthegreeneryandattachingtwineuntilitisthedesiredlength.

Lights:Ifyouenjoyalittree,purchaseLEDlights,whichuse80%lessenergythanregularChristmaslightsandcanlastupto100,000hours,ortenyears.ThereislessriskoffirewithLEDs,whicharecooltothetouch.AnaddedbenefittoLEDsisthatfarfewerunpleasantchemicalshavegoneintotheirmanufacture.AndwhenoneortwoLEDlightsburnout,therestofthestringremainsilluminated.SomestoresevenrecycleChristmaslights.HomeDepot,forexample,willrecycleoldincandescentlightsandgivecustomersacoupontousetowardapurchaseofLEDlights.

HolidayFragrance:Christmaspomandersmadeoutofor-anges,tangerines,kumquats,lemonsorlimeswillpermeateyourhomewithadivinefragrance.Allyouneedarefreshfruit(citruslasts the longest),wholeclovesand severalpowdered spices.Orcollectpineconesonyournextwinterstroll,andplacetheminbasketsaboutthehouse.Toretaintheirscent,sprinkleafewdropsofcedarorevergreenoilover them.Pineconesdippedineggwhite,thenrolledincinnamon,canbescatteredinthefireplaceforanaddedaromatictouch.

GiftGiving:Asmuchaspossible,buylocal,buyorganic,buygreen.Trytoavoidproductsthatrequirebatteries,andlookforitemsthatuserecycledmaterial.Considerbuyinggiftsthathavealowimpactontheenvironment:membershipstomuseumsandgyms,orgiftcardstorestaurants,storesandspas.Giftsomeonewithconcerttickets,ormaybeamembershiptoWorldWildlifeFundorGreenpeace.Anddon’tfeelbadabout‘re-gifting’;it’spreferabletothrowingitaway.

Ifyou’rebuyingtoys,takenotethatnearly80%oftoysaremadeinChina.Numerouslaborandhealthviolationshavebeenun-coveredinChinesefactories,sodoyourresearchbeforeplacingapossiblytoxictoyinthehandsofachild.Instead,lookfortoymanufacturersthatusenaturalandrecycledmaterial,anddonotviolatethelaborrightsoftheiremployees.

OneoptionisHazelnutKids,basedinTraverseCity,whichsellsorganiccottonstuffedanimals,woodentoys,andawiderangeofearth-friendlyproductsforchildren.HazelnutKidswasa2009FinalistinGreenAmerica’sPeopleChoiceAwards.Orcheckouttheeco-consciousproductsattheHopScotchChildren’sStoreindowntownGrandRapids.

Ornaments:Ornaments canbemadeoutof anumberofnaturalmaterials.Butsincemostofusalreadyownboxesoforna-ments,thegreenestthingtodoissimplyrecyclethembyhangingthemontheChristmastree.Besides,itwouldn’tbeChristmaswithoutthatfavoriteglassSantaorwoodengingerbreadmanyourememberfromchildhood.

Theholidaysareatimeforrenewingthebondsoffamilyandfriends,andcelebratingtheseasonwithgoodwill.IncludeMotherEarthinyourholidaywishesthisyear,andgivetheplanetagiftbymakingyourWhiteChristmasjustalittlebitgreener.

SharonPisacretaisalong-timefreelancewriterwhorecentlyfollowedherblisstothevillagesofSaugatuck/[email protected].


CommunitySpotlight

byJulieHurley

Native Chicagoan and former graphic designer RebeccaUrickhadnotsetouttoopenayogastudio.Afterleav-

ingherjobasagraphicdesigner,shemovedintoherfamily’ssummerhomeinPentwaterandspentayeargettingherYogacertificate.

“Afterthat,Ineverleft,”Uricksaid.

In2007,shemoveduptoLudingtonandopenedwhatwouldbethethirdandfinallocationofSmiling Lotus Yogalocatedat103E.LudingtonAve.

Urickstartedpracticingyogain1995inChicagoandin2004beganstudyingwithaCertifiedAnusaraTeacherinGrandRap-ids.“AnusaraYoga™connectsyoubacktotheheart,tothelightinsideyourself,”Uricksaid.“That’swhatkeptmecomingback.I’dcomehomeandpracticewhatIlearned.Icouldn’tbelievehowmuchmypracticegrew.”Urickcreditsthattotheprinciplesofalignment,whichresultedinadeepeningofherpractice.Shestartedseeingresultsnotonlyinherbody,butalsoinherlife.“Itstartedopeningdoors,”shesaid.

Urickteachessixclassesperweek,andshesaysthoseclassesareniceandfull.SmilingLotusYogaistheonlyyogastudioinLudington,andshedrawsmanyclients.

Inadditiontotheyogastudio,Urickalsoopeneduparetailstore,calledBe,whichislocatedwithinthesamebuilding.“Itmeansbewhateveryouwanttobe,bewhoeveryouwanttobe,”Uricksaid.“Bestrong,peaceful,happy,loved.”Shecarriescandles,purses,wallets,dresses,charmbracelets,andalineoft-shirtscalledbe.ology,amongmuchmore.Followinghercreativebackgroundingraphicdesign,Urickisalsoplanningoncreatingherownhand-paintedglasswareline.

“I’vealwaysbeencreative,”Uricksaid.“Ididmyownlogoandhavepaintedstuffonthewallsofthestore.”

Likemanypeoplewholovewhattheydo,theworkshedoesinthestudioandtheretailstoredoesn’talwaysfeellike“work”toher.

“EventhoughI’mheresevendaysaweek,thisismycreation,”Uricksaid.“It’shardwork,butIwanttobehere.“

After working behind the computer or helping customersthroughoutthedayinthestore,Uricksaysthatsheisabletogointooneofherclassesandreallyfocusonteachingherstudents.“Yogaisthecenterofmylifeandit’sthecoreofwhatenablesmetohavethisstoreandstudio,”shesaid.

Inadditiontotheyogastudioandretailstore,RebeccaandherhusbandAleksyowntheretailstorenexttoSmilingLotusandBe,called108Threads.Itcarriesoutdoor,activeandyogaapparel.

Aftercreatingherownself-designedlife,Rebeccatellsreadersthatthe“worldisyourplayground.Don’tstress.Enjoy.Ifyouhaven’tdonesomethinggoanddoit!Evenifyoufail.”

Shealsoencouragespeopletoalwaysbeingratitude.“Lookforthelight.Peoplealwayslistthethingstheyaregratefulwhentimesaretough,”shesaid.“Butevenwhenthingsarefine,stillbegrateful.”

Amarriedmotheroftwoyoungchildren,JulieHurleyisafreelancewriterwithastronginterestinnaturalliving.SheisalsotheGrandRapidsHealthyFoodExaminerforExaminer.com.Visitherpageat:tinyurl.com/healthyfoodexaminer.SeeSmilingLotusYogaadpage16orvisittheirwebsiteatsmilinglotusyoga.com.

16 December 2009

YogaMaster

sof

Call to be a part of this exclusive directory

616.656.9232

Rebecca Urickwww.smilinglotusyoga.com

231-852-0849

youngliving.org/smilinglotusyog

Children’s Yoga (ages 5-9)

Saturday • December 19 • 1-2:00pm

$15 - 1 adult + 1 child

please register ~ space is limited

825 Western Avenue231.668.4181

www.MuskegonYoga.com

Muskegon Yoga Center

www.CascadeYogaStudio.com5060 Cascade Road SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546616.464.1610

classes for all levelsvariety of yoga styles

classes 7 days a week -morning, noon, and evening

check our web site for our many fall workshop offerings

Awaken your mind, restore your body

955 Cherry S.E.Grand Rapids, MI 49506

(616) 776-0836

for schedule & registration

www.gryoga.com

Give the Gift of Yoga!GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

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www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com5270 Northland Drive NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-8580

Practice Yoga Overlooking Versluis Lake

yoga with a view

Mother Blessings Spirit-MindedBabyShowers

Thetransitionfrommaidentomotherisoneofthemostsignificanttransitionsawomanwillevermake.Thisrightofpassage,whichforeverchangesawoman’s

heart,alsoaffectsthewaysheviewstheworld.Themanymonthsleadinguptothebirthofachildinvolveplansandactivitiesfocusedaroundthebigevent.

Typically,inAmerica,muchofthispreparationisfocusedongatheringtheappropri-atematerialgoods.Babyshowersareafunwaytogettogetherandshareexcitementabouttheimpendingbirthoradoption.But,muchofthefocustendstobecommercial;moreattentionneedstobepaidtothespiritualandpsychologicalneedsofthemother.

InNavajoculture,aBlessingway isgiven toblessandsupport individuals inanydifficultlifepassage.TheMotherBlessing,basedontheancientNavajoBlessingwayceremony,offersanenrichingalternativetothetraditionalbabyshowerforwomenwhowouldliketoaddameaningfultouch.

Invited GuestsMotherBlessingsaremeanttohonorthenewmotherby“blessingtheway”tomoth-erhood,whetheritisthefirst,secondorevententhchild.Typicallysmallerinscalethanababyshower,guestsareusually individualswhohaveacloserelationshipwiththemother—olderwomeninthefamily,sisters,daughtersandclosefriends.Amidwifeanddoulaoftenareincludedinthecelebration.

Thenumberofguestsmatterslessthanthefactthattheyhavebeenchosenaspeoplewhowillempowerandsupportthemotherspiritually,emotionallyandpsychologically.Thetoneofthecelebrationisuplifting,asguestsgathertosharetheintentionofcreatinggoodenergythatthemothercancarrywithherthroughthelastweeksofpregnancy.

Celebration ActivitiesActivitiesincorporatedintoaMotherBlessingcanvarygreatly,dependingontheneedsandwantsof themother.Althoughmostare somewhat spiritual innature,celebrationsmaybeadaptedtofitanyreligionormaintainasecularfocus.Activitiessuchasbrushingorcreatingafloralwreathforthemother’shairandpaintingherbellywithhennaorbodypaintarerelaxingactivitiesforthemom-to-be;careandattentionfromclosefemalefriendswillnourishhersoullongaftertheceremony.

TheMotherBlessingisalsoafuntimetomakeabellycast,shareinspirationalmoth-erhoodstoriesortreattheexpectantmothertoafootmassage.Singing,chanting,meditatingandprayingcanbeincorporated,aswell.

Anotherpopularactivityiscreationofabirthnecklace,madefrombeadsthattheguestshavebroughttotheceremony.Duringthechallengingmomentsoflabor,themothermaychoosetowearorholdthenecklace,whichcanserveasaphysicalre-minderofthecommunityofwomenwhobelieveinherabilitytoendurethischallenge.

Mother GiftsIn lieuof baby gifts, themother is presentedwith items intended tonurturehermind,bodyandspirit.Sometimes,guestsmaybringnaturalbodycareproductsforthehonoreetousetophysicallypamperherself.Ascrapbookofinspirationalquotesandwritingswillstrengthenherspirit.Atsomecelebrations,offeringsaremadetothemotherthataresuitableforuseincreatingabirthaltar,aspecialplaceforitemsfromnature,orothermeaningfultrinketsthatcanserveashelpfulfocalpointsduringlabor.Theyalsoserveasatangiblerepresentationoftheintentionssetatthecelebration.

Overall,thegoaloftheMotherBlessingistoempowerandinspiretheguestofhonorasshepreparesforthebirthprocess.Howevertheeventunfolds,aMotherBlessingisawonderfulwaytoforgeanemotionalconnectionandassurethemotherofthenetworkofstrengthbehindherinthisexcitingtimeofnewchallenges.

For more information on Mother Blessing ceremonies, read Mother Rising, byYanaCortlundandBlessingways:AGuidetoMother-CenteredBabyShowers,byShariMaser.

For assistance inplanningandhostingaMotherBlessing, contact Erin [email protected].

byErinEagen

http://lakeshoreyoga.com/

http://expressionsofgraceyoga.com/

18 December 2009

consciouseating

Wrinkle-free with vitamin C:VitaminCandotheranti-oxidants,suchasvitaminsEandA,playacrucialroleinneutralizingfree-radicalsassociatedwithsun,windandenvironmentaltoxinexposure,whichagecellsandleadtowrinkledskin.VitaminCisparticularlyimportantforbuild-ingplump,moistcollagen.Newburgersays,“Ifyouaren’tgettingenoughC,thecollagenisnotwellabletoholdwaterandlookswrinkly.”Thosewhospendlotsoftimeoutdoorsplayingorworkingamidtheharshelementsneeditmost. Thiscounselisbackedbyresearch,includingastudyof4,025womenpublishedinTheAmericanJournalofClinicalNutritionin2007,inwhichresearchersfoundhighervitaminCintakeassociatedwithasignificantlylowerlikelihoodofwrinkles.So,don’tforgettoeatlotsofleafygreensandcon-siderchuggingaglassoforangejuiceafterplayingoutsideinthesun.

Tomatoes and green tea:Twoothernutrientsthathaveearnedconsiderableattentionfromskinresearchersrecentlyincludelycopene,fromtomatoes,andpolyphenols,whichareomnipresentingreentea. In2008,BritishresearchersfromtheUniversityofNewcastlefoundthatvolunteerswhotookfivetablespoonsoftomatopastedailyfor12weeks,andwerethenexposedtoUVAlight,had33percentmoreprotectionagainstsun-burnthanthecontrolgroup;theyalsohadhigherlevelsofpro-collagen,amoleculethatgivesskinelasticity. Whilemuchoftheresearchongreenteahasinvolvedtopicalapplications,someanimalstudiessuggestthatingest-inggreenteaalsomayhelpprotectskinagainstsundamage.Staytunedformoreresearch.

“Fortoomanyyears,theideathatnutritioncouldhaveasignificantinfluenceontheskinwasdis-missed,butthathaschanged,”saysAlanLogan,a

Westchester,NewYork-basednaturopathicdoctorandco-authorofTheClearSkinDiet.“Whethertheissueisagingoracne,manyrecentstudiesindicatethatnutritionreallydoesmatter.” SueVanRaes,aholisticnutritionistfromBoulder,Colo-rado,pointsoutthatbecausethebodytendstoprioritizeotherorgans,suchastheheart,whendolingoutnutrients,theskinisthefirsttoshowsignsofdistresswhendietispoor:“It’sacriticalbarometerofourhealth.”Theolderweget,theharderitisforourskintosoakupnutrients,makingaskin-friendlydietevenmorecriticalasweage. “Ifsomeonecomestomeforaestheticreasons,thefirstthingIamgoingtosayis,‘Tellmeaboutyourdiet,’”remarksAmyNewburger,aScarsdale,NewYork,dermatologist. Here’saquickandeasylookatwhattoeatandnoteattoachievethatdesiredyouthfulglow:

Forgettheneedle,scalpelandexpensivepotions.Whether it’s wrinkles, pimples,dryness or irritation that is giving youtrouble, health experts say the truepath to clear, youthful-looking skinruns straight through the grocery aisle.

RADICALLYCLEAR SKINGlow from the Inside Out

by Lisa Marshall


Good fats:We’veallheardhowweshouldeatmorefattyfish,suchassalmon,and/oraddafishoilsupplementtoourdiet.Inadditiontohavingantioxidantpropertiesandhydrat-ingskincells,essentialfattyacidssuchasomega3—com-monlyfoundinfish,oliveoil,flaxseedsandwalnuts—helpcreateaprotectivelayerthatshieldsagainstenvironmentalstressesandholdsinmoisture,VanRaesadvises. Loganaddsthattheseessentialfattyacidscanalsoquellinflammation,whichcanswelltinyredcapillariesontheskin’ssurfaceandpromptredpatches,orhastenwrinklesbyfirststretching,thenshrinking,theskin.Too,omega3con-sumptionisbelievedtoreduceexcesssebumproductioninpores,whichcanaggravateacne. Essentialfattyacidsalsoaregoodhormoneregulators,moderatingthebreakoutsthatcanoccurinpremenstrualwomen.Researchina2007issueofTheJournalofClini-calNutritionevenfoundthathigherintakeoflinoleicacid,foundinfattyfish,maybeassociatedwithreducedriskofage-relateddrynessandthinningoftheskin.

Stay hydrated:Drinkingsixtoeight8-ounceglassesofwatereachdayplumpsskincells,leadingtoasmootherlook.

Cut carbs:Expertssayadietofhighlyrefinedcarbohydrates(thinkwhitebreadandspaghetti)isoftentheculpritforanarrayofskinproblems:Itspikesthebloodsugar,leadingtoincreasedinsulinproduction,whichinturnthrowsthebal-anceoftestosteroneandestrogenoutofwhackanddisruptsthedelicatebalanceofoilsintheskin,makingittoodryortoooily.Hormoneimbalancesalsocanfuelacne. Forinstance,VanRaesobserves,awomanwithexcesstestosteronemightexperiencebreakoutsalongherjawline.One2007studyintheJournaloftheAmericanAcademyofDermatologyfoundthat43acnepatientswhowentonadietlowinprocessedgrainsfor12weeksdecreasedtheirpimplesbynearlytwiceasmuchasthecontrolgroup.Anotherreportthatsameyear,inTheAmericanJournalofClinicalNutrition,foundthatthosewhoatemorerefinedcarbshadmorewrinklesandskinatrophy,aculpritinsag-gingskin.

Consider allergies:LoganandVanRaesbothnotethatskinproblems,suchasitchyrashes,oftencanresultfromfoodsensitivities.Forinstance,whengluten-sensitivepeopleeatwheat,theirbodybecomesfloodedwithinflammatorychem-icals,calledcytokines,whichcanswellskinandpromoteacne,rednessandwrinkling.Accordingtoa2006researchreview,gluten-sensitivityhasbeenlinkedwith21chronicskindisorders,frompsoriasistohairloss.Meanwhile,tworecentstudiesbyHarvardresearchersshowedasignificantlinkbetweenmilkconsumptionandacneinteens. Loganrecommendseliminatingthesuspiciousfood(beitmilkorwheat)forthreemonthsandthen,slowlyreintro-ducingit.Thiscanhelprevealifit,indeed,isaculpritthatneedstobereplacedwithaskin-healthyoption.

LisaMarshallisafreelancewriterinEstesPark,CO.ConnectatLisaAnnMarshall.com.

20 December 2009

AccordingtotheNationalInsti-tutesofHealth,childrencangetsixto10coldsayear,but

withtheFoodandDrugAdministra-tion’srecentwarningsaboutthesafetyofover-the-countercoldmedicinesforchildren,manyparentsarelookingfornewwaystofindrelief.Hereisarundownofsomeofsafestandmosteffectivealternatives.

PreventionColds,likemostillnesses,tendtoaffectchildrenwhoseimmunesystemsareweak;thebestdefenseistotakestepstosupportthebody’snaturaldefenses.Havingchildreneatwell,drinkplentyofwater,exerciseandgetampleresthelpskeeptheirimmunesystemsstrong.Arecommendeddietincludeswholefoods,freshfruitsandvegetables,andleanproteins.Goodbasicsworkto-gethertokeepkidshealthyandactive.

treatmentRecommended Foods~Ifachildcomesdownwithacold,encouragethemtoeatlightly.Thisallowstheirbodytoconcentrateonhealing,ratherthanondigestingathree-coursemeal.Choosefoodswisely;someofthebestnaturalmedicinesarefoundathomeinthekitchencabinet:nSteamedvegetablesandsoupsfortify thebodywithminerals.

nMisoandchickensoup,herbalteas andwaterflushawaytoxinsand keeptherespiratorytractmoist.

nGinger,onionsandgarlicwarmthe bodyandboosttheimmunesystem.

nHotwaterwithlemonandhoney soothesthethroatandchestand thinsmucous.

nMintteaandpeppermintcandies helpwithticklingcoughs.

Foods to Avoid~Sugardepressestheimmunesystemandkeepswhitebloodcellsfrombeingabletofightinfection,soitistobeavoided.AlthoughmanypeopledrinkorangejuiceforitsvitaminCcontent,100percentfruitjuicesarealsohighinsugar.Switchingtowaterorteasordilutingjuicesisagoodidea. Milkencouragesthebuildupofmucous,soit’sbesttoavoiddairydur-ingthehealingprocess.Passonthemilkorswitchkidstosoyorrice-basedmilksforthedurationofacold.

Herbal remediesMedicaldoctorJamesBalch,co-authorofPrescriptionforNutritionalHealing,andnaturopathicdoctorMarkStenglerareleadingnaturalhealthexperts.Theyrecommendthefollowingherbstocounteracold:

Echinacea~Thispopularherben-hancesimmunefunction.Thedosefora150-poundadultis500milligrams,or

2to4millilitersoftincture,fourtimesaday.Forchildren,giveaproportionalamount,basedonthechild’sweight.

Lomatium ~Giveninthesamedoseasechinacea,lomatiumalsohasantiviralproperties.

Elderberry~Usedforcenturies,elderberrysyrupsarestillpopularinEuropeforfightingthecommoncoldandboostingtheimmunefunction.(Elderberryisalsooneofthebestherbalremediesfortheflu.)

HomeopathyEvaluatingachild’ssymptomsattheon-setofacoldofferscluesforremediesthatcanspeedupthehealingprocessandlessentheseverityofsymptoms.Givethechildtwoorthreepelletsoftheappropri-ateremedy(asnotedbelow)thatmatch-eshisorhersymptomsina30Cpotency,fourtimesaday.Stopwhenimprove-mentbecomesnoticeableandbeginagainonlyifsymptomsreturn.Ifthereisnoimprovementwithin24hours,selectadifferentremedyand/orconsultwithaprofessionalhomeopath.

Aconitum ~ Aconitumisusefulduringthefirst24hoursofacold.Itisindi-catedwhenthereisasuddenonsetof

Sniffle PatrolEasy Tips to Keep Kids Healthy This Winter

by Dr. Lauri Grossman

healthykids


feverandrestlessnessafterexposuretocoldwindsorcoldweather.

Pulsatilla ~ Pulsatillaiscalledforwhennasalcongestionisthickandwhensymptomsbecomeworseatnight,whenlyingdownorinroomsthatarewarm.Itistheremedytouseifchildrenbecomeweepywhenillandwanttobeheld.

Allium cepa~Alliumisahelpfulremedywhenachild’snoserunslikeadrippingfaucet.Heorshemayalsobesneezingandexperiencingwateryeyes.

Gelsemium~Ifdrowsinessisthemostnoticeableproblem,thenGelsemiummaybewhatisneeded.Symptomsincludeoverwhelmingfatigueandexhaustingboutsofsneezing.

Natrum muriaticum~Thisremedyismosthelpfulwhencoldsareaccompa-niedbythick,clearnasal,discharge,chappedlipsandcracksinthecornersofthemouth.

HydrotherapyWatercuresareusedthroughoutmuchoftheworld,especiallyinEuropeanspas.Thesesoothingtherapiesdowon-dersforkidswithcoughsandcolds,oftenprovidingreliefwithinminutes.Hotbaths,showersandbreathinginsteamimbuedwithlavenderoilcansoothecoughsandhelpchildrenfallasleep.Addingeucalyptusorpepper-mintcanrelievecongestion.Finally,remembertheage-oldtraditionmomshaveusedforcenturies;forsorethroats,garglewithsaltwater. Naturalremediescanbeasourceofgreatcomfortwhenusedwisely.Theyhavealongtraditionofbeingwelltoleratedbychildrenandshouldhelpkeepkidsupandaboutthiswinter.Evenifachildgetsasniffleortwo,chancesaretheycansoonbebackintheswingoflife.

Note:Consultwithaphysicianifachild’ssymptomsdon’timprovewithinafewdaysoftreatmentandalwaysbeforetreat-inganinfant.

LauriGrossmanisadoctorofchiro-practicandacertifiedclassicalhomeo-pathregisteredbytheNorthAmericanSocietyofHomeopaths.MoreatHomeopathyCafe.com.

22 December 2009

Inouremergingglobalcommunity,thedigitalagehaspro-pelledus,withever-increasingvelocity,towardsaworldthatseemsatoncelimitlessandall-encompassing,yetinfinitely

smallerandmorefragilethanpreviouslyimagined.Eventsthatafewdecadesagomayhavearousedanation’scompassionorconcern—droughtinAsia,nuclearpowerplantsinRussiaandEurope,politicalupheavalsinAfrica—nowhavearecog-nizedpotentialtoaffecteveryworldcitizen,bothphysicallyandspiritually.Today,aswetextandTwitter,blogandlinkintoFacebook,MySpace,Badoo,Beboanddozensofothersocialnetworkingwebsites,wecreateinstantcommunicationsthatspancontinents,crossculturalbarriersandbridgepoliticaldivides.Weawakenconsciousnessandforgeconnections. Suchconnectionsarebecomingthewarpandweftofauniversalfabric,weavingusalltogether.Now,inspiredorga-nizationsaredeftlyexploring,encouragingandresearchingtheglobalawakeningthataccompaniesthem. Oneofthebetter-knownistheFetzerInstitute(Fetzer.org),inKalamazoo,Michigan.Aprivatelyoperatingfounda-tion,theinstituteisonacoursetofosterawarenessofthepowerofloveandforgivenessintheemergingglobalcom-munity,throughresearch,educationandserviceprograms.Thismission,accordingtoFetzer’swebsite,“restsonourconvictionthateffortstoaddresstheworld’scriticalissues

mustgobeyondpolitical,socialandeconomicstrategiestotheirpsychologicalandspiritualroots.” Inlate2000,theFetzerInstitutesupportedaninitiativeinvestigatingthecurrentcharacterofgroupandcollectiveconsciousness,theCollectiveWisdomInitiative(CollectiveW-isdomInitiative.org).Thewebsiteisadynamicclearinghouseforinformation,insightandindividuals,alllinkedwithintheemergingfieldofcollectivewisdom.Theorganization’smotto,“Together,WeCanKnowMore,”sumsupitscredothattosucceed,thequestrequiresapartnershipbetweenscientificprocessesandwisdomtraditions. RobertKenney,Ph.D.,aFetzerInstitutefellowandfacultymemberoftheCaliforniaInstituteofIntegralStudies,discusseshisvisionofcollectiveconsciousness:“Bycomingtogetheringroupstoconsciouslygeneratecollectivewis-dom,webelievewehavethepotentialtohealconflictsthatseemimpossibletoheal;embracewithcompassion,polari-tiesandparadoxesthattearthefabricofourpsychesandcommunities;andcultivateourcapacitiestoloveandforgiveingroupssplinteredandpolarized.” Heexplainsthataspeoplecometogetherasartists,educators,mystics,practicalidealists,scholars,activistsandespecially,pragmatists,webringforwardsomeofourownlight,seekingtodotogetherwhatisnotpossiblealone.

Awakening Consciousness Bold New Visions for Us, the Earth and the Universe

by Barbara Amrhein

“Identifyyourselfwiththewholeofmankind.Everyonewhowillscanheartheinnervoice.

Itiswithineveryone.”

~MohandasGandhi


Heeding Our Inner VoiceTheGlobalOnenessProject(GlobalOnenessProject.org),anonprofitorganizationthatproducesfilmsandWeb-based

multimediafeaturingscoresofworldthinkersandvi-sionaries,isexploringhowtheradicallysimplenotionofinterconnectednesscanbestbelivedinanincreas-inglycomplexworld.Since2006,thenonprofit’sstaffandvolunteershavecircledtheglobe,gatheringandtellingstoriesofcreative,courageouspeoplewhobelievethatwebearrespon-sibilityforeachotherandoursharedworld.FounderandDirectorEmmanuel

Vaughan-Lee,aproducer,director,composer,musicianandpracticingSufi,isthesonofrenownedSufiteacherandau-thorLlewellynVaughan-Lee. WhileworkingonthefilmOne:TheMovie,in2005,Vaughan-Leetheyoungersayshewasstruckbytheresponsetothefilm’sfocusonunity.“Peoplefromallwalksoflifeandbackgroundsweretellingmetheywantedtoseemoreofthis.SowedevelopedtheGlobalOnenessProjecttoex-plorehowpeoplearoundtheworldwereapplyingaunitiveconsciousnesstopracticalproblemswithintheirlocalandglobalcommunities.”

Oneoftheproject’sonlineinterviews,amongseveralhighlightedhere,sharestheperspectiveofVusamazuluCredoMutwa,aZulusangoma(traditionalhealer)fromSouthAfrica.“WemustawakentheMotherMindwithineachhumanbeing,”advisesMutwa,authorofseveralbooksonAfricanmythologyandspiritualbeliefsandwell-knownforhisworkinnatureconservation. “Everyhumanbeinghastwominds:theMotherMindandtheWarriorMind,”Mutwacontinues.TheWarriorMind

Where to Explore Global Unity

Global Coherence Initiative(GLCoherence.org)–Ascience-basedinitiativeunitingmillionsofpeopleinheart-focusedcareandintentiontoshiftglobalcon-sciousnessfrominstabilityanddiscordtobalance,cooperationandenduringpeace.

Global MindShift (Global-MindShift.org)–Onlinediscussionsdescribehumanity’sevolutionaryjourneyandthecreationofglobalcommunity.

Global Oneness Project (GlobalOnenessProject.org)–ThisnonprofitproducesfilmsandWeb-basedmultimediafeaturingworldthinkersandvisionariesandexploreshowtheradicallysimplenotionofin-terconnectednesscanbestbelivedinanincreasinglycomplexworld.

Karma Tube(KarmaTube.org)–Short,“dosome-thing,”videossuggestsimpleactionsthateveryviewercantake.Theirmotto:“Bethechange.”

Peace One Day(PeaceOneDay.org)–TheorganizingcatalystbehindtheUnitedNations’adoptionofSep-tember21asanannualPeaceDaypromotesglobalceasefireandnonviolence.Thenonprofitisworkingtointroduce3billionpeopletoPeaceDayby2012.

Project Happiness(ProjectHappiness.org)–Youth-basedinitiativeoffersonlineandschoolprojectsdesignedtoinspireandempowerindividualstocre-ategreaterhappinesswithinthemselvesandintheworld.EndorsedbytheDalaiLama.

The Vision Project(VisionProject.org)–Thisnonprofitinitiativeproducesdocumentarymaterialandedu-cationalprogramstoencourageunderstandingandawarenessaboutabroadrangeofsocialissues,withaparticularfocusonyoungergenerations.

World of Good(WorldOfGood.com)–eBay’sonlinemarketplaceconvenesthousandsofeco-positivebuyersandsellers.Independentverificationsassessthepositiveimpactthateveryproductofferedhasonpeopleandtheplanet.

Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee

“Wealwaysdividetheworldintolittlepieces,andwethinkthatthiscamera,forinstance,[thejournalist’scameraorsomeotherinanimateobject]isisolatedfromthewholeness.Itisisolatedbecauseithasnoconsciousness.Butifyougointothedeepconsciousness,thereisnoseparate-ness.Therecan’tbe.”

~VeraKohn,communityleader, psychologistandZenteacher

24 December 2009

looksatthingslogicallyandsays,“Twoplustwoisfour.”ButtheMotherMinddoesnotthinkinastraightline;rather,itthinkssidewaysandupwardsanddownwards.“WemustawakentheMotherMindwithinus.Wemustfeelwhatisgoingonintheworld,”heurges.“Wemustn’tjustlistentonewspapers. “ItissaidbyourZulupeoplethatwomenthinkwiththeirpelvicarea,wherechildrengrowandareborn.Wemustthinkthatway,”explainsMutwa.“Imustnolongerlookatatree[andseesimplyatree],Imustseealivingentitylikeme.Imustnolongerlookatastoneasjustastone,butImustseethefuturelyingdormantinthatstone.” BobRandall,anotherGlobalOnenessparticipant,isaYankunytjatjaraelderandatraditionalownerofUluru(AyersRock)inAustralia.RandallisoneoftheStolenGenerationoftheAboriginalpeople,takenfromhisfamilyatageseven.

Throughouthislife,hehasworkedasateacherandleaderforAboriginallandrights,education,communi-tydevelopmentandculturalawareness.Heexpressestheawakenedconsciousnessofonenesssimply:“Thelandownsus.”“Lifeisthebindingandtheconnectingway,theone-ness—ifyou’realive,you’reconnectedtoeverythingelsethatisalive,”Randallavers.“Our[Aboriginal]relation-shiptothelandisdifferentfromtheEnglish[non-Ab-

original]way—thelandownsus.Thelandgrowsallofusup.Nohumanisolderthanthelanditself.” Thus,heobserves,Aborigineshaveacaring,uncondi-tionalloveandresponsibilityfortheland.“Youfeelgoodwhenyou’reinthatspace—youfeellikeyou’relivingwithfamily,”ishowheexpressesthisintimaterelationship.Ran-dall’sexpansivesmileandcontented,warmradianceaccom-panyhiswords. “Whenyouincludeeverythingthatisaliveinthatspace—andthatisahugespace—itisabeautifulwayofbe-ing.Itdoesn’tpushanyoneout,butbringseverybodyin.Andthiscompletenessofbeingwhoyouare,whereyouare,isabeautifulfeeling.”

Listening with the HeartBringingeveryoneinrepresentsthelifeworkofIbtisamMahameed,aPalestinianpeaceworkerontheboardofMiddleway,anon-governmentalorganization(NGO)pro-motingcompassionandnonviolence.AMuslim,Mahameedembodiesinterfaithrespectandunderstandinginherbidforglobaloneness,encouragingPalestinian,Jewish,DruzeandChristianwomentolearnabouteachother’sreligionsandcultures.Sheasksusalltolearnthelanguageofmutuallove. “First,”advisesMahameed,“wehavetolearnaboutalltheprinciplesfoundintheworld.AsaMuslim,Arab,Pales-

tinianwoman,Iknowmyprinciples.ButIdon’tknowyours.Inorderformetounderstandyourprinciples,Ishouldaskyouaboutthem,andun-derstandwhattheyare.” Next,weneedtolearnmutualrespectfromeachother,urgesMaha-meed.Weneedtoknowhowtolisten,notwithourears,butwithourhearts. “IshouldtellyouthatIwanttogiveyoumyhand,nottobetrayyou,buttosayyouarewelcomeinmyhome.Ishallliketovisityouatyourhome,tohearmorefromyouandtohearmoreabouttheworld.ThisiswhatIcallthe‘languageofmutualloveintheworld.’”

One Mind, or Electronic MembraneThisuniversallanguagealreadyspeaksintuitivelytothou-sands,thoughskepticsmaydismisstheconceptasagos-samerNewAgetheory.If,indeed,suchglobalconnectivityexists,canitbescientificallyproven? TheresearchofDeanRadin,Ph.D.,alaboratoryscien-tistandauthorinthefieldofparapsychology,mayprovidesomepreliminaryanswers.Radindiscussesthepossibilityofaglobalmindandwhetherthatglobalmindcould“wakeup.”Hesuggeststhat,withtheInternet,humansmaybeapproachingasystemsophisticatedenoughtocarrytheelec-tronicmembrane,or“brain,”ofaglobalself-awareness. Radin’sGlobalConsciousnessProjecthastestedtherelationshipbetweenmindandmattertodeterminewhethercollectivehumanattentioncorrespondstoachangeinthe

physicalenviron-ment.Intriguingly,itdoes.(Moreathttp://globalonenessproject.org/videos/deanradin-clip8.)

“Wehavesixbillionorsopeopleintheworld…andthereisalreadysomeexperimentalevidencesuggestingthatthereissomethinglikeaglobalmindreactiontolarge-scaleworldevents,”remarksRadin.TheGlobal

ConsciousnessProjecthasempiricalmarkersfor200majorevents[includingthetelevisedcourtroomverdictoftheO.J.Simpsonmurdertrialand9-11attacks]thathaveattractedattentionaroundtheworld.“Wefindchangesinthephysi-calenvironmentasaresultofthatattention—changesthat,

Bob Randall

Ibtisam Mahameed

Dean Radin, Ph.D.


byanyconventionaltheory,shouldn’tbethere,”saysRadin.“Andyet,theyarethere.” Atthispoint,scientistshaven’tconcludedthataglobalmindexists,butifevidenceissuggestingthatsomethingstrangeisgoingon—“thenmaybethemindofGaiaiswakingup,”Radinreasons.“Or,maybe…therehasalwaysbeenagiantmind,butweweren’tquitecleverenough,untiljustnow,tobegintogetaninklingthatmaybethatwaswhatwasgoingon.”

Shifting Societal StructuresAmericanspiritualteacher,activistandartistangelKyodowilliamsbelievesasharedcollectiveconsciousness—andconscience—canbenefitallofhumanity.ThisfounderofthenewCenterforUrbanPeaceandauthorofBeingBlack:ZenandtheArtofLivingwithFearlessnessandGrace,remindsusthatsocietiescanchangeonamassivescale. Shespeaksofhowwecanreplacetheviewofsepara-tion:“Thatviewcanbeshifted[exchanged]asnolongertheacceptablewayinwhichwedothings,inthesamewaythatwenolongeracceptslavery.Thatwasaneconomicchoice—howwillIgetmycottonpickedifIdon’thaveslaves,that’s

justimpossible,Ican’tgivethatup.Well,we’vehadchangesinsocietythatsaid,youwillhavetofindanotherway.Wehavetomakethestructuresofsocietyunwillingtobearseparationasawayofapproachingthings,individualismasawayofapproach-ingthings.”

Thatunitedcom-mitmentiscrucial.

“Weareparticipantsinaprocessthatwillalwaysbelargerthanourimaginationorourbestsciencescanfullyexplain,”advisesMaryEvelynTucker,aseniorlecturerandseniorscholaratYaleUniversity.“‘Canweevolvefastenough?’isacriticalquestion.”

Summoning SpiritualityTucker,whoisactiveinYale’sSchoolofForestryandEnvi-ronmentalStudies,aswellasitsDivinitySchoolanddepart-mentofreligiousstudies,hasauthoredmanybooks,includ-ingWorldlyWonder:ReligionsEnterTheirEcologicalPhase.ShefocusesonthevitalroleofspiritualityinherGlobalOnenessinterviewandisprominentlyfeaturedinanewlyreleasedfilm,AThou-sandSuns,whichPBSwillbroadcastinearly2010. “Idosensethatthepossibilityforhumanevolu-tion,humanconsciousness,isabsolutelyathand,”saysTucker.“Thesealternativewaysofbeingthathavegrownintheperipheryofoursocietiesandothersocietiesaroundtheworldarecomingintothecenter,arebeingvalued:ecologicaleconomics,greenpolitics,alternativetechnologies,sustainablefarmingandfood.Allthesesuggestthatthisevolutionisverymuchinprogress.Ifwehaveareverenceandrespectformovingitforwardwithdeepspiritualstrengthandgrounding,Ithinkwecandoit.” Sufiteacher,dreamworkerandauthorLlewellynVaughan-Lee,Ph.D.,concurswithTucker’semphasisontheimportanceofcallinguponspiritualgrace(visithttp://globalonenesspro-ject.org/videos/lvlclip4).Hewritesandlecturesextensivelyontheemergingglobalconsciousnessofonenessandourindividualspiritualresponsibilityduringthistimeoftransition. Theworldisgoingthroughatimeofcrisis,andduringanytimeofcrisis,thereisthepossibilityfortransforma-tion,Vaughan-Leetheelderasserts.Thegoodnewsisthat,“Manypeoplearoundtheworldarecommittedtothisworkofonenessonfinancial,ecologicalandculturallevels,”heexplains.“Therearemany,manyfieldsinwhichhumanityiscomingtogetherinnewways… “ButwhatIhavefoundlackinginalotofapproachesisthattheythinkwehavetodoitallourselves.AndIthinkweneedthehelpofGod.Ithinkwecanparticipate;Ithinkwecanbeattentive,receptive,forwhentheDivinecomes.Canwedoitourselves?No.Canwewakeuptheworld?No.Butwecanbeready,waitingandprepared.”

StorySource:Formoreinformationandvideointerviews,visitGlobalOnenessProject.org.

BarbaraAmrheinisaneditorwithNaturalAwakeningsmagazines.

“Asaspecies,forthelast35,000years,we’vebeenpullingbackfromnature.We’vebeendifferentiatingourselvesandcultivatingourcapacitytostandapartfromnature,toknoworempowerourunique-nessashunter-gatherers,asfarmers,asindustrialists.Butnow…we’rebeginningtoseethattheworldisaliving,integratedsystem.Weneedtoturnfromseparatismtocommunion[in]anextraordinarytransi-tioninthelifeofourplanet.”

~DuaneElgin,activist

Mary Evelyn Tucker

angel Kyodo williams

26 December 2009

SincefoundingtheGlobalOnenessProjectin2005,EmmanuelVaughan-Leehasprofessionallydirectedandproduced26shortfilmsthathavebeenwidely

distributedonlineandairedonLINKTV,CurrentTVandPBS.Vaughan-Leeandhisteamhavetraveledtheworld,seekingoutstoriesandteachingsfromleadingthinkerswhoseworkandactivitiesemphasizeonenesswithotherpeople,animalsandnature.TheGlobalOnenessProjectisexploringhowtheradicallysimplenotionofinterconnectednesscanbemadepracticalfordailylivinginanincreasinglycomplexworld.

Q. Your video at GlobalOnenessProject.org/videos/what-woulditlooklike questions the way we live now. How do you envision humanity’s future?

Ifeelthathumanityisatacrossroads,andhowwerespondtotheglobalenvironmentalcrisisduringthenexttwodecadeswilldefinewhetherourcurrentcivilizationwillbeabletoevolveorwillfail.Withinthiscrisisisatremendousopportunityforindividuals,communities,organizationsandgovernmentstostepintoamoreexpansiveconsciousnessthatfocusesontheneedsoftheplanet,otherpeopleandourchildrenandgrandchildren’sfuture.Takingthefocusawayfromthe“I”tothe“We”onacollectivelevelwouldbeatremendousstepinourevolution.Ifthiscanhappen—anditneedstohappen—thenwecouldbelivingamuchhigherpotentialthanwearenow.

Q. You and your team have interviewed hundreds of people from many countries and cultures. What common themes and ideals are you hearing?

Anobvious,commonthemeisthatpeoplehavehadenoughofthecurrentgreed-based,commercialized,materialisticmonoculturethatisdestroyingtheircultures,regionalbiodi-versity,ecosystemsandlanguages.Theyarestandinguptothisandsayingtheydon’twanttobepartofthatstory.Theyaretellinganewnarrative,onethatrespectsdiversity,seestheEarthasaliveandsacredandunderstandsthatthevaluesofrespect,compassion,tolerance,stewardshipandgeneros-itymustnotjustbeidealsweaspireto,butidealsthatweliveandincorporateintooursystems.

Q. What is the best way for people of all ages, from all walks of life, to reach out to one another and participate in mak-ing oneness real?

Takingactionssuggestedbyoureducationalandonlinecom-munityprograms,whentheylaunchearlynextyear,willgivepeoplemanywaystogetinvolved.Atpresent,weencourageeveryonetojoininouronlinedialoguesandhostapay-it-forwardGlobalOnenessDVDscreening.WewillshipaDVDanywhereintheworldforfree,ifyouagreetogather10ormorepeopleinyourhome,office,church,communitycenterortheater,andscreenthefilm.Whendone,weaskthatyoupasstheDVDalong,askingthenextrecipientstodothesame.

Q. How has the Global Oneness Project benefited those you interview on-camera, who are often activists working to ef-fect compassionate change that aids people and the planet?

Severalofourvideointerviewandfilmsubjectshavere-ceivedadditionalmainstreammediaattentionafterwespotlightedtheirwork.Thisattentionhashelpedthemraisefunds,wincredibilityintheirowncommunitiesandspreadtheirideastoothercommunitiesaroundtheworld.Manyoftheseactivistsalsorunnon-governmentorganizations,whichhaveconsequentlyreceivedadditionalfundingfromindividualsandfoundations.Mostimportantly,Ithinksharingtheirstoriesandseeingtheresponsefrompeoplearoundtheworldhasmadethemfeelliketheyarepartofaglobalcom-munity,aglobalmovementthathelpsinvigoratetheirworkandgivesthemanewlevelofsupport.

Q. What is the source of your hope?

Mychildrengivemehope,becauseIlookatthemandseeanewgenerationthatmightgetachancetoliveinaworldthatisnotsodistortedanddestroyed.IalsofindhopeinpeopleI’vemetthesepastfewyearswho,despiteallodds,liveandworkinawaythatrespectsothersandtheEarth.Theircourageinspiresusall.

An Interview with Emmanuel Vaughan-LeeDirector of the Global Oneness Project

by Barbara Amrhein

For softer skin - use ½ cup milk, 3 tsps lavender flowers, and ¼

honey. Add to bath and soak for 15 minutes or longer. Softens skin

and helps nourish the skin.

Tracy MoralesTracy’s Faces Day Spa – Holistic Skin Care


Wholistic Kinesiology Health Services, LLC

WhenanewclientcomestoseeBarbaraZvirzdinisW.K.,C.M.T.,forthefirsttimeatWholisticKinesiologyHealth

ServicesLLC,many times something is verywrong. Theremaybeanimbalanceintheirnutritional,emotional,spiritual,orphysicalbeingthatthetraditionalmedicalcommunityhasnotbeenabletocorrect,orevenidentify.Theyhavebeentoldtheywilljusthavetolivewithwhatthey’vegot,buttheyarestilldesperatelysearchingforhelp. AsaCertifiedWholisticKinesiologistworkingin thealternativemedicalfieldfor thepast21years,Zvirzdinishasseenitall,andyearsagoshewalkedinthosefootsteps.

“Years ago I had very bad eczema. No oneseemedtobeabletohelpme.Iwouldhavehor-ribleflair-ups,andalwaysscratchingsomething,”sheremembers.“Iunderwentyearsofmedicaltreatmentsbydermatologistsandotherspecialists,butnoth-ingeverreallygotitundercontrol.”ItwaswhenZvirzdinisdecidedtostudyunderDr.DunninAlbuquerquethatshewasdiagnosed.“WhenIstartedmyWholisticKinesiologyclasses,myinstructorshadmeandmyfellowstudents learnhowtotestforillnessesbyworkingoneachother.Onedaywhenwewere testing forparasites, Iwashorrified to learn that Ihadliverflukes.IhadbeentoMexicobeforemysymptomsbegan,soI’msureImusthavepickeditupthere.”Treatmentbeganimmediatelywithhomeopathicdrops,andwithin30dayshereczemawasgone.“Itwaslikeamiracle,”sheexplains.“ForthreeyearsIstruggledwithmysymptoms.I’mnotsureIactu-allybelievedtherewasanythingthatcouldhelpme,letalonethatthetreatmentcouldbesosimple.”

LocatedintheBlackportBuildingintheEastHillsareaofGrandRapids, on the corner of Diamond,Wholistic KinesiologyHealthServicesisacalmspotinahubofbusyactivity.Oldbrick,well-wornwoodfloors,andshelvesfilledwithliteratureallcreateaspacethatissoothing,andZvirzdinistooexudesasenseofpeaceandstability.Herdiagnosticmethodsandtreat-mentsaregentleandnoninvasive,designedtohelpthebodyhealitself.“Weusemuscletestingtofindimbalancesinthebody,mind,orspirit.Oftenpeoplewhocometomedonotfeelright,theyfeelblocked,orneedingtobecleansed.Sometimesthephysicalailmentscanbesevere,andincludeeverythingfrommentaldepression tosinus issues toheartproblems toautoimmunediseasestoasthma.Manytimespeoplecomeinconfusedandscared.Mypurposeistosupportthemontheirpathtowellness,”saysZvirzdinis.

Kinesiologyisnotanewtherapy.Itincludesaseriesofproventreatmentoptionsusedbyavarietyofculturesforthousandsofyears.“Itworkstomaintain,maximize,andrepairtheMerid-ianSystem,thechannelsofenergythatflowfromoneorgantoanother.Whenthoseareblocked,thebodycannotfunctionproperly.InmystudiesIlearnedthatthereisaninnateintelli-genceinsideofallofus.Myjobistoidentifywhathaschanged,sowecantakecareoftheproblemandhelpthebodyoperate

asitshould.”EachdayZvirzdinisseesclientscomeinwithavarietyofchallengesandailments,butasurprisingnumberofthemcomeinexhibitingsymptomssherecognizes-parasites.“Maybeit’sbecausepeopletravelmore,orareexposedtonewfoods,butI’mseeingitmorefrequently.RecentlyIhadapa-tientwithfibromyalgia.ShetestedpositiveforaparasitefoundinwildmeatfromtheArctic,andafterextensivequestioningwedeterminedshehadeatenreindeersausageonacruisetoAlaska. Wewereable toquicklyclearupherdiarrheaand

eliminatethepainshewasexperiencing.”

There are many methods and diagnostic toolsthatZvirzdiniscanusetodiagnoseproblemsherclientsarefacing,andeachprogramisthenspe-cificallydesignedtohelpthatparticularpatient.“Thisisnotone-size-fits-allmedicine.Ittreatsthe

wholebody,becauseitisallconnected.HencetheWholisticaspectofwhatwedo.Andsometimes,weseeadominoeffectasweclearuptheillnessordifficultyandbeginthehealing.Forexample,Itreatedamanwithweightissues.IbeganwithatechniquecalledTapasAcupressureTechnique(TAT)whichinvolvestappingacupuncturepointsfoundonthebody.It’slikeremovingalogjaminariver.Astheseenergypointsarefreedup,theblockageslowlyclears,andtheflowcantraveloncemorethroughthebody.Wehavetokeepremovingthingsthatareblockingtheriver,inthiscaseanunresolvedtraumahehadfaced25yearsbefore.UsingEmotionalFreedomTechniques(EFT)-aneedlefreeversionofacupuncture-wewerethenabletogettotherootofhisproblems.Onlythencouldhedealwithandconquerhisweightissues,”shesays.“I’vealsousedEFTtohelpfolkswithphobiassuchasfearofflyingorofsuccess.”

ZvirzdinisisalsocertifiedasanHerbalist,MassageTherapist,ReconnectionandAcutronicsPractitioner,andistrainedinReiki,Detoxification Programs, Reflexology,Vibrational Medicine,VitaminTherapies,QuantumTouchandotherformsofnaturalhealing.“Interestinalternativemedicineisexplodingrightnow,eventhoughit’sbeenaroundforthousandsofyears.Therearesomanytimetested,non-invasivewayswecanhelppeople,”shesays.“Theyjustneedtostepoutsidetheboxandbewillingtoentertainthatmagicandmiracleshappenallthetime.”

Formoreinformationvisitwww.wkhealthservices.com,orcallZvirzdinisat616-581-3885toscheduleaconsultation.Shecanalsobereachedviaemailatbloodroot99@yahoo.com.Seeadpage15.

KimRacette is a long-time free lancerwith apassionateinterestinthenaturalworldandlivingpractices.Sheiscur-rentlyonamissiontoreducetheamountofchemicalsinherpersonalenvironment,andafirmbelieverinthebenefitsofexperiencingthegreatoutdoorsatleastonceaday.ShelivesinKentwoodwithherhusbandandthreechildren.

CommunitySpotlight

byKimRacette

28 December 2009

Massage Therapy Effective In:

Mastersof MassageRelieving Back PainBoosting Immune SystemReducing AnxietyLowering Blood PressureTreating Migraines

Decreasing Carpel Tunnel SymptomsEasing Post-Operative PainAlleviating Side Effects of Cancer


Canyoubendoverandreachyourtoes?Itwaseasywhenyouwereakid;heck,maybe

youcouldevenputtheminyourmouth!Whileputtingyourtoesinyourmouthmaynotbeyourgoal,itsurewouldbenicetobemoreflexibleandhavelessjointstiffnessandpain.Letthisbeyourguidetojointhealthusingwellknownnaturalhealthpracticesandremedies.

Tounderstandjointhealth,youfirstneedinfor-mationonminerals.Whenteachingstudentsofnaturalhealth,westartbyassigningfunnamestominerals,makingthemeasiertoremember.Forexample,ironisthe“friskyhorse”element,becausewithoutthiselement,youwouldbeverylowinenergyandnotbefriskylikeahappyspringhorse.Theelementsormineralsthatgreatlyaffectthejointsmaysurpriseyou.Sodiumisconsideredthe“youth”element,Chlorinethe“flexibility”element,andSulfurthe“arthritis”element.

AlthoughmanypeoplefocusonCalciumandMagnesiumforbonehealth,ifstiff-ness,pain,andinflammationaretheconcern,theaforementionedmineralsarefarbetter.Let’sfigureouthowallthisworksandhowyoucangetlongterm,realreliefwithoutside-effects!

Sodiumhasabadnameinourculturebecauseofallthesodiumchloride(tablesalt)usedinprocessedfoodsandthehighnumberofheartandcirculatoryproblemscausedfromitsbuildup.However,fromtherightsources,sodiumcanbeyourbestfriend.Sodiumobtainedfromcelery,dandeliongreens,beets,andgrapefruitishelpfulinpullingoutthebuildupofunusablesodiumchloride.Sodiumfromfoodandherbalsourcesactuallykeepthecalciuminyourbodystrongandpliable.Mymotherhad“hammertoes”andhadtobuyshoesthatallowedroomforthiscurvatureofhertoes.Ofcourse,shecouldhavehadsurgerytocorrectthis,butinstead,shedrank2ouncesofceleryjuice,fresheachmorningfromherjuicer,and3monthslaterfoundallofhertoestobestraightandwithoutpain.

Thesegreat resultswithcelery juiceworkwell formost jointproblems. Somepeoplehavepainsthattravelfromjointtojointandareworseincertainweatherconditions.Thisiswhatwecalla“colddamp”conditionandindicatesalackofnaturalsulfurinthediet.Sulfurisobtainedfromwarmspicyfoodslikeonions,garlic,andmyfavorite,ginger,whichcanbetakenincapsules,tea,orusedfromthepeeledrootinmanystirfryrecipes.

Thefinalmineraltoreachthosetoesischlorine,whichisverydifferentfromchlo-ride.Thismineralisknownforcreatingflexibility.HaveyoueverseentheChineseacrobats?Theyhaveadietveryhighinchlorinerichfoods,allowingthemtodoamazingactsofflexibility.Theyconsumeagreateramountofseavegetation,suchaskelpanddulse,thanwedo.Thechloridefoundinswimmingpoolsanddrink-ingwateractuallydepletesournaturalchlorinesupplyinourbodies.

Itisalsoimportanttocutbackonacidproducingfoodsthatleachtheseminerals,suchascoffee,pop,andfriedfoods.So,ifyouseepeoplearoundtownticklingtheirtoesandgrazingondandelions,alliswell!

BessheenBaker,ND,istheCo-FounderandDirectorofEducationatNaturopathicInstituteofTherapies&Education(NITE),locatedat503EastBroadway,Mt.Pleas-ant,MI.48858.Visitwww.nite-mtp.comorcall989-773-1714.Seeadpage11.

byBessheenBaker

Touch Your Toes in 30 Days

30 December 2009

Aroundthissametimeeveryyear,manyindi-vidualsarefeelingmiserable.Giventhecold

temperatures,snowandice,itsnaturaltothinkthatthecausemightbethewinterbluesorcabinfever,butit’snot.It’stheWinterItch,aconditionof dry, itchy skin, usually with some small redbumps,sometimeslittlepustules.Usuallythisisfoundontheupperarms,midandupperback,chestandupperabdomen,andsometimeonthelegs,itisrelatedtoareductionofskinmoistureandskinoil. Itmayalsobeaggravatedbyoverheatingpartsofthebodybyheavyclothing.

The solutions to remedy the Winter Itcharesimple.

Runahumidifier inyourhome,especially insleepingareas. Humidityshouldbebetween45and65.Thereshouldbejustalittlecondensationonthebottomofthewindowpanes.Toomuchruinstheframes.

Drink49-60ouncesofchlorine-freewaterdaily.Coffeeandsodapoparenotconsid-eredwaterbecausetheyaredehydrating.

Reducethetemperatureofyourbathorshower.Hotwaterremovesskinoilsneededtolubricatetheskin.Soapandscrubonlytheimportantareasofthebody:hair,arm-pits,bottom,andprivates.Scrubbingtherestofthebodyremovesimportantskinoils.

Addoiltoyourdiet.Foradults,twotablespoonsofoliveoileverydayishelpful(canbemixedinfood).Omega3(fishorflaxseedoil)ishighlybeneficialforskin,hair,jointsandarteries.Take2000to4000milligrams)daily.

Instubborncases,400-800unitsofnaturalVitaminE(d-alphatocopherol)maybeadded.BecarefulwithsyntheticVitaminE(lordl-alphatocopherol)asitmayaddtotheinflammationinbloodvessels.

Finally,inun-sunnyMichigan,VitaminD3maybeagoodthing.Itisnotnecessar-ilyneededtocontrolthewinteritch,butitisgreatforhelpinganotherwinterhealthproblem, SAD (SeasonalAffective Disorder) or seasonaldepression.Take2000mgofVitD3everydayifyoudonotgetenoughsunshine.ItisnotquiteasgoodasaweekinFlorida,butveryhelpful.

BobHuttingaisacertifiedSilvaMethodinstructorandLicensedPhysicianAssistantspecializinginnaturopathicandhomeopathiccare.TheHealingCenter,332S.Lin-colnAve,Lakeview,MI.48850.989-352-6500.FormoreinformationvisitTheHealingCenterofLakeview.com.Seeadpage9.

healingways

Winter Itch

“It is possible to experience an awakening in this life through realizing just how precious each moment, each mental process, and each breath truly is.” Christy Turlington

Bob Huttinga


inspiration

Intentionstatements,framednegatively,evoketheoppositeanddonotwork.Forexample,ratherthansay,“IintendIamnotsickanymore,”asIntenders,wewouldassert,

“IintendthatIaminperfecthealth.”Becausewehaven’tmentionedanythingaboutsicknessordisease,itcannotbecreatedfromourstatement.AsIntenders,wearesuccessfulatmanifestingbecauseweaddstrongstatementsattheendofourintentions.Whenwefinishstatinganintention,weemphaticallysay,“Sobeit,”“Soitis,”or“Soitisdone.”Thesewordsarepowerfulbecausetheyallowustoseeourintentionsasalreadyhav-

ingmanifested.Forus,thekeytomanifest-inganythingistopicturetheendresultfromthebeginning—toseeitas“adonedeal,”andthenholdthatvisioninminduntilitactuallyappearsinourthree-dimen-sionalworld.Inorderforourintentionstomanifest,theymustservethehighestandbestgoodoftheUniverse,includingourselvesandeveryoneconcerned.Wewouldnevermakeanintentionwithoutincludinga“highestgood”clause,asitensuresthatonlythoseintentionswhicharetrulyforourhighestgoodwillmanifest.Allotherintentionsthatdonotserveusorourfellowmenandwomenwillnotbecreated.Intendersplacetremendousvalueincomingtogetherincommunitytomakeintentionswithotherlike-mindedandlightheartedpeople.Ateveryopportunity,wetakeadvantageofthefactthatthereisstrengthinnumbers.WecreateIntenders

Circles,inwhichwegettogetherwithotherswhoalignwithusandwhohelpustoenvisionourintentionsasalreadymanifested.Thismakeseverythingmanifestmoreswiftlyandeasily.In15yearsofobservingIntendersCirclesinac-tion,wehavelearnedthatitisofprimeimportancethatwegatherandworktogetherincommunityinordertocreateaworldwhereweliveinpeace,freedom,abundanceandfulfillment.

FormoreinformationabouttheIntendersoftheHighestGood,visitIntenders.com.

Set New Year’s INTENTIONS

by Tony Burroughs

On the eve of 2010, thousands of individuals throughout

the world are set to write their New Year’s intentions using

Tony Burroughs’ simple and effective methods for putting the

laws of manifestation to work. Burroughs has authored nine

books, including The Code: Ten Intentions for a Better World

and The Intenders Handbook, and he explains that intentions

are considerably more positive and powerful than New Year’s

resolutions. “As Intenders, we deeply comprehend that our

thoughts and words are constantly creating our future. There-

fore, we state our intentions out loud every day, framing them

in positive and powerful words that are most apt to produce

the results we desire.”

32 December 2009

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Our Family Tree Is Growing Strong


Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

tuesdAY, decemBer 1Their Journey: Vietnamese in Michigan Exhibit- 12/1-12/28. In conjunction with the 2009-10 Great Michigan Read, this traveling exhibit looks at the history of Vietnamese refugees in Michigan. Free and open to the public. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids. 616-988-5400.

Free Chiropractic Consultation- Bring in a gift for a child between now and 12/15 to receive a complete Chiropractic consultation for Free. A $255 value. Gifts will be given to Bethany Christian Services. Contact Great Lakes Family Chiropractic, 3138 Broadmoor Ave, Kentwood. 616-575-9105.

Trigger Point & Adrenal Fatigue- 6:30-7:15pm. Bring a partner and learn in this hands on workshop how to decrease pain and stress in your life. Free. Call to register. Courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. Howard Miller Com-munity Center, 14 S Church St, Zeeland. 616-392-9500.

Fibromyalgia & Autoimmune Diseases- 7:00-8:00pm. First meeting in a 3-part series on how to choose foods selectively to help you sleep better, reduce your pain and give you more energy. Session 3 will include a cooking demo, tasting and recipes. Cost: $50, or $20 for a single session. Holistic Nutrition Center 90 West 8th St, Holland. 616-355-5333.

wedNesdAY, decemBer 2Introduction to Real Happiness- 7:00-9:00pm. Betty Kronemeyer: Genuine happiness is possible for all of us. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE. Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386.

Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation, and energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 E. Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids. 269-929-6796

tHursdAY, decemBer 3Intuitive Readings with Jewel Shelden- 1:00-4:00pm. And 12/17. Palm & card readings, spirit answers, & past life regression. 15 min/$20, 30 min/$40, 1 hour/$80. Call for Appointment. C.J.’s Studio Salon 5286 Plainfield, Grand Rapids. 616-364-9191.

fridAY, decemBer 4Free Health Consultations- 10:00am-2:00pm. And 12/18. Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Master

Herbalist. Haelen Holistic Treatments, 147 Diamond Ave SE, Grand Rapids. 616-446-6906.

Partner Yoga- 6:30-8:30pm. A unique practice that can strengthen relationships by fortifying trust, communication and intimacy. Limited to 12. Call to RSVP. $35/couple. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cas-cade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.

sAturdAY, decemBer 5Big Yoga with Meera Patricia Kerr- 10:00-11:00am. An introductory class, Big Yoga is a classical approach to Yoga with adapted poses for those challenged by weight, flexibility or an injury. Please wear comfortable clothing. Cost: A small donation of canned or boxed food to be given to the local food bank. Please register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

Free Pilates Mat Work Class- 10:45-11:45am. Beginner & intermediate levels. Bring your own mat. RSVP required. BodyMind Pilates Studio 6504 28th St, Ste H, Grand Rapids. 616-516-6832.

Restorative Yoga Workshop- 1:30-3:30pm. A sequence of nurturing & soothing or supported posed & conscious breathing. Register at GrYoga.com. $30. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-774-4136.

Green Kids in a Colorful World-Abrakadoodle & Renoir- 2:00-3:00pm & 3:15-4:15pm. Kids in 1st-6th grades will create imaginative paintings with scrap mylar. Sign up online at Abrakadoodle.com/mi01_schedule.html. $10. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-5000.

suNdAY, decemBer 6Meditation Instruction- 3:00-4:00pm. By Mind-fulness Meditation Community. Explore sitting po-sitions, walking meditation, breathing techniques, mudras & gathas. No experience necessary. No fee-Donations accepted. Call Karen Gipson for more info 616-336-9677. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids.

moNdAY, decemBer 7Manon of The Spring- 7:00pm. Emmanuelle Beart as Manon, the daughter of Jean de Florette. Manon grows up living as a goat herder near the men who deceived her father. Free Show. SanChez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-677-6176.

tuesdAY, decemBer 8Leadership in Dealing with Difficult Multicultural Discussions: A One-day Workshop on Finding Voice through Positive Confrontation - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Ever been uncomfortable with a racist or sexist remark or situation? Come learn tools to speak up and take leadership in difficult multicultural discussions. $50 includes lunch. Presented in partnership with MSU Extension. The Leaven Center, Lyons.989-855-2606.

Meditation with Nichol- 7:00-8:00pm. Bring a blanket or pillow (mats are provided) and wear comfortable clothing. An hour of peace, relaxation & being awaits you. Free. Please register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

Free Workshop-Trigger Point Massage- 6:00pm. Natural solutions to relieving stress. Seating is limited. Call to RSVP. Peak Performance Chiropractic, 4150 East Beltline Ste 4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888.

Headache Workshop- 6:15-7:15pm. Hands on workshop for relief of migraines, tension headaches and neck and shoulder pain. Free. Chirofit Wellness Center, 2249 Wealthy St SE Suite 240, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2348.

Conversation with God Study Group- 6:30pm. A discussion about the messages as written by Neale Donald Walsch. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

GR Men’s Spiritual Roundtable- 6:30-8:30pm. And 12/22. On ongoing bi-monthly gathering held on the second & forth Tuesdays of the month. Do you have questions about your spiritual path, alternatives to the prevailing fundamental religious dogma? Facilitated by Ray Farrell. Free. Nature’s Spiritual Connection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

wedNesdAY, decemBer 9Individual Silent Retreat (self-directed)- 9:00am-5:00pm on 12/10. Meditatively walk 20 acres of meadows and woods, sit & write beside the Grand River, draw, read, or simply catch up on much needed rest. Make time for yourself the second Wednesday & Thursday of each month. $25-$75. The Leaven Center, Lyons. 989-855-2606.

Reiki Share Group- 5:30-7:30pm. For all trained in Reiki. A time to gather to practice Reiki with others. Jan Atwood, LLC 801 Broadway Ave NW, Ste 436, Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144.

Free Workshop-Reduce Toxins & Lose Weight through Nutritional Cleansing- 6:00pm. Community workshop on how to reduce toxins and lose weight. Seating is limited. Call to RSVP. Peak Performance Chiropractic, 4150 East Beltline Ste 4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888.

Holiday Open House – 6:00-8:00pm. Anxiety Re-source Center invites you to the annual open house.

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Become a new Natural Awakenings franchise publisher

in the market of your choice, or purchase one of the existing

magazines currently for sale: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO;

Mobile, AL; Morris County, NJ; and New York City, NY.

For more information call 239-530-1377 or visit us online at NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, earth-friendly lifestyles.

You will be creating a healthier community while building your own financial security in the franchise market of your choice.

You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system designed to help you successfully publish your own magazine.

Our Family Tree Is Growing Strong

• Nutrition & Diet• Disease Prevention• Herbal Remedies• Personal Training

34 December 2009

Relax while listening to holiday music, taste wonderful holiday goodies and enter to win a door prize. Free event. Donations appreciated. AnxietyResourceCenter.org. Anxiety Resource Center, 312 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614.

Guided Meditation, Prayer and Healing Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Relax to guided meditation, and receive energy healing from local healers while church chaplains pray over your prayer requests. Donation. Unity Church on the Lakeshore, 41 S. Washington, Douglas. 269-857-8226

tHursdAY, decemBer 10MomsBloom Volunteer Training- 6:30pm. Volunteers needed! If you enjoy helping moms and babies, please come to our free training. We offer free postpartum support to families. Contact Angie for more informa-tion. Women’s Health Center, 555 Midtowne, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9788.

Guided Meditation Group with Jeannine Proulx- 7:00-8:30pm. Join Jeannine, as we use the tool of story to access the inner regions of the mind, body and soul to find the answers to the questions in life. Cost: $15. Ages: 8 and up. Please register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

Healthy3 - 7:00pm. A life long weight management program. Register for this free informational event. The first 20 to register will receive a free gift. Shore-line Natural Wellness 2320 Lake Ave, N. Muskegon. 231-750-2525.

fridAY, decemBer 11Kids Night Out- 5:30-9:30pm. Kids ages 3-12 will have a fabulous time with Gymco’s professional teachers. Dinner, Craft, Rock Wall, Trampoline, and More. Mem-bers $25, Nonmembers $30. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.

World Beat Dance Party & Student Performance Night- 6:00-11:00pm. Let’s close 2009 with super positive energy. Enjoy this family event, good food, and dance to the best tunes of WORLD BEAT. No other place in town has this international selection of awesome grooves. $10 Call to RSVP. Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616-235-9642.

sAturdAY, decemBer 12Avoid Holiday Weight Gain: Gluten & Dairy Free- 9:00am-12:00pm. 3 hour workshop teaches you some of the basics of food sensitivities and how they can be affecting your waistline and your health. Bring your apron. $50 or $5 off with food donation item. Holistic Nutrition Center 90 West 8th St, Holland. 616-355-5333.

Feng Shui Workshop- 10:00am-1:00pm. Work with your own home floor plan to learn how to enhance harmony and prosperity in your life. Learn how differ-ent areas of your space represent key aspects of your life. $65. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-5000.

Free Spinal Health Check- 1:00-2:00pm. With Dr. Michele O’Brien from The O’Brien Chiropractic Center. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181.

Mala Workshop with Gretchen Biggs- 1:00-2:30pm. This workshop will offer the opportunity to create and imbue your energy into a mala for you or as a special gift during the season of giving. Cost is $25 and includes all materials to make one mala. Pre-registration due by December 1 to ensure materials are available. sevayoga.net. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.

Exploring Silence- 1:30-3:30pm. The space be-tween breaths. Pranayama and Meditation workshop with Behnje and Rick. From The Heart Yoga Center, 714 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-336-9642.

EcoBuns- Cloth Diapering with Kellie Rosenberg- 3:00-4:00pm. 8,000 diapers is the average number changed from birth to potty. Learn how cloth diaper-ing can save you money, save the earth, and save baby’s sensitive skin. It is easy, no more pins and rubber pants! Register [email protected] or call The Body Center in Holland. 616-403-8864.

Three Gifts of Life-Workshop with Patricia Lynn Reilly- 3:00-5:00pm. Presence (Yes), Creativity (Wow), and Peace (Ahhh). Join us to open the chan-nel to presence, creativity, and peace in your kitchen, studio, and office, relationships, writing, and life! $40/ class. Register and pay online at birthAbook.com, in the MI workshop section. Held at The Body Center’s Studio in Holland. 616-834-2596.

suNdAY, decemBer 13Eckankar Worship Service– 10:00-11:00am. All are welcome to join “Seeing God’s Hand in Everything,” at this monthly celebration of the Light and Sound of God. Free. Meeting Room, 76th & 131-Motel 6, 7625 Caterpillar Ct, Grand Rapids. 616-752-8460.

moNdAY, decemBer 14Seven Samurai- 6:00pm. Our final film by the director Akira Kurosawa stars Toshiro Mifune. The medieval story of rural Japan depicts a village of farmers who hire seven poor warriors to defend them against 40 raiding bandits. Free Show. SanChez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-677-6176.

tuesdAY, decemBer 15Teen Book Group- 4:00pm. Teens ages 11-18 can come & discuss books they love. Come prepared to discuss favorite titles & series and pick up a copy of next month’s book to read. Free & open to the public. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids. 616-988-5400.

Stretching Your Way to Good Health - 7:00-8:00pm. Learn how simple stretching routines can relieve stress; improve heart health, balance, flex-ibility and strength. Call to register. Free seminar courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. Ultimate Fitness, 91 Douglas Ave Ste 140, Holland. 616-392-9500.

YIN Circles- 6:30pm. This is a bi-monthly event of support and learning how to work with our feminine energy. Session fee. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

tHursdAY, decemBer 17Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided medita-tion, and energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5. Reservations required. Center for Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St., Spring Lake. 269-929-6796

fridAY, decemBer 18Community Reiki Share- 6:00-8:00pm. An ongoing reiki share open to the public that gathers the third Friday of every month. Facilitated by Patti Weaver and Danielle Alandt. Free. Nature’s Spiritual Con-nection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

sAturdAY, decemBer 19Get Fit AM Routine- 9:00-11:00am. A mix of activities and socializing. Light breakfast. Free. Chirofit Wellness Center, 2249 Wealthy St SE Suite 240, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2348.

Parent & Child Yoga Class- 1:00-2:00pm. Grandpar-ents too. Start the holiday break with a fun and relaxing fitness class with your child-ages 5-9. Space is limited. $15 for 1 adult & 1 child. Register at MuskegonYoga.com or call Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181.

Community Meditation Gathering- 6:00-8:00pm. An ongoing open meditation class held on the third Saturday of every month. This month’s topic is setting intentions for the New Year. Facilitated by Danielle Alandt. Free. Nature’s Spiri-tual Connection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

suNdAY, decemBer 20Wiccan Solstice Observance- 9:45-10:45am. With Mary Balkon. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE. Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386.

The Coptic Center Sunday Series- Christmas Service– 6:00pm. Enjoy the energies of the Christmas season with centering and the music of Karen Lauck. Featuring Director John Davis and Coptic Minister Carl Franklin. Love Offering. www.TheCopticCenter.org. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

moNdAY, decemBer 21Meditation Monday- 6:30pm. Enjoy a relaxing evening of meditation to reconnect your body, mind and spirit. All levels welcome $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

tuesdAY, decemBer 22YIN Circles- 6:30pm. This is a bi-monthly event of sup-port and learning how to work with our feminine energy. Session fee. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

moNdAY, decemBer 28Healer’s Rejuvenation Circle- 6:30pm. A place to rejuvenate and find your balance. $15. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

wedNesdAY, decemBer 30Kids Day Away- 12:00-4:00pm. Kids ages 3-12. Fun and safe way to spend the day. Lunch, crafts, obstacle course, rock wall, trampoline, and fun teachers. Members $25, Nonmembers $30. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.

fridAY, JANuArY 1New Years Day Yoga – 9:00am. Grateful for the old~Excited for the new. Full practice with private jour-naling. $15.Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.

The Coptic Center Welcomes the New Year– 6:00pm. Join us New Years Day evening as Coptic Center director John Davis shares inspiration and blessings for personal & plan-etary ascension. Love Offering. TheCopticCenter.org. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

Natural Awakenings events Around the worldNatural Awakenings Puerto Rico – January 29-31. Take a healthy vacation and visit during their annual health expo. Go to www.na-pr.com


ongoingevents

at 5:30-6:30pm. Release trapped joints and correct muscle imbalances limiting range of motion. Learn this Yoga based exercise to improve your posture, balance and mobility. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Art Therapy- 5:00-7:00pm. All sessions are $20.00 call for more class info and to reserve a place. [email protected]. Tendressa Studio, 617 Lyon NE, Grand Rapids. 616-949-6234.Aikido- 6:00-8:00pm. Try Aikido-the Japa-nese art of self defense. Free for 30 days. $65/month. Visit ToyodaCenter.com for more details. 3808 South Division Ave, Wyoming. 616-245-6370. Half Price Mondays – 6:00pm. This popular class is an excellent introduction to yoga, as well as a continuing practice for the advanced. All poses are modified to fit all bodies and styles. $5. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins wel-come. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Navigating with Your Soul- 7:00-9:00pm. A meditation support group. All sessions are $20.00 call for more class info and to reserve a place. [email protected]. Tendressa Studio, 617 Lyon NE, Grand Rapids. 616-949-6234.

tuesdayGentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 7:45-9:00am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:15-10:30am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Morning Yoga– 9:30-10:30am. Nourish yourself in a new way with gentle yoga. Great for beginners. Drop in welcome. $8. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Court NE. Grand Rapids. 616-361-9221.Cardio Tennis- 12:00-1:00pm. Fun way to get in shape and to burn calories, this is the class for you. You do not have to be a tennis player. High energy workout for all abilities. $10/class. Ramblewood Tennis & Health Club, 4250 Spartan Industrial Drive SW, Grandville. 616-538-4600.Hula Hoop with Jessica Clark- “Happy Hour Class is at 4:15” Regular Class time is

sundayAwakening – 9:00-9:45am. Chanting, to meditation, and beyond. Free. Christ Com-munity Church, 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. Christ Community Church – 10:00am. Gathering service with traditional and con-temporary music and progressive message encouraging all to expand their conscious-ness. Childcare available. 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. Sunday Service– 10:00am. Presenting uplifting and vibrant spiritual messages in warm and accepting atmosphere. Your min-istry grades 1-12 & nursery. [email protected]. Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Dr, Ada. 616-682-7812.Kundalini Yoga- 11:00am-12:15pm. For more information contact Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616-235-9642.Art Play- 1:00-4:00pm. Creating soulful art in multi mediums. All sessions are $20.00 call for more class info and to reserve a place. [email protected]. Ten-dressa Studio, 617 Lyon NE, Grand Rapids. 616-949-6234.Free Community Yoga – 2:00pm. Full prac-tice focusing on the basics of yoga, breathing and philosophy. An excellent practice for the novice to advanced. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289Ashtanga Yoga – 4:00pm. In honor of Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga is taught by candlelight, in pure silence, and led by the breath. All levels welcome. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289Mindfulness Meditation & Dharma Dis-cussion- Dharma Discussion-4:30-5:00pm. Based on the writings of a Buddhist teacher. Meditation-5:00-6:00pm. Two 20min periods of sitting & 10min of walking. No fee-Dona-tions accepted. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-774-4136.Vinyasa Yoga– 5:30-6:45pm. Vinyasa flow is a physically challenging practice & prior experience is required. Heat is 82-85deg. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.The Coptic Center Sunday Series – 6:00pm. An ongoing series of inspirational speakers, centering and the piano music of Karen Lauck as we explore Universal Truths. Love Offer-ing. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

mondayBody Rolling with Marcella Clark- “Happy Hour Class is at 4:15” Regular Class time is

Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events subject to change, please call ahead.

at 5:15- 6:05pm. Learn to play and slim your waist! Teens and adults welcome. Connect with your inner child! Massage your inner organs! Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Core Barre Class with Christine – 5:30pm. This class uses the principles of Pilates to tone & strengthen. You will use light weights to tone arms and back and do standing work for your legs and glutes. $12 walk in or pack-age prices apply. Register in advance. Core Philosophy 40 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland. 616-796-5177. Yoga-Advanced- 5:45pm. Must have com-pleted Level 1&2 to attend. Moving deeper into your practice and in to the awareness of the core. Back bends, inversions and arm balancing. Using awareness of core, organic & muscular energy to deepen the poses & strengthen core. Invocation. For more infor-mation visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.

wednesdayWednesday Awakenings– ‘Help Me See Things Differently’ with Kristin Hartnagel. There will be a 6 minute movie on perspec-tive. We will examine judgment and choice along with Diving guidance. For more info contact Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Dr, Ada. [email protected] or 616-682-7812.Yoga-Beginning – 9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. Focus on awareness and strengthening the core. Modifications made for those with limitations. For more infor-mation visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.YogaCore – 9:00am. A perfect balance of core strengthening & yoga in a fun and fresh way! Yoga & Core like you’ve never experi-enced before. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289Meditation at Noon – 12:00-12:45pm. Medi-tation works toward calming the fluctuations of the mind. When one’s mind is calm, there is clarity, peace, and the ability to live in the present moment. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Lighten Up & Shine- 1:00pm-3:00pm. Based on Brain Gym & vision circle movements. With Rebecca Kirk, M. Ed, Licensed Brain Gym instructor. $14/class. Contact [email protected] or The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-774-4136.The Picasso’s Club- 4:00-5:30pm. Gentle art Fundamentals. All sessions are $20.00 call for more class info and to reserve a place. [email protected]. Ten-dressa Studio, 617 Lyon NE, Grand Rapids. 616-949-6234.Gentle Yoga with Ginjah Knuth- “Happy Hour Class is at 4:15” Regular Class time is at

36 December 2009

5:45pm-7pm. The practice of Yoga can benefit everyone regardless of age, gender or one’s current physical condition. Recommended for those new to Yoga living a sedentary lifestyle. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCen-ter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Yoga After School- 4:30-5:30pm. Back to Basics classes at a New time. Particularly convenient for teachers & first shift staff. Re-juvenate yourself and journey the river within. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Aikido- 6:00-8:00pm. Try Aikido-the Japa-nese art of self defense. Free for 30 days. $65/month. Visit ToyodaCenter.com for more details. 3808 South Division Ave, Wyoming. 616- 245-6370. Feldenkrais Awareness Through Move-ment Class- 6:00-7:00pm. Reconnect with your ability to move, regardless of age. Visit BodyWorkbyJudith.com for more info. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison Street, Ludington. 231-510-5800.Book Study Club- 6:00-8:00pm. December 2,9,16. The first book being read will be “Zero Limits” by Joe Vitale Facilitated by Patti Weaver. Free. Nature’s Spiritual Connection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.General Anxiety Support Group – 7:00-8:30pm. General Anxiety Support Group is open to individuals who have any kind of anxiety problem as well as their friends & family members. Anxiety Resource Center, 312 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614.Yoga Level 1 with Ginjah Knuth- 7:15-8:30pm. Simple stretches for flexibility. Standing poses for balance, strength and energy. Seated poses for a healthy back and to prepare the body for pranayama and meditation. Inverted poses to soothe body and mind. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Shambala Meditation Group– 7:30pm. Sitting and Walking meditation in the Ti-betan Buddhist tradition. Free. Beginners welcome. Instruction provided. Sacred Space, 58 E.Beltline, Grand Rapids. 616-452-2115.

thursdayCardio Tennis- 8:00-9:00am. Fun way to get in shape and to burn calories, this is the class for you. You do not have to be a tennis player. High energy workout for all abilities. $10/class. Ramblewood Tennis & Health Club, 4250 Spartan Industrial Drive SW, Grandville. 616-538-4600.Pilates – Yoga Mix at Noon – 12:00-12:55pm. Pilates and yoga are systems of integrated exercise. Enjoy the benefits of these complementary disciplines to feel strong, cen-tered, energized, and focused. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Pilates with Mandy Ruhl “Happy Hour Class is at 4:15” Regular Class time is at 5:30pm-6:20pm. A class that seeks to build flexibility, strength and coordination without

adding muscle bulk. All equipment needed will be provided for you. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Green Drinks GR Network – 5:00-7:00pm. 3rd Thursday. Join other environmental enthu-siasts for casual networking and drinks. For more Info visit GreenDrinksGR.org contact WMEAC at 616-451-3051. Grand Rapids.Open Studio Nights – 5:00-7:00pm. Artists & other textile/fashion design enthusiasts interested in working with us to create re-fabricated items from our luxurious fabrics are invited to participate in an open gallery of discussion & design. Clothing Matters, 141 Diamond SE, Grand Rapids. 616-742-2818.Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Cole-man – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

fridayYoga-Intermediate – 9:00am. Learn the basics. Holding poses longer and moving deeper into your practice and awareness of the core. Gentle back bends, inversions and arm balancing introduced. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Luding-ton. 231-852-0849.Belly Dancing with Alessandra Riquelme “Happy Hour Class is at 4:15” Regular Class time is at 5:30pm-6:30pm. This class will help you tone your body while bringing out all of your beauty from within. Good soul therapy! Dress comfortably and get ready to shimmy! Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Feldenkrais Awareness Through Move-ment Class- 9:30-10:30am. In ATM les-sons, students engage in precisely structured movement explorations that involve thinking, sensing, moving and imagining. $40/5 week series. For more info contact Body Work by Judith, 121 E Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-510-5800.Friday Night Lite- 7:00-8:15pm. By soft candlelight, this class invites you to explore the space within and without, and connect with the beauty within. We will celebrate the joy of movement as expression of the self, in-fusing yoga with elements of dance. All levels welcome. Donation. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.Dances of Universal Peace Circle– 7:30-10:00pm. Third Friday of every month. Inten-tion is to move into an experience of Sacred Unity we share with all life. Sacred Space, 58 E.Beltline, Grand Rapids. Jane-616-887-5138.

saturdayNaturopathic School of Ann Arbor – Open House. Classes, diploma programs, full spectrum of natural healing arts. Hands on

experiential mentored setting. Meets specific weekends, lodging offered. Naturopathic-SchoolofAnnArbor.net. 734-769-7794.Yoga-Beginning – 9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. Focus on aware-ness and strengthening the core. Modifica-tions made for those with limitations. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:00-10:15am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.STOTT PILATES® - Mat I & II – 9:30am. Join us for STOTT PILATES® mat class every week to tone, align & lengthen your body. $12 walk in or package prices apply. Register in advance. Core Philosophy 40 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland. 616-796-5177. Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 10:30-11:45am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Dances of Universal Peace Circle– 3:00-5:00pm. Third Saturday of every month. Intention is to move into an experience of Sacred Unity we share with all life. Potluck immediately following. 6676 122nd Avenue, Ganges. Jane-616-887-5138.

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BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIESCURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAG-AZINES – For sale in Asheville NC, Birmingham/ Huntsville AL, Denver CO, Mobile AL, Morris County NJ, and New York City, NY. Call for details 239-530-1377.

EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIESAd Sales Consultants – Natural Awak-enings is now accepting resumes for full commission advertising consultants in select lakeshore and Grand Rapids ter-ritories. Strong organizational skills, sales and computer/database experi-ence. We’re positive people looking for positive associates. Flexible schedule with great earning potential. Email cover letter and resume to [email protected].

FOR SALEHouse, Barn & 7 acre Farm on Lowell schools bus line. 2,500 sq. ft. Rustic cedar sided New England saltbox with cedar sided 2-story barn. 4-bedrooms, 2 ½ baths. Large country kitchen with island and walk-in brick fireplace, wide pine plank floors, wood ceilings & beams. Living/family room has large stone fireplace $289,000. More land available. Call 616-443-8446.

RENTALOPPORTUNITIESFully furnished office space with massage table for rent. Space is avail-able at hourly or daily rates. Contact The Collective at 616-446-6906 or [email protected] for more information.

classifieds

ACUPUNCTURE

AcuPuNcture ofwest micHiGANKirstenStanton,Dipl.Ac.3368BeltlineCt.NEGrandRapids,MI49525616-855-7718www.wmAcupuncture.com

Offering Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Non-Invasive Pain Management therapies for your optimal health. Visit our web site for more information. See ad page 19.

sAmir rAJANi, mdMedicalAcupuncturistmmpcInternalMedicine890S.Washington,Ste.130Holland:616-396-1907www.mmpc.com

Medical acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many chronic conditions, including pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Samir Rajani, MD is certified in medical acupuncture and practices at mmpc Internal Medicine.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTHPRACTITIONER

out of the Blue inc.NancyDespresRN,MBE351CummingsNWGrandRapids,MI49534616-453-4215www.OutofTheBlueInc.net

Out of The Blue help others find alternative ways for achieving optimal health through the use of homeopathy, enzyme therapy and nutritional supplements. Ask about our Guaranteed Weight Loss Supplements.

ART THERAPY / ART PLAYmArY dAwsoN JAcKsoN, ArtistTendressaStudio617LyonN.E,[email protected]

You do not need to be an artist to access your soul’s innate creativity, spontaneity, and child like wonder, through paint and pastels. Sessions starting every 6 weeks. Call for times and prices.

thenaturaldirectory...connecting you to the leaders in natural health and green living in West Michigan. To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory log-on to www.NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

BODYWORK

wHolistic KiNesioloGYHeAltH services, llcBarbaraZvirzdinis,WK,CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic & LaStone Massage. Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, and a Certified Reflexologist. See ad, page 15.

BOOKSTOREiNdiGo’s ANd mYstic’s BooKeXcHANGe & more4485PlainfieldAve,NE,GrandRapids616-447-8298www.Iambemore.com

Featuring used books and new books based on personal growth, spirituality, music, handcrafted book accessories and other gift items. There are also book groups, classes & seminars held monthly. See ad page 33.

cHiroPrActic cAre

dYNAmic fAmilY cHiroPrActicDr.RonsonDykstra&Dr.RondaVanderWall4072ChicagoDrive,Grandville616-531-6050

Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life.

A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.

cleANiNG serviceNAturAl Home cleANiNG service, llcEffective,EnvironmentallyFriendlyResultsSherriGeysbeek616-887-1504

Residential and Commercial Green Cleaning. Bonded and Insured. Serving all of West Michigan.

38 December 2009

HeAltH HuttGrandHaven-616-846-3026Muskegon-231-739-1568NorthMuskegon-231-744-0852www.HealthHutt.net

Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, gluten free foods, books, natural body care and more. Open 7 days a week. See ad, page 13.

NAture’s mArKet1013S.Washington,Holland616-394-5250www.NaturesMarketHolland.com

Full service natural food store with all natural/organic deli. Offering organic and natural groceries. Gluten-free products. Organic and local produce. Supplements and natural body care products. See ad, page 12.

utoPiAN mArKetPlAce8832WaterSt.,Montague231-894-9530www.UtopianMarketplace.com

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides a personalized shopping experience. We have a large selection of gluten-free foods, clothing, jewelry, herbs, supplements, local foods, gifts and more. Open Mic events every month. See ad, page 6.

Holistic HeAltH ceNters

tHe HeAliNG ceNter352S.LincolnAve,Lakeview989-352-6500www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Licensed Physician Assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals. Private consultations. Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional release, iridology, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 11.

HomeoPAtHYBoB HuttiNGA352S.LincolnAve,Lakeview989-352-6500www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

A Physician assistant since 1976, specializing in naturopathic and homeopathic care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. See ad, page 11.

coloN HYdrotHerAPYtHe BodY ceNter-HollANdMarcyClark,CMMT,CCHT650RileyStreet,SteAHolland,MI49424616-834-2596

Gentle, effective and professional colon cleansing designed to drop toxin levels and improve nutrient absorption. Get relief from bloating and constipation, fatigue and arthritis pain. Warm, secure environment. www.TheBodyCenter.us. See ad page 5 & 28.

triciA e. GosliNGHolisticCareApproach3368BeltlineCtNEGrandRapids616-481-9074

Offering an advanced client-centered dimension of colonics: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 13 years of experience. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions.

couNseliNG

dAN elliNGer, mA, llPsupervisedbyPsy.D.MarkMahacekHealingGroundWellnessCenter857Summit,Muskegon,MI.49441231-755-3832

Stress Management, Neuro Emotional Technique (N.E.T.) practitioner helping to identify & let go of ‘stuck’ emotional patterns. 30 years of counseling experience, a holistic health care approach & setting. Affordable & confidential.

Holistic couNseliNG servicesDeborahJandle,L.M.S.W346WealthySt.SE,GrandRapids616-862-3296www.DeborahJandle.com

Providing services that emphasize balance in mind, body and spirit in order to improve problems related to mental health, family issues or addictions. Insurance accepted, including Priority Health.

JANice de lANGe, PH.d1514WealthySt.SE,[email protected]

A mind-body-spirit approach for trauma and abuse recovery, PTSD, low sense of self-worth, panic & phobias, anxiety, depression, relationships. EMDR & Energy interventions.

PriscillA sANders TheBodyCenter650RileyStreet,SteAHolland,MI49424616-836-1819.www.LearnToStressLess.com

Licensed clinical master social worker specializing in stress management. Workshops are offered at “Learn To Stress Less”, on site at the Body Center Studio. Workshops focus on learning about and experiencing modalities that create relaxation and relieve stress. See ad page 5 & 28.

deNtistrY / HolisticdeNtAl HeAltH & wellNess ceNterDr.KevinP.FloodDDS4990CascadeRdSE,GrandRapids616-974-4990www.FloodTheDentist.com

Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement. Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia. See ad page 2.

eNerGY HeAliNGAmA deus®BethCosmosGrandRapids:616-648-3354www.Ama-Deusenergy.com

Ama Deus healing energy method is a hand mediated technique aligned with love. The energy helps to enhance one’s own and others growth and awareness or physical and emotional healing. See ad page 21.

esseNtiAl oilsBe YouNG esseNtiAl oilsClaraVanderZouwen616-698-6148www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

Offering Be Young therapeutic essential oils, MASAJI whole food drink, Organic meal replacement shakes, Mineral make-up. Services: Ionic detoxing foot baths, Physical and Emotional balancing, biofeedback readings. See ad page 10.

HeAltH food storesAffordABle NutritioNJoelD.Manning,CNC®,Owner7493CottonwoodDrive,Jenison616-667-1346

Certified Nutritional Consultant – member AANC, MI-CNHP, NPA. Nutritional counseling, weight loss, sports nutrition, senior discounts. Available for seminars/lectures. Select high quality vitamins and supplements.


HYPNotHerAPYBranden wilson, BAs, cHt, cPNlPCertifiedHypnotherapist,AmericanBoardofHypnotherapyCertifiedPractitionerNLP,[email protected]

Your phobia gone in an hour or less or its FREE. Eliminate unwanted habits and compulsions. Resolve inner conflicts, change your limiting beliefs, and achieve your goals. Transform guilt, shame, and grief.

KiNesioloGYwHolistic KiNesioloGY HeAltH services, llcBarbaraZvirzdinis,WK,CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 15.

mAssAGetHe BodY ceNter-HollANdMarcyClark,CMMT,CCHT650RileyStreet,SteAHolland,MI49424616-834-2596

Deep compression techniques are used in Ahiastusu Bar Therapy, an ancient ayurvedic practice of foot pressure massage. One of

several professional massage modalities offered at The Body Center in Holland. 616-834-2596. TheBodyCenter.us. See ad page 5 & 28.

midwiferYBirtH soNG midwiferY servicesYolandaVisserCM,CPMGrandRapids616-458-8144www.BirthSongGR.com

Homebirth services since 1982. Committed to facilitating natural birth, bonding, strengthening the

family, informed active participation, and lending dignity to women through their birthing experience.

full circle midwiferYservice, iNc.PatriceBobierCM,CPMHesperia-231-861-2234www.FullCircleMidwifery.com

In private practice since 1982 - specializing in homebirth. Over 1200 births attended. Offering midwifery care

that maintains a family-centered safe birth experience. Empowering women to stay healthy during pregnancy, give birth naturally and parent in the best ways.

Home BirtH PArtNers, llcSusanWente,CNM,Dr.PH231-652-3247www.HomeBirthworks.comThis regions only Certified Nurse Midwife with 28 years experience – over 3000 births attended. Providing pre-natal, home birth and postpartum care. Gynecological and Doula services available.

reiKireiKi HAusPaulaBojsenHolland:616-392-1138www.ReikiHaus.comOffering quality Reiki classes & treatments at affordable prices. Certified Usui Reiki Master Teacher & Gendai Reiki Shihan. All levels, Reiki Master classes and Gendai Reiki Gokukaiden. Learn pure Japanese Reiki.

retreAt ceNtertHe leAveN ceNterLyons,Michigan989-855-2606www.leaven.org

A place of beauty on the banks of the Grand River where you can find rest and nourishment for your body and spirit. Offering workshops, retreats, rental space year-round.

sAloNAestHeticA imAGe GrouPSallyAnnLoew231228thStSESteCGrandRapids,MI.49508616-299-1796

Full Service Salon featuring an Exclusive Organic Hair Color that uses only

certified organic ingredients, contains absolutely no ammonia, yet still produces vibrant color while avoiding the itchy scalp and the toxic odors.

sKiN cAretrAcY’s fAces dAY sPA - Holistic sKiN cAre7610CottonwoodDr.,Ste107Jenison,MI49428616-667-9690or616-204-3402www.TracysFaces.com

Tracy’s Faces Day Spa offers a holistic relaxing experience with natural products for skin care & hair removal from head to toe. We offer Dermalogica & Elina Elite product lines. See ad page 28.

sustAiNABledesiGN ceNter

edeN eNviroNmeNtsDeniseHopkins,AIA,LEEDAP574728thSt.SEGrandRapids616-956-5000www.EdenEnvironments.com

Enrich your home and work environment with beautiful, healthy, sustainable design and products. Architecture, interior and landscape design, flooring,

paint, cabinets, counters, furniture, accessories. Styled by nature, designed to nurture.

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