E E FR H E A L T H Y L I V I N G
Healthy Home, Happier Life
Clean Up Inside and Out
HEALTHY
PLANET
Chasing ZZZZZs
Put Insomnia to Rest
ZENFUL
EATING Joyous, Mindful Meals
November 2019 | Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com November 2019
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The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center z
The Natural Choice
Optimize Your Smile and Your Health! Whole-Body Dentistry® provides comprehensive oral health care using traditional and holistic approaches. We understand the "mouth-body connection." Mark A. Breiner, DDS
Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Speaker and best-selling author of WHOLE-BODY DENTISTRY®
Mercury-free for over 30 years. Dr. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry.
Doesn't It Make Sense To See The Authority?
Join our FREE online health newsletter! 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 | Fairfield, CT | 203-371-0300 | WholeBodyDentistry.com
Caring Integrative Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center
Our integrative approach treats a wide range of conditions including:
Adam Breiner, ND Brain Health Lyme Disease
David Brady, ND, CCN Fibromyalgia Thyroid Conditions
ADD/ADHD Allergies Anxiety & Depression Autism Brain Injuries Chronic Fatigue or Fatigue Concerns
Insomnia Lyme Disease Sports Injuries Stress-related Symptoms Thyroid & Adrenal Issues Toxicities Weight Gain
Difficulting Concentrating Female Concerns Fibromyalgia Gastrointestinal Concerns Healthy Aging Hormonal Issues Immune Disorders
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We can help you get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments and therapies:
David Johnston, DO Osteopathic Medicine Cranial Osteopathy
Elena Sokolova, MD, ND Oriental Medicine Female Health
Hyperbaric Oxygen Neurofeedback Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Energy Medicine
Colon Hydrotherapy Natural Hormone Therapy Nutritional Assessment Allergy Desensitization Detoxification Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy
Bio-identical Hormone Therapy PRP & Stem Cell PEMF & Bemer IV Nutrient & Chelation Therapy Thermography Cranial Osteopathy
To learn more, watch our website videos.
Whole-Body Medicine, LLC ~ The Natural Approach for Optimal Health 2
501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 | Fairfield, CT | 203-371-8258 | WholeBodyMed.com Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Are environmental exposures a danger to your mental health? Aly Cohen, MD, FACR
It is no secret that the environment we live in today is having a negative effect on our health. From the polluted air we breathe, to the food additives we consume, untested skin products that we lather on, and the emotional stressors that bombard us daily, most people agree that our environment is making us sick. Dr. Cohen has dedicated her career to helping people live a healthier life in a less stressful and toxic environment.
*
Wed., November 13, 2019 7:30 pm Ives Concert Hall WCSU Midtown Campus 181 White St., Danbury, CT Tickets now available!
For more information, contact: Christel Autuori, autuoric@wcsu.edu
At the box office
General admission $20.
At the door
WCSU employees $10.
Online at wcsu.edu/tickets
WCSU students free with valid ID
November 2019
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Contents
Is your soul calling to be in alig nment with the D ivinit y of you?
A YEAR OF HEALING 2020 with
Eilis Philpott of Soul Healing Journey, LLC We will meet one weekend a month for 12 months and spend Friday evening together and all day Saturday and Sunday. I will share with you what I have learned from trainings, from life and from guidance in a way that integrates the various modalities. By the end of the 12 months of training you will have catapulted your personal, professional and spiritual journey into the stratosphere.
January 10-12 February 7-9 March 13-15 April 3-5
Dates for 2020
May 1-3 June 12-14 July 10-12 August 7-9
September 11-13 October 9-11 November 13-15 December 11-13
Location 415 Howe Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484 Investment Early bird rate until November 15 Pay in full $4,800 or pay quarterly $1,200 or pay monthly $400 Regular rate Pay in full $6,000 or pay quarterly $1,500 or pay monthly $500
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"Taking the YOH was one of the best decisions of my life. The classes offered a myriad of ways to heal and grow. My progress has been amazing due to Eilis’ teachings, practices and my wonderful classmates. I’m grateful to Eilis for providing this forum and a place to make life-long connections with kindred spirits." Joan M. Registration is required
To register go to www.academyforsoulhealing.com Click on the Year of Healing link Choose an option to pay (full, quarterly or monthly) and make your first payment. Be prepared to commit to one full year of healing. NOTE: If you take advantage of the early bird rate and make the initial payment, you will be locked into that rate for the year!
Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com AcademyforSoulHealing.com 4
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
4 YEARS OF BUILDING COMMUNITY
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“Everything That Happens is Just to Learn”
18 THE HAPPY THYROID
Seven Ways to Keep It Humming
21 ENVIRONMENTAL
TOXINS AND MENTAL HEALTH
The Institute for Holistic Health Studies Presents Aly Cohen at WCSU
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24 REWARDS FOR RECYCLING
The Beauty Industry Steps Up
26 ZENFUL EATING
Mindful Meals in Quiet Gratitude
29 THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
Put the Sleep-Loss Epidemic to Bed
"I signed up for the 2019 Year of Healing because I had a desire to be the best healer I could be. What an amazing journey. Eilis’ guidance, desire to help people heal themselves, understanding of human nature, support, intuition, honesty, love and knowledge is invaluable." Kathie D.
203-767-5954
16 JIIVA CELEBRATES
34 FORGIVENESS AS A
34
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
36 SURVIVAL INSTINCT
Trust Your Gut and Seek Support to Escape Domestic Violence
41 URBAN CHICKENS Coming Home to Roost
DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 16 community
spotlight 18 mastering yoga 20 eco tip 21 event spotlight 26 conscious eating
eNaturalAwakenings.com
40 naturally
healthy pet 43 calendar 47 classified 48 resource guide 54 inspiration 54 display ad index
Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
Annua 17th l
See You At The Dome!
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Festival of Trees 36
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November 22-24, 2019 Danbury Sports Dome
Benefiting Ann’s Place Cancer Support Decorated Trees & Grand Raffle Gift Shopping & Artisan Vendors Children’s Winter Village - Crafts and Fun Live Entertainment Sat-Sun Opening Night Mistletoe & Martinis*
ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for News Briefs: the 12th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 12th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
Taps & Trees Craft Beer Fest* General Admission: 10 am - 4 pm
Age 3-64, $10; Age 65+, $5 *Evening events have separate ticketing online. Ann’s Place is a nonprofit providing free counseling and wellness programs to people facing cancer. For information visit annsplace.org or call 203-790-6568.
$1 OFF
General Festival Admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10-4. Buy online to avoid lines. Enter code:festivalfun1
AnnsPlace Festival of Trees.org November 2019
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
letter from publisher
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espite what ubiquitous television ads tell us, no illness is caused by lack of a pharmaceutiFAIRFIELD COUNTY/ cal product. Some illness may be due to nutritional HOUSATONIC VALLEY deficiencies or chemical imbalances, but a majority of PUBLISHER Nicole Miale today’s chronic conditions are not primarily chemical MANAGING EDITOR Patricia Staino in nature. We are sick (and tired) in large numbers EDITOR Michelle Bense because of the way we live. Our routines are mostly DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kathleen Fellows sedentary, ritualized, stressed, and often financially Erica Mills uncertain. We navigate complicated relationships, try CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Ahlstrom Karen Ali to nurture brilliant (athletic, artistic and kind) children, Nanaz Khosrowshahi Patricia Staino and regularly attempt to pack 15 pounds into 12-pound Peter Wilson Nicole Miale bags. Our human quest for longer, higher-quality lives SALES & MARKETING Nicole Miale seems diametrically opposed to what living a “successful” and active modern life actual SOCIAL MEDIA Amy Hass ly requires. Frankly, it feels like we’re being set up to fail. WEBSITE Erica Mills There’s no doubt it’s much easier to take a pill, whether a pharmaceutical or an DISTRIBUTION Man in Motion LLC herbal supplement, than to make difficult personal choices that create a huge shift in CONTACT US your life experience. Anyone who has tried to make major lifestyle changes knows it 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 can be challenging. Going to bed earlier/getting more sleep is one consistent lifestyle Phone: 203-885-4674 recommendation, yet it’s a common struggle for many. Which begs the question: why Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com aren’t we more successful doing something so basic for ourselves? eNaturalAwakenings.com It’s an important question because it turns out the foundation of well-being starts SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 with sleep. Articles in this issue examine the importance of sleep and the effects lack of (for 12 issues) to the above address. sleep can have on the body, while offering suggestions for getting better quality sleep. NATIONAL TEAM Modern environmental toxins, in our homes and outside of them, also have a CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman huge impact on our well-being, and the sad fact is that, while evidence mounts, still COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne not enough is known. Many people aren’t sure how to take action to protect them NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth selves. What if you knew you could die if you were to keep using the same makeup or MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett household cleaners? If it were that black-and-white, would you be able to give up your ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope favorites? It may be that fundamental. FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert This month of Thanksgiving is a perfect time to express not only our gratitude FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs for all the blessings we have, but also to take responsibility (or at least increase our WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave awareness) of the things in our control that are affecting our experience of life. Want to Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation feel better? Here are two places to start: Establish a practice of going to bed earlier and 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 discard your conventional makeup products and/or household cleaners. Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 Change can be difficult, but on the other side of the transition there may be a much NaturalAwakeningsMag.com better quality of life. What is the point of living a long life if it’s not a good one?! We’ve © 2019 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be survived everything that’s come at us thus far… it’s time to make choices that help us reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior thrive instead of survive. I’m worth it and you are too! permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
With love and light,
Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
See our display advertiser index on page 54, making it easier to find the resources you need. eNaturalAwakenings.com
2020 Natural Living Directory Coming in the February 2020 issue of Natural Awakenings
ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reach more than 70,000 Natural Awakenings readers all year long. Attract new customers and increase your business with our cost efficient advertising, in print and online.
KEEP ISSUE ALL YEAR
Inquire Today about Early Bird Directory Packages
Early Bird Deadline: December 15 Directory Deadline: January 15 Contact Us Today for Inclusion in this Special Annual Edition
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November 2019
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New Breath and Body Work Studio in Shelton
news briefs
EFT Relieves Chronic Pain in Sandy Hook
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ost are familiar with the mind/ body connection as it relates to physical illnesses, but The Tapping Practice in Sandy Hook uses the natural EFT technique to relieve chronic pain. Emotions that are buried after a painful event remain trapped in the body. Those residual emotions block the meridians—our energy pathways—in the body, and the resulting imbalances frequently result in physical pain. EFT/tapping is a safe, natural and effective method for releasing those emotional blockages, thereby restoring balance by allowing the energy to flow freely through the energy pathways of the body. Occasionally, relief is experienced by simply focusing on the physical pain while being guided through the tapping protocol. More often, however, sessions involve a search for the root cause of the blockage. Once the source is determined, the team at The Tapping Practice works on the release of the blocked emotions causing the imbalance. Through this process, people are able to address their pain and emotions without judging themselves. Some clients experience the added bonus of releasing long-standing patterns of behavior that have prevented them from stepping more fully into their higher potential. For more information, call 203-313-1560 or visit TheTappingPractice.com. Location: The Tapping Practice, 107 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. See ad, page 12.
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xhale Studio has opened in Shelton, featuring daily meditation and yoga classes, weekly sound healing and more. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner, a beginner seeking to develop a practice, or curious about what keeps people inspired and motivated to meditate regularly, this studio offers the resources, support and expertise to make it happen. Exhale was founded by Laura Marasco. After she developed her own regular practice of mindful “unplugging” through meditation, Marasco wanted everyone to have the chance to show up mindfully for their goals and desires, families and workplaces. “That is why everything about Exhale is designed to help make breath and body work more accessible, physically and philosophically,” she says. Teachers are experienced and most are certified in more than one area of expertise. They come from diverse backgrounds that include study across the U.S. as well as in India and with some of the world’s foremost trainers and mentors. The studio is also creating new jobs in the community by improving a formerly vacant storefront, enhancing a walkable commercial district and building partnerships with adjacent professional and medical communities. Classes begin in early November. An unlimited monthly pass allows students to try meditation, sound healing, mindful yoga, yoga nidra, vinyasa flow, restorative yoga and more. A full class schedule can be found at ExhaleUSA.com. Corporate rates are available upon request. For more information, call 203-712-0802 or email Info@ExhaleUSA.com. Location: 391 Bridgeport Ave, Suite 104, Shelton.
Jessica Hunter
Hunter Healing Hands
Integrative & Intuitive Shamanic Wellness Integrative & Intuitive Healing Sessions Shamanic Healing, Shamanic Spirit Communication, Soul Retrieval, Extraction, Depossession, Curse Unraveling, Crystal Healing, Acupressure, Reiki
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Professional Space Clearing and Blessing for Homes, Land or Businesses
Available Training Programs Stone Spirit Program
Crystal Healing Practitioner Certification
Shamanic Spirit Program
2 Year Shamanic Apprenticeship & Shamanic Practitioner Certification
Shamanic & Empath Workshops
203-916-8381 | www. hunterhealinghands. com | hunterhealinghands@hotmail. com 8
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Healing Trauma Workshop in Fairfield
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oin Gulrukh Bala, PhD, Ascended Master, at Yoga for Everybody. in Fairfield from 3 to 5:30pm on November 9 for a workshop entitled, “Healing Our Life Traumas (Big and Small).” Participants at this event will look inside to access their heart and merge into the heart’s higher intelligence. They will learn how to conduct a spiritual cleanse with meditation Gulrukh Bala and writing therapy and how to reconnect with spiritual healing walks, as well as experience cleansing with essential oils and sacred crystals. Bala is the founder of Heartlight Ascension, which is Supramental Yoga. Working in holistic healing for 35 years, she is an enlightened counselor, lifestyle motivator and workshop leader. Bala nurtures a unique blend of deep understanding of the Source in present-day situations, helping thousands of people across the world to look inside and beyond the mundane and reach higher levels of fulfillment. Participants should bring colored pencils, a blue-ink pen and a writing journal. Tickets are $35 each. For more information, call 203-254-9642, email Info@Yoga4Everybody.net, or visit Yoga4Everybody.net. Location: Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield.
Fall Herbal Medicine Workshop in Stamford
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ew Yoga in Stamford will host a workshop on stocking your herbal medicine chest for the winter season on November 7 from 7 to 8:30pm. Featuring Laura DePreta, the presentation will focus on nutrition, cold remedies, mindbody connection and various healing modalities to help attendees discover what works best for their specific bodies. This session will pay particular attention to avoiding colds, flu and other common fall complaints, as well as recommended supplement brands, easy recipes for healing foods and how the mind helps us heal. DePreta has been a massage therapist for 35 years and holds certificates in the Ilana Rubenfeld synergy method, reflexology, Bach flower remedies, applied kinesiology, Jaffe-Mellor technique and herbology. Cost is $30 per person. Location: Dew Yoga, 123 High Ridge Rd, 3rd floor, Stamford.
Nokota® Horse Conservancy
fundraiser
Wednesday, November 6 from 1 to 7pm Possibilities Farm in Wilton is hosting a fundraiser for the Nokota® Horse Conservancy (NokotaHorse.org). The Nokota® are wild horses of North Dakota believed to be descendants of Sitting Bull’s herd. The Conservancy was created by two brothers dedicated to ensuring the survival of this breed. • Horse Wisdom stories and photos from the Nokota® Herd • Complimentary Energy Work from local practitioners • A Singing Bowl Concert • Opportunities to interact with the Possibilities Farm horses! Admission fee is a donation to the Conservancy. Recommended donation: $20 per adult and $10 per child over 5. Children 5 and under are free. Registration is required; the address will be provided upon registration. Register at PossibilitiesFarm.com/calendar.html
Touch of Sedona The Finest in Southwest Goods & Healing Items
A Unique Boutique with Heartfelt Purpose
Native American Art Turquoise & Silver Jewelry Crystals of all sizes Chakra Jewelry Dreamcatchers Buddhas • Books • Angels Candles • Incense • Oils F
Visit us in Ridgefield and our New Store in Bethel! www.touchofsedonaridgefield.com Both Locations 125 Greenwood Ave. 452 Main Street Open Everyday Ridgefield, CT Bethel, CT Until 5:30pm 203-438-7146 475-329-2087 November 2019
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news briefs
Enlightenment Consciousness Presentation in Westport and Bethel
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o you want to free yourself from stress and overwhelm—and even experience enlightenment consciousness? Would you like to unlock your full creativity, discover your soul’s purpose and know exactly how to live your unique and fearlessly authentic life? Laura Landau Alvarez will offer a free presentation and demo about a Laura Landau breakthrough technique on November 6 in Alvarez Westport and on November 7 in Bethel. As a certified facilitator of the Higher Brain Living Program and a practitioner of 13th Octave LaHoChi, Alvarez is a transformative healer who is certified to help people create powerful and inspirational change in their lives so they can live with more joy, clarity, purpose, passion and empowerment. “My mission is to help each beautiful being find their inner light and shine,” she says. For more information or to register, email Info@LauraLandau.com or visit BeSoulFull.com. Location for November 6 event: Roots Salon’s The Breathing Room, 8 Sconset Square, Westport. Location for November 7 event: The Recharging Station, 241 Greenwood Ave, Bethel.
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
Reiki Demonstration on Comcast Channel 23
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ue to the overwhelming response to two recently broadcast segments on Reiki, Comcast Cable Television will re-air the Reiki demonstration (“30 Minutes,” Episode #101) on November 13 at 8pm on Comcast Cable local Channel 23. Reiki is spiritually guided life force energy that works to help heal on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The segments on Channel 23 feature JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT, Reiki Master Teacher, of Turning Point Reiki in Ridgefield. In the first segment, which aired in August (episode #97), Duncan was interviewed by Doris Hanley for Comcast’s “30 Minutes” program. The pair discussed general information about Reiki, the chakras and Duncan’s personal story. For episode #101, Duncan filmed a live Reiki demonstration for “30 Minutes” viewers. To view the Reiki demo on demand, visit PublicAccessStudios.com, click on the Danbury tab, select “Video On Demand,” then choose “30 Minutes” Episode #101. For more information on Turning Point Reiki, visit TurningPointReiki.com. Location: 100B Danbury Rd, #101, Ridgefield. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 52.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Life Transition Workshops in November
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arbara Slaine and Sue Broudy of The Liphe Balance Center in Weston will be presenting a series of classes on “Practicality, Participation & Peace for Sue Broudy and Life Transitioning,” Barbara Slaine this month. A lack of planning often results in chaos and a loss of valuable resources at this most precious time, when individuals ideally are uniting and making peace with loved ones. Slaine and Broudy explain how the stressors of waiting until the last moment to know what to do or how to proceed can be avoided. Death has a ripple effect for the entire family and can become a gift if done consciously. The information presented in these three classes is a subject all must deal with at some point. The “Practicality” session takes place from 9am to 1pm on November 16. It will focus on the Five Wishes, legal and comfort options, living wills, end-of-life directives, health care proxy information, vigil and legacy planning. The cost is $50. The “Participation” session, which takes place from 2 to 5pm on November 16, focuses on the body in transition, active listening, anointment oils and the importance of sound, including music, chanting and the spoken word. Reiki and holding space will be discussed. The cost is $50. The “Peace” session, which takes place from 2 to 5pm on November 17, offers Reiki Level I teachings and attunement, meditation and exercises for creating and holding space and applications for this modality for someone in transition. The cost is $75. (A discount is offered for those attending all three sessions, at a total cost of $150.) Space is limited to 15 people in each class. To reserve your space, email LipheBalance@ gmail.com. For more information on this and all Liphe Balance Center events, call 203-9122791 or visit LipheBalance.com or Facebook. com/LipheBalanceCenter. Location: The Liphe Balance Center, 36 Michaels Way, Weston.
FARM TO TABLE ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCE & MEATS. Watch for our Hybrid Boats Delivering Your Farm Products to Market "Sustainability One Neighborhood at a Time"
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November 2019
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news briefs
Specialized Bodywork Studio and Apothecarium Opens
F Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) offers safe, FDA approved full body or breast screening.
Non Invasive • No Radiation • Possible 8 years earlier breast cancer detection vs mammogram • Clinical imaging for detecting and monitoring a number of diseases and physical injuries.
Rachel Mazzarelli ��,���
203-257-3785
Offices throughout Fairfield County, Southbury, New Haven, Milford, and New York
whthermography@gmail.com www.wholehealththermography.com
TAPPING WORKSHOPS Learn how to use EFT Tapping
INTRO TO TAPPING TAPPING TO END CHRONIC PAIN
THURSDAY OCTOBER 3 7 PM $25 RSVP BY 9/29 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7 7 PM $25 RSVP BY 11/3
THE TAPPING PRACTICE 107 CHURCH HILL ROAD SANDY HOOK, CT Space is limited! Reserve your spot! info@the tappingpractice.com | 203-313-1560
thetappingpractice.com
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airfield County native and bodyworker Kerstin Santa has opened a new studio and apothecarium in the heart of Black Rock. The space, currently open by appointment only, is fulfilling Santa’s long-held dream of having a massage studio, crystal shop, potting shed, art studio and gathering space for workshops and events. “In my dream, this magical place was a massage studio where I could create the perfect environment for my client’s unwinding,” Santa explains. “I wanted a second treatment room so I could create a world-class massage brand, offering the best local bodyworkers a place to call home. I envision this to be the launching pad for my education center, where I will present a style of work called 'Gravity Bodywork'. What I have in mind is a deep curriculum of the best practices for presence-based somatic therapy, developed in my 20-year massage career.” Santa practices Deep Bodywork, a detailed and profound massage modality that is not often found in the northeast. Originally developed at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, Deep Bodywork is an efficient and pleasurable method for alleviating acute and chronic pain, as well as increasing enjoyment of the body on a daily basis. Santa is thrilled to have a dedicated space to bring her special brand of West Coast healing to Black Rock. The space also offers high quality CBD and self-care items from salves to bath bombs, as well as succulent potted plants, sea glass, local artwork and jewelry items for purchase. For more information or to make an appointment, call 203-292-0460, visit KerstinSanta.com or tinyurl.com/ApothecariumBlackRock. Location: 3010 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport.
CannaHealth Opens Two Fairfield County Locations
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annaHealth has opened two new locations; Danbury and Stamford are the latest additions to the CannaHealth family of medical marijuana resource facilities. Connecticut’s medical marijuana program started in 2012 and since then the program has had much success in giving qualifying patients a better quality of life. CannaHealth is a time-tested resource for obtaining a medical marijuana certification. They are cannabis-focused health and wellness centers providing access to medicinal grade cannabis including education and instructional classes about cannabis and CBD. CannaHealth also advocates for the rights of medical marijuana patients and is involved in continuing its own education, learning from many other states and countries. Its experienced clinicians put individual patients’ healing needs first. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are integral to the CannaHealth model, providing evaluations and assessments to determine each patient's eligibility and certifying them accordingly. CannaHealth provides a high level of customer service, clinical experience and education to all patients. For more information, to see a completed list of qualifying medical conditions or to book an appointment, visit VisitCannaHealth.com. Danbury location: 85 North St, Unit 7A, Danbury (inside Danbury Chiropractic and Wellness). Operated by Melissa McKeon; connect at 475-313-0215 or MelissaM@VisitCannaHealth.com). Stamford location: 1010 Summer St, Ste 103, Unit 7, Stamford. Operated by Tara Sue; connect at 203-883-8400 or TaraSue@ CannaHealth.com. See ad, page 16.
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Festival of Trees to Benefit Ann’s Place
C
atch the excitement and benefit Ann’s Place at the 17th Annual Festival of Trees at the Danbury Sports Dome. The weekend of November 22 to 24 will be filled with live events and is the largest annual fundraiser for Ann’s Place. The event has raised over $3.1 million since 2003, supporting area cancer patients through services at Ann’s Place. Festival of Trees days are filled with live entertainment on the hour, more than 100 holiday trees, amazing prizes, grand raffles, treasures in the Market Place, Quilter’s Corner and goods for purchase from specialty vendors, artisans and local craftsmen. The Mistletoe and Martinis party from 6:30 to 10:30pm on Friday night will kick off the event. Sip delicious specialty drinks and join us in a tribute toast to Waterworks and The Benefactors Society, the organization’s 2019 honorees. On Saturday, local brewers will line up to share their favorite seasonal drinks at the annual Taps & Trees Craft Beer Fest. Attendees can enjoy live music and great food both nights. Children and adults will be dazzled by the magic of Tom Pesce on Saturday, with seatings at 11am and 1pm. The little ones can enjoy the Children’s Winter Village, featuring a bounce house, Santa and activities including crafts, coloring station, face painting, tattoos and more. General admission is 10am to 4pm and costs $10 for ages 3-64; those 65+ come for just $5. Evening programs have separate ticketing available online. For more information about Festival of Trees or to buy tickets, visit AnnsPlaceFestivalofTrees.org or call 203-790-6568. See ad, page 5.
Organic Nails • Formaldehyde High Free Smoothing & More
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Community Despacho Ceremony in Newtown
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mbody the Sacred and River’s Edge Healing Center will host a special ceremony on November 9 to create a sacred mandala full of prayers, intentions, gratitude, flowers, candies, seeds and more. The intent is to celebrate gratitude and honor our connection to Nature and Mother Earth. Taking place from 3:30 to 6pm, the event will donate all profits to Sandy Hook Promise and River’s Edge Healing Center. This offering is based on the traditions of the Andes; participants will be creating a despacho, or sacred offering bundle, that will then be burned to honor Pachamama, our Mother Earth and the Creator. This ceremony is an uplifting experience. Come share positive intentions, gratitude and blessings for the Earth, family, community and each other. Attendees will also share prayers, medicine songs, a drum journey and cleansing. Children 10 and older are welcome with their parents. Please bring a special flower, candy or other sweet to contribute your own special offering. There is a requested donation of $35 per person, although children are free. To register, contact Deana Paqua at 203-994-5045 or Deana.Paqua@gmail.com or visit EmbodyTheSacred.net. Location: River’s Edge Healing Center, 5 Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook. See ad, page 35. November 2019
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Positive & Nature Based Psychology Promoting well-being and resilience.
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news briefs
Grammy-Recognized Singers at Mederi Center Benefit airfield County native and renowned healthy medicine pioneer Donnie Yance is bringing together his friends in the music industry for an evening to inspire wellness. The “Together We Heal: Spirit, Mind, Body, Transforming Healthcare, Changing Lives” benefit takes place from 6 to 10pm on November 22 at The Warehouse at Fairfield Theater Company. Legendary pop star and crossover artist Gino Vannelli (“I Just Wanna Stop,” “Living Inside Myself ”) and jazz vocalist Roberta Gambarini (Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album), along with comedian Jeffrey Gurian (Friars Club, Comedy Central) as emcee, will headline an evening of food, music and healing. Ticket prices range from $100 to $500. Yance is known among Fairfield County locals from his early days as the owner and founder of the Food for Thought health food store in Westport as well as Wellsprings Center for Natural Healing. In 2003, Yance founded the Mederi Center as an internationally acclaimed, non-profit, integrative healthcare organization with a mission to improve the quality of life and outcomes for those with chronic disease, particularly cancer. The Mederi Center provides leading-edge, comprehensive, holistic healthcare to clients around the world, as well as professional education for physicians and other healers and providers in its Unitive Healing Model. All proceeds will benefit the center's clinic, education and research programs, including the formation of a two-year, online Mederi Medicine Academy for healthcare practitioners, and clinical trials combining integrative and conventional therapies in the management of cancer. For more information, visit MederiFoundation.org/resources/events.html. To buy tickets visit Tinyurl.com/MederiConcert2019. Location: The Warehouse at Fairfield Theater Company, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield. See ad, page 25.
• Traditionl & Alternative Modalities
All Ages Welcome Husky and Most Insurance Accepted 203-263-3175 WolfSpiritWellness.org 14
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eNaturalAwakenings.com
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. ~Jimi Hendrix
New Tai Chi Location and Qigong Seminar
Fire Cider DIY Workshop
he Orange-based Aiping Tai Chi Center is opening a satellite location inside DWKing Talent / Shi Studios in Westport. In the Westport location, Shifu Shirley Chock will teach group tai chi classes on Fridays from 11am to noon and group health qigong classes on Wednesdays from 10 to 11am. Chock is a former U.S. women’s national tai chi champion and disciple to Grandmaster Aiping Cheng. Join Aiping Tai Chi Center for its grand opening event on November 6 from 10am to noon. The grand opening will include tai chi and health qigong demonstrations, free mini classes, special discount offers, raffle prizes and refreshments. At its Milford location, Aiping Tai Chi Center is organizing a rare qigong seminar opportunity on November 16 from 11am to 5pm with one of China’s top qigong masters. Professor Juan Jiang from the Chinese Health Qigong Association and professor of qigong at Shenyang Sports University, will give a workshop on yi jin jing (tendon changing exercises). Professor Jiang is the 2012 international champion of the Yi Jin Jing individual routine at the 2012 International Health Qigong Competition. Yi jin jing is a renowned and popular classical Chinese qigong exercise. Its practice can assist in pain relief in the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck, shoulders and back. In this seminar, participants will learn all 12 movements of the routine and will have the option of purchasing an instruction book and DVD. The seminar cost is $120, which includes lunch and refreshments.
oin The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN) from 10am to 12pm on November 23 to learn about and make your own Fire Cider. This tasty traditional herbal tonic has been used as an immune and health boosting remedy for decades. We will talk about the history, health benefits and different recipes for this tonic while sampling some and making your own batch to take home. We will have the recently released book, 101 Zesty Recipes for Health Boosting Remedies Made With Apple Cider Vinegar, by Rosemary Gladstar and friends, for sale for those who pre-register for it at the website. TIOSN instructor Alison Birks was a contributing author to the new book and will joyfully sign your copy for you. Join us and make your own zesty tonic for winter health. Cost is $25, which includes the 2-hour class and supplies. The book is $15.
For more information, call 203-795-0203, email AipingTaiChiCenter@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/AipingTaiChi. New location: DWKing Talent / Shi Studios, 49 Richmondville Ave, Westport. Qigong seminar location: Hilton Garden Inn, 311 Old Gate Ln, Milford.
Register at the event page on TIOSN.com. Location: Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby.
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J
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR A RESEARCH STUDY Fecal Microbial Transplantation (FMT) in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital, and Yale University are teaming up to study whether changing the bacteria in the gut, using an oral fecal microbial transplant (FMT), can affect the process that leads to the development of multiple sclerosis. Through the use of oral capsules approved by the FDA for other uses, fecal material (poop) from a healthy person will be transferred to a person with MS. We are seeking people who want be part of this pilot investigational study. TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY: • You must be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis • You must be 18 to 40 years old, and willing to come to Griffin Hospital 8 times over 4 months.
RECEIVE $800 TO PARTICIPATE! For more information, please call 203-732-1265, ext. 300 for Rockiy or ext. 220 for Sue
Study Name: A Pilot Study of Oral FMT (Fecal Microbial Transplant) in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis, Griffin Hospital IRB # 2018-09, Principal Investigator Joseph Guarnaccia, MD
November 2019
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community spotlight
Jiiva Celebrates 4 Years of Building Community “Everything That Happens is Just to Learn” by Nicole Miale
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hen founder Berta Prevosti opened The Jiiva Center in Stratford four years ago, it was a big step toward fulfillment of a years-long instruction from various meditations telling her to “build an ashram.” An ashram is a place of community, healing and peace; these are the attributes Prevosti has infused her space with.
Berta Prevosti
“I was very clear from the start that I was not just opening a yoga studio,” she says. “I wanted to have a healing center where people could feel safe to explore energy, yoga, understanding why we’re here and spiritual practice. That is what matters to me.” Prevosti’s personal experiences led her to this work, beginning with yoga and landing
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her in a Reiki 1 certification class with a girlfriend, kind of as a lark. “I wasn’t expecting anything in particular,” she says now. “But when I was attuned it was like someone had plugged me into an electrical socket; I had such a profound response to the energy. This world of healing chose me and hit me over the head from the start.” Since then, over several decades and in different places, Prevosti has made it her life’s work to be teacher, guide and Sherpa for others interested in their own healing. The Jiiva Center is foremost a center for education, she says, where she teaches all levels of Reiki as well as Vinyasa-based yoga practice, Ashtanga yoga and meditation. She has a staff of teachers now, all hired from the 200 HR and 300 HR Yoga Teacher Training classes she has taught, and runs multiple destination retreats each year. “The retreats came about because everywhere I went I could envision people gathering in community and friendship to learn and heal,” she explains. The first retreat she facilitated was to Vermont and 18 people attended. The success of that first trip led to multiple years leading groups to Jamaica and now Bali. Shorter weekend events take place at a convent in New Jersey, where meditation, yoga, hiking and a labyrinth all feature prominently. Several retreats are being planned for 2020, including a juicing/cleansing retreat in January in New Jersey; an advanced meditation retreat in New Jersey; and a trip in summer 2020 to Spain and the Pyrenees to a medieval property that has been in Prevosti’s family for generations. Prevosti is currently finishing her third 100-hour meditation teacher training and says, “I love all the things I’ve learned and practice, but meditation, for me, is the most profound. Everything we do is in preparation to bring us back home. Meditation is the key.” No previous experience is needed to attend a Jiiva event or retreat; Prevosti says all are welcome. “I don’t want anyone to ever feel that they are not welcome here,” she says. “The whole purpose is to make these activities accessible and make
it possible for people to have their own special and spiritual experience.” To that end, on retreats and in classes at the center, the emphasis is on the teacher supporting the participants. “We’re always assisting and helping so people of all ages and abilities can join in,” she explains. “This work isn’t about the teacher in the front of the class showing off, it is about the teacher assisting their students and each of us assisting the other.” Prevosti has studied in India and the Himalayas; Ashtanga Yoga, with its 8 Limbs philosophy, underpins all the programs offered by Jiiva. “Ashtanga 8 Limbs is what we follow and is everything we do,” she says. “Everything we do is bringing us to Samadhi, the 8th limb [enlightenment]. All is in preparation. It is all about friendship, community and connection.” Those principles are exactly what Prevosti and her students-now-teachers have been providing to the Stratford and wider Fairfield County communities for the past four years. She says she still has
“I wasn’t expecting anything in particular, but when I was attuned it was like someone had plugged me into an electrical socket; I had such a profound response to the energy. This world of healing chose me and hit me over the head from the start.” a hard time believing it sometimes, especially considering obstacles that popped up along the way, including a major flood
just a few months after opening and moving into the current space. “It was a total mess, but people kept joining and coming, even when the place was being rebuilt and redecorated,” she says. “I have known for years that if people are supposed to find me, they will find me.” It was true when she was a single mom practicing Reiki in her dining room and it’s still true now that she has a beautiful dedicated space and a large, growing team. She was tasked with building an ashram and she has been creating that vision ever since. The Jiiva Center is located at 2900 Main St, Suite 1A, Stratford. For a class schedule, more information or to make an appointment, call 203-345-7747 or visit JiivaCenter.com. See ad, page 19. Nicole Miale is Publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley, CT. Connect with her at NicoleM@ NaturalAwakeningsmag.com.
This Medicine of the Future is Here Now! prp (platelet rich plasma), peptides, and Stem Cell therapy Dr. Henry Sobo offers you these cutting edge technologies: prp - platelet rich plasma A natural and safe, non-surgical method for healing: • PRP for Hair Restoration • PRP for Arthritis/Joints • PRP for Erectile Dysfunction
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203-348-8805 Optimal Health Medical, LLC | 111 High Ridge Rd. Stamford, CT 06905 | www.drsobo.com November 2019
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Mastering Yoga Alexander Raths/Shutterstock.com
Poses such as plow pose, fish pose, boat pose and cobra can improve blood circulation to the thyroid gland, which is imperative for its health. ~Stacy Thewis
tip the balance in the other direction, so practice moderation with super-charged iodine foods like cranberries: A fourounce serving contains twice the daily requirement. In addition, our thyroids need selenium (one or two Brazil nuts a day will do it) and zinc (nuts, legumes and chocolate) to function optimally.
The Happy Thyroid 2
Eat fermented foods. About 20
Seven Ways to Keep It Humming
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by Ronica O’Hara
uch of our day-to-day well-being—how energetic we feel, how clear our thinking is and how our body processes food—is governed by the activity of the butterfly-shaped, thumb-sized thyroid gland at the base of the throat. When it’s working as it should, life is good. However, about one in eight Americans suffers from a malfunctioning thyroid, and women are five to eight times more likely than men to face the consequences. It’s a delicate balancing act. A thyroid that produces too few hormones makes us feel sluggish and constipated. We gain weight easily, have muscle cramps and experience heavy periods. Hypothyroidism, as it’s called, is linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, infertility and autism in newborns. A 2013 study published in Annals of Neurology found that pregnant women deficient in thyroid hormone are four times more likely than healthy women to 18
produce a child with autism. If the thyroid produces too many hormones, we suffer from hyperthyroidism with a racing heart, irritability, light periods, unexplained weight loss and insomnia; it can lead to hardening of the arteries and heart failure later in life, according to a study in Circulation Research. The good news is that there are simple and effective strategies that can optimize thyroid function and avoid these potential health setbacks, say experts. Their recommendations:
1
Keep up mineral levels. The
thyroid needs iodine to churn out hormones, and usually iodized salt or sea salt with natural iodine can supply most of our daily needs of 150 micrograms. Sardines, shrimp, seaweed, yogurt, eggs and capers are also rich in iodine. However, too much of a good thing can
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
percent of the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into active hormone (T3) takes place in our gut, which makes “good” bacteria critically important. Andrea Beaman, a New York City health coach and author of Happy Healthy Thyroid: The Essential Steps to Healing Naturally, recommends probiotics like cultured vegetables, kimchi, sauerkraut and sourdough bread, as well as prebiotics like root vegetables, plantain, burdock and dandelion root.
3
Filter drinking water. “Fluo-
ride and chlorine are elements that can block the absorption of iodine into the thyroid,” says Elizabeth Boham, M.D., a functional medicine doctor at the UltraWellness Center, in Lenox, Massachusetts. A reverse-osmosis filter or a high-end pitcher filter will remove chlorine, as well as fluoride, which British researchers have linked to a 30 percent higher rate of hypothyroidism.
4
Detox cosmetics. Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in cosmetics, nail polish and
shampoos; they are also in plastic toys, and 3-year-old girls exposed to phthalates have shown depressed thyroid function, Columbia University scientists report. Research cosmetics and find toxin-free alternatives at the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. (ewg.org/skindeep).
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Wake up easy. About 85 percent of thyroid diseases involve an underactive thyroid, says Beaman, adding that it is often the body’s pushback against frenzied, stressful lifestyles: “The thyroid is literally slowing down—our body is saying, ‘Slow, slow, go slow.’” For a low-key start to the day, she suggests not using an alarm clock if possible, and then doing some long, slow stretching and deep breathing. “It takes just five minutes, and you’re starting the day not in fightor-flight mode, but in a fully relaxed and fully oxygenated body.”
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yoga brief
Sound Healing to Ready for the Frost Moon
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amily Tree Yoga in Stamford wants to help you prepare for the Frost Moon with a Sound Healing and Chakra Alignment Workshop from 7:15 to 8:30pm on November 14. The Frost Moon is the harbinger of crisp, chill air that signals the onset of autumn weather. What better way to welcome it than by listening to the soothing tones of singing crystal bowls to bring body and mind into deep relaxation? The workshop will focus on aligning the chakras, the energy centers of our body. Kenyetta Hayes, crystal bowl master, will guide participants through an hour of inner stillness with gentle meditation, sound healing and (literally) “positive vibrations”. All are welcome, no knowledge of meditation is needed, and the event is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $20. For more information or to register for the event, visit EnjoyCommunityWellness.com. Location: Family Tree Yoga, 980 Hope St, Stamford.
Jiiva’s 4th Anniversary
Talk it out. In Eastern philos-
ophy, the thyroid in the throat is located at the fifth chakra, the energy center of expression and communication, Beaman says. If we find ourselves either regularly shouting or choking back our words, “it helps, if you want to support your thyroid on a deep emotional level, to express yourself somehow, some way, to someone somewhere,” such as to a therapist, family member or good friend.
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Do yoga asanas. “Poses such as
plow pose, fish pose, boat pose and cobra can improve blood circulation to the thyroid gland, which is imperative for its health,” says Stacy Thewis, a registered nurse, certified wellness coach and gut-brain expert in Mellen, Wisconsin. In a study in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 22 women with hypothyroidism that practiced yoga for six months needed significantly less thyroid medication. Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural-health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.
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(203) 345-7747 November 2019
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
Cleaning the house shouldn’t be a health hazard, yet studies have linked many popular cleaning products to asthma and other respiratory ills, developmental problems in young children and breast cancer. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) warns in its Guide to Healthy Cleaning that both toilet and oven cleaners and heavy-duty degreasers that contain hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or ethanolamine can cause skin burns, blindness and lung irritation. Products containing ammonia or chlorine bleach produce dangerous fumes when accidentally combined. Even air fresheners and scented cleaning or laundry products can trigger allergies, and often contain suspected endocrine disruptors such as phthalates and synthetic musk. EWG scientists have evaluated 2,500 cleaning products and posted the results online: Out of 507 all-purpose cleaners, only 59 earned an A for safety and 151 got an F. Other indicators of high eco-standards are a Green Seal or an EcoLogo certification symbol on the product’s container. There are many good, safe and effective cleaning strategies that use natural ingredients. ChasingGreen. org lists 23 ways to use baking soda in the kitchen, including cleaning grease stains, iron pots and baby bottles. For example, to clean both wooden and plastic cutting boards, use a paste made of one tablespoon each of baking soda, salt and warm water. Vinegar, which is nontoxic and antibacterial, is another natural go-to cleaner. An equal mix of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle can clean windows, stovetops, countertops, porcelain and ceramic tile. TheSpruce.com lists ways to use vinegar to clean everything from crayon stains to mold and mildew, and suggests adding a drop of lavender or citrus essential oil if the smell is unpleasant. Treehugger.com cautions not to discard old, toxic products down the drain or in the trash, where they’ll end up poisoning the water supply or landfill soil. Instead, keep an eye out for local toxic and electronic recycling events.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
event spotlight
Environmental Toxins and Mental Health
The Institute for Holistic Health Studies Presents Aly Cohen at WCSU
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by Patricia Staino
cluding contaminated drinking here are more than water, contaminated dog food 90,000 commercial and and pesticides. It motivated industrial chemicals curme to work with an environrently registered and available mental working group to teach for use in the U.S., the majority doctors about the chemicals of which have never been tested in these products. Eventually on humans for safety or toxicity. I found that teenagers would An abundance of evibe the best audience. Through dence now indicates many of my pilot projects and research these chemicals are harmful Aly Cohen with a local high school, I am to human health, especially in now working to integrate enfetuses, toddlers and teens, vironmental health topics into whose brains and bodies are high schools nationwide. developing at a rapid rate. On November 13, at Ives Q: What gets you most Concert Hall on the Western excited about the work Connecticut State University you do? campus, Dr. Aly Cohen will discuss evidence-based data on I was so shocked by all of everyday chemicals and EMF exthe regulatory issues, health posure and how they contribute issues and lack of education to mental health conditions such in our healthcare system on this topic as anxiety, depression and ADHD. She that I felt I needed to get this information will discuss dietary approaches to reduce out there at any level. I am excited by my toxicity, beneficial supplements, indoor air patients, colleagues and even strangers quality, sleep hygiene, stress management who have taken my information and recand safe use of cellular technology. ommendations and made changes in their Natural Awakenings recently caught lifestyles and health conditions. I’m glad I up with Cohen, a rheumatologist, integracan educate others, and it thrills me to be tive medicine practitioner, and environa part of their journey and perhaps their mental health specialist practicing in healing process. Princeton, N.J., to learn more about why she does what she does. Q: Which elements of the work
Q: How did you become so passionate about this work? My work with environmental health actually started when my dog became sick about eight years ago. I explored all possibilities for the source of his symptoms, in-
frustrate you?
I go where the love is...I want to educate people who are even slightly interested in what is going on with our environment and how it can and does affect human health. I’m frustrated by our current medical education system for not embracing
and owning this information when the data and research is so robust!
Q: Are there hurdles you wish you could jump that so far have proven too challenging? I see doors opening everywhere. I focus on the positive and spread that information on my social media platforms and on TheSmartHuman.com.
Q: What projects are you currently working on, and what do you hope to accomplish with this work? My TEDx talk, “Reimagining High School Health and Science Education,” was taped on October 20 and is currently available online. I’m hoping to work with local universities and high schools to integrate this education at the high school level. Additionally, my book—Nontoxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World—will be released in September 2020.
Q: What do you most want Natural Awakenings readers to know about the upcoming event in Danbury on November 13? I would like your audience to know the importance of understanding their environment and the products they buy and use every day. Even low-dose exposures can cause reasonable harm to the human body and affect mental health. But also, there are so many easy, practical, cost-effective ways to improve mental health issues, and I hope to share a ton of good information at the lecture. Tickets for the lecture are on sale at WCSU.edu/ tickets and cost $20 for assigned seating or $10 for general admission. WSCU students will be admitted free with valid ID. For more information, contact Christel Autuori at AutuoriC@ wcsu.edu. Location: Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury. See ad, page 3. Patricia Staino is a freelance writer and editor living in North Carolina, who is also the managing editor of Natural Awakenings’ Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley and Greater Hartford editions. November 2019
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presence of litter is a strong predictor of littering behavior.” What does this mean? If an area has litter scattered about, it is much more likely that people will continue to litter in that area. But, if we hold ourselves responsible for the mess that we find on public lands, we will have a sense of pride when we visit a place that is clean and beautiful. Connecticut has a “carry-out what you carry-in” policy, but the sad truth is that people don’t always follow this guideline. In a perfect world, if everyone would leave with what they brought in, our parks would be litter-free.
This Land is Your Land Living Litter-Free by Peter Wilson
L
iving litter-free might seem like an easy thing to do. We all keep our homes and property clean, but often we forget that public lands—such as state parks and forests—are our responsibilities as well. As taxpayers, we own these public spaces, but we rarely consider our duty to keep them clean. There are many consequences when a mess is left in our state parks. Keep America Beautiful affiliate reports show that
annual litter cleanup costs top $11.5 billion each year. An immeasurable amount of time is spent by park staff cleaning up after visitors who leave behind their trash; that is time that could be better spent improving our parks. Additionally, wildlife and humans alike are put at risk by the litter left behind, and the trash can have harmful long-term effects on the environment. California State University social psychologist Wesley Schultz says, “The
What can we do? Carry-out what you carry-in: Leave every space you visit cleaner than when you arrived. Pick up trash even if you didn’t leave it there. This doesn’t mean we have to clean public lands until they are spotless, but if every person that visited picked up one piece of trash and didn’t leave any of their own behind, litter would be reduced over time. Plant flowers: It is proven that wherever flowers are planted, it is less likely that litter will be present. Set a good example: Whether it is your first or hundredth time visiting a park, set an example. Picking up a piece of trash
Are You Looking for a Spiritual Home? November Featured Speakers Rev. Nancy Napier
Sunday, November 3rd at 10:30 am
Celebration Service
Theresa Crisci
Sundays at 10:30 am 3 Main Street, 2nd Floor Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 855-7922 www.unitycenternorwalk.org
Sunday, November 10th at 10:30am Sunday, November 17th at 10:30am
Be initiated into the angel light and learn hands on healing for you.
Sunday, November 24th at 10:30 am
Wednesday, Nov 6th at 7pm Love Offering
Rental space is available for therapists & spiritual groups. Contact us.
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Rev. Shawn Moninger
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
UPCOMING EVENTS Reiki Healing Circle, Thursday, November 14th at 7pm Open Mic Night, Saturday, September 17th at 7pm See all events in the calendar listings
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Come learn and discuss about all aromatherapy related approaches to winter health Tuesday, Nov 19th at 7pm $30
when visiting with friends or family and encouraging them to do the same can only help. If we set a good example for children and stress the importance of keeping public lands clean, they will continue to follow that example and pass on the good behavior they learned to their friends and future generations. Volunteer: Participating in community cleanup events is a great way to reduce litter. Not only does it have the immediate effect of removing the litter, but it brings the community together and helps promote awareness of the issue. Don’t be part of the problem: The one thing we control completely is how we act. By not being the cause of litter, we are helping in the reduction of litter. Other things we can do to help prevent litter include: • Carry a litter bag in your car • Create a litter cleanup group • Reach out to neighbors and schools • Educate your community and children • Make signs • Adopt a highway • Do something rather than nothing • Hold yourself and others accountable for their actions We can only reap benefits by living a litter-free life. Not only will it help keep our parks beautiful, it will reduce the economic impact of cleanup costs. Beautiful parks are more inviting and friendly, creating a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Forest and wildlife health will improve, and risk of human health dangers will be reduced. We all need to do our part in keeping what belongs to us clean. Peter Wilson is a veteran and a student in the Environmental Studies program at Goodwin College. He has a passion for the outdoors and a desire to help improve the world through civic engagement and motivating people to act in support of environmental issues.
Reiki/AromaTouch/Shamanic Work Christina M. Boisits-O’Keefe, MS,CN, OM Owner of The Ruby Tree, Usui/Celtic/Crystal Reiki Master, Clinical Nutritionist, Shamanic Practitioner healwithchristina.com magic@healwithchristina.com 203-217-8902
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Lush
At the Lush stores at Westfarms Mall, Westfield Mall in Trumbull or Mohegan Sun, customers receive a complimentary Fresh Face mask for recycling five black, plastic, empty Lush brand pots. The empty pots are broken down and molded into new pots.
Origins
Rewards for Recycling The Beauty Industry Steps Up by Nanaz Khosrowshahi
A
growing number of beauty companies have recognized that residential and commercial curbside recycling programs often reject empty or near-empty containers of skin, hair and cosmetic products. Now, Kiehl’s, L’Occitane and other beauty brands have created quick and easy recycling programs to help alleviate the problem.
L’Occitane
At the L’Occitane stores in Westfarms Mall in West Hartford and The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor, consumers who bring in empty, full-sized beauty product containers—regardless of the brand—receive 10% off their highest-priced purchase of a new L’Occitane product. Simply dropping off the empties is fine, however; no subsequent purchase is required.
Customers who recycle 10 empty, fullsized containers of Kiehl’s products at the stores in Westfarms Mall or Mohegan Sun in Uncasville receive a new 2.5-ounce product. Each container is valued at one point, and 10 points must be accumulated to receive the freebie offer. (Sample-sized containers will be recycled but do not count towards points.)
MAC
When you return six primary packaging containers online at the MAC website, you can claim a free MAC lipstick, lip gloss or eye shadow. For a free MAC lipstick, drop off your empties at the MAC counter at Macy’s in Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester or Westfield Mall at Meriden and at Nordstrom at Westfarms Mall.
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Email and postal mail are options for folks who want to recycle but prefer staying closer to home and avoiding crowds, parking or salespeople.
Pacifica
Earn loyalty points toward free gifts, discounts or free shipping on future purchases when you recycle with Pacifica, a vegan and cruelty-free beauty line. Create an online account, email Pacifica for a pre-paid shipping label, then pack up and ship them your empty products in a mailing envelope. The empties give life to new shaving razors or toothbrushes.
Everyday Minerals
Mail in eight large, empty jars for base, face, or cheek products to Everyday Minerals, Attention: Recycle My Empties, P.O. Box 42349, Austin, TX 78704. For your
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Aveda
The Aveda store at Westfarms Mall recycles Aveda empties only. No purchase is necessary to do so.
Mail-Back Options
Kiehl’s
Robin Ordan, LCSW 203-561-8535
At the Origins store in Westfarms Mall, toss empties, regardless of brand, in a recycling drop-off bin in the store. No purchase is necessary to do so.
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efforts you’ll receive a free Everyday Minerals blush of your choice. Everyday Minerals create new products using recycled jars.
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TerraCycle and Garnier
TerraCycle and Garnier provide a free recycling program where you earn points toward fundraising for charities, schools or purchase of new products. TerraCycle accepts skincare packaging such as lip balm tubes, hair gel tubes or conditioner caps and cosmetic packaging such as eye shadow cases, eyeliner pencils and concealer sticks. Herbal Essences, Josie Maran, Limelife, Paula’s Choice, Tom’s of Maine, Weleda, Burt’s Bees and Eos are a handful of the cosmetic and skincare companies that work directly with TerraCycle.
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At lilah b., request a prepaid shipping label by emailing Declutter@lilahbeauty.com, then send in unwanted beauty products, whether they are lilah b. brand or an alternative brand. Additionally, Project Beauty Share is an organization that accepts gently used beauty products for distribution to homeless women and domestic abuse victims who are unable to afford these products. The drop-off locations are mainly in Washington and Idaho but are expanding, so keep an eye out for local spots to pop up. If any of the places listed are a bit of a drive, and you are questioning the effort you’ll output to recycle one dried-up tube of mascara, make a day of it. Take in a show, try a new restaurant or go shopping. Or for even bigger impact, collect empty toiletries from family or friends or set up a collection bin and run a collection drive at work to maximize your drop-off journey. Remember, softening your hair and skin with conditioner or moisturizer does not mean you have to go soft on helping the environment.
22 2019
The Warehouse @ Fairfield Theater Company Fairfield, CT 6 - 10 pm
A Musical Gala to Benefit Mederi Center
Jeffrey Gurian
Tickets & Info: mederifoundation.org/ resources/events.html or call 541.488.0514 for more info.
Featuring Gino Vannelli with special guest, jazz singer Roberta Gambarini, Donnie Yance and Friends, and comedian Jeffrey Gurian as the emcee.
Together We Heal: Spirit, Mind, Body ~ Transforming Healthcare, Changing Lives
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Gino Vannelli
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ZENFUL EATING Mindful Meals in Quiet Gratitude I
by April Thompson
n Zen monasteries, the head cook (known as the tenzo) is one of the most important positions a monk can hold; Eihei Dogen, founder of Soto Zen, one of the longest-established sects of Buddhism, said this is “because the position requires wholehearted practice.” In the 13th-century volume Instructions for the Zen Cook, Dogen wrote, “In preparing food, it is essential to be sincere and to respect each ingredient, regardless of how coarse or fine.” Rituals around food are an important element of Buddhism, as with many spiritual traditions. But we don’t have to be a Buddhist or a practiced meditator to learn how to cook more mindfully, enjoy meals more fully and eat in better balance. “Cooking can be a meditation. We cook with all our senses: We taste, touch and listen to determine if the pan is hot enough. You just have to be mindful,” says Jean-Philippe Cyr, author of The Buddhist Chef: 100 Simple, Feel-Good Vegan Recipes. “Cooking is an act of love and generosity, so cooking should be done with care— taking the time to consider the ingredients and overall flavors of the meal, storing the vegetables properly, paying attention while you chop. These things are the foundation of a great meal,” says Gesshin Claire Greenwood, an ordained Zen priest in San Francisco. Greenwood trained in Buddhist monasteries in Japan for more than five years, experiences she draws from in her recent memoir and cookbook Just Enough: Vegan Recipes and Stories from Japan’s Buddhist Temples. While vegetarianism is encouraged in
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all schools of Buddhism and most monasteries abstain from meat, it is not a strict requirement. Cyr, a vegan and practicing Buddhist of 20 years, takes seriously the concept of ahimsa, or “do no harm”, as a chef. “Veganism and Buddhism share the common value of compassion—compassion towards animals, as well as the Earth. Climate change caused by meat consumption causes a lot of harm, too,” says Cyr, of rural Quebec, Canada. The “middle way” is an important Buddhist principle in the kitchen—striking the balance between indulgence and deprivation—the “just enough” in Greenwood’s cookbook title. “It’s important to use enough salt so that the food tastes good, but not so much that it’s overpowering. When we shop for food or eat a meal, we can also pay attention to when we’ve had enough,” she says.
Mind Over Mouth
Mindful eating can open up a beautiful new relationship to food, says Jan Chozen Bays, a Zen Buddhist priest and co-abbot of Great Vow Zen Monastery, in Clatskanie, Oregon. “This country is in an epidemic of out-ofbalance eating. People are stressed out and fearful about eating, but cooking and eating should be inherently pleasurable human activities,” says Bays, the author of Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food. “In Zen practice, mindful rituals help us learn to be present and peaceful during meals.” Mindful eating is not about restric-
tions, but rather about curiosity and investigation—an adventure for the senses, says Bays. “Research shows that diets don’t work, as they rely on external sources rather than helping you to go inward and tap into the innate wisdom of your body.”
Tuning In at Mealtime Rushing through meals mindlessly, we’ve become deaf to our body’s own signals of satiety, says Bays. “Go to the supermarket when you’re hungry, and head to the perim-
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eter where the real food is and stop and ask your body, ‘Would you like oranges? Would broccoli be good for us?’ Tune into your cellular hunger,” she says. At the Great Vow Zen Monastery, the first morning meal is conducted in silence, along “with a prayer to bring gratitude for the food and to all living beings whose life flows to us in our food,” says Bays, adding that research shows ceremonies and moments of reflection lead to more mindful, healthy eating. “Instead of talking on the phone, try
cooking in silence. Drawing your awareness to details like the smell of basil, the color of tomato and the touch of the spoon brings so much richness to the act of cooking,” says Bays. Such a focus leads to a sense of appreciation for the ingredients of meals and life, says Myoju Erin Merk, a priest at the San Francisco Zen Center. “Making a meal is an active extension of our ‘sitting’ (meditation) practice.”
Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
203 TLC is a community of accredited health and wellness providers offering a wide variety of services and products. Founded in 1997 by Beth Leas, the TLC Tribe is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health resource - a vibrant and growing community of over 90 Members, committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities. We offer high quality private sessions, products, workshops, classes and resources designed to help you live life well.
Hypnosis/Active Dreaming Thea Litsios, CHy Healing Tree Wisdom Norwalk and Stratford HealingTreeWisdom.com 203-693-1493
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Get to know us at TLC’s monthly networking breakfast! Looking for a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, many affordable marketing opportunities, and FUN? We meet on the first Tuesday of every month, at Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main St, Norwalk, CT, from 8:30 -10:00am. Come the first time as Beth's guest - and if you find your time with us worthwhile, we invite you to become a TLC Member. Please RSVP to Beth Leas at: 203-856-9566 (call/text) orTLCBethLeas@gmail.com so she can reserve your place.
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Cooking Like a Zen Master For the dressing: 1 (¾-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced 1 clove garlic, minced Pinch of sea salt 2 Tbsp tahini 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp olive oil Garnish: Pumpkin seeds Microgreens
Cookbook author Jean-Phillippe Cyr says, “I love bowl recipes: they’re generous and colorful, and they let us get creative. Layer grains or cereals, vegetables, legumes and dressing, and voilà! That’s all there is to it.” Pumpkin seeds are an incredible source of protein, and tahini contains more protein than milk. Healthy cooks will be sure to keep this tahini dressing recipe close, because they can use it in everything. Yields one bowl 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced 2 dried figs, sliced 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt, to taste 1½ cups cooked quinoa ¼ cup frozen shelled edamame, cooked
Yields 8 to 10 servings
Place the sweet potatoes and figs in a large serving bowl. Add the quinoa and edamame. Drizzle with the dressing and garnish. Serve immediately. Tip: For those that can’t digest raw garlic, don’t use it, or cook it before adding it to the dressing.
In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil, then add the onions and sweat for 4 minutes.
Drizzle with oil, then season with salt and bake for 30 minutes. Place the ginger, garlic and salt in a mortar (preferred) or blender, then mash the ingredients together. Transfer to a bowl and add the tahini, soy sauce, lemon juice, maple syrup and oil. Stir to combine.
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“This is hands-down my favorite soup,” says Cyr. “It reminds me of a Moroccan tajine, a savory stew made with vegetables and spices. The name tajine comes from the particular type of roasting dish in which Moroccan stews are cooked. There’s no need to buy any special equipment to make this recipe, but you will want to hunt down harissa, a North African chili paste you can find in most grocery stores nowadays. Be careful, though—it’s hot!”
3 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp celery seeds 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp turmeric 1 clove garlic, minced 8 cups vegetable broth 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 1 (19 oz) can green lentils, rinsed and drained 2 yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and diced 2 carrots, diced 1 Tbsp harissa paste 3 bay leaves Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Place the sweet potato and figs in a baking dish.
Buddha Bowl
Hearty Moroccan Soup
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Add the mustard seeds, celery seeds, cumin, coriander, oregano, turmeric and garlic. Continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaves. Serve hot. Excerpted with permission from The Buddhist Chef, by Jean-Phillippe Cyr.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP Put the Sleep-Loss Epidemic to Bed by Nadia Noori
S
leep is crucial for the human brain and instrumental in cognitive function, reaction time, mental health and memory. It helps our brains form connections and synthesize information that we receive throughout the day. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep has been linked to greater risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to neuroscientist Matthew Walker, founder and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. It also has been linked with anxiety, depression and other psychiatric disorders, in studies cited in Harvard Health publications. But the impact of our sleep (or lack thereof) goes far beyond brain health. Sleep, it turns out, is critical and regenerative on a cellular level, and affects every aspect of humans’ physiological well-being — including our immune, reproductive and cardiovascular systems. For example, Walker points to the
alarming results of one study, where participants allowed only four hours of sleep a night were found to have a 70 percent decrease in cancer-fighting immune cell activity. In another study, chronic sleep deficiency had negative effects on testosterone, with men who regularly slept for only four to five hours per night registering levels expected among those a decade older. Lack of adequate sleep results in an impaired ability to regulate blood sugar levels and may be a contributing factor in obesity. Even more concerning is the CDC’s estimate that onethird of American adults do not get the recommended seven-plus hours of sleep per night. Walker has called sleep loss an “epidemic” and “one of the greatest public health challenges we face.” Getting better, more beneficial sleep may be as simple as making small lifestyle changes or it might require treatment options from a healthcare professional. Here are some places to begin:
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
Maintain consistent bedtimes and wake times: Walker and other experts suggest going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, both throughout the week and on weekends. This is because time is one of the key components of our circadian rhythm (our bodies’ internal clock that tells us when to wake and sleep), and when we don’t have a sleep schedule, we disrupt and throw off that rhythm. Exercise: Daily aerobic exercise is one activity that promotes healthy sleep, according to the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Exercise increases the amount of deep (a.k.a: restorative) sleep and also helps us fall asleep more easily. This could be true for several reasons, including exercise’s ability to lower stress, along with the initial rise and subsequent dip in core body temperature that accompany it. Researchers do caution against strenuous exercise one to two hours before bed, because the accompanying endorphin rush and elevated heart rate can make getting to sleep soon after difficult. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and marijuana in the hours leading up to sleep: Both caffeine and nicotine are stimulants, meaning they do the opposite of triggering sleep. While alcohol and marijuana may initially seem to relax you and have sometimes been found to speed up the rate at which people fall asleep, they ultimately interfere with REM sleep—especially during the second part of the night. This makes them overall detrimental to the quality of the sleep. Supplements and herbs: There are a number of herbs and naturally derived supplements that promote falling asleep. Melatonin and L-tryptophan are two you may have seen on shelves at your local drug store or grocery store. Herbs such as valerian root, chamomile, lemon balm and lavender can also promote relaxation and restfulness and are often found in tea blends or as individual herbal teas. While these are readily available over the counter, always consult your health professional before you start taking them, especially to ensure that you are not missing an underlying issue. Melatonin, for instance, shouldn’t be taken outside the care and guidance of a health professional. It’s a hormone our bodies naturally produce, so a deficiency may signal that something is out of balance. As with any health concern, it’s better to understand the root cause of the problem rather than just treat the symptoms. Breathing exercises: Many studies have found that slow, intentional, mindful breathing can calm the mind, relax the nervous system and provide numerous other health benefits. There are many breathing techniques and exercises that can help you ease into sleep and experience a better night’s rest. For instance, a simple one is 2-to-1 breathing, which involves making your exhale (outbreath) twice as long as your inhale (inbreath) and has been documented to calm the nervous system.
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Bodywork: Whether it is soft-tissue massage or a more targeted practice like craniosacral therapy, various bodywork modalities can help you sleep faster, better and longer by easing stress, relieving tension and promoting relaxation. The key is ensuring that you are seeing a trained, knowledgeable professional who can both determine and provide the kind of body work that will help the physical issues that may be keeping you from great sleep. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is another potentially helpful therapy for insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Studies found that acupuncture in conjunction with herbal supplements yielded better sleep quality results than herbal supplements alone, and the inclusion of acupuncture in patient treatment leads to a higher rate of sleep among those with insomnia, according to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. As with bodywork, it’s important to see a highly trained, qualified professional.
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Neurofeedback: Certain types of neurofeedback—a treatment where brain waves are monitored and responded to with an external signal (a.k.a: the “feedback”)—are effective in promoting healthy sleep. LENS neurofeedback has been used to address insomnia in clinical settings. As with any other treatment option, the specific effects and benefits of neurofeedback can vary from patient to patient. It is important to work with a trained and licensed healthcare provider that you trust, who takes the time to understand your history and compiles a full, holistic picture of your health and needs. While some individuals may benefit from certain treatments (or combination of treatments) more than others, everyone benefits from better sleep. Nadia Noori, ND, is a Westport-based naturopathic doctor with a general family practice. She also specializes in optimizing brain health with a focus on neurodegenerative and neuropsychological conditions. Connect at 203-916-4600 and ShalvaClinic.org. See ad, back cover.
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Sleep, the Elusive Dream by Susan Ahlstrom
“A good laugh and a good night’s sleep are the two best cures for anything.” ~ Irish proverb
S
leep is a sought-after commodity in this day and age, with many of us working overtime to get some. Although this superior natural remedy for the body and mind is free and readily accessible, it can be difficult to come by. The elusive “good night’s sleep” fuels the scientific field and feeds the commercial market. Business is booming in the sleep industry, from mattress stores to pharmaceutical remedies to holistic health solutions. There’s no lack of promises for solving this one simple challenge.
The Key to Good Health
Sleep studies have long been a focus of health research. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that over a third of adults in the U.S. don’t get enough sleep. Most ex-
perts suggest that the average adult requires anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep per night to maintain good health, but just try and find someone who meets that criteria on a regular basis. Sufficient sleep is critical for healthy brain functioning. The quality of sleep, not just the quantity, is an important factor. Long-term sleep deprivation can impact both mental and physical health, including chronic illnesses such as obesity, heart disease and weakened immunity. It may also result in memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are often a result of, or exacerbated by, insufficient sleep. For instance, the stress that comes as a result of a string of sleepless nights can often trigger anxiety, which in turn causes an inability to sleep, creating a never-ending cycle as one problem compounds another.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Most people have experienced sleep disruption, the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Factors such as exercise, medications and diet can all affect our quality of sleep. Most of us can relate to the struggle with sleep after an oversized late-night meal and a few glasses of wine or one-too-many lattes in the late afternoon. “Why did I do that!?” is the common refrain as they toss and turn into the wee hours. Coffee and alcohol are guaranteed adversaries in the battle for sleep, but give up these daily comforts in order to ensure we get the rest we need? Not so fast. The morning cup of joe is a ritual that starts the day for many of us. And that glass of wine (or two) at night, well, we all know how important that is to make sure we end the day in a “relaxing” way. Teenagers notoriously avoid the pillow at night and often pay the price during the day. Cell phones and social media have wreaked havoc on attempts to help our young ones manage their sleep schedules. Sleeplessness has reached epic proportions, likely contributing to a significant rise in depression and stress-related
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We treat the following conditions: ADHD / ADD / Executive Functioning Anxiety & Anxiety-Related Disorders Autism Behavioral & Social Issues Chronic Pain / Fibromyalgia Concussion / TBI Depression / Mood Issues Learning Disability / Dyslexia Lyme, PANDAS/PANS Chronic Health Conditions PTSD / Trauma Seizures Sleep Problems
anxiety in all age groups. Studies have suggested that environmental factors such as extended periods exposed to unnatural light (fluorescent lights, blue light from electronic screens, etc.) and lack of silence (too much noise) can affect the circadian rhythms that naturally dictate cycles of sleep for adults as well. Needless to say, a lack of sleep or long-term sleep deprivation can take a serious toll on our health. Taking control of the lifestyle factors that dictate whether we sleep well or not is key to ensuring long-term health. Quality of sleep is a good indicator of how our lifestyle influences our health. In subtle and not-sosubtle ways, over time, our personal habits can wreak havoc on our body’s natural ability to care for and heal itself.
Steps to Take for Better Zzzzs
The good news is there are simple actions that we can take to help us improve our sleep experience. First off, both the quantity and type of food and beverage we consume during the day should be evaluated when making changes to improve sleep. For example, eating late at night, drinking too much caffeine during the day or drinking alcohol can significantly alter the body’s natural digestion and rest cycles, ultimately affecting sleep. Increasing daily exercise is another very easy way to help Mr. Sandman stick around. Herbal remedies, such as chamomile and lavender, taken in the form of tea or used as aromatherapy an hour or so before bed, can aid sleep. Meditation or breathing exercises to relax the mind and body can also help one prepare for rest.
Emotional Freedom Technique
Another extremely effective natural sleep aid is EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), often referred to as tapping. This easy-to-learn technique helps calm the nervous system, quieting the thoughts that often keep the mind engaged when trying to get to sleep. Tapping is extremely helpful for dealing with stress and anxiety and has been shown to help with sleep disruption and induce a sleep state. Tapping uses the meridian or acupressure points that run through the body. By stimulating these points, we move the mind and body out of the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) into the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/digest), making it easier to sleep. Taking small steps to help improve sleep can have significant return on investment. Making healthy choices when it comes to diet, exercise, lifestyle and environment can completely change the nighttime experience. Ensuring a solid period of rest for your body to refuel and regenerate every night will have a positive effect on overall health. You deserve a good night’s sleep every night. It’s that simple. Susan Ahlstrom is an Accredited Certified EFT Professional, MS in counseling and Reiki Master. She offers coaching and mentoring to youth and adults for increased self-awareness and self-mastery. Clients are supported in a safe and compassionate way while learning self-care skills to bring more ease into everyday life. For more information, visit SusanGraceEFT.com.
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Forgiveness as a Spiritual Practice by Joan Carra
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o forgive does not mean to condone, and that is worth repeating: To forgive does not mean to condone. So why is it an important precept in the Bible and other religious practices? In Matthew 18:21 we are told: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly
Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” And when Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but 77 times!”
Forgiveness is a circle because in order to forgive someone, we also need to ask for forgiveness. Why? When we harbor anger, pain and resentment towards another person, even if we have suffered a grave injustice, our state of consciousness is in the field of negative energy. As we throw out darts of loathsome thoughts, we ourselves experience a boomerang effect as the energy comes back to us in full force. The personality and disposition are afflicted with traits of victim mentality, which include depression, helplessness, self-blame, guilt and an expectation that everyone is out to get us. This state suspends self-control and personal responsibility for one’s own life as well as one’s own thoughts. This chronic state even affects relationships with other people. Who can cope with a woe-is-me personality that never sees the good in anything? Jack Kornfield, an author, Buddhist monk and teacher, writes in The Ancient Heart of Forgiveness about two former prisoners of war; one asks the other if he has forgiven their captors yet. The second says, “No, never.” The first one responds, “Well, they still have you in prison, don’t they?” The word “forgive” is derived from an old English term forgiefan, which is two words: for, meaning “completely,” and giefan, meaning “give, grant, allow, pardon.” The original phrase means “giving
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completely.” We may ask ourselves, what are we giving completely? Perhaps it is the surrender of the persistent focus on anger, bitterness and resentment and giving ourselves thoughts of gratitude, self-love and, most important of all, inner peace. The practice of forgiveness provides us with a new identity; we are reborn as the healer rather than remaining the victim, which is not only a victory for our mind but for our spirit and body as well. Trauma and injustice can usurp your life, challenging mental, emotional and even physical health. Healing can be a life journey, with anger and frustration diminishing only in brief moments. Constant preoccupation with the mind’s repetitive thoughts of anger, blame and revenge becomes every moment’s theme, even disturbing sleep with anxiety and nightmares. They say thoughts are energy. Einstein says E=mc2, “E” being energy, “m” for mass and “c” representing the speed of light. It’s the creation of the plane of existence; therefore, thoughts can create a physical reality.
The word “forgive” is derived from an old English term forgiefan, which is two words: for, meaning “completely,” and giefan, meaning “give, grant, allow, pardon.”
The process of forgiveness can help us live in greater harmony with our mind and even our health, which is substantiated by the Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Medical Center, among others. Repressed anger affects our immune system and our blood pressure and can cause serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Mentally ill people often cannot deliver the normal responses others expect of them. But hating someone who is too sick to behave in a proper manner is not going to resolve the situation. Maybe understanding and compassion will. Brain imaging is in the infant stages, and it may be possible that what we perceive as bad or improper behavior stems from physiological disorders. In this eventuality, we would need to adjust our judgment of who is “good” and who is “bad.” The families of the victims at the Mother Emmanuel Church shooting in Charleston, S.C., collectively forgave the shooter and even prayed for his soul: “We are the family that love built. We have no room for hating, so we have to forgive. I pray God on your soul.” They say prayers can be effective and maybe this group of church worshippers living their faith will transform a young man’s fanatic hatred into a heart that can finally feel remorse and compassion. Joan Carra has been a psychic and medium for 25 years. She is working on a book called Asked to Forgive. Visit her at PsychicJoanCarra.net. She will be hosting a discussion on the topic of forgiveness from 1 to 3pm on December 8 at Albertson Memorial Spiritual Church, 293 Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 51.
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SURVIVAL INSTINCT Trust Your Gut and Seek Support to Escape Domestic Violence by Karen Ali
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attered by her husband with a shovel, Monique Faison Ross is alive today because she played dead. She lived to tell the story and now seeks to educate others about the warning signs she missed. “I did not listen to my gut when it was screaming at me, ‘extreme danger is ahead,’” Faison Ross says. “I wrongly believed domestic abuse was a black eye or broken bones, not years of red-flag behaviors. My marriage did not become physically violent until the end, but my ex-husband’s volatile and dark side was bubbling just under the surface, and I did not recognize it.” Faison Ross wants both men and women to be aware of the signs, so they don’t suffer the same extreme violence. “I dismissed explosive outbursts and his following me, thinking my ex was immature and had no control over his temper. But those are, in fact, dangerous behaviors.” Her first violent encounter was a choking incident that occurred just a couple of months before she left the marriage. 36
She knows it was a warning sign of likely escalation that could lead to serious injury or even murder. Domestic violence experts stress awareness of the many methods employed by abusers to control their victims, including physical, verbal, emotional/psychological, digital, sexual and economic tactics. Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Director of Education, Training & Outreach at the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, says the center’s staff uses the term “red flag” to describe behaviors that signal a relationship could turn abusive. “Red flags are unhealthy, but society often frames them as healthy, romantic behaviors. An example of this is jealousy and possessiveness,” she says. “These behaviors are based on power and control.” Other red flags include isolation from friends and family, belittling, minimizing and deflecting responsibility for actions. These strongly contrast with “green flags,” which are elements of healthy relationships, including respect, equality, trust, empathy, boundaries, communication and independence.
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Rather than referring to types of abuse, Rodwell-Lawton uses the term “methods of control” to describe these tactics, as these behaviors are meant to exert and maintain control over an intimate partner. Leaving an abuser isn’t always easy; for many reasons both men and women stay in toxic relationships, like Faison Ross did. Many domestic violence assaults don’t occur until the victim is ready to leave. It’s important to seek support from a domestic violence shelter when preparing to leave or, if you’re in imminent danger, call or text 911. It may require time and meticulous planning to safely exit an abusive relationship, says Mary-Jane Foster, president and CEO, Interval House in Hartford. “Our agency provides services to educate and empower victims, helping them establish independence from their abusers,” she says. “Our advocates work to ensure that a lack of resources does not prevent someone from seeking help or escaping a dangerous situation. Calling our hotline— or any other around the country—is the first step to opening the door to a safer future.” Overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse and violence can take years and leaving is a difficult process. People often stay in abusive relationships for emotional, cultural and religious reasons. “They may stay because they have suffered so much emotional trauma, they don’t believe they deserve better. The abuse has destroyed their self-esteem. This may be complicated when some victims are ostracized by friends and family when they leave an abuser,” says Debra A. Greenwood, president and CEO of Bridgeport’s The Center for Family Justice. Greenwood adds that many people are afraid to leave their abusers because they are economically and emotionally dependent on them. An abuse victim may have been prohibited from working or accessing the education and training needed to make them employable. “They may have children who need a roof over their heads or have ties to their commu-
nity, schools, sports, activities and friends that may make leaving feel overwhelming; domestic violence is the number one cause of homelessness for women in America.” Faison Ross stayed in her relationship for her children, thinking it would be better for them: “Protect yourself and especially protect your children. They can be scarred for life,” she says. “Never stay because you believe, as I did, a two-parent family is better than a single-parent family, when a safe, peaceful, loving home is most important. It is essential to have boundaries, know the warning signs and have a safety plan.” Faison Ross’s split from her husband put her in a precarious financial situation initially, but with support from the community and hard work, she was able to get back on her feet. She urges abuse victims to seek out support and “follow their gut” when they feel something is wrong. “Don’t let anyone talk you out of what is unacceptable and intolerable to you.” Faison Ross published a book this summer called Playing Dead: A Memoir
of Terror and Survival, where she tells her harrowing story, focusing on the dangerous red flags she overlooked and detailing how she survived the brutal attack where she was left alone in the woods to die. “I wrote this book for the sole reason of helping others recognize sociopathic and abusive behavior when they see it,” Faison Ross says. “My goal is to save someone’s life by telling my story.” Connecticut resident Monique Faison Ross has worked as a program manager for a Connecticut educational non-profit since 2004. She has four children and a grandchild. Her book, Playing Dead: A Memoir of Terror and Survival, was published by WildBlue Press, Denver, and officially released in August. Karen Ali is a journalist and media relations expert in Connecticut. A former criminal justice reporter covering high-profile trials, she is now a media strategist with Michael J. London & Associates in Trumbull.
Local Resources: WOMEN’S CENTER OF GREATER DANBURY Danbury • 203-731-5200 Domestic Violence Hotline: 203-731-5206 WomensCenter@wcogd.org WCoGD.org
INTERVAL HOUSE
Hartford • 860-246-9149 24-Hour Hotline: 860-527-0550 IntervalHouseCT.org
THE CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE
Bridgeport • 203-334-6154 Domestic Abuse Hotline: 203-384-9559 Kcwikla@CenterForFamilyJustice.org CenterForFamilyJustice.org
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HAVE YOU HEARD? Mediums Help Yale Study Voice-Hearing
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by Philip Corlett
here are many different ways that human beings experience the world. A team at Yale University has been working with people from the mediumship community in an effort to understand their voice-hearing experiences. Their goal is not trying to prove or disprove any individual’s abilities; rather the team would like to learn more about how and why people have the experiences that they do. They want to learn what it is like to have those experiences, how those receiving them feel about them, when they started, and how they stop them. The team hopes to apply what they learn to help people who hear distressing voices, including those who might suffer from serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. There are drug treatments for those experiences, but the drugs have some very unpleasant side effects and do not work completely in 30 to 50 percent of people. Patients need new and creative approaches to this unmet need. The Yale team, including Albert Pow38
ers of Spirit Alliance, has been working for the past five years to learn as much as they can about voice-hearing and clairaudience in an effort to inspire new treatment approaches for those hearing distressing voices. They began by collaborating with the Connecticut Psychics organization, the local branch of the American Association of Psychics. However, they are now interested in broadening their reach and working with more people who are clairaudient and receive daily auditory message experiences. Voice-hearing is much more common than previously acknowledged. At some point in their lives, up to 20 percent of people might hear a voice when they are alone; between 3 and 10 percent experience this more frequently, perhaps following a bereavement, for example. Hearing voices is not necessarily a sign of mental illness and, by working with people who identify as clairaudient, the team believes they can help the 1 percent of the population who suffer from schizophrenia, for whom
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voice-hearing can be very distressing. In this phase of the work, the team is trying to understand and learn as much as they can about what it is like to be clairaudient, how clairaudience arises, what it involves and, the patterns of brain responses and behavior that characterize clairaudience as compared to voice-hearing in the context of serious mental illness—what are the similarities and differences? In their work so far the team has learned that people who identify as clairaudient have voice experiences that are very similar to those reported by people who are distressed by voices. They happen as frequently, and the voices say things of similar length and loudness. However, the content may be more positive and the experiences are understood as spiritual gifts that clairaudient people can control therefore, they find the incidents less distressing. Furthermore, when the clairaudient people first shared their experiences with another person, their response was significantly more positive than the people hearing distressing voices. The Yale team wants to learn more about why that might be. One interesting possibility revealed in the data is that clairaudient people have their first experiences earlier in life and perhaps learn to interact with them more effectively than people who start hearing voices later in life and perceive them as distressing. Using brain scans and computer games, the team has shown—in Science Magazine—that people who hear voices (both the clairaudient people and the patients with distressing voices) develop strong expectations about what might happen next. These predictions (or “priors”) fill in their experiences of the world. The patients find it hard to update those predictions when the game changes, whereas people with clairaudient abilities can change their minds more easily. These similarities and differences were also apparent in brain scans. The study uses a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scanner; it measures changes in blood flow to parts of the brain by tracking the iron in people’s blood. When
parts of the brain are active, more blood flows to them. The team can measure those changes while people do different tasks. Different parts of the brain were active in people who were clairaudient than those in people who heard distressing voices during the computer task. The areas that were similar included regions involved in hearing, attending and reflecting on what one has perceived. Activity in these areas related to strong expectations. The areas that differed included old structures deep in the brain that are associated with memory and learning (the hippocampus), as well as parts that are involved in the control of movements and thoughts at the back of the brain (the cerebellum). These areas were more active in people who were clairaudient and less so in patients with distressing voices. Activity in these areas changed when people changed their minds; the more flexible people engaged those brain regions more often. The team is already developing approaches to change activity in these regions to better assist people who experience distressing voices.
The team feels extremely fortunate to have the privilege to work with people from the mediumship community. They have been helpful, referring their friends and colleagues to the study, and they have approached their participation with open-mindedness, patience and sincerity. The mediumship community shares the Yale team’s goal of working together to learn about the varieties of human experience, in the service of the many people worldwide who suffer with distressing voices. The work with the community has been featured on the BBC, in The Atlantic, and on various podcasts and websites. There is a real excitement from the public, the mediumship community, patients and their advocates, the academic community and the National Institute of Mental Health, which is supporting the work. The next step is for the team to replicate and extend their discoveries. That will entail recruiting and working with more people who experience clairaudience, as well as more people who hear distressing voices and those who suffer from serious mental illnesses. If the team observes the same
sort of patterns of similarities and differences again, they will be more certain that what they learned could be useful to people hearing distressing voices. In a new study across two sites (Yale University and University of Maryland), scientists are trying to learn even more about clairaudience and voice-hearing. The study involves visiting the Connecticut Mental Health Center in New Haven (or the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center in Catonsville, Md.) on four occasions and completing interviews about your experiences, as well as participating in computer games and brain scans. Participants will be compensated for time and inconvenience. If you are interested in helping them help people with voices that are distressing, please contact BeliefLab@yale.edu. Dr. Philip Corlett is an associate professor at Yale University Department of Psychiatry. He leads the Yale team conducting the study, and he is very interested in hearing from those who would like to take part. Please contact BeliefLab@yale.edu for more information.
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naturally healthy pet
Pets for Life Program in Bridgeport
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The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!
utmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is now an official mentorship for the Humane Society of the United States Pets for Life (PFL) Program. PFL provides access to free veterinary care, services and information to people and pets in underserved communities with limited or nonexistent access to pet wellness resources. PFL takes a comprehensive, long-term approach to address the inequity in and lack of access to pet resources people experience in underserved communities through door-to-door engagement and pet owner support services. Nutmeg Clinic’s current focus area is the Bridgeport zip code of 06608. The initiative’s philosophy promotes the understanding that lack of financial means does not equate to a lack of love felt for or provided to the pet. Every life can be enhanced by a pet, and those who choose to should have the opportunity to experience the unconditional love and meaningful relationship that a pet brings. Investment in preventative programming is not only less stressful for pets by keeping them in their homes and out of a shelter environment, but also more cost-effective than taking, housing and rehoming. Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. For more details about the Pets for Life program or to make a tax-deductible donation, call 203-690-1550 or visit NutmegClinic.org. For in-depth information about programs, accreditations, strategies, mission, vision and progress, visit the clinic’s Platinum Seal GuideStar profile at Guidestar.org/Profile/8560934. Location: 25 Charles St, Stratford. See ad, page 42.
Animal Reiki Offered in Fairfield
P News, articles, resources, events— all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call
203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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osh Paws Salon in Fairfield is offering 20-minute Reiki sessions for your pet with Jimmy Gonzalez on November 10 from 10am to 3pm. Everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and help others. During a Reiki session, animals often experience a deep state of peace as the energy clears imbalances, allowing for new and harmonious patterns of health and wellness to emerge. Physical contact is not a requirement for Reiki and traditionally the practitioner offers Reiki to animals with hands off. This way, the animal controls the treatment, either accepting Reiki from a distance or settling themselves against the practitioner’s hands. In 2006, Gonzalez accepted the position of Chief Animal Control Officer for the State of Connecticut’s largest municipal animal shelter. He later became State Certified as a Wildlife Rehabber and a Nuisance Wildlife Control Officer and became a consultant for the ASPCA of New York. In 2008, he and Melissa Kuian launched A Hand For A Paw, creating their own curriculum to educate almost 5,000 children about caring for pets and handling animals. They eventually took the program into the community and became the driving force behind the Keeping Animals Home campaign. After the organization shut down in 2017, Gonzalez looked for other ways to continue working with animals and pet owners. In 2019 he began training in animal Reiki as a way to continue to offer love, compassion and kindness to our furry friends. $20 donation requested for each Reiki session. To schedule a Reiki session with Gonzalez, call 203-895-1733 or email Info@SkullAndMoon.com. You can also reserve a slot at SkullAndMoon.com/animal-reiki. Location: Posh Paws Salon, 8 Greenfield St, Fairfield.
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natural pet
URBAN CHICKENS Coming Home to Roost by Julie Peterson
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Pineapple studio/Shutterstock.com
ocavores with a hankering for fresh, organic eggs produced close to home have sparked a resurgence in backyard chicken keeping; even people that don’t like omelets are getting in on the trend. It turns out that the little descendants of dinosaurs make fascinating, low-maintenance pets. “You can’t watch a chicken running across the yard and not have your mood lifted,” says Shana Cobin, who has owned chickens for four years. A veterinary staff member, she takes in rescues on her small farm in Foster, Rhode Island. Her current flock of eight chickens has room to forage with a turkey, some goats and sheep. At night, her birds sleep in a predator-proof chicken coop. As a vegan, Cobin gifts the eggs to others. “It’s gratifying to give eggs to friends and family who might otherwise buy eggs from factory farms,” says Cobin. “It’s as if I’m helping those hens, too.” Those country chickens could be city chickens—if the municipality allows. An increasing number do, with a few rules. Roosters aren’t usually allowed (think crowing at 4 a.m.); the number of hens is limited; and they can’t roam the neighborhood. Local ordinances vary widely and change frequently, so be sure to get the facts for each area.
Bird Benefits
Chickens are relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, are easy to bond with and their entertainment value can’t be underrated. “You will enjoy watching them for hours,” says Andy G. Schneider, of Georgia, the national spokesperson for the Avian Health Program run by the Animal Plant Health and Inspec-
tion Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture who has authored three books on chickens. He says that keeping chickens is also a good way for children to learn responsibility and where their food comes from. He says, “They are living animals that depend on their owners and can live for 10 years or longer.” Backyard flocks readily compost food waste and hunt insects to eat. Their nitrogen-rich droppings and old bedding from the coop can fertilize gardens, or the chickens can be let loose in garden areas to fertilize and weed at the same time. However, they will eat desirable plants, so consider fencing off a fallow section of garden where they can prepare the ground for the next crop. Composting, fertilizing, weeding and pest control are benefits that even matronly hens that have slowed egg production still provide. The miracle of producing an egg is a journey of its own. Rarely does a child—or grownup—squeal with as much glee as when the pet hen lays her first egg. Add the excitement of double-yolkers and tiny, yolkless “fairy eggs”, and collecting the hens’ bounty is a daily adventure.
Drawbacks
Like all pets, chickens need regular maintenance. They can get parasites such as mites or worms, or become sick. But the hardest thing about maintaining chickens is keeping them safe, according to Lisa Steele, a rural Maine farmer and author of 101 Chicken Keeping Hacks From Fresh Eggs Daily: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for You and Your Hens. “No matter where you live, there is something that wants to kill or eat your chickens. A secure coop and run or pen are important,” Steele says. The family dog, fox, coyotes, raccoons, owls and hawks are just some of the many potential predators. If a rooster is in the flock, he instinctively protects hens from perceived danger—great for predators, but not necessarily
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a desirable pet. They crow louder, earlier and more often than most would expect. Unless eggs to hatch are wanted, no rooster is needed.
Starting a Flock
After selecting breeds, a new flock can be started with adult hens or chicks from a hatchery or breeder. Steele points out that it’s important to get chicks from a reputable breeder and start them off with good-quality feed, room to exercise, fresh air and clean water. Coops can be built from plans or purchased. There is a trendy industry for palatial coops replete with window boxes, but the necessities include enough space for each chicken, roosting bars to sleep on, nesting boxes to lay eggs, good ventilation and predator-proofing. “The curtains, wallpaper and twinkle lights are fun, but not necessary,” says Steele. Julie Peterson lives in rural Wisconsin with her husband, dogs and chickens. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
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Chicken Facts n Newly hatched chickens are “chicks”. The young males are cockerels, the young
females are pullets. After one year, they are roosters and hens.
n Chickens see in color and can see UV rays, according to FreshEggsDaily.com. They have one eye sighted in for distance and one for close-up vision so that they can look for seeds and bugs on the ground while simultaneously searching the sky for aerial predators. n The life expectancy of a hen varies from three to 12 years, depending on size,
breed and safety from predators.
n Roosters instinctively protect hens from predators or any perceived danger (includ-
ing people) by sounding an alarm, and then facing the danger as hens run and hide. n Roosters have been known to ward off predators or die trying. n A rooster is not needed for hens to lay eggs. n Hens begin laying eggs as early as 16 to 20 weeks and have variable production,
depending on breed and amount of daylight. Egg production can continue through life, but slows after about 3 years old (Tinyurl.com/ChickensStopLaying).
n Egg shell color can be white, pink, blue, green, brown or speckled, but it’s determined
by genetics and will remain basically the same throughout a hen’s life (Tinyurl.com/ EggShellColorDetermination).
n Fresh eggs have a coating that prevents bacteria from entering the pores of the shell.
If eggs are washed, they must be refrigerated (Tinyurl.com/WashedOrUnwashedEggs).
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
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calendar of events All Calendar events must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 10am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (21 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Two manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Honoring the Ancestors: Despacho Ceremony – 7-9pm. A despacho is a beautiful shamanic ceremony that is an act of love and a reminder of the connections we share with all beings, elements, spirits, and sacred places. $20. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Unit 121, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation and Relaxation – 7:30-8:30pm. With Allison. While guided into a state of yogic sleep the body and mind relax allowing you to delve into the layers of consciousness. 30. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury.
markyourcalendar ALBERTSON MEMORIAL CHURCH UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, November 2 and December 7 Spiritual, Psychic & Healing Fair • 11am-4pm • $35+ Thursday, November 7 Mediumship Gala Demonstration Fundraiser with Debra Chalmers, Sue Hind, and Ellyn Shander • 7-9pm • $35 Sunday, November 17 Numerology with Gloria Rodriguez (class is limited to 10 people) • 1-3pm $20 Members/$25 Non-Members ($10 material fee given to instructor)
ONGOING EVENTS:
Sundays Service • 11am-12:30pm Prayer Circle Second and Fourth Sundays • 10-10:45am Bereavement Group for Parents • 1-2pm Wednesdays Spirit Speaks – Developing Psychic & Mediumship Abilities with Rev. Ana Reluzco 7-9pm • $20 Cancelled events will be posted on our website Email: Info@AlbertsonChurch.org Website: AlbertsonChurch.org Facebook: Facebook.com/ AlbertsonMemorialChurchofSpiritualism Meetup: Meetup.com/ AlbertsonMemorialChurchofSpiritualism
203-730-0250. Info@WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Immunity Boosting Aromatherapy Restorative – 10-11:30am. Explore the healing properties of essential oils and yoga through this restorative session. Learn how DoTerra essential oils can boost your immune system to prevent and treat colds. $46. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. Info@ WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com. Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (21 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Two manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. Fall Plant Walk: Seeds and Roots – 1-3:30pm. With Haley Neddermann, staff herbalist and a flower essence practitioner with a love of plant spirit healing. Her educational background includes natural history and botany. $35. Harrybrooke Park, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@ gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com. CPR Certification – 1:30-3:30pm. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a lifesaving technique. It involves external chest compressions and rescue breathing. This method is easy to perform, is proven to save lives, and is better than waiting until trained help arrives. For anyone new to CPR or who needs to re-new their certification. $39. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@ Yogaspace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com. Yoga Teacher Training Info Session and Conference Call – 2-2:45pm. We will have a live session at Yogaspace and you can call in and join live on the phone for a conference call. Learn about our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and have the opportunity to ask questions. Training begins 2/1/20. Contact us for call details. Free. Yogaspace and Conference Call, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.
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markyourcalendar calendar of events CONNECTING WITH CRYSTALS: Discover the Messages & Healing in Crystals Learn to connect, communicate, and work with Stone Spirits and their Energies. This workshop will discuss and work with various ways to connect with Crystals. Students will also learn and practice working with their intuitive senses to connecting with Crystals from different aspects. Workshop is taught one on one by Private Appointment. Contact Jessica to schedule. $150 Visit HunterHealingHands.com for more info, or call Jessica Hunter at 203-916-8381.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Reiki I Class – 10am-4pm. Receive the first set of Reiki attunements. Class provides an introduction to Reiki, including the history, techniques and current applications. The class combines lecture, discussion and hands-on practice. $150. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-3457747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Angels Signs/Numbers Class – 7-9pm. This eye-opening workshop will teach how to ask the angels for signs, discuss ways the angels show their signs, and how to recognize these signs. Learn what the repetitive numbers mean which the angels so often send. $40. Trumbull High School, 72 Strobel Rd, Trumbull. 203-452-4554. CGould@ TrumbullPS.org. TrumbullContEd.org.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
markyourcalendar A YEAR OF HEALING IN 2020 With Dr. Eilis Philpott Soul Healing Journey, LLC
We will meet one weekend a month for 12 months. We will spend Friday evening together and all day Saturday and Sunday. The 2020 dates are: January 10-12 • February 7-9 • March 13-15 April 3-5 • May 1-3 • June 12-14 • July 10-12 August 7-9 • September 11-13 • October 9-11 November 13-15 • December 11-13 I will share with you what I have learned from trainings, from life and from guidance in a way that integrates the various modalities. By the end of this 12 months of training you will have catapulted your personal, professional and spiritual journey into the stratosphere. Location: 415 Howe Ave, Shelton Investment: Early bird rate until November 15 - Pay in full $4,800 or pay quarterly $1,200 or pay monthly $400 Regular rate - Pay in full $6,000 or pay quarterly $1,500 or pay monthly $500 To Register: Choose an option to pay (full, quarterly or monthly) and make that first payment. Be prepared to commit to one full year of healing. NOTE: If you take advantage of the early bird rate and make the initial payment you will be locked into that rate for the year. Registration required. 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com AcademyforSoulHealing.com 44
Grand Opening Event in Westport – 10am-12pm. Aiping Tai Chi Center, southern Connecticut’s largest Tai Chi school based in Orange, announces the Grand Opening of its second instruction location in Westport. All are invited to their Grand Opening celebration. Free. Aiping Tai Chi Center, 49 Richmondville Ave, Westport. 203-795-0203. AipingTaichiCenter@ gmail.com. Aiping-Taichi.com.
DIY All Fired Up! Cider and 1770 Farmhouse Tour – 2-4pm. Prevent the flu, colonial-style. All Fired Up! Cider is an apple cider vinegar-based herbal tonic revered for its ability to help prevent cold and flu symptoms and/or shorten their duration. $35, includes house tour. 1770 Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse, Call for address, Woodbury. 203-942-0774. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com. GroundedGoodwife.com.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Holistic Chamber of Commerce – 6:30-8pm. The Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) is a community coming together in support of a cause. We are bringing more holistic, natural and eco-friendly health and lifestyle solutions to the world around us, as well as better business-building practices. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Unit 121, Monroe. 203518-5808. Monroe@HolisticChamberOfCommerce. co. HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/Monroe.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Plant Wisdom Wednesday: Celebrating Fire Cider and Herbs For Winter Wellness – 6:308:30pm. Fire Cider is a spicy blend of apple cider vinegar, onion, ginger, horseradish, garlic, and other immune-boosting herbs. This remedy has been an ally in supporting immune systems, aiding digestion, hangovers and more. $25/pre-registered; $30/drop-in. Twin Star, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
Witch Crafting Wednesday: Magical Amulets and Talismans – 6:30-8:30pm. Amulets and talismans are magic charms that are worn and believed to ensure spiritual power or to ward off evil in all cultures around the world. All supplies will be provided. $25/pre-registered; $30/drop-in. Twin Star, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 13 Moons: A Healing Women’s Circle, Storytelling – 6:30-8:30pm. Stories can be a way we share our journeys, or they can be the beginning of them. Connect to your creative side, and take part in different forms of storytelling. $25. Twin Star , 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
13 Suns: A Monthly Men’s Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. Second Thursday. We will create rituals for honoring and exploring roles as men, brothers and community healers. The circle will be a private and sacred group, open and inclusive to all who identify as men or non-binary. $25. Twin Star, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@ gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Glowga! Glow in the Dark Yoga – 7:30-8:45pm. Yogis practicing in a near dark room, adorned in glitzy glow jewelry and moving to upbeat dance and pop music. Suggested attire: neons, whites, and brights. Level 1/2 and up. $35/thereafter. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. Info@ WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Reiki II Class – 10am-4pm. Continue your study of the ancient art of Reiki healing in this level II Reiki Certification Class. Complete your attunements and further your knowledge about Reiki healing. Class provides, lecture, discussion and hands on practice. $250. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Yoga for Healthy Digestions Semi-Private – 6-7pm. Join Lauren at the Yoga For Digestion semi-private lesson to learn specific poses that will help ease your stomach troubles away. Learn how yoga can help alleviate digestive issues. $35. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. Info@ WeAreYogaCulture.com. WeAreYogaCulture.com.
Ayurvedic Women’s Health: Understanding Our Hormones – 2-4pm. With Kerry Harling. Workshop to help you understand your hormonal health and how an imbalance in your hormones could be the culprit causing all these issues and more. $30/by 11/9; $35/thereafter. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@ YogaSpace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com. Sound Bath Meditation – 7-8pm. With Eileen Byrne, Reiki Master/Certified Sound Therapist. High vibration instruments to help you enter a state of deep relaxation. Bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for maximum comfort. $20/advance; $25/at the door. Rivers Edge Healing Center, 5 Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook. 203-448-6242. ReikiAndSoundTherapy@gmail.com.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Crystals and Angels – 7-9pm. Discuss the healing properties of the most popular Crystals and the Archangels. You will learn how to connect with your Angels, and techniques for cleansing and charging Crystals. $40. Trumbull High School, 72 Strobel Rd, Trumbull. 203-452-4554. CGould@ TrumbullPS.org. TrumbullContEd.org.
Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (21 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from Gigi’s short Japanese/ Usa Lineage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Earth Living Skills: Slate Pendants and Knives – 6:30-8:30pm. Slate is a softer sedimentary stone that is found in abundance in our area. We will be shaping and sharpening them into pendants and harvest blades. $25. Twin Star, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Restorative Yoga: Unwind from the Grind – 3-5pm. With Gloria Owens. We’ll use props to support your body so you can rest, stretch your muscles; lower your heart rate and blood pressure; calm your nervous system, and experience a peaceful state of deep relaxation. $32/advance; $38/day of. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. Yogaspace-CT.com.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Dazzling Piano Duo Returns to CT – 4pm. Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe, both Julliard alumni, have an international following, presenting a wide range of music from classical to contemporary. $35, free for kids (ages 6-18) with adult ticket purchase. Saxe Middle School, 468 South Ave, New Canaan. 203-750-8855. Wengros7@gmail.com. SchubertClub.prg.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Reiki Second Degree – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (21 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from Gigi’s short Japanese/ Usa Lineage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. 11th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Village – 12-6pm. 11/29-12/24. Town tradition continues for the eleventh consecutive year at the expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the new Santa’s Village, train and carousel rides at the North Pole on North Street. Free. Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St, Greenwich. 203-5313047. Tamara@TMK-EventMarketing.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 11th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Village – 12-6pm. 11/29-12/24. Town tradition continues for the eleventh consecutive year at the expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the new Santa’s Village, train and carousel rides at the North Pole on North Street. Free. Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St, Greenwich. 203-5313047. Tamara@TMK-EventMarketing.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 Reiki I Class – 10am-4pm. Receive the first set of Reiki attunements. Class provides an introduction to Reiki, including the history, techniques and current applications. The class combines lecture, discussion and hands-on practice. $125/by 11/16; $150/ thereafter. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 Angel Card Readings – 7-9pm. Angel Card Readings are in the pure, white light, infused with loving and empowering messages to gently guide us in our everyday life. Learn how to do Angel Card Readings during this hands-on workshop. Please bring your own Angel Oracle cards which can be purchased at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com. $40. Trumbull High School, 72 Strobel Rd, Trumbull. 203-452-4554. CGould@TrumbullPS.org. TrumbullContEd.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Witch Crafting Wednesday: Holiday Wreath Making – 6:30-8:30pm. Herbalist Haley Neddermann will lead a circle in wreath crafting using local wild crafted plants and herbs. Explore the ways we can use evergreens throughout the seasons for healing, support and medicinal remedies. $25/pre-registered; $30/drop-in. Twin Star, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 13 Moons - A Healing Women’s Circle: The Goddess – 6:30-8:30pm. Join Linda as she leads this month’s moon circle exploring the stories of the goddesses across the world pantheon. $25/ pre-registered; $30/drop-in. Twin Star, 57 Bank St, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@ gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 11th Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend – 12/7: 10am-6pm; 12/8: 12-5pm. This much anticipated annual event to shop, dine and be merry will expand this year to include Greenwich, Byram, Glenville, Cos Cob and Riverside, where there will be live music entertainment tents sponsored by Greenwich Hospital, among others. Free. Multiple Locations, Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich. 203-531-3047. Tamara@TMK-EventMarketing.com. Winter Plant Walk: Tree and Shrub ID – 1-3:30pm. Join Haley for this Saturday afternoon plant walk. Learn how to identify common trees and shrubs from their bark, branching pattern, and buds. $35. Sega Meadows, New Milford. 860-350-0077. BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarHerbs.com.
ongoing events
sunday Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:30-10:45am. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Satsang Meditation – 9:30-11am. Satsangs are wonderful spiritual and community gatherings of like-minded people. Satsangs with Shanti Mission Healers are filled with music, mantra, meditation, spiritual instruction/discourse and spiritual blessings to help you reset, recharge and get ready for the week ahead. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. New Beginnings in Community Sunday Service – 10am. Join this group of spiritually minded people embracing and honoring all world religions, belief systems, cultures and traditions. Free. Mystics By The Sea, 394 New Haven Ave, Milford. 203-980-6272. NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com. Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am. Second and fourth Sunday. Ages 4-13. While the adults are meditating in the main building, young people can connect with others in their age-group, learn about mindfulness, compassion toward self and others. 203-244-3130. MMKeeler@gmail.com. ReddingMeditation.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfolding with thought provoking, soul -healing topics and uplifting music. By donation. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org. Sunday Morning Meditation – 11-11:45am. Experience stillness and peace, establish a regular practice, reduce stress and tension and enhance health and well-being. Meditation class for beginners and experienced meditators. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga. Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Sunday Albertson Memorial Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Join us for inspirational sermons, meditation, energy healing and messages from Spirit. By donation. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org.
November 2019
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ongoing events Monthly Mystical Market – 11am-4pm. Third Sunday. Psychics, mediums, intuitives, CT artisans, vendors and holistic practitioners. Free admission, vendors prices vary. The Ruby Tree, 670 Main St S, Woodbury. 203-586-1655. Christina@ TheRubyTreeCT.com. TheRubyTreeCT.com. Karma Community Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Fourth Sunday. Our monthly donation-based class. Bring a non-perishable food donation and enjoy an hour for your mind, body and spirit. The Ruby Tree, Sherman Village, 670 Main St S, Woodbury. 203-586-1655. Christina@TheRubyTreeCT.com. TheRubyTreeCT.com.
monday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@ gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org. Yoga All Levels – 10-11am. With Caroline. Class given according to whatever level of student happens to show up. All levels welcome. The class is hatha flow-based with elements of relaxation, meditation, breath work and strength. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.
tuesday Slow Yoga – 10-11am. With Lella Ilyinsky. Class is set to a slower pace and may include elements of restorative yoga, yin yoga and foundational flow sequences. Beginners welcome. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com.
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Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness.A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Monthly Information Sessions at The Graduate Institute – 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for an info session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Graduate Institute. Please contact us to let us know that you’ll be attending. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. New NAMI Support Group – 6:30-7:45pm. Third Tuesday. A place where families and friends of individuals living with mental health challenges can come together in a safe and compassionate forum. Meetings are confidential. Free. Rowayton United Methodist Church, 5 Pennoyer St, Norwalk. 203-428-6864. ClaudiaDevita1123@gmail.com. NAMISouthwestCT.org. Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. First Tuesday of the month. With June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing. All levels of practitioners are welcome. Please RSVP. $20/drop-in. Kindred Spirits, 197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690. Intermediate Evidential Mediumship – 7-9pm. This class is designed for those who know how to connect to spirit and wish to deepen the connection and get more specific evidence. Once a month we work with the public to gain experience. $20. 135 Clover Hill Dr. 203-344-9311. Reiki Share – 7-9pm. Second Tuesday. Practice and enhance your Reiki healing and grow your intuition. All will receive healing time and practice time. You must have completed at minimum Reiki Level I in order to fully participate. $15/suggested contribution. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail. com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Reiki Healing Shares – 7:30-9:30pm. First and third Tuesdays. With Gigi Benanti, Usui Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Includes short instruction and discussion. Must RSVP. $20. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.
wednesday Power Yoga/Vinyasa – 11am-12pm & 5:30-6:30pm. Power yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. Power yoga incorporates the athleticism of Ashtanga, including lots of vinyasas. $20. Soul Synergy Wellness, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail. com. SoulSynergy.org. Tai Chi Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. With June Fagan, Tai Chi Instructor. A slow movement meditation for all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus and balance and improve self and well-being. $25/drop-in; $85/1 class per week; $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 1197 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-938-3690.
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. The Power of Now–7-8:15pm. A study group of Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now. Our interactive group will discuss his wisdom and portals to enlightenment thru an understanding of the Mind. No cost - donation suggested. Unitarian Church-The Meeting House, 10 Lyons Plains Rd, Westport. Bob 203-227-7494, Frank 203-571-7470. JustBe13@icloud.com. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Meditation that often includes chanting, music and requires your active participation. All faiths and cultures are welcomed. By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com. Beginners Psychic Mediumship Development – 7-9pm. Learn to meditate and connect to your own soul as well as the souls around you - both incarnate and discarnate. Topics include healing,carting, psychic readings and evidential mediumship.$20. Union Lodge No. 5, AF & AM, 47 Kirkham Pl, Stamford. 203-344-9311. Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk.Home.Homewebs.com/ HMNFairfieldCtyCT. Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and education for women in the process of, or recently divorced. $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointShare.com.
thursday Kundalini Yoga and Music Meditation – 9:3010:30am. With Leesa Sklover, PhD, C-IAYT, Certified Yoga Therapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher. Experience the yoga of awareness weekly to heal your mind and your life. All welcome. Register for first class. $15 per class/monthly discount. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentacost St, Branford. 917-860-0488. DrSklover@gmail.com. LoveLifeProductions.net. Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org.
Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 6:45-8pm. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/ level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-5210359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. First Thursday. All welcome. Share and experience Reiki. Please join us while we enjoy a peaceful, powerful night of healing. Hosted by Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. $20. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.
friday Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, dynamic sequence of poses that is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the U.S.. This type of practice involves synchronizing the breath with a continuous flow of postures. $20. Soul Synergy Holistic Wellness Center and Spa, 1492 High Ridge Rd, Ste 6, 2nd Fl, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com. SoulSynergy.org. Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.
markyourcalendar IHHS at WCSU Presents ARE ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES A DANGER TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH? With Aly Cohen, MD, FACR November 13 • 7:30pm Ives Concert Hall WCSU Midtown Campus 181 White St • Danbury, CT General Admission $20; WCSU employees $10; WCSU students FREE with valid ID Tickets on sale at the box office, at the door or at WCSU.edu/tickets For more information, AutuoriC@WCSU.edu
Discussion with The Higher Realms – 7-9:30pm. Last Friday. Bring your heartfelt questions and receive the wisdom of The Ascended Masters and The Divine Feminine specifically for you as channeled by Ginny Brown. $45. Address provided upon registration. HeartAndHealing@hotmail.com. GinnyBrown.net. Ghostly Woodbury – 7:30-9pm. Fridays and Saturdays in October. A walking tour and glimpse into some of Woodbury's legends, burial customs, superstitions and graveyard clues. Join Ehris Urban & Velya Jancz-Urban as you explore with EMF detectors. $20 per person. Meet at the green picnic tables on the Woodbury Public Library lawn, Woodbury. 203-942-0774. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com. GroundedGoodwife.com.
saturday Find Your Edge Yoga – 9-10am. With Pauline Koinis. For yoga practitioners. A chance for yoginis and yogis alike to get a Saturday morning groove on; where laughter, challenge and heart all meet on the mat. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:30-10:45am. Relax, release and flow into wellness in beginner/level 1 yoga classes with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility and strength. Modifications suggested and props used when needed. $5/donation per class. Hindu Cultural Center of CT (HCC), 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-521-0359. HCC. Yoga.Wendy@gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. New Men’s Group – 10:30-11:30am. This therapeutic support group is designed for men who are dealing with issues related to a relationship from their past, present or future. Limited seating available. $30 per session insurance accepted. Wolf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center, LLC, 125 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-3175. WolfSpiritWellness@ gmail.com. WolfSpiritWellness.org. Spondylitis Support Group – 11am-12:30pm. Last Saturday. Led by Dr. Andrew Cummins, naturopathic physician. Having lived with the chronic inflammatory disease Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 18 years, Cummins understands what living with chronic pain and limited mobility is all about. Group provides education, empowerment, understanding and support. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, 1st Fl, Westport. 203-916-4600. DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org. Spiritual, Psychic and Healing Fair – 11am-4pm. First Saturday. Would you like a second opinion on your life issues, or a personal message from a departed loved one? Are you curious about your purpose in this life, or seeking a bit more direction and focus? Come join us. $35+. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Info@AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch.org.
Unmasking the Narcissist – 12-1pm. A therapeutic group using evidence based treatment to help support and address those dealing with an individual who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This group will empower individuals to improve their relationships with others. $30 per session, insurance accepted. Wolf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center, LLC, 125 Main St N, Woodbury. 203-263-3175. WolfSpiritWellness@ gmail.com. WolfSpiritWellness.org. New Women’s Group – 1pm. For women ages 29 through 35 who have difficulty navigating social situations that are interested in making new friends. This group will be working on understanding the nuances of social behavior and how to set attainable goals and boundaries. Space is limited. $20/ session. Wolf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center, LLC, 125 Main St North, Ste 2B, Woodbury. 203-509-8602. WolfSpiritWellness@gmail.com. WolfSpiritWellness.org. Open Mic Night – 7-9pm, 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany you at the piano for your moment at the microphone. Comedians, poets, writers and musicians welcomed as well. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org. Ghostly Woodbury – 7:30-9pm. Fridays and Saturdays in October. A walking tour and glimpse into some of Woodbury's legends, burial customs, superstitions and graveyard clues. Join Ehris Urban & Velya Jancz-Urban as you explore with EMF detectors. $20 per person. Meet at the green picnic tables on the Woodbury Public Library lawn, Woodbury. 203-942-0774. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com. GroundedGoodwife.com.
classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum. Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
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community resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our media kit.
13TH OCTAVE/LAHOCHI SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC Eilis Philpott Fairfield 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com
BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 AlbaThermalImaging.com Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, noninvasive, FDA registered. See ad, page 29.
Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She is one of only two people approved to teach 13th Octave/LaHoChi in the U.S. She offers soul level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential. See ad, page 33.
AYURVEDA NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com AyurvedicInstituteCT.com
A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 20.
BIOFEEDBACK
CHIROPRACTIC PETER BRAGLIA, DC
True Health Family Chiropractic 7365 Main St, Stratford 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Braglia has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique. We are proud to serve patients from all over Fairfield and New Haven Counties with our unique and gentle approach to health care.
COLONICS COLONICS
914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com
ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC
898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com • DrRoseann.com
Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.
Advanced Bio-Regulation (BRT) is a unique approach to health and wellness that uses Biofeedback and PEMF-based Electromagnetic Technology to help the body better self-regulate, adapt and heal naturally. It is used for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, hormonal issues, Lyme, etc. See ad, page 32.
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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY/ ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE VINCENT FRASER, CST, CAT, SEP Craniosacral Therapy, Alexander Technique, Somatic Experiencing Greenwich and Norwalk 203-570-2059 Vincent@VincentFraser.com
Vincent offers paths to wholeness which lead to resolving pain and trauma, ease of movement in one’s body and life, and a fuller conscious embodiment.
EDUCATION THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE 171 Amity Rd, Bethany 203-874-4252 Info@Learn.edu • Learn.edu
The Graduate Institute is a state-accredited graduate school dedicated to promoting an integrative and holistic worldview through the study of health, wellness, education, and personal and professional transformation. Enrolling now for 2019 programs. See ad, page 23.
INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH STUDIES
Western Connecticut State University Christel Autuori, RDH, RYT, MA, Director 181 White St, Danbury 203-837-8559 • WCSU.edu/IHHS The mission of the IHHS is to provide the University and Greater Danbury area with an opportunity to engage in and explore different aspects of holistic and integrative health through programming and instruction. Programs include Wellness Wednesday lunchtime workshops, monthly meditation program, lecture series, health wellness and fitness fair. See ad, page 3.
THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com • TIOSN.com
We offer a unique certification program blending the science of nutrition with the hands-on components of sustainable gardening practices. We use food and herbs to make kitchen medicine, teach basic culinary skills, and practice foraging for and using nutrient-rich wild food. Now enrolling.
eNaturalAwakenings.com
TWO COYOTES WILDERNESS SCHOOL
P.O. Box 711, Monroe TwoCoyotes.org Facebook.com/TwoCoyotes Instagram.com/TwoCoyotes Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a non-profit nature organization dedicated to creating a healthier, more connected future by connecting people to nature, community, and their personal empowerment. We offer year-round wilderness-based mentorship programs, including summer camps, for all ages.
ENERGY HEALING
ESSENTIAL OILS JENNIFER BLAKE
Certified Essential Oil Educator 203-856-1790 JenniferBlake2@yahoo.com my.doterra.com/JenniferBlake2
Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 27.
JOY REIKI INSTITUTE
Sarah Chapman, Reiki Master 3 Sterling Dr, Westport 415-912-6863 • JoyReiki-Institute.com Sarah offers private Reiki sessions reflecting the lineage of Dr Usui. Each session helps increase your vitality and balance the different areas of your body to restore the quality of your health (emotional and physical), promoting transformation and growth. Sarah also offers monthly training workshops in Reiki 1 and 2 as well as Reiki distance packages. Please consult website for more info. Or text/call Sarah directly to book your first experience.
Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential. See ad, page 33.
Susan Berman, Med, CHHC 860-670-4152 Susan@HealingAcidReflux.com HealingAcidReflux.com
I work with health conscious individuals to help heal their acid reflux or GERD to avoid further damage and prevent esophageal cancer. Find your unique food and lifestyle triggers. Offers 1:1 coaching via Zoom, Skype, or a DIY program.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
HEALING CENTER
Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 • TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autoimmune problems, toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive Personalized Wellness Plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.
GREEN HOUSES FOR SALE ROCKY CORNER COHOUSING 203-903-2646 Homes@RockyCorner.org RockyCorner.org
SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC Eilis Philpott Fairfield • 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com
HEALING ACID REFLUX NATURALLY
I sell doTERRA essential oils and teach practitioners how to implement high quality oils into their practice to enhance client experience. I also work with individuals who seek to reduce toxicity load and support their overall health and wellness naturally.
TAMARA SACHS, MD
BETH LEAS
HEALING ACID REFLUX
Rocky Corner’s sharing and caring neighborhood: Meet friendly, creative people. Feel welcomed and included. Eat from our organic farm and gardens. Own a green home. Co-own amazing common buildings and 33 acres. Bethany, 5 miles north of New Haven. Nurture kids, retire, have fun, work together. Last remaining homes for sale. Contact us now!
THE RUBY TREE
Metaphysical Shop and Healing Space Sherman Village, 670 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1655 • TheRubyTreeCT.com Rocks and crystals, magical objects, singing bowls, herbal candles and more. Local artisans, an array of holistic practitioners, a monthly Mystical Market fair, regularly scheduled psychics/ mediums/intuitives, yoga, meditation, and workshops galore—all to enhance the health of your mind, body and spirit. See ad, page 23.
HEALTHY EATING CHEF ELIANA GRUBEL, CHC
Licensed and Insured In-home Cooking Services 203-559-8946 • CleanFood4UrType.com As a Board-Certified Health Coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and member of the U.S. Personal Chef Association, Eliana’s passion is her clients’ success. She has been serving CT for more than 15 years and now offers short-term detoxes, meals to freeze, dinner parties, homegrown microgreens and fermented, locally grown vegetables as well as personalized coaching programs. See ad, page 14.
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HOLISTIC DENTIST DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND
Yorktown Heights, NY 914-214-9678 HolisticDentist.com
We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 10.
WHOLE BODY DENTISTRY
Mark A Breiner, DDS 501 Kings Hwy East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com Mark Breiner, DDS, is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. His patients have found solutions to baffling, unresolved and seemingly unrelated dental-related health problems. He is the author of the award-winning book, Whole-Body Dentistry. See ad, page 2.
HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY DAVID LONDON, MD
544 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-557-6574 Contact@DavidLondonMD.com DavidLondonMD.com David London, MD, honors emotional, spiritual and biochemical individuality to assist healing psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Sophisticated genetic and lab testing help identify underlying causes. Treatment may include acupuncture, psychotherapy, EMDR, herbs, vitamins, nutrients, lifestyle changes, medication.
HYPNOSIS HEALING TREE WISDOM
Thea Litsios, CHy Locations in Norwalk and Stratford 203-693-1493 • HealingTreeWisdom.com Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review. Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups. See ad, page 27.
MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 MindBodyTransformation.com
Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc. Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ads, pages 11 and 25.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN HENRY C. SOBO, MD
Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 • DrSobo.com Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Sobo to offer cutting-edge technologies such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments and adult stem cell therapy. Dr. Sobo’s integrative approach addresses a variety of conditions such as: food allergies, Alzheimer’s/ dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight loss, hormonal health, fibromyalgia, anti-aging medicine, and MTHFR-Genetic Mutation. See ad, page 17.
INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE Age is just a number. Life and aging are the greatest gifts that we could possibly ever have. ~Cicely Tyson
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SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER Ken Hoffman, DACM, LAc, Medical Director 31 Old Rte 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • INM.Center
Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns. Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more. Most insurance accepted.
Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition
eNaturalAwakenings.com
WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC
Adam Breiner, ND, Director David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN David Johnston, DO Elena Sokolova, MD, ND 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with holistic medicine, our caring integrative physicians correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. We treat many conditions including Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, immune disorders, allergies, thyroid conditions, pain, neurological conditions, stroke, concussion, ADD/ ADHD, depression, insomnia and more. We offer hyperbaric oxygen, neurofeedback and neurotherapies, osteopathic medicine, functional medicine, IV nutrient and chelation therapy, energetic medicine, homeopathy, Japanese Reiki, nutrition, colonics and detoxification, enhanced brain, athletic, scholastic performance, and more. See ad, page 2.
INSPIRATIONAL BOUTIQUE THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE
Purveyors of Positivity 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Route 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 TheAngelCoop.com A unique lifestyle boutique featuring the first Shungite room in the U.S., The Angel Cooperative has products and experiences designed to care for your body and soul while also offering beautiful and healing goods for the home. We offer a regular schedule of workshops, meditations, classes, and other holistic and spiritual events.
INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC
Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 1425 Bedford St, 1M, Stamford • 203-357-0204 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. See ad, page 25.
INTUITIVE ARTS JOAN CARRA
Psychic Medium 203-531-6387 • PsychicJoan@yahoo.com PsychicJoanCarra.net Joan’s reputation as a psychic and medium for over 20 years is supported by seven books that recommend her work. Her insights can help you release blocks in business and romance. As a gifted medium, Joan can contact loved ones in spirit and help heal your grief.
IV THERAPY WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC
501 Kings Highway E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com IV nutrient therapy bypasses the digestive process and delivers 100% of pure quality nutrients to your cells. Custom drips support your immune system, help you recover from long work hours, hangovers, jet lag, and increase stamina, support muscle recovery and growth, aid in detoxification, provide anti-aging benefits for youthful skin and glow, promote weight loss, help brain function, provide an energy boost and more. See ad, page 2.
LYME DISEASE EDUCATION/SUPPORT LYME CONNECTION
400 Main St, Ridgefield Info@LymeConnection.org LymeConnection.org Lyme Connection is an all-volunteer, community-based task force providing support and resources to patients and their families coping with tickborne disease.
MASSAGE AND BODYWORK JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER
2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 • JiivaCenter.com We offer Traditional, Thai Massage and Prenatal massage. At Jiiva Massage, our goal is to provide our clients with a variety of experienced therapists and modalities to choose from. Our hope is to provide you with an assortment of different techniques so you can find what works best for your individual needs. See ad, page 19.
MEDITATION CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS & INSIGHT MEDITATION 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 ReddingMeditation.org
We teach and practice Mahasati meditation. Mahasati meditation cultivates self-awareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events. Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN ADAM BREINER, ND
Whole-Body Medicine LLC 501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Dr. Adam Breiner has helped patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions—including stroke, concussions, TBIs, ADD/ADHD, depression and anxiety—as well as seeing patients for enhanced sports, scholastic and workplace performance. His center was the first facility in the country to offer the powerful combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and neurofeedback. Dr. Breiner also has natural and cutting-edge approaches for the treatment of Lyme disease. See ad, page 2.
NEERU KAUSHIK, ND, MS ACU, MS, MA Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies 805 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 203-331-9111 DrKaushik@AyurvedicInstituteCT.com
A combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. See ad, page 20.
SHALVA CLINIC LLC
Ellen M Lewis, ND, Director 8 Lincoln St, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org Dr. Lewis offers comprehensive holistic care for women including well-women exams, fertility, thyroid and menopause support. She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, back cover.
NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, all-natural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions; restore balance; and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 34.
MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND
Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com CMYK
1, 0 Family1, 99,Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, bioidentical CMYK hormones, homeopathy, 58, 79, 0, 0 Chinese/Western herbs, allergy/ toxin testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, Aleo – Bold nutrition/enzyme therapies. CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79 See ad, page 37.
P R O X I M A N O VA – S E M I B O L D CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79
NEUROFEEDBACK ADAM BREINER, ND
The NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center Full Color Division of Whole-Body MedicineOne Color 501 Kings Highway E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • TheNeuroEdge.com The NeuroEdge is dedicated to keeping your brain sharp and high-functioning. We treat head injuries and brain traumas such as concussion and stroke as well as help athletes, students and businesspeople improve their performance. Learn and view our cutting-edge neurotherapies at TheNeuroEdge.com. See ad, page 2.
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NEUROFEEDBACK
.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC
ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC
898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com • DrRoseann.com
898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com • DrRoseann.com
We work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies. We provide brainbased treatments like neurofeedback, biofeedback, EFT, hypnosis, meditation, etc. Our staff provides non-judgmental support to help alleviate stress and promote wellness. See ad, page 32.
Our highly trained and experienced therapists utilize a variety of brain-based tools and techniques that allow the CNS to calm down so one can address their issues without heightened anxiety. We specialize in pediatrics, parenting and supporting individuals with chronic issues. See ad, page 32.
ORGANIC SALON ECO CHIC SALON SPA & BLOW DRY BAR
ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW
Family, Child, Individual and Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in divorce, parent/child conflict, grief, attachment/bonding, child development and parenting. See ad, page 24.
16 Center St, Wilton 203-966-5655 EcoChicSalonCT.com
Eco Chic Salon Spa & Blow Dry Bar is committed to the healthy way of life so many people strive for each and every day. Mindful stylists are dedicated to the use of environmentally friendly products, including Eco Chic branded products, and alternative hair services with less toxic variations from the typical salon experience. Be well. Be beautiful. See ad, page 13.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT DR. LORI MONACO
Inspire and Empower, LLC 203-395-9832 DrLoriMonaco@gmail.com DrLoriMonaco.com Lori is a Transformational Speaker, Coach and Wholistic practitioner helping people become the best version of themselves. She uses mindfulness techniques including the HeartMath protocol for creating heart coherence and improved resilience. She offers one-on-one and group coaching sessions, lectures and workshops, and Laughter Yoga sessions. She works with children to adults.
NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW
Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Danbury and Ridgefield 914-572-3167 WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Rediscover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop! Nancy has over 20 years of experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs.
JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER
2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 • JiivaCenter.com Berta Prevosti is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master and has been practicing Reiki for over 20 years. We also have several experienced Reiki Masters and practitioners. We offer private Reiki sessions for physical and emotional pain. We also have ongoing Reiki classes that are taught in the traditional Usui method by Berta. See ad, page 19.
TURNING POINT REIKI LLC
JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with cancer, Lyme disease and back pain. All Reiki levels taught.
TRADITIONAL/HOLISTIC/ GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN PUT IT TOGETHER, LLC
714 Main St South, Woodbury 203-263-7836 PutItTogetherLLC.com PutItTogetherLLC@cs.com Incorporating environmentally sound options into a traditional interior design business, I can show you great options for low to no VOC exposure in your homes. Offering interior design, feng shui and environmental consultations. See ad, page 35.
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) REIKI THERMOGRAPHY offers safe, FDA approved full body
or MASTER breast screening. GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI WHOLE HEALTH Angelic Healing Center Non Invasive • No Radiati on THERMOGRAPHY LLC 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk • Possible 8 years earlier breast Rachel Mazzarelli, MS, CCT 203-852-1150 Locations throughout Fairfield County, AngelHealReiki.com cancer detection vs mammogram Southbury, New Haven, Milford and New York imaging ng and Gigi is •anClinical experienced Reiki for detecti 203-257-3785 monitoring a number of diseases Master/Teacher. She offers all WHThermography@gmail.com and physical levels of Reiki training monthly. injuries. WholeHealthThermography.com All classes and Reiki sessions Rachel Mazzarelli include the latest techniques ��,��� including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki. 203-257-3785
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is an FDA-approved, noninvasive, no-radiation screening for the whole body. It offers possible earlier Offices throughout detection of breast disease and Fairfield County, Southbury, can aid in diagnosis and New Haven, Milford, improved prognosis of many health conditions and New York and injuries. See ad, page 12.
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whthermography@gmail.com www.wholehealththermography.com eNaturalAwakenings.com
TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING KATIE AUGUSTYN, MA, CPC
Transformation Coach - Shamanic Healer TransformationCenterCT.com 203-820-3800 TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com Katie will assist you in reaching your true potential and heal what has been holding you back. You will experience real self-acceptance and start to live in alignment with who you truly are so you can create a life you love, a life of meaning and purpose. See ad, page 27.
BETH LEAS
Transformative Healing • Tarot 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 27.
SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC Eilis Philpott Fairfield • 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com
Eilis is a master healer and teacher and certified in numerous modalities as both a practitioner and teacher. She offers soul-level healing, which clears any blocks, obstacles and challenges that are preventing you from living your life to its fullest potential. See ad, page 33.
WELLNESS CENTER JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER
Berta Prevosti, Usui and Karuna Reiki Master 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 • JiivaCenter.com Jiiva is in the business of building a community for yoga and healing. We offer yoga classes, a school of Reiki, private Reiki treatments, traditional massage therapy, Thai massage, meditation classes, workshops and community events. See ad, page 19.
SALTANA CAVE HIMALAYAN SALT SPA 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com
Fairfield County’s first and only therapeutic Himalayan salt cave provides relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of smoking and pollution. Salt is naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. See ad, page 31.
SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA
787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for mind, body and spirit.
November 2019
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inspiration
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Academy for Soul Healing
ENOUGH FOR ALL
In Pursuit of Grateful Living
G
by Brother David Steindl-Rast
rateful living is the awareness that we stand on holy ground— always—in touch with mystery. Jewish sages interpret the words of Genesis 3:5 in a way that is of great relevance to grateful living. “Take off your shoes; the ground on which you stand is holy ground.” The soles of your shoes are leather—dead animal skin. Take off the deadness of being-used-to-it and your live souls will feel that you are standing on holy ground, wherever you are. It is pretty evident that greed, oppression and violence have led us to a point of self-destruction. Our survival depends on a radical change; if the gratitude movement grows strong and deep enough, it may bring about this necessary change. Grateful living brings in place of greed, sharing; in place of oppression, respect; and in place of violence, peace. Who does not long for a world of sharing, mutual respect and peace? Exploitation springs from greed and a sense of scarcity. Grateful living makes us aware that there is enough for all. Thus, it leads to a sense of sufficiency and a joyful willingness to share with others. Oppression is necessary if we want to exploit others. The more power you have, the more efficiently you can exploit those below you and protect yourself against those above you. But grateful people live with a sense of sufficiency—they need not exploit others—thus, oppression is replaced by mutual support and by equal respect for all. Violence springs from the root of fear—fear that there may not be enough for all, fear of others as potential competitors, fear of foreigners and strangers. But the grateful person is fearless. Thereby, she cuts off the very root of violence. Out of a sense-of-enough, she is willing to share, and thereby tends to eliminate the unjust distribution of wealth that creates the climate for violence. Fearlessly, she welcomes the new and strange, is enriched by differences and celebrates variety. Grateful eyes look at whatever is as if they had never seen it before and caress it as if they would never see it again. This is a most realistic attitude, for every moment is indeed unique. Adapted from an interview, with Brother David Steindl-Rast that originally appeared in Greater Good, the online magazine of the Greater Good Science Center. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/ABetterWorldThroughGratitude. 54
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Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center
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Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center
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CopperZap 55
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Optimal Health Medical/ Henry Sobo, MD
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Robin Ordan, LCSW
24
Possibilities Farm
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Put It Together
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Recept Hemp Extract
20 14
EcoChic Salon Spa & Blow Dry Bar
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Ann Reeves
Embody the Sacred
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Final Journey LLC
The Ruby Tree
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Saltana Cave
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Institute for Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies
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LifeWorks Wellness Center
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Seven years without a cold?
had colds going round and round, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops By Doug Cornell nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had a way to kill viruses and years since. in years.” bacteria. He asked relatives and friends to try Copper can also stop flu if used early Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. he patented CopperZap™ and put it on placed 25 million live flu viruses on a Colds start the market. CopperZap. No viruses were found alive when cold viruses Soon hundreds soon after. get in your nose. of people had Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply tried it and given confirming the discovery. He placed fast. If you don’t feedback. Nearly millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, 100% said the “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and copper stops colds they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. if used within 3 People have even used copper on In hundreds hours after the first cold sores and say it can completely of studies, EPA sign. Even up to prevent outbreaks. New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university 2 days, if they The handle is researchers have confirmed that viruses still get the cold it is milder than usual curved and finely and bacteria die almost instantly when and they feel better. textured to improve touched by copper. Users wrote things like, “It stopped contact. It kills germs That’s why ancient Greeks and my cold right away,” and “Is it picked up on fingers Egyptians used copper to purify water supposed to work that fast?” and hands to protect and heal wounds. They didn’t know “What a wonderful thing,” wrote you and your family. about microbes, but now we do. Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Copper even kills Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance Pat McAllister, 70, received one have become resistant in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental works.” keep serious infection away. It may even Protection Agency) show germs die Now thousands of users have simply save a life. fast on copper. So some hospitals tried stopped getting colds. The EPA says copper still works copper for touch surfaces like faucets People often use CopperZap even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, used to get colds after crowded flights. serious or even fatal illness. and saved lives. Though skeptical, she tried it several CopperZap is made in America of The strong scientific evidence gave times a day on travel days for 2 months. pure copper. It has a 90-day full money inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she back guarantee. It is $69.95. he felt a cold about to start he fashioned exclaimed. Get $10 off each CopperZap with a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA14. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids 55 November 2019 ADVERTORIAL
Copper in new device stops cold and flu
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PRACTITIONERS DR . E L L E N L E W I S DR . NA DI A NO OR I C I N DY W E C H S L E R , A P R N A L E X A N DR A M A S ON, L M T B E V E R LY L E W I S
T H E C E N T E R F OR NAT U R A L M E DIC I N E
NATUROPATHIC SERVICES NATUROPATHIC PRIMARY CARE SICK DAY VISITS LAB & DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
VITALITY ENHANCEMENT THERAPIES HYDROTHERAPY CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY MASSAGE THERAPY REIKI SHAMANIC HEALING ACUPUNCTURE & CUPPING
SPECIALTIES
SPECIALTY SERVICES PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY ABNORMAL PAP & ESCHAROTIC TREATMENT OZONE THERAPY NEUROFEEDBACK GENOMIC ANALYSIS
COMMUNITY WELLNESS CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
DR. ELLEN LEWIS: THYROID DISORDERS, ABNORMAL PAPS, WOMEN’S HEALTH DR. NADIA NOORI: FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY, ADD/ADHD, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS CINDY WECHSLER, APRN: INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICS, LACTATION SUPPORT, INFANT MASSAGE EACH PRACTITIONER TREATS THE WHOLE FAMILY INCLUDING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, WEIGHT ISSUES, HEADACHES, FATIGUE, SLEEP DISTURBANCES, DIGESTIVE DISORDERS, COLDS/FLUS, ANXIETY/DEPRESSION, ALLERGIES, PEDIATRICS, AND MORE
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