April 2018 by Natural Awakenings Magazine

E HEALTHY LIVING E FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

Climate Health is Our Health Nature’s Matrix

Connect to All That Lives

Animal Wisdom

What They Can Teach Us

The Earth’s Healing Power

April 2018 | Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com April 2018

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center z

The Natural Choice

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health! Whole-Body DentistryÂŽ 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 dentistryÂŽ

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?

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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

We can help you get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments and therapies:

David Johnston, DO Osteopathic Medicine Cranial Osteopathy

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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 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 | Fairfield, CT | 203-371-8258 | WholeBodyMed.com 2

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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TO THRIVE IN TODAY'S WORLD, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS NEED TO:

PUBLIC/PRIVATE EDUCATION

WORKSPACE EDUCATION

Master the Foundational Literacies Prepare for College Entrance Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset Solve Real-World Problems Take on Enormous Collaborative Projects Think Critically and Creatively Become Expert Communicators Contribute as Global Citizens DiscoverÂ Who They Are, and Start to Build the BEST. LIFE. EVER. K-12 Education Reimagined, in Bethel, CT. www.WorkspaceEducation.org Annual membership for a family of four is $5,890. Contact Elizabeth to set up a visit. (203) 614-1103 Elizabeth@WorkspaceEducation.org

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR, TODAY!

April 2018

If My Lab Testing is Normal… Why do I still feel sick? How I Can Help You

Get a nutritional program created just for you!

• Comprehensive Functional Lab Testing • In-Depth Functional Analysis of Your Results • Proper and Relevant Nutrition Prescribed and Monitored

Set up your consultation today.

203-838-1555

Dr. Mark Joachim, D.C., F.I.A.M.A. 156 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 Author of the E-book

“How to Stop Suffering from Food Sensitivities, Allergies and Digestion Problems” Download at: www.AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com

Contents 24 BLACK ROCK CHURCH

GOES ORGANIC

Landscape Conversion in Process

26 MOTHER EARTH’S

ENERGY CENTERS

Locating and Tapping Into the Earth Chakras

30 HEALTHY CLIMATE,

HEALTHY PEOPLE

Why a Warming Planet is Harming Our Health

38 NATURE’S MATRIX

Strengthening Connections to All Living Things

41 BELOW THE WATER LINE

How Human Noise Affects Ocean Life

44 RETURN TO GRAZING

Horse Wisdom for Modern Life

50 BLACK ROCK

HOLISTIC CENTER

Community Spotlight

55 CHANGING OUR DIET

TO COOL THE CLIMATE

Good Food Choices Support Global Health

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 14 earth day events 18 health briefs 20 global briefs 22 eco tip 28 healing ways 33 inspiration 34 wise words 36 green living 42 naturally healthy pet

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

47 pet resource

guide 52 mastering yoga 54 inspired table 59 calendar 63 classifieds 64 resource guide 70 cosmic rythms 70 ad index

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

30 52

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. April 2018

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

FAIRFIELD COUNTY/ HOUSATONIC VALLEY PUBLISHER Nicole Miale EDITORS Michelle Bense Ariana Rawls Fine DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carrie Brady Brooke Adams Law Dennis Marc Mary Oquendo Leesa Sklover SALES & MARKETING Alexa Ferrucci Nicole Miale ACCOUNTING Jill Badyrka WEBSITE Erica Mills DISTRIBUTION Man in Motion LLC

CONTACT US 137 Danbury Rd, #323, New Milford, CT 06776 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman NATIONAL EDITOR Alison Chabonais MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett SR. ART/MKTG. DIRECTOR Steve Hagewood ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Mary Bruhn FRANCHISE DIRECTOR Anna Romano FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Scofield Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

letter from publisher

s spring advances, all around we can witness people, creatures and flora coming out of hibernation. A winterlover myself, I tend to spend more time outside when it’s cold, which is why I’m struck when I notice so many more people out and about as the weather warms. I’ve been thinking about how humanity too frequently sets itself apart from nature – as if we are primarily observers rather than actively involved in and bound to its processes. The truth is, as inhabitants of this earth, we humans are no more or less significant to Mother Nature than any other creature walking, crawling or flying. Nature Nicole Miale is a potent force man has so far been unable to tame, predict (with real accuracy anyway as we learned recently!) or control, though our actions certainly have had mostly negative influence on its behavior. I have deep and abiding appreciation for the awesome ability of nature to do whatever it will. Man will not outlast the power it seeks to tame and harness; we will not in fact “save the earth”. The best we can do is try to save humanity for the planet will outlive us all. I think the key is recognizing our rightful place, which I believe is not at the top of the chain but merely one among many within a great unseen blueprint. The strength and inevitability of nature’s matrix—containing all living things within an invisible web—is on my mind not only as seasons change but as we put together this special edition in tribute to Earth Day. It is a fitting time to discuss how the health of humanity is directly tied to the health of the planet we call home and to consider how our actions affect the world and species we share it with. We also take a look at what humans can learn from other animals; it is remarkable some of the simple things we can do to lower stress levels and enjoy our lives more simply by taking cues from our animal brethren. You’ll find perspectives from a variety of local and national experts on these and other topics; we hope you enjoy and find inspiration! There is a lot going on in our area this month, as evidenced by the robust news brief, special Earth Day and calendar sections. Natural Awakenings will be at many of these events; we look forward to meeting with you there! As always, please consider patronizing our advertisers and distributors! It is through their generosity that this free community service is made possible and we are very grateful for their support. With love and light,

© 2018 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior 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.

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

See our advertiser index on page 70, making it easier to find the resources you need.

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

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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Turning Point Healing Arts & Education Center Expands

news briefs

Wellness Practitioners Gathering Together

T Health and Wellness Practitioners is an evolving group supporting, educating, empowering and collaborating healing compassionate practitioners from medical professionals to holistic providers. The common link is that all practice from a place of compassion and empathy. The growing community will be hosting its first evening gathering on May 4 from 6:30 to 9pm at Monroe Congregational Church in Monroe, with live music by Crystal Cymbology, a talk and discussion on the importance of community with Natural Awakenings’ publisher Nicole Miale, soulful networking, and an opportunity for a group rate for a head shot by a professional photographer. Every Wednesday at 9:30am, join the Facebook group for live interviews with practitioners. They discuss topics such as honoring yourself through the messy parts of life, empowerment of your inner healer, living a life in service and more. The April speakers are Rob Martin, LMT, BCSI; Diane Fraser Maglione, RN; and Zan Curfman. For more information, call 203-491-7581 or visit CTWellness. weebly.com. To join the group and events, visit Facebook.com/ groups/157452858023325/about/. Event location: Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church St, Monroe.

ann Draper Elliott, MA, OTR/L, LMT, is joining Ridgefield’s Turning Point Healing Arts, LLC as its newest practitioner. She has worked for 28 years as an occupational therapist and has 16 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. Elliott is now bringing her wide range of specialized training and techniques to the center, including zero balJann Draper Elliott ancing, acupressure, lymph drainage, Reiki and massage. These techniques help clients minimize pain, increase relaxation, and experience an expanded sense of calm and well-being. In addition, Elliott is a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She works with people who want to increase their health and vitality through nutrition and lifestyle changes. She will be seeing clients at Turning Point Healing Arts, LLC on the first Tuesday and first Friday of each month from 2 to 6pm. She is also available the second, third and fourth Friday of each month from 10am to 6pm. For more information, call 203-482-1329 or email JannElliott815@ gmail.com. Location: The Turning Point Healing Arts & Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield.

This Medicine of the Future is Here Now! PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatments & Adult Stem Cell Therapy Advances in Regenerative Medicine allow Dr. Henry Sobo to offer these cutting edge technologies.

PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma

Stem Cell Therapy

A natural and safe, non-surgical method for healing: • PRP for Hair Restoration • PRP for Arthritis/Joints • PRP for Erectile Dysfunction

• Arthritis/joint problems–avoid steroids and surgeries. • Stem cells for your joints are being used by leading doctors and institutions around the country. • Stem cells are being applied for an expanding list of many other conditions.

Call for your FREE CONSuLTATiON with Henry C. Sobo, M.D. to see if these new, safe, and natural therapies are for you.

203-348-8805 Optimal Health Medical, LLC | 111 High Ridge Rd. Stamford, CT 06905 | www.drsobo.com April 2018

New Community Way to Fund Creative Projects

news briefs

Ayurvedic Practice Opens in New Canaan

ctive Ayurveda and Yoga LLC, the practice of Jaya Daptardar BAMS, MHA, RAAP, BCAMP, has opened a new office in New Canaan. The practice offers ayurvedic evaluation and wellness counseling, as well as therapies to help and support behavioral health and addiction problems. Lifestyle and weight management services cover an analysis of Jaya Daptardar body type, current lifestyle management and changes, and helpful herbs and spices. Ayurvedic counseling for beauty looks at acne and other skin conditions as well as hair therapies. Yoga, breathing, meditation, marma and other ayurvedic therapies are also offered in the practice to help with social anxiety disorder, stress management, insomnia and depression. Daptardar is an ayurvedic doctor who has been practicing and teaching in the U.S. since 1998. She is a founder and director of Active Ayurveda and Yoga LLC, and The Institute of Ayurveda and Life Style Management. Daptardar conducts seminars and workshops on various topics in Ayurveda. She is an active member of Association of Ayurvedic Professional of North America, International Society of Ayurveda and Health, American Association of Practitioners and Researchers of Ayurveda, and Connecticut Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. For more information or to book an appointment, call 203-857-4123, email JMDaptardar@hotmail.com or visit AyurBeautyandLifestyle.com. New location: Inside Pryority Wellness at 45 Grove St, New Canaan (additional location in Weston).

n April 12 from 6:30 to 9pm, Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics (FEAST) will hold its next recurring public dinner designed to use communitydriven financial support to democratically fund new and emerging creative ideas. Join host Makery Coworking for this opportunity to sit with other dreamers and help the community by pooling resources, and believing in somebody with a heart and an idea. Selected local creatives will present project ideas that they believe will make a positive impact in the community. As you eat, you get to vote for your favorite project on a ballot. The idea with the most votes wins and takes home the net proceeds from the event to help fund their project. Guests at this New Milford event buy tickets for $25, which pays for a dinner meal and ballot in this lively, artistic environment. Drinks are also available for purchase. Perhaps you envision a community-wide mural on the side of a building, a mobile elixir bar, or a sculpture that conveys a heartfelt message. If you are interested in submitting your own idea, visit MakeryCoworking.com/Feast-New-Milford for the creative criteria. If your project is selected to appear on the ballot, you will be allotted 10 minutes to present at FEAST New Milford. Makery Coworking is a Litchfield County-based coworking space that offers space to a community of professionals, including freelancers, “solopreneurs”, small businesses and nonprofits. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/FEASTNewMilford or Facebook.com/events/190807475024093. Location: Makery Coworking Space, 20 Bank St, New Milford.

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

Certiﬁcation & Accredited Programs in Reiki, Crystal Healing, & Shamanic Healing

Professional Space Clearing & Blessing for Homes, Land or Businesses

Group Events

Shamanic & Empath Workshops

Drum & Rattle Making Workshops

203-916-8381 | www. hunterhealinghands. com | hunterhealinghands@hotmail. com 8

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Discovering Sustainable Products and Services

ocumentary filmmaker Amy Kalafa and sustainable food advocate Analiese Paik have joined forces to create Sustainne, an online destination and community dedicated to sustainable living. They connect consumers who value sustainability with local businesses that stand out in their efforts to be socially and environmentally responsible. Consumers enjoy the ease and convenience of browsing and searching for local products and services that align with their values. The website platform offers non-toxic cosmetics and skin care, accessories made from recycled plastic bottles, and artists’ works. Organic products will be available from coffee bars, skin spas, farms and farmers’ markets, lawn and yard care companies, garden centers and more. Register as a free member to rate and review businesses; save your favorites for next time; and stay in the know about sustainable products, services and events via the newsletter. Business members become part of the Sustainne collective where they may collaborate, share, inspire, support and help each other grow sustainably. Memberships start at $150 a year for farms and nonprofits, and $300 a year for small businesses. For more information, visit Sustainne.com and click on “Add Listing”, or contact Analiese Paik at Analiese@Sustainne.com.

Massachusetts Medium Visits Monroe

ave you ever wanted to talk to someone on the other side? Is there someone who has passed to whom you never got to say good bye? On April 22 from 1 to 4pm, June Edward, “The Massachusetts Medium”, will hold A Night on the Other Side Mediumship Gallery in Monroe. Edward is a psychic medium who June Edward has mentored many people trying to find their way back in life, as well as people in high profile positions of power seeking advice and direction. She can help bridge the gap between the two worlds, helping individuals connect with departed loved ones, receive important information, facilitate people in the process of passing, and discover what lessons are to be learned in this life based on past life experiences. Edward also reads Akashic records, angel cards and destiny cards. She performs cord cutting and house clearings, and is a Certified Reiki Master. She works by phone and Skype for clients that are not local. For more information about June Edward, visit JuneEdward.com. For tickets go to, tinyurl.com/JuneEdwardCT. Location: Masonic Temple Washington Lodge, 1 Fan Hill Rd, Monroe.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Two Sessions: 10:30am - 2pm, or 5pm - 8:30pm Both Lectures include a panel discussion and guest speakers. Register: mentalguthealth.com (Events)

The “Mental Gut” Health Forum

Lecture and Q&A led by Brian R. Clement, PhD, LN “Today there is overwhelming science connecting the gut to the brain, and vice versa.” Learn How Your Gut Can Impact Your Mental Health One’s intestinal flora is a percolator for neurons. When this environment is in disarray, depression, anxiety, and fear take hold. Clement explains how many people suppressing their minds with medicine, often residing in institutions, just need to change their gut health. Panelists: Jane Gelsi, PhD, LCSW, psychotherapist; Dr. Robert Inesta, DC, L.Ac., functional medicine; and Elaine Zeitler, CHT, colon hydrotherapist.

The Westport Inn, 1595 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880 Cost: Earlybird $53 - After April 22nd $63 For questions, call: Francesca - 914-837-6830

Seeking Natural Solutions for Your Healthcare Needs? Natural Care for the Whole Body and Family From treating disease conditions to preventive healthcare, Dr. Jaquel believes in addressing the underlying cause of disease to resolve health issues.

Special Care for Special Issues “Explore natural medicine with me. Your health is my priority.” - Dr. Jaquel

Ingels Family Health

22 Fairfield Place Fairfield, CT 06824 www.ingelsfamilyhealth.com

Dr. Jaquel offers specialty care for autoimmune diseases and chronic immune dysfunction, Lyme disease, asthma and allergy, and childhood disorders.

Call for your FREE 10 minute Consultation

203-254-9957 April 2018

Inspiring Children in Business

news briefs

Healing the Earth, Healing Yourself

alley Spirit Cooperative and Wellness Center invites you to experience a weekend of learning ancient sacred ritual and meditation from April 27-29 in Washington Depot. Instructor John Jackson, director of the Chamma Ling solitary retreat center in the Sangre de Christo mountains of Colorado, will lead the three-day event. For thousands of years, the wise that have come before us have respected and connected with the forces of nature. If you yearn to reconnect, to live in harmony with the world we call our home, join for this weekend of learning ancient sacred ritual and meditation. You will work with the Tibetan smoke offering practices of sang chod and sur chod, and offerings to the beings of the waters to make peace with the forces of nature and with ourselves. These simple practices are done daily in Tibetan monasteries. Variations are performed throughout Asia by millions of people from all walks of life, lead to feelings of peace, connection, renewal and belonging in sacred Mother ESarth. The event will take place on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30pm, Saturday from 1:30 to 6:30pm, and Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30pm. The fee is $275 per person. Jackson has traveled throughout the world on sacred pilgrimage and retreat, and studied with many Tibetan masters. He teaches meditation and ritual throughout Europe, the Americas and online, and was a professor for over 20 years. For more information, visit ValleySpiritCoop.com/Event-WorkshopsHappenings. Location: Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. See ad, page 19.

ome be inspired by business-minded children at the Acton Children’s Business Fair, hosted by Woman’s Club of Greater New Milford. Observe the opportunity for them to launch a startup business on April 28 from noon to 4pm. Kids have an opportunity to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at the one-day marketplace. There will be 30 booths at this inaugural event. The business fair is sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Greater New Milford, the Acton Academy and the Acton School of Business with additional support from donors and volunteers. For more information, visit ChildrensBusinessFair.org/NewMilford. Location: Cafeteria of Sarah Noble Intermediate School, 25 Sunny Valley Rd, New Milford.

Global Unity Tour To Visit Westport

imrit’s Songs of Resilience 2018 Global Unity Tour is making a stop in Westport on April 19 with a live concert. Westport Country Playhouse will host the chant and world music event at 7:30pm. Simrit’s sound is hailed worldwide as haunting, hypnotic, healing and majestic. She is a student, practitioner and a certified teacher of Kundalini Yoga Simrit and Naad Yoga (the sciences of sound and consciousness). She is also a certified level II Reiki practitioner. Her highly acclaimed yoga of the voice and sound course, “The Supreme Sound”, continues to be studied by thousands worldwide. She records, composes, produces music, and tours with her band giving concerts and workshops across the globe. For more information and tickets, visit BrightstarEvents.net/ featured/simrit?loc=06880. Ticket prices range from $20 to $72.50. Location: Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Crt, Westport.

Experience a Unique Approach to Chiropractic Structural Optimization focuses on speciﬁcally addressing structural shifts in the spine that commonly cause secondary conditions.

When The Spine Shifts… Back Pain • Neck Pain • Herniated Discs Sciatica • Degeneration • Headaches Carpal Tunnel • Fibromyalgia • Ear Infections Immune and Digestive Problems Call 203.923.8633

to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Braglia.

Dr. Peter Braglia is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique.

7365 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614 | www.truehealthct.com | 203.923.8633 10

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Mantra Film Screening in Danbury

ANTRA – Sounds into Silence is a new feature-length documentary that charts the history, expansion and effect of the music and social phenomenon of group chanting, also known as kirtan. It focuses on everyday people who are finding healing and a sense of inner peace by singing mantras together with others. It features the artists and musicians that are driving this music-based movement with their performances around the world. This is a film about spirituality, not religion. It’s about people reconnecting with their true selves and finding meaning in their lives through events held by musicians like Deva Premal, Miten, Manose, Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur and others, as well as in local chanting groups spreading across the country. Miriam Zernis of Connecticut-based Sita’s Light Kirtan is bringing this film to the state on May 16 with a screening to be held at the AMC Theaters in Danbury. A live chanting experience with Zernis and her guest musicians will follow. For tickets, visit Gathr.us/Screening/ Reserve/22879 to reserve a seat for the Danbury screening by May 7. For more information on the film, go to MantraMovie.com. Location: Danbury 16, 61 Eagle Rd, Danbury.

Looking Glass Animal Rescue presents

Spring Penny Social and Sunday Brunch Sunday, April 22, 2018 12 pm - 3 pm

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Somers Community Center (34 Hillandale Road, Yorktown Heights, NY)

April 2018

news briefs

Calling All Sanctuary Book Worms

ewtown’s Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary’s next Sanctuary Book Worms book club meeting will be on April 29 from 1 to 2pm. Participants will discuss E. B. White’s novel, Charlotte’s Web, a story about a pig who becomes famous with the help of a spider named Charlotte. As you discuss this story of friendship and loyalty, readers will be transported via hayride through the sanctuary fields and paint their own magical spider web. Sanctuary Books Worms is a book club that explores the literary world of animals and the people that love them. Chosen selections represent Catherine Violet Hubbard’s favorite themes—the ones that would captivate her heart and transport her to a kinder, gentler world. All ages are welcome. Meetings are held quarterly in Newtown. For more information and to register, visit CVHFoundation. org/the-sanctuary/sanctuary-book-worms or Facebook.com/ events/181725055939901. Location: Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, Old Farm Rd, Newtown.

Natural Health

WorkWellWin Opens in Greenwich

& WELLNESS CENTER

Individualized Treatment Plans for Acute and Chronic Conditions Osteoarthritis & Joint Disorders • Back Problems Cholesterol Problems • Anxiety & Depression Fatigue, Insomnia & Weight Gain • Diabetes High Blood Pressure • Headaches & Migraine Upper Respiratory Conditions

LISA SINGLEY, N.D. Naturopathic Physician 203.874.4333

We accept most health insurance plans including Husky Health Connecticut

Schedule a consultation and receive 20% oﬀ all recommended supplements

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER 203.874.4333 2013 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 • www.nhawc.com 12

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

new coworking space has opened in downtown Greenwich. The WorkWellWin company provides collaborative work spaces with flexible terms for companies of all sizes. You can grow your business in one location or multiple locations. Spaces are built around core elements of wellness that address the design and operations of the buildings, and how they impact and influence human behaviors related to health and well-being. All locations provide amenities such as high-speed internet, professional printers, front desk service, mail and package handling, purified air, member-to-member social network, 24/7 secure access, wellness seminars, office supplies, conference rooms with telepresence, app-based reservation and payment system, social and networking events, meditation and mother’s rooms, and more. For more information, call 917-510-5130, email Membership@ WorkWellWin.com or visit WorkWellWin.com. New location: WorkWellWin, 330 Railroad Ave, Greenwich.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Music Together Family Concerts

Soul Focus Mela Rispoli

4th Generation Clairvoyant/Medium Reiki • Meditation • Guided Imagery • Group Sessions “Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your garden and decorate your soul.” ~ Mário Quintana

By appointment 203-570-3868 • mrispoli2@aol.com 145 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, CT

Gerry Dignan, “Uncle Gerry”

airfield County will host two interactive, family concerts on April 21 featuring Music Together staff and teachers. Music Together offers early childhood music and movement programs. Classes are available seven days a week for children up to 8 years old and their parents throughout Fairfield County. A Newtown performance will be held on April 21 from 10 to 11:30am, led by Julie Capuano, the director of Music Together of Monroe/Newtown LLCs. Jackie Jacobs, the director of Music Together of Fairfield County Inc., will host a Norwalk concert on April 21 from 3 to 5pm. Doors will open with warm-up events, including a children’s drum circle and other performances. Both concerts will feature favorite songs, dances and instrument play and encourage participation from all who attend. Families can play with their favorite egg shakers, scarves and ribbons while drumming along. The concerts will include a special guest appearance by recording artist Gerry Dignan (aka “Uncle Gerry”) and his wife (known as “Aunt Denise”). In addition to being a Music Together ambassador, Dignan is a skilled music facilitator, improvisation master and educator. Proceeds from the events will support Sandy Hook Promise and/or another nonprofit. Sandy Hook Promise is comprised of two nonprofits, SHP Foundation and SHP Action Fund; their missions involve finding sensible solutions to prevent gun violence and helping the community heal.

Holistic Psychotherapy

aligning the mind, body and spiri Traditional Psychotherapy

combiitnhed Holistic Healing Methods w

Anxiety • Depression • Relationship Issues • Trauma Grief & loss • Addictions • Self-Esteem To schedule an appointment with an experienced therapist, call: Sherry Minniti D’Elia, lCSw, Founder

203-655-4854 sherrymdelia@gmail.com | Darien, CT 06820 | holisticpsychotherapyct.com

Nora Jaya Healing Arts

Sessions \ Seminars \ Teachings

Jikiden Reiki • Alchemical Healing

Awakening awareness for true connection with life. Spiritual Counseling • Sound Healing

1(203)998-5292 Jaya@NoraJaya.com NoraJaya.com

Fairreld・ Stratford Locations

For more information about the Newtown concert, visit MusicTogetherCTClass.com. For more information about the Norwalk concert, go to tinyurl.com/MusicTogetherNorwalk.

You can print money to bail out a bank, but you can’t print life to bail out a planet. ~Paul Hawken

Massage Therapy

The Gift of Relaxation Specializing in: Swedish • Pregnancy • Injury • Infant Trigger Point • CranioSacral Therapy

Robin Ordan, LMT 203-561-8535

www.robinordanlmt.com Located on the Old Greenwich/Stamford Border April 2018

earth day events

Pierre Sabatelli/Shutterstock.com

Soul Synergy WellneSS Formerly 7e Fit Spa

Transformative treatments to support your lifelong physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual health.

New Moon Grand Opening

Transformative treatments to support your lifelong physical, mental, emotional spiritual SUNDAY , APRILand 29th, 12health. -7pm

Tarot Card readers, Workshops, Sound Chanting, Meet & greet, ending with a Full Moon Ceremony! Refreshments, Raffle & more

PLASTICS WARS

APRIL is the Month to Detox & Relieve Pain Discomfort! GROUP

FREE DEMOS!

Call or visit our website today for more information about all our events and workshops in April, and to view our complete array of services to enhance, support, and heal mind, body and spirit. Please RSVP to reserve your spot - we sell out quickly!

203-356-5822 • 1492 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT

Soulsynergywellness1114@gmail.com • SoulSynergyWellness.co

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

Celebrate Earth Day Locally and Globally

arth Day, on April 22, will serve again as a galvanizing force on ways to save our planet. With the theme of End Plastic Pollution, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is setting a specific focus this year on the importance of reducing the use of plastics and finding more Earth-friendly alternatives (EarthDay.org). The nonprofit notes that of the approximately 300 million tons of plastic annually produced to make bags, bottles, packages and other commodities worldwide, only about 10 percent is successfully recycled and reused. The rest ends up in landfills or as litter, leaching dangerous chemicals into soil and water, endangering humans and wildlife alike. EDN asks everyone to pledge to switch to sustainable alternatives, subscribe to its newsletter, spread the word via social media, educate and mobilize citizens to demand action, and donate to support the adoption of a global framework to regulate plastic pollution that will engage individuals, companies and governments worldwide. Further, EDN is extending people’s ability to take personal responsibility by self-rating and guiding their involvement via practical toolkits. “People can create and follow a plan to reduce their plastic footprint and also share that data to help others via the Billion Acts of Green online campaign,” says Valeria Merino, vice president of Global Earth Day, adding that participants will be able to create an ongoing record and track their commitments. The initiative is also providing materials, tips on organizing cleanup events and social media tie-ins. Help Fairfield and Litchfield County celebrate and forward progress in sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2018 events.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 21 BETHEL Community Earth Day Celebration

WASHINGTON DEPOT Washington Earth Day 5K and Sneaker Drive

he Bethel community will celebrate Earth Day by coming together from 10am to 3pm to build and support a healthy environment. The event will include local vendors, non-profit organizations, community groups, artists, craftspeople, farmers, animals and animal lovers, and others dedicated to environmental awareness and preserving our planet. Free to the public, this family-friendly event is sponsored by the Town of Bethel, Bethel Parks & Rec, and First Congregational Church of Bethel. For more information, call Heather McMillan at 203-743-1877 or email FCCbSecretary@ FirstChurch. Location: Lawn of the Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel.

STAMFORD ArborEarth Day at Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens

rom 10am to 3pm, Stamford’s Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens will welcome the public for a fun family festival. As the original home of Dr. Frances Bartlett, “the father of arboriculture”, the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is a prime location to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day. Families will enjoy listening to music, touring the Bartlett’s gardens, viewing tree climbing and planting demonstrations, and visiting booths to learn about gardening, nature and conservation. Kids will learn about backyard critters and pollinators, face painting, storytelling, composting, riding in a cherry picker, and crafting. This is a free event and lunch will be available for purchase. Located in north Stamford, Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is a living museum with majestic trees, gardens, wildlife, walking trails, natural habitats and landscapes. It serves as a recreational and educational resource for visitors, hosting a range of innovative classes, certificate programs in master gardening and arboriculture, gardening symposiums, summer concerts, garden tours, summer nature camp, and STEAM-based children’s school-day and after-school programs. For more information, call 203-883-4035 or email Mike Belletzkie at MBelletzkie@BartlettArboretum.org. Location: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford. See ad, page 23.

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he Washington Environmental Council and the Steep Rock Association invites you to celebrate Earth Day with a great 5K and shoe drive. Beginning at 9am, the 5K course meanders along the Shepaug River through the Steep Rock preserve on a dirt road with beautiful scenery. This mostly flat run is a great course for beginners and veterans alike. The end of the run will feature snacks, conversation and prizes. In honor of Earth Day, they ask all runners to bring their own water bottles. The event will also offer a sneaker drive. Please bring gently used sneakers tied together by the laces; all shoes will be donated through Woodbridge Running Company in Brookfield to the Rerun program. Rerun sends all donated sneakers to Africa to live a second life. Same-day registration for the 5K will take place from 7:30 to 8:45am. The individual cost to run or walk is $25. Kids 12 and under run free. For more information, call 860-868-9131. Location: Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot.

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WOODBURY 23rd Annual Earth Day Celebration

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 NEW MILFORD Fundraiser for Wildlife Line at Harrybrooke Park

ne of the largest Earth Day celebrations in Connecticut, the Woodbury Earth Day Celebration will take place from 11am to 4pm at Hollow Park. The event will offer attendees live music, food, an artisan market and earth-friendly activities for the entire family. Visitors will enjoy a lively vendor fair with over 100 local vendors, artisans, farmers and growers, and local area nonprofits. The Golden Button will present creative projects in the dedicated Kids’ Tent. Visitors can also take part in demonstrations and activities like a live birds of prey presentation, learn how to tie fishing flies with the Trout Unlimited, bond with rescue dogs at the Spotty Dog kissing booth, assemble a rain barrel, and more. The entertainment main stage will showcase many popular local musicians, and Bring the Hoopla will get visitors moving with their hula hoop zone. A diverse food court will serve favorite eats to help fuel attendees throughout the day. The Raffle for the River will benefit event host Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, a Woodbury-based environmental nonprofit. The raffle features seven prizes, including a Cannondale Adventure 2 Hybrid bike from Class Cycles in Southbury, a Mini-Max Big Green Egg from Woodbury Farm Market, a $500 gift card to New Morning Market and more. Raffle tickets are already on sale. The drawing will be held at Woodbury Earth Day (winner need not be present to win).

herman’s The Wildlife Line will be featured at the Earth Day event and fundraiser at Harrybrooke Park from 11am to 4pm. The Wildlife Line is a local wildlife rehabilitation center run by Debbie Corcione. During the event, Corcione will educate visitors about local wildlife, how humans should react and co-exist, and what it’s like to work with wild animals as a licensed rehabber. There will be a variety of farm animals and pets at the event, as well as demonstrations and education on proper animal care, information about local rescues, and animal adoptions. Local farms, alternative energy providers, holistic services and “green”focused businesses will be present for attendees to learn more about healthy choices, natural products, sustainability, relaxation techniques and alternative medicine. Other event highlights include a bee keeper, gardening tips, poisonous plant identification, awareness about ticks and sun protection. There is no cost to enter or park. The event will run rain or shine. The Wildlife Line’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife, and return them to their natural habitat.

For more information on Woodbury Earth Day, volunteer opportunities and Raffle for the River, call 203-263-0076 or visit WoodburyEarthDay.org. Location: Hollow Park, Hollow Rd, Woodbury. See ad, page 25.

For more information about the event, visit Facebook.com/Wildlifeline. Learn more about the nonprofit at TheWildlifeLine.org. Location: Harrybrooke Park, 100 Still River Dr, New Milford.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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TRUMBULL Discovery Hike

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rom 2 to 3pm, Trumbull Nature and Arts Center (TNAC) will host a free discovery hike for kids from four to 12 years of age. Visitors will learn about the three powers needed to be true a naturalist, and use binoculars to explore the trees and sky. TNAC provides children with art and nature programs, giving them the opportunity to experience enriching extracurricular activities. In our art programs, artists and various media are explored, allowing each student to display his or her natural creativity.

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Invitation to SEASONS Album Release Party in May, at SOUND Center for Arts, with proof of purchase from iTunes or Amazon.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 28 NEWTOWN Newtown Earth Day Festival

ewtown’s 11th Annual Earth Day Festival will be April 28 from 10am to 4pm in front of Newtown Middle School. The day will feature live music (bands, singing and drumming), activities for children and adults, a multitude of vendors, food, and educational and nature exhibits. For more information, visit Newtown Earth Day Festival on Facebook or NewtownEarth Day.org. Location: 11 Queen St, Newtown (in front of Newtown Middle School). See ad, page 34.

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health briefs

Good Posture Provides Stability for Mind and Body When the body is crooked or slouching, parts of the spine are being overloaded while other parts are doing very little. This imbalance wears and tears our joints, especially the neck, back, hips and knees. While we may not feel much strain at first, slowly but surely, we will begin to experience pain and show dysfunction. This will happen with increasing frequency as a direct response to poor posture. Most pain is not caused by a single traumatic event, but rather an accumulation of minor injuries. How we sit and stand every day are of the utmost importance. Do not accept mild aches and pain as normal; they are not. Slouching compromises lung capacity and can compress organs. Standing unevenly can erode the strength of our hips and knees. Rounded shoulders can set us up for rotator cuff tears. It is important to know that for every one inch the head is forward, an additional 10 pounds is loaded on our necks; this eventually compresses the discs and misshapes the bones in the cervical spine. Weight distribution on one side of the body versus the other side could be off by even large amounts and such uneven load is not good for the spine. When we then exercise, we are building muscle on a misaligned spine, working one side harder than the other. We need the body to work with us, not against; try aligning the spine first before building the muscle up. Just as poor posture is a habit, so is good posture. Here are some of the benefits of creating and maintaining optimal posture: decrease or eliminate, back and neck pain; prevent future problems; lengthen the spine for a taller and thinner appearance and increase lung capacity and function. It can increase vitality; effectively support the musculoskeletal system help you experience better sleep; lower blood pressure and decrease load on vital organs, including the heart, liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it can decrease bone spurs, herniations and disc bulges; improve agility and flexibility to move faster with ease and train more effectively; and ultimately, increase self-confidence and overall well-being. Everyone—regardless of age or physical level—can improve their posture, starting in the present moment. Bringing conscious awareness to the position and feeling of your body is the first step. Dr. Beverley Marr is a chiropractor in Stamford and a co-owner and co-inventor of the PurePosture orthopedic solution with Dr. Chris Sova. Connect at PurePosture.net.

Nature Videos Calm Prisoners

Maximum-security prison inmates in Oregon that spent an hour a day for a year watching nature videos were involved in 26 percent fewer violent acts compared with fellow inmates, and reported feeling significantly calmer, less irritable and more empathetic. The University of Utah study, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, states, “An estimated 5.3 million Americans live or work in nature-deprived venues. Such removal from nature can result in an ‘extinction of experience’ that can further lead to disinterest or disaffection toward natural settings, or even biophobia (fear of the natural environment). People that infrequently or never spend time in nature will be deprived of the numerous physical and emotional benefits that contact with nature affords.”

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Celebration Service Sundays at 10:30 am Open Mic Night - Apr 21st at 7 pm See all events in the calendar listings

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Air Pollution Linked to Psychological Distress Air pollution takes a toll on mental health, University of Washington researchers have concluded. By linking health data for 6,000 people to census tracts, they found that people living in areas with the highest levels of airborne fine particulate matter scored 17 percent higher in measures of psychological distress, including sadness, nervousness and hopelessness. The higher the level of particulates—emitted by car engines, fireplaces and fossil fuel power plants—the greater the impact.

High-Fat Diet Risks Multiple Sclerosis Relapse A high-fat diet increases the risk of relapse of multiple sclerosis in children by as much as 56 percent, reports The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. A multi-university study of 219 children also found that each 10 percent increase in saturated fat as a share of total calories tripled the risk of relapse. Inversely, each additional cup of vegetables per week cut the risk of the disease by 50 percent.

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Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

‘Sink’ Setback

Tropical Forests Releasing Excess Carbon

A study published in the journal Science found that forests across Asia, Latin America and Africa release 468 tons of carbon per year, equivalent to nearly 10 percent of the annual U.S. carbon footprint. Thus, tropical forests may no longer be acting as carbon sinks and could be releasing more carbon than they store. Lead author Alessandro Baccini, with the Woods Hole Research Center, in Massachusetts, says, “These findings provide the world with a wake-up call on forests. If we’re to keep global temperatures from rising to dangerous levels, we need to drastically reduce emissions and greatly increase forests’ ability to absorb and store carbon.” Researchers think nearly 70 percent of this loss of carbon storage capacity is caused by small-scale degradation from logging, drought and wildfire. Researchers say that policies to curb deforestation, reduce degradation and restore the integrity of the land could turn forests back into carbon sinks.

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global briefs

Waxworm Wonders

Caterpillars Offer Clues to Plastic Cleanup

Waxworms, a type of caterpillar, are vexing to beekeepers because they devour the wax that bees use to build honeycombs. It turns out that they can do the same to plastic. Ongoing worldwide research reveals several types of bacteria found in waxworms that digest some kinds of plastic at rates that vary from weeks to months. Scientist Federica Bertocchini, at the Spanish National Research Council, mashed up a quantity of the greater wax moth and applied the paste to polyethylene. After half a day, about 13 percent of the plastic had disappeared. She collaborated with biochemists at the University of Cambridge to analyze this chemical decomposition of the plastic. They discovered that some of the substance is converted into ethylene glycol, a sign that it was genuinely being degraded. The carbon-to-carbon bonds found in polyethylene are also present in the wax that the caterpillars eat. Susan Selke, director of the Michigan State University School of Packaging, remarks, “The hunt for organisms that can degrade plastics is on. Right now, we don’t have a good solution for dealing with the plastics that are piling up on our planet.”

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Window-Like Solar Cells Could Power 40 Percent of U.S. Needs

Solar energy is now the cheapest form of new energy in dozens of countries, with record-setting solar farms being built worldwide. Researchers have been investigating ways to make transparent solar panels that resemble glass that could be used as window panels at the same time as converting the light that shines on them into electricity. “Highly transparent solar cells represent the wave of the future for new solar applications,” explains materials scientist Richard Lunt, Ph.D., from Michigan State University. “We analyzed their potential and show that by harvesting only invisible light, these devices have the potential of generating a similar amount of electricity as rooftop solar while providing additional functionality to enhance the efficiency of buildings, automobiles and mobile electronics.” As reported in Nature Energy, his team has developed a transparent, luminescent, solar concentrator that looks like clear glass, covered in small, organic molecules adept at capturing only ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelengths of light. The visible light that enables human vision isn’t obstructed, so we can see through the cell. If scaled up to cover the billions of square feet of glass surfaces throughout the U.S., it could potentially supply about 40 percent of our country’s energy needs.

Top Polluters Photomontage/Shutterstock.com

Just 100 Companies Emit Most Global Emissions

In July 2017, historic new research from environmental nonprofit CDP, in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, revealed in The Carbon Majors Report that 71 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988 can be traced to just 100 fossil fuel producers. It’s the first in a series of planned publications to improve transparency and highlight the role companies and their investors could play in tackling climate change. Offenders ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies. If fossil fuels continue to be extracted at the same rate for the next 28 years as they were between 1988 and 2017, global average temperatures would be on course to rise by 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of this century, likely causing catastrophic consequences, including substantial species extinction and global food scarcity risks. Read the report at Tinyurl.com/CarbonTop100List.

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We Need Trees

Arbor Day More Vital Now than Ever

The 147th annual Arbor Day on April 27 encourages tree planting worldwide to replenish lost tree cover including trees wiped out in the recent fires in California and hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. The Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) is committed to providing 5 million trees in these areas alone. More than 3,400 U.S. communities will participate as an ADF Tree City. Visit Tinyurl.com/USATreeCityDirectory for a current list and criteria for new communities to apply. The ADF Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees.org) supports treegrowing programs for 200 nonprofit member groups nationwide via funding, information sharing and forging helpful connections. Trees are much more than aesthetics, says Program Manager Dana Karcher, who most recently welcomed Community Greening, in Delray Beach, Florida, and Outdoor Circle, in Hawaii, into the fold. “Trees clean the air, are a habitat for animals, retain storm water and more.” An affiliated nonprofit program online at NeighborWoodsMonth.org encourages tree planting each October. Billings, Montana, earned the latest Arbor Day Celebration Award after 12 elementary schools there engaged in environmental education stations and 180 volunteers planted and pruned trees. Other recent biannual award winners included California’s ReLeaf program and the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum. The need was great even before the world’s forests lost 73.4 million acres of tree cover in 2016, a 51 percent increase over 2015, due to poor forest management, climate change-driven drought and fires, says Global Forest Watch. Hopeful global signs: The largest-ever tropical reforestation project in the Brazilian Amazon aims to plant 73 million trees in the next six years on 70,000 acres. A New Zealand participation goal for the Billion Trees Planting Programme targets planting 100 million trees annually for a decade. In July 2017, volunteers in Madhya Pradesh, India, planted 66,750,000 tree saplings in 12 hours, exceeding the previous record by Uttar Pradesh of 50 million in 24 hours, as part of India’s reforestation pledge of 2 billion new trees by 2030. A $10 annual ADF membership fee includes 10, six-inch-tall seedlings to plant or to donate to a national forest. Karcher’s paramount planting tip: “Dig the hole twice as wide and the same depth of the root ball. If it’s too deep, it’ll suffocate. Give roots space to grow.”

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

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Tree Of Life Jerry LoFaro After ruling out his initial career choices of paleontologist, zoologist, baseball player and Good Humor ice cream man, Jerry LoFaro parlayed his lifetime interest in dinosaurs and other animals, fantasy, art history and literature into a successful career as an illustrator. His art—always striking and often humorous—has been featured on book covers for major publishers and in advertising and promotional campaigns for clients including Nike, Disney, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel and TIME magazine. Celestial Seasonings has commissioned LoFaro to create tea, coffee and seasonings package designs, even entrusting him to update the company’s famous icon, Sleepytime Bear. Among his many awards is the Gold Medal he was honored with from the Society of Illustrators in 2009. Recently, he was commissioned to create the official Earth Day 2013 Poster on the theme of big cat conservation. “Superficially, I’d describe my work as realism,” says LoFaro. “However, much of what I’ve done in content is conceptual, with surreal flourishes.” Prior to 2002, he worked primarily with acrylics; now, he uses Photoshop to create digital art. LoFaro also treasures the rural beauty of his New Hampshire surroundings and confides, “My life revolves around walking out to my studio in the woods, listening to great music and being creative.” View the artist’s portfolio and online store at JerryLoFaroDesigns.com.

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community spotlight

Black Rock Church Goes Organic

Landscape Conversion in Process

by Dennis Marc and Ariana Rawls Fine

hree years ago, members and the pastor of Black Rock Church set their sights on weaning the large Fairfield property off of pesticides and water-soluble fertilizers while moving toward more natural and efficient ways of maintaining its natural landscape. The entire conversion process began in spring of 2017 and will be completed by the fall of 2019. The goal of being completely organicmaintained by 2020 was set by and overseen by Dennis Marc, owner of Organic Solutions 2018, with Black Rock Church’s executive director, Pastor Jeremy Taylor. “There are many factors to consider before initiating a conversion from an established pesticide-dependent property to a pesticide-free one; cost is definitely one of them,” says Marc, “The first thing we did was to take the homes that are inhabited by some of the church’s staff and their families and provide a 100 percent organic alternative for their tick control needs.” The cedar oil used for these properties is nontoxic, and safe for families, pets 24

and the environment. However, due to its higher cost and the need for more frequent applications, the annual cost is much higher. Marc treated two acres of churchassociated properties with monthly cedar oil applications. On the main church property’s established lawn areas, the plan called for removing the majority of undesirable grasses and weeds. The soil was prepared for overseeding with disease- and insect-resistant grasses. To do so, the company deposited truckloads of untreated soil that contained compost as well as various combinations of topsoil, sand and clay. A key component of the project was establishing sustainability-focused drainage and irrigation along with the proper nutrient levels. With the help of Tony Teixeira, co-owner of the Bridgeport-based Three T’s Irrigation family business with his brothers, the church incorporated efficient water use management into the overall property plan. With many hard surfaces to contend with, including parking lot sections and land

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abutting Black Rock Turnpike, the team used underground space to connect three landscaped islands by linking 400 feet of 1-inch water lines underneath the asphalt via existing storm drains. With annual plants requiring as much water as a lawn, Melanie Fox of Fairfieldbased Oliver Nurseries (OliverNurseries. com) worked with the church and the nursery’s designers to configure the optimal mix of plants and trees on the property and in landscaped beds. With a degree in fine art and graduate work in landscape architecture, Fox is the perennial manager for Oliver Nurseries. The objective for the Black Rock Church property was to establish beautiful perennials and plants that, with proper fertilization, pruning and watering, would be pesticide-free and more self-sustaining within two seasons. As they were planning the plants, Marc and Fox needed to take into account when and how much the plants would bloom as well as how quickly the plantings might spread. Fox chose plants that would flower at slightly different times to attract pollinators and be visually appealing throughout the growing seasons. The hardy Hibiscus moscheutos is a water margin plant that is drought-tolerant once established, while several native species of black-eyed susans lend pops of vibrant color. The Pennisetum alopecuroides “Hameln” ornamental grass offers a pinkish-white bloom late summer through early fall. The design team also focused on simple and seasonally strong shrubs, such as the semi-dwarf variety of Hydrangea paniculata “Bokrathirteen”, or Sweet Sum-

mer. Boxwoods like Buxus semp “Green Gem” are semi-dwarf, low-maintenance evergreens that offer greenery year-round. Another reason for encouraging self-sustaining plants is the decrease in water usage, says Teixeira. “Beneficial bacteria are crucial to organic growing and maintenance. But town water is treated for bacteria, so it can counteract the effects. As the plants get established, the usage of town water goes down,” he says. Three T’s Irrigation installed an efficiency-focused combination of rotary sprinkler heads and driplines for the perennial plantings, trees and shrubs. With most of the plantings near the surrounding houses’ foundations, driplines were used to deter water issues with wood. In the upcoming phase of the project, they will be incorporating more driplines, including running lines to water baskets hanging on lampposts. A new technology tool Teixeira integrated to conserve water usage is a controller that communicates with weather stations. The basic program can be adjusted to water according to the weather; if there is rain coming, the watering system will stop. Although the automatic controller needs seasonal maintenance, it can be controlled by Marc and landscape volunteers. Prior to Oliver Nursery installing four new beds at the entrance way to Black Rock Church in the summer of 2017, a complete soil renovation was done. Over 60 yards of soil was removed and replaced with a similar combination of soil that was used for the lawn. With the changes made in 2017, the turf density increased and the amount of pesticide control needed decreased. In addition, applying microbial-release fertilizers versus water-soluble ones greatly lessened the production of weed and disease infestations. Cultivation and maintenance are also key for long-term success., says Marc. The maintenance staff at Black Rock Church has been properly trained in proper mowing practices and equipment maintenance. Black Rock is now planning to continue to add more pesticide-free gardens and lawn areas this growing season with the help of Oliver Nursery, Three T’s Irrigation and dozens of volunteers from the congregation.

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Black Rock Church is a non-denominational evangelical church located at 3685 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield. For more information about the church, call 203-255-3401 or visit BlackRock.org. Dennis Marc is the owner of Organic Solutions 2018. Connect at 203-668-6448. Ariana Rawls Fine is editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley, CT and New Haven/Middlesex Counties, CT. She resides in Stratford with her family. April 2018

Mother Earth’s Energy Centers Locating and Tapping Into the Earth Chakras

by Robin Clare

ur seven major human energy chakras begin at the base of the spine and end at the crown of our head. They are connected by a current of life force energy (known as kundalini or prana) that flows between and through each one. Given that planet Earth is a living, breathing organism like us, it should make sense that she would have her own set of energy chakras. And yet, few people seem to know about these interesting locations and the purpose of the earth chakras. The seven major earth chakras are connected through ley lines that create an energy field around the entire planet. The ley lines carry wisdom from Mother Earth to her inhabitants. Imagine how your life might expand if you were to consciously align your seven major human energy chakras with the earth’s seven major chakras. By examining a flat map of the world, you will see two major ley lines intersecting to form an infinity symbol and connecting at the earth’s major chakra sites. One major ley line is feminine and is called the Rainbow Serpent. The second major ley line is masculine, and is called the Plumed, or Quetzalcoatl, Serpent. In this article we’ll explore the earth chakras to gain deeper appreciation of how to integrate the earth chakra energy with human chakra energy. This is important because the intention for both earth and human energy chakras is the same—to keep all life grounded and healthy. 26

The Root Chakra e first chakra of Mother Earth is Mt. Th Shasta, a mountain in Northern California. It is here that the Rainbow Serpent enters the chakra process and activates the earth and your root chakra. Mt. Shasta is the primal chakra of the world’s energy system. At Mt. Shasta, the universal life force is gathered before being formed into every living thing on earth. Mt. Shasta is like a geyser, spouting a huge uprush of prana into global circulation before it is embodied in various forms, just like kundalini energy surges upward in your own energy system. In the human energetic field, this first chakra, or the root chakra, is responsible for your sense of safety and security on this earthly journey. Balancing the root chakra creates the solid foundation for opening the other six chakras.

The Sacral Chakra The second chakra of the earth is located on three points of a triangle located in two South American countries. It is centered on the Island of the Sun in Lake Titicaca, high in the Andes Mountains. Here, positive life forms and evolutionary advancements are “birthed” that will take us into the future. The other corners of the second earth chakra triangle are Cuzco and Machu Picchu, in Peru.

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Lake Titicaca contains two sacred islands, the Island of the Sun (masculine) and the Island of the Moon (feminine), all represented for you to work on your inner balance of your own divine masculine and feminine. This is where the Rainbow Serpent (female) and Quetzalcoatl Serpent (male) meet to balance and unify their masculine and feminine energies. The sacral chakra in the body is represented by a still crystal-clear pool that holds the sacred feminine and sacred masculine in balance. To have the sacral represented by Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world, with stories of a hidden city at its base, is an interesting correlation.

The Solar Plexus Chakra The third chakra of the earth is in Australia’s Northern Territory at Uluru, or Ayers Rock, the name used to describe the huge red monolith. Its sister rock formation, Kata Tjuta has many large red stones rather than just one. Here, the solar plexus of the globe functions to keep up Earth’s vitality and that of all the species on the planet. The Rainbow Serpent comes up from beneath the earth to emerge at Uluru, which then “sings” a special song that moves on to Kata Tjuta. In Dreamtime legends of the Aborigines, it is said that this umbilical cord of the planet will one day unite heaven and earth. The Solar Plexus is all about family, passion and creativity, and the ancient culture of the Aborigine has an abundance of this. Through their art, dance and stories, we can heal and enrich our solar plexus and that of the world family. As in the human energetic field, the third or solar plexus chakra is representative of the emotional energies critical to enjoyment of life.

The Heart Chakra e heart chakra is located at the green Th and pleasant land, as described in William Blake’s “New Jerusalem”, or Glastonbury. It holds the divine green of the heart chakra, so healing and abundant. The Rainbow Serpent sweeps through the sacred sites there, such as the Tor at Glastonbury and the Avebury Stone Circle.

Glastonbury is known as the center of the Holy Grail, while Shaftesbury holds the Sacred Spear of Purpose. When these two massive earth energies merge, the Rainbow Serpent will carry the Holy Grail frequency around the world. In this unique time, we can also open our hearts and help to heal the earth. Glastonbury Tor’s connection to the heart is also with the seven holy springs that pump out the crystal-clear waters. By purifying Mother Earth’s fluids, we are balancing the masculine and feminine. By connecting to our own corresponding heart chakra, we find our internal balance and connect to abundant resources for our lives.

The Throat Chakra The fifth chakra of the earth is shared between the Great Pyramids of Egypt and Mt. Olives in Israel. It beckons us to listen to and respect the Earth and communicate our truth. This is the only chakra that is not found along a ley line, but it is in the exact center of Earth’s land mass. Between the ancient cultures of Egypt and Israel, we will find a balance within the throat chakra that will help heal the difficulties that define the turmoil in the Middle East. By honoring the throat chakra of the earth, we can create a new world unity for all religions and cultures. By connecting to the earth’s throat chakra, you will able to project your affirmations of love out to

the world and to your inner world through vibrating sounds in your throat.

The Third Eye Chakra The third eye of the earth is related to the shifting of consciousness. The third eye chakra moves 1/12th around the globe approximately every 2,230 years, with the procession of the equinox. These days, the sixth chakra is in Western Europe, conjunct with the heart chakra. This Aeon Activation Center will next be in Brazil. In the same way that your third eye enables higher dimension energies to interact with you, so does this chakra of the earth. For our purposes, we are following the higher dimensional energies to the extraordinary energies of Scotland. The Celtic regions are known for their support in honoring the teachings of the highest forms of consciousness on the planet. Your third eye connects you to all forms of higher consciousness, from angels to spirit guides to ascended Beings. By aligning with the earth’s third eye, you will shift your consciousness to greater connection to non-physical support Beings for your unique life on planet Earth. Through this greater connection, you may serve Mother Earth in a far more expansive manner.

The Crown Chakra The crown chakra is in Mt. Kailash (Tibet), and is where the Rainbow Serpent and

Plume Serpent are released into the world and the stars. Mt. Kailash, the “roof of the world”, is the most sacred of the Himalayan Mountains and represents the crown of creation. Ancient mystic teachings reveal that there is a Lost Chord of Creation. In terms of the earth chakras, Mt. Kailash sounds the note of praise of the sacred, Glastonbury sounds the note of love, and Uluru and Kata Tjuta sing of thanks-giving. When these three notes are combined into one force, the world will harmonize into the future. By connecting your crown chakra to the energies of Mt. Kailash, you will experience the sacredness of your life’s journey. The way of the Tibetan Monk is very silent and still, as is the sense in your crown chakra. You will realize the very personal nature of your spiritual journey and the reflection will complete the experience so perfectly, that your mind, body, spirit and soul will rejoice. Robin Clare is the co-founder of EarthChakra.tours, with Tor Webster. Together, they have designed seven extraordinary adventures to sacred sites across the globe, commencing in 2019 and ending in 2022. To learn more, visit EarthChakra.tours or call 860-232-3331. Registration for each trip begins 12 months in advance of the trip date.

April 2018

healing ways

2018 EDITORIAL CALENDAR

~Aristotle

' MAY

Women s Health Issue • Natural Care First • Life-Balance

Positive JUNE • Creating Patterns • Natural Beauty

Nutrition Issue • Autoimmune

JULY Autopilot

• Inflammatory Triggers

Parenting AUG • Soulful • Generational Healing

Body Movement Issue • Expressive Arts &

SEPT Movement

• Livable Communities

Pain Guide OCT •• Chronic Joint Health

Health Defense Issue

Wellness NOV •• Proactive Healthy Home of Community DEC •• Spirit Reflection & Intention

IN EVERY ISSUE...

Touching the Earth The Healing Powers of Going Barefoot

by Martin Zucker

elanie Monteith, of San Diego, California, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 24 and plagued by symptoms for 14 years. Simple daily tasks became challenging. She relied on walking aids and walls to keep from falling. Eventually, she quit her job. Every day tested her survival skills. Then, in late 2017, Monteith tried grounding and it changed her life. Grounding, also called Earthing, refers to the discovery of major health benefits from sustained contact with the Earth’s natural and subtle electric charge. Recent research published in the Journal of Inflammation, Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, Neonatology and Health indicates that grounding stabilizes the physiology in many ways, drains the body of inflammation, pain and stress, and generates greater well-being. Grounding can be as simple as going barefoot in nature, including the backyard, for 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a day on surfaces like grass, soil, gravel, stone and

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sand. If this isn’t practical, special grounding mats and pads are available online for convenient indoor use while sitting or sleeping; people with compromised health often benefit from more time being grounded. The activity restores a primordial electric connection with the Earth that has been lost with modern lifestyles. We wear shoes with insulating, synthetic soles and live and work elevated above the ground. These overlooked lifestyle factors may contribute to increasing global rates of chronic illnesses. Grounding revitalizes us, akin to charging a weak battery, because our bodies operate electrically and our movements and thoughts are based on electrical signals. We are bioelectric beings. Eighteen years of grounding research in a variety of indoor settings, plus grassroots feedback from around the world, clearly show that our bodies operate more effectively when grounded. We sleep better, have less pain, more energy and even look better. Here are some of the documented benefits.

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In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.

Reduction of chronic inflammation “Inflammation is intimately linked to most chronic and aging-related diseases,” says Gaétan Chevalier, Ph.D., a visiting scholar at the University of California, San Diego, who has conducted multiple grounding studies. “Grounding seems to be nature’s way to reduce inflammation.”

Enhanced blood flow Thick, sludgy blood is a common feature of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Several grounding studies have demonstrated a significant decrease in blood viscosity and enhanced blood flow. “Grounding represents a potent circulation booster; a simple, yet profound preventive and therapeutic strategy,” says integrative cardiologist Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, of Manchester, Connecticut, co-author of the book Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever!

Decreased stress Tracy Latz, a medical doctor and integrative psychiatrist in Mooresville, North Carolina, has found, “Patients with anxiety issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression, often benefit from grounding.”

Improved vagus nerve function The vagus nerve connects with and regulates key organs,

including the lungs, heart and intestines. In one study, doctors at the Penn State Children’s Hospital, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, grounded hospitalized premature infants and documented improved vagal function that could potentially boost resilience and reduce complications. “These babies have a lot of health challenges,” observes Dr. Charles Palmer, former chief of the center’s division of newborn medicine. “It seems that they are more relaxed when grounded.” More research is needed. Within a few months of grounding both day and night, Monteith’s disease symptoms receded dramatically. Her balance and stability improved when standing and walking. She sleeps more deeply and has more energy. An eye issue for which there is no drug subsided. She says her health continues to improve and she looks forward to living each day. Troy Baker, a recovery consultant for special populations and chief program officer of the nonprofit Adapt Functional Movement Center, in Carlsbad, California, who has been overseeing Monteith’s exercise training schedule, has observed a reduction in the effects of multiple sclerosis since she started grounding. “Her body is more fluid, not as stiff. She moves much better, with increased energy and stamina.” For more information on grounding, visit EarthingInstitute.net. Martin Zucker, a former Associated Press correspondent, has written about alternative medicine for 40 years and is co-author of the book Earthing.

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Why a Warming Planet is Harming Our Health

by Lisa Marshall

amantha Ahdoot’s son Isaac was 9 years old when he collapsed from the heat while playing clarinet at band camp. It had been a record-hot summer following a mild winter and early spring, and Dr. Ahdoot, an Alexandria, Virginia, pediatrician, had already noticed a string of unusual cases: A toddler had contracted Lyme disease in the once tick-free region of Northern Maine. A teenager had suffered an asthma attack in February, a full month before she usually started taking allergy medicine. A displaced grade-schooler from out of town arrived traumatized after fleeing a hurricane-ravaged home with her family. But it wasn’t until she saw her son laying on a gurney in the emergency room with an IV in his arm that she fully connected the dots.

“I was aware that the weather had changed a lot since I was kid. But it really didn’t hit home until that day that climate change could affect my health and the health of my children personally,” recalls Ahdoot. “I realized it would be a betrayal of my duty as a pediatrician to sit back and do nothing about it.”

Health Care Alert

Ahdoot, now a vocal climate change activist, is among a growing number of healthcare professionals that have begun to reframe climate change not as a concern for elsewhere or the future, but as a pressing U.S. public

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Healthy Climate, Healthy People

health issue today. In one recent survey of 1,200 allergists, 48 percent said climate change is already affecting their patients a “great deal” or a “moderate amount.” In another survey of lung specialists, 77 percent said they were seeing patient symptoms grow more severe due to worsening climate-related air quality. In a sweeping review published last October in The Lancet medical journal, a team of healthcare professionals proclaimed that the human symptoms of climate change are “unequivocal and potentially irreversible,” noting that since 2000, the number of people in the United States exposed to heat waves annually has risen by about 14.5 million, and the number of natural disasters annually has increased 46 percent. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also begun to weigh in with a Climate-Ready States and Cities Initiative to help local health departments brace for everything from the hazardous air quality associated with more forest fires to the spread of vector-borne diseases like Zika and West Nile as the range and season of mosquitoes and ticks expands. Meanwhile, groups like the newly formed and expansive Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, to which Ahdoot belongs, are being proactive. Its doctors are greening their offices, swapping cars for bikes, buses or carpooling, lobbying lawmakers and encouraging their patients to undertake measures to prevent the problem from worsening. In the process, they say, they might even improve their own health. “We want the public to understand that climate change is not just about polar bears or receding glaciers in the Arctic, but also about our children and our health here and now,” says Ahdoot.

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Flora and Fauna Issues

During the past century, average temperatures have increased between 1.3 and 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit, with annual increases accelerating in recent years as 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017 all set records for ambient heat. Such rising temperatures, combined with increased rain and record-high atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, can have a significant impact on plants— both those that irritate or nourish us, says Howard Frumkin, a medical doctor who co-authored the Lancet report and teaches environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington, in Seattle. Wild, allergy-inducing plants like ragweed and poison ivy are flourishing. Poison ivy is growing faster, larger and more toxic as excess carbon prompts it to produce more of its rash-inducing compound, urushiol. “We are seeing the season for ragweed productivity expanding, with pollen levels rising higher and earlier and lasting longer by several weeks,” advises Frumkin. In 2016, residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota, endured a ragweed season that was 21 days longer than in 1990. Other, desirable crops, like grains, do worse in hotter carbonrich climes, producing less protein and other nutrients, Frumkin notes. Meanwhile, bugs are thriving, with longer seasons and wider ranges in which to reproduce. Mosquitoes’ capacity to transmit dengue fever— the world’s fastest-growing mosquitoborne illness—has risen by 11 percent since 1950, more than half of that just since 1990, according to the Lancet report. Further, the tick that carries Lyme disease is now present in 46 percent of U.S. counties, up from 30 percent in 1998. “My physician colleagues used to treat two or three cases a month during tick season,” says Dr. Nitin Damle, a physician at South County Internal Medicine, in Wakefield, Rhode Island.

Five Steps to Take Today

Swap tailpipes for pedals: Bike or walk instead of driving, especially for distances of less than two miles, which comprise 40 percent of all car trips. A study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that if everyone did this in just 11 cities in the Midwest, not only would carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions fall, but it would extend 1,300 lives and save $8 billion in healthcare costs due to better air quality and less sedentary lifestyles.

Eat less red meat: Producing

red meat results in five times more climate-warming emissions per calorie than chicken, pork, dairy or eggs, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. It also creates 11 times more emissions than the production of potatoes, wheat or rice. Eating less red meat can also decrease an individual’s risk of certain cancers.

Encourage hospitals and doctors’ offices to go green:

The healthcare system is responsible

“Now each of us sees 40 to 50 new cases each season.”

Heat Pollution

Rising heat can also aggravate lung conditions because it promotes the production of ozone, a major lung irritant. With prolonged heat often come wildfires. When one burned for three months in North Carolina in a recent summer, researchers discovered that residents of counties affected by the smoke plume showed a 50 percent increase in emergency trips due to respiratory illness. Like Isaac, more kids are ending up in hospitals due to soaring temperatures, with U.S. emergency room visits for heat illnesses up by 133 percent between 1997 and 2006. Ahdoot recalls a young football player from Arkansas that showed signs of weakness and fatigue during practice, but wasn’t treated right away. He ended

for about 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent study by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine, in New Haven, Connecticut. Boston-area hospitals recently slashed their overall emissions by 29 percent in five years.

Plant more trees: As they grow, trees remove carbon dioxide from the air. Being around green space has also been shown to boost mental and cognitive health.

Show compassion: Americans,

per capita, emit six times more CO2 than the global average, according to research by Jonathan Patz, a medical doctor who directs the Global Health Institute at the University of WisconsinMadison. In a TED Talk, he observed that U.S. lower-income populations and those in developing countries are often hit hardest by gaseous emissions. “Those most vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change are often the least responsible,” he says. “Doing something about this is a matter of compassion.”

up with heat stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary edema and ultimately required kidney dialysis. “Every summer now, I see the impacts of increasing temperatures and heat waves on kids,” she says. Climate change can also impact mental health, according to a recent review by the American Psychological Association. Exposure to natural disasters can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Plus, according to research institutions including the University of California, San Diego, and Iowa State University, chronic heat, especially at night, can interfere with sleep and even lead to aggressive behavior. Then there’s the worry about what to do about it, and whether it will be enough. “When you talk with people about what is affecting them, climate is definitely one of the things stressing them out,” says Thomas Doherty, Psy.D., a psychologist April 2018

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in Portland, Oregon. “There’s a sense of mystery and powerlessness around it that weighs on people.”

Fresh Perspective, New Hope

Mona Sarfaty, a family physician who is now director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, attests that 69 percent of Americans are aware that climate change is occurring, and more than half agree that human activities are at least partly to blame. Yet only a third believe it could ever harm them personally. “So much of the early focus was on the receding glaciers and the penguins,” she says. “People today still think it will affect ‘those other people over there,’ but not them.” She agrees with the recent focus on imminent health issues, and is encouraged that a growing number of healthcare professionals feel it’s their duty to inform their patients about climate change to mobilize action. “When you talk about climate change not only in terms of the health impact it has on individuals and families, but also in terms of the real-time benefits of taking action against it, people are a lot more interested in doing something,” says Sarfaty. For instance, shifting to clean energy sources like wind and solar instead of coal can effect better air quality and easier breathing now. Cycling or walking to work rather than driving can reduce carbon emissions, boost feel-good brain chemicals and keep weight in check. Writing letters to editors or attending rallies to urge lawmakers to pass climate-friendly policies can not only fend off the anxiety and depression that comes with feeling helpless, but also effect real change. Ahdoot is taking these steps now. She has solar panels on her roof, is assisting the local hospital to reduce its carbon footprint, takes public transportation to work and encourages her kids to walk whenever possible. “I don’t feel powerless at all. I feel empowered and optimistic,” she says. “The more we know, the more we are moved to act. We can all do something small every day to protect our climate.” Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

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When we choose to stand in the circle of unity, there is strength. Each of us has an important part to play in the circle of life to sustain precious relationships among people, Earth and spirit for ourselves, our children and future generations.

inspiration

Power of Healing

INDIGENOUS WISDOM Elders Urge Us to Reimagine Life by Anita Sanchez

irst, 27 indigenous elders from 23 North American tribes, two African tribes, a Tibetan Buddhist and a Sami from Finland gathered at Turtle Mountain, in Dunseith, North Dakota, in 1994. Recently, 13 elders from 10 tribes from Russia, Columbia, South Africa and the U.S. gathered in Kauai, Hawaii. Other such gatherings, too, are participating in a shared prophecy supporting world salvation. They offer humanity four sacred gifts of wisdom rooted in their life experiences. This is our invitation to receive them.

Power to Forgive the Unforgivable

Forgiveness is releasing ourselves from the prison of pain, hurt or mistreatment. It takes courage and self-love to do this. The reward of this act is freedom to use our energy to create what is life-giving to our self and the lives of those we touch.

Power of Unity

This is a time for us all to become and remain united and steadfast, repairing the world from the misuse of power and greed.

Indigenous elders tailor their healing practices to the whole human being, using good medicine, defined as anything or anyone that brings into positive alignment the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical levels. Healing can take many forms, based on tradition, the healer, patient and nature, yet four basic elements or practices are consistent: listening, supportive relationships, unconditional love and committing to creative, positive action.

Power of Hope Hope springs from the choice to tap into an infinite energy source. It may not be understood by modern science, but indigenous wisdom keepers behold an inner certainty of something bigger than us all. When we open ourselves to hope, it is possible to release the pressure and desire to try to know something about everything, and instead free our imagination to create expansive possibilities. Anita Sanchez, Ph.D., is a transformational leadership consultant, speaker, coach and author of the new book, The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times, from which this was adapted. For videos and a song, visit FourSacredGifts.com.

Your subconscious mind has the answers to achieve what you want. NsǋǼÞ¯Þs_ Nǻ Ǌs¶ÞǣǼsǋs_ NŸŘǣȖĶǼÞŘ¶ ËɴƼŘŸǼÞǣǼ NsǋǼÞ¯Þs_ ƻǋŸ¯sǣǣÞŸŘ Ķ NŸ OÌ NsǋǼÞ¯Þs_ ǊsĶ ǼÞŸŘǣÌÞƼ NŸ OÌ NsǋǼÞ¯Þs_ Dsǋs ɚsŎsŘǼ NŸ OÌ r®ǻ ƻǋ OǼÞǼÞŸŘsǋ ● ǊsÞĨÞ ƻǋ OǼÞǼÞŸŘsǋ ōsŘǼ Ķ ®ÞǼŘsǣǣ NŸ OÌ Althea Founder and director of Universal Intelligence, LLC

Are you saying yes to any of these in your life? Call ǊsĶ ǼÞŸŘǣÌÞƼǣʳʳʳɠÌ Ǽ _Ÿ Ý _Ÿ ŘŸɠʷ ɟsÞ¶ÌǼ ĶŸǣǣʳʳʳOĶÞsŘǼǣ ĶŸǣs ɠsÞ¶ÌǼ s ǣÞĶɴʳ ǢǼǋsǣǣ Ŏ Ř ¶sŎsŘǼʳʳʳÞŘ OŸŘǼǋŸĶʰ O ĶŎʳ rŎŸǼÞŸŘ Ķ Ǽǋ ȖŎ ʳʳʳǋsĶs ǣÞŘ¶ ǼÌs s¯¯sOǼǣ Ÿ¯ Ǽǋ ȖŎ ʳ EȖǣsʳʳʳǋsOŸ¶ŘÞʊsʰ ǣǼŸƼʰ ¶Ÿ ¯Ÿǋɠ ǋ_ʳ ƻ ÞŘ OŸŘǼǋŸĶʳʳʳƼÌɴǣÞO Ķʰ sŎŸǼÞŸŘ Ķʰ OÌǋŸŘÞOʰ OȖǼsʳ Ës ĶÞŘ¶ ŎsŎŸǋÞsǣʳʳʳĶsǼǼÞŘ¶ ¶Ÿʳ

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wise words

Paul Hawken

Shares a Plan to Reverse Global Warming by Linda Sechrist

or author Paul Hawken, a leading environmental entrepreneur working with a coalition of research fellows, advisors and expert reviewers, the climate goal is drawdown, or reversing global warming—the point in atmospheric time when the concentration of greenhouse gases peaks and begins to decline on a year-to-year basis. Hawken edited Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, a compendium of the 100 most substantive solutions that already exist.

What are the top 10 solutions? The top 10 solutions, in order, are: refrigerant management, wind turbines, reduced food waste, plant-rich diet, tropical forests protection, educating girls, family planning, solar farms, silvopasture—the intentional combination of trees, forage plants and livestock as an integrated, intensively managed system— and rooftop solar. All 100 are listed at Drawdown.org/solutions-summary-byrank.

Why is drawdown the goal? If we don’t name the goal, we are unlikely to achieve it. To date, language like mitigation, stabilization and reduction has been used to address climate change. These goals are not particularly ambitious and will do little to preserve civilization. Those verbs are about slowing the amount of released gases, but do not reverse them. If you are going the wrong way down a road which heads straight over a cliff, slowing down is not a helpful goal. We need to turn around, and that is what drawdown research is all about.

ing solutions. They modeled the impact the solutions will have if they continue to scale in a rigorous, but reasonable way, and what the cost and profits would be. All carbon data was based on peerreviewed science. Economic data came from respected international institutions like the World Bank. The goal of the book was to present the findings and describe the solutions in ways that fascinated and informed, accompanied by images that enlivened and inspired.

Why and how did you do the research? We wanted to know if it was game over with respect to global warming, or could we reverse the buildup of greenhouse gases with techniques and practices already underway? We gathered a qualified and diverse group of 70 researchers from around the world to identify, research and model the 100 most substantive exist-

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Did any of the solutions surprise you? None of the solutions surprised us, but their rankings did. For example, educating girls, number six, has a dramatic bearing on global warming. Women with more years of education have fewer, healthier, children and actively manage their reproductive health. Educated females realize higher wages and greater upward mobility, contributing to economic growth. Education is the most powerful lever available

for breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty while mitigating emissions by curbing population growth. Ranked seventh, family planning, particularly in low-income countries, impacts world population. For women to have children by choice rather than chance and to plan their family size and spacing is a matter of autonomy and dignity. Together, these two solutions would account for significant reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. The United Nations estimates a difference between the high and median population projections in 2050 of 10.8 billion versus 9.7 billion. The difference is almost entirely determined by availability of family planning.

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Are you optimistic about achieving the goal? Drawdown is not about optimism, hope or pessimism. It is a reality project. The science on climate change is amazing, if not stunning. It is the best problem statement humanity has ever created, which I see as a gift, not a curse. Global warming is feedback from the atmosphere. The Earth is a system, and any system that does not incorporate feedback fails. It holds true for our body, ecosystems, social systems and economic systems. The knowledge of global warming and its potential impacts is creating huge breakthroughs in energy, transport, agriculture, housing, urbanization and materials. If it wasn’t for the science of climate change, we would be destroying our planet faster than we already are. Focusing repeatedly on the problem does not solve the problem. Diagnosis is not prognosis unless we give up. The science of what will happen if we do not act has been here for a long time. What Drawdown points out is that humanity is on the case. The plan we refer to in the book’s subtitle is not our plan; we found a plan being activated by the collective intelligence of humanity. This is a different story than one of gloom and doom. It is a story of innovation, creativity and generosity—that is who we are. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

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green living

Biologic Architecture Provides Energy

A Conversation with Richard Hetherman III about creating a biodome

iologic architecture uses the properties of the frequency of shape—as seen in cymatics—and properties of materials (paramagnetics and dielectrics) to design a life-enhancing building. The intention and effect of this can be experienced in sacred spaces like cathedrals. Nature shows that the energy produced by an egg shape made of eggshell helps the growth of living things. We can produce this same energy in our homes. These are the physics of feng shui, and it affects more than our living rooms. Natural Awakenings sat down with Richard John Hetherman III, founder of HethermanHealth.org, to chat about his trip to South Africa to join a group creating a biodome structure.

Can you give an example of the power of biologic architecture? On route to the biodome build in South Africa, a synchronistic 13-hour layover in Paris led us to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is one of the prime examples of biologic architecture in the world. In the aisle seat, close to the center point of the room, you can feel chilling goosebumps throughout the body during the organ concerto. That is the biofeedback that lets us know and feel the secrets of that great work.

Can you describe the basis for your South African biodome collaboration? The saying goes, “as above. so below.” The body is the internal 36

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temple, and the external temple needs to benefit the body. This is the basis of our Bioveda workshop that we held with the help of UbuntuPlanet.org and OneSmallTown.org in South Africa over a two-week period in mid-February 2018. We are building a home that is completely symbiotic and integrated with nature. This home, called a biodome, is based on the phi ratio; it is made from sandbags and aircrete—ideally the material used would be hempcrete. This shape and material will allow the energy of feng shui to be produced so one will feel relaxed in and around the house. This energy will also enhance the health of surrounding soil, living organisms and groundwater. The home is self-reliant and automated, meaning that the water, food, waste and energy needs are all being produced and regulated by the home itself. So all the owner has to do is build and maintain it. In one Ubuntu small-town initiative, they partnered with Langenburg Technologies for a solution for treating all waste, purifying and energizing water, and producing all electricity off the grid. The community grows their own food, and all the basic necessities will be taken care of. When this approach is more common, only then will real progress and evolution be allowed to occur.

Tell us more about the build itself. Day zero of the biodome build, 15 students were shown around the curator’s house. He is in the process of turning it into a selfreliant bio-home. He explained how the water system works. Water is collected, filtered, charged and imploded to make living, structured water. This water has the same vibrational physics as bio-architecture as explained by Dr. Gerald Pollack in his recent book, The Fourth Phase of Water. The water is stored in egg-shaped tanks. The sewage water and grease trap are fed under the soil and wetland for a permaculture garden. The property runs on solar power with a back-up generator just in case. The back of the main house, which will become a bio-architecture and permaculture school, is the building site for the biodome. The underground water reservoir and sandbag foundation has already been laid out. While eating dinner, we shared introductions and goals. Our collective vision was to get this self-reliant, automated community living knowledge and practice communicated to anyone anywhere in the world through education. Once we have the shelter, water, food and power, then we can take the time for our “bliss practices”, such as music, dancing, energy exercises, meditation, yoga, tai chi, tantra, imagination and invention. The end goal is growing our spirit/soul/aura/life force. All of this is facilitated by the life-love energy-producing bioshelter, biodynamic food and living water. These are the basics of living, so we need to perfect and master the foundation first before we move onto what’s next.

How did the build begin? We made the aircrete to form the structure on the first day. It took about a week for us to perfect the aircrete mix; hempcrete is a better material that will be used in all future builds. This super-adobe “ecodome”-building method was originally designed by Nader Khalili, an award-winning architect who focuses on sustainable

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solutions to human shelter. Our workshop curator learned this method from Khalili’s institute (CalEarth.org). The method consists of material-filled superadobe bags placed in a circle. Barbed wire is weaved onto the bags to form a tensile ring for optimal structural strength. At a certain height, the next bags are placed slightly inside the previous bag, eventually forming the egg-shaped dome. A small opening at the top of the form is capped with a fabricated form with pent or hex geometry. The pent (5) shape works well for distribution of energy, which would work well for the growing and ripening of food. The hex (6) shape works well for isolation of energy, needed for storage of food. An example of this is the beehive. One isn’t better than the other, but knowing how and when to use each shape is essential for optimized living. The feng shui, biologic architecture and living water combination is more scientifically called longitudinal interferometry. There is an in-depth study of this at GoldenMean.info/Architecture. It’s the science of longitudinal waves interfering with each other. When these waves are able to interfere constructively, a standing wave is

produced. This gives the relaxed, life-growing feeling used in feng shui. Imagine a spine, a hose or a house as a standing wave that can infinitely compress without any kinks. It will never have pain or inflammation because the stress of gravitational force will always have someplace to go.

What have you taken away from your time on the project? Completing the superadobe biodome was a valuable educational experience all the students are grateful for. We now have the hands-on skills to build our own dome structure. We look forward to life in self-reliant biohomes. We hope to see an exponential increase of abundance in our communities from this new science of biologic architecture, vibrationally enhanced water, soil, food, energy and activities that all will enjoy. Richard John Hetherman III is a founder of HethermanHealth.org, where the goal is balanced growth of physical, mental and spiritual bodies, through application of practical science. For more details and images of the project, as well as online courses, visit Bioveda.ru.

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April 2018

Nature’s Matrix Strengthening Connections to All Living Things

Give Gratitude to the Natural World

by Brooke Adams Law

any humans begin to feel more alive as the longer days and warmer air of spring invigorate us. This “waking up” we often experience during this time of year is a metaphor for the journey of “waking up” in a larger sense. At some level, we remember that humanity is, in fact, just one part of the rhythm of nature, connected to the earth and to all living things. Humans, animals, plants and minerals are all intricately interconnected even though modern life has separated many of us from that reality. “We’ve largely lost connection with the sacredness and beauty of life. We’re no longer participants in the flow of life; we’re consumers of it,” says Justin Pegnataro, executive director of Two Coyotes Wilderness School, which operates in Newtown, West Granby and Killingworth. The stress of work and modern demands—such as paying the mortgage, raising children in a competitive world and the distractions available via technology— can make it difficult to connect with nature in the deep way that our ancestors once did. We live in a crucial time for life on this planet; it cannot continue as it currently stands. “Humans today, particularly in North America, are living a totally unsustainable lifestyle, but we’re insulated from [the repercussions of] it,” says Pegnataro. Freshwater is being consumed at a faster rate than it can be renewed. The U.S. comprises 4.4 percent of the world’s population, yet is currently responsible for 18 percent of the world’s total primary energy consumption. Climate change is causing melting glaciers, rising sea levels, weather extremes, ocean acidification and heavier rainfall, all of which can have catastrophic consequences for life everywhere. The call to action is clear: humans must live differently if we are to continue to live on the planet. But how do we begin? The first step may be to reconnect with nature. About 80 percent of Americans live in urban or suburban areas today, yet 38

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humans as a species have spent about 95 percent of their time on the planet as hunter-gatherers living in close connection with the earth. Modern life can create feelings of disconnection and isolation. Reconnecting with nature helps us rediscover our truer, wilder selves; it also helps us give back to the natural world we are a part of. “What really feeds and nourishes the human soul is our connection to each other and to the more-than-human natural world,” says Pegnataro. Once we’ve reconnected with the earth and all living beings on a physical and energetic level, we can then begin to practice more sustainable living from that place of connection. Some local experts provided some wisdom on how to both reconnect with nature and practice more sustainable living.

We take so much in our life for granted, especially the natural wonders that surround us. “We look at the sun and we take it for granted,” says Jessica Hunter, a shamanic practitioner in Bridgeport. “Yet it provides warmth for the planet, light and the ability for life to flourish so we have food and shelter.” Creating a ritual that conveys our gratitude to the natural world can re-ground us in a space of thankfulness. It can be as simple as looking up to the sun and thinking words of gratitude and appreciation, or it may be a more complex process. “Come from a place where you can make a ritual that’s personalized to you,” Hunter recommends. “What is truly coming from your heart? Touch into your feelings. The best way to connect with nature is from your own spirit.” Deana Paqua, a teacher of spiritual and holistic health in Ridgefield, teaches a concept from the traditional teachings of the Andes, called “Ayni”, which means sacred reciprocity. “In our contemporary culture, we ‘take’ on a grand scale from the Earth and do not give back as a regular conscious practice,” says Paqua. She suggests leaving an offering whenever we take something from the earth. “Offerings can be something as simple as a flower, a small crystal, a piece of hair or seeds. Whether you take a stone during a walk, a shell from the beach, fresh produce from the garden or some flower clippings, say a few words or a short prayer of gratitude, and leave your offering in the spot of your choosing.”

Mindfully Reconnect with Nature Each week, spend unplugged, quiet time in nature. “We’re not separate from nature; we’re a part of it,” reminds Hunter. It is easy to forget that since our lifestyles create artificial separation from nature. Even when we do leave our house or office, we’re often driving, on the phone, listening to music or simply wrapped up in our own thoughts; we don’t notice the world around us. Hunter recommends simply focusing our energy on the outside world when we want to reconnect with nature. “Sit near a body of water, and smell it, taste it and spend time appreciating it. Take a moment to feel the sun on your face. Even if you live in an

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urban area, nature is intermingled everywhere. Take the time to appreciate the bird that sits outside your window.” Pegnataro suggests similarly simple actions, including going out into nature and having a cup of tea or running outside barefoot in the morning grass. “It just might be the doorway to begin a different kind of conversation,” he says.

Set Up Bird Feeders Even during winter when we often spend more time inside, bird feeders can bring nature to us. “Feeders aren’t necessarily for the birds,” says Patrick Comins, executive director of the Connecticut Audubon Society. “The feeders are actually for your

enjoyment—they’re for you to see the birds and connect with them.” Comins suggests keeping a list of the birds seen at the feeders and involving every member of the family. Every year is different; a feeder may attract a certain species one year that won’t return for 20 years. “That’s the great thing about nature,” he says. “You can step out your door and find something new every single day.” Seeing birds up close can help us to better appreciate them, which may prompt us to take additional actions to protect them and their habitat.

Plant an Organic Garden Whether in raised beds in a suburban backyard or in pots on the windowsill of a

city apartment, planting an organic garden brings us back in touch with dirt and living, growing things. “Being able to grow something you can eat and sustain is an important part of getting back in touch with nature,” says Hunter. “Plants are a huge part of our planet and a crucial part of sustainability for us.” Growing our own food decreases our carbon footprint and increases our sense of connection to our ancestors, reminding us that all life is linked. If we add composting food waste to our practices, we can use that compost to feed our garden, seeing the cycle of life even more clearly.

Practice Sustainable Living Once we’re more firmly rooted in our con-

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nection to the earth and all living things, we can move from that place of connection and begin to take action to protect the environment. “When I hear people say, ‘Just throw that away,’ I always say, there is no ‘away’,” states Daphne Dixon, executive director and cofounder of Norwalk-based Live Green. “The water we’re drinking today is the water that the dinosaurs drank. There’s no new water and there’s no ‘away’.” She recommends a practice called “materials management”, or recognizing that everything is material. “I always try to have an awareness of an ideal life cycle for everything.” Once Dixon finishes using something, she considers the best next phase for that material, whether it’s recycling, donating or reusing it for a different purpose. Consciously working to decrease the trash we throw “away” is a crucial practice for creating a more sustainable lifestyle.

Conserve Electricity In North America, we continue to use nonrenewable resources at an unsustainable pace. Simply conserving electricity can go a long way. Companies like HE Energy Solutions complete home energy audits. Their technicians analyze the current use of energy in the home and then replace light bulbs with LEDs, plug holes in baseboards to preserve heat, switch shower heads to low-flow, and add weather strips to doors and more. These measures will lower our footprint while also saving us money on utilities.

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“If you have a backyard, landscape a component for birds and wildlife,” says Comins. He recommends creating a nectar garden for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators. Utilizing native plants will benefit more species of birds and insects than non-native ones. Keeping the lawn as chemical-free as possible encourages birds and wildlife. Likewise, creating some structure in the lawn—plants and flowers that help birds transition from the grass up to the tallest trees—can be beneficial. “Moving from low plants like violets to knee-highs like coneflowers to plants that are waist-high provide cover and foraging areas for birds,” Comins says.

Connect with Local Organizations Getting involved with local organizations can help us become more active and engaged in our communities. Many local environmental and conservationist groups are banding together to contribute to hands-on projects and advocacy campaigns that can help our actions go much farther than each group might alone. “In the end, life is going to continue on this planet,” Pegnataro says. “How can humanity responsibly be part of this community of life? How can we ensure the health and well-being of future generations of human beings and other beings?” This is the work we are being called to do at this moment in time. How will we answer? Brooke Adams Law is a freelance health and parenting writer based in Stratford. Connect at BrookeAdamsLaw.com.

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BELOW THE WATER LINE

How Human Noise Affects Ocean Life by Leesa Sklover

“If we kill the sea, we kill ourselves.” ~ David Gallo, an oceanographer at the forefront of ocean exploration

s humans, we are still able to find ways to escape harmful noise pollution, such as a sonic boom or fire drill. We can find refuge in a quiet room, joyous music or parts of nature. Unlike our eyes, our ears cannot completely shut out sound but we can often move away from it. Whales, dolphins, shrimp, turtles and zooplankton cannot escape sonic harm from seismic air blasting, oil drilling and more. This was made possible with Executive Order 13797, signed last year by President Trump in order to expand offshore drilling and exploration in U.S. waters. Two months after the order was given, a number of Congress members wrote to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in strong opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic coast, “Opening the Atlantic to seismic testing and drilling jeopardizes our coastal businesses, fishing communities, tourism and our national security,” they stated. “It harms our coastal economies in the near term, and opens the door to even greater risks from offshore oil and gas production down the road. Therefore, we ask you not to issue any permits for airgun surveys for subsea oil and gas deposits in the Atlantic Ocean.” The seismic airguns move across large areas of ocean, sending constant loud blast signals every 10-20 seconds. These surveys cause disturbance of vital activities of millions living in the Atlantic Ocean, killing and disorienting marine mammals that depend on sound to function. These mammals use echolocation to defend, navigate, breed and raise young. The elevated alarm responses also cause stress hormones and chemicals to build up in the fish we eat. Marine animals rely on a sonic world to find their way in the dark with song. A deaf whale is a dead whale. Many are found on the shoreline bleeding from their ears because they rise to the surface too suddenly in order to escape deafening man-made sounds. Even those

harmed may die slowly. If the man-made assault on ocean dwellers continues, we could lose hundreds of thousand of whales and dolphins as well as critically endangered species like right whales. If we listen to music or ocean recordings with a hydrophone, we can decipher a shrimp’s crackle, a lobster vocalizing like a cabasa, an orca’s high cry and a dolphin’s whistle. Few humans get to experience the symphony below the water line. Hearing in the water world is far more difficult today. We have lost some of our ability to listen well to each other even amongst humans, so saving a world many don’t experience is a larger challenge. Visual underwater environments are shared by renowned photographers, Chuck Davis and Brain Skerry, and oceanographers like Sylvia Earle, yet few are known for presenting the auditory world living below the water line. David Gallo, a leading American oceanographer, bears witness to the dramatic topography of the deep ocean. “Oceans do not transmit light as well as they are efficient at transmitting sounds. We have arrived, making all sorts of noise without regard for the blue world. We use sonar to map the sea floor, identify submarines and navigate shipwrecks. Global trade by sea involves more than 50,000 ships in the commercial fleet with each making its own painful noise in the home of majestic whales and abundant life,” he shares. Humpback whales, for example, communicate through a large song repertoire that mirrors the structure of classical music with repetitive phrases and patterns that change every year. To hear this inspires reverence. Ocean advocacy work can involve aiding lone cetaceans, (lost whales and dolphins) as, disoriented by noise pollution, they become separated from their pod. Unable to hear their way home, they stay near humans and unfamiliar dangers. A lost baby beluga whale in Cook Inlet in Alaska was found alone recently, suggesting that noise from boats may have separated it from its mother. This happens all over the world. Once dependent on humans, they rarely return home. Leesa Sklover, PhD, LPC, C-IAYT, MA-CMT, IKYTA, is a singer/ songwriter, film composer, sacred-eco music artist, licensed counselor, ocean activist, CSI board member, certified yoga therapist and teacher. She practices counseling, music therapy and consulting in Branford, Glastonbury, Shelton, Connecticut and New York City. Connect at DrSklover@gmail.com.

HELP THE OCEAN DWELLERS

e need to do more to protect the ocean soundscape. If all people hear the symphony of those living in the ocean, we’d put up a greater fight to save it. Here are some things that can be done: 1. Sign petitions and find local events on Ocean Day, June 8. 2. Visit StoptheDrill.org and CSI.org (Cetacean Society International). 3. Listen to recordings that share the cetacean song and share them with others. Here are three examples: • LeesaSklover.hearnow.com/arctic-angels--ode-to-the • Itunes.apple.com/us/album/sklover-songs-deep deep-down/1095434127 • Itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-wake-up-call-for-you and-me-single/1283351099 April 2018

naturally healthy pet

Running Away: A 5K for Animals

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

n April 22, join Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) for its 7th Annual Run for Animals 5K. Competitive and non-competitive runners—with or without dogs—are welcome to take part in this certified 5K race. Registration is from 9 to 10am for preregistered runners and walk-ins. The start times are 10:30am for adults running without dogs and 10:40am for adults running with dogs. The race starts at the War Memorial on Memorial Drive. The course loops through downtown Danbury, traveling along Memorial Drive, South Street and Coalpit Hill Road. The registration fees are $30 for an adult runner without a dog, $35 for an adult runner with a dog, and $15 for kids age 8-17. The cost per dog is $5. The event’s top sponsor is Pet Stop, a pet fence system company. Please note that your dog wants to please you and cannot tell you when he is tired. For the safety of your dog, ensure you only run with your dog if s/he is accustomed to and can complete a 5K run at race speeds. For more information, visit DAWS.org/Run-for-Animals-5K-Kids-Fun-Run. To register for the event, visit EnduranceCUI.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=50215353. Location: Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr, Danbury.

Social & Brunch to Benefit Animal Rescue

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ooking Glass Animal Rescue will present its inaugural Spring Penny Social & Sunday Brunch on, April 22 from 11am to 3pm in Yorktown Heights, New York. Open to the public, the fundraising event at Somers Community Center will include food, drinks, vendors, a tea cup raffle, a 50/50, a candy bar and auctions. All proceeds go to Looking Glass Animal Rescue, a volunteer-based animal welfare nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats from high-kill shelters, hoarding situations, puppy mills, animal fighting rings and more. Tickets can be purchased online using a credit card before the event. Cash and check are only accepted on the day of the event, not credit cards. Raffle tickets are $2 each while 50/50 tickets are $5. Candy bar tickets are $5. You can pay for these in person at the event. The raffles and auctions will end at 2pm with winners announced shortly after. All ages are welcome. Looking Glass Animal Rescue is based in Ridgefield. While they welcome all animals in need, they specifically focus on animals that are often overlooked due to age, breed, special need, or an illness or injury requiring immediate, often costly, medical attention that shelters are unable to provide. To purchase tickets, visit Bpt.me/3234688. For more information, email Adopt@LGARinc.org or visit LGARinc.org. For sponsorship inquiries, vendor inquiries, volunteering at the event, and/or to donate items, email Daniela@LGARinc.org. Event location: Somers Community Center, 34 Hillandale Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY. See ad, page 11.

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Explore Interspecies Communication and Discover Personal Power

three-day animal communication workshop with Anna Twinney will be held on July 20-22 at Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam. There will be an animal communication introduction evening, then the first day will focus on animal communication in action, including talking to farm and rescue animals. On the second day, you will gain an authentic connection with your own animals. Reiki and energy healing for horses will be covered on the third day. The fee per person for July 20-22 is $575 if you Anna Twinney register before April 1, or $650 from April 1 and later. For those coming from out of town, there are limited overnight accommodations. On July 19, one-hour, private animal communication sessions will also be offered by appointment from 10am to 4pm ($50 for preregistration before April 1, or $75 thereafter). Although originally known around the world for her work as a natural horsemanship clinician and equine behaviorist, Twinney quickly gained a reputation as an animal communicator. She has spoken to thousands of animals of all different speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from dogs and cats to iguanas, parrots and gorillas. Animal communication, also known as interspecies communication, is the ability to telepathically connect with a being of another species using images, feelings, thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and mentally projected words. For more information and to register, visit RayofLightFarm.org. Call 860-873-1895 to check availability for overnight accommodations. Location: Ray of Light Farm, 232 Town St, East Haddam.

April 2018

Horse Wisdom for Modern Life by Carrie Brady

Take a moment to jot down at least five things that bring you joy.

nce you have done so, ask yourself if you had trouble with this request or made it more complicated. Did you wish you knew what the goal was so you would know the “right” answer? Did you second guess or cross out your answers? Did you put something on the list because you thought you “should”?

Do you wonder what someone else might think of your list? If you answered yes to any of these, you are thinking like a human, not a horse. Humans tend to live in our heads, not our bodies. We overanalyze and judge ourselves, and each other. For a horse, this wouldn’t be a hard question. Horses know precisely what brings them pleasure and, given the freedom to do so, they will choose delight in every moment. They live in the present, fully in their senses; they do not judge. Joy is their default state. Fortu-

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Photo by Carrie Brady

RETURN TO GRAZING

nately, if we pay attention, they can teach humans how to live this way. Humans tend to focus on the past and future; horses stay grounded happily in the present. They are prepared to respond to any situation if necessary, but usually remain resting in the moment, eating and enjoying the sensory delights available to them. This difference between horses and humans is clear to anyone who has seen horses respond to an unexpected loud noise, such as a heavy tree limb falling near their pasture. Horses will jerk their heads up and locate the source of the noise, then watch the branch for a moment to see if it poses any threat, and, upon realizing it does not, go right back to eating their breakfast. A human standing nearby would likely spend the next several minutes looking up, worrying what else might fall, and thinking about the terrible things that could have happened if the branch had hit the horses, fence or truck. Many humans have adopted fightor-flight as their perpetual way of being. You rush from one thing to another, think about other things while you are doing something else. You may ignore your body until it breaks, and then try to numb the pain rather than addressing the cause. You can deprive yourself of healthy food and live dehydrated despite an abundance of water. Or you sit more than you move, and move in ways you don’t particularly enjoy while following a “no pain, no gain” motto. You work while you dream of time off, and yet you may fill your time off with more work while you dream of vacation. So you are not truly here or anywhere. You’ve scattered your attention. In general, humans give very little thought to intentions for a life they want to live.

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Consider these questions: • How many items on your list are part of your daily life? • What is the balance of sensory joys (joys that relate to sight, smell, sound, taste, touch or movement) versus non-sensory joys? The latter could include crossing items off your to-do list, which may give a sense of satisfaction that isn’t rooted in your physical senses. • How many items involve a sense of connection to other living things, nature and spirituality? How many are independent joys? Horses choose delight every day. And no matter what is going on in the external environment, humans also have the ability to return to grazing for at least part of every day. Slow down out of fight-or-flight into the more peaceful state of rest-and-digest. Give the body and mind the opportunity to

Carrie Brady is the creator of Possibilities Farm in Wilton, where she partners with three extraordinary horses to offer unique non-riding programs in equine-assisted Reiki, meditation and private and small group workshops for personal growth, leadership and team building. Brady is also a consultant, author, and speaker. Connect at 203-210-7484, LifeYouveImagined@gmail. com or PossibilitiesFarm.com. The link to the document mentioned in the article is found at PossibilitiesFarm. com/Life-Youve-Imagined.html.

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Photo by Carrie Brady

Horses are all about attention and intention. As prey animals, it is a matter of survival for them to understand the intention of the other living things with whom they interact. Horses read not only visual body language, but they also pick up the respiration and heart rate of any living creature nearby. They know when a person is acting one way but feeling another; this incongruence makes them uncomfortable. When you are with them, all they ask of you is your authentic presence in the here and now. The list you made at the beginning of this article will help you gain some insight into your attention and to set an intention.

recharge, gain new perspectives and simply enjoy life. Returning to grazing helps you bring the best of you to any situation; it is an especially important practice when life is challenging. Feeding yourself a daily diet of delight is a choice. It doesn’t mean the stressors don’t exist, but rather that you can put them down for a few minutes. Now create a longer list of things that bring you joy. Pay attention to the mix of items, including sensory, non-sensory, connection and independent joys. Consider what delights each of your six senses—the usual five plus movement—which is very important to horses and humans. Horses are in tune with their bodies; they know what makes them feel good physically. Consider what brings you a sense of connection and support, and also what you can do alone. Horses naturally live in herds, support each other and work together for the benefit of the herd. However, they know how to independently self-soothe and have strong individual preferences. Determine how you can incorporate each item into your daily life, even if it is just for a few minutes. If a beach vacation is one of the things that brings you joy, for example, you can add it into your daily life by hanging pictures or running your fingers through sand. Set an intention that you will commit to doing at least one thing that brings you joy every single day. Keep the list handy— whether it is on your phone, posted in your closet or on your bedside table—somewhere that will remind you to choose delight. Join the horses and return to grazing to live the life you’ve imagined.

Sway Congress

Save Wild Horses Campaign Update

The Trump Administration’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget again calls on Congress to lift long-standing prohibitions on the destruction and slaughter of wild horses and burros. The budget seeks to cut approximately $14 million of the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program by selling as many as 90,000 federally protected American mustangs for slaughter to avoid management costs and supply foreign markets with horsemeat. So far, citizens have held the line in favor of America’s iconic equine heritage. As Congress discusses appropriations for 2019, we must continue to press our senators and representatives to stand with the 80 percent of Americans that demand protection for these animals. Make your voice heard today via the online form at Tinyurl.com/ SaveWildHorsesNow.

Horses make a landscape look beautiful. ~Alice Walker 45

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Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Remedies How Animals Self-Medicate by Sandra Murphy

Every species embodies a solution to some environmental challenge, and some of these solutions are breathtaking in their elegance. ~Linda Bender, Animal Wisdom: Learning from the Spiritual Lives of Animals

Try for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 46

rom birds and elephants to dolphins, animals, whether by instinct or learned behavior, have discovered ways to cope with parasites, pests, aches and pains. This science of self-medication is called zoopharmacognosy (zoo for animal, pharma for drug and cognosy for knowing). At home, a dog or cat that eats grass is practicing it to eliminate parasites or hairballs. Donald Brightsmith, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University, directs the Tambopata Macaw Project in the lowlands of southeastern Peru, studying the many macaws and other parrots that gather clay to eat as a supplement. First thought to help remove toxins from their bodies, clay adds needed sodium to their diet, researchers now believe.

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A pregnant elephant in Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tsavo Park was observed by ecologist Holly Dublin, Ph.D., to travel miles to find a tree not normally eaten. Four days later, the elephant gave birth. Dublin discovered that Kenyan women make a drink from the same leaves and bark to induce labor. While studying Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in the Sabangau peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, primatologist Helen MorroghBernard, Ph.D., of the University of Exeter, UK, observed an orangutan chew the leaves of a plant that were not part of its usual diet until it formed a lather. The orangutan spit out the leaves and used the lather much like humans apply a topical pain reliever.

While animals have been known to eat certain plants when ill, hers may be the first sighting of an animal creating a salve. Nearby villagers grind the leaves to make a balm for sore muscles and inflammation. Morrogh-Bernard believes humans learned this topical application from apes and passed it down through the generations. In the Red Sea, bottlenose dolphins rub against bush-like gorgonian corals covered by an outer layer of antimicrobial mucus that may protect them from infection, according to dolphin researcher Angela Ziltener, of the University of Zürich, Switzerland.

We feel the answers for the future will be found in the past, not in chemical factories. ~Ira Pastor “It’s amazing how much we’ve learned, but forgotten,” says Ira Pastor, CEO at Bioquark Inc., in Philadelphia, a life sciences company developing biologic products to regenerate and repair human organs and tissues. “We live with other organisms which from a health and wellness perspective are much further advanced than humans. No other species tries to cure with any single solution. Nature employs multiple options. We’re not appropriately imitating nature yet. We need to do more.” Cindy Engel, Ph.D., of Suffolk, England, author of Wild Health: Lessons in Natural Wellness from the Animal Kingdom, says, “Animals rely on plants to provide them with the essentials of life, making their health intimately dependent on plant chemistry to provide everything they need to grow, repair damage and reproduce.” She continues, “Wild animals carry diseases that affect livestock and humans. It’s sensible to explore why they’re successful in fending off the worst effects in order to find ways to improve our own health, instead of just trying to eradicate the disease. We can learn from behavioral self-help strategies animals employ.” Accomplishing this is more difficult than ever, she believes, because today’s severely shrinking habitat makes it hard to find truly wild animals and plants. “Over the last 100 years, we’ve done a horrible disservice to all life by destroying habitat and exploring only a small percentage of what nature has to offer,” agrees Pastor. “As patents expire, pharma has to change. It’s important to develop botanicals. We’re advised to vary our diet and exercise, yet take the same dose of the same pill daily. We’ve studied dead organisms under microscopes, but living organisms, even as small as microbes, can communicate helpful positive reactions.” Western medicine has strayed from what nature offers to keep us healthy. Now is the time to take care of both the planet and all living beings on it. “We’ve discarded thousands of years of evidence,” says Pastor. “We cannot destroy the bounty of possibilities.” Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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• Listen to others. There have been studies linking self-confidence to how well you listen to others. The more you listen, the more you learn and your confidence will grow. • Be clear in your wants and attention. Don’t make people guess—often times incorrectly—about what you want. Tell them.

Bird Wisdom:

What to Learn About Living Pets Can Teach Us If We Pay Attention

by Mary Oquendo

iving is different than life. Living a better life can start with a change as simple as paying attention to your pets because they have their priorities straight-namely love, food, shelter, fun and, maybe, a new stuffed toy. If we pay attention, they have much to teach us about what is really important when it comes to living well.

Dog wisdom: • Let people touch your soul. Give people an opportunity to impact your life. Who knows how someone else might make a positive difference in your life or open you up to new adventures? • Take time to play. Playing improves creativity, productivity and every relationship. • Be happy and let everyone know. Happiness is contagious; spread it around. Be 48

generous in sharing your joy. • Loyal and faithful. Let your loved ones know they can always count on you. No matter how bad the day is, you know your dog is right there to offer comfort. • Quick to forgive. Hanging onto slights and transgressions eats away at you, not the person who inflicted the damage. • Love unconditionally. This one doesn’t need an explanation. • Don’t judge. Dogs love everyone regardless of skin color, political leanings, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and anything else that makes people different from you. • Stretch before rising. Your muscles and connective tissue will appreciate you for it. You will be less likely to cramp up while playing. • Stop and smell the roses, bushes, grass and so forth. Appreciate the world around you. Take time to look around and see the beauty in the world.

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• Anytime is a good time to sing and dance. Did you know that when a group of people sings together, they synchronize heart and breathing rates? Singing is a very complex activity in which you can fire up all brain synapses at one time. It’s difficult to concentrate on anything but singing while doing it. It allows you to be fully in the present. Worries and problems fade away. It functions as a form of meditation.

Cat Wisdom: • It’s ok to be pampered. Let other people do for you. Accept that shoulder rub from your significant other. • It’s not necessary to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders alone. Don’t keep emotions bottled up inside. Shred that curtain. • Take care of yourself. It’s not possible to achieve your full potential when your body, mind or soul is in disrepair • Set standards for life and work. Personal and professional growth comes from actively participating in raising the standards. While the list for dogs may surpass that of cats and birds, the lessons are equally important. The next time you are looking for the meaning of life, look no further than your pets. Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master tech pet first aid instructor. She is the owner of Pawsitive Education and Spirited Dog Productions. She can be reached at PawsitiveEd. com. See ad, page 43 .

pet resource guide ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com

BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727

TAILS OF COURAGE 1 Pembroke Rd, Danbury 877-63-(TAILS) TailsOfCourage.org

WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES (WASA) 1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 WestportWASA.org

BULLY BREED RESCUE PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRCT@yahoo.com BullyBreedRescueInc.org

COMMUNITY CATS PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org

DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297

FRIENDS OF FELINES INC PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org AdoptAPet.org

LOOKING GLASS ANIMAL RESCUE Ridgefield LGARinc.org On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

NFSAW 223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 NFSAW.org

PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC (PAWS) 504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 PAWSCT.org

PET PROTECTORS 2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 PetProtectorsRescue.org

RIDGEFIELD OPERATION FOR ANIMAL RESCUE (ROAR) 45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 ROAR-Ridgefield.org

STRAYS AND OTHERS PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION/ PET SITTING GWEN GANGI

Fur to Feathers Pet Services Monroe • 203-610-2444 (call or text) FurToFeathersPets@gmail.com FurToFeathers.com Gwen Gangi has been an animal communicator all her life and has been doing consultations for the past 23 years. Practical for any situation, you enter into a 3-way conversation to get and give information needed. Consultations done over the phone or in person, including home visits. Workshops on animal communication available.

HOLISTIC MOBILE GROOMING

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The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services during the spay/ neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/ neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families, and offers further low-cost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 43.

PET ASSISTANCE, INC

PO Box 2015, New Preston 860-355-PETS • GetaPet@gmail.com PetAssistanceInc.org Pet Assistance helps keep pets in their homes in times of financial and medical crises, providing emergency veterinary subsidies to pet owners in financial need. We only give grants for pets that have a good prognosis, unless the knowledge we gain from the treatment or surgery may help future animals in need.

MARY OQUENDO

203-994-5308 Mary@PawsitivelyPretty.com MaryOquendo.com Pet grooming in a relaxed one-on-one environment in your driveway by a leader in the holistic grooming industry. Mary also offers Reiki and crystal therapy for your beloved pets. See ad, page 43.

UNLEASH YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL Fetch new customers by advertising in Natural Awakenings’ Naturally Healthy Pet monthly section 49

community spotlight

Black Rock Holistic Center by Nicole Miale

Kristine DeMarco in China

ristine DeMarco, DC, MS, owner and founder of the Black Rock Holistic Health Center, has practiced holistic healing in Fairfield for more than 17 years. Her goal and mission has been to integrate chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, physical therapy and homeopathy to provide patients with the highest degree of success in treating their acute and chronic pain. A lifelong student, she has been teaching and learning along the way, and in the past few years, has been developing her passionate interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). “TCM is gentle and logical,” she explains. “It just makes sense to me. And I’m

excited because now I’m able to offer my patients a combination of chiropractic and TCM to relieve their pain.” She has been practicing acupuncture for many years, but furthered her study by finishing a master of science in acupuncture and acquired new skills via two recent trips to China’s foremost TCM teaching hospital. During each trip she spent her time doing rotations in the hospital setting and in outpatient clinics. DeMarco’s most recent trip, in early July 2017, was made possible because she was the 2017 recipient of the University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute China Scholarship Award for her outstanding research paper in the field

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of acupuncture. She attended the Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shenyang, China for two weeks. “It was such a great opportunity to learn TCM from a Chinese medicine school in China,” she says. “There is just no other way I can think of to get that level of education. It’s a very different education there; there’s a lot more doing.” To earn the scholarship, DeMarco had to research and submit a paper; her topic of choice was the use of a particular acupuncture technique called “needle knife” in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. This is a fairly new technique in China and still quite uncommon in the U.S. There is one other practitioner in the Northeast who practices this technique; he is in New York City. “Needle knife is specifically for fascia release,” DeMarco explains. “The flat needle releases and breaks adhesions which commonly form in connective tissue. These adhesions prevent the release of the tissue, so needling them with these special needles breaks up fascia and allows for decrease in pain and increase in movement.” She was thrilled to be awarded the scholarship and have the opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading TCM institutions. “It was just amazing to be able to actually learn the technique I had just studied and written an in-depth paper about,” she says. “I couldn’t have learned it in the U.S.”

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

Another TCM technique that DeMarco now uses frequently in combination with chiropractic care is cupping and wet cupping. “Even though it’s a very old technique, it’s not used much around here,” she says. “Other countries have been using it for years with good results. And it definitely seems to be helping my patients’ pain levels.” Cupping is based on the TCM principle that physical pain is often caused by blood stagnation. Cupping draws the blood to the surface and breaks the stagnation. Wet cupping, the technique DeMarco favors, actually involves using a lancet to remove the pooled blood that has accumulated when the cups are placed. One patient recently treated by DeMarco said the wet cupping procedure had reduced his back pain to four from an original pain level of eight after just one treatment. “We’re complex beings,” DeMarco says, “and people don’t always respond to one technique or another. It has been very helpful to add these new TCM techniques to my practice. People are getting better faster and that is always the objective.” On May 1, DeMarco will begin another chapter in the Black Rock Holistic Center story when the practice will move from its current location to an office in Black Rock. She has been on King’s Highway for 15 years but had the opportunity to relocate the practice a bit closer to home and is excited about the new possibilities. For more information, call 203-333-6544 or visit DeMarcoChiropractic.com. The new office location as of May 1 will be 4 Calderwood Ct, Black Rock. Nicole Miale is Publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley. She resides in New Milford with her family.

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April 2018

Mastering Yoga

The yoga community in Fairfield County and the Housatonic Valley has never been more vibrant! This section provides connections to studios and teachers in the area, as well as helpful editorial to support your efforts to improve your practice. one position too long, over-reaching or fatigue. “Listen to your body’s messages such as, ‘It’s time for a rest,’ or, ‘That’s too heavy,’” recommends Schwartz. Remember to take regular breaks to rest, stretch and drink water. Subbotina Anna/Shutterstock.com

Strike a Pose

Doing yoga regularly will condition the body, but incorporating asanas, or poses, while gardening can be both a fun and practical way to avoid overstressing certain muscle groups and keep the spine and hamstrings supple. Using props in the garden environment such as fences, a wall or a chair can provide convenient support. Feel free to perform all poses before or after gardening, and all except numbers one and five in the garden.

1. Downward Facing Dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) with feet placed against a support

Gardening ASANAS Yoga Poses to Stay Pain-Free

by Marlaina Donato

ardening is good for body and soul, but long hours and repetitive movements can negatively impact even the fittest body. While stiffness and pain patterns might manifest in the lower back, shoulders, legs and hands, performing a few yoga poses can lessen pain, increase flexibility, boost stamina and prevent injury. “Every action needs a counter action for structural balance to be maintained. Repetitive movements can tighten fascia, restrict movement and compromise nerve impulses,” explains Asheville, North Carolina, yoga teacher and back care specialist Lillah Schwartz, author of Healing Our Backs with Yoga: An Essential Guide to Back Pain Relief. “What goes into spasm tends to remain in spasm,” observes Schwartz, who has helped many people overcome back pain and other chronic structural issues. Practicing yoga before, during or after spending time outside also promotes mind-body awareness which helps us tune into our body’s natural rhythms and prevent physical problems in the first place. Here are some basics to consider when working in the garden.

Be Aware

Great agility and strong muscles cannot compensate for being in 52

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

2. Warrior 1 pose (Virabhadrasana I) 3. Straddle Forward Fold pose (Prasarita Padottanasana) 4. Standing Scissor Twist (Parivrtta Hasta Padasana) standing close to and bracing against a wall or fence

5. Locust pose (Salabhasana) 6. Squat Pull Spinal Traction (Ardha Malasana in traction)

Take a Breath

“Conscious breathing involves both the body and the mind. Long, slow inhalations and exhalations help us tune into our body,” says Schwartz. “Using long breaths when stretching in the garden can help muscles find relief.” To reduce pain: n Stop and breathe. Take slow, deep breaths with a pause (inhalation retention) between inhalation and exhalation. n Don’t resist the pain or allow self-judgment. n Wait for a release.

Enjoy Being Outside

Bringing mindfulness to garden work not only helps prevent injury, but helps make it a more enjoyable experience. Here are a few more tips. n If rising early, begin time in the garden with a Warrior 1 pose while facing east. n Be mindful of feeling the breeze when it brushes the skin and pause to breathe deeply. n Notice the music of the birds or other pleasing sounds in the surrounding environment.

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n Stop to drink some water and take pleasure in the garden’s beauty and bounty.

photos by Michelle Van Sandt

Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

yoga brief

Starting at the Beginning Yogi Brian Buturla is offering a new beginner yoga class to teach the fundamentals of dharma yoga, including postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation and meditation. Small classes are guaranteed. The class is restorative, relaxing and beginnerfriendly. Learn how to breathe, move and feel great in your own body. You will release tension, and restore comfort and vitality to your whole body. A beginner class will be held on Tuesdays from 7:45 to 9:15pm and a more intermediate/advanced one will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:45 to 9:15pm. An all-level class is on Saturdays from 9 to 10:30am. A drop-in class costs $24. A 10-class package is $199 and a 20-class package is $375. Private yoga instruction is also available. For more information, call 203-838-YOGI(9644) or visit YogiBrian.com. Location: 8 Parkhill Ave, Norwalk.

April 2018

INSPIRED

TABLE

inspired table

Focusing on The Future of Food There will be a screening of Unbroken Ground, a film from Patagonia Provisions, followed by an interactive discussion with local farmers and food experts on April 5. Sustainable snacks and a book signing of Letters to a Young Farmer will take place at 7pm. The screening of the documentary film on sustainable food will begin at 7:20pm. A discussion with farming and food experts from Stone Barns, Back 40 Farm and Fleisher’s Craft Butchery will be held at 8pm. This event is free and students are welcome. Community partners include Greenwich Public Library, Patagonia, Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, Back 40 Kitchen, Back 40 Farm, End Allergies Together, Greenwich Land Trust, Fairfield Greenwich Cheese Company, Greenwich YMCA, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Greenwich High School Branch, Environmental Action Group of Greenwich High School, Fleishers Craft Butchery, Garden Education Center of Greenwich, Mike’s Organic Delivery, Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses, Sleepy Cat Farm, and BYO Greenwich. For more information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/FutureOfFoodTickets. Location: Cole Auditorium at Greenwich Public Library, 101 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich.

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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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The Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority will be hosting additional free composting classes on April 7 from 9:30-10:30am and April 11 from 6:30-7:30pm. The class will cover what type of bin is best for you, where to locate your bin, what to put into it and what to avoid, and how to manage the bin. Troubleshooting, harvesting the compost and vermicomposting will also be covered. Workshop class participants will be able to purchase composters for $25, which usually retail at $100 or more. Separating organic materials from the trash should be thought of as a resource, not a waste. More food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in our everyday trash. Composting at home reduces the amount of material you need to put out at the curb each week. It enables you to turn vegetable and yard waste into a valuable soil conditioner for use in your backyard. Finished compost is dark and crumbly, and good for the soil. Mix it into the earth before planting flowers and vegetables or use it as mulch. It will help retain moisture, smother weeds and help prevent soil compaction. For more information and to register for a class, visit HRRA.org/ Organics-Food-Scraps. Location: 162 Whisconier Rd, Brookfield.

conscious eating Ekaterina Markelova/Shutterstock.com

Turn Food into Backyard Composting ‘Gold’

Changing Our Diet to Cool the Climate

Good Food Choices Support Global Health by Judith Fertig

hree years ago, the New York Times added a new word to the world’s food vocabulary: Climatarian (n.) A diet whose primary goal is to reverse climate change. This includes eating locally produced food (to reduce energy spent in transportation), choosing pork and poultry instead of beef and lamb (to limit gas emissions), and using every part of ingredients (apple cores, cheese rinds, etc.) to limit food waste. Changing our food choices to support this model can have a ripple effect. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in a 2017 study published in the journal Climatic Change, looked at how diets impact personal health, the healthcare system and climate. They found that adopting a more plant-based diet reduces the relative risk of coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer and Type 2 diabetes by 20 to 40 percent. National annual health care costs could drop from $93 billion to $77 billion. Direct greenhouse gas emissions could annually drop 489 to 1,821 pounds per person. Such an approach involves consider-

ing the related water usage, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint—the energy required to cultivate, harvest and transport food—plus processing associated food waste. Here are some top choices.

Foods that Go Easy on Water

Hydroponic greens are hands-down winners. The Shelton Family Farm, near Whittier, North Carolina, weekly produces 10,000 to 12,000 heads of hydroponically grown Bibb lettuce. The controlled environment and carefully engineered nutrient delivery systems maximize all resources. “It’s an enclosed system that runs 24/7, and it’s highly efficient from a waterusage standpoint because we recycle the water,” says William Shelton Jr., a fourthgeneration family farmer. “The only water that’s actually consumed is what’s taken up and transpired through the plants.” In a moderate climate, energy costs to recycle the water and keep the plants at an even temperature are moderate, as well. Dry-tilled heirloom tomatoes, okra, melons and quinoa are drought-tolerant and only use available rainfall. April 2018

Foods that Go Easy on Greenhouse Gases

Plants beat meat. “Livestock farming produces from 20 to 50 percent of all manmade greenhouse gas emissions,” says nutritionist and climate activist Jane Richards, of GreenEatz, in Mountain View, California. “You can reduce your footprint by a quarter by cutting down on red meats such as beef and lamb.” An exception is the vegetarian staple of rice. According to researchers at Project Drawdown, a climate solutions organization in Sausalito, California, rice cultivation is responsible for at least 10 percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and up to 19 percent of global methane emissions. New farming techniques, like mid-season draining of the rice paddies, could cut methane emissions by at least 35 percent. Richards notes, “Meat, cheese and eggs have the highest carbon footprint; fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts, much lower. The carbon footprint of a vegetarian diet is about half that of a meat-lover’s diet.”

Root crops such as carrots, radishes, potatoes and beets have a lower carbon footprint than above-ground plants due to less food waste. A beautiful beet is easier to grow than a bell pepper that blemishes more easily. Seasonal, regional fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey have a lighter carbon impact because they are transported shorter distances. Usually what grows best in a region and is consumed locally is also best for the climate. Foods naturally suited to their environment grow and taste better, and are packed with more nutrients, reports Sustainable Table, an educational nonprofit that builds healthy communities through sustainable eating habits (SustainableTable.org).

Hopeful Developments

New agricultural developments can also benefit our climate environment. According to Project Drawdown research, perennial grains and cereals could be pivotal in reaching soil, carbon and energy targets. The Land Institute, in Salina, Kan-

sas, has been working with the Rodale Institute, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, to develop a perennial wheat that would not have to be planted from seed each year. This would save soil, carbon and both human and machine energy. Kernza, a new perennial grain proven to prosper in natural grasslands like the Great Plains, is not yet widely distributed. Maria Speck, author of Simply Ancient Grains, advises, “With up to 15-foot-long roots, it can be harvested for five years and uses less fertilizer than conventional wheat. Kernza tastes almost like a cross between rice and wheat—sweet, grassy, mesmerizing.” Michael Pollan, author of Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual and creator of the film Food, Inc., suggests we keep it simple: “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” Climatarians would add another guideline—eat as locally as possible. Judith Fertig writes cookbooks plus foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

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Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations. Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands-on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, friends, family, yourself and the environment.

Now accepting applications for 2018 -19 | Call 860-764-9070 today!

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calendar of events

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All Calendar events must be received by the 10th 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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 Soul Yoga Healing – 9:30-11am. 4/3: 7-8:30pm. 4/15: 9:30-11am. With Jessica Fumasoli, registered yoga instructor. Explore a collection of healing practices. Focus on using our own bodies and minds to heal through present movement and strategic intentions. $35/one session; $60/both sessions. Soul Synergy Wellness LLC, 1492 High Ridge Rd, 2nd Fl, Ste 9, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergyWellnes111@gmail.com. SoulSynergyWellness.co.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com. A Valley Spirit, Owl Wine Bar and 9 Main Event – 5-10pm. Swing to music of gypsy jazz band The Lucky 5, food and drink by The Owl Wine Bar & 9 Main. 5-6:15pm: cocktails at participating shops in Washington Depot and New Preston. 6:30pm: gather at Judy Black Park for dinner dance. $75/ ticket. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Intro to Spirit Art – 7-9pm. Connect to spirit through art. An experiential class covering auragraphs, healing mandalas, spiritual still lifes and spirit portraits. Basic supplies provided, bring sketch pad, favorite supplies and canvas/easel if you’d like to paint. 135 Clover Hill Dr, Stamford. 203-344-9311.

markyourcalendar A NIGHT ON THE OTHER SIDE Mediumship Gallery featuring June Edward, “The Massachusetts Medium” Sunday, April 22 • 1-4pm Have you ever wanted to talk to someone on the other side? Is there someone who has passed that you never got to say good bye to? June is a psychic medium, who has mentored many people trying to find their way in life, as well as people in high profile positions of power. Masonic Temple Washington Ldg 1 Fan Hill Rd, Monroe For tickets: tinyurl.com/JuneEdwardCT

Sita’s Light Spring Chant with Miriam Zernis – 7:30-9pm. Join us for a high vibration evening of kirtan (group chanting) with Sita’s Light. Through simple mantras and spirit-filled songs, Sita Miriam Zernis and her talented musician friends will guide you to a place of deep peace and joy. $20/advance; $25/at the door. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com/Events.

AWAKEN WELLNESS FAIR …Awaken to Your Best Self… Sunday, April 22 • 10am-5pm New York’s best-loved holistic expo All about body, mind and spirit! Speakers, Healers, Vendors & Readers 100+ exhibitors, 1000 guests! Exhibitor spots available Double Tree Hotel, Tarrytown, NY 10591 AwakenFair.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10 Rewiring the Brain: What is Neurofeedback? – 7-8:30pm. With Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, EdD, BCN, LPC, Board Certified in Neurofeedback. Neurofeedback therapy is a powerful, safe, non-medication treatment for common childhood and adult issues and disorders. Free. The Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ste 6, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848. Info@ DrRoseann.com. 8-Week Tarot Class – 7-9pm. Intuite your own meanings for each card and learn the art of tarot. course covers information on the Mythic TarotDeck. We will cover multiple card meanings, numerous spreads, and learning to tell the story. We have guests come to read so by the end of the class you can read for others. $50/per class. The Sacred Spirit, 135 Clover Hill Dr, Stamford. 203-344-9311.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Reiki 1 – 10am-5pm. Learn the techniques of self healing, using the universal energy. $160. The Sacred Spirit, 135 Clover Hill Dr, Stamford. 203344-9311. Brief Retreat with Vandita Kate Marchesiello – 1:15-4:15pm. Retreat suitable for all students and teachers. Experience asana, pranayama and yoga nidra from their deepest place of intuition and knowing. Bring a yoga mat, and plan to arrive early to check in and set up. $45-$75. Yoga Studio at Club Fit, 584 North State Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY. 914-582-7816. YTAPresident@gmail.com. YTAYoga.com. Introduction to Holy Fire Reiki – 2-4pm. With Gail Christie, Usui/Holy Fire II Reiki Master Teacher. For those curious about Reiki or interested in learning more about how to heal yourself and others. $20. Cucumber & Chamomile Restorative Living, 622 Main St, Ridgefield. 203-979-0918. GailChristie. Reiki@gmail.com. JoyfulLivingReiki.com.

markyourcalendar ALBERTSON MEMORIAL CHURCH UPCOMING EVENTS: Spiritual/Psychic Fair  Saturday, April 7 • 11am-4pm • $35+  Saturday, May 5 • 11am-4pm • $35+  New Member Workshop (all are welcome) With Lelia Cutler Saturday, April 7 • 9-11am • Free    Mediumship 101 With Joan Carra  Saturday, April 7 • 1-3pm • $30   Community Drum Healing Circle With Oscar Recalde  Saturday, April 21 • 4-6pm • $15   Healing Gong Meditation With Pamela Meredith  Sunday, April 22 • 1-3pm • $35 Be A True Voice For Your Soul   With Rev. Maria Reluzco  Sunday, April 28    Community Drum Healing Circle With Oscar Recalde  Saturday, May 19 • 4-6pm • $15

Ongoing Events:

Sunday Service 11am-12:30pm • Donation   Beginner Psychic & Mediumship Class With Bobby Kitsios Wednesday’s • 7-9pm • $20 Cancelled Services & Events will be posted on our website. Albertson Memorial Church 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich 203-556-9521 • Info@AlbertsonChurch.org AlbertsonChurch.org April 2018

calendar of events

markyourcalendar 13TH OCTAVE LAHOCHI - LEVEL 1 With Dr. Eilis Philpott, Soul Healing Journey, LLC Saturday, May 5 & Sunday, May 6 Eilis is one of two teachers approved by Linda Dillon and the Council of Love to teach the 13th Octave LaHoChi. This magnificent gift is the anchoring of our divinity in physicality, as we move from the ascension process to the creation process. It is the next step in energy healing—a quantum leap available now to the healers and people of Nova Earth. Investment: $300, including all materials as well as lunch on both days $100 deposit required to register Payment plans available Stick and Stones Farm, Newtown Registration required - 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com/ 13th-Octave-LaHochi-Level-1

Earth Day

should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more

sustainable and livable place. ~Scott Peters

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Soul Yoga Healing – 4/3: 7-8:30pm. 4/15: 9:3011am. With Jessica Fumasoli, registered yoga instructor. Explore a collection of healing practices. Focus on using our own bodies and minds to heal through present movement and strategic intentions. $35/one session; $60/both sessions. Soul Synergy Wellness LLC, 1492 High Ridge Rd, 2nd Fl, Ste 9, Stamford. 203-814-1355. SoulSynergy Wellnes111@gmail.com. SoulSynergyWellness.co. Reiki II Class – 10am-4pm. Finish getting attuned and complete your Reiki practice by taking this Reiki II class. Receive your second degree certificates and work as a Reiki II practitioner anywhere you choose. $225/early bird; $250/thereafter. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.

THE “MENTAL GUT” HEALTH FORUM Sunday, May 6 Two Sessions:: 10:30am-2pm or 5-8:30pm Learn how your gut can impact your mental health. A Lecture, Panel Discussion and Q & A The Westport Inn, 1595 Post Rd East, Westport Early bird: $53 • After April 22: $63 Call with questions: Francesca, 914-837-6830 Register: MentalGutHealth.com (Events)

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Holy Fire Reiki Circle – 7-9pm. With Gail Christie, Usui/Holy Fire II Reiki Master. A restorative evening of meditation, fellowship and shared Reiki healing. Release stress, regain a sense of peace and joy, and return to your busy life refreshed. $20. Joyful Living Reiki, Three Lakes Dr, Stamford. 203-979-0918. GailChristie.Reiki@gmail.com. JoyfulLivingReiki.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Reaching New Heights: Practical Methods for Raising your Vibration – 6:30-8pm. Raising your personal vibration can help you feel happier, more at peace, connected, and allows you change your life for the better. Learn practical skills to help feel your best in body, mind and spirit. $35. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com. Intro to Spirit Art – 7-9pm. Connect to spirit through art. An experiential class covering auragraphs, healing mandalas, spiritual still lifes and spirit portraits. Basic supplies provided, bring sketch pad, favorite supplies and canvas/easel if you’d like to paint. 135 Clover Hill Dr, Stamford. 203-344-9311. Family Constellations Workshop – 7-10pm. The Constellation approach is a combination of Western modalities of psychotherapy (mind) and traditional tribal and shamanic healing movements (body, spirit). It’s a step from therapy to healing. $30. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 23rd Annual Woodbury Earth Day Festival – 11am-4pm. 100+ artisanal and eco-minded vendors, live music, activities and demonstrations for all ages, and some of the best food trucks in Connecticut. The largest Earth Day celebration in Connecticut. Free. Hollow Park, 43 Hollow Rd, Woodbury. 203-263-0076. EarthDay@Pomperaug. org. WoodburyEarthDay.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 Reiki Second Degree – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

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Healing the Earth, Healing Yourself – 4/27: 5:307:30pm. 4/28: 1:30-6:30pm. 4/29: 12:30-3:30pm. With John Jackson. If you yearn to reconnect, to live in harmony with the world we call our home, join us for this weekend of learning ancient sacred ritual and meditation. $255. Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 9:30am5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. Two powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Lineage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet. net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Reiki I Class – 10am-4pm. Introduction to the ancient art of hands on healing. You will receive the first set of Reiki attunements that align your upper four chakras. Class combines lecture, discussion and hands on practice. Certification class and you will receive a manual along with the Reiki I attunements. $125/by 4/15; $150/thereafter. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter.com. JiivaCenter.com. Holy Fire Reiki 2 Class – 10:30am-5:30pm. With Gail Christie, Usui/Holy Fire II Reiki Master Teacher. Deepen your own experience of Reiki in a Level 2 certification class. Learn to send distance healing, as well as learn how to use the Level 2 symbols in giving Reiki to yourself and others. Prerequisite: Reiki 1. $275. Cucumber & Chamomile Restorative Living, 622 Main St, Ridgefield. 203-979-0918. GailChristie.Reiki@gmail.com. JoyfulLivingReiki.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 3 The Illusionists - Live from Broadway – 8-9:30pm. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Tickets: $62; $82.50; $103.50. The Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford. 203-325-4466.

ongoing events

sunday Tal Fusion: Sunday Sweat – 9:15-10am. With Tal Fagin. Get your heart pumping and blood flowing with this eclectic, spirited, high energy class. Class is 50 minutes in length, so get ready to get in high gear. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:3010:45am. 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. 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. Come together to share thoughts, experiences and wisdom in a supportive environment. 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 simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Celebration Service – 10:30am-noon. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfoldment 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. 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. Ignite your Spirit Healing Clinic – 11:45am-2pm. Second Sunday. Muktinath healing clinics are a great way to try out or receive ongoing assistance with anything life throws your way. Must register in advance. $20/suggested contribution. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-5185808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. Muktinath HolisticCenter.com. Reiki Healing Clinic – 11:45am -2pm. First Sunday. Experience the beneficial effects of relaxation and feeling of peace from Reiki healing. Reiki strengthens and balances the body, mind and spirit. Must register in advance. $20/suggested contribution. Muktinath Holistic Center, 731 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.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 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, strength and flow. $18/ class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Mid-day Meditation – 2-2:45pm. Monday-Friday. Come re-center in a group setting and cultivate peace during your busy day. Every weekday at 2pm, join us for a free meditation session. Stay as long as you are able, the option to leave as needed is always available. Free. Barefoot Living Arts, 85 Mill Plain Rd, Sportsplex at Fairfield Building V, Fairfield. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness, simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

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April 2018

ongoing events

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. 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.

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, depending on the needs of the class. Beginners welcome. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness, simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and 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. 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. 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 Mat Pilates – 9-10am. With Suzette Caldwell. Classic mat Pilates work out, vigorous class but open to all levels. You set the challenge bar for your workout. $18/class; $16/senior. Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com.

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. 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. 203-521-0359. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@ gmail.com. HCCYoga.org. Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org. Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Active style 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. 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. Learn to Love Yourself – 7:30-9:30pm. Second Wednesday. With Ginny Brown and Ellen Kratka. Little-known spiritual truths applied to everyday life. Let go of negative judgment and unconditionally accept yourself. $40. By phone or internet. 203-263-2643. E.Kratka@sbcglobal.net. Results-BeyondBelief.com. 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.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Healing Gong – 10:30-11:30am. Healing Gong, a form of Sheng Zhen, is a restorative medical qigong that blends an ancient tradition with gentle, meditative movements performed seated on a chair. $25. Barefoot Living Arts, 85 Mill Plain Rd, Sportsplex at Fairfield Building V, Fairfield. 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. 203-521-0359. 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 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. 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.

saturday Healers Class Series – 8:45-10:30am. First Saturday. 3 classes. Open to all healers. Designed to expand any healing practice and modality. $150/series. 100 Danbury Rd, Ste 102, Ridgefield. 203-5255830. S.Light@mac.com. SenLightenMent.com. 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 & Wellness Center, 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. 860-619-2788. Info@ValleySpiritCoop.com. ValleySpiritCoop.com.

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:3010:45am. 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, simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.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. Intuitive Movement Class – 11:30am-12:30pm. Created and taught by Lisa Lent, LMT, GFI. For those who hate to exercise but want to gently improve posture, flexibility and overall vitality. $15/ drop-in. ah Yoga, 65 Bank St, New Milford. Yoga Advanced Studies 2018 with Karen Pierce – 1:30-3:30pm. First Saturday. Ongoing training for students who want to expand their practice. Different topic each month. $39/single session; $339/10 sessions. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd,

Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogasSpace-CT.com/Events. See Me As I Am: Meditation and Float Yoga Class (2-3pm) and Women’s Spiritual Wellness Collaboratory (3-4pm) – Experience deep peace in a gentle water-themed yoga and meditation class. Followed by a women’s group focusing on empowerment, spiritual fitness and creativity through techniques and discussion. Choose one or both. $15/ one session. $30/both. Short Beach Union Church, 14 Pentacost St, Branford. Monthly Healing Circle – 4-5:30pm. First Sunday. With Susan Gagliardo, LPN, RM. Whether you are in need of healing or a healer wishing to share your gifts for the highest good of others, this group is for you. Everyone is welcome but you must pre-register. Free; $10/suggested donation. Acupuncture Works, 132A St, Rte 37, New Fairfield. 845-494-0090. Reiki4Wellness@aol.com. AcupunctureFeelsGood.com. Evening of Community Kirtan – 7-8:30pm. First Saturday. With Kristen Ambrosi and Jagadisha Petrovic. An evening of community Kirtan. Special musical experience of singing our hearts open. This transformative call-and-response practice is joyful, healing and beautiful. $25/advance; $30/ at door. The Jiiva Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter. com. JiivaCenter.com. 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.

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.

FOR SALE MAKE A LIVING WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. 12-year-old eco retail business for sale. All sincere offers considered. Call Erin 203-673-9585 or email Info@ CenterforGreenBuilding.com.

HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply! Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com. DO YOU LOVE NATURAL AWAKENINGS? Help us spread the word! We’re looking for Community Street Team Members to work with us at upcoming spring/summer events all over CT. Please send an email (subject line: COMMUNITY) and resume to NicoleM@ NaturalAwakeningsmag.com.

April 2018

community resource guide

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

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.

ACUPUNCTURE KURT BEIL, ND, LAC, MPH

72 North St, Ste 100A, Danbury 914-362-8315 DrKurt@earthlink.net HudsonValleyNaturalHealth.com Naturopathic and Chinese medicine for acute and chronic disease, including acupuncture, botanical medicine, cupping, moxa, homeopathy, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, mind-body medicine, ecotherapy and functional lab testing. Helpful for muscle/ joint pain and headaches, autoimmune disease, digestive disorders, mental health; boosting immune function; balancing hormones; tobacco addiction; and stress reduction. See ad, page 20.

JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAC  Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

Concierge care for those suffering from pain, internal disorders, menstrual issues and menopause, infertility, depression and anxiety, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, tune-ups and more. Facial rejuvenation/ cosmetic acupuncture also offered. See ad, page 19.

Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, non-invasive, FDA registered.

CENTRE FOR NATURAL HEALING 35 Wall St, Norwalk 203-857-0202 CentreHealingCT.com

Modern-day apothecary offering tinctures, teas, essential oils, and professional CMYK 1, 99, 1, 0 supplements. Services include custom herbal compounding. Our CMYK wellness boutique features items for wellness, 58, 79, 0, 0 beauty, and home, as well as artisanal items including jewelry, healing crystals, and ceremonial items for sacred ritual.

Aleo – Bold

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 WholeBodyMed.com Breast cancer screening with medical-grade thermography is safe and noninvasive. We are pleased to have ThermaScan, the world’s premier source for the analysis and reporting of medical thermology, available at our health center. Early detection matters. See ad, page 2.

BIOFEEDBACK

INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAC

Ingri’s treatments help alleviate pain, depression, neck and back, anxiety, headaches, stress, allergies, asthma, arthritis, digestive, menstrual, infertility, smoking and weight-loss issues. See ad, page 23.

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 AlbaThermalImaging.com

APOTHECARY

CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice

ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

P R O X I M A N O VA – S E M I B O L D

CHIROPRACTIC

CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

ADAM BREINER, ND

The NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center Division of Whole-Body Medicine Full ColorHwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield One Color 501 Kings 203-371-8258 TheNeuroEdge.com

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

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.

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. See ad, page 10.

ROSEANN CAPANNA-HODGE, EDD, LPC, BCN, LLC

RISA SLOVES, DC

898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield Offices in Ridgefield and Newtown 203-438-4848 Info@DrRoseann.com DrRoseann.com

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 50.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

True Health Family Chiropractic Knockout White 7365 Main(For St, DarkStratford Backgrounds) 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 CTChiropractic.com Dr. Risa Sloves is one of 12 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Turning Techniques. .

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 WholeBodyMed.com Good health depends as much upon how well we eliminate wastes from our bodies as it does upon how well we eat. Our physiciansupervised colonics promote relief from a variety of disturbances by gently cleansing the colon and opening our body’s natural detoxification pathways. See ad, page 2.

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 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.

WORKSPACE EDUCATION 16 Trowbridge Dr, Bethel 203-409-2028 WorkspaceEducation.org

Workspace Education is a vibrant community of parents, K-12 students, educators and professionals. With an authentic culture and the freedom to design custom educations, Workspace delivers not only on the foundational literacies, but also enables students to pursue their passions. See ad, page 3.

ENERGY HEALING 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 intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 39.

SOUL HEALING JOURNEY, LLC Eilis Philpott 40 Livingston St, Fairfield 203-767-5954 Eilis@SoulHealingJourney.com SoulHealingJourney.com

Eilis is a certified Rebirther having completed Rebirthing and Advanced Rebirthing training. She is a certified Soul Language practitioner and is certified in Akashic Field therapy. She is a Reiki Master in Usui/Raku-kei Reiki and Angelic Reiki. She is an approved teacher for 13th Octave LaHoChi. A transformational healing session supports you in healing all aspects of your life. See ad, page 22.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE MARK JOACHIM, DC, FIAMA

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 CTNutritionCenter.com Dr. Joachim has been in private practice since 1990, specializing in nutrition, natural allergy elimination and functional medicine. Through specialized testing, he identifies subtle changes in individual physiology which may be at the root of troubling symptoms. Addressing the underlying dysfunction can help you feel better, for good. See ad, page 4.

TAMARA SACHS, MD

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.

HEALING CENTER 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.

HEALTH COACH MARY GILBERTSON, WELLNESS Mary Gilbertson, MS, BSN, CHHC Licensed RN, Nutritionist and Certified Health Coach 238 Monroe Tpke, Monroe 203-521-4733 MaryGilbertsonWellness@gmail.com MaryGilbertsonWellness.co

Using the concept of “Food as Medicine” to create your customized nutrition and lifestyle plan for whole living. Working one-on-one, in groups and in corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. Works with patients on metabolism and weight loss, detoxification, gut health, cancers, inflammatory conditions and stress management. See ad, page 35.

April 2018

HOLISTIC DENTIST 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 dentalrelated health problems. He is the author of the award-winning book, Whole-Body Dentistry. See ad, page 2.

HOLISTIC NURSE PRACTITIONER JOY HERBST, RN, APRN, MSN, CPC, CYT 500 Barefoot Living Arts 85 Mill Plain Rd, Fairfield 203-640-0530 • JoyHerbst.com

Joy Herbst is a holistic nurse practitioner and expert in empowered, integrative recovery. She blends the healing modalities of Ayurveda, functional medicine and yoga to help women find an optimal and unique blueprint for vibrant and sober living.

UNIVERSAL INTELLIGENCE, LLC Redding 203-451-3383 Support@UniversalIntelligence.info UniversalIntelligence.info

My name is Althea, which means healer. I work collaboratively with clients to release where they are “stuck” and get to where they would like to be. I use the modalities of hypnosis, coaching, emotional freedom techniques, among others, in a safe, tranquil environment. See ads, pages 23 and 33.

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: Ffood allergies; Alzheimer’s/ dementia; chronic fatigue syndrome; weight loss; hormonal health; fibromyalgia; anti-aging medicine; and MTHFR-Genetic Mutation. See ad, page 7.

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE

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 11.

MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 MindBodyTransformation.com

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.

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 17 and 35.

Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley Edition

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE 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. See ad, page 11.

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 19.

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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 53..

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 RobinOrdanLMT.com

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, pregnancy, trigger point, injuries and infant/child massage instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad, page 13.

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.

VALLEY SPIRIT WELLNESS

6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com Meditation can be easier to master than you think. Taoist, Buddhist and generic meditation. Beginners and experienced practitioners both welcome. See ad, page 19.

MIND BODY CONSULTING MINDBODY MASTERY Nicole Fevrier Davis 646-739-7879 MindBodyMastery.org

Nicole Fevrier Davis adeptly and professionally combines the science of wellness with the language of our souls to attain successful outcomes. Nicole’s personal training unlocks body wisdom and speaks to her clients’ needs on several levels. See ad, page 32.

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.

INGELS FAMILY HEALTH

Dr. Jaquel Patterson 22 Fairfield Pl, Fairfield 203-254-9957 • IngelsFamilyHealth.com Natural Care for the Whole Body and Family. From treating disease conditions for individuals to preventive healthcare, Dr. Jaquel believes in treating the underlying cause to prevent disease and resolve health issues. See ad, page 9.

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 12.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com

Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, homeopathy, Chinese/Western herbs, allergy/ toxin testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, nutrition/enzyme therapies. See ad, page 29.

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. CMYKShe also has a special 1, 99, 1, 0 interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, CMYK autism, allergies, eczema asthma. Treatments 58, 79, and 0, 0 include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, back cover.

Aleo – Bold CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

NEUROFEEDBACK

P R O X I M A N O VA – S E M I B O L D CMYK: 72, 66, 65, 79

ADAM BREINER, ND

The NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center Division of Whole-Body Medicine Full ColorHighway E, Ste 108, Fairfield One Color 501 Kings 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.

NEUROFEEDBACK 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 We work with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families around a variety of issues with non-medication therapies. We provide brain-based treatments like neurofeedback, biofeedback, EFT, hypnosis, meditation, etc. Our staff provides non-judgmental support to help alleviate stress and promote wellness. See ad, page 50.

April 2018

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN DAVID L. JOHNSTON, DO 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-438-9915 OsteopathicWellness.net

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 40.

Dr. Johnston has been providing gentle, holistic, hands-on osteopathic manual treatment and nutrition for over 20 years. Excellent for newborns, birth trauma, concussions, headaches, sports injuries, neck and back pain, digestive issues, brain support, stress, fibromyalgia, detoxification and weight loss, specialized bloodwork. See ad, page 21.

PSYCHOLOGIST BEING CENTERED: PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, PLLC Ridgefield 203-614-1089 Info@Being-Centered.com Being-Centered.com

Dr. Teresa Reyes Castillo and Dr. Anna Huff are two licensed psychologists aimed at helping others find their truth and the courage to follow their path. Their psychodynamic approach helps individuals to find a deeper meaning within their lives. See ad, page 37.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

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 50.

PSYCHOTHERAPY NANCY SCHERLONG, LCSW

Coaching/Psychotherapy/Consulting Offices in Danbury and Ridgefield 914-572-3167 WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Re-discover 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. See ad, page 25.

REIKI GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 AngelHealReiki.com

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

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 53.

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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.

RELATIONSHIP COACH UNIVERSAL INTELLIGENCE, LLC Redding 203-451-3383 Support@UniversalIntelligence.info UniversalIntelligence.info

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER HUNTER HEALING HANDS

Jessica C. Hunter 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.co Healing sessions in shamanic healing, Melody crystal healing, Reiki, shamanic intuitive readings. Accredited and certification training programs in Reiki, crystal healing and shamanic healing. See ad, page 8.

TAI CHI/QIGONG JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAc  Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

Develop physical and mental fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spirit using ancient Chinese arts. Starting with basic movements, warm-up techniques and breathing exercises, you will learn a set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness. Weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats. See ad, page 19.

ermal Imaging (DITI) THERMOGRAPHY pproved full body screening. WHOLE HEALTH • No Radiati on THERMOGRAPHY LLC  ars earlier breast Rachel Mazzarelli, MS, CCT Locations throughout Fairfield County, n vs mammogram Southbury, New Haven, Milford and New York for detecti ng and 203-257-3785 mber of diseases WHThermography@gmail.com cal injuries. WholeHealthThermography.com

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is an FDAapproved, noninvasive, 85 no-radiation screening for the whole body. It offers possible ut earlier detection of breast disease thbury, and can aid in diagnosis and ord, improved prognosis of many health conditions and injuries.

elli

phy@gmail.com thermography.com TRANSFORMATIVE

HEALING ESSENTIAL HOLISTIC HEALING, LLC Jackie Karabin, Reiki Master, LMT Wilton 203-984-1491 Info@EssentialHolisticHealing.com EssentialHolisticHealing.com

Find balance and enhance the health and well-being of your body, mind and spirit through Reiki and massage therapy. Offering a holistic approach with tailored sessions to honor the specific needs and goals of the client.

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 39.

SARAH ROTELLA

Enlightenment Center, Integrative Wellness Therapies 100 Danbury Rd, Ste 102, Ridgefield Additional locations in Greenwich and Southbury 203-525-5830 S.Light@mac.com • SenLightenment.com Experiential knowing gives meaning to the words and insights we have and leads to trusting our intuition. A transformational session encompasses all the senses, aligning the whole body. This can lead to a higher thought awareness that creates potential for actions that change our reality. See ad, page 15.

RS HOLISTIC COUNSELING, COACHING AND HEALING

246 Federal Rd, Ste C23-A, Brookfield 203-826-2558 RSHolisticHealing@gmail.com RSHolisticServices.com RS Holistic Counseling, Coaching, and Healing offers Transformative Healing sessions in Brookfield. The sessions can be from one hour for pure healing sessions using a variety of methods including Reiki, guided meditations, crystals, essential oils specific to your needs. There is also a 1 1/2-hour session that consists of 45 minutes of coaching, and 45 minutes of transformative healing. See ad, page 20.

WELLNESS CENTER BAREFOOT LIVING ARTS

85 Mill Plain Rd, Fairfield 203-955-1955 BarefootMedicalArts@gmail.com BarefootLivingArts.org Barefoot Living Arts is a wellness center in downtown Fairfield that provides acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, massage, qigong, meditation, counseling, yoga and more. Our practice consists of two naturopathic doctors, a licensed massage therapist, a licensed clinical social worker and an advanced practice registered nurse. We strive to gently assist our patients to develop a deeper, more authentic connection with themselves.

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 53.

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. See ad, page 4.

SALT OF THE EARTH HEALING ARTS SANCTUARY/ATHENA HALL 346 Main St S, Woodbury 203-405-2241 203-586-1172

A space of calm and beauty, healing and restoration of the body and spirit, Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary offers a tranquil place to refresh and renew in a house charged with the energy of old. Beautiful Athena Hall, inside the Sanctuary, can be rented to like-minded people for classes, workshops, lectures and special events. Heart and Home is a unique store in the sanctuary; a cozy place to shop, have tea, scoop and bag salts, purchase a variety of artisan goods.

SOUL SYNERGY WELLNESS

1492 High Ridge Rd, Stamford • 203-356-5822 515 West Ave, Norwalk • 203-814-1355 SoulSynergyWellness111@gmail.com SoulSynergyWellness.co Soul Synergy Wellness offers a variety of aesthetic services and noninvasive techniques to support mind-body wellness. Services include anti-aging and oxygen facials with aromatherapy, Torc Plus bioelectric stimulation for muscle activation and weight-loss, infrared sauna and the DietMaster weight-loss program. See ads, pages 14 and 22.

SALTANA CAVE

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 51.

April 2018

COSMIC RHYTHMS The Sun Enters Earthy Taurus

by Michele Leigh

he planets are pretty quiet for the first half of April, but remember we are still in the midst of Mercury retrograde until then. While our planet of communication is moving backward, the possibility of miscommunication is high. Avoid having critical conversations during the first two weeks of April. We should be patient with people who don’t understand what we are trying to say because we will have a hard time interpreting them as well. This is due to the distracting white noise of the retrograde. In the wee hours of the morning of April 15, Mercury begins to move direct again in the sign of Aries. Give Mercury some time to speed up in the forward-moving direction before initiating important conversations. In a few weeks, communications should start feeling much more natural and productive. April 15 also brings a New Moon in Aries, the first sign of the zodiac and the youngest energy of the wheel. Use this new 28day cycle to take a risk and/or do something adventurous. In the element of fire, think about doing something physical. It’s a great time to commit to a new workout routine. On April 17, Saturn, our planet of limits, starts moving retrograde. This outer planet stays in retrograde much longer than Mercury. Saturn won’t move forward again until September 6, so settle in for a summer of testing the boundaries. In the sign of Capricorn, our sense of right and wrong is still very strong. But with Saturn in retrograde, we may find ourselves evaluating our foundational beliefs and structures. The Sun enters Taurus the bull just before midnight on April 19. With our luminary moving into an Earth sign, we may find ourselves wanting to feed the senses and get outdoors. Taurus encourages us to pay attention to the sights and sounds of the earth coming alive again. Let’s literally stop to smell the roses. We close out the month with an intense Full Moon in Scorpio on April 29. A Full Moon is an opportunity to release something that no longer serves us. In the element of Water, we may feel extra emotional as the moon grows with light. Intense Scorpio encourages us to shed an old skin. Michele Leigh is an astrologer, author and podcaster. A practitioner of ancient astrology and planetary magic, she is an active member of OPA, the Organization for Professional Astrology. Connect at DarkMoonAstrology.com. 70

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April 2018

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