Natural Awakenings of Greater Ann Arbor Michigan - December 2021

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THE HEALING POWER OF A SACRED CIRCLE Sugar-Free Holiday Treats Celebrating the Soul of Winter How Great Kids’ Books Can Shape a Lifetime

December 2021 | Greater Ann Arbor | HealthyLivingMichigan.com December 2021

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Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night.

“It saved me last holidays,” she said.

“The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.”

Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said.

By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast.

September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.”

“They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched.

Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished.

Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses.

Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA24. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?”

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives.

Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever.

The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

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December 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from the publishers Spirit-Infused Serenity

GREATER ANN ARBOR EDITION Publishers John & Trina Voell III

Design & Production John & Trina Voell III Editor Martin Miron Theresa Archer Randy Kambic A2 Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929 Detroit Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

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o discover the simplicity of a spiritual life and find inspiration within the everyday is sought out by multitudes today. When we pay attention to and nurture our body, mind and soul, we increase self-awareness and expand our capacity to deepen connections with the world around us.

In these days when so many of us are feeling separated and isolated, situations that bring people together in small groups offer participants valuable opportunity for healing and wholeness. These community gatherings, known as wisdom circles, story circles or prayer circles, invite people to share experiences, find creative solutions to societal issues and mentor each other’s growth. Our main feature, “Circles of Healing,” offers some best practices for starting and maintaining one of these sacred ensembles.

Our Wise Words department highlights bestselling author, Jungian-based psychotherapist and former monk Thomas Moore speaking about the “Art of Soulful Listening”.

This is a must-read, as he discusses why too often today we debate rather than converse, and why it’s important to find peace within ourselves so we can listen well. He finds reasons to be an optimist because we are slowly evolving into a more humane community of Earth beings.

Despite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves and snag us in an unhealthy loop of overindulgence. But we can avoid that pitfall with such strategies as five-minute bursts of exercise or dancing and eating foods like berries and walnuts to boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. “Holiday Zen” explains why power naps and conscious mouth breathing are powerful, effective ways to restore balance in the body quickly.

In addition to getting enough sleep, exercise and nutritious foods, we can boost our immunity during this stressful season by adding specific adaptogens and mushroom powders into our daily routine. “Amp Up Immunity” explains why such adaptogens as panax ginseng and mushrooms like reishi perform specific functions in the immune system that keep our body in balance and boost our resistance to illness.

In the ancient world, fire festivals marked holy days celebrating the sun’s promise of return in a time of hardship. Today, something inside our ancestral memory makes us crave celebration as we wrap the year’s end in shiny ribbon, ethereal lights and scented candles. “Season of Light” offers ideas to treat our senses by buying a few yards of red velvet to sleep on or picking up a long-anticipated novel to balance out the long winter ahead.

Over the years, we have come to love and appreciate winter. The time change and the sun setting earlier naturally makes it a time to slow down and get to bed earlier, rise earlier to enjoy the quietude of the morning and face the day’s bustle with more ease and grace.

With the magic of the holidays in the air and need for a few gifts, please be sure to visit our Natural Awakenings advertisers and distributors. They’ll help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. ‘Tis the season to be jolly; look all around, there is much to celebrate and be grateful for as 2022 draws near!

May warmth, joy and love surround you this holiday season and always,

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

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

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Contents 16 CIRCLES OF HEALING

The Power of Gathering in Community

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20 AMP UP IMMUNITY Proven Boosters for Good Health

22 THE SWEET DANGER OF SUGAR

Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare

24 HOLIDAY ZEN

Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

26 THOMAS MOORE

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on the Art of Soulful Listening

28 THE BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS

Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

32 TOYLAND FOR POOCHES

Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

33 SEASON OF LIGHT

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Celebrating the Soul of Winter

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DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 14 eco tip 15 action alert 19 product

spotlight 20 healing ways 22 conscious

eating

24 fit body 26 wise words 28 healthy kids 30 plant medicine 31 action alert 32 natural pet 33 inspiration 34 calendar 35 classifieds 36 resource guide December 2021

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Holistic Care

• Mood Support • Cancer Support • Family Medicine • Holistic Medicine • Innovative Medicine • Bioidentical Hormones Marisa Spradlin RD Gaia Kile FNP Danielle Douglas FNP Malcolm Sickels MD 210 Little Lake Dr., Suite 10 Ann Arbor (west side) www.drsickels.com 734.332.9936 • Easy access from M-14, I-94 & Jackson Road • Check drsickels.com for directions & insurance info.

MICHIGAN FRIENDS CENTER AT FRIENDS LAKE COMMUNITY A Scenic and Tranquil Meeting Place...

We offer the holistic community a nature-oriented meeting space for workshops, meetings, counseling, yoga, youth groups, and family gatherings. Main room accommodates 100 pre-Covid, with two smaller classrooms and kitchen facilities. Hiking trails. Weekend rates range from $200-$400, additional for extensive grounds use, camping. Book your next gathering at https://MFCenter.org/rent “We need to preserve a few places, a few samples of primeval country so that when the pace gets too fast we can look at it, think about it, contemplate it, and somehow restore equanimity to our souls.”

news briefs

Make a Mosaic with Intention

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aking mosaics is a creative process that allows us to take the pieces, rearrange and make something whole again. Peaceful Dragon School is offering a mosaic cabinet knob class taught by mosaic artist, and tai chi and chi kung instructor Master Wasentha Young from 2 to 4 p.m., December 17. It will not only serve as a creative process, but provide a heartfelt gift. Every time the cabinet knob is used, it will give joy and remembrance of the connection to our divine nature.

One cabinet knob finding, adhesive and some supporting colored stones will be supplied. Participants should bring a favorite stone or bead (no larger than three-quarter-inch in width, height and depth), art tweezers and nippers.

Cost is $100; class size limited to eight. Location: 1945 Pauline Blvd., Ste. B, Ann Arbor. To register, call Young at 734-882-5003 or email Wasentha@PeacefulDragonSchool.com. For more information, visit WasenthasMosaics.com. See ad page 38.

Death and Dying: Ready to Talk?

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death cafe is an open group discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is not a grief support or counseling session. The objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives. Ann Arbor is home to several death cafes, as well as training in death-related support functions such as end-of-life doula training, home funerals and green burial options.

These events are always held on a free basis in a respectful and confidential space.

Death remains a relatively taboo topic to discuss for many people, and a death cafe aims to normalize the conversation of all aspects of death. The end of life doesn’t have to be morbid or scary; it’s inevitable.

The Ann Arbor Death Cafe meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of the month online via Zoom (also provides end-of-life doula training). Email TheDyingYear@gmail.com.

Interfaith Death Cafe meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month online via Zoom. Email Annie.Kopko@InterfaithSpirit.org.

Ypsilanti Death Cafe meets at 5 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month at the Gallery at Stone & Spoon. Email Hanna@AcaciaEndOfLife.com.

For more information, visit DeathCafe.com. See ad apge 36.

– Sigurd Olson

7748 Clark Lake Road, Chelsea, MI 48118 (734) 475-1892 https://MFCenter.org/rent 8

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Tell 'em you found them in Natural Awakenings! :)

Food Gatherers Hosts Rockin’ for the Hungry

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ood Gatherers will host their biggest annual fundraiser, Rockin’ for the Hungry, from November 30 through December 4, virtually to raise 1 million meals for people facing hunger. Community members can join by tuning in to 107.1 FM for interviews with community leaders, donor-sponsored power hours and updates. In addition, there will be a one-day, in-person food drive for donations of nonperishable food and funds at Kroger locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 4, on Maple Road, Whittaker Road and Plymouth Road.

Eileen Spring, president and CEO of Food Gatherers, says, “The need for food remains elevated in our community and many of our neighbors rely on Food Gatherers and our network of pantries and programs to make ends meet. The pandemic created a perfect storm of operational challenges and increased need for food banks and food pantries everywhere. Even as the economy opens back up, we expect our elevated response will be in place for the next 18 to 24 months. Donations made during Rockin’ will provide nutritious groceries and meals to anyone in need in our community, all year long.”

Donate at 734-606-0753 or FoodGatherers.org/rockin. See ad page 14.

Women’s Wellness Series Starts in January

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idwest Women’s Herbal presents In Our Own Hands: Women’s Wellness Series, a unique virtual event beginning January 8, 2022, with workshops being held every other Saturday through April 2, and concluding with a virtual talking stick ceremony and intention-setting for spring to stay grounded and connected to the Earth all winter long.

Herbal elders from around the world will share their knowledge and Wise Women wisdom. Midwest Women’s Herbal founder Linda Conroy asks, “What if nourishment works?” Modern-day mystic Rev. Judith Laxer will share The Power of Oracles and Isla Burgess joins from New Zealand to talk about Nutritional and Herbal Tonics After Menopause.

Ellen Evert Hopman gets witchy with baneful plants and will teach us how to use their medicine safely through homeopathy.

Robyn Klein informs on the importance of keying in plant identification, and Lucretia Van Dyke presents Ubuntu—I Am Because We Are, guiding and empowering the way to processing our individual and collective grief.

For more information and to register, visit Midwest WomensHerbal.com/inourownhands-2022. See ad on page 31 and at NAChicago.com.

Train for a Natural Health Career

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nrollment for January 2022 programs at the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies & Education (NITE) is open through December 21. Classes are offered on weekends, beginning from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday. Lab classes for the Therapeutic Bodywork Practitioner program are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday.

NITE allows students to dive deep into the art of natural healing. Combining practical skills, comprehensive knowledge and an understanding of the connection between physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and wellness makes learning at the Naturopathic Institute truly

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news briefs unique. Classes are taught by highly skilled and qualified instructors that bring a wealth of experience and expertise into the classroom.

It’s a place for those pursuing a career as a natural health practitioner, massage therapist, holistic doula or that want to learn more about natural remedies and therapies. The Naturopathic Institute offers three excellent diploma/certificate programs: Natural Health/Naturopathy; Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Bodywork; and Doula Training/Holistic Doula.

Location: 503 E. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant. For more information, call 989-773-1714. To apply, visit NaturopathicInstitute.org/admissions/apply. See ad page 4.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga at The Grove

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he Grove Emotional Health Collaborative provides individual therapy for individuals across their lifespan, as well as couples and family therapy. Clinicians are trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches and each Grove collaborator offers specific types of therapy unique to their training and skills.

Trauma-Sensitive Dominique Theophilus Yoga Therapy with Dominique Theophilus, RYT, a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, is intended for individuals 17 and older. She established her career as a yoga teacher in 2011 and continued her education as a master teacher and lead faculty member. Theophilus later became certified

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as a 500-hour registered yoga teacher and has led international yoga retreats, in addition to completing traumatic brain injury coursework with Love Your Brain, established by Kevin Pearce.

The Grove offers mindfulness; cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and family-focused therapy; and body-centered approaches such as yoga. Other modalities include psychotherapy, medication and psychiatry services.

Sessions are $125. Location: 214 S. Main St., Ste. 206, Ann Arbor.

For appointments and more information, call 734-224-3822 or visit GroveEmotionalHealth.com.

Buy Local at the Winter Artisan Market

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rgus Farm Stop will hold their fifth annual Winter Artisan Market, with handmade products from local artisans, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., December 12. The Winter Market is an extension of the year-round farmers’ market, with a variety of artists to satisfy local shopping needs. Vendors will be selling local agricultural products such as maple syrup and locally made jams, ceramics and jewelry, fiber arts and other crafted products.

Manager Meg Goldwyn says, “As a local institution, there’s a joy we get in being able to host an event like this and help small businesses and local artists promote their work. Our mission is to help support and grow the local food economy by connecting local products and produce to local consumers.”

Locations 325 W. Liberty (734-213-2200) and 1200 Packard (734997-5448). For more information, visit ArgusFarmStop.com.

Late Night Shopping Fun

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he Main Street Area Association of Ann Arbor will host Ann Arbor Midnight Madness on December 3 downtown with stores open late, holiday cheer, sales and specials.

Sidewalk entertainment includes Santa, Element 1 (breakdancing group), Marsha Gayle, Caroling for a Cause (Food Gatherers), Pioneer High School Choirs, Voices in Harmony, Huron Valley Harmonizers (barbershop) and more.

Ten Thousand Villages, Conor O’Neill’s, Mighty Good Coffee, Himalayan Bazaar and the Ann Arbor Art Center are all running specials. Special Midnight Madness workshops include All Ages Paint Your Own Pottery Cocoa Mugs (preregistration required).

For more information, visit MainStreetAnnArbor.org/holiday-shopping-guide-1.

New Reiki Book Out this Month

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anielle Groth, a Holy Fire III reiki master/ teacher, meditation teacher and energy medicine practitioner trained and certified in clinical EFT (tapping) and vibrational sound therapy, is the owner of the healing practice I Am Well, LLC. As the

Danielle Groth

co-founder with Victoria Lovell of nonprofit Angel Whispers Ministries, Groth works with clients individually, as well as creating and leading retreats for large and small groups. Her new book, Reiki and Faith, written with Lovell, will be released on December 12.

Lovell is a former educator and coach of 20 years, the award-winning author of the children’s book, My Guy in the Sky, and a Moth Grand Slam storytelling champion. She is also a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, in Ann Arbor, an advocate for those experiencing homelessness and a missionary in Uganda.

Location: 1785 W. Stadium Blvd., Ste. 104A, Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-604-6938 or email Danielle@IAmWellReiki. com. Purchase the book at AngelWhispers.org or IAmWellReiki.com.

KUDOS

Ji Hye Kim, chef and owner of the Korean restaurant Miss Kim, has been named a 2021 Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine, and Michigan State Senator Jeff Irwin honored her with a special tribute. Growing up in Seoul with ancient Korean culinary texts, Kim was inspired by her ancestors Ji Hye Kim and Jeff Irwin and opened the eatery in 2016 as part of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses.

She says, “Our food is rooted in Korean tradition and adapted to showcase Michigan’s bountiful produce. We work with local farmers to build a menu that shines seasonally.” Throughout the pandemic, Miss Kim donated hundreds of meals to support the Food Gatherers Community Kitchen and feed neighbors facing food insecurity.

Location: 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor. For more information or to order, call 734-275-0099 or visit MissKimAnnArbor.com.

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health briefs

Oral-Arterial Fitness: Age Backwards There are more than 30,000 miles of arterial highways in our bodies, and our mouth health affects every inch of them. Nearly 75 million Americans have unhealthy gums, which can nearly double the risk of a heart attack.

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of Americans. Here, at Dexter Dental Studio, we have a program to help individuals, “age backwards.”

Cancer Risk Posed

by Birth Control Pills

Our program, Oral-Arterial Fitness (OAF), is based on the Bale/Doneen Method of heart attack and stroke prevention. It is set on the foundation that strokes, heart attacks and diabetes are preventable and not just something, ”you have to live with.” OAF uses precision medicine such as genetic testing, unique lab work, carotid artery scanning and oral disease detection to identify the root causes of inflammation which many doctors are not aware of.

We partner with people who wish to transform the quality of their lives and pursue a lifetime of health and wellness. Based on precision medicine, individuals will learn action steps to take today to improve and protect their health. Experience freedom of health as we arm you with the knowledge to navigate the healthcare system and explore ways to change your own behaviors.

Remember, genetics loads the gun and the environment pulls the trigger. Just because you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, doesn’t mean you are doomed to repeat it.

Dexter Dental Studio, Oral-Arterial Fitness is located at 7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd., Ste. 300, in Dexter. For appointments and more information, call 734-426-8360.

See ad page 11.

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Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, along with many other formulations of hormones for women, are carcinogens. Many official health-related organizations acknowledge this, including the World Health Organization, which ranks it as in their “Group 1 Carcinogenic to humans (107 agents).” This is the group of agents known to be carcinogenic in human beings, including such things as arsenic, asbestos and tobacco smoke.

A U.S. government site (Tinyurl.com/NIH-Cancer-Risks) states: “In 2017, a large prospective Danish study reported breast cancer risks associated with more recent formulations of oral contraceptives. Overall, women who were using or had recently stopped using oral combined hormone contraceptives had a modest (about 20 percent) increase in the relative risk of breast cancer compared with women who had never used oral contraceptives. The risk increase varied from zero to 60 percent, depending on the specific type of oral combined hormone contraceptive. The risk of breast cancer also increased the longer oral contraceptives were used.”

These facts are well-established, but not well known.

Most women and girls that start BCP are not told this and are completely unaware that they are exposing themselves for years on end to drugs that are known to cause breast cancer. A significant number of the one-out-of-eight women that have been or will be afflicted with breast cancer would not have gotten it if they had not used BCP. We will never know which ones.

Women, and especially girls and their mothers, should know the risks before they make the choice to use BCP. They should not make the choice casually in ignorance of the facts, particularly in this time when there is a formal recommendation that women and girls be started on BCP without even a physical examination.

Ellen H. Gryniewicz, M.D., is a retired family practice physician in Ypsilanti.

global briefs

Green Future

Planting 500 Billion Trees The UK tech company Dendra claims their drone can plant two trees per second using artificial intelligence for guidance in an effort to re-green the Earth. Their ambitious goal is to plant 500 billion trees by 2060 with 400 teams of two drone operators and 10 drones per team. The plan would plant 10 billion trees per year 10 times more cheaply than planting by hand, especially in remote areas.

First, the replanting areas are identified using a combination of satellite images and drone-collected data.

Then, specialized drones carrying seedpods that contain a germinated seed and nutrients use pressurized air to fire the seeds into the ground once in proper position as determined by an algorithm.

The seedpods penetrate the ground and start to grow when activated by precipitation.

The World Wildlife Fund estimates the planet is losing 27 football fields of forest every minute due to deforestation. Dendra CEO Susan Graham says, “We need to use technology to scale up our restoration efforts, and the scale we’re talking about is tens of billions of trees every year. We’ll be able to see the ecosystems that we’ve restored from space.”

Holy Smoke!

Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air University of Rhode Island research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters describes a new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air, which found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and a home.

We have known about toxic “forever chemicals” in food and drinking water, and it seems they are also ubiquitous in the air.

PFAS are a class of approximately 9,000 chemicals used to improve stain, water or heat resistance in products. The public health concern is that they don’t break down in the environment. PFAS accumulate in animals and humans and are linked to health impacts including cancer, birth defects and immune suppression.

The scientists think PFAS enter the atmosphere when compounds break off of treated products like coats or carpets and attach to dust. “It’s an underestimated and potentially important source of exposure to PFAS,” says study co-author and Green Science Policy Institute Senior Scientist Tom Bruton.

According to the Institute, schools and offices can protect students and employees by replacing carpeting, but that doesn’t prevent PFAS from entering via coats or shoes. Bruton writes, “As long as they continue to be used in products, we’ll all be eating, drinking and breathing PFAS. We need to turn off the tap and stop all unnecessary uses of PFAS as soon as possible.”

Shine On

Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) describes a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. The 10-year average adjusted costs of generation for a plant over its lifetime are 85 percent for utility-scale solar; 56 percent for onshore wind; 48 percent for offshore wind; and 68 percent for concentrated solar power. IRENA continues to see drops of between 7 percent and 16 percent in these categories this year. According to the same report, the 62 percent of new renewables added last year had lower costs than the cheapest fossil fuels.

New renewables are increasingly competitive against existing fossil fuels. In the U.S., 61 percent of current coal capacity already has higher operating costs. Phasing out these coal plants would start saving money almost immediately. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera states that because renewables cost more upfront than keeping old coal rolling, action is needed to make sure emerging economies are not left behind. “We are far beyond the tipping point of coal.”

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eco tip

Sustainable Kitchen

Advice for Buying and Storing Food As we awaken to the climate crisis, we are called to participate in its solutions. In addition to frequenting farmers’ markets, much can be done at the grocery store and in the kitchen. By adopting these easy practices incrementally, we’ll be living zero-waste lifestyles before we know it.

AT THE GROCERY STORE Food waste is environmentally problematic, producing a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Before entering the grocery store, plan meals for the week and build a shopping list to prevent overbuying.

Buy staples like nuts, beans, flours, grains, dried fruit and chocolate chips in bulk, carrying them home in reusable cotton sacks that can be purchased from artisans on Etsy.com. Some grocery stores offer paper bags in the bulk aisle; choose these over plastic and save them for subsequent uses.

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Many of us have stopped drinking bottled water to ditch single-use plastics. Consider expanding that effort by forgoing packaged products that can be made easily from scratch, including salad dressings, breads, hummus, nut milks, nut butters, jams, tortilla chips and granola.

Some food companies employ eco-friendly packaging, setting an example for the rest of the industry. Read labels not just for ingredients, but for packaging practices, too.

For example, look for shelf-stable dried goods packaged in recycled cardboard boxes printed with vegetable-based inks. While loose tea is the most sustainable choice, we can also opt for compostable tea bag brands that don’t use strings, staples or individual wrappers.

IN THE KITCHEN One of the most elegant and traditional storage solutions is the Mason jar. It’s an inexpensive, reusable, versatile option, not just for canning and preserving foods, but also for storing bulk pantry items or refrigerated leftovers.

While paper towels and napkins may be biodegradable, an Earth-friendlier choice is reusable washcloths and fabric napkins that are easily washed in the laundry.

Avoid ones that come in plastic wrapping. Darker colors will hide stains better, but if they help save the planet, embrace the stains.

Several options exist to avoid plastic wrap and disposable plastic containers, including reusable silicone freezer bags, beeswax wraps, glass spray bottles and stainless steel canisters. Keep and reuse grocery store jars. Soaking them to remove the labels is easy.

A bristled, wooden dish brush is preferable to petroleum-based disposable sponges that come wrapped in plastic. They last longer, don’t produce as much bacteria and are capable scrubbers. Use bar soap to avoid plastic dishwashing liquid containers.

action alert

Michigan Still Has a Lead Poisoning Crisis An abundance of old houses, lead water service lines, crumbling infrastructure and industrial heritage create elevated risk for lead poisoning. First in Flint, and now in Benton Harbor, elevated levels of lead in majority Black communities have been found since 2018. Many children are poisoned in their homes from lead-contaminated dust, soil and paint chips. The Ecology Center has launched its Lead Impacted Family Training, a seven-month program for families affected by lead poisoning. If a home was built before 1978, it can be tested for lead.

A call for statewide action addressing lead contamination resulted in the formation of the Childhood Lead Exposure Commission, which issued a set of recommendations to end lead poisoning in the state by providing funding to local health departments to investigate lead risks and 24 innovative pilot projects.

The Great Lakes Lead Elimination Network works with nonprofit partners from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Pennsylvania

An abundance of old houses, lead water service lines, crumbling infrastructure and industrial heritage create elevated risk for lead poisoning.

There are no safe levels of lead. In 2019, more than 3,000 kids ages 6 and under in Michigan were found to have elevated lead in their blood, while thousands more went untested. The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention estimates that lead poisoning affects threeand-a-half million children per year. If absorbed into the body, lead can damage the brain and nervous system, resulting in learning and behavior problems, slow growth and development, and hearing and speech problems. It is critical to prevent children from coming into contact with this hazardous substance.

to eliminate lead hazards in homes, schools, workplaces and other areas throughout the Great Lakes region.

They engage with decision-makers regarding local- and state-level policy, and share resources to educate the public about avoiding lead.

Take action at Tinyurl.com/MichiganLeadCrisis. For more information, visit EcoCenter.org.

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Circles of Healing

The Power of Gathering in Community

by Linda Sechrist

H

ad the intellectual achievements of human culture evolved during a revolution based on living systems in the natural world rather than one of rapid industrial growth and resource consumption, we might be experiencing interconnectedness instead of divisiveness during this time of social and ecological crisis.

A nature-focused revolution embracing humans as an integral part of the Earth’s natural systems would have instilled a deeper understanding of the wonders of the human body as a living system imbued with inner intelligence, as well as the intelligence of the non-human living world.

This perspective, held by Native Americans, would have helped to create sustainable human communities that flourish by connecting, collaborating, cooperating and communicating.

With such approaches as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention 16

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circles, support groups, prayer circles and dialogue circles exploring conflict solutions, Western minds are just beginning to comprehend how small-community experiences of fellowship and communion can assuage feelings of separation and isolation, and create inner experiences of wholeness and belonging.

Mentoring Each Other Although not always sharing a common geographical location, small communities formed around common interests and shared values enable emotional healing. The ManKind Project (MKP), which describes itself as a “men’s community for the 21st century,” has more than 1,000 peer-facilitated groups in 22 countries in which men mentor each other through their life passages.

“In our MKP communities, there’s a sense of shared commitment and the shared values of accountability, authentic-

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

ity, compassion, generosity, integrity, respect, leadership and multicultural awareness, along with a shared vision pointing us in the direction we want to go together,” says Boysen Hodgson, MKP-USA communications director. “While MKP’s mission statement informs our work, in New Warrior Adventure training, each man creates a personal mission statement. Mine is, ‘I transform culture by designing change, building bridges and co-creating space for connection.’”

According to Hodgson, when a man shares how he hears his inner voice for the first time along with his story in another man’s story, he becomes aware of his interior capacities and cultivates internal and external listening skills. By sharing personal stories, men experience epiphanies that can result in connections and bonding.

Douglas Bonar, a 35-year veteran of mental health counseling and owner of

A Center for Wellness, in Pinellas Park, Florida, has been facilitating men’s groups for 22 years. Men and occasionally women that have been court-ordered to undergo counseling with Bonar for 29 weeks after their incarceration learn the value of growing together in community. “I initiate the uninitiated who’ve never heard about the powerful impacts of respectful, attentive listening without judgement, giving/receiving feedback and support, and learning about successes and failures in the company of community,” says Bonar. “Actively engaging the minds, hearts and energy of people participating in community makes experiencing emotional healing possible.

Feeling truly heard and deeply listened to and comprehending life from a multisensory human perception and a sense of oneness can lead to understanding that we are never alone, the universe is alive—conscious, intelligent and compassionate.”

More about progress than perfection, Bonar’s unique Roots and Wings Way of Wholeness approach to healing in community tills the soil of an inner world and plants seeds via the introduction of guidelines for creating authentic power, spiritual growth, levels of consciousness, coherence, the realization of one’s true self as more than an enculturated personality, the Noetic experience of oneness, humans as energetic beings, emotions as energy in motion and a coherent energetic field that the HeartMath Institute notes creates synchronization, or entrainment, between the heart and mind, as well as a sense of unity.

Sharing Sacred Space Jean Shinoda Bolen, a Jungian psychiatrist, activist and author of Moving Toward the Millionth Circle: Energizing the Global Women’s Movement, encourages everyone to follow a path with soul and take on a personal assignment that contributes to change, while relying on the support of circle communities of like-minded individuals. “Fundamental principles applicable to any group include creating sacred space, listening with compassion and for wisdom, speaking from the heart and personal experience, inviting silence and reflection when needed, taking responsibility for your experience and your impact on the circle,

keeping the confidence of the circle and making decisions when needed by consensus,” says Bolen, whose active events include a prayer circle and another with women she has been together with since the 1980s.

“The more frequently a circle meets to fully witness one another’s life stories, including all the changes and crises, a growing trust and heart connection occurs and a coherent energy field is created,” says Bolen. At the beginning of her circle gatherings, upon hearing the tone of a Tibetan bowl, she says, everyone immediately drops into coherence; a state of connectedness in which the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Cultivating Deep Listening As the host of New Dimensions, a nationally syndicated radio program that addresses cultural shifts, Justine Willis Toms has deeply explored interconnectedness with some of the greatest minds on the planet, including the Dalai Lama and physicist David Bohm.

Referring to her circle communities as “friends of the heart,” she enthuses, “When I am deeply listening to another or speaking authentically aloud in a circle of trust, I get to hear myself in a way that I don’t if I’m only listening to what is in my head.”

Recalling a tumultuous time in her life, Toms relates a profound healing experience that occurred in a circle community in which she and her husband had been participating since the 1980s. “This particular circle usually gathers for an entire weekend. On one, I arrived in deep distress—so much so that on Friday I began pouring out my fears, anxiety, blame and judgements.

I raged through the night and didn’t stop until after breakfast on Saturday, when I felt complete, totally heard, emotionally healed and revived.”

From a sense of peace and clarity, Toms knew that healing occurred because of the circle’s capacity for deep listening. “We know and trust the true genius that each of us is, and we know how to not be afraid for each other when life is in a rollercoaster cycle and we’re at the bottom, but don’t want to pull the brake because we’ll never have the momentum to go back up. This is the power of a circle of friends of the heart who love you,” says Toms, who shares a favorite

African saying, “‘A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it. Those who love you are not fooled by the mistakes you’ve made or the dark images you hold about yourself.

They remember your beauty when you feel ugly, your wholeness when you are broken, your innocence when you’re feeling guilty and your purpose when you are confused.’”

Connecting through Common Emotions Physician Jennifer Phelps, owner of Phelps MD Integrative Medicine, in Redding, Connecticut, is a trained facilitator of small groups who has worked in communities traumatized by natural disasters and human-caused catastrophes in her role as a faculty member of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, in Washington, D.C. “Where individuals listen to the grief and loss of others, emotional healing can be quite profound. Sharing stories in community, we learn we’re not alone and isolated, but rather related and connected in our human emotions,” says Phelps, adding that in groups of fewer than six people cohesiveness dissipates, leaving only conversation and cross-talk.

The process of human and community development unfolds from within each person, relationship and community. According to Cate Montana, of Kula, Hawaii, author of The E-Word: Ego, Enlightenment & Other Essentials, awakening to the illusion of separation, which can happen in community, sparks healing. “The persona of an individual as only a body and mind is the big sleep,” advises Montana, whose life work has been about waking people up to the truth of their essential spiritual nature and giving them tools for a more fulfilling life.

Having experiences of fellowship and communion with like-minded people can make it possible to observe and understand how ego and mind function, and to become aware of crippling social programming which fragments, separates and divides us.

Experiencing a sense of wholeness in such an environment allows for healing naturally on many levels.

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

December 2021

17

Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle

by Justine Willis Toms

W

hen I tell someone that I’ve been meeting in a circle with the same people for more than three decades, they invariably ask, “How can I have that in my life?”

They are eager to hear my stories, but feel overwhelmed about how to start a circle of their own. While those first steps feel like the biggest steps, they are really baby steps.

Best Practices for Circles These agreements have helped circles to function more successfully for all participants.

Three-step advice: 1. Make the commitment and write it down 2. Put out the call 3. Be consistent

n Consider it a sacred space

Step One: Set forth a clear intention.

n Encourage and welcome diverse

n One person speaks at a time n Speak and listen from the heart

Years ago, I learned from Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey that everything is born twice: first in the imagination and then into the world. In the beginning, you will not know all the details, but you need to be clear in the overall intention of starting a circle and meeting regularly. Instead of saying, “Having a circle in my life is a good idea,” say, “It’s as good as done; I’m going to make it so no matter what.” Then write it down. This anchors it into the world of manifestation.

Step Two: Put out the call.

After making the inner commitment, you need to tune into other people that want to travel with you. It doesn’t take a lot of people to begin; one or two others will be fine.

Talk to a friend about this idea. You may feel awkward at first, but be assured there is a field of energy holding you—humans we have been circling since the dawn of history.

If people turn you down, do not be discouraged. Trust that the perfect people will begin to show up. It is my experience that if even two people meet using circle principles on a regular basis it acts as an attractor for others.

Step Three: Meet on a consistent basis.

Put your circle time in your calendar as an important event. Keep this commitment just as you would a medical or dental appointment. Show up and keep the appointment even if you are the only one. There will be times when you feel too tired to go.

Go anyway. Afterwards, you’ll be truly delighted you went. Being sporadic in your meeting time will create a “leaky container”. Meeting consistently builds a powerful and vitalizing bond.

points of view

n Listen with discernment instead of

judgment

n When in doubt or need, pause and

silently ask for guidance

n Share leadership and resources n Decide together how decisions

will be made

n Work toward consensus

when possible

n Offer experience instead of advice n Decide together what is to be held

in confidence

n Speak from your own experiences

and beliefs rather than speaking for others

n Open and close the circle by

hearing each voice (Check-ins and check-outs)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: New Dimensions Radio NewDimensions.org

Cate Montana CateMontana.com

Mankind Project MankindProject.org

Institute of Noetic Science (IONS) Noetic.org

Jean Shinoda Bolen JeanBolen.com

Douglas Bonar A Center for Wellness ACenterForWellness.net

Circle Principles MillionthCircle.org/circle-resources/ circle-principles 18

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The Center for Mind Body Wellness cmbm.org HeartMath HeartMath.com Jennifer Phelps, M.D. cmbm.org/faculty-member/ jennifer-phelps-md

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healing ways

Amp Up Immunity Proven Boosters for Good Health

by Ronica O’Hara

A

s we head into the holidays, a gift that many of us wish for is a strong immune system to protect us not only from serious illness, but also from wintry coughs and sniffles. Robust immunity rests on three pillars, research shows: getting at least seven hours of sleep a night to allow immune functions to reboot; daily exercise to stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off harmful bacteria and viruses; and plant-based foods to supply the antioxidants and phytochemicals needed to reduce inflammation and keep cells humming happily.

In addition, we can enhance immunity by adding specific adaptogens and mushroom powders into our daily routine. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. As powders, they can be easily added into drinks or foods, and they can also be taken as tinctures or pills.

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Modulating Immunity with Adaptogens Used for millennia in China and India, adaptogens are plants that keep the body in balance by helping it adapt to stress. They interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex system of glands, hormones and receptors that helps manage homeostasis, stress responses and energy metabolism. “Adaptogens are a great way to boost immunity, especially if you are constantly sick and run down due to feeling stressed,” says Heather Hanks, a Plymouth, Michigan, nutritionist with USA Rx. Adaptogens typically take two or three weeks to become effective; follow package directions for proper dosage.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), an herb called locoweed in the U.S., boosts immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity and enhancing the function of macrophages, the “immune sentinels” that reside in tissues. A recent review suggests that long-term use of astragalus might help prevent colds, and

taking it for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing. It has also been shown to improve recovery after illness, disease or prolonged stress and to help post-chemotherapy patients regain health. Polish researchers found that rowing team athletes given 500 milligrams of astragalus root extract each day for six weeks had immune systems that recovered faster after strenuous exercise.

Certain mushrooms have been found to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, liverprotective and anticancer properties.

Panax Ginseng, a perennial plant from East Asia, keeps the immune system in balance by regulating its components, including macrophages, dendritic cells and both T and B cells.

It improves resistance to illness and microbial attacks, helps counter stress, controls inflammation, improves cognitive functions and has been found effective in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, insulin resistance and hypertension.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as holy basil, “enhances the immune response, protects the body against bacterial and viral infection and promotes clear and comfortable breathing,” says Ameya Duprey, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner in Nevada City, California. Studies show that it also helps prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

The Marvel of Medicinal Mushrooms Used medicinally since at least 3,000 BCE, certain mushrooms have been found to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, liver-protective and anticancer

properties. They are usually not cooked, but rather taken as a powder that can be added to foods like smoothies, cereals and stir-fries.

Reishi mushrooms increase the activity of killer cells and lower inflammation in white cells, warding off infections. “They are used by cancer patients, as they support a healthy immune system, have antioxidant properties and may prevent or treat infections,” says Linda Strause, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of human nutrition at University of California San Diego, whose husband with brain cancer was encouraged to take the mushrooms as a supplement.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensi) is harvested from the larvae of caterpillars in the high Himalayas. In a randomized, eight-week Korean study of 79 adults, supplementing with 1.7 grams of cordyceps extract daily led to a significant 38 percent increase in the activity of natural killer cells that protect against infection. It has been used traditionally to treat fatigue, sexual dysfunction, asthma, kidney problems, high blood pressure and weak hearts.

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) contains a compound called polysaccharide-K that stimulates the immune system. It also acts as a prebiotic, which promotes the health of the gut microbiome, a key player in immunity. A Harvard Medical School study of 22 healthy people found that taking 3,600 milligrams of polysaccharopeptide extracted from turkey tail mushrooms each day led to beneficial changes in gut bacteria and suppressed the growth of problematic E. coli and shigella bacteria.

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

December 2021

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conscious eating

The Sweet Danger of Sugar ways to enjoy healthier holiday fare

by Christy Ratliff

C

hocolate Santas, decorated cookies and other sweet confections are ingrained in our holiday traditions, yet sugary food does little to actually make us feel merry and bright in the long run.

A high-sugar diet increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, inflammation, weight gain and weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It can also contribute to tooth decay and acne. “Most high-sugar foods are ‘treats’ and are not intended to be high in nutrition or consumed instead of healthier foods,” says Shelley Maniscalco, registered dietitian and CEO of the consulting firm Nutrition on Demand, in Arlington, Virginia. “When we have too many foods that are what we call calorie-dense versus nutrient-dense, we run the risk of displacing healthier foods, and, therefore, under-consuming key nutrients.”

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This can impact mental health and impair the body’s ability to manage stress. “When we eat nutritious foods, and our gut is healthy, we obtain necessary nutrients to create neurotransmitters, which are key to optimal mental health,” explains Maggie Roney, a licensed counselor and certified functional medicine provider in Wylie, Texas. “There’s mood-stabilizing serotonin, which is a precursor for melatonin, needed for sleep; dopamine, involved in pleasure, focus and motivation; and GABA, which provides a calming effect that can help with stress and anxiety. All of these require amino acids, zinc, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, copper and B vitamins.”

In moderation, sugar is not necessarily detrimental to our health and well-being, but differentiating between naturally occurring sugar and added sugar is key to finding a middle ground. “New changes in the food label allow consumers to more easily identify sources of sugar in foods,” Maniscalco says. “Many healthy foods naturally contain sugars, such as fructose in fruits and lactose in dairy products. These natural sugars don’t need to be avoided.

When checking the label, look for amounts of added sugars and choose the options that have less.”

Foods and beverages with added sugars are now required to list the number of grams and percent daily value for added sugars on the nutrition facts label. For example, a container of yogurt with fruit on the bottom might list total sugars at 15 grams (g), including 7 g of added sugar, which means 8 g of naturally occurring sugars.

In a society long obsessed with counting calories, we may assume we’re making smart choices with low-fat, nonfat, reduced calorie or light versions of grocery items. But, the amount of added sugar is actually higher in low calorie versions of a wide variety of foods because sugar is used to compensate for the loss of flavor from fat. “Sugar tastes good and balances out other flavors, so many foods that we wouldn’t consider sweet have added sugars,” says Colleen Tewksbury, Ph.D., bariatric program manager and senior research investigator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Common products include pasta sauce, cereal and salad dressing.

Reading food labels looking specifically for added sugars is key to finding these foods.”

“Hidden sugars are often found where we least expect them,” adds Ricardo Díaz, chef and registered dietitian nutritionist at the New York-based nonprofit Wellness in the Schools, which works to improve nutrition in school lunches. “Many savory or salty foods tend to have added sugars, such as tortilla chips, popcorn,

jerky and frozen prepared foods. Check your labels and compare between products on the supermarket shelves to find the healthiest pick for you and your loved ones.”

“Often, we think of eating in ‘all or nothing’ terms. When we cut out foods we enjoy, it often backfires and we end up overeating them in the end when our willpower runs out,” Maniscaclo says. “I would really encourage mindfulness in eating so that individuals can enjoy treats in moderation and feel satisfied by them so that there’s less need to over consume. Also, being physically active year-round is a great habit to get into and can create more space in the diet for treats.”

As we implement these small but significant low-sugar strategies, we’ll be rewarded with better physical and emotional health all year long. That’s something to celebrate.

Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Create a double boiler by placing a saucepan filled with a few inches of water and topped with a glass bowl over medium heat. Bring the water to a boil. Add two thirds of the chocolate and let melt, stirring until smooth. Take off the heat and stir in the remaining chocolate.

Pour melted chocolate onto the prepared baking tray.

Spread to ⅛-inch thickness.

While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle with dried cranberries, chopped pistachios and shredded coconut. To set, place tray in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes or in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. Break the bark into pieces and serve. Store extra pieces at room temperature in an airtight container.

Courtesy of Jessica Bippen, MS, RD. For more information, visit HUMNutrition.com/blog.

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espite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves and snag us in an unhealthy loop of overindulgence. To combat holiday pressure, the Mayo Clinic suggests maintaining a regular exercise program and investing in me-time activities like meditation and deep breathing.

Movement and simple self-care, even for a few minutes, can lower cortisol levels that often contribute to excessive food cravings. Walking, going for a run, lifting weights, or getting into the pool or onto the yoga mat can help us enjoy the season with less angst.

Cancelling Guilt, Staying Healthy

Holiday Zen

Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

by Maya Whitman

With simple strategies, enjoying the office party dessert table doesn’t have to get us off track. “One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself when reaching for a cookie is to be in full approval of eating it. Let your experience of eating it be clean, present and so free of resistance that you can really experience it,” says Maria Miller, a spiritual life coach in Oceanside, California.

Stephanie Mansour, host of the weekly national PBS health and fitness show Step It Up with Steph, also opts for a no-stress approach, especially when it comes to working out. “When cortisol levels are

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through the roof, we crave fattening, salty or sweet foods. Studies have shown that people have a more positive body image just after five minutes of exercise,” says the Chicago-based wellness coach. “This mindset is huge when it comes to eating healthier and taming holiday cravings.”

Bolstering neurotransmitters through good nutrition can take the edge off the to-do list or a gloomy winter day. “When we fuel our bodies with a variety of whole foods, we are also supporting healthy brain function, which has a direct impact on our emotions,” says Teigan Draig, a life coach in Spencerville, Ohio. Draig suggests berries, citrus fruits, fresh fish, turkey, walnuts, almonds, avocados and eggs to boost serotonin and dopamine levels, “which improve mood and help to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.”

Prioritizing Self Most of us are short on time, but committing to good health doesn’t require hours at the gym. “Many of my clients are looking for fast, simple workouts that they can squeeze in during the holidays,” says Mansour. “Set the timer for five minutes and get down on the floor to do ab exercises. Doing leg lifts, bicycle abs and crunches for five minutes is an excellent way to fire

Bolstering neurotransmitters through good nutrition can take the edge off the to-do list or a gloomy winter day. up the core.” She also suggests setting the morning alarm or going to sleep at night five minutes earlier to do some stretches in bed. “If you’re cooking, you can do squats in the kitchen while a smoothie is blending or calf raises while stirring a pot on the stove.”

For Miller, putting on some music and dancing in the living room is a sure way to get a boost. She is also a fan of guilt-free, unplugged intervals of shut-eye: “Five-to25-minute power naps are a great way to rest and recharge with a very high return on your investment of time.” During the winter months, it can be easy to turn to screens for distraction and as a way to cope with the stress of the season. Miller reminds us to nourish our souls and get out in nature to “notice the way the weather impacts your body, the way it feels

to draw in a breath and how you’re part of a constant exchange with life through each breath you take.”

Inhaling Peace Conscious breathing makes the effects of workouts go further and halts the cascade of stress hormones. “Whatever fitness routine you’re doing is fine, just always breathe through your nose. Mouth breathing triggers cortisol release,” says Ed Harrold, breathwork and performance coach in Draper, Utah, and author of Life with Breath. “When we slow the breath rate, we encourage a relaxation response.

We can manage the release of cortisol by inhaling through the nose, slowly from the belly to the collarbone and exhaling slowly through the nose by gently drawing the belly back into the lower spine. This is called diaphragmatic breathing and is our proper breath, even during exercise.”

For nature, winter is a time of repose from which we can take a cue and enjoy the moment. Draig muses, “Mindfulness requires us to be present in the here and now, rather than worrying about the to-do list or stressing over holiday finances.”

Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life.

Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

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December 2021

25

wise words

Thomas Moore on the

Art of Soulful Listening

by Marlaina Donato

T

homas Moore, New York Times bestselling author, Jungian-based psychotherapist, musician and former monk, has been an advocate for conscious living since authoring his first book, Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life.

Twenty-three books later, Moore breaks ground with his latest release, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations, in which he invites therapists, psychiatrists, spiritual directors, ministers and caregivers to cultivate deeper connection based on soulful listening. His timeless wisdom inspires all of us to live from a state of spirituality and conscious wonder so that we might bridge the chasm between cultural, political and personal differences.

What inspired you to write Soul Therapy?

We need more therapeutic conversations in all areas of life, and my book is for the ordinary person, as well as the professional therapist. We could talk to each other with the intention of befriending and offering useful care. Medicine is in need of an injection of this therapeutic talking and listening to add soul and spirit to an otherwise materialistic approach to the human being.

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HealthyLivingMichigan.com

What is soul therapy in modern times?

The ancient Greeks wrote extensively about the soul. Their word was psyche, so it takes very little effort to see how psychotherapy is about caring for the soul. The ancients felt that the soul’s natural home is in the “underworld”, and soul therapy sees it the same way.

We are not interested in causing behavior changes or finding explanations for current problems. These don’t go deep enough. They do not touch the underworld, or deep narratives and memories of a person. For example, if a person complains that he eats too much, then we might go deep and see if the underlying issue is a failure to nourish his life and person. We look for metaphors and layers of meaning. We don’t want change for the sake of change. We don’t necessarily expect a person to feel better or be better adjusted to life.

We stay close to the symptom, like eating too much, and hope to see it fulfilled at a deeper level, truly nourishing your life.

What soul work is required of the helper to be able to address the needs of others?

The helper in soul therapy has to learn to observe carefully, and at a deep level, the

You listen well only when you find peace in yourself and give up the need to be always right. narrative or story being lived out, often unconsciously, in a client. The arts, mythology, alchemy, dreams—these can all give hints about the deeper story being lived. The soul therapist does not give much advice, if any, and doesn’t try to figure a person out. He or she stays close to the symptoms to see what the pain and confusion are all about. A person gets to know better the desires and fears that motivate him, without judgment or agenda. You try to see where the soul might have been wounded or not cared for.

Why do you think there is a perceived increase in anxiety and depressive disorders?

Our underlying philosophy or way of seeing everything is based on quantified studies, brain and laboratory research and the need to explain and define everything. There is no room for mystery and its language, which is poetic and metaphorical. The soul suffers.

How can we truly listen to others and cultivate authentic presence?

Today we often debate rather than converse. We want to win arguments rather than gain deep insight. You listen well only when you find peace in yourself and give up the need to be always right.

What gives you hope for humanity?

In spite of all our problems today, I am an optimist. Humanity is very slowly evolving into a more humane community of Earth beings. We have a long way to go. I see our young people today, many of them impatient to create a different kind of global culture, one that has the courage and vision to deal with our ecological crisis and create a peaceful political planet.

They are not plagued with cynicism or despair. We can’t give up our idealism and surrender to pessimism. The world has always had deep troubles. The challenge should bring out all our creativity and passion for life.

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildFlowerLady.com.

Solutions for Pain

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December 2021

27

healthy kids

The Best Books for Kids Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

by Sandra Yeyati

H

elping children learn to read and love books is one of the greatest parental endeavors. Many kids learn their first words after hearing the adults in their lives sing a lullaby or tell them a nursery rhyme. “Building a child’s vocabulary is the key to reading, and rhymes, singing, word games, synonyms, homonyms and rap are great places to start,” says Claudette McLinn, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature and former librarian, teacher, school administrator and children’s bookstore owner.

A child’s first reading experience will likely involve a picture book. “What’s powerful about picture books is that the illustrations and text intertwine,” McLinn explains. “You can read them aloud together. As the child looks at the artwork, the adult can ask, ‘What is that?’ And the child can use their imagination while you teach them to observe, articulate and start the reading process.”

To encourage childhood reading, it’s helpful to have a variety of books around the house and to set aside reading time every day. “It costs nothing to check out a pile of 25 books at the library, take them home and try them,” says Maeve Knoth, a librarian at Phillips Brooks School, in Menlo Park, California. When buying books, she suggests consulting librarians and booksellers for recommendations, as well as relying on book awards such as the Newbery or Caldecott medals, and on book lists compiled every year by reputable organizations and committees, notably the Association for Library Service 28

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HealthyLivingMichigan.com

to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

Choosing books for kids should always start by discovering what their passions or interests are and then finding a good book on that subject, says McLinn, adding that encouraging children to browse the shelves and choose their own books is an empowering exercise that builds self-esteem and a love of reading. Whether it’s dinosaurs, cars or the stars and planets, there’s a kid’s book about it. “Although fiction is important early on because it increases imagination, nonfiction books help kids learn new information and understand the role of the table of contents, the glossary and index, and informative diagrams,” she says, adding that she prefers award-winning nonfiction books because they’ve been vetted for accuracy.

“Kids often gravitate toward books that are a little bit less challenging,” Knoth says.

“While I have no objection to those popular books, which are lots of fun, they’re not going to give kids a new way to think about themselves or the world. I want my children to have consequential reading experiences with books that offer new points of view where kids can live in someone else’s heart and mind for a little while. I want them to know what it might be like to live in a different time period or to grow up in China.”

According to Knoth, a great children’s book will include an engaging character that has an experience, prompting them to change and grow. “I want it to be well structured and beautifully written, with setting, point of view and all those elements that fit together to create a theme and give you a literary experience,” she explains.

She looks for nuanced books that invite kids to use their imagination and find their own way. “The reader might be young, but they’re not dumb. They just haven’t had lots of experiences yet. If a book concludes with one narrow solution to a child’s problem, then I would say it’s not that useful or successful,” says Knoth, a frequent contributor to The Horn Book, a resource for children’s book reviews and articles.

McLinn believes that kids should be exposed to a diversity of authors and

illustrators that explore the lives of all cultures. “We live in silos with the people in our group, and we don’t know anything about other groups,” she explains. “When you read about other cultures, you learn that we are more alike than we are different. We may eat different foods, wear different clothing and have different customs, but you find out that it’s not scary. Kids love to read about heroes that they can identify with and become their friends. Children are into social justice and fairness. As a child, I loved biographies. I wanted to read about great people and what made them great so that maybe I could be great like them.”

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

Children’s Book Awards Newbery Medal: Tinyurl.com/Newbery-Medal-Award Caldecott Medal: Tinyurl.com/Caldecott-Medal-Award American Indian Youth Literature Awards: Tinyurl. com/American-Indian-Award Pura Belpré Award, celebrating Latino culture: Tinyurl. com/Pura-Belpre-Book-Award Coretta Scott King Awards, showcasing African American values: Tinyurl.com/Coretta-Scott-KingAwards Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature: Tinyurl. com/Asian-Pacific-American-Award Sydney Taylor Book Award, portraying the Jewish experience: Tinyurl.com/Sydney-Taylor-Award

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December 2021

29

plant medicine

Plant-Based Remedies and Healthy Living

by Kevin Burbank

W

hen we think about our bodies and what is good for them, most people feel that the best way is to turn to what makes the body heal quickly and naturally without side affects.

Here is a list of plants many people use today to combat many illnesses.

Yarrow, for example, helps stop bleeding, rosemary is for sore joints, mint is for digestion and there are helpful plants for inflammation, such as red clover, or even mycelium-based chaga that grows on birch trees. For common colds, use wild rose in a tincture or even ground as a tea. For sleep issues, try lavender oil or rub it on the skin for anxiety.

Honeysuckle is known for its properties for asthma and arthritis. Ash-

For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

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wagandha is known for strengthening bones, helping with libido, teeth and memory loss. When we need something for respiratory problems, try mullein in a tincture or smoking the dry leaves. For skin ailments, sumac can be used for multiple medicinal remedies, but it is one of the few plants that healers use for treating eye problems. A decoction of sumac is used as a gargle to relieve sore throat or taken as a remedy for diarrhea. The leaves and berries are combined as a tea to reduce fever or as a poultice to soothe poison ivy.

Native Americans use hummingbird blossom for treating mouth and throat conditions, as well as cysts, fibroid tumors and inflammation. It can be made into a poultice to treat burns, sores and wounds.

A diuretic that stimulates kidney function can be made using the roots of this plant. The early pioneers used it as a substitute for black tea. Recent studies have shown that hummingbird blossom is also effective in treating high blood pressure and lymphatic blockages.

Sage is commonly used as a spice, but it is a sacred plant for many indigenous tribes because it is thought to have effective purifying energies and the power to cleanse the body of negative energies. As a remedy, it was used for treating medical conditions like abdominal cramps, spasms, cuts, bruises, colds and flu.

Healers use wild ginger for treating earache and ear infections.

They make a mild tea from the root stock for stimulating the digestive system and relieving bloating. It also helps with bronchial infections and nausea. Prickly pear cactus is another plant used as both a food and medicine. Native Americans made a poultice from the mature pads as an antiseptic and for treating wounds, burns and boils. Tea was made to treat urinary tract infections and help the immune system. New research shows that the prickly pear cactus helps to lower cholesterol, and prevent diabetes and diet-related cardiovascular disease.

Aloe vera is another great plant for sunburns and stings. Valerian plant is a medicinal aid for sleep, as well as indigestion. Indian ghost pipe is used for toothaches and migraine headaches. Wooly lamb`s ear shouldn’t be eaten or used to make tea. Instead, the soft leaves are used to cover and bandage cuts and scrapes like a Band-Aid. Chamomile is amazing for making tea and for its anti-inflammatory

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properties to help allergy sufferers. women with heavy, painful periods and those living with arthritis.

There are many plant-based, natural medicinal ways to help manage our body and health, and most of them grow naturally all over America—maybe right in our driveway or back yard. Many helpful plants can help our bodies the natural way without harsh the side affects of pharmeceuticals. Take a walk in nature and see what there is to help our bodies body naturally.

Kevin Burbank is the owner of U.P. Chaga Connection LLC. For more information, visit UpChagaConnection.com. See ad opposite page.

action alert

Déjà Vu All Over Again In 2008, voters passed the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, but since recreational marijuana was legalized in 2018, cannabis corporations have been trying to restrict caregivers that grow pot at home. The new Michigan Cannabis Safety Act would radically change how caregivers are allowed to operate. Legislation has cleared the House Regulatory Reform Committee, and will go to the House for a vote.

Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association (MCMA) Executive Director Steve Linder states, “We applaud the members of the House Regulatory Reform Committee for taking this major step toward addressing Michigan’s unregulated, unlicensed cannabis market by helping ensure all patients have access to cannabis that is tested, clearly labeled, tracked and licensed.”

Licensed caregivers are allowed to grow up to 12 marijuana plants for up to five patients. The new regulations would cut the number to one, potentially cutting off about 42,000 patients and forcing them to purchase products from state-licensed dispensaries or go to the black market.

These new regulations seem designed to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. Anton Harb, a Macomb County caregiver, says, “There is no data showing that anyone has been injured by caregiver flower.” Of his clients that are veterans, he advises that for PTSD patients, many of which are wary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the caregiver system gives them a degree of anonymity. HB5301 would allow the state Marijuana Regulatory Agency to also disclose the addresses of caregivers to law enforcement.

The MCMA posts no list of member businesses at Michigancma.com, and Rick Thompson, executive director of MiNORML, states, “They scrubbed their website of the names of all member companies and guarded the member list like Fort Knox. That creates a greater image of dark money.”

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Discover your voice, nourish yourself, and partner with the plants to heal yourself and those around you.

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December 2021

31

natural pet

Toyland for Pooches Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

by Karen Shaw Becker

breeds, tend to rip soft toys apart within seconds to taste-test the stuffing. There are also dogs that can swallow small soft toys whole.

A pup’s temperament, size and age all play a role in determining which toys are safe, and there are also considerations based on the toy itself, such as materials used, size, shape and more.

Potentially Toxic Toys. Pet toys are not regulated, so they can be made with virtually any material. Plastic toys, in particular, can be dangerous, because many contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA). Old or weathered toys such as those left outside leach higher concentrations of harmful chemicals.

While BPA-free toys are available, the toxin may have been replaced with similar—or even more toxic—chemicals, including bisphenol-S (BPS), so “BPA-free” unfortunately isn’t a reliable indicator of toy safety. Other adulterants found in dog toys include heavy metals like lead and formaldehyde.

When looking for new toys, choose those made in the U.S. out of 100 percent natural rubber, organic cotton or other eco-friendly and contaminant-free materials. Try the sniff test. If a toy being considered smells strongly of chemicals, put it back. Testing shows that some tennis balls made for pets contain more contaminants than those made for sports.

The best toys for pets are usually hand- made by individuals or very small companies and can be found at local farmers’ markets or sold regionally in small, independent pet stores. There’s no plethora of companies that produce 100 percent organic toys, but some great, all-natural toys can be found online.

What Dogs Seem to Prefer. Researchers have discov-

ered that regardless of the type of toy, once a dog is completely familiar with the sight, sound, smell and feel of it, boredom can set in. In addition, we may want to avoid “indestructible” toys the dog can’t make a dent in, because they enjoy toys they can pull apart and destroy, or those that are edible.

M

ost healthy dogs retain their love of play throughout their lives. Because canine family members can be loosely compared to perpetual human toddlers, it makes sense that they enjoy playtime no matter their age.

Most dogs are also fascinated, at least temporarily, with toys made just for them. Some love to chase a ball or Frisbee and others like a good game of tug or stuffed toys. Most dogs seem to enjoy playthings that squeak when they bite them, possibly because the noise brings to mind the sound of captured prey, or perhaps because pet parents give their dogs extra attention when they “get their squeak on”.

Most dogs in the U.S. have lots of toys, and many pet parents practice trial-and-error to determine what type their dog prefers—and which are safest—from a mind-blowing selection of tugs, balls, discs, chews, puzzles, squeaky or stuffed toys and more. Because many pet stores welcome dogs, some pet parents even bring their four-legged family members along and allow them to sniff out their favorites.

It’s important to select a dog’s toys carefully, because not every option is a good choice. For example, some dogs, especially large 32

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HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Offering a dog easily destroyed toys isn’t ideal, either, as they may accidently or intentionally ingest some of the non-edible pieces. A good alternative is recreational bones (large, raw chunks of beef and bison femur bones), which are quite enjoyable to most dogs, even though they’re not technically toys. Lick mats that hold a soft food treat are also a great environmental enrichment choice for dogs that tend to destroy toys quickly.

Treat-release puzzle toys, toys meant to be chewed and those that make noise or are edible (like a nontoxic dental bone) can also be good options, while toys that are hard, unyielding and silent will probably not be a big hit.

Don’t underestimate our human ability to stimulate a dog’s interests. A session of playtime—playing fetch, tug-of-war or hide-andseek—will be far more stimulating to the pup than any toy could be.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

inspiration

Season of Light

Celebrating the Soul of Winter

by Marlaina Donato

I

nevitably, the wheel of the year turns with the nuances of the seasons hardly noticed in the blur of our busy days. “Next year,” we say, when we realize that we’ve run out of time to try that holiday recipe, connect with friends or revel in a winter sunset. Collecting small joys takes us out of survival mode and into wide-awake living. Pausing to sip from winter’s steaming cup of comfort can be the perfect way to begin a new chapter that prompts us to come back to the center.

In the ancient world, fire festivals marked holy days celebrating the sun’s promise of return and supplied felicity in a time of hardship. Today, something inside our ancestral memories makes us crave celebration as we

wrap the year’s end in shiny ribbon, ethereal lights and scented candles. Singing, chanting or caroling this time of year—“old-fashioned” pastimes—were ancient elements of winter’s revels that invited benevolent energy and chased away bad luck. While most of us no longer grace our neighbors with song, raising our voices to any capacity can be an offering, an invitation to hope and beauty. Singing multicultural songs with the kids, writing a spontaneous prayer or sharing seasonal or funny stories naturally boosts the immune system and helps to fight off the winter blues.

Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention: ruby fruits baked with brown sugar,

Revels Around the World: n The celebration of Soyal by the Hopi people of northern Arizona centers on purification, dancing and inviting the favor of the Kachinas, or protective nature spirits. n The ancient Persian festival Yalda celebrates family time and the triumph of the sun, with people staying awake to see the sunrise

rosy desert mornings and snowy sapphire twilights. Pointing out December constellations over a beach or lacing up our boots for a brisk walk helps us to unplug from the world’s problems. Sprinkling heart-healthy spices in our morning coffee opens a gloomy day on a lovely note.

Winter can feel long, so go ahead and treat your senses; buy a few yards of red velvet to sleep on or pick up that novel you’ve been planning to read. Live and give a little more deeply. Feed the birds and feed your soul.

Marlaina Donato is an author and a composer of ambient holiday music. Connect at WildflowerLady.com. and eat foods such as pomegranates and nuts. n The Chinese festival of Dong Zhi, or the “arrival of winter”, is an ancient celebration of labor and the closing year. n The Ukrainian celebration of Malanka, or Orthodox New Year, is a type of Mardi Gras involving masks, costumes and singing from house to house.

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33

calendar of events FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 Online: Stop Eating your Feelings (and all that food!) – 12-1pm. A Foundations of Wellness for Women Conversation. Through discussion and roleplay with the FWW team (Dr. Suman Tewari, Jen Sprague, Liza Baker), learn how to handle relationships during the holidays, navigate some common holiday scenarios, deal with awkward social situations in a stress-free way, tune in to your emotions and prepare with mental rehearsals. $12. More info: 734-418-2188 or bit.ly/StopEatingYourFeelings.

Holiday Brass Choir – Dec 3, 10, 17. 6-7pm. It’s the time of year to get into the holiday spirit. If you’re taking a stroll through Kerrytown be sure to catch members of the Ann Arbor Concert Band doing their thing and playing some of your favorite holiday tunes. Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor. Tinyurl.com/m2syc87d.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Dexter Winter Marketplace – 9am-1pm. Features art and crafts, bread and baked goods, jewelry, fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meats and more. Dexter United Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr, Dexter. DexterMarket.com.

325 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor. ArgusFarmStop.com.

Holiday Classics: Elf – 1:30pm. Free. The Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor. 734-6688397. MichTheater.org.

Dedication December Vision Board Planting a Vision Event – 5-8pm. With S.H.E (She Has Everything) in collaboration with Leaf Me Plant Boutique. This vision board planning will set you up to go into the new year with a mindset and vision to be dedicated to the goals you set forth. at www. goodvibzyoga.com. Leaf Me Plant Boutique, 9618 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck. 313-462-8144.

Tinyurl.com/65yzvdyr.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Stewards’ Circle​– 5:30-6:30pm. Introducing a whole new Stewards Circle. Join us to share your experiences and learn from your peers. Topic: Winter Restoration. After the discussion group, join the happy hour just up the street at HOMES Brewery.

Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Room, 2150 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor. StewardshipNetwork.org.

art and crafts, bread and baked goods, jewelry, fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meats and more. Dexter United Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr, Dexter. DexterMarket.com.

Ann Arbor Death Cafe – 10:30am-12pm. 3rd Sat. Via Zoom. For info: TheDyingRear@gmail.com.

1st Annual Ypsilanti Holiday Extravaganza – Dec 18 & 19. 11am-4pm. The Ypsilanti DDA is partnering with local makers for a holiday/Christmas market similar to those held in Europe and Chicago. 100 Market Pl, Ypsilanti. Facebook.com/ events/204654251738276.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 Healthy Food Distribution – 2-3:30pm. 3rd Wed. Free healthy groceries, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products and bread. Atrium of the Washtenaw County Human Services Building, 555 Towner St, Ypsilanti. FoodGatherers.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28

Virtual Education Series – 7:30-9pm. Borderline Personality Disorder & Substance Use Disorder

by Julie Cain. Free. Via Zoom. For link: Dawn Farm.org.

Ypsilanti Death Cafe – 5-7pm. Last Tues. In-person; Masks required. One flight of stairs. The Gallery at Stone & Spoon, 110 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. Info: Hanna@AcaciaEndOfLife.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

PLAN AHEAD

Ann Arbor Potters Guild Winter Sale – Dec 4 & 5. 10am-5pm. Browse through displays of decorative, functional and wearable ceramics by Ann Arbor Potters Guild artists. 201 Hill St, Ann Arbor.

PottersGuild.net.

Stewardship Workday: Buttonbush Nature Area – 1-4pm. Help cut and remove invasive shrubs from areas that might be difficult to reach in warmer months. Tools, snacks and know-how provided.

Free. Location given after registration. Pre-registration required: Tinyurl.com/Buttonbush120421.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 Stewardship Workday: Brokaw Nature Area – 1-4pm. Help support healthy soils in our parks on WorldSoilDay by removing invasive shrubs like buckthorn, which can have a long-lasting negative effect on soil health. Tools, snacks and know-how provided. Free. Location given after registration. Pre-registration required: Tinyurl.com/ Brokaw120521.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Interfaith Death Cafe – 6:30pm. 1st Tues. Via Zoom. Info: Annie.Kopko@InterfaithSpirit.org.

Zoom meeting ID: 284 903 577.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 Online: Considering Matthew Shepard – 8-9:30pm.

Live performance film followed by a conversation with Eugene Rogers and Craig Hella Johnson. More info & to register: UMMA.UMich.edu.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 Winter Artisan Market – 10am-2pm. Buy handmade products from local artisans. Argus Farm Stop,

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Greater Ann Arbor

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging – 1-2:30pm.

Presented by Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl Chapter. Create your own seasonal Ikebana arrangement with guidance by a certified instructor. $20. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd. Reservations required: A2Ikebana@gmail.com. mbgna.umich.edu.

ongoing events

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17

The Greenhouse Gallery: Holiday 2021 Conservatory Exhibit – Thru Jan 9. Exhibit reveals how plants and nature contain all the elements and principles of art and design. Gift shop stocked with locally and sustainably sourced items. Exhibit free.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd. mbgna.umich.edu.

Make Your Own Mosaic Cabinet Knob – 2-4pm.

Whether you are a beginner or have mosaic experience you will come away with a small piece of art and big satisfaction. You will be supplied with one cabinet knob finding (more, $15 each), adhesive and some supporting colored stones will be supplied.

With Wasentha Young. $100. Peaceful Dragon School, 1945 Pauline Blvd, Ste B, Ann Arbor. 734741-0695. WasenthasMosaics.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Dexter Winter Marketplace – 9am-1pm. Features

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

daily

Ypsi Area Online Market – A collaboration between Growing Hope, The Farm at St. Joe’s, Zilke Farm Kitchen, and a growing list of area farmers and food producers. For pick-up sites & to shop: GrowingHope.net/ypsi-area-online-market.

Free 15-Day Meditation Challenge – 6am11:55pm. Join this challenge to get a free 15-day program introducing mindfulness and meditation.

Get daily prompts explaining how to do sitting meditation plus mindfulness checks at the end of each day. Free. wix.to/kkAZB0A. Teen Mentoring – 9am. Helps teens who may be feeling alone and seek another non-parent to assist them. Helping with guidance, support and motivation. Details: GoodVibzYoga.com.

Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center (TLC) – 12-7pm, Wed-Sun. Offers feline-friendly activities with kittens and cats available to take home. 5245 Jackson Rd, Ste A1, 734-661-3575. TinyLions.org. \

sundays

Hudson Valley Humane Society Rescue Reading – 10am-12pm. Includes humane education lessons, group read-aloud and dog meet-and-greet. Drop-off event. $10; space limited. HSHV.org/Rescue Reading.

Online Meditation from Anywhere – 11am-12pm.

Building an international sangha by connecting loving hearts. Donations welcome. To receive a link: CelesteZygmont2@yahoo.com or DeepSpring.org.

Sunday Talk with Demo Rinpoche – 11am-12pm.

Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center, 1129 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor. 734-994-3387.

JewelHeart.org.

The Sunday Artisan Market – Thru Dec 19. 11am4pm. Unique local arts & crafts. Meet the artists and support local art. Free parking. Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market Pavilion, 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor. Sunday ArtisanMarket.org.

Reiki Sessions at Evenstar’s Chalice – 2-4pm. 1st & 3rd Sun. Feel the stress fall away as you experience the healing and restorative power of reiki. Choose a 20- or 40-min session. $1/minute. Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734-905-7980. Evenstars Chalice.com.

Men’s Circle: Stories in Council – 6:30pm. 1st Sun. An open group of men who come together in a safe, confidential space to share and gain from each other’s experience and presence. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 106 W Cayuga St, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.

Inspiring Talk by Mata Yogananda – 7pm. Spiritual talk, pure meditation and silent prayer, with Winged Prayer for all in need at 9pm. Free. Self-Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 Drumheller, Bath.

517-641-6201. SelfRealizationCentreMichigan.org.

Sound Healing Concert – 7-9pm. Rare, therapeutic, chakra-tuned crystal bowls played with recorded soundscape music while reiki is sent to the audience. $20/at door. 3820 Packard, Ste 280, Ann Arbor. 734358-0218. EnlightenedSoulCenter.com.

mondays Chelsea Online Farmers’ Market – Mon-Thurs.

Saturday pick-up. For details: ChelseaFarmers Mkt.org.

Virtual Pilates with Gwyn – 9:30-10am. Build a better understanding of your mind & body connections through alignment, posture and natural movement awareness. $5/class. GwynJonesPilates.com.

Meaningful Mondays – 8pm. SevaLight Retreat Centre warmly welcomes everyone, of all faiths,

meditation practices and traditions, to join us virtually. Will gather on video conference sharing in song/chants and inspiring readings from Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharmaji’s writings, followed

by Pure Meditation and silent prayer. Free. Email by 10am any Monday to receive the info about how to join by video: Info@SelfRealization CentreMichigan.org.

tuesdays Online Meditation from Anywhere – 9-9:30am.

Building an international sangha by connecting loving hearts. Donations welcome. To receive a link: CelesteZygmont2@yahoo.com or Deep Spring.org.

Online: Realization Process Practice – 6-7:30pm.

With Mara Evenstar. A weekly exploration and practice of the Realization Process developed by Judith Blackstone, PhD. A body-centered approach to personal and spiritual healing and maturity.

Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734905-7980. EvenstarsChalice.com.

wednesdays

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S Main St, Ann Arbor. Eck-MI.org.

saturdays Tarot Readers and Healers – Hours vary. Also Sun. Reiki or Jharra Vedic Healing. Cost varies.

Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734905-7980. EvenstarsChalice.com.

Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market – Thru Dec. 7am3pm. 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor. A2Gov.org.

InterPlay: Dive Deep into Creative Self-Expression – 11am-2pm. 2nd Sat. An active, creative way to unlock the wisdom of the body. Through simple improvisational forms, it uses movement, sound, storytelling, stillness, and contact to provide a powerful forum for creative expression, self-exploration, connection and play. Friends Meeting House, 1420 Hill St, Ann Arbor. 231-421-3120.

SoulWaysHealing.com.

Reiki Sessions at Evenstar’s Chalice – 2-4pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Feel the stress fall away as you experience the healing and restorative power of reiki. Choose a 20- or 40-min session. $1/minute. Evenstar’s Chalice, 36 N Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734-905-7980. Evenstars Chalice.com.

Online: Conscious Leaders Group Coaching – Thru Dec. 3-4pm. A place to receive continuous guidance for leading with compassion and flow. Includes 2 monthly calls, where you can bring questions or issues to be coached around. Learn about your blind spots, tackle your growth edges, and build resilience for your leadership. $222/mo. AmbrosialAlanimals.MyKajabi.com/offers/Fcot2cjT/checkout.

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea House Poetry Circle – 7-9pm. 2nd & 4th Wed. Features a reading by a well-published poet followed by open mic. For Zoom link: CWPoetryCircle@gmail.

thursdays Massage Clinic with Student Interns – 11am.

Massage therapy sessions at our established student clinic, at our State Licensed School. By appt; private rooms, quiet peaceful environment. $40/hr. Ann Arbor School of Massage, 3684 W Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor. 734-769-7794. NaturopathicSchoolOf AnnArbor.net.

Meditation Class – 7-8pm. Short lesson and meditation, followed by discussion with instructor Lori Barresi. Drop-in, every other Thur. $10. Enlightened Soul Center, 3820 Packard, Ste 280, Ann Arbor. 734358-0218. EnlightenedSoulCenter.com.

fridays Virtual TRX with Gwyn – 8:15-8:45am. TRX is a suspension training workout that will give total-body health benefits for everyone. Modifications given for every move. $10. GwynJonesPilates.com.

Sound of Soul by Eckankar – 6:30-7:15pm. HU is a sacred word to draw Soul closer to God bringing wisdom and awareness. Enhances any faith. Free.

classifieds HELP WANTED LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE DISTRIBUTOR / SALES OF ALLNATURAL PRODUCTS. This is not a MLM; this is based on product sales of retail and sales to the public. This will include contacting the public as well as outdoor and indoor events. Calling on stores and businesses. Must be passionate about healthy living and helping others be healthy. Michiganmade products. We are a licensed, insured, certified company. Please contact U.P. Chaga Connection 906-282-0787 (Serious inquiries only).

RELAXSTATION, VOTED A2’S BEST MASSAGE, IS HIRING! Our massage therapists earn $35K to $40K annually as W-2 employees for a 30-hour (including breaks) weekly schedule. New location on Packard Street between Argus Farm Stop and the Buddhist Temple offers traditional full body massage as well as fully clothed table massage, plus onsite chair massage at UT and local businesses.

Free parking. Friendly, diverse and supportive community of co-workers. Relaxstation.com. Ask for Carrie, 734-623-1951.

December 2021

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community resource guide ALTERNATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT KRASNICK REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

210 Little Lake Dr, Ste 8, Ann Arbor 734-585-5653 KrasnickRegen.com

Krasnick Regenerative Medicine is an alternative practice that provides non-surgical treatments for joint, muscle and back pain using treatments such as prolotherapy, prolozone and platelet-rich plasma. See ad page 27.

AROMATHERAPY ROSY GLOW AROMATHERAPY

Margo Hertzfeld, Certified Aromatherapist 419-360-0169 RosyGlowWellness.com Clinically certified aromatherapist offers holistic consultations with customized blends of professional quality essential oils. Trust Margo to help you understand the complicated world of aromatherapy.

Her holistic approach can help you maximize your benefits from this powerful therapy and minimize side effects. Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to integrate natural healing into your life. Phone consultations are available.

BIOLOGICAL DENTIST ANN ARBOR’S DENTIST

Dr. W. K. Dobracki, DDS 606 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, 48103 734-747-6400 DrDobracki@AnnArborsDentist.com AnnArborsDentist.com Passionate about holistic care while utilizing Bio-Compatible materials and lasers. Our patients can elect to be free from fluoride, mercury and other harmful metals. Filling materials are tooth colored and both BPA & BisGMA free. We offer natural oral health products using fine essential oils, and free of gluten and preservatives. See ad page 5.

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Greater Ann Arbor

BUDDHIST MEDITATION, YOGA & RETREAT CENTER TRIPLE CRANE MONASTERY AND CONVENT

7665 Werkner Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118 734-757-8567 HuayenWorld.org/usa Triple Crane Monastery and Convent is a place for practitioners of yoga, mediation and spiritual retreats. Along with using our beautiful 10,000-sq-ft. building for our own activities, it is also available to the community, by donation, for residential or day-long, personal or group workshops and retreats. Call for information on weekly classes, residential retreats and building use. All are welcome.

CHAGA PRODUCTS U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION

906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.com

Freshest, cleanest, wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Immune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See ad page 30.

COACHING & COUNSELING ARIA MAE EVERTS

Coach, Facilitator, Healer Aria@AriaMae.com AriaMae.com

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Spiritually integrative coaching, healing and retreats for Conscious Leaders. In-person and virtual personal development for those who envision a world where all life is honored. See ad page 10.

NIA SPONGBERG, LIFE COACH

Ann Arbor 734-531-9024 NiaSpongberg.com

Nia is a certified life and productivity coach (ACC, CPC) who helps adventurous people blaze new trails in their time, tasks, and transitions. Her “Walk & Talk” sessions (held at 7 local natural areas) are an especially powerful way to get moving toward your goals. Nia also coaches by phone and Zoom. Get in touch for a free discovery call.

DETOX/COLONIC

INNERSPACE HOLISTIC

Brandy Boehmer, 734-709-8313 2350 Washtenaw Ave, Ste 14, Ann Arbor InnerSpaceHolistic.com Colon Therapy is the slow and gentle insertion of purified water into the colon (large intestine) for the cleansing of poisons, mucous and accumulated fecal matter. It is also used to stimulate the colon to recover its natural shape, tone, and peristaltic wave action. No chemicals or drugs are used—thus it is a safe, gentle health-giving alternative. Brandy Boehmer is National Board Certified in colon hydrotherapy through the International Association for Colon Therapy.

END OF LIFE DISCUSSION/ SUPPORT DEATH CAFES

Ann Arbor Death Cafe (Zoom currently) TheDyingYear@gmail.com Interfaith Death Cafe (Zoom currently) Annie.Kopko@InterfaithSpirit.org Ypsilanti Death Cafe (In-person, masked) Hanna@AcaciaEndOfLife.com Death Cafe is an open group discussion of death with no agenda. It’s not a grief support group. The objective is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” Although death is a universally shared phenomenon, it still remains a taboo topic for many. A Death Cafe gives the space to talk (& listen) to others who are ready to discuss it all.

General worldwide info: DeathCafe.com. End of Life Doula training: TheDyingYear.org.

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY ANN ARBOR SMILES DENTAL GROUP

2365 S Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor & 1795 W Stadium, Ann Arbor 734-887-9667 AnnArborSmiles.com Ann Arbor Smiles is a state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dental office dedicated to treating the whole person in a caring and compassionate manner. Most insurances accepted and financing is available. See ads, pages 3 and 26.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY DEXTER DENTAL STUDIO

7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd, Ste 300, Dexter 734-426-8360 DexterDentalStudio@gmail.com DexterDentalStudio.com From the moment you walk through the door, you will experience a friendly and relaxed environment where the focus is always on you and your overall well-being. Dentistry is about more than just filling teeth. We place great emphasis on patient education and providing a positive and helpful dental experience. See ad page 11.

PACKARD FAMILY DENTISTRY

2444 Packard St, Ypsilanti 734-519-6191 PackardFamilyDentistry.com

Our doctors are committed to holistic dentistry as the best way to care for our patients and keep them and our team as healthy as possible.

We strive to treat the cause of a problem, not just the symptoms. We provide insight and answer any questions you may have regarding the tools and techniques we use for your care. See ad page 25.

HOLISTIC DOCTOR DR. MALCOLM SICKELS, M.D.

210 Little Lake Dr, Ste 10, Ann Arbor, 48103 734-332-9936 DrSickels.com Malcolm Sickels earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan, where he taught fellow medical students about different approaches to health. Board certified in Family Medicine and Holistic Medicine, he is in solo practice on the west side of Ann Arbor. Learn more at Dr. Sickels.com. See ads, pages 8 and 9.

HOLISTIC MENTAL WELLNESS KELLIE ZIEHM

Kellie.Amare@yahoo.com 734-344-2339 AmareMentalWellness.com Come join my team with this ground floor distributor opportunity with the only holistic mental wellness company in direct sales. I’m also looking for healthcare professionals to join our influencer program. See ad page 24.

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN JOHN B. SMITH, DVM

1954 S Industrial, Ann Arbor 734-213-7447 DogDoctor.us We invite you to partner with us for a naturopathic, patient-centered approach to restoring and maintaining your pet’s health. We focus on health span—not just life span. See ad page 33.

HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACY

INTEGRATED MEDICINE & COLLEGIUM THOMAS KABISCH, DO, MD

2350 E Stadium, Ste 12, Ann Arbor 734-971-5483 DODoc@sbcglobal.net Offering Wharton jelly stem cell injections. Serving the addiction community for 18 yrs. A variety of LLT lasers including intravenous. Steer from cancer with the Simple Life program.

MOLD TESTING & REMEDIATION MOLDPRO

John Du Bois, CMI, CMR 247 W. Main Street, Milan 734-439-8800 • MoldProllc.com MoldPro offers chemical-free mold remediation, independent certified mold testing, inspection and consultation services all over SE Michigan specializing in mold biotoxin illness clients.

NATURE-ORIENTED MEETING SPACE MICHIGAN FRIENDS CENTER AT FRIENDS LAKE COMMUNITY

7748 Clark Lake Road, Chelsea 734-475-1892 https://MFCenter.org/rent

We offer the holistic community a nature-oriented meeting space for workshops, meetings, counseling, yoga, youth groups, and family gatherings. Main room accommodates 100 pre-Covid, with two smaller classrooms and kitchen facilities. Hiking trails. Weekend rates range from $200-$400, additional for extensive grounds use, camping. See ad page 8.

CASTLE REMEDIES

2345 S. Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor In the Parkway Center 734-973-8990 CastleRemedies.com Discover Michigan’s only homeopathic pharmacy open to the public. Herbs, Nutritional Supplements, Aromatherapy, Distinctive Gifts & Jewelry. Specializing in products for maintaining health & preventing disease. See ad page 21.

December 2021

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community resource guide PAIN RELIEF AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 Info@AlbertasPainRelief.com AlbertasPainRelief.com

ANN ARBOR SCHOOL OF MASSAGE, HERBAL & NATURAL MEDICINE

734-769-7794 NSHAAssociates@gmail.com NaturopathicSchoolOfAnnArbor.net

Need Relief from Arthritis?

Try Aunt Alberta's Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis?

Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Use Aunt Alberta's Pain Relief Cream! Get relief today!

Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! See website for other options. See what people say about Aunt Alberta's Remedy and Purchase Now on our website.

Massage therapy training is a one year program that fulfills the 717 hour state licensed professional training with the required 80 hours of clinical internship. The rate for scheduled, Tuesday through Friday appointments at our student massage clinic is $40/ hr. Tips are not accepted and are performed by student interns as required by program standards.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 4.

ANN ARBOR SMILES DENTAL GROUP

Dr. Heather Hoffman 2900 Golfside Rd Suite 5, Ann Arbor & 1795 W Stadium, Ann Arbor 734-887-9667 AnnArborSmiles.com Ann Arbor Smiles is a state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dental office dedicated to treating the whole person in a caring and compassionate manner. Most insurances accepted and financing is available. See ads, pages 3 and 26.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

SMOKING CESSATION FREE AT LAST! HYPNOSIS

Center - A Joyful Journey 734-883-8775

Stop smoking in one visit. Afraid it’s going to be too painful or too difficult? Our unique specialized and proven system makes it easy.

Become a happy and permanent non-smoker today. See ad page 23.

PERSONAL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH WORKSHOPS INNER LISTENING™ WORKSHOPS

Rev. Julie Chai 231-709-5597 InnerListening.me

Greater Ann Arbor

TAI CHI AND QIGONG PEACEFUL DRAGON SCHOOL

Inner Listening™ workshops for compassionate self-awareness, presence, serenity, love, and joy, offer you the theory, practice, and support to move beyond emotional reactions and into deep healing, compassion, and empowerment.

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WEIGHT LOSS

SCHOOL / EDUCATION

1945 Pauline Blvd, Ste B, Ann Arbor 734-741-0695 PeacefulDragonSchool.com

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Tai chi promotes relaxation, is a meditation in motion and is known for increasing balance. Qigong means energy work. This class includes stretching, meditation and self-acupressure.

FREE AT LAST! HYPNOSIS

CENTER - A JOYFUL JOURNEY 734-883-8775 Lose weight now with hypnosis.

Achieve permanent positive life and habit changes through our safe, rapid and effective system. Tap the potential of your mind to create the health and vitality you’ve always wanted. See ad page 23.

WELLNESS / AYURVEDA YOGA / FITNESS AROGYAVEDA

2458 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor 734-436-1401 Text: 248-736-4633 ArogyaVeda.org ArogyaVeda is a wellness center for holistic science Ayurveda and Yoga. This center offers Classical Hatha Yoga classes, Ayurvedic consultations and treatments, Ayurvedic cooking and nutrition workshops, and Bollywood dance workouts. Call now to take a step towards a happier and healthier life.

WELLNESS CENTERS THRIVE! WELLNESS CENTER

6901 State Rd, Ste D, Saline 734-470-6766 Thrive-Wellness-Center.com

Shannon Roznay, DC, specializes in Nutrition Response Testing and Activator Chiropractic.

Thrive! also carries natural foods, skin and home products. See ad page 15.

WOMEN-ONLY MASSAGE SHER

734-239-3344 SherrelWells@icloud.com Sher.amtamembers.com My goal is to always give the best massage you’ve ever had. I have been a medical massage therapist since 1987. I will get the pain out. Muscular, sciatica, back pain, etc. $75/30 min medical massage and $100/ hr relaxation massage with hot towels.

CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of

LOVE THIS FIND TRUE

HIS T E V O L E FIND TRU Try for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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December 2021

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