Natural Awakenings ~ East Bay July 2016 by Celeste Souza

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July 2016

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contact us Publisher/Editor Celeste Souza National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Proofreader Randy Kambic Writer Tessa Rigdon Design & Production Stephen Blancett Kim Cerne Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales Anna Romano 239-530-1377

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© 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

ometimes the world feels like it’s in a tailspin. Individuals, small groups and nations, manipulated by irrational hate and greed, attack and harm innocent people. America today isn’t the same safe nation I grew up in. Today my heart is heavy and saddened over the tragic mass murder at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub. It’s one of many world events that have brought pain and suffering over the course of just the past few days. In the midst of this chaos and instability, I pray that civilized people everywhere find comfort and a restored sense of balance in treating the core issues and not just the symptoms. Our world needs protecting and healing at its deepest levels. The swirling coverage of news events continue to point up the importance of thoughtful, non-sensational media coverage, the kind most frequently found in independent media. Linda Sechrist explores how they work hard to bring us the truth along with constructive solutions in her feature article, “Real News That Matters.” Some independents have been around since before I was born, diving into crucial and essential issues in ways others don’t. Growing up, I remember hearing my family referring to some of their efforts as extreme, but most are busy working to shed light on pivotal topics, giving voice to those advocating and upholding humanity’s basic rights. Sechrist shares healthy food advocate Jeffery Smith’s example: “Europe could kick genetically modified ingredients (GMO) out of their food supply because their mainstream media covered the health dangers, while U.S. mainstream media ignored them and kept Americans in the dark. Independent media in the U.S. enable democracy and consumer-inspired transformations of all kinds. Knowledge has organizing power.” We act on what we’re informed about. If the truth isn’t presented to us, we just don’t know what we don’t know and we act blindly, if at all. Prior to becoming publisher of this magazine, I came across an edition in another state and thought, “Finally, what took so long?” We here at Natural Awakenings of East Bay are proud to be on the independent bandwagon of fostering thought-provoking discussion and inspiration about issues that matter and support everyone’s right to true health and happiness. As a passionate truth seeker myself, I’m determined to help keep readers informed and bring attention to the bigger, spiritual picture of hope and healing. In gratitude for you,

Celeste Souza, Publisher

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $32 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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contents

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

6 newsbriefs

10 healthbriefs

13 DR. TERESA SHEN:

1 2 globalbriefs

A Passionate and Progressive Practitioner of Alternative Medicine

1 3 communityspotlight 1 6 consciouseating

18 healingways 20 wisewords 22 calendarofevents 24 ongoingcalendar

27 resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 925-557-7583 or email Ads@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editorial@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online at NAEastBay.com or email to: Calendar@NAEastBay.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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14 REAL NEWS

THAT MATTERS

Independent Media Tell Us the Truth

14 16

by Linda Sechrist

16 LOCAVORE LINGO

What All the Food Labels Really Mean

by Judith Fertig

17 ANIMAL WELFARE LEXICON

by Tracey Narayani Glove

18 MAKE TIME

FOR DOWNTIME

Chilling Out Revives Body and Soul by April Thompson

20 LIZA HUBER ON

HEALTHy MEALS AND HAPPy KIDS Start with Homemade, Organic Baby Food

by Gerry Strauss

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July 2016

newsbriefs Holistic Chiropractor Hosts No-Cost Demonstration of New Biocommunication Scan

Nubian Heritage Offers New Organic Skincare Options

ubian Heritage’s line of luxurious bath, body and hair products—made from traditional recipes with authentic certified organic and natural ingredients for smoother, revitalized skin—has now been expanded, with a special discount available on the entire line this month. The African Black Soap Collection is made with palm ash, tamarind extract and plantain peel, and has been used in Africa for centuries to minimize the appearance of skin blemishes and other skin ailments. The deep nourishing formula helps in exfoliation and hydration revealing radiant and healthy looking skin. Other products made by the company, part of Sundial Brands, include the Indian Hemp and Haitian Vetiver collection that uses naturally anti-inflammatory hemp seed oil; the Coconut and Papaya Collection; plus bar soaps, body washes and lotions, hand creams, organic-infused Shea butter, aluminum-free deodorant, sugar body scrub, massage oil and bath bombs. Shea butter, an ingredient in all of the products, is obtained from cooperatives in Ghana that help develop self-sustaining businesses there.

r. Katie Sokolski is a chiropractor and nutritionist who offers Applied Kinesiology, gentle adjustments, Nutrition Response Testing, Morphogenic Field Technique, purification programs and most recently, ZYTO biocommunication scanning. Join Sokolski for a free ZYTO technology demonstration, from 6 to 7 p.m. on July 27, at Healing Arts Chiropractic in Oakland. Regular cost for a ZYTO scan is $25. ZYTO technology utilizes an electronic hand scanner to quickly and painlessly collect information about patients’ potential health needs. On a basic level, ZYTO Katie Sokolski technology is designed to energetically ask the body questions and analyze the body’s specific responses. ZYTO technology helps both Sokolski and her patients get a visual as to what’s happening on the inside. Following the fourminute, noninvasive ZYTO scan, patients receive a report highlighting areas in the body that potentially need attention. The scan covers nutritional needs, spinal misalignments, meridian, organ and gland imbalances. Based on the feedback it receives from the body, ZYTO may also make recommendations for various therapies, including yoga, massage and acupuncture. Sokolski’s consultation includes recommendations for supplements and referrals for any out-of-house therapies if needed. Location: 187 40th Street Way, Oakland. For more information, call 510-356-7832, email Dr.Sokolski@gmail.com or visit HealingArtsChiro.com. See ad, page 8.

For more information or to order products, call 631-842-8800, email HMerritt@SundialBrands.com or visit NubianHeritage.com. See ad for special discount, page 11.

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Awaken Your Inner Beauty With the Mei Zen™ Cosmetic Acupuncture System you will see: • Improved elasticity • Skin becomes more delicate and fair • Reduction of wrinkles and lines • Reduction of puffiness and sagginess • Lifting of droopy eyelids • Clearing or reduction of age spots An overall rejuvenation that is not confined to your face. That means you’ll feel better all over - or that your health has actually improved! Award-winning fourth generation practice; redefining healthcare since 1982.

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Teresa T. Shen, L.Ac 5933 Coronado Ln #100 Pleasanton, CA 94588 www.EasternMedicalCenter.com

Biophoton Services Offers Free Appointments for Vaccine-Injured Children

lameda-based Biophoton Services specializes in integrative therapy for whole-body healing, and now offers free Friday appointments for children under 12 who have sustained vaccine injuries, including neurological conditions, allergies and autism. “It’s part of our mission statement at Biophoton Services to give back to the community by seeing children under 12 for free, and by providing sustainable solutions for those in need,” says Kathy McIntire, co-Founder of Biophoton Services. McIntire is also a Registered Nurse and a Certified Biophoton Practitioner. Biophoton light therapy is a gentle practice used to identify Kathy McIntire disturbances in the body and promote self-healing. A unique biofeedback instrument called a Chiren is used to measure and assess light emissions within cells. This process neutralizes chaotic cells, amplifies coherent cells, and helps to naturally restore clients’ overall health. Sessions are non-invasive and do not require medications or supplements. Disturbances in biophotons are commonly attributed to environmental toxins, electromagnetic frequencies, physical and emotional stress, traumas, food poisonings and heavy metals. Biophoton Services commonly treats clients suffering from dyslexia, migraines, allergies, asthma, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, digestive issues, Lyme disease, hormonal imbalances, multiple sclerosis, blood pressure issues, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, herpes, prostate issues, anxiety and depression. Free Friday sessions are by appointment only. Location: 1151 Harbor Bay Pkwy., Ste. 100, Alameda. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 510-217-8677, email Lillia@BiophotonServices.com or visit BiophotonServices.com. See ad, page 27.

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Bike to Work Day Gains Popularity as East Bay Cities Debut Protected Bike Lanes

n May 12, more than 19,000 East Bay residents pedaled to work to celebrate the 22nd annual Bay Area Bike to Work Day. This year’s event surpassed many previous participation records, due in part to the completion of new bike lanes in Berkeley, Oakland and Emeryville. “Bicycle ridership is gaining momentum in our East Bay cities,” says Renee Rivera, executive director of Bike East Bay. “With new bike lanes opening, the pace of change on our streets has never been greater. These new bike lanes are ones that everyone will feel safe and comfortable riding, for the first time or for their everyday commute.” Bike to Work Day is the entry point for many riders to regular bike commuting. The celebratory culture of the event encourages many many first-time riders to consider a fresh way to get to work. Formerly known as East Bay Bicycle Coalition, Bike East Bay is a proud partner in promoting Bike to Work Day. As in years past, Bike East Bay organized Energizer Stations that supported bike commuters with snacks, coffee, giveaways and good cheer, and hosted “Bike Happy Hours” at the end of the day. For more information, visit BikeEastBay.org.

natural awakenings

July 2016

newsbriefs Hypnotherapist Specializing in Past Life Journeys Offers Special Pricing at New Lafayette Location

rake Bear Stephen, a transpersonal hypnotherapist and shamanic energy medicine practitioner, now offers sessions at the HCH Hypnotherapy Institute, located at 3746 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Suite 200, in Lafayette. Stephen offers 25 percent off all services during the month of July. Stephen believes that an individual’s personal journey is greatly Drake Bear Stephen enhanced by discovering past lives and how those lives affect this lifetime. To support this quest, Stephen offers a unique form of past life therapy called “shamanic hypno-reincarnation journeys.” This work combines shamanism with hypnotic-induced past life journeys. A past life journey with Stephen includes three sessions: first, a preparation session that includes a consultation, an energy body tune-up, and entity extraction work if required; second, a past life journey session that includes

Do you have? • Trouble sleeping • Anxiety/stress • Pain/stiffness • Lack of energy

a hypnotically led journey to past life and interlife; and third, a restoration and integration session that is based on the findings of the past life journey. The third session also includes soul retrieval work and other exercises to facilitate integration. Says Stephen, an individual may want to visit a past life in order to explore past life influences on current relationships; discover contracts or vows made in previous lifetimes; discover actions in past lives that affect current karmic lessons; discover past talents and bring them to the present life; discover pre-life contracts and the purpose of this current lifetime; discover the soul’s purpose; meet and talk with spirit guides and the Higher Self; or, out of simple curiosity. For more information, call 925-348-3336, email DrakeBearStephen@pacbell.net or visit DrakeInnerPrizes.com. See ad, page 29.

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San Francisco Board of Supervisors Unanimously Passes Legislation to Require Solar Power on New Buildings

n April, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Supervisor Scott Wiener’s legislation that requires solar panels on all new residential and commercial buildings constructed in San Francisco. This legislation makes San Francisco the first major city in the country to require solar panels on new construction. This legislation will help move San Francisco toward its goal of meeting 100 percent of the city’s electricity demand with renewable energy. “By increasing our use of solar power, San Francisco is once again leading the nation in the fight against climate change and the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels,” says Wiener. “Activating underutilized roof space is a smart and efficient way to promote the use of solar energy and improve our environment. We need to continue to pursue aggressive renew-

able energy policies to ensure a sustainable future for our city and our region.” The legislation has the support of the San Francisco Commission on the Environment, the U.S. Green Buildings Council, the Building Inspection Commission, and Brightline Defense, a nonprofit that supports the creation of sustainable environments in low-income communities and communities of color. Under existing state law, California’s Title 24 Energy Standards require

15 percent of all roof areas on new small and mid-sized buildings to be “solar ready,” which means the roof is unshaded by the proposed building itself and free of obtrusions. This state law applies to all new residential and commercial buildings with ten floors or fewer. Wiener’s ordinance builds on this state law by requiring this 15 percent of “solar ready” roof area to have solar installed. This can take the form of either solar photovoltaic or solar water panels, both of which supply 100 percent renewable energy. The Department of the Environment and the Environment Commission have been tasked with supporting and creating programs that satisfy this policy, including promoting the use of solar energy. For more information, visit SFBOS.org.

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July 2016

healthbriefs

ADHD Meds Weaken Kids’ Bones

A Colorful Produce Slows Cell Aging

new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition finds that an increased intake of carotenoids, powerful antioxidants found in plantbased foods, is associated with slower aging. The research tested 3,660 U.S. adults and measured blood levels of five common carotenoids: alphacarotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, combined lutein/zeaxanthin and trans-lycopene. The researchers found that those with levels that were in the highest quarter had 5 percent to 8 percent longer telomeres compared to those with the lowest quartile of carotenoid levels. Telomeres are located at the ends of DNA chromosomes and get shorter as we age. Longer telomeres indicate greater longevity. Carotenoids are found in the yellow-to-red pigments in many yellow, red and orange foods. They are also contained in green foods where chlorophyll shields the yellow-red color. Alpha-carotenes are present in carrots, cantaloupes, mangoes, kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Betacarotene is found in some of the same foods, and also tomatoes, apricots and watermelons. Beta-cryptoxanthin is found in papayas, apples and orange peels. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in some of the same foods, along with kiwifruit, grapes, oranges, zucchini and squash. Some of the highest levels are in corn. Lycopene is in tomatoes, watermelons, papayas, apricots and other red-to-yellow foods.

new study announced at the 2016 annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shows that drugs prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can weaken bones in children during a time of critical growth. This study tested 5,315 kids between 8 and 17 years old and compared the results to a subgroup of 1,967. Each child was given a bone mineral density scan on the femur, femoral neck and lumbar spine. The children taking ADHD medications of Ritalin, Focalin, Dexedrine, Strattera and Vyvanese had lower bone mineral density in the femur, femoral neck and lumbar spine. At least 25 percent of the youngsters taking these medications were categorized as having osteopenia. According to a 2014 Express Scripts study, prescriptions of ADHD medications to children in the U.S. grew by 36 percent between 2008 and 2012.

Calcium Pills Don’t Build Bone Health

esearchers reporting in the British medical journal The Lancet, analyzed 44 studies on calcium supplementation or dietary calcium and bone fractures and concluded, “Dietary calcium intake is not associated with risk of fracture and there is no current evidence that increasing dietary calcium intake prevents fractures.” Qualifying studies included more than 44,000 people. A different meta-study from New Zealand’s University of Auckland, also published in The Lancet, reviewed 59 clinical and observational studies of calcium and bone density. The meta-analysis compared the effect of calcium doses of 500, 800 and 1,000 milligrams per day and found that bone density improvements ranged between 0.6 and 1.8 percent throughout the body during the first year of supplementation, but did not increase over time. They concluded that the improvements in bone mineral density from calcium supplements were small and that results mirrored the increases seen from dietary sources, suggesting that neither method significantly improves bone health.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

Energy Drinks Osteopathy Alleviates Harm the Heart Low Back Pain

n addition to alertness, energy drinks may also trigger abnormal heart rhythms and increased blood pressure. Researchers from the School of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California, tested 27 healthy adults. The volunteers were split into three groups—one drank two cans of an energy drink per day, another consumed the same amount of a drink with Panax ginseng and the third a similar-tasting placebo beverage. The subjects were given cardiovascular testing before and after the trial. After three weeks, the group imbibing the energy drinks had a significant increase in abnormal heart rhythms and higher blood pressure. The ginseng and placebo groups saw no change in their heart conditions. Sachin A. Shah, a doctor of pharmacy and professor at Pacific’s School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, says, “Our findings suggest that certain energy drinks may increase the risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm when consumed in high volumes. While we wait for more data, some consumers should exercise caution and not blindly follow the buzz.” The Center for Science in Public Interest, a consumer health advocacy group, has reported that as of June 2014, 34 deaths have been associated with energy drinks.

ore than 600,000 people undergo surgery for back pain every year, yet back surgery is often unsuccessful. Safer manual therapies provide a viable alternative, according to recent research. A study of 455 people with low back pain found that osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT) helped with their symptoms. The research, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, gave each patient six osteopathic manual therapy sessions or a placebo treatment over a two-month period. Patients were tested before and a month afterward to assess the success of the treatments, using pain severity and mobility as the main criteria. The research showed that those that started with higher disability scores of 17 or more prior to therapy had significantly less pain and more mobility. Patients with scores of seven or greater also improved, but not to the same degree. Lead researcher and Osteopath Dr. John Licciardone says, “Subgrouping patients according to chronic low back pain intensity and function appears to be a simple strategy for identifying patients that can attain substantial improvement with OMT. From a cost and safety perspective, it should be considered before progressing to more costly or invasive interventions.” MANUFACTURER’S COUPON

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natural awakenings

July 2016

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

GMO-Free Pioneer

New Grain Transport to be Contaminant-Free

Recycling Nutrients Animal Droppings Help Forests Absorb CO2

A paper published in Forest Ecosystems concludes that frugivores, large, fruit-eating animals like toucans, tapirs, curassows and spider monkeys, help to keep the woods healthy by eating fruits and spreading seeds. As traps for carbon and an effective defense against global warming, forests collectively absorb up to 30 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions and store more than 1,600 gigatons of carbon in the soil. “You have a lot of large birds that play a fundamental role for large trees,” says study author Mauro Galetti. “They increase the likelihood that seeds will turn into actual photosynthesizing plants.” However, big, tropical birds are constantly under threat of hunting, poaching and habitat loss; the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources’ Red List notes that 14 of the world’s 16 toucan species, for instance, are decreasing in population. The study found that without the help of high-capacity frugivores, there would be no way for larger seeds to grow into the towering trees that store carbon best. Scientists now want to research individual species to calculate how much each animal’s services are worth in terms of battling climate change. Putting a dollar amount on a species, say Galetti, could be the only way to persuade governments to protect it. Find the study at Tinyurl.com/ ForestCarbonReport.

Large food companies that are switching to nonGMO (genetically modified) soy and corn products must still worry about their ingredients picking up GMO contamination through conventional supply chains. Now, Captain Drake LLC, a North Dakota grain plant, has acquired its own million-bushel terminal with dedicated rail cars used exclusively for GMO-free grains. President Mark Anderson maintains, “We’ll be able to obtain the best non-GMO commodities from three regions: North Dakota, Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada.” In a 2015 Nielsen study of 30,000 consumers, 43 percent rank non-GMO as very important and 80 percent said they would pay more for foods that indicate a degree of healthfulness. Sales of non-GMO products exceeded $10 billion last year and are growing. Anderson explains, “The supply chain needs to be tightened up and moved domestically. We consider this to be another strategic asset for food and beverage clients seeking suppliers committed to guaranteeing the integrity and purity of non-GMO commodities.” Source: Tinyurl.com/NonGMOGrainTerminal

Toxic Teflon

Scientists Increasingly Find It Dangerous According to a new meta-analysis of previous studies, Philippe Grandjean, of Harvard, and Richard Clapp, of the University of Massachusetts, concluded that DuPont Teflon, used for 50 years to make frictionless cookware, is much more dangerous than previously thought, causing cancer, birth defects and heart disease, and weakening the immune system. Teflon production was phased out in 2006, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found it in the blood of more than 99 percent of Americans studied, because it can be passed from mother to unborn child in the womb. The researchers say that the federal government’s recommended “safe” level, set in 2009, is as much as 1,000 times too high to fully protect people’s health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has yet to set a legal allowable limit for its presence in drinking water. Source: EnvironmentalHealthNews.org

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

communityspotlight Dr. Teresa Shen: A Passionate and Progressive Practitioner of Alternative Medicine

r. Teresa Shen is itself, if given the proper a fourth-generasupport to do so,” says tion practitioner Shen, whose sessions typiof alternative medicine cally include acupuncture and CEO/Lead Physiand other non-invasive cian at Eastern Medical modalities, such as cranial Center, a well-estabsacral therapy and biodelished and expanding coding, to identify underpractice in Pleasanton. lying causes of medical Shen’s team combines conditions. “Whatever my advanced healthcare clients need, I have the practices with the latest tools, and I seek out new non-invasive Western tools—it’s my passion. technology to treat Natural healing was a Teresa Shen clients who suffer from part of my upbringing, but both acute and chronic most people don’t know health challenges. their options.” “People come to me looking for Shen’s father, Dr. something different and I advise them Mason Shen, a renowned to try natural solutions first,” says acupuncturist and patient Shen, a licensed acupuncturist and advocate, founded Eastern Master of Chinese Medicine. While Medical Center in 1982. Western medications can drastically The elder Shen introalter the body’s chemistry, alternative duced his young daughter medicine works with the body, she to 5,000 years of tradiexplains. For example, if one area in tional Chinese healing methods, first, the body experiences blockage, acuas his patient. When she was five years puncture or acupressure can target the old, Shen experienced a nosebleed affected area and provide a boost of that wouldn’t stop. Her father put a tiny energy to the whole body that proneedle in her arm and the bleeding motes self-healing. subsided. Shen clearly recalls her early “The body knows how to heal fascination with acupuncture following her nosebleed. Later in life, she would follow in her father’s footsteps— and follow her gut—into a rigorous study of alternative medicine. “In high school I developed severe stomach problems,” recounts Shen. “At my mother’s urging I saw conventional doctors who gave me every test imaginable, but the tests were inconclusive. The doctors

could not give me answers, and I was still in pain.” Shen again tried acupuncture under her father’s care and experienced instant relief. In that moment, Shen says she felt truly inspired by her father to learn the secret of the needle. After graduating from University of California Davis, Shen traveled to the ancient Chinese city of Tianjin to receive her Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China’s only institution to be authorized by Ministry of Education as the International University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, Shen effectively blends Eastern medicine with Western technology to provide effective clinical solutions to meet most health challenges, including but not limited to, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, unexplained pain, gynecological issues, skin issues, allergies, infections, digestive issues, infertility, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and low immunity. Shen’s growing practice also offers massage therapy, reiki, acupressure, and laser acupuncture therapy for clients who prefer needle-free treatment. Recently, Shen brought on a new acupuncturist, Candace Luo, L.Ac, MSTCM, MHA, CMI. With the addition of Luo, the team is able to give proper care and attention to more clients. Says Shen, “Exciting changes are happening at Eastern Medical Center.” Location: 5933 Coronado Ln., Ste. 100, Pleasanton. For more information, call 925-847-8889 or visit EasternMedicalCenter.com. See ad, page 6. natural awakenings

July 2016

REAL NEWS THAT MATTERS Independent Media Tell Us the Truth by Linda Sechrist

Times. That example serves as clear proof of the importance and power of independent media to furnish the public helpful and in-depth information on wide-ranging topics that mainstream broadcast media typically only cover in 30- to 60-second blurbs or not at all. Dr. Mark Hyman, chair of the Institute of Functional Medicine and director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, learned Brogan’s lesson early on. “Independent media have been crucial in disseminating my life’s work. Given the misinformation being spread by regular news and government channels about weight and health, we deserve to hear the truth about what’s in our food, toxins in our environment and how we can truly heal our bodies,” says Hyman, a nine-time bestselling author.

Independent Voices

n virtually all aspects of life, we are influenced consciously or subconsciously by mainstream media messages. Today, six media giants—Comcast, The Walt Disney Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Time Warner, Viacom and DirecTV—control the vast majority of what we watch on TV and in movies, listen to on the radio and read in books, newspapers and magazines. According to Ben Bagdikian, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The New Media Monopoly, this handful of conglomerates form a cartel that wields enough influence to affect U.S. politics and define social values. Thirty years ago, before many mergers and acquisitions, 50 corporations owned nearly all of American media. Today’s infotainment and rhetoric, misrepresented as news, is leading millions to conclude that these colossal powers do not exist to objectively report the truth.

Mainstream Media’s True Colors

Although a recent Gallup Poll reflects Americans’ lack of trust in mainstream

media’s reporting of news fully, fairly and accurately, fair reporting was what HarperCollins, a prominent publisher, expected upon the 2016 release of New York City holistic psychiatrist Dr. Kelly Brogan’s A Mind of Your Own: The Truth About Depression and How Women Can Heal Their Bodies to Reclaim Their Lives. They were shocked when the book was boycotted. “The New York Times, Dr. Oz and Good Morning America refused to schedule author interviews or write book reviews. There wasn’t a whisper anywhere on mainstream media about my evidenced-based book on how women can holistically recover from depression without a single prescription. HarperCollins was baffled. I was their first credentialed author who spoke out against pharmaceuticals,” says Brogan. So Brogan turned to independent outlets, including print, online and social media, her own website, newsletter lists and word-of-mouth. Her work soon broke through into three of the top bestselling book lists: USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and The New York

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Today’s independent media landscape shifts at warp speed. With 24/7 Internet access to websites, both groundbreaking journalism and grassroots perspectives appear in original articles and blogs. Outlets include independent online radio, TV shows, newspapers, filmmakers and “citizen journalists” armed with smart phones instantly transmitting images and updates via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. From a growing recognition that such media play a vital role in shaping a more informed and engaged citizenry, more attention is again being paid to the need for real news that matters. Breaking the reign of junk food news generators is the mission of ProjectCensored.org, a media research program at California’s Sonoma State University. Billions of dollars are spent annually on webinars, podcasts and e-books exploring health and healing, self-help, spiritual enlightenment and creativity, indicating a reading audience with a hunger for deeper wisdom. Since 1973, New Dimensions Radio, co-founded and hosted by Justine Willis Toms, has featured many of the world’s most respected wisdom keepers. “Guests exclaim how refreshing it is to speak in-depth and at length. Mainstream, commercially based media consistently present sound bites on how things

are breaking down and not working, without opening thought to constructive visions for a future that benefits all life and the planet,” says Toms. “Independent media have broken away from dependence on the moneyed interests holding tight reins on the news and information they publish. Because we’re listener-supported, public radio is free to explore a wide range of timely and timeless topics,” he says. Leaning away from one-sided views gives independent media space to expand people’s perspectives and positive expectations for the future. The seven-time Pulitzer Prize-winning Christian Science Monitor international news organization was established in Boston over a century ago to till human thought and thereby improve human lives via an uplifted journalistic standard. “Its quiet insistence for human rights and against tyranny; for generosity and against selfishness; for intelligence, charity, courage, integrity and most of all, for progress and hope—surely that has helped,” remarks John Yemma, current columnist and former editor. “We work to uncover where progress is occurring, even though headlines proclaim the contrary. There are always two sides to a story,” says Susan Hackney, a senior director with the Monitor, which consistently resists the sensational in favor of the meaningful. Magazines such as Natural Awakenings, Mother Jones, The Optimist and Yes! are likewise stirring up conversations on meaningful issues via larger perspectives with a focus on tangible solutions. They address such areas as the damaging health and environmental effects of genetically engineered food, championed by Jeffrey Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology. “Europe could kick genetically modified ingredients (GMO) out of their food supply because their mainstream media covered the health dangers, while U.S. mainstream media ignored them and kept Americans in the dark. Independent media in the U.S. enable democracy and consumerinspired transformations of all kinds. Knowledge has organizing power,” advises Smith.

We in America are the best entertained and least informed society in the world. ~Neil Postman, media theorist and educator Success Stories

With Fran Korten at its helm, the ad-free, subscription-supported, nonprofit Yes! is helping to reframe our biggest issues. “Mainstream media, dependent upon advertisers that would have us believe that we can buy happiness, celebrate stories of the rich and powerful, leaving everyone else feeling small and powerless. Independents can help resist such ways of seeing the world, help people see a different path to success and happiness and perceive themselves as change agents. Together, we share engaging stories of how people are carving out new ways of living that hold the hope of a world more in balance with the living Earth and where everyone’s inherent worth and dignity are recognized,” says Korten. Allan Savory, founder of the Savory Institute and originator of a holistic land management systems approach to recover and preserve sustainable resources, underscores the need for change leaders and independent thinkers. “As we ponder who they might be, we realize it’s not those that discover new, counterintuitive insights, but those that spread the knowledge. The groundbreakers are pioneers like writers, poets, artists, speakers and social networkers. After 50 years of trying to understand the intense institutional resistance to and ridiculing of my work of managing complexity in a simple manner, holistic management is now quickly spreading globally. This is only due to social networking, independent writers and my TED talk that went viral,” observes Savory. Laurie McCammon, change leader and author of Enough! How to Liberate Yourself and Remake the World with Just One Word, contracted with independent publisher Red Wheel Weiser to get her message out. “It’s been building

awareness of forbidden knowledge—that we each have unrealized potential to affect reality by changing our thoughts. We can nurture a shift in global culture away from an existing way of life that has bred fear, lack and a belief in scarcity,” explains McCammon. She suggests that to preview a new vision of, “I am enough and have enough,” and, “We are enough and have enough,” we should look to the fertile fringes; small communities of intentional and conscious people actively reinventing society. “Look at what independent media are reporting on; as well as their unprecedented use of new terms such as organic, wellness, sustainability, permaculture, transition town, sharing economy, social responsibility, biomimicry and the butterfly effect,” says McCammon. The existing worldview, with all of its core assumptions and rules, aims to restrain awakening individual and collective consciousness. McCammon observes, “As long as the ‘old story’ was told repeatedly by mainstream media with conviction, it could command our attention and make us doubt our inner story. Trusting that the outer world had our own best interests in mind meant that there was no need to turn within. This is changing. Thanks to farseeing, courageous and strong enough independent media, there’s been an overturning to a more wholesome story of mind-body-spirit, abundance, innovation, collaboration and cooperation.” Mainstream and independent media coexist like two sides of a coin. Mainstream media’s talking heads tell us how to act and think while independent media invite us to engage, educate and think for ourselves, dig deeper and take action. Without indenatural awakenings

July 2016

We need our media to be candid, fierce, raw and searingly truthful about the world in which we live, so that we might propel ourselves and humanity, into a brighter future for all.

consciouseating

~Lauren Walker, editor, Truth-out.org pendent media, we would know little about the benefits of the ever-evolving grassroots movement of holistic, alternative, complementary, integrative and functional medicine. Nor would we know the truth about climate change; the health advantages of plant-based diets and community gardens; food deserts and nutrition-related illnesses; the prevalence of environmental toxins; signs of spiritual progress; alternative education; and the benefits of eco-villages to people and the planet. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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Locavore Lingo What All the Food Labels Really Mean by Judith Fertig

ocally grown foods are more likely to have been bred for flavor and nutrition than durability and a long shelf life, says Emily Akins, outreach director for the Kansas City Food Circle, a cooperative that links residents with farmers that grow and raise organic and free-range food. An added benefit is getting to know the farmer and being able to ask the questions—and receive the answers—that are important to us. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that local food sales totaled $12 billion in 2014, up from $5 billion in 2008. They continue to grow.

Organic or Certified Organic Consumers want to know the difference between organics and certified organics. Today’s number of U.S. certified organic operations has jumped nearly 300 percent since 2002 to more than 21,700.

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Although a certified organic designation might be the preferred index of how foods are grown and raised, it is not always possible for certain foods in some climates. Sometimes there’s a tradeoff in buying organic foods in the carbon footprint of its transport to market. According to the Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, in Tampa, Florida, “Organic refers to a specific method of growing and processing foods, and is defined as produce grown, packaged and stored without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or irradiation.” To be considered certified organic under the Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR Part 205, products must meet these standards: n No harmful chemicals have been applied to the land for at least three years. n Farmers and processors are inspected annually by a certifying agency. n Farmers and processors must keep

detailed records of practices. n Farmers are required to maintain a written organic management plan.

Certified Humane When we buy local cheese, poultry or meat at the farmers’ market, we sometimes see a certified humane notice. One such producer is Baetje Farms, outside St. Louis, Missouri. Their highly regarded goat cheeses offer traceability via a lot number, so buyers can know exactly which milking the cheese came from. In factory farming, which often involves penning or caging animals that never go outdoors, “certified humane” means that this producer meets Humane Farm Animal Care standards: n Fed a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones. n Provided proper shelter with resting areas and sufficient space. n Animals have the ability to behave naturally. Veronica Baetje says her farm’s goats receive organic mineral supplements and locally grown alfalfa hay in addition to pasture grass every day. She adds, “They are free to choose what they prefer to do, whether skip and run up a hill, lie under the shade of a tree, soak up some sunshine or play with their herd mates.”

Wild Food At times, farmers’ markets will offer foraged foods from the wild or wild game. Sources are listed online at EatWild.com. “Few of us will go back to foraging in the wild, but we can learn to forage in our supermarkets, farmers’ markets and from local farmers to select the most nutritious and delicious foods available,” says founder Jo Robinson, in Vashon, Washington, For example, Dave and Sue Whittlesey, at High Wire Ranch, in Hotchkiss, Colorado, raise bison (buffalo) and elk that they sell both through local stores and at the Aspen Saturday Market. The wild game is 100 percent pasture-fed, non-GMO (no genetically modified feed), gluten-free and not given hormones or any antibiotics

Animal Welfare Lexicon

by Tracey Narayani Glover

eciphering the significance of food labels can be daunting, particularly when seeking to understand what they mean for animal welfare. Legally, there is no definition of humane, which means that industry organizations are left to define this and other terms themselves. Certified organic animals and free-range birds must be allowed outdoor access, yet these standards do not define the amount, duration or quality of access required. The Cage-Free label indicates that eggs came from hens that were never confined to a cage and have had unlimited access to food, water and the freedom to roam. The reality is that most cage-free hens spend their entire lives in a shed where, due to overcrowding, they have barely more space than caged birds. Also, under all labels, it’s standard industry practice to kill the male chicks born to the egg industry. The Cage-Free label is particularly misleading when placed on anything other than egg cartons, because chickens raised for meat are never caged. Under most of the common labels, including Certified Organic, Cage-Free and Free-Range, physical mutilations such as horn removal, tail docking, debeaking and castration are permitted, and in most cases, providing pain relief is not required during these procedures. Animals form strong bonds with their young, yet the routine practice of separating mothers from their young is standard under all labels. Whether an animal is raised for meat or for other products such as dairy or eggs, most agricultural animals will eventually be slaughtered at a fraction of their natural lifespan. Animals such as dairy cows and egg-laying hens are killed when their production declines. Veal (the meat of a baby cow) is considered to

be a byproduct of the dairy industry, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 2,000 calves are slaughtered each day in the U.S. Be wary of the unregulated Humanely Raised label and the American Humane Certified label, which offer little improvement over the standard factory farming practices that many consumers abhor. The Certified Humane label, a program of Humane Farm Animal Care, and the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) label, which uses a five-tier rating system for products, are more stringent about living conditions and have some limitations on physical mutilations. Both labels also go beyond the protections of the Humane Slaughter Act, requiring the butchery of cattle, pigs and sheep to comply with certain standards developed in partnership with Temple Grandin and the North American Meat Institute. The Animal Welfare Approved label likely offers the greatest independent protection of any label. It’s the only label to require pasture access for all animals, prohibit beak trimming of birds and tail docking of pigs, and mandate audited slaughter practices of most farmed animals. Despite the perplexing state of food labeling, it’s still possible to eat compassionately. Visit local farms and ask questions or do what many conscientious consumers around the world are doing to ensure that their food choices reflect their values—stick to a plant-based diet, thus leaving animals and animal byproducts off our plates entirely. Tracey Narayani Glover, J.D., is an animal advocate, writer, owner and chef of The Pure Vegan, and yoga and meditation teacher in Mobile, AL. Connect at ThePureVegan.com and ARCForAllBeings.org.

natural awakenings

July 2016

unless the animal is sick.

Trusted Sources The land, climate and growing season dictate the best natural farming practices for each area, often described along with their products on farm and farmers’ market websites. Wisconsin’s Dane County Farmers’ Market, in Madison, provides detailed descriptions of farm products and agricultural practices so customers can make informed choices. Sometimes, the type of farm makes a difference. “We are intentionally human scale,” says Virginia Goeke, of Sylvan Meadows Farm, in Viroqua, Wisconsin. “We choose to husband our land to promote harmony and synergy. We are creating a sustainable farm ecosystem where herbal meadows, prairies, heirloom gardens, orchards, woodlands, and rare breeds of livestock and wildlife flourish.” Sometimes, we’d just like someone else to do the food curating for us. The Kansas City Food Circle requires member farmers to take a pledge to follow certain agricultural practices. “When you buy food from our members, you can rely on the co-op’s pledge that it’s been certified naturally grown or that the farmer has USDA Organic certification,” says Akins. Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, the joint effort of 100 small-scale family farms providing fresh, organic, seasonal produce, in Leola, Pennsylvania, gives similar assurances. The USDA reports that 160,000 farmers nationwide are currently selling to their local markets via farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture organizations, restaurants, groceries and institutions, generating health, social, economic and environmental benefits for local communities. It keeps growing because we keep asking questions. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com.

healingways

Make Time for Downtime

Chilling Out Revives Body and Soul by April Thompson

ere’s something to add to our to-do list: nothing. Americans today work more hours than ever before, foregoing hard-earned vacation days and spending more time with electronic devices than with friends and family. The temptation and pressure to do more at the expense of needed rest are great, but failing to take time out to recharge our minds and bodies can have serious consequences, according to experts. Downtime is most acutely needed in the workplace. In a survey of nearly 20,000 workers, The Energy Project and Harvard Business Review found that 59 percent of them were physically exhausted, emotionally drained, distracted and lacking purpose. Headquartered in Yonkers, New York, with offices in Europe and Australia, The Energy Project has helped hundreds of businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, create healthier, happier and higher-performing workplaces. The company takes its cues from elite athletes that carefully build rest and recovery periods into

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their training schedules. “Just as your body needs sleep and food to function optimally, so does your mind and spirit,” says Annie Perrin, an executive vice president with the project. There’s a mounting body of neurological research to buttress the analogy. Important assimilation of learning and “meaning making” occurs in the resting brain, according to Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Ed.D., associate professor of education, psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and author of Emotions, Learning, and the Brain. When our minds are allowed to wander, they engage a network of interacting brain regions that together are thought to play a key role in building our ability for inward reflection and recollection, known as the default mode network. Immordino-Yang’s research suggests that such activation during restful moments is positively associated with the recalling of memories, envisioning the future and even developing a moral foundation. “This network seems to be more

engaged when we aren’t actively gathering information or working on an external goal,” remarks ImmordinoYang. Zoning out on TV or video games doesn’t produce the same brain benefit because, “It’s about looking inward rather than outward,” she says. The default network does engage when introspection occurs during nurturing social interaction, such as while enjoying a reflective conversation with friends or family. She recommends banning technology and other distractions during periods spent in activities that bring joy and meaning so that we are present in a mindful way. The Energy Project ushers clients through a comprehensive energy audit, using exercises to expose specific personal habits that lead to diminishing returns in both work and play time. In one exercise, workers are asked to rank current incoming emails from one to five, with the highest number equating to, “I need to respond immediately.” Most rate nearly no fives, says Perrin, a realization that has helped many people change their email habits. While change can be hard, Perrin suggests creating new, healthy rituals through repetition, which taps into the brain’s desire for automaticity. For example, she advises workers to schedule “renewal breaks” every 90 minutes after completing a block of high-priority tasks. “If you’ve been sitting, move; if the mind has been active, do something to quiet it, like meditating or simply closing your eyes.” She also suggests finding workers to buddy up with and schedule mutual breaks to help support and hold each other accountable. Immordino-Yang suggests that another practice to maximize the value of downtime is to combine it with exercise. “A walk can be rejuvenating,”

she says. “While the body is engaged, the mind is free to wander.” The Energy Project calls on managers to model these downtime activities for their employees. Some companies have instituted policies that limit sending email from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., as well as during weekends and vacations, so staffers don’t feel compelled to read and respond to keep up with work. Setting limits is even more crucial for young people with minds and habits that are especially malleable. “I see teenagers taking their phones into the bathroom or bed to text in the middle

of the night. Parents need to put a stop to this,” counsels Immordino-Yang. “The brain needs uninterrupted rest to work at its best.” Learning that being a productive employee or an emotionally available parent requires giving ourselves a break and gives us permission to rest. We find that downtime is not just good for ourselves, but also for our families and workplaces. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

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wisewords How do homemade organics and packaged organics differ?

Liza Huber and her four children

Liza Huber on Healthy Meals and Happy Kids Start with Homemade, Organic Baby Food by Gerry Strauss

or many actresses, landing a role on the hit show Passions would be a career highlight. For Liza Huber, daughter of soap opera icon Susan Lucci, a successful acting career was one step en route to her calling as a mother, public speaker and entrepreneur. Her inspiration was to launch Sage Spoonfuls (SageSpoonfuls.com) to make it easier for parents to make homemade, organic food for their little ones. It’s all about enabling parents to provide a legacy of health, all wrapped up in love.

How did becoming a parent boost your relationship with organic foods and health? I was raised on a diet of mostly fresh, homemade, food and knew it was something I wanted for my own children. At that point, I knew the basics; that it was healthier and tasted better than store-bought baby food. The more I learned, the more I became fascinat-

Store-bought baby food, organic or not, is processed to have a long shelf life of up to two years. So much of the nutrient content is lost during processing that most manufacturers artificially add it back in, but aren’t obligated to inform consumers. The added nutrients are synthetic and aren’t absorbed by the body the same way as naturally occurring nutrients. The taste, color and aroma of commercial baby food isn’t as appealing. By feeding your baby a steady tasty diet of fresh, homemade, organic baby food, you greatly reduce the risk they’ll grow into a picky eater. Plus, making your own baby food is three to five times less expensive than what is store-bought. Homemade food has a far smaller impact on the environment compared with commercial manufacturing, transportation and packaging. By the time a baby turns 1, they will have eaten from nearly 700 jars or pouches of storebought baby food that generally end up in landfills, because little is recycled.

ed by how switching to an organic diet positively affects our health.

Which favorite foods do you love to make for your babies and why?

Why is it vital to introduce organic food during a youngster’s early development?

I focus on whole foods. Great first foods include bananas, apples, butternut squash, pears, avocados, peas and sweet potatoes. Once a baby has successfully tried a couple of these, start mixing them together. Banana and avocado, apple and butternut squash, and peas and sweet potato are good combos. They’re loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, easy to make and yummy. Avocados’ healthy fat is also essential to brain development.

America’s food supply is loaded with more chemicals and GMOs [genetically modified organisms] than ever before. I believe, as many others do, that the rapid rise of food allergies in children is a direct result. Many chemical pesticides and artificial flavors and colors are known to contain carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors and neurotoxins. It is widely believed that even small doses of these common pesticides can have lasting negative effects on a child’s health. I believe that teaching our kids about the importance of fresh, organic food and the potential dangers of a conventionally processed diet helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy choices.

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What key lessons learned from your mother have you carried forward with your young family? Two lessons really stick with me: “Stay open and leave room for life to surprise you,” and “You can have it all… just not all at the same time.” In my teens

and 20s, I was a meticulous planner, disappointed if things didn’t go exactly as I wanted. Amazing things happened after taking Mom’s advice to leave myself open to wonder. Growing up, I saw my mom have an amazing career, yet also be a fantastic wife and mother. Her secret, and now mine, is to prioritize and focus on one thing at a time, whether it’s work, kids or my husband. This way, everything in your life gets 100 percent of your attention some of the time, rather than trying to do everything at the same time, which rarely works.

What’s the best gift a mother can give her child? There’s nothing more important to a child’s overall health and well-being than being raised in a loving, warm environment where they feel safe, loved and important. My deep love for my children guides every decision I make for them. A mother’s intuition is a superpower.

It’s more than just green.

It’s FUN!

Gerry Strauss is a freelance writer in Hamilton, NJ. Connect at GerryStrauss@aol.com.

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calendarofevents All Calendar events for the August issue must be received by July 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

FRIDAY, JULY 1 Dancing Under the Stars | Oakland 8:30-10pm. Every week a new dance will be taught for those who want to kick up their heels! Join us tonight as we learn the Cha-Cha. Taught by professional dance instructor, Bradley Montoya. 30-minute dance lesson/ free. Jack London Square, Broadway & Embarcadero, Oakland. 510-645-9292. More information at JackLondonSquare.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 2 Zoom Quarry Lakes | Fremont 8am. Enjoy the beautiful area and follow the Alameda Creek Trail up to the Niles Canyon. Fully stocked aid stations every 2 miles. Awards ceremony. Hi-tech shirts to all pre-registered runners. Award medals to the first female and male finishers, and overall top three finishers of each age group. All finishers receive a custom medal. Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont. More at CoastalTrailRuns.com.

don’t miss the fabulous restaurants. Gather friends and neighbors for the fireworks display that will close out the day with a bang! Downtown Livermore, Livermore. More information at 925-373-1795. LivermoreDowntown.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 5 FRIDAY, JULY 8 Hip-Hop, Yoga, Drama & Hooping | Piedmont 9am-1pm. For boys and girls ages 5-10 years old. Instructors are the Happy Feet staff. Children need to wear loose clothes, closed toe shoes, a jacket, and please bring a lunch. If your child has special dietary needs, please bring a snack also. Rates start at $282. 801 Magnolia, 801 Magnolia Ave, Piedmont. Register at Active.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 1st Wednesday Street Party | Pleasanton

10-11:30am. Breema opens a new and natural way to connect to yourself and be nurtured and energized. $10/your first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

6-9pm. Break up the week with a fun night out for the entire family. About 200 local vendors gather for children’s activities, live music by the band Stereo Bounce, fabulous food, and beer and wine gardens. Enjoy the family fun. Downtown Pleasanton, Main St, Pleasanton. Events@PleasantonDowntown.net. PleasantonDowntown.net.

MONDAY, JULY 4

FRIDAY, JULY 8

Saturday Morning Breema | Oakland

On Your Mark Events | San Ramon 6:45am. Start off this holiday being and feeling healthy. Join us for this measured, paved and looped 5K course. 10K is a double loop. Local sponsors will supply a shirt and goody bag. $35-$200. San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. More information and registration at Active.com. Alameda Fourth of July R.A.C.E. | Alameda 7:30am. Registration, 9am start. Before you go to the parade, join us for the Ralph Appazzato Charity Event. This 5K run/walk is to benefit women and children of the Midway Shelter in Alameda. This race goes on the same route as the parade, you will have plenty of time to do both. First 600 registrants receive a T-shirt. $15$30. Bank of Marin, 1416 Park St, Alameda. (Between Santa Clara and Central Avenues). Register at Active. com, AlamedaRACE.com. Danville Fourth of July Parade | Danville 9am-12:30pm. This festive event is full for the entire family. Take your seat at the curbside and enjoy the parade. Enjoy bands, a variety of Scouts, performing gymnasts, horses, antique cars, and many other local organizations for your viewing. This parade is organized by the Kiwanis Club, and attracts over 40,000 fans. Downtown Danville, Hartz Ave, Danville. Kiwanis-SRV.org. Family Fun Fireworks Celebration | Livermore 4:30-10pm. A great way to celebrate the Fourth. A fun day for the whole family with shopping specials, and

Autism Parents Support Group | Modesto 6-7:30pm. Come for community, support, sharing, information. Integrative Relational Energetics Institute, Inc. To register, email CeCi@IREInst.com. More information available at IREInst.com. Peruvian Summer Dishes | Danville 6:30pm. If you like to try new dishes from different cultures, join Nora Frazier, at this historical, fun, hands-on demonstration of a Peruvian meal. Designed for those 18 years of age and older. Featuring Peruvian black olive sauce over smoked salmon, a ceviche duo of fish and mushroom with yams, mango pie, and more. $16/material fee due at class. Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville. More information available at Active.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 9 Saturday Morning Breema | Oakland 10-11:30am. Breema opens a new and natural way to connect to yourself and be nurtured and energized. $10/your first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com. Jack of all Trades | Oakland 11am-5pm. Join us for a fun-filled day with an eclectic array of artists, collectors, antique dealers, and designers who come together with their one-of-a-kind items. Enjoy live music and DIY workshops for all age groups. Jack London Square, Broadway & Embarcadero, Oakland. 415-898-0245. JackOfAllTradesOakland.com

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Natural Wonders Walk | Berkeley 2-3pm. If you enjoy connecting with life outdoors, you’re sure to enjoy the serenity of the butterflies fluttering about, Egrets fishing in the pond, and the peaceful sound of crickets chirping about in the park. No registration required, drop-ins only. Free. Tilden Nature Area, 1 Central Park Dr, Berkeley. Questions, call 510-544-2233. Information at Active.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 Life with Pets & Animals | Berkeley Noon-5pm. Stop and think about all the different animals that touch our lives, in one way or another. This will raise your concern for their safety and well-being. For other animals, it will make you think about how we love and care for other animals. Free. Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave, Berkeley. 510-644-4930. More information available at ExpressionsGallery.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 14 Summer Nights Hot Rod & Classic Car Show | Danville 6-9pm. If you like muscle cars and hot rods, don’t miss the 22nd year of the one-of-a-kind, rare, collector cars. Everyone can enjoy the classic designs you’ve seen throughout the years, from the car your grandparents drove, to some cars you may have never seen. Don’t miss it! Downtown Danville, Hartz Ave, Danville. Danville.ca.gov, DanvilleHotSummerNightsCarShow.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 15 Jack’s Night Market | Oakland A great way to bring dining, retail, and recreational events together all year round. The summer night markets and movies under the stars make for a relaxing evening. You might like to stroll with a friend, walk, jog, it’s up to you. Just make sure you’re out this Friday night to enjoy the park-like settings with friends, family, or maybe that special someone! Jack London Square, Broadway & Embarcadero, Oakland. 510-645-9292. JackLondonSquare.com. The Lantern Run | San Jose 6:30-10pm. Get the most out of your funds with this illuminated event, something you won’t forget. Choose either 5k or 10k, and receive race bib, tee-shirt, glow gear, LED lantern, snacks, after-party, and so much more. $35-$55. Arena Green East, N Autumn St, San Jose. Registration and information available at TheLanternrun.com, Active.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 16 & SUNDAY, JULY 17 Breema Summer Intensive Weekend | Oakland Time varies by day. Breema offers a practical way to establish true body-mind connection by unifying mind, body, and feelings to support being present. CE available for nurses, massage therapists, and MFTs/ LCSWs/LPCCs. $140 for first-time attendees. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510428-0937. Breema.com. Dillon Magh Adhair Irish Dance Recital | Danville 2 & 7pm. If you enjoy Irish music and the art of Irish dance, see the world gold medalists perform here in the East Bay. Village Theatre & Art Gallery, 233 Front St, Danville. Questions, call 925-314-3400. VillageTheatreShows.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 17 Lake Chabot Trail Run | Castro Valley 8am. This is a wonderful course to run for a first time trail runner. Start out at the Marina, and travel around the reservoir while taking in the scenic hills. Fully stocked aid stations with fresh fruit, water, salted snacks, and electrolyte sports drinks. Please bring your own water for between stations. Don’t forget the award ceremony. Lake Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley. More information and registration at CoastalTrailRuns.com. Ride to the Rosie the Riveter Museum-Gals with Gears | North Berkeley 10am. This is an out and back ride with the Gals with Gears. Ride along the Bay Trail waterfront to the Rosie the Riveter Museum in Richmond. You may opt to look at the exhibit, and have a coffee at the cafe. This is about a 16-mile ride, mostly flat, but does have one hill, and is at relaxed pace. Helmet and basic skills required. All questions welcome. Start and finish at the plaza near the ticket booth, at North Berkeley Bart Station, 1750 Sacramento St, Berkeley. Must RSVP. Go to BikeEastBay.org.

MONDAY, JULY 18 Pinole Social Ride | Pinole 6pm. Join Julia, a volunteer, for the chance to unwind at the end of the day. A no-drop ride through the hills of the western Contra Costa area. Ride at a steady, easy pace for about 45 minutes. Bring water, snacks, and money if you’d like to try a post-ride beer, at different places. Make sure bike is in good working condition. Ride starts and ends at Park View Plaza, Old Town Pinole. RSVP at Julia.H.Schnell@Gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 Drumming for Rain Group | Walnut Creek 5:30-6:30pm. Yes, you’ll be drumming for rain. Please bring a mat or pillow to sit on, drums, shakers, anything in the percussion family, and of course, yourself! Free/donation for refreshments, if you are able. Near Hwy 680 and 24 Interchange, Walnut Creek. Directions and information call Susan Faron, PhD at 925-932-2090.

THURSDAY, JULY 21 & FRIDAY, JULY 22 The Tempest | Livermore 7:30pm. This Shakespeare festival will be presenting one of the writer/poets most commemorable works. Picnic-style dining available before the show, enjoy Wente’s gourmet food truck. Delectable wines will also be available. Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Rd, Livermore. Information and questions at 925-4562425. LivermoreShakes.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 22 Pescadero Beach Walk | Emeryville The Pescadero coastline, peaceful, serene, and we’re going to walk it! Surfaces may be sandy and uneven, so make sure you’re physically fit for this walk. Enjoy the shops in town, and have lunch at a local restaurant. Emeryville Senior Center, 4321 Salem St, Emeryville. Information at Active.com. Autism Parents Support Group | Oakland 6-7:30pm. Come for community, support, sharing,

and information. Integrative Relational Energetics Institute, 300 27th St, Ste 101, Oakland. Please email to register, CeCi@IREInst.com. More information available at IREInst.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 23 Bad Bass Half Marathon | Castro Valley 8:30am. Once again, on this day in July, the Bad Bass arises from the water. Join us for this event, whether you choose the 5K, or the 10K, we know you’ll have a great time. Running through the rolling hills, half the course is paved, the other half is run on fire trails. Start and finish at Lake Chabot Marina. $39-$114/depending on distance and other factors. Lake Chabot, 17930 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley. Information available, and register at Active.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 24 Play or Learn the Game of GO | Oakland 10am-5pm. Kids and youth from 10-11am. Although it’s thousands of years old, it’s sophisticated enough for Facebook and Google. Great for traing the brain, yet so simple to learn. Play in person, online, or with an app. Drop-ins ok, but you should RSVP. Free. Black Spring Coffee Co, 2930 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. More information from Steve Bloom. SteveBloom55@ Gmail.com. MeetUp.com/North-Oakland-Go-Club.

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Annual Pedal-fest | East Bay 11am-7pm. Join us in celebrating bicycles, riding, food, and family. Proceeds go to Bike East Bay. If you ride casually or are a seasoned rider, you don’t want to miss this amazing event. Pedal-powered food, a pedalpowered sound stage, with live music, a kid’s bike rodeo, stunts, safety training, and the excitement goes on. More information at PedalFestJackLondon.com, or BikeEastBay.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 30 Open Saturday with Our Director | Oakland 10-11:30am. The more you are present, the more you can connect with others, and with all life. No charge for this class with our Director, Jon Schreiber. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510428-0937. Breema.com. Bay Street Twilight Market | Emeryville 3-7pm. Join us Saturday evenings as the streets come alive. All are welcome to stroll the sidewalks and streets, searching for their baked goods, local fruits and vegetables, crafted preserves, and so much more. Local artisans and makers. Free. Bay Street, 5616 Bay St, Emeryville. 510-655-4002. BayStreetEmeryville.com.

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Berkeley Kite Festival & West Coast Kite Championships | Berkeley 10am-6pm. Who will be the king of the sky? Come join us and see who will be the top contender of the big blue skies of Berkeley. Kids are able to fly their kites, just for fun. Admission is free, $15/parking. Cesar E Chavez Park, at Berkeley Marina, 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley. HighLineKites.com. Oakland Triathlon | Oakland 10am-5pm. Sunday 7-11am. This event is the largest on the west coast when it comes to triathlons. Help

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July 2016

generate funds for the city of Oakland sports programs, as well as for Crohn’s and the Colitis Foundation. Featuring sprints and Olympic distances for casual and seasoned runners. This event starts at the Oakland Estuary, and finishes at Jack London Square. 510-6459292. OaklandTri.com, JackLondonSquare.com.

ongoingcalendar All Calendar events for the August issue must be received by July 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

planahead

sunday

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 Summer Breeze Half Marathon | San Leandro Start and finish at San Leandro Marina Park. If you love the water, run within a few feet from it on this easy, mostly flat course. If this is your first race, or you’re trying to lower your time, don’t miss this event. If you enjoy hiking or walking, feel free to join us. All are welcome. Entry fees starting at $35. Marina Park, Monarch Bay Dr, San Leandro. Register at Active. com, or go to BrazenRacing.com/summerbreeze.html.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 Crystal Fair | Walnut Creek Visit us at the Crystal Fair. BioMagnetism, crystal healing, essential oils, and more. Integrative Relational Energetics Institute. IREInst.com.

Tibetan Nyingma Meditation | Berkeley 9am. One of the best ways to take care of yourself, is through meditation. All are welcome to clear your mind, and to grow with inner tranquility. Each session has a brief instruction of Nyingma meditation, then silent sitting. Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Place, Berkeley. For prices or more information, please contact 510-809-1000. Play or Learn the Game of Go | Oakland 10am-5pm. Learn to play in just a few minutes, we’re happy to show you how. Ancient game, but still played by thousands today. Drop-ins welcome, RSVP preferred, by Saturday. Sponsored by North Oakland Go Club. Free. Black Spring Coffee Co, 2930 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. Contact Steve Bloom with questions. SteveBloom55@Gmail. com. MeetUp.com/North-Oakland-Go-Club. Community Sing & Meet Up | Oakland 11am. Meets the 4th Sunday of the month. Join in with us to sing, laugh, think, and listen, and build your community together. Speakers from local science and humanities communities typically offer a way to donate to local organizations. Free. Oakland Peace Center, 111 Fairmount Ave, Oakland. Soul Sanctuary Dance | Berkeley 11am-1pm. All ages are welcome to dance to the blend of funk, soul, world music, positive hip-hop, reggae, dance classics, jazz, blues, electronica and other music to free the mind, body and soul. Wheelchair accessible. No scented products please. Shoes optional. Donations accepted. Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. SoulSanctuaryDance.com. Nia | Berkeley Noon-1pm. Also Friday at 8:45am. Expand your dance, increase your joy. Give your body the gift of learning the Nia language with teacher Alexis Mulhauser. Namaste Yoga, 2820 7th St, Berkeley. Info@FloraMotion.net. FloraMotion.net. Crystal Singing Bowl Concert | Dublin

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. ~Maya Angelou

Noon-1:30 pm. 1st Sunday of every month. A sound-healing concert played by Shala. Everyone’s experience will be unique and suited to their own specific needs. $10/suggested love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108, Dublin. 925-829-2733. UnityOfTriValley.org. 100+ Free-to-Play Tabletop Games | Berkeley Noon-6pm. Meet the 3rd Sunday of every month. If you’re into board games new or old, come out and join in on the fun. Maybe you’re a designer of games, or a play tester? All are welcome here. Food and drinks are available next door. Free. Games of Berkeley, 2151 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-540-

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

7822. More information is available at Events@ GamesOfBerkeley.com. Needle Crafters | San Leandro 1:30-3:45pm. If you enjoy any type of needle crafts, such as knitting, crocheting, needle point, you’re welcome to join us. While working on our individual projects, we discuss movies, books, and everyday life. Fun and casual, so come and relax. If you are a beginner and would like to learn more, this is the place. Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro. Shamanic Drum Circle | Dublin 3-4:15pm. Second Sunday of every month. With Ashleigh Pevey. A trained clinical certified hypnotherapist, Shamanic healer and Reiki practitioner. Drumming helps you gain access to your inner guidance and learn to work with your helping spirits. Enhance your relationship with yourself and spirit. Move from just trusting that your guides are there, to knowing and working with them. Allow the mystery of life to unfold. One of the great benefits of shamanic journeying is learning that we are never alone, and are loved unconditionally. $10-25/ suggested love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108, Dublin. 925-829-2733. UnityOfTriValley.org. Community Lounge Rumba | Berkeley 3:30-6pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday each month. Rumba is the word used for a group of related communityoriented music and dance styles in Cuba. These jam sessions welcome drummers, singers and dancers who perform rumba. Free. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-849-2568. LaPena.org. Free Kundalini Meditation | Walnut Creek 5-6:30pm. Kundalini meditation is an ancient Tantric practice that allows each individual to deeply experience their direct, inner connection to the divine. Class includes shaktipat transmission, guided meditation and discussion. Scheduled appointment for introduction is required for first-timers at 4pm. 2910 Camino Diablo, Walnut Creek. 510-917-2349. Ellen@TrikaShala.com. Barefoot Boogie | Berkeley 7:30-11pm. Enjoy freestyle dancing in a casual, friendly environment. Boogie is a healthy alternative to the club scene. Smoke, scent and alcohol free. The first hour is slow music for stretching and unwinding, and then the pace picks up to an aerobic, ecstatic high. Our DJs play a great mix of Latin, African, funk. R&B, Hip-Hop, blues, house, pop, oldies, and more. This is real music for real people. $8-$15/sliding scale; $5/first-timers. 8th Street Studios, 2525 8th St at Dwight, Berkeley. SFBarefootBoogie.com.

You cannot step into the same river twice. ~Heraclitus

monday

tuesday

Morning Fitness Classes | Oakland

Heart-Centered Meditation

This program runs daily all weekdays. Start your day off feeling great, getting your metabolism revved for the day. If you choose to commit to several days in the week, you’ll have priority during sign-up. Email us questions and for more information. $25. Burn Pilates Oakland, 2101 Webster St, Ste 160, Oakland. Elizabeth, 510-788-4275. BurnPilates@gmail.com.

10am. Are you seeking spiritual healing and renewal? Discover an ancient Sufi meditation practice to cleanse your heart of the blocks that keep you from living in conscious connection to divine love. Get started today with an eCourse, and join us live for guided meditation calls. Free. SufiUniversity. org/INFO.

Private Grocery Tour | East Bay Need help navigating your health food store? Discover new foods and create quick, easy, healthy delicious meals. Budget and kid-friendly. The easiest investment to make you get started on your health journey. 60-minute private Grocery Tour. $125/complete grocery lists, menus and recipes. Alexandra Le Ny, CHC. 925-858-2133. Alexandra LeNy@Yahoo.com. AlexandraLeNy.com.

12:05-12:50pm. Please arrive a few minutes early. Take a midday break to reconnect with yourself while you relax and rejuvenate with gentle Hatha Yoga. Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Deepen your self-awareness and inner peace. Please bring a mat. All levels are welcome. $42/5 class package, $75/10 class package. 12667 Alcosta Blvd, Ste 135, (BR15), San Ramon. ClarityWithSusan@Gmail.com. ClarityWithSusan.com.

Burn Pilates Morning Club | Oakland

South Berkeley Farmers’ Market | Berkeley

6-8am. Start your day off right. Morning exercising gets the metabolism going. If you’re willing to make a commitment, this class meets daily until the end of December, multiple days per week. $25. Burn Pilates Oakland, 2101 Webster St, Ste 160, Oakland. Call Elizabeth, 510-788-4275. BurnPilates@Gmail.com. BurnPilates.com/Locations/ Uptown-Oakland.

2-6:30pm. Go outside the box, the big box stores that is. Enjoy fresh produce and products from the area. Not only is this a healthier way of living, but you’ll be supporting the local businesses in the area. Adeline St and 63rd St, Berkeley.

Radio Show-Life Insights Live, Personal Growth Radio 7-8am. This week featuring Practical Mystic, Scout Bartlett. This will be replayed on Wednesdays from 7-8am. Various topics of self-understanding, personal growth and spiritual perception discussed. A 2 ½-minute group meditation each Monday at 7:30am. We are on the air broadcasting to the Bay Area on KEST, 1450AM. Simulcast and archived for later listening on IfIdKnownThen.com. Breema and the Nine Principles of Harmony | Oakland 7-8:30pm. July 11th & 25th. Breema is the perfect practice for anyone wishing to be more present, and have more harmonious relationships to all life. $10/your first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Avenue, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com. Community Healing Circle | Dublin 7-8:30pm. First Monday of every month. Individual and group healing techniques from various disciplines are demonstrated to re-align the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Facilitated by Claudia Scott. $10/love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108. 925-784-5956. JoyOfHealing@ClaudiaJ.com. East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-10pm. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions, of being in the here and now. Mixed beginner/intermediate level. Registration required. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. Biodanza.us.

Yoga at Bishop Ranch 15 | San Ramon

Teens, Come and Make Some Things | Berkeley 4-5pm. Come to the library and express yourself through arts and crafts. It’s a laid back, self-paced workshop where you can have some fun, and meet and make new friends. South Branch Library, 1901 Russell St, Berkeley. 510-981-6260. Team Lemon Run Club | Walnut Creek 6:30pm. Social and fun run for all levels of runners. Runs are 3 or 5 miles through downtown Walnut Creek and along local trails. Pace is moderate. Free. Lululemon, 1201-A South Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-274-1253. Lululemon.com/WalnutCreek. Korean Zen Meditation | Oakland 7-9pm. Taught by Buddhist nun Jaguang Sunim. A relaxed meditation to free yourself from life’s stress, and find your inner center of wisdom. Dharma talk. Sitting and walking meditation, tea and discussion. By donation. Sixth Ancestor Zen Center, 100 Monte Cresta Ave, Oakland. 510 8444164. SixthAncestorZen.org.

support, to build new healthy habits and routines. You will have the opportunity to learn about connections and dependencies between our physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. The talks are 1 1/2 hours, and include lecture, discussions, and practical exercises. Free. For more information, go to TheSacredHealingWell.com, or MTHWellness Center.MassageTherapy.com. Transcendental Meditation | Berkeley Noon. Learn about transcendental meditation. Berkeley TM Center, 950 Gilman St, #100, Berkeley. 510-872-2287. Berkeley@TM.org. Gentle Yoga | Oakland 1-2pm. No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes. Designed for women who have, or have had cancer. Class includes gentle asana practice, as well as restorative poses. Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. 510-420-7900. WCRC.org. Wednesday Night Street Party | Pleasanton 6-9pm. Join the town of Pleasanton every Wednesday evening for a fun night of children’s activities, great food, live music changed weekly, and fun for the entire family. Adults over 21 years of age can enjoy the beer and wine garden. Downtown Pleasanton, Main St, Pleasanton. Events@PleasantonDowntown.net. PleasantonDowntown.net. Turn ON San Francisco | San Francisco Preferred arrival: 7:15pm. Doors locked: 7:30pm. Through three guided round-robin style games, you’ll express yourself and gain new (and maybe surprising) insight into yourself and others. All this in a room full of cool, fun people engaging in honest, humorous, playful conversation. Topics are based on thoughts that we only would have in our head. Singles and couples welcome. Registration preferred. Those without reservations will be put on a wait list until 7:20pm. 47 Moss St, San Francisco. 408-390-2095. Awakening360.com/ event/99#sthash.ostqQT4Y.dpuf. East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-9:30pm. Also on Thursday. Beginner level, open to new participants. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions of being in the here and now. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffery Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berkeley. 415-717-3578 or 415-505 9482. Biodanza.us.

Comedy at the Layover | Oakland 8-10pm. The last Tuesday of every month. Grab your friends, your spouse, any one you choose, and head on out. Be ready for fun and laughs with comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, and Late Night TV. Must be 21 and over. RSVP is requested. Free admission. The Layover, 157 Franklin St, Oakland. For information and updates call 510-834-1517.

wednesday Quiet the Mind & Open the Heart | Pleasanton 7pm. First Wednesday of the month. This workshop is for people looking for a life transformation and

thursday Beginner Computer Class | Berkeley 10-11am. Learn the basics of using a computer. You will be taught to correctly use a mouse, the keyboard, how to set up email, and also to search/ surf the internet. Free/drop-in classes. Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley. 510-981-6100. Yoga at Bishop Ranch 15 | San Ramon 12:05-12:50pm. Please arrive a few minutes early. Take a midday break to reconnect with yourself while you relax and rejuvenate with gentle Hatha Yoga.

natural awakenings

July 2016

Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Deepen your self-awareness and inner peace. Please bring a mat. All levels are welcome. $42/5 class package, $75/10 class package. 12667 Alcosta Blvd, Ste 135, (BR15), San Ramon. ClarityWithSusan@ Gmail.com. ClarityWithSusan.com.

ley. LauraLouc@gmail.com. KRohnem@Galileo Web.org. Biodanza.us.

friday

Youth Yoga | Walnut Creek 3:45-4:30pm. Ages 5-8. 4:45-5:45pm. Ages 9-11. Members and non-members welcome. This class is designed to work with pre-teens in developing a strong sense of self. Students are taught relaxation techniques, yoga postures and breathe work. Age-appropriate activities are used to promote self-love, community and an awareness of the environment. No yoga experience necessary. $12/ class; $38/month. Yoga Works, 1131 Locust St, 2nd Fl, Walnut Creek. 925-478-7272. InfoNorCal@ YogaWorks.com. Weight-loss Class | Castro Valley 6-7 pm. Come to the Nature’s Sunshine Health Center weight-loss class. We are currently working on a one-on-one basis. $25/week. Nature’s Sunshine Health Center, 21709 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley. Please call to schedule your appointment at 510-582-8482. Change Your Water, Change Your Life | Walnut Creek 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for a presentation to learn how alkalized, ionic Kangan water can bring your body into a state of balance. Eliminating toxic pesticides and household chemicals from your daily life. RSVP. 925-609-4426. Free Kundalini Meditation | Berkeley 7pm. See Sun listing for details. Free. Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th St, Berkeley. 510-4868700. Ellen@TrikaShala.com. Lake Merritt Oneness Blessing and Meditation | Oakland 7-9pm. The purpose of Lake Merritt Oneness is to support the awakening of humanity; by cultivating direct experience of oneness consciousness through universal teachings, meditation and oneness blessings. The Oneness Blessing is the sacred technology that advances each person’s journey into the direct experience of awakening. This gift to humanity helps to deepen our personal connection to the divine. These blessings have catapulted many people from around the globe into an awakened state and deeper awareness. The Blessing allows us to completely experience and dissolve old hurts, fears, and worries. It also silences repetitive thinking. Suffering decreases naturally. Lake Merritt Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. LakeMerrittOneness.org

Nia | Oakland 8:45am. See Monday listing for details. Namaste Rockridge, 5416 College Ave, Oakland. Info@ FloraMotion.net. FloraMotion.net. Parent’s Night Out | Emeryville 6-10:30pm. This is a great night out for everyone in the entire family. Children’s ages are 4 and up, and must be potty-trained. The kids get to jump, frolic, flip, while in a safe environment. Then they can enjoy pizza and an appropriate movie. All while parents get a night out. $35. Head Over Heels Athletic Arts, 4701 Doyle St, Bldg F, Emeryville. For questions and more information please call 510-655-1265. Diedra@HohAthleticArts.com. HOHAthleticArts.com. Concert in the Park | Pleasanton 7-8:30pm. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from the 50’s, 60’s, rock, and soul. West Grand Boulevard has performed for a countless number of people at weddings, festivals, fund raisers, and clubs. Support your local restaurants by picking up some dinner to bring with you. Concert is free. Lions Wayside Park, 4401 First St, Pleasanton. Drop-In Volleyball | Walnut Creek 7-10pm. Open to the first 45 participants. $5. Tice Valley Community Gymnasium, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. 925-256-3572. Walnut CreekRec.org. Dancing Under the Stars | Oakland 8:30-10pm. Each week a new dance will be taught, for those who want to learn. Taught by a professional dance instructor, Bradley Montoya. 30-minute dance lesson/free. Jack London Square, Broadway & Embacadero, Oakland. 510-645-9292. More information at Jack London Square.com.

East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-9:30pm. Beginner level, open to new participants. See Wednesday listing for details. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffrey Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berke-

9am. Distances range from 2-8 miles, and is great for everyone with a pace from walkers on up. It’s always a fun time! 925-699-4926. EthanFalls@ Comcast.net. Basement Pilates | Walnut Creek 9-10am. All levels welcome. Bring mat, towel and water for Pilates class by local instructor. Free. Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek. 925-941-6100. Farmers’ Market | Danville 9am-1pm. One of the best things about living in California is our fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables grown locally, and served on our tables. What more is there to ask for? Free admission. Railroad Ave, Municipal Parking Lot, Downtown Danville. Farmers’ Market | Pleasanton 9am-1pm. Stop by and visit the market that offers a diversity of fresh fruits and vegetables. Open year round, every Saturday. Rain or shine, you can purchase the freshest items from the farmers that planted and harvested these crops. Downtown Pleasanton, E Angela St, Pleasanton. Health & Awakening | Oakland 10-11:00am. Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St, Suite 290, Oakland. 510-637-0455. Info@ ShaolinMaster.org. Castro Valley Farmer’s Market | Castro Valley 10am-2pm. Join us very week for the freshest and the best produce and baked goods our state has to offer. Many vendors to choose from. Open all year round. Castro Valley BART Station, Redwood Rd and Norbridge, Castro Valley. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Ron Radini, 510-745-7100. Bloomin’ Belly Flow Prenatal Yoga | Walnut Creek 11am-12:15pm. See Wednesday for details. Bloom Retreat, 1444 S Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-9396262. BloomRetreat.com.

Ecstatic Dance, Dance Jam | Berkeley

Weekends in the Wine Garden | Oakland

8:30-11:30pm. It doesn’t get any better than this! All ages welcome to this no-alcohol, no shoes event. Great sound from professional DJ’s, using fantastic equipment. Dance the night away on bamboo floors, listening to Soul, Disco, Techno, Funk, Ambient, and the list goes on. You don’t want to miss this. $15. Studio 12, 2525 8th St, Berkeley.

Noon-6pm. Yes folks, it’s that time of year again! Join us weekends for a relaxing day, while supporting local business. Soak up sunshine in the wine garden and transform the way you spend the weekend! Bring friends and family to enjoy the lawn games you can play in the garden. Free, wine is sold by the glass. Dashe Cellars, 55 4th St, Oakland. Contact Limor Finkel with questions or for more information at 510-452-1800. Info@DasheCellars.com.DasheCellars.com.

saturday

Ballroom & Social Dance | Livermore 7:30pm. Join instructor Joallyn Bohn and learn the beginner steps to the Tango, (American style). This class if for adult students. A partner is recommended but not required. Smooth soled shoes are much better to war than rubber soled shoes. Free. Organized by Livermore Area Rec & Park District, 522 South L St, Livermore. Register at Active.com.

Fun Run with Fleet Feet | Pleasanton

Webinar Series: The Degrees of Woman in Sufism Join Susan Rahima Schmall to learn how spiritual connection affects illness as it manifests in the physical, emotional and mental bodies. Incorporate spiritual healing for the physical body. Gifted at creating a safe nurturing space for people with physical illness and emotional pain can find peace. She is passionate about helping students develop their own gifts as healers and human beings. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/Webinars/.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

Bay Street Twilight Market | Emeryville 3-7pm. Join us Saturday evenings as the streets come alive. All are welcome to stroll the sidewalks and streets, searching for their baked goods, local fruits and vegetables, crafted preserves, and so much more. Local artisans and makers. Free. Bay Street, 5616 Bay St, Emeryville. 510-655-4002. BayStreetEmeryville.com.

Courage is fear holding on a minute longer. ~George S. Patton

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAEastBay.com to request our media kit.

acupuncture EASTERN MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Teresa Shen, LAc, PhD China 5933 Coronado Ln, Ste 100, Pleasanton 925-847-8889 EasternMedicalCenter.com Award-winning natural family healthcare clinic brings 5,000 years of traditional Chinese healing and 4 generations of expertise including acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and herbs. See ad, page 6.

AYURVEDA & HOMEOPATHY RASHANA RAUNIAR SHARMA (BHMS, CCH, AWP)

Chetna Center for Health and Wellness 110 Ryan Industrial Ct, Suite #1 San Ramon, CA – 94583 925- 255- 5375 ChetnaCenter. com Certified practitioner of Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Reiki serving the Bay Area for over 15 years. We provide safe and natural health care alternatives for all ages with concerns on digestive issues, stress, anxiety, allergies, recurrent cough and cold, constipation, insomnia and other immune related issues. Therapy is designed and customized per individual’s unique body constitution and includes Natural and Herbal remedies, Diet & Lifestyle changes and Meditation. We also provide Reiki initiation and healing. Consultation can be given in person or via Skype or phone.

BIOPHOTON THERAPY BIOPHOTON SERVICES

Kathy McIntire 1151 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94502 510- 217-8677 BiophotonServices.com Biophoton therapy restores the body’s ability to self-heal. This is done by influencing the biophotons (light) emissions of the body, neutralizing chaotic light and strengthening coherent light. Causes of biophotons disruption range from whiplash/scars to environmental toxins, GMOs, heavy metals, electromagnetic radiation, etc.

body work The Breema Center 6076 Claremont Avenue Oakland, CA 510-428-0937 Center@Breema.com Breema.com

Breema® is a simple, natural form of touch and body movement supported by universal principles that provides a unique approach to experiencing body-mind connection. The aim of Breema is to bring us to a tangible experience of presence that becomes our foundation for a new dimension of health and consciousness. See ad, page 7.

BUSINESS Savvy Selling NOW! Leslie Ellis 925-338-2924 office 925-299-1920 mobile

As a healer, you love helping people! Do you enjoy the business side of your practice? I work with entrepreneurs to help them become more comfortable with all aspects of sales. If you are going to be wildly successful, you need to be good at selling! Contact me for a free strategy session. Leslie@ SavvySellingNow.com or 925-338-2924.

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS San Ramon Holistic Chamber of Commerce

HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/ Ca-San-Ramon MeetUp.com/San-Ramon-Holistic-Chamber-of-Commerce We are an expanding organization representing holistic professionals, practitioners and businesses. We encourage and promote healthy living, and support the professionals and businesses that make it possible. Together, we can make a difference. Want to be seen (and found) at The Holistic Chamber of Commerce- come and join this community and learn how folks can find you via the web and locally. See ad, page 8.

CHIROPRACTOR JANE H. BAXLEY, D.C.

POSTURE PERFECT Certified Posture Expert Certified Advanced BioStructural Correction Practitioner 931 Hartz Way #120, Danville 925-406-3222 DrJaneBaxley.com Dr. Baxley combines cutting edge postural and pain management technologies with ergonomic training to provide immediate and lasting improvement. Breathe easier and stand straighter with less effort starting with your first visit. Patients report relief of issues including neck, low back, knee, and foot pain as well as increased energy, improved health, function, and sports performance.

HEALING ARTS CHIROPRACTIC

Katie Sokolski, D.C. 187 40th Street Way, Oakland, CA 94611 510-356-7832 Dr.Sokolski@gmail.com HealingArtsChiro.com Healing Arts Chiropractic offers a whole-body approach to wellness that utilizes applied kinesiology, personalized nutrition programs and massage therapy. Our holistic treatment plans are designed to facilitate wellness from the inside—what you feed your body, as well as the outside—keeping your mind, body and spirit moving in a healthy way. See ad, page 8.

MICHAEL REHL, DC

Chiropractic & Advanced Holistic Health Care 1280 Boulevard Way, Ste 211, Walnut Creek Michael@MichaelRehl.com MichaelRehl.com Offering a holistic approach to chiropractic care, Dr. Rehl incorporates nutrition, applied kinesiology and deep tissue work into his practice. By treating the whole body, Dr. Rehl’s treatment plan engages his patients so that they are an integral part of their healing process. See ad, page 3.

natural awakenings

July 2016

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY MARCHELLE MILLIGAN, MS, CMT 3189 Danville Blvd., STE 250E Alamo 925-286-6237 TheRhythmWithin.org

CranioSacral Therapy encourages the body’s natural healing abilities and internal pharmacy to regain health and balance in a gentle way. CST can help with headaches, back pain, whiplash, TMJ, trauma, and sleep issues plus many more.

EDUCATION Singing Stones School 2491 San Miguel Dr. Walnut Creek, Ca 925-948-5006 SingingStones.org

Singing Stones School will provide an education based on the Waldorf philosophy from kindergarten through high school for children in the Tri-Valley area of Contra Costa County. It is holistic in nurturing the whole child and also in terms of its commitment to community. See ad, page 9.

University of Spiritual Healing & Sufism (USHS) 800-238-3060, option 5 Outreach@SufiUniversity.org SufiUniversity.org

USHS offers transformational programs for those who want to be agents of divinely-guided healing. Programs are based on establishing a deep connection with Divine Love, then opening to streams of healing light from God, transforming physical illness and emotional pain into states of greater health and spiritual wholeness.

ENERGY HEALING Sarianna Smith, RN, CHT Energy Healer Walnut Creek, CA 561-324-5344 SariannaS@gmail.com

Many modalities for healing: Acupressure, Cupping, Life Activations, Energy healing, Hypnotherapy and more.

HERBAL MEDICINE Ancient Traditions Healing Erin Massengale 125B Town and Country Drive Danville, 94526 925-725-1067

Health reflects how one is balanced in the different expressions of ourselves; mind, body and soul and our perception of life experiences, our environment and our food. Dis-ease in any of these categories will in some degree be reflected in all others. Dis-ease healed naturally leaves a person stronger. Integrating herbs and healing modalities of the greatest healing systems and cultures in the world; Western, Ayurvedic, Chinese Traditions and Shamanism, I work with individuals to achieve and maintain vital health, wellness and longevity.

HOLISTIC CAREGIVING HOLISTIC CAREGIVERS

Leni Pratte 1-877-7800-CARE Info@HolisticCaregivers.net HolisticCaregivers.net Our holistic approach to caregiving offers wellness-oriented families a higher level of care sprinkled with holistic practices. We believe that the individual is multi-faceted with needs and wants beyond the basic standard of care in this industry. From whole food nutrition to breathing exercises to meditation, we follow a program that is client and doctor-approved, with many options for growth and stimulation.

NEW ERA DENTISTRY

Dr. David Partrite, DDS 520 La Gonda Way, Ste 103, Danville 925-837-3101 Info@NewEraDentistry.com NewEraDentistry.com Whole-body dentistry approach; David Partrite, DDS, facilitates your body’s detoxification through a mercury- and fluoride-free practice, utilizing the most bio-friendly materials and a clean, safe environment through filters and ionizers. From cosmetic dentistry to safe mercury filling removal to working closely with your other holistic practitioners, every visit is a health-promoting experience. See ad, page 19.

HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH ALEXANDRA LE NY HEALTH COACHING

925-858-2133 AlexandraLeNy@yahoo.com AlexandraLeNy.com As a certified Health Coach with the AADP, clients are guided in improving their health and happiness through dietary and lifestyle changes. With support and direction we focus on balancing their primary foods (work, relationships, spirituality and exercise) and secondary foods (diet). This is achieved through a holistic approach on health, taking into account diet, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and disease prevention. Healing is supported through knowledge in nutrition, supplements, herbs, aromatherapy and homeopathic options.

When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. ~Wayne Dyer

holistic dentist Fremont natural dentistry DR. Colin Yoshida, DDS Fremont Natural Dentistry 3885 Beacon Ave, Suite C Fremont 510-745-1800 FremontDentistry.com

Fremont Natural Dentistry is a comprehensive holistic dental provider using options such as Ozone Therapy, safe mercury amalgam removal, Laser Gum Therapy, minimally invasive restorations and an overall biodental health experience. Give us a call to schedule your next holistic dental appointment today. See ad, page 21.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN ALTERNATIVES FOR ANIMALS Jennifer Luna-Repose, DVM 919 Moraga Road, Lafayette 925-283-6160 AlternativesForAnimals@gmail.com Alternatives4Animals.com

We are one of the few veterinary clinics in the Bay Area that is exclusively dedicated to Holistic Medicine. We offer acupuncture, chiropractic, Chinese herbal m e d i c i n e , h o m e o p a t h y, Bioresonance therapy, nutrition, flower essences and laser therapy. Our treatments address the whole animal and the root cause of disease, not just the symptoms.

HYPNOTHERAPY ARLENE THOMPSON CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST, C.Ht., M.Ed. 925-485-7997 Pleasanton Arlene_Thompson@att.net ThompsonHypnotherapy.com

Get rid of blocks to your personal growth, by harnessing the power of your subconscious to reach your goals. Full-service, individualized hypnotherapy, 20 years in business.

You cannot step into the same river twice. ~Heraclitus DRAKE BEAR STEPHEN, BA, CHT 925-348-3336 DrakeInnerprizes.com DrakeBearStephen@pacbell.net

Ever wonder who you were in a past life? Have you created your affirmation for the afterlife you want? Drake is a hypnotherapist and shamanic energy medicine practitioner that specializes in integrating past lives with present lives. Call for a free consultation today.

nutritionist NUTRAPARTNERS

Kathy Napoli, Registered Dietician 3189 Danville Blvd, Ste 260, Alamo 925-831-3900 KNapoli@NutraPartners.com NutraPartners.com Restore health and vitality through personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs, including the 8-wk program Lighten Up. Kathy’s clients achieve increased energy; improved blood sugar and lipid levels; and relief from digestive issues and food allergies. With 20 years experience as a clinical nutritionist and nutrition consultant, Kathy teaches workshops throughout the Bay Area on topics such as Age-Proof Your Skin, Get Lean and Strong and Stop Inflammation. She holds a Masters of Arts in Holistic Health Education from JFK University.

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. ~Walt Disney

products ESSENTIAL WELLNESS

Wellness Advocates 925-997-2226 Oils@EssentialWellnessHub.com Discover the power of dōTERRA essential oils: 100% pure Certifies Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) essential oils. The safest, purest and most beneficial essential oils available today. Essential Wellness teaches informed self-care with the use of dōTERRA oils and encourages individuals to take a proactive role in medical care. Call today for your complimentary wellness session.

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION MEDICINEVOLUTION

Chris Corrales 925-922-2246 Chris@MedicinEvolution.com MedicinEvolution.com Deemed a master by his peers, Chris Corrales’ 15 years of private practice have given him a reliable reputation as one of the best massage and bodywork practitioners in the Bay Area. His ability to discern and treat the causes of injury and imbalance has proven unique and profound. See ad, page 5.

SOMATIC therapist

SPIRITUAL HEALING HOLLY M. COOK

925-354-4508 SacredHeartAscension.com Holly@SacredHeartAscenion.com Change your time line to fit your spiritual desires. Clear deep beliefs and trauma that hold you from moving into your true essence. Specializing to connect physical and emotional dis-ease with energy/ soul blockages, Holly can help you move forward and clear the past allowing you to create a desired future. Her clients have experienced shifts in their consciousness, spiritual awakening, cleared family issues and have overcome physical and emotional pain. Explore a blended session of shamanism, theta healing, Reiki, chakra clearing and more. Also available for phone sessions.

BE EMPOWERED!

A Beautiful Light 925-997-7518 Kathleen@A-Beautiful-Light.com A-Beautiful-Light.com Expand your potential! Experience greater health and empowerment in mind, body & soul with these once secret, ancient lineage classes, activations & healings. Proven for over 3,000 years, these ancient wisdoms create transformation & greater energetic flow in all areas of life. Kathleen is a Healer, Guide & Ritual Master in the Modern Mystery School from the lineage of King Salomon.

NEAL WINBLAD, MFT, SEP 780 Main St, Ste 201, Pleasanton 925-963-9786 NWinblad.com

Somatic Experiencing is the gold standard for resolving complex trauma. In most cases trauma is quite easy to treat, doesn’t require a lot of talk and doesn’t need all the emotional catharsis so common in psychotherapy. Call me today for a free consultation and sample session. See ad, page 30.

SPIRITUAL CENTER UNITY OF TRI-VALLEY

7567 Amador Valley Blvd, Suite 108, Dublin 925-829-2733 UnityOfTriValley.org We are a welcoming spiritual community for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, YOU are welcome here!

WELLNESS CENTER PLEASANTON FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER

Kathleen Beaulieu, CMT, IMT 1491 Cedarwood Ln, Ste A Pleasanton 925-600-0503 Kathleen@PleasantonWellness.com PleasantonWellness.com Discover your body’s healing potential. Nutritional and diagnostic counseling for lifestyle changes including weight loss, gastrointestinal, thyroid, hormone, allergies and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Expert massage therapy, 20 years experience specializing in pregnancy, automobile injuries and post-surgery recovery.

Call to place your ad 925-557-7583 www.NAEastBay.com natural awakenings

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Natural Awakenings East Bay It is easier to go down a hill than up, but the view is from the top. ~Arnold Bennett

The success of YOUR marketing message is about reaching the RIGHT NUMBER of qualified people... The various tools in Natural Awakenings are designed to get your message out to the most readers... who are in the right niche... in the most effective manner.

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Feeling stressed, depressed, anxious? Is your relationship not meeting your desire for love and intimacy? Work issues? Don’t have the self-confidence to get you where you want to go in life? Trauma is often the cause. I am certiﬁed in both Somatic Experiencing™ and NARM™ (NeuroAﬀective Relational Model), the two gold standards of trauma healing. Trauma healing requires a mind-body approach not just talk therapy.

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Save Money on Holistic Health Services! As a Wellness Plus Member, you will enjoy discounted services from your local holistic health practitioners.

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Disclosures: This plan is NOT insurance. The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services. This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309, Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616. Website to obtain participating providers: MyMemberPortal.com. Not available to KS, UT, VT or WA residents.