Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ February 2010

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

FREE

LIGHTEN UP AND

LAUGH

MORE

GOOD HUMOR

FOODS Smile-worthy, Tasty Treats

FEBRUARY 2010

WILD ATTRACTION How to Create Extraordinary Relationships

SEVEN LIFE TOOLS How to stay lighthearted in challenging times

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February 2010

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contents

10 26

5 newsbriefs

8 globalbriefs

10 healthbriefs 12 inspiration

12 SEVEN LIFE TOOLS

14 wisewords

20 healingways

30

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.

25 healthykids 26 consciouseating

30 fitbody

How to Stay Lighthearted in Challenging Times

by Kari Joys

13 THE STRESS

12

OF MESS

by Kimberley Monaghan

18 WILD ATTRACTION

A Conversation with Paul and Patty Richards

by S. Alison Chabonais

advertising & submissions How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email: Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for space reservation is the 12th of each month prior to publication.

News Briefs & article submissions Email articles to: Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for articles is the 5th of the month prior to publication. Submit News Briefs online at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for news briefs is the 12th of the month prior to publication.

calendar submissions Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com.

Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

WHERE TO PICK UP NATURAL AWAKENINGS If you enjoyed this magazine and would like to know where you can pick up a free copy in your area, please contact us at 616656-9232 or email us at: publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com

20 LIGHTEN UP!

Humor is FUNdamental to Good Health

by Paul McGhee

22 LAUGH MORE

Why Feeling Tickled is Good For Us

by Enda Junkins

25 KEEPING KIDS SINGING

MORE... healthbriefs, globalbriefs, news, articles, archives, calendar, classifieds, natural directory & more!

22

Comfort, Play, Teach

by Jacqui DeBique

26 GOOD HUMOR

Foods That Make Us Smile

by Judith Fertig

and much more online...

20

25

30 YOGA LAUGHTER EXERCISES

Catalyst for Laughing Alone

by Dr. Madan Kataria

NaturalWestMichigan.com natural awakenings

February 2010

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letterfrompublishers

Laughter—what

contact us Publishers Kyle & Amy Hass Editors MaryAnn Lawrence S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Marketing Stephanie Harding

sharding@naturalwestmichigan.com

Madeleine Kolk

mkolk@naturalwestmichigan.com

J.R. VanderWall jr@naturalwestmichigan.com

Design & Production Interactive Media Design Scott Carvey

Printer Newsweb Natural Awakenings 484 Sunmeadow Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Phone: 616-656-9232

Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com

www.NaturalWestMichigan.com

Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (12 issues) to the above address. © 2010 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 for 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.

Committed to Sustainability Natural Awakenings is locally owned and operated.

a great theme for the month of February or anytime.

Life feels so much more abundant when it is filled with loving laughter. It’s true what Louis Armstrong sang, “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.”

Laughter is just something that we should all do more of. What could be better than sharing heartfelt grins with family and friends and our self? We don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day or another special occasion to relish every opportunity.

Sometimes Kyle smiles at me just to erase the serious look from my face. It’s not that I’m unhappy, just generally focused on the task at hand and seriously involved. As we worked with this issue, I realized that smiling and laughter are two things I need more of in my life. I’ll bet we all could. Sharing our inner happiness is not only fun, as we discover in humor researcher Paul McGhee’s article on page 20, it’s also good for our health.

I was thinking the other day about the last time I belly laughed so hard it hurt. It was a few weeks ago during a girls’ night out to celebrate the holiday season. After a nice dinner out, we regrouped at a friend’s house for a rollicking game night. We played, laughed and talked about everything under the sun. It was all very lively and carefree. I was laughing so hard at one point that I thought I was going to lose it. At the close of a night we never wanted to end we exuberantly agreed to get together for a merry reprise at least once a month. Letting the good times roll with dear friends was the best stress relief and medicine I have had for some time.

Kyle and I wanted to share this picture of our fiercely laughing dog, Thai, with you because it keeps us smiling and chuckling every day when it pops up as our computer wallpaper (page 39). It comes courtesy of Jennifer Roede, the photographer who shot our March 2009 cover art. When we first saw it in the proofs, we must have been helplessly rolling around on the floor bent double for a quarter of an hour. It always starts our day off right.

What makes you laugh? Maybe it’s a precious or precocious picture, a quote or a loved one’s rumpled morning face. For those rough days when you’re on the hunt for a good laugh, you might want to look up one of the “Just for Grins” You Tube videos on page 21. One or another is virtually guaranteed to turn any day on its ear.

To all the laughter and love that life should bring,

Amy and Kyle Natural Awakenings on 100% recycledEdition Michigan 4is printedWest newsprint with soy based ink.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

newsbriefs New Home for Spiritual Center

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xtended Grace has moved its facilities to 233 Washington, Suite 208, in Grand Haven. Pastor/experi-mentor Barbara Zielinski leads monthly gatherings the second Sunday of each month. The gatherings begin at 1 p.m. with a potluck lunch and move into a non-traditional celebration of God beyond, between and within. The ministry is open, affirming and inclusive of believers of all faiths and backgrounds including, according to Zielinski, “those who suffer from addictions, and all of those who live on the margins or find themselves living as outcasts in society.”

Zielinski says we all share with others the worth which comes from being unique individuals created and incarnated

by God. “I have always sought out alternative means of fostering health and healing in West Michigan. Today that includes leading a monthly worship and offering a variety of modalities for Spiritual healing and integration of body, mind and spirit.”

In addition to being an Ordained Minister, Zielinski is also a Reiki Master and a Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist. She is available to facilitate Integral Workshops, offer Integral Life Design and Coaching and lead Pilgrimages to China through Pilgrim Spirit Tours.

Energy and Spiritual Healing can be scheduled by calling 616-502-2078. Email BZ.EGrace@gmail.com. See ad page 38.

Making Smart Heart Choices for a Lifetime

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ebruary is Healthy Heart Month. Holland Hospital will present a free, interactive, community-wide event 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. February 6 at the Haworth Inn and Conference Center, 225 College Ave., in Holland. Discover how today’s choices can improve health, prevent heart disease and provide benefits for life. This body-mind-spirit fair brings together speakers, cooking demonstrations, health self-assessments, Tai Chi demonstration, prize drawings and vendor booths, including Nature’s Market.

Event speakers include cardiologist Dr. David Johnson from West Michigan Heart, inspirational scholar and survivor/thriver Ray Vander Laan, and Registered Dietitian Heather Bogetta from The Center for Good Health. Don’t miss this chance to have fun and learn the secrets to lifelong heart health.

Admission is free, but registration is requested. Call The Center for Good Health at 616-394-3344. See Natures Market ad page 12.

Matrix Energetics: The Essence of Energy Medicine

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wo years ago, naturopathic doctor and chiropractor Richard Bartlett created a stir in the scientific community with the publication of Matrix Energetics, a book that challenges conventional perceptions of reality. According to Bartlett,

Share a Breath, Share the Moment

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xplore the goodness of a shared yoga practice this month with the Hot Vinyasa/Partner Yoga Workshop 7 to 9 p.m. February 10 at Armenta Studio in Grand Rapids. During the program, participants can get close with a partner and strengthen connections while having fun together. Not just yoga for couples, participants can pair with a friend or another “solo-yogi.” Cost is $40 per couple and preregistration is required. Registration closes Friday, February 5.

Partner Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga in which partners support each other in modified asana sequences. This workshop includes Yoga-Thai Massage techniques to also learn how to heal one another. This is a unique opportunity to relate deeply to another person, whether it’s someone with whom you share your life, or a new friend you’ve just met in class. All that is needed is a willingness to connect. Working with a partner can help participants move beyond self-limiting ideas of what they can and can’t do, learn balance and strengthen bonds.

Armenta Studio is located at 955 Wealthy St SE, in Grand Rapids. Register at 616-235-9642 or Info@LauraArmenta.com.

See ad page 17.

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616.328.5716

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Participant in Park Upgrade Program natural awakenings

February 2010

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Matrix Energetics® is a consciousness technology based on the laws of quantum physics and focused intent. “Thousands have used this consciousness technology to create ‘healing’ for themselves, their families and even the environment in which they live,” says Bartlett.

The technology was developed after many years of research, and Bartlett says that it, “produces physically verifiable results that often defy rational explanation.”

Dr. Norman Shealy, one of the world’s leading experts in pain management and founder of the Shealy Institute, calls Matrix Energetics, “the essence of energy medicine.”

“The book Matrix Energetics demonstrated how easily we can rewrite the rules of our reality,” says Bartlett, “whether it concerns our health, our happiness or even our understanding of what is physically possible.”

Bartlett’s upcoming book, The Physics of Miracles: Tapping in to the Field of Consciousness Potential, is based on his seminars. According to Bartlett, it takes readers “further into Matrix Energetics while sharing new concepts on the cutting edge of transformation.”

Dr. Richard Bartlett teaches his groundbreaking techniques across the United States. For information, visit MatrixEnergetics. com. See ad, page 24.

Staying Consistent In the Face of Change

H

ow do we r e m a i n consistent when presented with new stressors? A 12-month therapeutic detox program held on the last Saturday of each month at Satya Yoga Center in Saugatuck helps to address this problem. Participants learn to review and rearrange thought patterns and reactions on a monthly basis through a process of group discussion (optional), a physical detox yoga practice and private journal writing. The program takes a close look at what stressors each person is dealing with and how to handle emotions going forward.

“Being consistent isn’t easy when dealing with loss, change, anger, depression or stress,” says Satya owner Michele Adrianse. “This program teaches you how to reach into your box of ‘tools’ and step aside, breathe, ground yourself, and

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NaturalWestMichigan.com

face the change at hand in a more healthy way.” Tools may include yoga practice, breath, journal, loved ones, mantra cards, etc.

Old habits die hard, says Adrianse, and Detox Yoga “forces you to take a cold hard look at yourself and realize that it’s ok to make mistakes.”

Satya Yoga Center is located at 3385 Blue Star Highway, in Saugatuck. SatyaYogaMI@yahoo.com. See ad page 16.

School Offers Scholarships, Work Study

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aturopathic School of Ann Arbor now offers merit scholarships and work study exchange programs to students by application. Options include Herbal Studies related work, and opportunities with our lively Farmers Market.

Contact Naturopathic School of Ann Arbor, PO Box 3599, in Ann Arbor. 734-769-7794 NaturopathicSchoolofAnnArbor.com.

Lakeshore Holistic Health Network

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new group in Holland aims to connect and unite holistic practitioners. Its mission is to help promote business growth of these small local companies as well as to provide education to the community about complementary health practices. Practitioners meet once a month. Locations vary. February’s meeting will be held at Parkhurst Chiropractic in Holland.

“The response has been overwhelming,” says Karlye McNeely, who is an RN and certified hypnobirthing educator. “We didn’t realize how many businesses in the surrounding area wanted a network like this. We are still taking applications.”

To apply, contact Karen Green, ‘Health by Nature’ at Karen@YourHealthByNature.com or call 616-355-5333.

Health Care Facility Expands, Adds New Services

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olistic Care Approach has been growing. Currently under construction, the facility will add 1200

square feet, creating 6 additional treatment rooms for the many new services now offered under the guidance of Medical Director Dr. Laura Tinning, D.O. The goal is to be finished in February.

Some of the new services include nutritional IV therapy, K-1 Body Vibration, BIA testing, and NAET allergy elimination therapy. An open house is scheduled this spring.

Holistic Care Approach is located at 3368 Beltline Court, NE, in Grand Rapids. Contact Barbara Meconis, 616-361-9221.

BarbM@HolisticCareApproach.com. See ad page 28.

Women’s Dare to Discover Retreat

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magine a weekend to reflect, relax, explore and Dare to Discover along the awakening shores of Lake Michigan. Barbara Badolati, of Alive & Well and BeWellRetreats.com will host Dare to Discover, a Spring retreat Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at Maranatha Retreat Center, 4759 Lake Harbor, in Norton Shores.

Enjoy creative activities that will ignite new passions and spa treatments to pamper and rejuvenate. Spend time in peaceful surroundings or partake in yoga classes. Several retreat packages are available –including lodging, four meals and materials for the retreat. The weekend is sure to provide women the space, support and opportunity to relax, refresh and reconnect with themselves, nature and one another in a nurturing, healthy and happy environment.

To register, 616-638-5625, BeAliveandWell@gmail.com. Visit BeWellRetreats.com. See ad page 35.

Free Event Showcases Local, Natural, Sustainable Solutions

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enesis UMC will host the fourth annual Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 6 in the worship center, 1601 Galbraith SE, in Grand Rapids. This free event will feature local experts in nutrition, chiropractic care, integrated sensorymotor education system for improved brain function, children’s health, spiritual direction, wholistic skin care, community supported agriculture and organic gardening, sustainable building practices, green cleaning, natural home environment technology and practices, natural health options, wholistic animal care, body work, family/children/adult counseling, Brain Gym, organic foods and more.

“We have so many extraordinary natural products and holistic services available locally, but it can be difficult to find them” said Dorothy Ward. “This is our attempt to bring them together for our community.”

Exhibits will include food sampling booths, activities for children, hands-on demonstrations and speakers. Hot beverages from the Genesis Espresso Bar and lunch catered

by Marie Catrib’s restaurant, will be available at a nominal cost. Some complimentary services are planned, and select services will be available for a small fee, including ionic foot detoxification.

For directions and program information, visit GenesisUMC. org or call the church at 616-974-0400. Parking is free.

1st Annual Natural Living Directory

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his letter invites you to be a part of Natural Awakenings 1st Annual Natural Living Directory for West Michigan, coming March 2010.

This special annual directory of Natural Awakenings magazine will serve as a handy reference guide for consumers to keep at their fingertips all year long when searching for the products and services they want to live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

This A to Z directory will feature a glossary to educate our health conscious readers about the benefits of various natural health modalities, sustainable products and more. Consumers trust Natural Awakenings information and its featured advertisers because we offer refreshing and educational editorial on natural health and green living. Natural Awakenings also provides the resources that support Health, Fitness, Sustainable Living, Personal Growth, and Creative Expression. This Directory is a must for businesses that offer healthy products and sustainable services. Don’t miss out on this important issue!

Natural Living Directory prices: $119.00 per category listing includes 5 header lines, a 35 word description and a photo or logo. A second category is 50% off or $59.50 and a third category is FREE.

Early Registration Rates – $99 for the first listing. Special pricing ends February 5th, 2010.

Call Natural Awakenings at 616-656-9232 for details, examples and to reserve your space in our Natural Living Directory.

Kudos

C

ongratulations to Sue Scharf, director of The Wellness Forum. Sue was recently awarded the Founders Award at a recent international conference. The award was presented to Scharf for her contribution to the development of the company and the fulfillment of their mission statement.

The Wellness Forum is located at 830 Forest Hill Ave SE, in Grand Rapids. Contact Sue Scharf at 616-942-7907.

ScharfSue1@sbcglobal.net. See ad page 38.

C

ongratulations January EcoTrekker of the Month Kim Frisinger of Grand Haven. Frisinger has been attending EcoTrek Fitness sessions since April 2008 and enjoys working outside in all four seasons in Michigan.

Contact Cari Draft, EcoTrek Fitness Cari@EcoTrekFitness. com. EcoTrekFitness.com See ad page 12. natural awakenings

February 2010

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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that works for all. February 2 is World Wetlands Day.

Digital Storytelling

Family Solidarity

A community is a collective identity woven of a thousand individual stories, a living history of value to its inhabitants. The Center for Digital Storytelling helps local people meet local needs and respond to local issues by teaching individuals how to digitally capture the essence of their own stories in words and images in a PowerPoint presentation, three-minute video or another digital format.

“Like it or not, screen language is what is being spoken today,” says Daniel Weinshenker, a regional director of the center, who encourages us all to, “Tell the story that only you can tell.”

He always asks how a place, time or situation changed us as a person.

“Without change,” he observes, “you don’t have a story.”

To date, the approach has helped groups in 45 states, five Canadian provinces and 33 countries. It has, among other signs of progress, increased dialog between foster children and social workers, shared empowering stories about coping with disability and difference, and built the ability for grassroots activists to use technology in their work.

“Many couples may be rediscovering the long-standing sociological truth that marriage is one of society’s best social insurance plans,” says W. Bradford Wilcox, a sociology professor and director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the number of divorces among women, which had risen to 17.5 per 1,000 in 2007, fell 4 percent in 2008.

Some couples may be staying together only temporarily, due to tightened resources and the support provided by a spouse and extended family members; but others may be appreciating anew why they got married in the first place.

The recession reminds them that marriage can be more than an emotional relationship, notes the report. It is also an economic partnership and social safety net.

Source: Tap into more results at StoryCenter.org

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Every Community Has a Memory of Itself

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NaturalWestMichigan.com

America Sees Decline in Divorce Rate

Thrill Ride

Virtual Theme Park Draws upon Schoolroom Skills Disney World’s “Sum of all Thrills” personalizes the Epcot experience by allowing kids to dream up their own theme park attraction. The do-it-yourself, interactive approach hands users a touch-screen computer tablet and gives them free reign to sketch a bobsled track, roller coaster ride or airplane journey, and then take a virtual spin on their creation. It’s the latest example of a next-generation trend in amusement park, zoo and museum attractions geared to youngsters adept at video games.

If a kid tries to build something physically impossible, they’re asked to retool their ideas. “Our aim is to show kids how math and engineering make the things they care about really come to life and happen,” explains Kristin Hilf, a spokesperson for Raytheon, the ride’s corporate sponsor.

Weight Loss Special!

Detoxing Foot Bath $25 (regular $40)

Long Weekends

Four-Day Work Week Produces Multiple Bonuses Utah’s public sector is leading a change to a four-day work week, watched closely by other states interested in realizing comparable savings in energy costs for employers and gasoline costs for commuters. The first year’s 13 percent savings in government building energy use and associated 12,000-metric-ton reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions will help the state reach its goal of a 20 percent drop in energy usage by 2015. But that’s only half the story.

Managers report rises in productivity among Utah’s 18,000 state workers as a result of their new four, 10-hour days, to the tune of 9 percent less time off, according to Mike Hansen, strategic planning manager in the Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget. The extended days generally make it easier for customers to access services in the evenings. At the Department of Motorized Vehicles, lines have disappeared, although they’ve determined that it’s best for the department to also keep Friday hours.

Approval ratings for the four-day work week are high, at 82 percent among state employees and 60 percent among the general public. El Paso, Texas, and Melbourne Beach, Florida, have already made the switch, as well. Permanent three-day weekends may not be far behind.

Offering Health Coaching in use of Therapeutic Essential Oils, Cleanses, Pain Relief, Hormone Issues, as well as Detoxing Foot Baths, Body Balancing & Biofeedback Scans.

Call Clara: 616.698.6148 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

Easy Access

Green Info to Go Anyone tired of wading through websites and blogs trying to locate that one bit of information that will answer their question about which is the better way to go green will appreciate GreenYour.com. Categories include home, office, body, lifestyle and transportation. But that’s only the beginning. Inquirers can simply type in the query of the moment and voilá, up comes brief, well-organized bulleted lists of easy-to-understand tips and insight on the topic. Plus, in some cases, bonus comments by helpful bloggers.

natural awakenings

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healthbriefs February is American Heart Month.

Children Playing Outside Laugh More

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hild of Our Time, a televised research project co-produced by the BBC and The Open University in the UK, is halfway through its ambitious 20-year mission of tracking the development of 25 children since birth. One of Executive Producer Tessa Livingstone’s studies has found that the more children played, the more they laughed, especially when outside. In fact, children who played the most laughed up to 20 times more than others.

As a child psychologist, Livingstone maintains that it is important to get the balance right between unstructured play and the high level of structured activity, such as music, drama and language classes, which take up so much of the modern child’s time. Children who are allowed to play and explore outside are likely to be more adventurous, self-motivated and better able to understand risk when they grow up, according to Livingstone.

Her research team found the amount of time children are allowed to roam out of their parents’ sight has dropped by 90 percent over the past 20 years. “This is an extraordinary change and it says a lot about our fear of modern life, pedophilia, etc. Children learn two things from this: Strangers are fearsome and dangerous, and it’s dangerous to go outside,” she explains. She also notes other research indicating that children are probably safer from stranger danger when playing outside with other children than when playing online alone.

A Crush on Garlic

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hen it comes to protecting heart health, freshly crushed garlic works better than garlic supplements or dried garlic. New research published by the American Chemical Society explains that the heart-healthy effects of raw, crushed garlic result from hydrogen sulfide, a chemical that forms when fresh garlic is cut or smashed; when eaten, the hydrogen sulfide relaxes blood vessels, allowing for better flowing of blood to the heart.

Chocolate Calms Emotions

Chocolate can indeed assuage emotional stress, according to a new clinical trial. Researchers reporting to the American Chemical Society found that “highly stressed” volunteers, eating about an ounce-and-a-half (about 40 grams) of dark chocolate a day for two weeks, experienced reduced levels of stress hormones. The chocolate even partially corrected other stress-related biochemical imbalances by modifying metabolism.

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Acu-Detox

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cu-Detox is a safe and effective supplement to any existing type of addiction therapy or smoking cessation program, including 12 step programs, outpatient therapy, and inpatient care.

Acu-Detox is a specific protocol within auricular acupuncture that decreases cravings for tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, decreases withdrawal symptoms, decreases anxiety and improves sleep. It is especially helpful for people who are in early detox, who have difficulty managing cravings, anxiety and insomnia, who have co-occurring mood disorders and who have relapsed following a period of abstinence.

At five designated points in each ear, NADA (Natural Acupuncture Detoxification Association) trained clinicians apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time use stainless steel needles, where they remain for 30-45 minutes while you relax quietly in a comfortable chair. People in all types of treatment settings can utilize this treatment. Most see improvement in recovery with longer periods of abstinence and shorter relapses.

Acu-detox utilizes principles of both Chinese medicine and Western chemical dependency therapies to bring significant benefits to those in the process of recovery from all forms of drug addiction, as well as cigarette smoking, alcoholism and a variety of mental disorders.

Barbara Zielinski, ADS, offers Acu-Detox out of her office at 233 Washington, Suite 208 in Grand Haven or she is available to provide this treatment for groups who are already meeting elsewhere. She can be reached at 616-502-2078 or bz.egrace@ gmail.com. You can also learn more about Acu-Detox at NADA’s web site www.acudetox.com

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any reputable charities responded immediately to the Haiti earthquake relief effort, and donations are still urgently needed as they continue their work. According to the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI), monetary contributions to established relief agencies are always the most useful response to disasters. Financial contributions allow professional relief organizations to purchase exactly what is most urgently needed by disaster victims and pay for the transportation necessary to distribute those supplies.

The relief organizations listed here are registered with the CIDI and have received high marks from Charity Navigator (CharityNavigator.org), an independent nonprofit that evaluates the financial health of more than 5,400 of America’s largest charities.

Natural Awakenings trusts that the power of our collective intention, action and prayers will bring comfort and help.

American Red Cross RedCross.org

Humane Society International HSI.org

American Red Cross Intl. Service P.O. Box 37243 Washington, D.C. 20013 1-800-HELP-NOW http://tr.im/arcdh (choose Haiti Relief & Development)

2100 L Street NW Washington, D.C. 20037 202-452-1100

Cellphone: Send a text message “HAITI” to 90999. A donation of $10 will automatically go to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to the sender’s mobile phone bill.

CARE Care.org P.O. Box 1871 Merrifield, VA 22116 1-800-521-CARE Care.org/donatehaiti Concern Worldwide ConcernUSA.org 104 East 40th Street, Suite 903 New York, NY 10016 1-800-59-CONCERN http://ConcernUSA.org Direct Relief International DirectRelief.org 27 South La Patera Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93117 805-964-4767 http://tr.im/dridonate

Mercy Corps MercyCorps.org Department W, P.O. Box 2669 Portland, OR 97208 1-888-842-0842 https://donate.mercycorps.org/donation.htm?DonorIntent=Haiti+Earthq uake Oxfam America OxfamAmerica.org 226 Causeway Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02114 1-800-776-9326 https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/ site/Donation2?df_id=3560&3560. donation=form1 Partners in Health P.O. Box 845578 Boston, MA 02284-5578 617-432-5256 http://act.pih.org/earthquake World Vision WorldVision.org P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063 1-888-56-CHILD http://tr.im/wvdon

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inspiration

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n today’s tough economic times, many people are facing very difficult life situations. Mounting uncertainties seem to permeate the atmosphere of thought because so many have already lost their jobs and their homes. It’s not easy to stay cool, calm and collected when you don’t know what to expect tomorrow.

You may feel that staying lighthearted is impossible in today’s world. But in working as a psychotherapist for 30 years, I have found that, again and again, employing these seven simple tools enables individuals to come through the darkness to a more lighthearted way of living.

1

Cry the tears that need to be cried—tears clean the windows of your soul. If there’s no one to talk to, write your feelings in a journal until your body relaxes and you feel a sense of relief.

2

See every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Ask for divine help to face challenges in the best way possible and to find a positive solution that feels good to you.

3

Choose a new reality. Affirm to yourself “I’m choosing a new reality.” Then change your negative thoughts and beliefs about your challenges to positive thoughts and beliefs.

4

Imagine in living color what it would be like if a total miracle happened in your life. What you would see, hear, feel, smell and taste if, by some miracle, your life took a definite turn for the better?

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5

Brainstorm possible solutions until you find one that feels good to you. Take some positive action today towards changing your life for the better.

6 7

Practice showing love to every person you come in contact with.

Remember that when you give love, love also comes back to you.

Look at the funny side of life and find things to laugh about. Share your sense of humor with everyone around you, so that they can laugh and have fun, too.

Repeat this process every day until things get better. Once you get started, you may want to continue doing it for the rest of your life.

Spokane psychotherapist Kari Joys is director of the Center for Creative Change and the author of Choosing Light-Heartedness. A lighthearted seminar leader, she is a member of the American Counseling Association and a certified Yuen Wellness practitioner.

Learn more at Kari-Joys.com.

The Stress of

W

Mess

e’ve all experienced the last minute rush of tidying up for an unexpected guest, searching high and low for lost homework, or wading through a mound of boxed files for an errant tax receipt.

Misplaced items, scrambled schedules, disorder and disarray are some of the most common causes of stress. Ironically enough, unlike heavy work demands and social obligations, the aforementioned stressors are within our control.

“We waste and average of six weeks a year looking for stuff in our offices, homes and vehicles,” said Mary Dykstra, certified professional organizer and owner of Within Reach Organizing Services.

“Disorganization, guilt and stress often show up together.”

There’s a vicious cycle that occurs when people feel disorganized, one that delves deeper than simply losing an item on occasion or learning to step over a misplaced toy. The physical spike of increased stress can not only be detrimental to our physical health, but also negatively impact our financial status and psychological dispositions.

“If you’re paying bills late because you can’t find them to process them on time, you are paying huge fees in interest, penalties and rush charges,” said Dykstra. “If you don’t return that item you decided you didn’t want on time, you’ve wasted the money and now have more clutter.” Dykstra cited numerous financial impacts arising from a disorganized life including making unnecessary duplicate purchases, adding space to store accumulated clutter and increasing job stress that accompanies a decline in performance associated with poor time management and organizational skills.

“Stress is at the core of many illnesses, yet most stress is selfimposed,” said Judy Warmington, Professional Organizer who owns Woman Time Management and is co-founder of The Organizing Specialists. “We want to eliminate this self imposed stress so we don’t crush under the weight of the stress that comes our way and we have no control over.”

To start reducing the controllable stress in our lives, Warmington suggested de-cluttering the physical items and controlling the impulse to always say “yes” to new purchases and social engagements.

“When you bring something new into the house, take out

by Kimberly Monaghan something old,” she said. “When shopping, do a lot of self talk and ask yourself ‘do I really need it?’ and ‘where will I store it?’” Also by putting items immediately away after use will help avoid stress gained from the visual clutter and the nagging chore it creates later on. She recommended monitoring how many possessions are really used on a regular basis and if they are only collecting dust it’s time to pass along.

“In your close, when it’s time to change seasons turn all the hangers of the new season’s clothes backward,” she said. “When you wear an item, turn the hanger the right way on the rod and at the end of the season if any hanger is still facing backward the item wasn’t worn.” These Small steps will not only positively impact the health, but provides a golden opportunity to give to those less fortunate, by donating unused or no longer needed items to one of the many local charities.

When it comes to de-cluttering, and de-stressing our mental state, peace of mind can be achieved by adopting a “healthy” view of what you really need and what you are able to commit to.

“Create specific goals for yourself in terms of where you are going in life,” said Dykstra. “This will help you establish good decision making criteria for what to keep or let in to your life.”

And as for social obligations, be selective.

“Saying ‘no’ is an important time management technique,” advised Warmington. “You can’t say yes to everything and you will inevitably say ‘no’ to something perhaps more important.” She cautioned against accepting commitments that come with hidden work agendas or unspecific time commitments and also to avoid those that will come at the expense of spending valuable down time, whether alone or with family.

“These days, life is extremely stressful for many Americans,” said Dykstra. “A little organization goes a long way in creating a sense of peace. Create a sanctuary from all the craziness by making your home and your life, a place of sanctity not stress.”

S

Kimberly Monaghan is a freelance writer and certified yoga instructor, RYT in West Michigan.

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February 2010

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wisewords

A Conversation with Sally Bingham Community Minister, National Activist

by April Thompson

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he Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, a priest at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, is founder and president of the Regeneration Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to greening faith-based communities. Through their Interfaith Power and Light campaign, Bingham and her eco-apostles have helped some 10,000 congregations in 28 states to reduce their carbon footprint.

A stay-at-home mom until she enrolled in college at age 45, Bingham is a recipient of the Purpose Prize, which honors leaders over 60 who are taking on society’s biggest challenges. She is the lead author of the 2009 book, Love God, Heal Earth: 21 Leading Religious Voices Speak Out on Our Sacred Duty to Protect the Environment.

How do you engage average churchgoing Americans in big-picture issues like the environment, when they may be struggling to pay the bills?

What scriptures or spiritual teachings specifically impel you and others to act to save the environment?

You founded Interfaith Power and Light in 1997, when the idea of putting solar panels on churches was revolutionary.

Now that “green” has gone mainstream, is it easier to get congregations on board?

The first and great commandment is to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Your neighbor isn’t just the person next door; it’s also the generation after us. This is a mandate for environmental protection.

God asked us to be fruitful and multiply and “tend the garden.” We’ve certainly multiplied; now we need to focus on gardening. God gave us dominion—which is different from domination and exploitation; it means taking care of the Earth.

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We show people ways they can save money. We gave out 48,000 free compact fluorescent light bulbs to our congregation, and they took them home and reduced their energy bills immediately.

There is a start-up cost to some of the alternatives we promote, but sometimes you have to spend money to save money. For example, we help congregations put in solar panels, which have a payback period of about eight years.

Once installed, that congregation will start getting electricity for free, and they receive credit for any excess electricity they sell back to the grid.

We no longer have to be proactive.

People now come to us in such swarms; we barely have sufficient staff to deal with the requests, even though our national office employs eight people.

We have some tremendous success stories. Perhaps the most dramatic was when a 10-day blackout hit. The Catholic priest who runs our Michigan office and has a solar panel wired to a wind

turbine to supply power to his congregation became a beacon of light by serving up hot food and warm-water showers to the community.

Our “Cool Congregation” program encourages families to compete with each other to have the most energy-efficient home. We hear stories of kids riding their bikes to church and even taking cold showers to decrease their energy use.

Once people get the message of conservation, they become admirably creative.

How are you building an interfaith coalition that cuts across the political spectrum?

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These days, we’re doing a little more advocacy work than we used to, getting people to ask their legislators for laws that will cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. During our lobby day in Washington in May, rabbis, Buddhists and Catholic priests walk the White House halls to talk about these issues.

An unexpected consequence of our work is that people of diverse religions have put their theological differences aside for this common purpose. We deliver a similar message to politicians: If you are a person of faith, then you have a responsibility to care for creation, no matter your political affiliation.

How can we learn to see living an eco-friendly life as a spiritual practice?

The first step is to understand the present situation of environmental degradation.

People generally want to do the right thing. Years ago, I unconsciously behaved in ways that harmed our environment, but now, among other things, I compost, drive a fuel-efficient car and unplug appliances when they’re not in use.

There is a discipline involved in following any kind of spiritual path. But eventually, it becomes who you are; you’ll find that your heart grows bigger in the process.

For more information, visit TheRegenerationProject.org.

April Thompson is a Washington, D.C.based writer, entrepreneur and consultant whose work has appeared in dozens of books and magazines. Connect at AprilWrites.com. natural awakenings

February 2010

15

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n experiment to assess the effect of laughter of yoga on back pain by sports science student Ulrich Rehm of Münster University, in Germany, turned up an encouraging conclusion. In conducting research for his Ph.D. thesis, he hooked up two healthy young men to an electromyograph (EMG), which measures strength, endurance and increases in muscle activity. Rehm monitored some of the abdominal and back muscles that are addressed by conventional strengthening exercises or even in sports physiotherapy.

First, his fellow students performed a series of conventional physiotherapy exercises on a mat for 30 minutes. Next, they performed another 30 minutes of laughter yoga exercises. The working conclusion was that, “Simulated laughter exercises engage as many abdominal muscles as conventional physiotherapy exercises, sometimes even more.”

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February 2010

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wisewords Coming in March

INSPIRE CHANGE

WILD ATTRACTION A Conversation with Paul and Patty Richards

by S. Alison Chabonais

H

Learn how sacred activists are creating new hope in their communities in the March issue of Natural Awakenings.

You can do it too – Local heroes wanted!

ealthy energy habits, applied to gender awareness, result in extraordinary relationships, say Paul and Patty Richards, whose 59 “Energetic Facts of Life” emanate from their own experience. They teach these principles through the Senté Center they co-founded in the United States and New Zealand. Both are trained seers who formerly enjoyed dynamic careers in aerospace engineering and nursing.

They call for the intelligent harmonizing of masculine and feminine energies in intimate relationships as pivotal to humanity’s survival.

This month, in honor of Valentines everywhere, Natural Awakenings explores some of the key principles this lovingly aware pair practices, as articulated in their new book, Wild Attraction.

How do we ensure that we are attracted to and attracting a safe, available partner?

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At heart, you must first have a confidently open, positive expectation that qualified candidates exist. It’s a complex process these days to find a healthy, well-suited individual. Knowing this helps you relax, rather than worry about the near misses, whose

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roles are to teach us about fatal flaws and help us make better choices.

Two things lead to a successful selection process: time and community.

Getting to know a potential partner over time, in many environments and circumstances, draws you close as you see into their world, become a part of their community and erase ‘knowledge gaps’ about their life that can make you feel unsure. Look for a compassionate view of both genders, one not tangled in self. How do they treat people over whom they have power?

Tune out their words and witness their actions.

Ask the most glorious couple you know for help in discerning the qualities that would make an ideal mate for you. Women best evaluate women. A good man has the eyes to see another good man. In today’s highly mobile communities, we’re operating blind when it comes to an individual’s roots and reputation. Ask around.

How do welcoming eyes see others?

Welcoming eyes have a ‘bring it on’ expression, projected in the upper half of the face, from the nose to the hairline.

They exude confidence in their own power to move forward and to connect in mutual joy with another, with no need to prove anything. Elijah Wood’s visage in the final leaving Middle Earth scene of The Lord of the Rings embodies welcome. Babies’ and dogs’ faces evidence such love in motion.

In contrast, the sorting eyes we use in the workplace, constantly evaluating good versus bad, are on guard against the unknown, warily seeking to squelch unpredictability. These are not helpful in setting up a relationship of a lifetime.

A welcoming, yes-based life embraces new people and experiences.

It loves and accepts the mystery in us more than what is known and enjoys the inevitable surprise.

simple rituals, like arriving each day declaring, “I love seeing you when I get home,” communicates that you value her presence in your life. Asking what she needs and responding chivalrously, with a natural spring in your step, acknowledges that you find her interesting. Men are relieved to understand that their service is needed and appreciated and thrive on hearing what a “Good job!” they are doing.

Rather than ask “What attracts me?” ask “What changes me?” Avoiding change and continuing to do things

your own way dulls an already tame attraction, but doing the work to connect with what delights your lover keeps the relationship charged and fires the wild attraction that answers your heart’s desire far beyond your imaginings.

Paul and Patty Richards apply their extraordinary powers of awareness to see beyond the ordinary fabric of physical reality in order to help individuals perceive and cultivate their own greatness. Learn more about Wild Attraction at SenteCenter.com.

Why is it essential to constantly assure your mate that he or she is your first choice?

Feeling chosen changes a person’s energy. Something compressed inside lets go when you register that someone has selected you as the center of their universe. If you are fortunate, you first experienced this from a parent, as a child. Women, in particular, want to feel cherished and claimed. When you declare your primary choice, all other choices line up around it. Getting behind your choice is transformational; it facilitates the formation of a stunning relationship. A mate, lover, best friend and life companion needs to have uncontested access in a heart-space not filled with children, work, hobbies or a pet.

What can lovers do to consciously keep the fire alive and the embers glowing?

The hallmark of Cary Grant’s appeal for women is that he was constantly paying attention to them, not out of need, but in sophisticated appreciation of the feminine. Men bring the energy of attention that women thrive on. Even natural awakenings

February 2010

19

healingways

Lighten Up! Humor is FUNdamental to Good Health

by Paul McGhee

W

e all have a natural health and healing system attacks were randomly assigned to either a standard cardiac within our body that is our biological inheritance, rehab program or the program plus the viewing of a comedy but which too many of us have forgotten how to video, three times a week for a year at the rehab site. During use. It is our innate sense of humor. the year, the comedy video group had suffered fewer addi Strong scientific evidence in multiple fields of research tional heart attacks and fewer episodes of cardiac arrhythmia. now supports the view that humor plays a significant role in They also had significantly lower blood pressure than the sustaining health. Humor’s many benefits to a great extent control group. hinge on its ability to generate in us positive emotions, even

Another recent study in the peer review journal, Heart, substituting a positive for a negative state in the presence of may provide an explanation for humor’s reported boost to stress. A general agreement in the broad field of psychoneucardiac health. Here, researchers found that watching a roimmunology (studying the interaction between psychologicomedy video significantly increased the diameter of a major cal processes and the body’s nervous and immune systems) artery in the arm (vasodilation), while watching a stress-inis that emotion, and its underlying physical changes in the ducing film reduced the diameter of the artery (vasoconstricbody, is the key to understanding the link tion). This constrictive effect in response to between mind and body when it comes to stress is well established, and is known to health. result in increased blood pressure.

Your sense of humor

The earliest modern research on humor This relaxation effect at the arterial is one of the most and health, from the 1980s and 90s, first level, in response to humor, is consistent powerful tools you showed that a good dose of humor works to with the muscle relaxation effect that strengthen the immune system and reduce mounting evidence also associates with huhave to make certain pain. Results of 30 to 40 studies consistently mor. Muscle relaxation is the key goal of all that your daily mood demonstrate such benefits. stress management techniques, because it

A common claim for the reduced pain generally leads to the easing of psychologiand emotional state associated with humor and laughter attrical tensions. Concurrently, several studies, support good health. butes it to the production of endorphins (one published in such journals as The Journal of of the body’s built-in pain reducers), yet only Rheumatology and The American Journal of one study in the past 25 years supports this the Medical Sciences, now also have docunotion. The noted reduction in pain may rather be due to the mented a reduced level of stress hormones circulating in the known muscle relaxation effect that results from humor and blood of study participants in response to humor. laughter, or to humor’s power to mentally distract us from the The latest research on the relationship of humor to source of pain. health, underway in Japan, is now extending humor’s ben One exciting new finding is how humor contributes efits to relief of specific diseases. While less well-established to good cardiac health. More than a decade ago, a study than the findings relative to pain and the immune system, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology showed that several humor-related studies published in The Journal of humor is heart-healthy, even if one has already experienced Rheumatology, Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Journal of a heart attack. In the study, patients who had suffered heart Psychosomatic Research and The Journal of the American 20

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Medical Association have demonstrated significant contributions to health or well-being in cases of diabetes, certain skin sensitivities, arthritis, asthma and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (one European study to date).

Many cancer patients claim that their sense of humor has helped keep them alive, while plenty of evidence points to humor as a powerful tool in helping cancer patients and others cope with serious illness and other highly stressful life circumstances. In one large Norwegian study of individuals diagnosed with cancer, those with a stronger sense of humor

Humor shifts perspective, allowing us to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help us avoid feeling overwhelmed. (as measured by a standardized sense-of-humor test) also had a 70 percent higher survival rate than others over the following seven years.

Finally, it’s interesting to note that in healthy individuals, watching a one-hour humorous video also increases the number and activity of the natural killer cells that seek out and destroy tumor cells and also help fight off the latest cold and flu viruses and other foreign organisms.

While humor and laughter are not a substitute for a physician’s or practitioner’s care, findings show that they do help.

A developed sense of humor, let loose to play, assures that our body and mind, supported by positive emotions, are at work on our behalf, helping to sustain good health and wellness.

Paul McGhee, Ph.D., president of The Laughter Remedy, in Wilmington, DE, is internationally known for his own humor research; for supporting references and detailed discussion of humor/health issues, see Humor: The Lighter Path to Resilience and Health, released this month via AuthorHouse.com.

Also visit LaughterRemedy.com.

Just for Grins Baby Beyoncé at YouTube.com/watch?v=xSdZ6akE02I Dog Leg Stealing Bone at YouTube.com/ watch?v=JSToLWAwebA Best Cat Tricks at YouTube.com/watch?v=Wvo-g_ JvURI&NR=1 JK Wedding Dance at YouTube.com/watch?v=494JhLEiN0&NR=1&feature=fvwp

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February 2010

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by Enda Junkins

Laugh More WHY FEELING TICKLED IS GOOD FOR US Be aware. When the corners of our mouth turn up involuntarily and we must swallow unsolicited giggles, we may be giving way to laughter addiction.

T

he high that we gain when we laugh until we hold our sides, roll about on the floor and feel the tears streaming down our cheeks is addicting. So, what protects us from such loosey-goosey, nonsensical fun? Only our own serious, controlled approach to life, from sex to the family vacation.

Human beings are not born serious. We begin life fully equipped with an innate playfulness and the ability to laugh freely. Sadly, most of us curb our playfulness and laughter as a sacrifice to the serious business of adulthood. In order to keep laughing, we need to be in a partial state of playfulness, either consciously or unconsciously. Laughter therapy is one way to help us ease our adult seriousness and retrieve that lost

sensation of play.

Laughter is not only fun; it is also good for us. At last, something good for us that is also enjoyable. There is no need for yucky-tasting diet concoctions, profuse sweating in concentrated exercise or tough changes for this particular pursuit of health. All that’s required is pure, unrestrained, oldfashioned laughter.

Laughter heals the body and eases

LAUGH TO:

Relieve stress Resolve conflict Enhance communications Enrich relationships Have fun

painful emotions like anger and fear (see this month’s Healing Ways department). It helps us cope with daily survival in a pleasant and effective way.

Contrary to common perceptions, in my 20 years as a laughter therapist I have found that laughter is born of tension, stress and pain, so most people need not worry about being able to laugh.

Stress has been called the number one health problem today; we’ve all got it.

Laughter therapy is about learning to laugh freely again at the many things we deal with that aren’t otherwise funny. Children will play with almost anything except direct pain. Adults were intended to do the same. When we can play with our pain, we laugh. When we laugh, we shift our perspective and

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Laughter is the human gift for coping and for survival; ringing, pealing, roaring, bubbling laughter. Chuckling. Giggling. Snickering.

Snorting. These are the sounds of soul-saving laughter that springs from our emotional core and helps us feel better, see things more clearly and creatively weigh and use our options.

Laughter helps us roll with the punches that inevitably come our way. We unleash the power of laughter every time we laugh. problems shrink to a manageable size.

We don’t diminish their importance, but we feel less overwhelmed.

Laughter is warm, bonding and contagious. It connects with those we love and with our fellow human beings.

We need to feel good. We need to feel connected. We need to feel safe. We need to laugh more.

Anyone can join the laughter movement. All it takes is a willingness to risk some loss of control. The timid may start with a few shy giggles. The courageous may jump in with deep belly laughs. A sense of humor is not required. There’s more than enough stress to go around, and absurdity abounds in our daily lives. All we have to do is believe, let go and clap our

hands, and laughter will live again.

So will we. When we laugh, we feel deeply, which allows us to live fully.

We can encourage everyday laughter at home by being playful with our families. Wear a clown nose when putting children to bed. Break up chores by indulging in a pillow fight. Ease conflict by saying something light and unexpected. Let hand puppets help with family communication or say it with a humorous hat. Life at home doesn’t have to be serious; it’s far too important for that.

We can slip laughter into the workplace with a few lighthearted windup toys. Play with frustrations by writing them on shoe soles and walking on them. Wear a temporary tattoo that expresses our mood for the day.

No one need see it. Find ways to celebrate stress; we might as well enjoy it. We can practice laughing, so that we can laugh when we need it most.

Mother Nature laughs. She created people playful and funny.

She also created laughter. Why, in pursuit of serious things, have we short-circuited both our play and our laughter? In our frenzy to succeed and to have it all, we have shortened everything. We have fast food, fast banking, fast fun, fast shopping, even fast sex. Today, life is a longer process on a shorter schedule, and for that, we need lots of laughter.

Our natural laughter is neither fastpaced nor high-tech. It’s not expensive and it can’t be bought. Others can’t do it for us. All of us can do it ourselves, however, because we’re born with it, and it’s our right to reap all its benefits. On the off chance that we occasionally find ourselves headed off to “smell the roses” from a drive-in window, at least we can laugh at our own folly.

Enda Junkins, known as “The Laughing Psychotherapist,” is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For information on her keynote talks, seminars and workshops, visit LaughterTherapy.com.

Tips for More Laughter in Life 1. Practice laughing five minutes

a day; fake it ‘til you make it.

2. Look for humor around you— on signs, in people’s behavior, on TV, in newspapers, things others say and the crazy things that happen to you.

Keep a journal.

3. Share your embarrassing moments with others.

4. Learn to play with things that are serious, like work, social issues and money. You might use word play, silly songs or develop a comical view of the issue to help you cope.

5. Laugh with others when they laugh.

6. Wear a smile; it puts you closer to laughing.

7. Seek out entertainment that makes you laugh.

8. Amuse yourself with your own sense of humor.

9. Buy and listen daily to a tape of laughter, a laugh box or a laughing toy.

10. Play around with games and mindless toys that make you laugh.

11. Wear hats that make you laugh.

12. Cultivate your innate playfulness.

13. Be creative with fun.

14. Do at least one silly, nonconforming thing each day.

15. Give yourself permission to laugh at anything you need to.

16. Make sure you have fun.

Source: Enda Junkins

natural awakenings

February 2010

23

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Smile at each other when you first wake up.

Exaggerate your affection for each other. Make everything bigger than it is and add a dash of silli- ness. For example: Holler “I love you;� speak of your undying love in terms the universe; or romanti- cally describe each other’s eyes with over-the-top comparisons, such as blue as the deep blue sea, green as a rajah’s emeralds.

Laugh together at the funny things seen and experi- enced on a daily basis.

Go on a spur-of-the-moment picnic.

Dance together in the living room, in the parking lot, on the street or in the mall.

Read to each other before you go to sleep at night.

Cuddle up together on the couch when you watch TV. Find some time during the day to enjoy a long passionate, romantic kiss.

Walk together holding hands, and swing those hands.

Share at least one bit of humor each day.

Tell each other the good things about one another.

Make a special time each day to laugh and talk for just the two of you.

Practice hanging out together over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Develop lots of different, playful ways to say, “I love you.� You might, for instance, use different accents or languages; make a banner for the living room; create a card; or write it on the mirror in lipstick.

Use your imagination to develop playful greetings for each other, like a dramatic hug, enthusiastic joy at seeing each other and overdone messages about missing each other.

Source: Enda Junkins

“Social psychology research shows that children laugh, on average, 150 times a day; adults, only six times a day. During an average day, a child will smile 400 times; an adult no more than 15 times.� ~ Robert Holden, Ph.D., founder of The Happiness Project, in Living Wonderfully

healthykids

activity visual and tactile. This supports a child with little prior experience with farm animals.

KEEP KIDS SINGING

Your child will: Expand her vocabulary and build understanding of how farm animals differ from pets or jungle animals. Once a preschooler is speaking in complete sentences, she is likely to adore stories and will sit for longer periods as you read to her.

Songs like this one also can be used to build social skills. For instance, a group of young participants can take turns in activities and discussions. As they begin to experiment with sounds, words, word patterns, rhymes and rhythms, they also build speaking, listening and reading skills. Coming to identify familiar sounds in the environment encourages development of thinking and problem-solving skills, as well.

So, before you fade out, having decided that singing the chorus of a favorite tune once again is one time too many, remember, there’s more to the exercise than meets the E-I-E-I-O.

COMFORT, PLAY, TEACH

by Jacqui DeBique

S

inging to children helps promote their development, so go ahead and give a “moo moo” here and a “moo moo” there; do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around.

When it comes to children’s songs, it turns out that this really is what it’s all about—simple, silly lyrics that are fun to sing over and over again, with little more to them than that.

Parents and kids love singing songs like Old MacDonald’s Farm and acting out The Hokey Pokey together. Making music and movement a regular part of our children’s lives supports their growth in joyful ways and brings beauty into their days.

According to the parenting and child development experts at Invest in Kids, Canada (InvestInKids.ca), a national charity aimed at helping parents improve their parenting skills, traditional classics sung routinely with our kids can have tremendous benefits. Invest in Kids’ thorough, research-based approach to parenting specifically aims to transform everyday parent-child routines and activities like singing favorite songs into teachable moments that actively support a child’s healthy social, emotional and intellectual development. Its positive approach to “opening a world of possibilities” is called Comfort, Play & Teach. Here’s how, illustrated via Old MacDonald’s Farm:

Comfort

If you do this: Repeat the song several times, each time encouraging the child to say the name of a farm animal that she knows and make each animal’s unique sound (e.g., baa, cluck, oink, quack, woof-woof or gobble).

Your child will: Feel increasingly confident as you pay special attention to her when singing this familiar song.

Older babies, who are now using 10 to 20 words, will proudly demonstrate what they know about animals and the sounds they make.

Play

If you do this: Suggest different farm animals that the child may be less familiar with. If he doesn’t know the animal’s sound, demonstrate the sound for him, or he can invent one.

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Your child will: Build his imaginative skills as he tries to make these new sounds and pretends to be various farm animals. Toddlers are especially eager to try new things and love to pretend.

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BREATHE INTO BEING The Ins & Outs of Better Health

Teach

If you do this: Use a picture book about farm animals or puppets to make an

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February 2010

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consciouseating

Good Humor Foods That Make Us Smile

by Judith Fertig a new twist: a carrot cake ife is uncertain. cupcake; miniature Eat dessert ice cream sodas; first,” couna flight of tiny snow seled writer Ernestine cones, each drizzled Ulmer in her now famous with homemade syrup; bon mot. or a chocolate chip cookie

What is it about desyou break apart like peanut serts that can bring a smile brittle. (See accompanying to even the grumpiest adult? recipes.)

Woody Allen has even com Maybe what brings out pared comedy to dessert, our inner smile is the story commenting that it is “a bit associated with a treat. like meringue.”

Perhaps it’s a baked apple

Desserts are meant to Grandma used to make be lighthearted. The very when you and your word, after all, is the excousins visited her and act reverse of stressed. managed to get into all kinds of scrapes.

Most of us admit to

More than any “Research tells us having a sweet tooth; chocolate is such a universal craving other part of the meal, that 14 out of any

that it’s a laughable legend. a favorite dessert

As the late humorist Erma Bombeck reminds us, “Seize instantly takes us back 10 individuals the moment.

Remember all those women on the Titanic who to treasured moments like chocolate.” waved off the dessert cart.” in our childhood—to a more uncomplicated ~ Sandra Boynton, author of Chocolate Crostini time in our lives—if Chocolate: The Consuming Passion So simple, yet so good. The final sprinkle of salt makes all only momentarily. the difference.

“Oreo cookies make me very happy,” confesses columnist Craig Wilson of USA Today. “I can eat a sleeve of them so quickly it Makes 16 crostini. even embarrasses me. Add a glass of milk, and I’m giddy.”

One 10-inch baguette

Dessert encourages us to engage our playful side, espe6 to 8 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, in bar or block cially true if we are indulging in a familiar confection with form, cut into 16 pieces

“L

Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing Coarse kosher or sea salt for sprinkling

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1. Preheat the oven to 375° F. 2. Slice off the ends of the bread and then slice the bread on the diagonal, ½-inch thick, to get 16 slices. Arrange the bread on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.

3. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully place a piece of chocolate on each slice of bread. Return to the oven and warm for two minutes or until the chocolate begins to melt. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of salt and devour while warm.

Cookie Brittle

Like a chocolate chip cookie, but without any leavening, this dough, mixed with desired flavorings, just presses into the pan.

After it bakes, break off the pieces. A shorter baking time produces a chewier cookie; a longer baking time delivers a crisper cookie.

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Makes about 3 dozen pieces.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted organic butter, softened 1 cup natural or turbinado sugar 1 tsp salt 1½ tsp vanilla extract 2 cups organic white whole wheat flour 1 cup flaked almonds, dried cherries, snipped dried apricots or desiccated coconut 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Combine butter, sugar, salt and vanilla, beat until creamy. Stir in flour gradually, beating until blended. Fold in the almonds and chocolate chips, then press the dough into a large jelly roll pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.

2. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool. Break the baked cookie apart like peanut brittle.

3. Store in an airtight container.

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Baked Lemon Spice Pears

The house will fill with the aromas of pear, vanilla and lemon with this dish in the oven. Serve with a favorite spice cookie.

Makes 4 servings.

4 firm pears, peeled, cored and cut in half lengthwise ¼ cup natural or turbinado sugar 1 vanilla bean One 2- to 3-inch curling strip of fresh lemon peel ¼-inch-long cinnamon stick 1 cup water 1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. Oil the inside of a 9-inch square baking pan and set aside.

2. Place the pears cut-side down in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the sugar.

Place the vanilla bean, lemon peel and cinnamon stick around the pears.

Pour the water over all. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.

3. Bake for 1½ hours, or until the pears are soft and fragrant. Serve garnished with the curling strip of lemon peel from the baking dish.

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fitbody

Yoga LAUGHTER Exercises

Catalyst for Laughing Alone

by Dr. Madan Kataria

T

ture of laughter that continually changhe slogan of all laughter clubs es, according to our state of our mind is, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” This and personality type. Given the natural is based on a scientific fact that feedback between body and mind, by even if you are faking it, the body opening up your voice to the sounds of cannot differentiate between real and make-believe emotions. This is how laughter exercises convert artificial laughter into bouts of real laughter. It hinges on coming to genuinely laugh at hearing the absurd, silly sounds of your own voice.

The fun starts with Fake it ‘til you ha-ha-ha, he-he-he, make it. ho-ho-ho, as you play with laughter exercises to discover what amuses you. Initially, faking laughter may seem awkward, but with practice, your body will become conditioned, and the moment you start faking, it will quickly turn into the real thing.

Laughter yoga employs a voice reinforcement technique based on the natural sounds of laughter. As children, we shout and scream to express ourselves fully, but as adults we have been conditioned to control the pitch and tone of our voice to the point where we are unable to express our feelings to the fullest. The freedom and expression of the voice affects the freedom of emotions in the mind, and vice versa.

Everyone has a distinct signa-

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laughter, you can bring about a change in your overall emotional expression.

It helps to keep the following points in mind while doing laughter yoga exercises: • The purpose is to prolong the exhalation, in order to empty the lungs completely. This will help you to inhale deeply and get more oxygen flowing into the body. While doing laughter exercises, try to keep laughing until you run out of breath, removing residual air from the lungs.

• Keep your chin up; it becomes much easier to laugh if you are looking upwards. It also makes the respiratory tract straight and facilitates the flow of air.

• Spreading your arms out and looking up creates happy body language.

Because of the body-mind link, a happy posture facilitates the release of happy chemicals in the brain.

Voice Reinforcement Voice reinforcement techniques help to bring laughter more easily. Start by taking a long breath and start saying haaaa-haaaa-haaaa-haaaaa-haaaa five to seven times. Then, try to laugh and keep laughing until you completely run out of breath. Another approach is to use the vowel sound Aeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, and prolong it while raising your arms over your head.

With your chin up, laugh ha-ha-ha-ha.

Repeat the technique, using Aaaaaaaaa and Oooooooo. Do each five to six times and take a few deep breaths inbetween.

Voice reinforcement techniques are best performed while standing, but you can also do them while lying down. Some people find that bringing their knees towards their chest helps to expel the residual air more easily.

Breath Holding Technique

The way to employ the breathholding technique is to take a long breath, raise your arms over your head and hold your breath, while stretching the spine backwards. As you try to continue to hold the breath a little longer, you will burst out laughing. The position builds up pressure inside the lungs and facilitates laughter; gradually, the brain develops a new connection be-

tween breathing, stretching and holding the breath and laughter, and it becomes a conditioned reflex.

Another variation is to keep your eyes closed and take a long breath.

Hold it as long as possible, avoiding the urge to laugh. The anticipation of laughter is what prompts real outbursts of laughing. In the beginning, do it deliberately or pretend to laugh; soon, you will experience the real feelings and laughter will be spontaneous.

One Meter Laughter Stand or sit to perform one meter laughter. If standing, place your feet a little apart and position both your hands to the far left. Then, slide one arm over the other and stretch it to the opposite shoulder, as if measuring a one-meter piece of fabric. Note these three stages: first, touch the elbow while sliding; second, reach the opposite shoulder; finally, stretch out both arms to either side, push your chin up, open your mouth a bit wider and laugh heartily.

This technique, which opens the diaphragm, allows laughter to flow easily straight from the belly. It has a cathartic effect as you release pent-up emotions and experience a sense of joy and freedom.

Aloooha Laughter Derived from the traditional Hawaiian greeting, Aloooha laughter stimulates brain and body as it facilitates circulation and blood supply. It is ideally performed in the morning in bed, upon waking.

Sit up on your knees and place some cushions in front of you. Raise your arms, push up your chin and start saying a prolonged Aloooooo in a crescendo. End it by saying a loud haaa and laugh heartily. Bend down as you do this to dig your head into the cushions; carry on and don’t stop if you’re enjoying it.

As you dig into the cushions, you can also cover your head with your arms as you continue to laugh. This encourages the flow of air and can feel stimulating. Many people even move towards longer, hysterical laughing to experience a total feeling of release and well-being.

Holding Your Knees Laughter This last exercise helps facilitate the upward movement of the diaphragm by pressing in on the abdominal muscles.

It, too, helps improve circulation and stimulates blood flow to the brain. It involves simple steps of pulling in the knees and releasing them as you exhale and inhale.

• Lie on your back, hold your knees together with both your hands and slowly bring them closer to your chest.

• While doing this, push your chin upwards and keep your mouth a little open and exhale. This straightens the respiratory tract and allows a freer flow of air.

• Now, release your knees and inhale while taking in deep breaths.

As you bring your knees closer and push your chin upwards, use the sound reinforcement techniques of laughter.

Say a prolonged haaaaaaa in a crescendo and then start laughing. Take a few deep breaths in-between spells of laughter. While laughing, you can open or close your eyes, depending on what makes you comfortable and helps keep you laughing.

Childlike giggling is another great way of breaking into truly tickled laughter.

Dr. Madan Kataria is the founder of Laughter Yoga Clubs; connect at LaughterYoga.org.

Need help getting started?

Call the free Laugh Line at the top of the hour from 6 a.m. to noon, as well as 3, 8 and 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. (EDT), 712-432-3900, pin 6071292# to connect with a certified laughter leader. For pre-recorded sessions, call 712432-3903 with the same pin.

Source: FollowTheLaughter.com

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February 2010

31

The Ins and Outs of Bowel Movements!

by Bessheen Baker, ND; Director of Naturopathic Institute & Herbs Etc.

I

t’s one of the most important topics that people just don’t talk about. So, let’s go there! The first lesson I learned in natural health is that death begins in the colon. Eighty percent of all disease and suffering can be linked in some way to bowel health: allergies, acid reflux, female cramps, mood shifts, headaches, prostate inflammation, joint problems, depression, tumors, growths, and the obvious digestive related conditions, plus numerous other health complaints from childhood and throughout all phases of life.

We are so “uptight” about our bowels that we hide the fact that they have a function. Food in, waste out; right? It’s only natural. Yet, we do a number of silly things to hide the entire experience.

Have you ever?

Made plenty of noise in a public restroom so that the rest of the attendees wouldn’t hear you: cough, rattle the paper dispenser, flush on the go, anything to hide potential noises.

How about the running water trick, because your date is in ear shot of the bathroom. Vacation constipation: can’t go in an unfamiliar environment, so you hold it for a week! What would happen if we talked about it more? Might we feel less uncomfortable with this daily necessity? One of the most important misunderstandings is thinking that the bowels are ‘normal’ when they move only once per day or even once every other day.

This simply is not the case. The intestinal tract is meant to move like a conveyer belt: one meal in, one meal out, three meals in per day, three bowel movements out! If you consume three meals per day and you have one bowel movement per day, in three days you will have had nine meals and three bowel movements. Where are the other six meals? Sure,

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some movements may contain more than one meal, yet at this rate, you are steadily falling behind. No wonder the average American has 5 pounds of undigested rotting, fermenting, and putrefying waste in their bowel. No wonder we stink.

Do you keep matches, candles, and fragrance sprays in your bathroom? When your bowels are working right, the whole body functions better, and there is rarely any strong odor.

There are three key things that keep the colon healthy: 1) Exercise, both internally from eating fruits and vegetables and externally from walking and other forms of exercise. 2) Friendly Bacteria, also known as acidophilus, which serves to protect the colon from bad bacteria, parasites, and infections. It also keeps the movement soft. 3) Water is essential to the colon as it lubricates the bowel and reduces build up of the waste products. Consider drinking 1/2 the number of your weight in ounces per day. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you would drink 100 oz of water per day. It’s best to add some fresh lemon, concentrated cherry juice, or even green tea to the water so that your body will absorb it better.

Herbal cleanses are available in many forms; here are a few of my favorites: Generally Sluggish: one Cascara Sagrada cap and two Psyllium Hulls caps with a tall glass of water morning and night for 21 days. Cascara is the mover, and Psyllium is the scrubber. Adjust more or less of each as needed. Drink plenty of water!

Just the Morning Cleanse: 1 T of liquid Chlorophyll, 1 T of Aloe Vera juice, 2 Slippery Elm capsules, and 1 Food Enzyme cap, and a large glass of water or apple juice. Try this one every morning for 30 days.

Soothe & Heal for Sore Irritable Bowels: 1T of Whole Leaf Aloe Vera juice, 2 caps of Slippery Elm, and 2 capsules of Barley Juice powder. This can be taken one to three times per day according to individual needs until the bowels are no longer sore.

Spring Cleanse for Parasites: 2 caps of Black Walnut and 2 caps of Herbal Pumpkin taken twice daily for 30 days, and let your fishing partner know you’ve got all the supplies needed. Yes, that was gross but very true! Many people see the worms in their stool.

If you have questions, contact a well educated herbalist or your local Natural Health Educator.

Bessheen Baker, ND, is the Co-Founder and Director of Education at Naturopathic Institute of Therapies & Education (NITE), located at 503 East Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI. 48858. Visit www.nite-mtp.com or call 989-773-1714. See ad page 8.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Angelic Alchemical Healing with Peter & Anne Selby- Feb 1-8. Visiting from Oregon, Peter Selby & his wife Anne will be presenting their powerful work of clairvoyant angelic healing & analysis of the human energy field. Healing demonstrations, private sessions & weekend workshop available. Visit youangelyou. com. The Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St, Ste G. Spring Lake. 616-842-0264.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

MomsBloom Infant Massage Class- 9:00-10:00am.

Infant massage plays a significant role in baby’s growth & development. Helps promote better sleeping, relieves discomfort from colic, teething & distress. Taught by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. $45 per family and includes oil & instructional manual. Metro Health Hospital (Michael Faas conference room). Call to register 616-828-1021.

Home Care & Trigger Point- 6:15-7:15pm. Bring a partner and learn in this hands on workshop how to decrease pain and stress in your life. Free. Call to register. Courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic, 364 Garden St, Holland. 616-392-9500.

Kids Nutrition – 6:30pm. Dine and Learn about Kids Nutrition. Our children are overweight and over sickit is time to change that statistic. Complimentary for first visit. Reservations please. The Wellness Forum 830 Forest Hill Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-942-7907

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Partner Yoga- 6:30-8:30pm. Partner yoga is a unique practice that can strengthen relationships by fortifying trust, communication, and intimacy. Class is limited to 12 couples. $35 per couple ($40 at the door) Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Advanced Reiki Training Class- 9:00am-5:00pm.

This class is the next step for those who have taken Reiki I/II to learn new techniques and tools to further your healing ability. $250. Jan Atwood, LLC, Reiki Master / Teacher, 801 Broadway Ave, NW, Suite 436, Grand Rapids. Jan@JanAtwood.com.

Health Fair- 9:00am-12:00pm. Discover how today’s choices can improve health, prevent heart disease and provide benefits of life. Speakers, cooking demonstrations, vendor booths, prize drawings and more. Free.

Call The Center for Good Health at 616-394-3344 to register. Haworth Inn & Conference Center, 225 College Ave, Holland.

Flexibility for Golfers (and anyone)-1:00-2:30pm.

With golf season right around the corner, now is the time to get your body ready. Individual assessment and group instruction given with take-home stretching exercises provided. $10. Register at thestudiowfc. com or call 531-2026. The Studio at WFC, 933 52nd Street, Kentwood.

Bella Sage Impressions Hand-Crafted Jewelry Show- 3:00-5:00pm. Local artist shares her beautiful handmade jewelry just in time for Valentines Day.

Delicious refreshments provided. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Extended Grace Interfaith/Mystic Community Gathering- 1:00pm-Potluck, 1:30-Integral Worship embracing the God beyond, between and within. Topic: Laughter. 233 Washington, Suite 208, Grand Haven. 616-502-2078.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Crystal Bowl Meditation with Crystal Frazee6:00-7:00pm. Crystal Frazee uses crystal singing bowls to support and deepen the experience of meditation. $10 donation. crystal.ogle@gmail. com. The Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St, Ste G. Spring Lake. 616-842-0264.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9

MomsBloom Infant Massage Class- 9:00-10:00am.

Infant massage plays a significant role in baby’s growth & development. Helps promote better sleeping, relieves discomfort from colic, teething & distress. Taught by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. $45 per family and includes oil & instructional manual. Metro Health Hospital (Michael Faas conference room). Call to register 616-828-1021.

Free Health Workshop- 6:15pm. Morea Chiropractic is offering a free workshop on 5 things You Can do Right Now to be The Healthiest You’ve Ever Been. Learn nutrition, exercise, supplements, & more. Call to RSVP. Morea Chiropractic 388 N 3rd Ave Ste L, Fruitport. 231-865-7474 Cleansing & Weight Loss Workshop– 6:30pm.

Take the time to cleanse. Feel better and lose unwanted weight. A light dinner will be served. Call for register. Schafer Chiropractic and Healing Spa, 1801 Breton SE, Grand Rapids. 616-575-9105 Conversation with God Study Group- 6:30pm.

A discussion about the messages of CwG as written by Neale Donald Walsch. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

5 Secrets to Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle & Permanent Weight Loss- 6:30-7:30pm. Learn the 5 pillars to maintaining a healthy lifestyle & permanent weight loss to regain your energy & vitality. Free. Call to register. Courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. Howard Miller Community Center, 14 S Church St, Zeeland. 616-392-9500.

Lose Weight/Feel Great- 6:30pm. Do you need to lose a few extra pounds and increase your energy?

Join us to learn how to cleanse your body of toxins, lose weight and start feeling great. There will be a light dinner provided. To find out more information, please call 616-575-9105. Great Lakes Family Chiropractic, 3138 Broadmoor Ave SE, Kentwood.

GR Men’s Spiritual Roundtable- 6:30-8:30pm.

And 2/23. On ongoing bi-monthly gathering held on the second & forth Tuesdays of the month.

Do you have questions about your spiritual path, alternatives to the prevailing fundamental religious dogma? Facilitated by Ray Farrell. Free will offering appreciated. Nature’s Spiritual Connection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

River, draw, read, or simply catch up on much needed rest. Make time for yourself the second Wednesday & Thursday of each month. $25-$75. The Leaven Center, Lyons. 989-855-2606.

Your Metabolism- 2:00-3:00pm.Vibrant health isn’t just good luck, it’s a goal that intelligent people can work toward. This class is an introduction to Weight Loss School, where you can rediscover good health with good old fashioned home cooking. Free introductory class. Call to RSVP. Holistic Nutrition Center 90 West 8th Street, Holland. 616-355-5333.

Learn- Diet failed – Again!- 6:30pm. Register for this 8 week course with Monica Smith, LLPC, RD where you will discover your eating triggers. Preregistration course fee is $160. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

Guided Meditation, Prayer and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00 pm. Relax to guided meditation, and receive energy healing from local healers while church chaplains pray over your prayer requests. Donation.

Unity Church on the Lakeshore, 41 So. Washington, Douglas. 269-857-8226.

Hot Vinyasa/Partner Yoga Workshop - 7:00-9:00 pm. Participants can get close with a partner & strengthen connections while having fun together. Not just for couples, participants can pair with a friend or another solo yogi. $40/couple. Registration is required.

Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids.

616-235-9642.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Have Lunch on Us – 11:45am. Learn the 5 things you can do RIGHT NOW to be the healthiest you’ve ever been. Held at Jazzy Café. Call to reserve your spot today! Morea Chiropractic, 388 N 3rd Ave Ste L, Fruitport. 231-865-7474.

Natural Solutions to Arthritis Pain- 6:00pm. This free workshop will provide information and natural solutions for Arthritis sufferers. Call to register.

Sponsored by The Foundation for Wellness Professionals, 4150 East Beltline Suite #4. Grand Rapids.

616-447-9888.

Intuitive Message Circle- 6:30pm. Also on 2/25.

Share messages from your heart with others. All levels respected, helpful hints given too. $5. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

CranioSacral Study Group- 7:00-9:00pm. Prerequisite: Upledger CSTI. Facilitated by Ellen Costantino.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Individual Silent Retreat (self-directed) - 9:00am5:00pm on 2/11. Meditatively walk 20 acres of meadows and woods, sit and write beside the Grand

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$5. Contact Jamilah. Holistic Care Approach 3368 Beltline Ct NE, Grand Rapids. 616-340-0543.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Ultimate Yoga Weekend with Doug SwensonFeb 12-14th . 4 Sessions Friday thru Sunday, sign up for entire weekend or by the segment. Call 616-458-2541 or register online at sevayoga.net.

Do not miss this opportunity to study with a true Yoga Master. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids.

Sweetheart’s Night Out- 5:30-9:30pm. Bring your child for a fun and safe evening that includes Dinner, Crafts, and fun Gym Activities. Members $25, Nonmembers $30. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.

Couples Yoga- 6:30-9:00pm. With Jane Donnelly, RYT. Celebrate your coupleship and reconnect with yoga and thai partner massage. $35/couple, includes light appetizers and refreshments. jane@hagoyoga. com. The Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St, Ste G. Spring Lake. 616-842-0264.

Partner Yoga 6:30-8:00pm. Give the gift of presence. Doing yoga together can be a rich and beautiful experience, especially on Valentines Weekend.

Champagne & chocolate after! Taught by Carol Hendershot & Susan Duesbery. $40/couple. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

The Sacred in Everyday Life: A Creative Writing Workshop for Women - 7:00pm-1:00pm on 2/14. Our lives carry within them glimmers of the divine, moments of sacredness. In this workshop, we’ll explore the holy moments in our lives through the process of writing. $190. The Leaven Center, Lyons. 989-855-2606.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Naturopathic School of Ann Arbor–Open House – 11:00am-1:00pm. Meet students/staff while program is in a live session. Call to RSVP. NaturopathicSchoolofAnnArbor.net. 734-769-7794.

Two Day Meditation Retreat with Sokuzan Bob Brown- 1:30-9:00pm on 2/13& 9:00am-2:00pm on 2/14. Sitting and walking meditation and Dharma talk both days, with Bob Brown, Priest in the Soto Zen Lineage. Free, donations appreciated.

Call Steve at 616-915-2024 or Steve.Sampson@ comcast.net. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Shadow & Soma: Awakening/Body Awareness with Ken Porter- 9:45-10:45am. Integrating the Shadow is one of the essential tasks of personal and planetary healing. The Shadow wants to be known and will create huge conflict and pain in our lives until we take ownership of is. Open to the public.

Fountain Street Church 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Meditation Monday- 6:30pm. All levels welcome.

Connect with your inner self as well as others in a soothing space. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Why Grass-Fed, Pastured Meat is Really BetterPresentation by Nathan and Andrea Creswick. Visit creswickfarms.com. Contact Gil at Nourishing Ways of West Michigan. Grand Rapids. 616-309-9147.

YIN Circles- 6:30pm. Also on 2/23. This group meets twice a month for 8 weeks. Reclaim your feminine power without negativity. $80. Visit iambemore.com for $20 discount coupon. Call to register.

Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

Stretching - 7:00-8:00pm. Learn how simple stretching routines can relieve stress; improve heart health, balance, flexibility and strength. Call to register.

Free seminar courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic.

Ultimate Fitness, 91 Douglas Ave Ste 140, Holland.

616-392-9500.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Spiritual Healing with Nancy O’Donohue- 6:30pm.

Nancy will explain Spiritual Healing as taught by England’s National Federation of Spiritual Healers, the largest healing organization in Europe, now teaching in Michigan. Call to register. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

Introduction to Sahaj Marg Meditation by Robert Sames- 7:00pm. The class is free and open to the public. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

reiki share open to the public that gathers the third Friday of every month. Facilitated by Patti Weaver.

Free will offering appreciated. Nature’s Spiritual Connection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

Fire of Transformation Practice- 6:30-8:30pm.

This challenging practice is for experienced Anusara yoga students. Taught by Mimi Ray. $18. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

Doing Our Own Work: A Seminar for Anti-racist White People (Pt. 1) - 7:00pm-1:00pm on 2/22. Doing Our Own Work is an intensive seminar for white people who seek to deepen their commitment to confronting and challenging racism and white privilege where they live, study, and work. (Pt. 2 in March.) $690. The Leaven Center, Lyons.989-855-2606.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Free Yoga and Pilates Mini-Sessions- 12:002:00pm. Always wanted to try yoga or Pilates but never dared? Join us for one or more of six - fifteen minute classes: Chair Yoga, Pilates or Yoga, all free.

Visit thestudiowfc.com for details. The Studio at WFC, Yoga and Pilates. 933 52nd St. Kentwood.

616-531-3026.

Awaken the Healer in You – 1:00-5:00pm. This introduction to energy healing as taught by England’s renowned National Federation of Spiritual Healers will teach you energy healing tools you will be able to use immediately to invoke remarkable changes in your life. Taught by licensed trainer Nancy O’Donohue. $40. Center for Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St., Spring Lake. 269-929-6796.

Community Meditation Gathering- 6:00-8:00pm.

An ongoing open meditation class held on the third Saturday of every month. Topic is Love. Facilitated

by Danielle Alandt. Free will offering appreciated.

Nature’s Spiritual Connection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

Kids Day Away- 12:00-4:00pm. Fun filled afternoon including lunch, crafts and gym time.. Members $25, Nonmembers $30. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.

Feng Shui and Green Design Basics- 6:00-7:30pm.

Join us to learn Feng Shui and green tips to create balanced environments that promote healthy, harmonious living and working environments. Free. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids.

616-956-5000.

Guided Meditation and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress & discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation & energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5. Center for Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St., Spring Lake. Space is limited; reservations a must. 269-929-6796

Shadow & Soma: Awakening/Body Awareness with Ken Porter- 9:45-10:45am. Integrating the Shadow is one of the essential tasks of personal and planetary healing. The Shadow wants to be known and will create huge conflict and pain in our lives until we take ownership of is. Open to the public. Fountain Street Church 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386.

Eckhart Tolle Live Meditation Event- 3:305:00pm. Experience Eckhart Tolle’s teachings in this new format as we join him live via streaming internet from Vancouver, BC. $5 suggested donation. Call or email to RSVP. betsy@yournextstepup.com. The Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St, Ste G. Spring Lake. 616-842-0264.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Reiki Share Group- 5:30-7:30pm. If you have been trained in Reiki, you are welcome to come & share

Community Reiki Share- 6:00-8:00pm. An ongoing

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

experiences, ask questions and both give and receive.

Donations accepted. Jan Atwood, LLC, Reiki Master / Teacher, 801 Broadway Ave, NW, Suite 436, Grand Rapids. Jan@JanAtwood.com.

Healer’s Rejuvenation Circle- 6:30pm. Connect with other healers & find your balance again. $10.

Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Spinal Decompression Open House - 6:00-7:00pm.

Learn about Spinal Decompression and how this treatment can alleviate pain in your life. Call to register.

Free seminar courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic, 364 Garden St, Holland. 888-567-3391.

Detoxification Workshop- 6:00pm. This free workshop will provide information how to get rid of impurities absorbed in the body from food, drink, cosmetics, cleaners, toxic chemicals and environmental substances. Call to register. Sponsored by The Foundation for Wellness Professionals, 4150 East Beltline Suite #4. Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888 Understanding Fibromyalgia- 6:15pm. Do you experience aches and pains that do not seem to be getting better? You may be suffering from Fibromyalgia. To find out more & learn how you can begin feeling relief, join Dr. McKenzie. A light meal will be provided. Call to RSVP 616-575-9105. Great Lakes Family Chiropractic, 3138 Broadmoor Ave SE, Kentwood.

Experience Zumba- 7:00pm. Zumba is the Latin inspired fitness phenomenon that is a total body workout that seems like a party! Come prepared to move. $5.00. The Wellness Forum 830 Forest Hill Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-942-7907 How Healthy is your Brain? Are Toxins Interfering?- 7:00-8:00pm. Prevention Plus Event with Rosalyn Baker-Ingham. Free. Holistic Care Approach 3368 Beltline Ct NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-9221.

Spiritual Wellness– 7:00-8:30pm. Every 4th Tuesday. A new start to the year with Coptic Minster Denise Iwaniw’s latest year long workshop, “Spiritual Wellness”. Denise brings an evening of spiritual well being and food for the soul covering a various topics each month. $15. The Coptic Center 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Free Chiropractic Services with Donation– 8:00am-6:00pm. Dr. Andrew Schafer will be donating Chiropractic services for one day in exchange for food donations to Kid’s Food Basket. Visit kidsfoodbasket.org for food items “wish list”. Call for appointment. Schafer Chiropractic and Healing Spa, 1801 Breton SE, Grand Rapids. 616-575-9105.

Your Metabolism- 2:00-3:00pm.Vibrant health isn’t just good luck, it’s a goal that intelligent people can work toward. This class is an introduction to Weight Loss School, where you can rediscover good health with good old fashioned home cooking. Free

introductory class. Call to RSVP. Holistic Nutrition Center 90 West 8th Street, Holland. 616-355-5333.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Anti-Inflammatory Eating with Heather E. Bogetta, RD- 6:30-8:30pm. Could your current eating style be causing unhealthy inflammation in your body? Learn simple diet changes to assist the body in neutralizing oxidative stress & inflammation. $10.

For more information or to register, contact Heather at hbogetta@gmail.com. The Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St, Ste G. Spring Lake. 616-842-0264.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Passionate Intimacy, Making Love Work in the Bedroom, with Drs., Holstein and Taylor- Feb 26-28. Regular consultants to the Oprah Winfrey Show & Good Morning America, they will be teaching their signature workshop, Passionate Intimacy.

For registration & more information visit intimacygrowthassociates.com. The Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St, Ste G. Spring Lake. 616-842-0264.

Yoga Nidra- 6:30-8:30pm. Cultivate awareness and sensitivity through intention with the practice of Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep), an ancient practice that bypasses the conscious mind to access the subconscious for powerful transformation. Taught

by Katherine Florentine. $20. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids.

ExpressionsofGraceYoga.com or 616-361-8580.

108 Hour Anusara Yogatm Immersion Program- Feb. 26-28 , Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat & Sun 9am-12pm & 1:30-4:30pm. Designed to provide a good foundation of practical understanding of Anusara Yogatm for all students & is a requirement for those students who wish to enter into Anusara Yogatm Teacher Training. $495/ both weekends.

FromTheHeartYoga.com 616-336-9642.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

The Spirit at Work Through Reiki: Deepening Your Reiki Practice – 9:00am-5:00pm. For Reiki Masters who wish to continue their training. $150. Jan Atwood, LLC, Reiki Master / Teacher, 801 Broadway Ave, NW, Suite 436, Grand Rapids. Jan@JanAtwood.com.

10 Year Anniversary Celebration- 10:00am2:00pm. Come celebrate with us and receive a free gift plus discounts on products and services.

We hope to see you there. Cj’s Studio Salon 5286 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-364-9191.

Exploring Ayurveda: The Yoga of Eating with Laura Burkett- 1:00-3:00pm. Discuss a yogic way of eating. Find out how to teach your body that life is not a fat-storing, sugar-craving emergency Learn how to re-connect with the cycles of the day and the year. $25 pre-register /$30 at the door. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road

We all have a hand in creating the community where we want to live.

It is the support of our wonderful advertisers that makes it possible to provide this resource to you each month.

Please support the businesses that support us... and be sure to mention you saw them in Natural Awakenings.

Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.

Consistency in the Face of Change – 4:00-6:00pm.

Monthly Therapeutic Detox Practice/Program. Teaches us how to reach into our box of ‘tools’ (i.e., our yoga practice, breath, journal, loved ones & mantra cards), and step aside, breathe, ground ourselves, and then face the change at hand in a more healthy way. $15. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Intuitive Fair & Lecture Series- 11:00am-5:00pm.

To schedule private appointments with Maria or Joe call (810)659-6886. Appointments $10 with all other intuitives on a first come first serve basis. Entry admission of $10 covers all lectures throughout the day.

Nature’s Spiritual Connections 615 Lyon St. Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

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Complete tax services for individuals and small businesses. Accurate and affordable. Willing to come to you. Call Steve at 616-891-9401.

Women’s Spring ReNewal Retreat for Women with Barb Badolati Fri & Sat, March 19, 20 Maranatha Resort Muskegon Michigan To Contact 616 638 5625 www.BeWellRetreats.com

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

Sunday

Monday

Awakening – 9:00-9:45am. Chanting, to meditation, and beyond. Free. Christ Community Church, 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake.

616-842-1985.

Christ Community Church – 10:00am.

Gathering service with traditional and contemporary music and progressive message encouraging all to expand their consciousness.

Childcare available. 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985.

Unity Church of Peace Sunday Service– 10:00am. Presenting uplifting and vibrant spiritual messages in warm and accepting atmosphere. Your ministry grades 1-12 & nursery. Office@Unity-ChurchofPeace.org.

Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Dr, Ada. 616-682-7812.

Kripalu Yoga with Ron Collins – 4:00pm.

Ideal for students who are rehabbing from illness or with symptoms such as muscle/ joint pain, stress & fatigue or for those who are just beginning an exercise program. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.

Mindfulness Meditation & Dharma Discussion- 4:30-5:00pm.Discussion. Based on the writings of a Buddhist teacher. Meditation5:00-6:00pm. Two 20min periods of sitting & 10min of walking. Free-Donations accepted.

The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836.

Vinyasa Yoga– 5:30-6:45pm. Vinyasa flow is a physically challenging practice & prior experience is required. Heat is 82-85deg. $12.

Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.

The Coptic Center Sunday Series – 6:00pm.

An ongoing series of inspirational speakers, centering and the piano music of Karen Lauck as we explore Universal Truths. TheCopticCenter.org. Love Offering. The Coptic Center, 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids.

616-531-1339.

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50% Off BioMeridian Assessments- Stateof-the-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home color coded charts to assess health progress. Call for an appointment. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176.

Yoga-Beginning – 9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. Focus on awareness and strengthening the core. Modifications made for those with limitations. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.

Pilates – Yoga at Noon – 12:00-12:55pm.

Pilates and yoga are systems of integrated exercise. Enjoy the benefits of these complementary disciplines to feel strong, centered, energized, and focused. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.

Sing Song YogaTM for Kids – 4:30-5:15pm.

A brand new children’s yoga program which uses children’s songs to assist in learning the yoga poses. A song sung with a familiar tune is taught for each pose. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836.

Laughter Yoga with Coptic Teacher Cheryl Oliver- 6:30pm. Learn to “laugh for no reason” and get a great work out too. Wear comfortable clothing & bring a mat or pillow for optional floor exercises. Love Offering. TheCopticCenter.org. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

Zumba Classes- 7:30pm. $10. Held at Holistic Care Approach 3368 Beltline Ct NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-9221.

Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Tuesday Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 7:45-9:00am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:15-10:30am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Wednesday 50% Off BioMeridian Assessments- Stateof-the-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home color coded charts to assess health progress. Call for an appointment. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176.

Lighten Up & Shine- 1:00-3:00pm. Based on Brain GymR activities, easy integrative movements help synchronize the mind, body & spirit. Led by Rebecca Kirk. $14/person. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids.

616-776-0836.

Back to Yoga Basics- 6:00pm. Great beginner’s class and introduction to the practice - learn the foundation of poses and healing practice of yoga. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289 Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class- 6:00-7:00pm. Reconnect with your ability to move, regardless of age. New classes begin 1st week of January. Visit BodyWorkbyJudith.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison Street, Ludington.

231-510-5800.

General Anxiety Support Group – 7:008:30pm. General Anxiety Support Group is open to individuals who have any kind of anxiety problem as well as their friends & family members. Anxiety Resource Center, 312 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids. 616356-1614.

Shambala Meditation Group– 7:30pm. Sitting and Walking meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Free. Beginners welcome.

Instruction provided. Sacred Space, 58 E.Beltline, Grand Rapids. 616-452-2115.

Thursday Green Drinks GR Network – 5:00-7:00pm.

3rd Thursday. Join other environmental enthusiasts for casual networking and drinks.

For more Info visit GreenDrinksGR.org contact WMEAC at 616-451-3051. Grand Rapids.

Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Friday Candlelight Yin Yoga- 6:00pm. Join us for a wonderfully restorative practice of Yin yoga held by candlelight (poses held for 1-4 minutes). Please wear comfortable, warm clothing. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289 Yoga-Intermediate – 9:00am. Learn the basics. Holding poses longer and moving deeper into your practice and awareness of the core. Gentle back bends, inversions and arm balancing introduced. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.

Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class- 9:30-10:30am. In ATM lessons, students engage in precisely structured movement explorations that involve thinking, sensing, moving and imagining. $40/5 week series. New classes begin 1st week of January.

Contact Body Work by Judith, 121 E Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-510-5800.

Saturday Community Pilates Class- 10:45am11:45am. 2/6-2/13-2/20. Pilates mat work class open to the community free of charge.

Bring your own mat and call to reserve a spot.

Carolina@bodymindpilates.net. BodyMind Pilates Studio 6504 28th. St. SE, Ste. H. Grand Rapids. 616-516-6832 Sweetwater Local Foods Market - Winter Hours: Saturdays from 9am-1pm. We will be open every other Saturday from January till May beginning 1/9/10. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, Harvey St. 1/2 Mile South of Lakes Mall. Exit US 31 at Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon.

Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:00-10:15am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 10:30-11:45am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

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ACUPUNCTURE

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

SAMIR RAJANI, MD

DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

Medical Acupuncturist mmpc Internal Medicine 890 S. Washington, Ste. 130 Holland: 616-396-1907 www.mmpc.com Medical acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many chronic conditions, including pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Samir Rajani, MD is certified in medical acupuncture and practices at mmpc Internal Medicine.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Dr. Ronson Dykstra & Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.

CLEANING SERVICE NATURAL HOME CLEANING SERVICE, LLC

Effective, Environmentally Friendly Results Sherri Geysbeek 616-887-1504

OUT of the BLUE inc.

Nancy Despres RN, MBE 351 Cummings NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-453-4215 www.OutofTheBlueInc.net

Out of the Blue help others find alternative ways for achieving optimal health through the use of homeopathy, enzyme therapy, nutritional supplements and hair mineral analysis.

BODYWORK WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com

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

BOOKSTORE INDIGO’S AND MYSTIC’S BOOK EXCHANGE & MORE 4485 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids 616-447-8298 www.Iambemore.com

Featuring used books and new books based on personal growth, spirituality, music, handcrafted book accessories and other gift items. There are also book groups, classes & seminars held monthly. See ad pages 27.

Residential and Commercial Green Cleaning. Bonded and Insured.

Serving all of West Michigan. info@cleanednatural.com

COLON HYDROTHERAPY HARMONY ‘N HEALTH Mary De Lange, CCT., CMT. 1003 Maryland Av., N.E. Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 www.harmonynhealth.net

Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holistic approach colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloat, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 26.

THE BODY CENTER-HOLLAND Marcella Clark, CMMT, CCHT Kristy Hardinge, CCHT, I-ACT member 650 Riley Street , Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-834-2596

Gentle, effective and professional colon cleansing designed to drop toxin levels and improve nutrient absorption.

Get relief from bloating and constipation, fatigue and arthritis pain. Warm, secure environment. www.TheBodyCenter.us. See ad page 21.

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COLON HYDROTHERAPY

DENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

TRICIA E. GOSLING Holistic Care Approach 3368 Beltline Ct NE 616-481-9074

Offering an advanced clientcentered dimension of colonics: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 16 years of experience. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions.

COUNSELING supervised by Psy. D. Mark Mahacek Healing Ground Wellness Center 857 Summit, Muskegon, MI. 49441 231-755-3832 Stress Management, Neuro Emotional Technique (N.E.T.) practitioner helping to identify & let go of ‘stuck’ emotional patterns.

30 years of counseling experience, a holistic health care approach & setting. Affordable & confidential.

HOLISTIC COUNSELING SERVICES Deborah Jandle, L.M.S.W 346 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids 616-862-3296 www.DeborahJandle.com

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

Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement.

Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia.

See ad page 40.

AMA DEUS®

Beth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 www.Ama-Deusenergy.com Ama Deus healing energy method is a hand mediated technique aligned with love. The energy helps to enhance one’s own and others growth and awareness or physical and emotional healing. See ad page 19.

BARBARA ZIELINSKI, INTERFAITH PRACTITIONER

233 Washington, Suite 208, Grand Haven 616-502-2078 www.barbarazielinski.vepweb.com Ordained Minister, NADA Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist and Reiki Master. Cultivating healing and balance through Auricular Acupuncture for Addictions, Reiki, Integral Workshops/Coaching, Spiritual Care/Counseling, Life Passage Rituals/Ceremonies.

ESSENTIAL OILS

JANICE DE LANGE, PH.D

1514 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids 616-451-3008 JDelange06@yahoo.com www.JaniceDeLange.com

BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILS

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

PRISCILLA SANDERS

The Body Center 650 Riley Street, Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-836-1819 www.LearnToStressLess.com

Clara Vander Zouwen 616-698-6148 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com Offering Be Young therapeutic essential oils, MASAJI whole food drink, Organic meal replacement shakes, Mineral make-up.

Services: Ionic detoxing foot baths, Physical and Emotional balancing, biofeedback readings. See ad page 9.

HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER THE WELLNESS FORUM

Licensed clinical master social worker specializing in stress management. Workshops are offered at “Learn To Stress Less”, on site at the Body Center Studio. Workshops focus on learning about and experiencing modalities that create relaxation and relieve stress. See ad page 21.

West Michigan Edition

Dr. Kevin P. Flood DDS 4990 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids 616-974-4990 www.FloodTheDentist.com

ENERGY HEALING

DAN ELLINGER, MA, LLP

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DENTISTRY / HOLISTIC

Sue Scharf, Director 830 Forest Hill Ave., Grand Rapids 616-942-7907 www.WellnessForum.com An international organization committed to health and wellness through education. Learn to make a healthy lifestyle easier through classes, workshops and cooking demos.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

HEALTH FOOD STORES AFFORDABLE NUTRITION

Joel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner 7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison 616-667-1346 Certified Nutritional Consultant – member AANC, MI-CNHP, NPA. Nutritional counseling, weight loss, sports nutrition, senior discounts. Available for seminars/lectures.

Select high quality vitamins and supplements.

HEALTH HUTT

Grand Haven - 616-846-3026 Muskegon - 231-739-1568 North Muskegon - 231-744-0852 www.HealthHutt.net Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, gluten free foods, books, natural body care and more. Open 7 days a week. See ad, page 15.

NATURE’S MARKET

1013 S. Washington, Holland 616-394-5250 www.NaturesMarketHolland.com Full service natural food store with all natural/organic deli.

Offering organic and natural groceries. Gluten-free products.

Organic and local produce.

Supplements and natural body care products. See ad, page 12.

UTOPIAN MARKETPLACE 8832 Water St., Montague 231-894-9530 www.UtopianMarketplace.com

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides a personalized shopping experience. We have a large selection of gluten-free foods, clothing, jewelry, herbs, supplements, local foods, gifts and more. Open Mic events every month. See ad, page 34.

HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTERS THE HEALING CENTER

352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Licensed Physician Assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals. Private consultations.

Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional release, iridology, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 14.

HOMEOPATHY BOB HUTTINGA

352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com A Physician assistant since 1976, specializing in naturopathic and homeopathic care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. See ad, page 14.

HYPNOTHERAPY Branden Wilson, BAS, CHT, CPNLP Certified Hypnotherapist, American Board of Hypnotherapy Certified Practitioner NLP, Society of NLP 616-560-1482 branden.wilson@gmail.com

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

Transform guilt, shame, and grief.

KINESIOLOGY WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist.

Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 15.

MASSAGE THE BODY CENTER-HOLLAND

The Team 650 Riley Street, Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-834-2596 Our Massage Team offers several techniques and modalities. From Ahh-Shiatsu, a firm Sports Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Detox, Hot Stone, Rossiter-Joint Mobility, Reiki Healing, to using Oils and Aromatherapy to nurture. See ad page 28.

FULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERY SERVICE, INC.

Patrice Bobier CM, CPM Hesperia - 231-861-2234 www.FullCircleMidwifery.com In private practice since 1982 - specializing in homebirth.

Over 1200 births attended.

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

HOME BIRTH PARTNERS, LLC

Susan Wente, CNM, Dr. PH 231-652-3247 www.HomeBirthworks.com This regions only Certified Nurse Midwife with 28 years experience – over 3000 births attended.

Providing pre-natal, home birth and postpartum care. Gynecological and Doula services available.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CENTER EDEN ENVIRONMENTS

Denise Hopkins, AIA, LEED AP 5747 28th St. SE Grand Rapids 616-956-5000 www.EdenEnvironments.com Enrich your home and work environment with beautiful, healthy, sustainable design and products.

Architecture, interior and landscape design, flooring, paint, cabinets, counters, furniture, accessories.

Styled by nature, designed to nurture.

REIKI REIKI HAUS

Paula Bojsen Holland: 616-392-1138 www.ReikiHaus.com Offering quality Reiki classes & treatments at affordable prices. Certified Usui Reiki Master Teacher & Gendai Reiki Shihan. All levels, Reiki Master classes and Gendai Reiki Gokukaiden.

Learn pure Japanese Reiki.

RETREAT CENTER THE LEAVEN CENTER

Lyons, Michigan 989-855-2606 www.leaven.org A place of beauty on the banks of the Grand River where you can find rest and nourishment for your body and spirit. Offering workshops, retreats, and rental space yearround.

SKIN CARE TRACY’S FACES DAY SPA HOLISTIC SKIN CARE

7610 Cottonwood Dr., Ste 107 Jenison, MI 49428 616-667-9690 or 616-204-3402 www.TracysFaces.com Tracy’s Faces Day Spa offers a holistic relaxing experience with natural products for skin care & hair removal from head to toe. We offer Dermalogica & Elina Elite product lines. See ad page 28.

MIDWIFERY BIRTH SONG MIDWIFERY SERVICES

Yolanda Visser CM, CPM Grand Rapids 616-458-8144 www.BirthSongGR.com Homebirth services since 1982.

Committed to facilitating natural birth, bonding, strengthening the family, informed active participation, and lending dignity to women through their birthing experience.

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