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THE GOLDEN CITY HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE

JA N UA RY 2 02 3

• THE CARE YOU NEED •

THE COMPASSION YOU DESERVE Topeka ER & Hospital is dedicated to providing our local community with access to fast, quality, and concierge-level medical care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Board-Certified Emergency Physicians Minimal Wait Time CT Scan, MRI, X-ray, and Ultrasound Adult and Pediatric Care Full Clinical Lab Hope Restored Medical Detox IN NETWORK BENEFITS. OUTSTANDING CARE.

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BLO O D DRIVE

Happy Anniversary Cheers To Two Years In Print!

Celebrate Community A combined project by Topeka Service Clubs:

Lions, Optimists, Kiwanis, Rotary, Civitan & Sertoma

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1 PM TO 6 PM FAIRLAWN PLAZA MALL - TOPEKA KS

To register for your time to donate contact: Guy Neiderhauser at 816-210-6801 or email: gniederhauser@cbcks.org THANK YOU! Medical elegibility questions call 1-800-688-0900

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/TOPEKA

Service clubs coordinator: Irene Haws, 785-249-1913 Ad Sponsors: Topeka Lions/Twilight Lions, Heartland Sertoma, Evening Sertoma, Topeka Optimists, Topeka Sunflower Lions, Sunrise Optimist (785) 249-3979

Brian.Rodehorst@CityLifestyle.com

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January 2023 PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Health & Wellness Issue - Making Lasting Changes in 2023 For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons and goals to pursue. But for others, January can be a reminder of failed attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different. And while your outlook is partly a function of adopting a positive or negative attitude toward life and the future, it is also a matter of sustainability or consistency. We approached this issue from a mindset of not just supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term but valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional, and mental health. Within the pages of this issue you will find help to achieve all this from professionals right here in our Golden City. When it comes to anything in life - business, finance, food, home, and personal health – it’s not what you do some days that moves the needle - it’s what you do MOST days… for better or worse! For instance, taking a vacation every day would be financially and practically unfeasible, but taking a trip a few times a year is doable. Having a beautiful steak dinner with a few cocktails and creme brulee every night for dinner isn’t best for your health, but doing so once in a while is fine! Life is about balance and balance comes through the choices we make. So plan the vacation AND work to establish more regular rest in your work week. Join a fitness community or gym AND enjoy that dessert you’ve been wanting to try. It’s not what you do some days - it’s what you do most days that will lead to a more peaceful, fulfilling, and fabulous 2023. Here’s to you! We’re rooting for you.

K AT H Y G R A H A M , E D I TO R @TOPEK ALIFEST YLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ TOPEK A |

EDITOR

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER S

Thomas Hall | thomas.hall@eagleaerialworld.com Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com Humbelina Harper humbe@humbelinaharperphotography.com STAFF WR ITER S

Sue Baldani | suebaldani@yahoo.com Linda Ditch | lindaaditch@gmail.com Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Topeka City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Topeka area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Topeka City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Finding Fitness in 2023

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Get Active

Inspired By

Our Town

Trend Setter

Realty Report

Mental Wellbeing

The key to physical and mental wellness is finding the right workout

22 Capturing the Memories of a Lifetime An online place to store and share our stories

26 Lace-up Your Skates

Evergy Plaza’s ice rink brings wintertime fun to downtown

36 Life’s Healing Journey

A New Kind of Therapy for Achieving Mental Health

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Thomas Hall Core First Ice Rink at the Evergy Plaza

FI T NES S LI FE + C U LT U R E

S PO RTS + R EC R EAT ION ST Y LE + B EAU T Y R EA L ESTAT E HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

WHERE THERE IS

great love

THERE ARE ALWAY MIRACLES

Lisa M. Williams-McCallum Attorney & Counselor at Law

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Infant Adoption Private/Public Agency Adoption Stepparent Adoption Single Parent Adoption Relative Adoption Adult Adoption LGBTQ Adoption Foreign Adoption

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1: Lenora Williams manages the 6th Avenue Ballroom in downtown Topeka. 2: Linda, Kathy, Kelsey, & Kristol at Topeka City Lifestyle Christmas party at 6th Avenue Ballroom. 3: Brian & Kathy celebrating the Christmas party at the 6th Avenue Ballroom. Photography by @topekalifestyle

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @TopekaLifestyle

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Sassy Basset Biscuit Company

Onyx Wellness Cafe proudly serve açaí bowls

The Sassy Basset Biscuit Company makes fresh, homemade dog treats and is located on a small farm right outside of Holton, Kansas. Made without additives or preservatives, they use quality and locally sourced ingredients. Their dog treats come attractively packaged, and ready to give to your furry friend! Please visit their website at sassybassetbiscuitco. com or email them at sherri@sassyb assetbiscuitco.com. Healthy, Happy, and Sassy - Lucy Basset

Onyx Wellness Cafe located at 922 N Kansas Ave. Has been serving up wellness treats since 2020. They are committed to fresh natural ingredients and all around wellness. They proudly serve açaí bowls, cold pressed juices, protein bites and vegan soups. They also offer a few keto treats and blue jazz coffee. Their açaí bowl has been a showstopper. It’s a smoothie bowl filled with granola, strawberries, blueberries, bananas and coconut. Stop by, they would love to serve you.

Now available - Hand Sewn Hair Extensions at Sakred Salon I'm excited to announce hand sewn hair extensions are now available at Sakred Salon! They create a flawless look without having to use heat, tape, or glue during the installation process. They will transform your hair with volume and length while leaving you extra confidence as you walk out of the salon! To book a consultation call Nichole Mitchell at 620-804-1055

Scan to read more. Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

FINDING FITNESS IN 2023 THE KEY TO PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS IS FINDING THE RIGHT WORKOUT Janell Mergan

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR

G E T ACT IV E | FITN ESS

Were you among the many people who bought an exercise bike during the pandemic and now it’s a glorified coat rack in the bedroom corner? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new workout style and wonder if cycling is for you. Now is the time to treat yourself to a cycling class. Janell Mergan has taught spin cycling for five years, with the past year teaching at Topeka Country Club. She says, “I love to use music in my cycling classes to motivate my clients. Riding to the beat of the music allows them to leave their problems at the door, get lost in the music, and almost forget they’re getting a workout.” Cycling is a low-impact aerobic activity that works for any fitness level. For example, Mergan explains if you have an injury or health condition, she can adjust the workout around your limitations so that the class can still be fun and effective. She says, “What makes cycling so great is that it not only challenges your mind and brain, it does so without putting too much strain on your body while feeding the beat in your soul! Anytime someone tries to improve their health and fitness is a positive in my book! Starting out slowly and setting attainable and realistic goals is key to having continued success.” Topeka Country Club at topekacc.org.

“ F O R T H O S E WA N T I N G T O S TA R T YO G A A S A H E A LT H Y H A B I T, F I N D A COMMUNIT Y OF PEOPLE YO U C A N P R AC T I C E W I T H .”

Topeka Yoga Network studio classes are perfect if your overall fitness plan includes physical and mental wellness. Evelyn Spangler, who owns the studio with her mother, Mary Boland, explains that yoga has many benefits depending on the type you practice. Vinyasa-style yoga can help you gain strength, mobility, and patience. Regular meditation and breath work practice can help with sleep, anxiety, and depression. The Topeka Yoga Network’s classes encompass both a physical vinyasa practice and a meditation at the end. “We gravitated toward yoga for the physical benefits of this type of modality,” says Spangler. “We both played basketball for many years, and our joints could not take any more high-impact movement. The gentle process of yoga felt so good, as well as strength building that we both stuck with it. What has kept us practicing yoga for so long is meditation and breathwork. Yoga practice has been an invaluable part of our personal wellness.” The mother-daughter team started teaching yoga at businesses around the city, as well as public classes at places like Norsemen Brewing Co. and Evergy Plaza. Then in 2022, they opened a downtown studio at 925 S. Kansas Ave. “For those wanting to start yoga as a healthy habit, find a community of people you can practice with,” says Spangler. “The yoga community in Topeka is amazing, and this group of people will help you stick with your new healthy habit even when you are feeling low in motivation.” You can find information at topekayoganetwork.com.

Evelyn Spangler

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

“I BE LIE VE IT’S NE VE R T O O L AT E T O G E T S TA R T E D , A N D A F T E R T H E B U S Y H O L I DAYS , W H AT B E T T E R T I M E T O S TA R T F E E L I N G B E T T E R A N D G E T H E A LT H I E R .”

Vicky Millard

G E T ACT IV E | FITN ESS

Vicky Millard, the owner of the Jazzercise Topeka West studio at Fairlawn Plaza, started teaching this dance form of exercise during its heyday in the 1980s. However, today’s Jazzercise has moved past the legwarmers and leotards of those early days. Now a 60-minute class provides a high-intensity workout combination of cardio, strength, Pilates, hip-hop, yoga, and kickboxing. “Jazzercise is always keeping up with the changing times through music, dance moves, and fitness trends,” says Millard. “We incorporate free weights, fitness balls, fitness bands, and floor mats, and offer Dance Mixx, Strength 60 and 30, Express, Fusion, Intervals, Interval-Fusion, Strike, and LO (low impact) formats. They’re safe, effective, fun classes that help with mental fitness as well as physical fitness.” Millard’s daughter, Shamara Parre, also teaches at the studio. The mother-daughter duo and 12 additional franchisees offer 40-plus classes per week. There are three Topeka Jazzercise Fitness Centers, providing more than 100 classes per week. A membership is accepted at all Jazzercise classes worldwide. “I believe it’s never too late to get started, and after the busy holidays, what better time to start feeling better and get healthier, by finding a way to get moving that you enjoy. Possibly find others with the same fitness goals to keep each other motivated. Maybe even make a friend or two along the way.” Millard says. Go to jazzercise.com/location/jazzercise-topeka-west-fitness-center to sign up for two weeks of unlimited classes at a special price of $49.

Getting fit is at the top of many New Year’s resolutions. However, it can be hard to know where to start, or maybe your workout routine has lost its spark, and you’re looking for something new. A personal trainer to help guide your fitness journey may be the answer. Every member at Colaw Fitness, located just off Wanamaker, can use the gym’s amenities, such as free tanning, massage, classes, and general nutrition information. They also can get a free fitness assessment with owner Charles Colaw and corporate fitness manager Chris Kirkpatrick via a virtual meeting. Clients can then take their workout to the next level by signing up for a personal training program designed for their specific needs. Colaw and Kirkpatrick custom build a diet and workout program specific to a client’s fitness and health goals. They will even reach out to the member’s doctor to ensure the program is in line with any medical concerns. The client gets a fitness notebook to track their progress, and the plan is handed off to a local trainer who works one-on-one with them to achieve their goals. “We custom build the diet and workout programs to help them with general health and wellness, weight loss, or muscle gain,” Colaw says. “The benefit of a trainer is accountability. Also, you have somebody who’s your workout partner, having fun with you, high-fiving you, and fist-bumping you. It’s just fun to have some camaraderie.” Kirkpatrick adds, “We’ve got every walk of life that come in, and we want them to feel welcome. We want them to utilize every part of the gym and use us for that next step of reaching their health and fitness goals.” To learn more about the Colaw Fitness personal trainer program, visit colawfitness.com/gyms/topeka-ks. Gym memberships start at $7 per month.

“THE BENEFIT OF A TR AINER I S AC C O U N TA B I L I T Y. A L S O , YO U H AV E S O M E B O DY W H O ’ S YO U R W O R KO U T PA R T N E R , H AV I N G F U N W I T H YO U , H I G H - F I V I N G YO U , A N D F I S T- B U M P I N G YO U . I T ’ S J U S T F U N T O H AV E S O M E C A M A R A D E R I E .”

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JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

Capturing the Memories of a Lifetime An online place to store and share our stories ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LASTING LEGACY ONLINE

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

We all have stories, but many of us don’t know how to capture and share them with family and friends. Many of us also wish that we knew more about our ancestors who have passed away. “My father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and I said to him, ‘I want to ask you questions about your life so your grandkids and great grandkids will have this information about their Grandpa Jack,’” says Elaine Schwartz. “We often don’t ask those questions while our relatives are alive, and then we have to depend on other people’s memories, and they’re not always right. They remember things with their own filters.” Elaine, who came to know many interesting people in her work with the state, wanted to find a way for them and others to record and preserve their stories in a way that was sharable. “I was the community outreach director for the State of Kansas and the Department on Aging, and that’s when I realized that we didn’t have something available where people could write and share their life stories.” In 2005, Elaine collaborated with her husband, Howard Schwartz, to develop Lasting Legacy Online, a totally free site. From her exhaustive research on how to write an autobiography, she was able to formulate 75 questions for people to answer. “The one question I think is the most interesting is, ‘What is your earliest memory?’ Don’t think of pictures you’ve seen with you as a small child, but focus on what you actually remember. If you read my story, my first memory was of lightning when I was 3 years old and sleeping with my sister and being afraid.” She found that answering these questions in detail was very therapeutic. “When I had to answer about the greatest accomplishment in my life, even though I had been a legislator

and knew the governors and the high and mighty in the state, I answered that it was truly my family that was my most significant accomplishment,” she says. Elaine also had the honor of interviewing her good friend, the late Chief Justice Kay McFarland. “Working with the chief on her story is really what made Lasting Legacy Online happen. She named me trustee of her estate, and one of the things I did was promote her story.” Since Elaine made the chief’s Lasting Legacy public, others are able to read about her fascinating life. Elaine and her husband have also made their stories public. All the other stories are private, and the site utilizes the latest technology to protect this information. “We don’t even see the answers to their questions, because we want them to be private stories,” says Elaine. “Once they’re finished, they get a link, and they can then share that however they want.” The site also generates a QR code to use and share. “Lasting Legacy Online is not only for people to write their own stories, but a way for them to capture those memories of the people they love before they die. It’s a beautiful thing. And if somebody has already written their life story, that document can be uploaded rather than going through the questions.” Some of its users bestow their stories as gifts, while others, she says, are making them part of their trusts. “We have several financial institutions in Topeka that are using it with their clientele.” Links can also be used for school reunions and/or any event where people would like to share their stories. “Whatever your age, it’s a great tool,” says Elaine. To record your and your loved ones’ stories, sign up at lastinglegacyonline.com.

“Lasting Legacy Online is not only for people to write their own stories, but a way for them to capture those memories of the people they love before they die. It’s a beautiful thing.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

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JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

Evergy Plaza’s ice rink brings wintertime fun to downtown

O UR TOWN | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON

LACE-UP YOUR SKATES ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL

Nothing is more quintessential in winter than gliding on an outdoor ice rink. Evergy Plaza made winter wonderland dreams possible with the opening of the CoreFirst Ice Rink at its 7th Street and Kansas Avenue location. According to events manager John Fager, Senior VP of CoreFirst, this adds another fun experience to the downtown area and the community at large. “It’s not just about bringing activity to downtown,” he adds. “It’s about people making memories and having one spot to gather and enjoy community. It’s really a lot of fun to watch families and friends making the Evergy Plaza and the CoreFirst Ice Rink part of their winter plans.” Ideally, the outdoor temperature will never be a detriment to skating. The only issue so far was a windy, 70-degree day in early December. The

high winds circulated the little bit of melted water on the ice, causing it to melt even more. Typically, skating can take place no matter the temperature. January is a busy time for the rink. Mondays feature pick-up Pond Hockey games from 6 to 9 p.m. for $20. Thursdays are Student ID night with skating for $10, and Sundays are Teacher ID days for $10 skating. Special event nights this month include 80s Night on January 6th, Bring Your Dad to Skate night on January 7th, and Couples Night on January 13th, so grab yourself a Spin! Pizza and come on down. The last skating night for the season is January 29th. You can purchase tickets for each skating secession at the rink, but it’s best to buy them online to secure your spot since space is limited. The cost is $14 for adults and $12 for children, including skates, for a CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

90-minute skate session. Children under four skate free. You will get a $4 discount if you bring skates, and the rental of a skate aid is $5. All participants must sign a waiver before being allowed on the ice. Minors must be accompanied onsite by an adult. Two skate monitors are on the ice during the weekends to ensure everyone is safe and having fun. Outside the rink is a 16-foot fire pit for warmth, and a food truck is onsite for hot chocolate and snack sales.

O UR TOWN | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON

“What a lot of parents do is they send the kids in onto the ice, and then they are all huddled up out here by the fire,” Dylan Tyler, events manager says with a smile. He adds, “When you come downtown, it’s just a fun atmosphere. You have the ice-skating rink, the hot chocolate, the music, restaurants, bars, shopping with your family and friends having a good time. Downtown Topeka has all the amenities.” For more information about Evergy Plaza and to purchase Ice Rink tickets, visit evergyplaza.com.

Hand Crafted and Locally Made! 725 S Kansas Ave Topeka, Kansas 66603 (785) 246-6890 || leapingllamas.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

Masonry done the modern way. One dream at a time. (785) 845-6068 • www.modernmasonryllc.com • chriscazier@modernmasonryllc.com

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JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT VISITATION DAY ON FEBRUARY 16, 2023! We invite students to visit our campus to experience firsthand how Topeka Collegiate both challenges and inspires students to discover their Limitless. Learning. Potential.

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LEGGINGS 3 WAY S ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS

Our suggestions for styling faux leather leggings As we move through the season of spandex when most of us feel we’d rather not leave our stretchy pants, we wanted to feature three distinct looks using the same pair of Foil Snake Print Faux Leather leggings from Spanx. Whether you’re brunching with the babes or getting ready for date night, these versatile leggings can carry you through from casual to chic. While there are endless ways to wear them, we’re going to show you three ways to start styling them today.

BRUNCH A FTER BA R R E

Snag some of the key details of the outfits here!

T R E N D SE T T E R | STY L E + BE AUTY

Who doesn’t love a good brunch with the girls after your workout complete with mimosas to celebrate? Our suggestion is to layer your tank with loose layers and a light jacket to swiftly transition you from the barre to breakfast. A hat is always a good option to have on hand in case you worked too hard and that hair is showing it. We opted for easy-to-slip-on sockless sneakers that breathe. Lastly, don’t forget a cute tote or bag. Consider throwing in a clean tank and any makeup or face wipes you may need for freshening up on your way.

Whether you want a bit of a boost, a hint of a lift, or just a little tuck, you won’t go wrong with this versatile shapewear. And with these styling tips, you’re ready to throw them on for any occasion!

MOTO MAMA What we love about Spanx is their inherent ability to elevate your look, regardless of the occasion. Stretchy pants in a faux leather snake design? Say no more. Pair them with edgy booties or colorful pumps for a more elegant aesthetic. Playing with different textures is a good way to add interest and intrigue. Consider a chunky sweater with some unexpected details like the bare shoulder shown here, a thick boucle or intricate detailing. We love a good leather jacket with hardware details draped over the shoulder(s) for chilly evenings as you traverse the town. Pair this look with a gorgeous sparkly clutch and chunky bracelet.

SAT U R DAY SPORTS CH IC Whether you’re headed to a child’s sports game or a bar to watch the big game with your friends, leggings offer the structure and flexibility you’ll want as you find your spot among the fans in the bleachers or indulge in some lovely libations. Layers are life for this look. We tied a button-down around the waist which is so nice through the colder winter months as both an outfit accessory and a layering piece. Fur-lined high tops provide practical footwear for this look — because who doesn’t love some killer sneaks? A shacket and crossover bag complete the look. JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

JAN UARY 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Topeka. LIST PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

West Hills

N E I GH BO RH O O D

$249,900

$250,000

100%

Southboro #2

$254,900

$250,000

98%

Shawnee County

$349,950

100%

Rockfire at the Lake

$482,000

$481,000

100%

Woodbridge #10

$255,000

100%

Aquarian Acres #6

$395,000

$385,000

97%

North Hills #3

$275,000

$277,000

101%

2 2

Indian Knob

$325,000

$318,000

98%

Aquarian Acres

$425,000

$399,990

94%

Westboro

$335,000

$315,000

94%

Westboro

$275,000

$300,000

109%

Spyglass Summit

$265,000

$266,970

101%

Brookfield West #2

$360,000

$365,000

101%

Shawnee County

$249,000

$250,000

100%

Brookfield West #2

$299,900

$290,000

97%

Woodgate #2

$253,500

$250,000

99%

Shawnee County

$525,000

$520,000

99%

Belhaze #3

$250,000

$260,000

104%

Alexander Place

$369,900

100%

Sherwood Estates

$309,900

100%

Timber Ridge

$549,900

$550,000

100%

Lake View Estates

$750,000

$670,000

89%

Capricorn Woods #3

$465,000

$450,000

97%

Clarion Woods

$390,000

$380,000

97%

Shawnee County

$260,000

100%

This reflects a 30 day time period prior to our print deadline. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

From your vision...to reality

WE BUILD MORE THAN NEW HOMES, WE BUILD NEIGHBORHOODS. Annette Stahl 785-383-3157 | annette@stoneandstory.com | www.dultmeierhomes.com

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EAL E STATE

7719 SE 2nd ST, Tecumseh, KS

Stone & Story's mission is YOUR complete satisfaction

Details on this gorgeous home. Scan here

This property is your dream come true! peaceful seclusion the prettiest real estate in NE KS 79 acres of timber DARIN STEPHENS FOUNDER & CEO Direct: 785-250-7278 darin@stoneandstory.com www.stoneandstory.com 3115 SW Huntoon ST, Topeka, KS 66604

Life’s Healing Journey A NEW KIND OF THERAPY FOR ACHIEVING MENTAL HEALTH ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HUMBELINA HARPER

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALTH + W E LLNE S S

Whether we know it or not, we all have perceptions and beliefs that we’ve picked up along life’s path that control our thoughts and emotions. Most of us don’t even know where, when, or how these thoughts were planted in our brains, but after years of growing in the fertile garden of the mind, they are extremely deep-rooted and very powerful. But there’s a new kind of therapy that helps us identify, challenge, and dispel these oftentimes unhealthy and harmful coping mechanisms that we don’t even realize we’re living with. Monica Fowler was talked into IPT (Integrative Processing Technique) therapy by her sister who experienced its healing power. “After seeing how well IPT therapy worked on her son, my sister was really good friends with Pam Robinson, the woman who developed this technique,” Fowler said. “She suggested that my mom and I try it after my step-dad passed away.” “After my very first session, I actually felt like some things had been resolved.” Fowler said. She explained that in traditional therapy you talk about things in the present, but there’s never really a resolution so it’s left open at the end of your session. But with IPT Therapy, you revisit the past to identify negative beliefs and clear emotional negativity and harmful coping mechanisms. This emotional education opens a space within to begin to forgive and heal. After about a year of sessions with Robinson, Fowler was so impressed that she decided she wanted to become an IPT Facilitator. She took classes in 2020 and has been a full-time certified IPT Facilitator for the last year. Fowler says the basis of integrative processing is that, as humans, we experience emotions all the time. When we are children, we are taught by our parents how to handle emotions and many times those ways aren’t very healthy. Each IPT session is like a guided meditation. “Because the physical and emotional are connected, our body will tell us exactly what we need to heal it and how,” Fowler explained. “We use a technique called behavioral kinesiology (muscle testing). Through muscle testing, we arrive at an age of decision - the age when they most traumatically experienced an emotion. When people arrive at the age of decision, they immediately remember the emotions that they felt.” Some typical emotional themes include questions like - Is there enough for me? Where is my place in the world? Do I still matter? If these themes are not addressed, those emotional patterns are carried throughout life. Patterns of seeking love and approval, a desperation for love and approval, and looking for it in unhealthy ways become themes that are repeated over and over again.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

“We use a technique called behavioral kinesiology (muscle testing). Through muscle testing, we arrive at an age of decision - the age when they most traumatically experienced an emotion. When people arrive at the age of decision, they immediately remember the emotions that they felt.” “Identifying and then unpacking those unhealthy emotions is very freeing,” Fowler says. “After a session, depending on what’s worked on or what gets released, people can feel incredibly energized, peaceful and calm, or exhausted… or a combination of all three. It’s kind of like getting a massage for your emotions.” Fowler finds the work to be extremely rewarding. “To see people recognize and realize that some of the decisions, or the belief systems, or even the diagnoses that they’ve been given, mental healthwise, don’t have to be a death sentence… that they can heal from it… it changes their lives,” she shared. “People tell me that they have had life-altering results after just one session. One client told me that traditional talk therapy is like the vanilla latte. What I do is the shot of espresso.”

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALTH + W E LLNE S S

One of the best things about IPT Therapy is that it’s good for everybody. Fowler works with men, women, children, adolescents, people from every social and religious background, and from all over the country. Because IPT Therapy can be done over the phone or through Zoom, Fowler has a client in Canada and even one in Ireland. It can be done on an individual, relationship, or family basis as well. “It’s so rewarding to see people truly be in charge of their own path and of their own mental health,” Fowler said. “I love helping people release the ‘junk’ that is keeping them from enjoying life’s journey to the fullest.” Life’s Healing Journey is located at 2930 SW Wanamaker Drive in Topeka. Visit them online at lifeshealingjourney.com.

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The CoreFirst Ice Rink is here! Join CoreFirst & Evergy Plaza in celebrating this holiday season on skates! Check out our website or our Facebook page to purchase tickets and keep up to date with all of our events!

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