June 2020 Mile High Natural Awakenings

EE R F

H E A LT H ,

FAMILY STORIES

Help Kids Cope During Tough Times

H O P E

&

H A P P I N E S S

TRAVELING FEEDING IN PLACE HAPPINESS Finding Adventure Close to Home

with Feel-Good Foods

June 2020 | Denver Edition | MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com

DEMAND SAFE, NON-TOXIC DENTAL CARE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Dr. Jamie Greear-Schmidt I was a practicing conventional dentist for years until I found a better way. Let my cutting-edge, holistic methods help keep you healthy!

• Ozone and laser for deep, non-toxic cleaning • A stress-free environment and caring staff • Maximum preservation of your teeth • Metal-free restorations • Safe mercury removal • No fluoride

YOUR HOLISTIC LIFE IS FULLY SUPPORTED HERE.

Call 720-923-5880 TODAY

8204 S. Kipling Parkway, Suite 160, Littleton, CO 80127

HolisticLifeDentistry.com 2

Denver Mile High Edition

Health, Hope & Happiness

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

12

Contents 15

10 FAMILY STORIES

Help Kids Cope During Tough Times

12 TRANSFORMATIVE STAYCATIONS

Finding Respite and Adventure Close to Home

15 EVERYDAY

ADVENTURES

Taking to Vans & RVs for Life on the Road

16

16 FEEDING HAPPINESS Lift Your Mood with Feel-Good Foods

19 FATHERS KNOW BEST ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES Visit MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 303-770-1981 or email Publish@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ad commitment is the 5th of the month prior to the month of publication.

HOMEBODY WORKOUTS

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

DAVID HAMILTON

Please submit all articles and news to Publish@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com.

Due date: the 5th of the month before publication date (ie Oct 5 for Nov issue, etc).

PRINT ADVERTISING Gain more clients, credibility and visibility by being seen in the monthly print and digital editions. With every ad, you receive valuable resources: help with ad creation; news, health briefs and articles; and calendar events. Your print editorial is also published online and cross-linked to your Business Profile for increased search engine results. The print edition is distributed in 5 counties across Denver, and published digitally with over 400 subscribers and growing. Contact Publish@ MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com for more details.

DIGITAL ADVERTISING As your local publisher, we’re able to deliver a uniquely engaged audience, as well as valuable services. Work with a local media company you know and trust. We’re dedicated to growing your business! Digital options include: Banner Ads; Email Campaigns; Social Promotions (Contests); Paid Placements & Sponsored Content (Native Advertising); Premium Directory Listings & Feature Events; and Facebook campaigns. Contact Publish@ MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com for more info.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. For franchising opportunities call 303-770-1981 or Doug@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com.

Getting Fit Without a Gym

19

on Kindness in the Pandemic Age

POWER UP YOUR BRAIN Six Ways to Boost Blood Flow

SOOTHING SEPARATION Helping Anxious Dogs to Cope

DEPARTMENTS 5 health briefs 6 global briefs 7 review 8 wise words 10 healthy kids 15 green living

16 plant-based medicine 19 inspiration 20 calendar 20 classifieds 22 resource guide June 2020

3

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Embracing the Blank Slate

T

MILE HIGH EDITION PUBLISHERS Doug Zerbarini Terry Chriswell EDITORS Terry Chriswell Doug Zerbarini DESIGN & Courtney Ayers PRODUCTION Stephen Gray-Blancett

letter from publishers

SALES/DISTRIBUTION 303-770-1981 Doug@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com

CONTACT US 303-770-1981 publish@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com

MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Available by sending $18 (for 12 issues) to PO Box 36271, Lakewood CO 80236

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne

NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett

ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

he planet and her inhabitants have entered a phase of tremendous growth and change that has become obvious during the global pandemic. Many people are experiencing vivid dreams; powerful old emotions resurfacing for healing; odd physical sensations; renewed appreciation for nature; and a growing compassion for each other. It’s NOT all in your head.

If you feel as if your life’s foundation has shifted, it’s because it has.

Some can only react to change with fear, desperately seeking to hang on to the “way it used to be.” They deserve compassion, because we can all understand fear in the face of an uncertain future.

But we’ve also received a great GIFT. When everything known has been thrown into turmoil, you have the chance to reinvent yourself by letting go of how you defined and limited your life, happiness and authentic self. This uncertain future is a blank slate on which we can write a new script.

Anything is possible going forward! You are NOW FREE to CONSCIOUSLY CHOOSE the who and the how and the what you are! You do not have to be ruled by how you used to do things, how you used to react, who you were in relationships or with jobs in the past.

What dreams did you have 10-20-30 years ago? What inspiration have you left behind that you can now embrace? The time is NOW. You have a unique expression that is beautiful. You no longer need to be placed in a box, a cubicle, or a pre-defined role. You ARE good enough, you ARE valuable, you ARE important, and you ARE NEEDED! Your light is unlike any other. The time is NOW to create your own authentic label, not to merely accept the one placed upon you by the past, by conditioning or habit, by society, parents, the educational system, or the government.

The time is NOW to cry out the old tears so that new enthusiasm and joy can enter your heart, directing you to ever-expansive actions and ways of Being. Follow that bliss to reinvent yourself as a digital marketer, a gardener, a healer, a helper, a volunteer, a musician, a writer. You don’t have to figure it all out, you just have to CHOOSE the next highest joyful action and follow the inspiration without doubting yourself.

We believe with great hope that these things will become easier to allow in the coming months and years - that great ideas and people will arise in society bringing equality, peace, justice, hope, joy and fulfillment in this Age of Aquarius. If you are unsure of where to start, connect to your highest self via Heart-Mind coherence.

We’ll greet you with open arms in our shared Golden Future.

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

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

4

Denver Mile High Edition

Health, Hope & Happiness

Aleksandrs Muiznieks/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

Try Chinese Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis A Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal mix known as Gegen Quinlian decoction, when combined with standard Western pharmaceuticals, is more effective in treating the painful condition of ulcerative colitis than pharmaceuticals alone, concluded a Chinese review of 22 studies that included 2,028 patients with the disease. Typically used to heal diarrhea and gastrointestinal inflammation, the herbal mix produced few adverse reactions and resulted in low recurrence rates, researchers said.

Green Up Cities to Reduce Violent Crime Well-designed and maintained green spaces in cities such as parks, community gardens and tree-lined streets lower the rate of violent crimes, make communities safer and keep people healthier, concluded Cornell University and University of Virginia researchers that conducted a meta-study of 45 papers studying the links between greenery and crime. In particular, more green spaces, such as community gardens converted from vacant lots, decrease gun violence, six studies found. But poorly designed green space with inadequate maintenance, bad lighting and excessive nearby traffic can help crime take root and spread.

Andrii Zastrozhnov/Shutterstock.com

Maintain a Healthy Gut to Sidestep Colorectal Cancer In a study that for the first time establishes a direct link between the microbes inhabiting our bodies and the genetic alterations that drive cancer development, researchers from the Hubrecht Institute, in the Netherlands, have found that mutations linked to colorectal cancer can be caused by common gut bacteria carried by about one out of five people. By exposing cultured human mini-guts to a particular strain of E. coli bacteria, they observed that the bacteria induced a unique pattern of mutations in the DNA of human cells that was also found in the DNA of patients with colorectal cancer, implying that these mutations were induced by the “bad” bacteria.

To our loyal advertisers who keep Natural Awakenings free for you Please consider their products, services and classes!

Boulder Psychic Institute • Chi Wellness Clear Sky Medical • For Heaven’s Sake Hinsdale Automotive • Holistic Life Dentistry Journeys for Conscious Living Journey Within • Nature’s Rite NeuroEnergetic Release • Positive Assist Renee Ellis, MA LPC RMT • Soul Star Reiki Strategies for Healing • Vibrance Dentistry WolfHeals Shamanic Services

June 2020

5

A surprisingly high voltage can be generated from raindrops using a field-effect, transistor-style structure, reports a new study from the City University of Hong Kong in the journal Nature.

A single drop can muster 140 volts, enough to briefly light up 100 small LED bulbs. The new design couples an aluminum electrode with an indium-tin oxide electrode layered with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a material with a quasi-permanent electric charge. When a raindrop hits the PTFE/ tin surface, it bridges the two electrodes and creates a closed-loop circuit that helps fully release any stored charges. The technology could handle sustained rainfall, as well. If there are continuous drops, the charge accumulates and eventually hits a saturation point. Building rooftops could supplement some of the electricity used inside, and electric boats could extend their range.

Mental Relief

Mindfulness Training May Reduce Paranoia In news that may be useful for people dealing with the stress of the global pandemic, researchers from the University of London have found that just one week of practicing mindfulness—moment-tomoment awareness—reduces feelings of paranoia.

The research, published in the journal Mindfulness, was based on questionnaires of 494 people, enabling researchers to find a correlation between paranoia and judgemental thinking. They found that higher levels of nonjudgement predicted lower levels of paranoia, even in individuals that had a predisposition for it. Then, 68 people were selected and divided into two groups: one that was asked to go through a prerecorded, guided mindfulness session once per day, and one that acted as a control. The session consisted of a quick body scan, mindful breathing and awareness exercises. The results showed a drop in judgmental thinking and paranoia in the mindfulness group.

6

Denver Mile High Edition

Health, Hope & Happiness

Researchers from Japan’s Osaka University have found how the thermoelectric effect, or converting temperature differences into electricity, can be best used to power small, flexible devices, reports the journal Advanced Materials Technologies. Future healthcare applications will require internet connectivity between billions of sensors, and the devices that enable them must be small, flexible, reliable and environmentally sustainable. Batteries are not optimal because continually replacing them is inconvenient and expensive. Many researchers have optimized device performance solely from the standpoint of the thermoelectric materials themselves. “Our approach is to also study the electrical contact, or the switch that turns the device on and off,” explains Tohru Sugahara, the corresponding author of the study. “The efficiency of any device critically depends on the contact resistance.” Thermoelectric power generators are self-sustaining, self-powered and have no moving parts. Solar power and vibrational power do not have all of these advantages.

science photo/Shutterstock.com

Generating Electricity from Rain

Heat Converted into Electricity

Beware the Air

Dementia Linked to Air Pollution

People continuously exposed to air pollution are at increased risk of dementia, especially if they also suffer from cardiovascular diseases, reports a new study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, published in the JAMA Neurology. Researchers examined nearly 3,000 adults with an average age of 74 living in the Kungsholmen district in central Stockholm for up to 11 years. Of those, 364 people developed dementia. The district’s annual average level of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in width is high by Swedish standards, but low compared to international standards. Heart failure and ischemic heart disease both enhanced the dementia risk, and stroke explained almost 50 percent of air pollutionrelated dementia cases, according to the researchers.

Mix and Match Studio/Shutterstock.com

Splashy Solution

ifong/Shutterstock.com

Hot Power

global briefs

review

Boulder Psychic Institute: Aura/Chakra Healings

A

by Terry Chriswell

lbert Einstein said, “Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies” and we’re in that future now. I’ve delved into various energy medicine modalities for over 20 years – including shiatsu, reiki, acupuncture, qigong, homeopathy, and healing touch – and can attest to its efficacy for emotional and physical ailments. When you find the right modality and practitioner for you, it’s really magical.

Recently, I turned to Boulder Psychic Institute’s free 15-minute aura/chakra phone healings these past couple months and have been so impressed, I’m taking full advantage of Director Miwa Mack’s generosity every Tuesday over the phone. The healers tell you what they are seeing and feeling and healing every step of the way, and nearly everything that’s been said to me, I know is true.

Headaches dissipate, physical tension flows away and I feel great after and the next day.

I highly recommend you try energy healing in whatever form resonates with you, and give one of the many options at Boulder Psychic Institute a try!

Additional healings you might consider:

• Trance Medium Healings $15 2nd & 4th Wednesdays over the phone • Home & Business Healings $60 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays over the phone • Personal Readings & Healings with Miwa $300/50 minutes over the phone • Pet Healings $30 1st & 3rd Saturdays over the phone Terry Chriswell is the publisher of Mile High Natural Awakenings and can be reached at terry@milehighnaturalawakenings.com.

June 2020

7

A SAFE PLACE FOR CHANGE

wise words

What Do I Do Now?

Your journey begins with the 1st step.

I

Tools and Classes for Personal Development, Spiritual Growth and More!

GIVE TO YOURSELF WITH:

Energy Healings • Angel Healings Angel Program • Developing Your Intuition Guided Meditations • Meditation Classes Intuitive Readings/Healings, Workshops Pet Energy Healings

We look forward to working with you to help create the life you truly want to live.

5 Questions for Reinventing Ourselves

n recent months, life has changed and there is a lot of variability in our experience. Many have lost jobs while others are desperately overworked. Some are fearful and others are defiant. Regardless of our experience, from this point forward our lives will be different and we find ourselves asking, “What do I do now”?

Many of us will be reinventing some aspect of life going forward. Sudden unforeseen change can be really enlightening and the reinvention that follows is a process. Try asking yourself these five questions about the last few months:

1

What did you let go of during this time? Your first

responses might be something like “wearing pants” or “showering.” Digging a little deeper, maybe you let go of feeling the need to be busy all the time, all the errands you used to run just to have something to do or you let your inner task master take a break.

2

What did you embrace? Maybe you dove into cooking with your kids, family dinners, gardening or caring for your home. Or maybe you’ve been able to embrace your night owl nature or have been happily surprised as you expanded your comfort with and interest in technology.

3

What have you missed? Perhaps you’ve longed to browse a bookstore, babysitting for the neighbors, the “how was your weekend” talk at work and even just the feeling of freedom in waking each day and having lots of choices for how you spend it.

4

What have you NOT missed? Maybe you’ve not missed certain aspects of your job, commuting or weekly trips to the grocery store. For some, it’s been a relief to not have to come up with excuses and ways to say no to invitations or obligations.

5

What has given you joy? Difficult times can highlight the

Anita Destino

FOUNDER OF JOURNEY WITHIN

Over 10,000 hours teaching, healing and counseling Inside Irongate Executive Plaza 777 S Wadsworth Blvd, Bldg 2-108, Lakewood JourneyWithin@hotmail.com

720-413-7303 • AnitaDestino.com 8

Denver Mile High Edition

Health, Hope & Happiness

simple joys that speak to us like hearing birds sing, having a cat in your lap or a dog at your feet, painting a wall or an organized closet.

Answers to these questions tell us about how to shape our lives.

They give us a beginning for our reinvention and where we go from here. We don’t think our way through reinvention - at least not initially, but rather we observe and listen and feel and this is the perfect time.

For support in your reinvention contact Renee Ellis, MA LPC RMT of Live Your Knowing Counseling at 720-984-9575 or renee@liveyourknowing.com See ad page 22.

wise words

Making New

D

uring these changing times, many people are remembering things from their childhood where they felt hurt or shamed. Many are also realizing that some lessons they were taught as a child are no longer relevant. One of the most common is that “we’re not good enough.”

Mental health professionals can help clients sift through these unpleasant memories, discover their negative beliefs, and empower them to create a “new normal.”

With so much fear and uncertainty in the world, it is more important than ever to heal from these beliefs, so that you have the freedom to make a new choice about how you want your life to look.

For example, 10-15 years ago business owners hesitated to allow their employees to work from home for various reasons. Now that we have been forced into quarantine and employees are able to maintain productivity levels, many owners are looking at working at home to increase their employees’ quality of life, reduce drivers on the road, and cut costs on office space.

By taking the time to look with an open mind and curious eyes, you will have the ability to re-evaluate the perspective you learned as a child with greater understanding and realize how much choice you have on how you live your life.

As we see our lives with better clarity, we can begin to see the world we want to live in rather than the one we felt we were born into. Professional help is available if you feel like this is an area of your life that you would like assistance working through.

Crystal Deichert LPC, of Positive Assist is trained in several evidence-based modalities and holistic approaches to help her clients see their barriers through their soul’s perspective allowing them to break free and fly. Schedule a free consultation by calling 720-767-1994, or email crystal@positiveassist.com. See ad page 23.

You no longer have to struggle through allergy season.

The Basic Sinus Care Kit includes everything you need to: manage sinus infection, relieve your allergies, and discover natural sinus care.

Contains: Sinus Relief, Sinus Support, Congestion Relief, Herbal Neti Soother, Super Neti Juice, Plastic Travelers Neti Pot & the Managing Sinus Health book.

Buy the Sinus Care Kit for big savings!

20% OFF with code BSK20 Keep YOUR family HEALTHY and ALLERGY-FREE with an all-natural health care system for your nose!

Hi, I'm Stev e Frank and I developed Juice. I have Super Neti spent years researching and developi sinusitis ng antimicrob ials to kill and fungus. bacteria Super Neti Ju ice is the mo effective an st timicrobial that can be on sensitive safely used tissues. In cl inical trials have seen it , I kill Staph., E. coli, Cand Strep., and ida, many other co mmon pathogen compared it s. We've to competitiv e products an improved it d until Super Neti Juice is the best anti simply microbial av ailable.

I'm proud to present it to you as the be the world ha st that s to offer.

When it come killing bact s to eria and fung us, you cann better colloi ot buy a d. I know, be cause I've sp years testin ent 10 g it on germ s.

Super Neti Ju ice is a natu ral blessing in your Neti to have Pot. Now you can do so mu than just ri ch more nse. You can ki ll bacteria and fungus by th e millions.

MyNaturesRite.com 1-800-991-7088 June 2020

9

jannoon028/Shutterstock.com

healthy kids

FIND ALL YOUR FAVORITES AT: forheavensake.com

Gemstones w Feng Shui Aromatherapy w Readings Crystals & Crystal Healing Reiki w Books w Gifts Incense w Candles Jewelry w Essential Oils Home Décor w Tarot/Decks

4900 W. 46th Ave. Denver, CO 80212

303.964.9339

Mon.-Sat.10am-7pm • Sun. 10am-5pm

info@forheavensake.com

1923 N. Wadsworth Blvd.

Lakewood, CO 80214

303.953.8760

Mon.-Fri. 11am-6pm Sat. 10am-6pm • Sun. 11am-5pm

www.forheavensake.com 10

Denver Mile High Edition

FAMILY STORIES Help Kids Cope During Tough Times

by Ronica O’Hara

I

n these challenging times as our children struggle to cope with a swiftly changing world, one of the best things we can do is simply to let them know what strong stuff they come from. Decades of research show that children that know their family’s stories—especially how their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other forebears overcame adversity—have the ability to handle societal and personal trauma better.

“Family stories help children feel safe, secure and grounded,” says psychology professor Robyn Fivush, Ph.D., director of the Family Narratives Lab at Emory University, in Atlanta. “The stories provide a sense that they belong to something larger than themselves.” In the midst of unsettling events, she says it’s especially important for children to know that the family has been through hard times before and persevered.

Emory research shows that children, teens and young adults that know more of their family’s narratives have a greater sense of control over their lives, more self-esteem, better grades, higher social competence, less anxiety and depression,

Health, Hope & Happiness

and fewer behavior problems. After 9/11, children that tested high in measures of family narratives proved to be more resilient and less stressed.

Family stories can be of loss—“Once we had it all”—or of triumph—“We came up from nowhere”—but the most powerful stories are those that show both the peaks and the valleys, the hilarious escapades and deep losses. “Even simply hearing what other people wish they could have done differently helps to offer children a broader perspective to current experiences,” says Carrie Krawiec, a family therapist at Birmingham Maple Clinic, in Troy, Michigan. Accounts of the deepest trauma also prove formative: Knowing how their great-grandparents survived the Holocaust gave young adults a sense of gratitude, pride, courage and a greater religious commitment, a University of Pennsylvania study found.

Stories unfold easily at holiday dinners and during long car rides; even during an ordinary dinner, some kind of story—“Guess what happened today at the store?”—occurs about every five minutes,

Fivush’s research shows. But summer vacation or days spent together inside a house provide a special opportunity for kids to dive deeper into their family background.

For example, they can write an essay about a grandparent or aunt, write and direct a play with siblings, make a scrapbook, read history or novels to study events that took place during a specific time period, write a song or story from the ancestor’s point of view, research and draw a family tree or create a mini-documentary based on an interview with an older relative.

This is the quiz used in family narrative research, but Fivush cautions that the 20 questions are only a starting point, and many more can be created. Nor does getting the facts exactly right matter—those can easily be in dispute among family members. “It is the telling, the sharing and the listening that is more important than the story itself,” she says.

Do you know how your parents met?

jannoon028/Shutterstock.com

Do you know where your mother grew up?

Do you know where your father grew up?

Do you know where some of your grandparents grew up?

Do you know what went on when you were being born?

Do you know the source of your name?

Do you know some things about what happened when your brothers or sisters were being born?

Do you know which person in your family you look most like?

Do you know which person in the family you act most like?

Do you know some of the illnesses and injuries that your parents experienced when they were younger?

Do you know some of the lessons that your parents learned from good or bad experiences?

Do you know some things that happened to your mom or dad when they were in school?

Do you know the national or ethnic background of your family?

Do you know some of the jobs that your parents had when they were young?

Do you know some awards that your parents received when they were young?

Do you know the names of the schools that your mom went to?

Do you know the names of the schools that your dad went to?

Do you know about a relative whose face “froze” in a grumpy position because he or she did not smile enough?

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Getting Started with Family Narratives Read more about family narratives at Robyn Fivush’s Psychology Today blog: PsychologyToday.com/intl/blog/the-stories-our-lives Ideas for writing and craft projects: Tinyurl.com/ CreatingAFamilyNarrative

Do you know where some of your grandparents met?

Questions kids can ask family grownups: Tinyurl.com/ClassroomRoots

Do you know where your parents were married?

HEALTHY IS BEAUTIFUL CATE VIEREGGER, D.D.S

Your smile… the ultimate accessory

Dr. Cate Vieregger believes that dental health plays a SIGNIFICANT role in your overall health. A SPECIAL diagnostic appointment will help us UNDERSTAND your individual needs and desires. We will work with YOUR other holistic health partners to provide optimal care.

MERCURY FREE * LATEX FREE * SEDATION DENTISTRY * GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

VibranceDentistry.com • 7400 E. Crestline Circle • Suite 230 • Greenwood Village • 303-770-1116 June 2020

11

Transformative Staycations

Finding Respite and Adventure Close to Home taycations—sticking close to home for new travel experiences—was a growing trend even before the COVID-19 pandemic turned it into a practical necessity for many of us. Staycations reduce costs, minimize travel time and also lower our carbon footprint by eliminating international travel. Happily, they don’t reduce the pure pleasure of finding new adventures, exploring untrammeled nature, seeing the familiar with fresh eyes and meeting people from all walks of life. All of that is close at hand, and especially when compared to foreign jaunts, the price is right.

A good place to start is by checking out state and regional parks, often overlooked gems offering scenic miles of trails for hiking, biking, birding, fishing, picnicking and other activities. “Whether mountains, prairies, rivers, forests in the country or heart of the city, there is always a state park waiting to welcome you, no matter what kind of recreation you enjoy,” says Jason Clay, spokesperson with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

In Colorado parks, people can, for example, river raft in the Arkansas Headwaters Recre-

12 12

ation Area; boat, fish and hammock camp in Jackson Lake State Park; and rock climb in Eldorado Canyon.

Parks can be discovered and trail maps downloaded by visiting TrailLink.com, run by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It provides searches for nearby trails using parameters such as distance, types of activity and wheelchair accessibility. Its smartphone TrailLink app is free to download and $30 per year for unlimited customized use.

State, local and regional parks across the country offer rich educational opportunities for kids and adults alike, including naturalist-guided activities, bird and botany walks, lessons in local history, ecology and geography, and more. Several states offer free admission to all state-run parks, including Hawaii, Tennessee and Illinois. State-by-state listings of fees and policies can be found at Tinyurl.com/StateParkPasses.

Making a Quick Getaway

Weekend forays into natural and rustic settings can be ideal escape valves for people needing a simple, quick change

Denver Mile High Editionwebsite Health, Hope & Happiness NA Edition/Location address

of venue. Camping, of course, is always an option, but for those that want to be in nature in a more comfy fashion, using “cabin” as a search word works well in websites like Airbnb.com and TripAdvisor. com. The option of glamping—or glamorous camping—offers surprisingly luxurious stays outdoors in tents, pods and domes; check out Glamping.com.

Getaway.House offers woodsy outposts in 10 locations equipped with “tiny house” cabins around the country designed for quick escapes from cities. “If you were at your desk in need of an escape, you could cut out early and be there by 6 p.m.,” says Vice President of Marketing Rachel Mansfield. The private experience, with no check-in desk or communal areas, enables it to continue operating safely during the pandemic. The cabins, designed to blend in with their natural surroundings, are equipped with food for purchase, stove, books, radio, firewood, fire pit and Adirondack chairs, as well as a map for local hikes and adventures.

“I did a getaway at a point in my life where I wanted some time alone, away

PH888/Shutterstock.com

S

by April Thompson

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com

from commitments, to figure out what my next chapter in life was going to be,” says Paige Conner Totaro, of Alexandria, Virginia, the founder of Unquote Travel, a web-based tour agency focusing on small group, off-the-beaten-track adventures.

“You can change your environment without going very far, and that in turn can change the way you think about things. Little things like sleeping on the other side of the bed can help you shake up your brain.”

Local Attraction

Local-led excursions are another way to see our home turf through a new lens. Airbnb Experiences, offered virtually everywhere that Airbnb lists lodging, are one-of-a-kind tours and classes designed and hosted by locals with unique expertise. Experiences run the gamut from neighborhood tours on foot or bikes with athletes to museum tours led by local artists or art historians. Many include a hands-on learning component, like how to make mosaics in a community art space or cook a local delicacy from a family recipe. Similar tours and experiences can be found on TripAdvisor’s Things To Do listings. WithLocals.com, whose mission is “to break down the barriers between travelers and locals worldwide,” also offers foodie fun and off-beat adventures.

Kelly Kniewel stumbled onto tour guiding after experiencing burnout in her previous career in the beverage industry.

An Airbnb Experiences host, Kniewel now leads small group tours of Chicago, introducing locals and visitors alike to many of its little-known facets. “I’ve fallen in love with my city all over again

doing these tours,” says Kniewel, a selfproclaimed history geek.

She loves to take guests inside Art Deco and Beaux Arts buildings they may have passed before without realizing the gorgeous art and architecture that exists inside, such as the library-turned-cultural center, Chicago Cultural Center, boasting two impressive glass domes, one designed by Tiffany Glass.

Another favorite excursion is taking guests on a water taxi tour. “It’s a cheap and unique way to see Chicago. The water, both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, is so much a part of who we are as a city.”

During the limitations imposed during the COVID-19 period, Airbnb and other websites began offering experiences online, allowing people from all over the world to connect and make pastries with a Swedish baker, draw with a Mexican cartoonist, learn about apartheid from a South African or experience a day in the life of an American Olympic bobsledder.

Traveling the World Without Leaving Home

Hosting travelers can bring new meaning to a staycation, offering a rich opportunity for cross-cultural exchange without any exchange of currency. The popular CouchSurfing.com connects travelers with locals offering free use of a couch, air mattress or spare bedroom. Available in more than 200,000 cities worldwide, it has 14 million members and sponsors local language exchanges, dance classes, hikes and dinners, so there are opportunities to make new friends and have new experiences even without offering a place to sleep. (During COVID-19 restrictions, these activities were moved online.)

Similar organizations that offer opportunities for local hosting (including low- or no-cost lodging) include Servas.org, established in 1949, which stresses world peace and cultural exchange, and preinterviews potential guests and hosts to ensure safety; GlobalFreeloaders.com, a free registry for hosts and guests that do their own online screening and matching; and EvergreenClub.com, in which hosts provide a bed-and-breakfast homestay for travelers over age 50 for $20 a night.

An exciting option for homeowners is HomeExchange.com, a $150-a-year service that allows people in far-flung places to switch homes, either directly or through a staggered point system so they can truly live like locals.

John Fackenthal, of Rockville, Maryland, has hosted more than 100 couchsurfers from 29 countries, and loved every experience. “I had a big apartment in the heart of Washington, D.C., when I first started hosting, but lived alone and felt a little isolated. I wanted to bring back the youth hostel feel from travels in my younger days, where you’d hang out with fellow travelers and go hiking, share a meal or play cards,” he says.

A web developer, he recalls such memorable guests as a carpenter in his 60s from the Pacific Northwest that helped him with fixer-upper projects, a pair of pro volleyball players from the Czech Republic and two young women from China that prepared him a massive traditional Chinese feast “with all four burners going,” he says.

“It’s restored my faith in humanity. I’ve encountered nothing but wonderful June 2020

13

Agrotourism, in which working farms open the barn doors to visitors for day or overnight trips, has the added advantage of supporting local agriculture. AgritourismWorld. com and FarmStayUS.com provide listings for farm stays worldwide searchable by type, such as Christmas tree farm, vineyard, orchard, dude ranch or alpaca farm.

The 40-acre Taos Goji Farm and EcoLodge Retreat, in Taos, New Mexico, is one such venue. “My husband and I returned to the land nine years ago after many years working as professionals in stuffy offices. The farm has been developed for our family and others who wish to be close to nature and to live off of the land,” says co-owner Elizabeth vom Dorp.

The farm is open for paid guests, as well as to the volunteers known as “Wwoofers” that come through Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms to help raise goji berries, fruits, vegetables and free-

Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com

Be a Weekend Farmer

range chickens. All cabins date from the early 1900s, including an old dairy barn converted into a duplex and five sheep herder cabins. The farm is surrounded by a national forest, so many guests visit to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, rafting and ballooning. “Families with children love to come and pick berries, collect eggs and pet the animals. We have rescue alpacas, sheep, goats, chickens and turkeys,” says vom Dorp.

While the world may still be at the mercy of unfortunate circumstances this summer, travel is ultimately a state of mind. By staying open, curious and present, there are always new encounters and discoveries underfoot very close to home.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

CLAIM YOUR OPTIMAL HEALTH

With Conventional AND Natural Medicine At Clear Sky Medical, we believe in a combination of leading-edge preventive conventional and natural medicine to help get you back on track and feeling your best – for the long term.

“Our goal is for our patients to enjoy their lives because they feel good, are healthy and have good energy.”

14

Denver Mile High Edition

Health, Hope & Happiness

Chepko Danil Vitalevich/Shutterstock.com

people, all with such different personalities and backgrounds.”

View Apart/Shutterstock.com

green living

Everyday Adventures

Taking to Vans and RVs for Life on the Road

M

by Sandra Yeyati

any Americans choose to travel in recreational vehicles (RVs) or well-equipped vans with all the comforts of home—no hotels, just the open road and a tank full of gas. Cindy Jane is a Florida naturalist, vegan advocate, accomplished artist and wife to land surveyor Kevin Georgeson. Now 50 years old, she’s had a dream since she was 18 to travel the country in a van, visiting state and national parks, hiking trails and spending quality time in nature. She envisions setting up an easel and painting in inspiring settings. “It’s about getting out of that social norm of always knowing what the next day is going to be like, doing the same thing every day. I like a little bit of the unknown, the unexpected. I want to see things. I want adventure. I want the freedom that comes with going,” she says.

The couple purchased a 2018 Ford Transit van with low mileage and a little warranty left on it. Together, they are customizing it to create a comfortable home away from home to satisfy Jane’s wanderlust. Crafty and resourceful, they voraciously watch YouTube videos to learn the ins and outs of solar panels, electrical hookups, kitchen countertops, insulation and 1,000 other details that go into a successful buildout.

They’re taking their time to do it right after investing thousands of dollars already. To document their progress and hopefully inspire others, they record videos on Jane’s smartphone and post them to her website (ArtfulVeganNomad.com).

Val and Nick Wheatley are veteran nomads, having travelled the world for almost four years in all kinds of rides, including the 1994 Ford Bronco they drove across the U.S. for six months. Camping outdoors was challenging, and they vowed never again to travel in a vehicle without a bed. They purchased a Ford Econovan to explore New Zealand and sold it three months later when they left. In Germany, where beautiful campgrounds and free public lots with inexpensive electric and water hookups are plentiful, a rented RV was the way to go. With experience, the couple has come to prefer converted vans or smaller RVs, thanks to their fuel savings and easier maneuverability in cities and on narrow country roads.

According to the Wheatleys, traveling and living in close quarters has its drawbacks. Cleaning out portable toilets and taking showers

at truck stops can be challenging, but for the avid explorers, these inconveniences were always eclipsed by jaw-dropping scenery and cultural immersion in new countries. “Because we had wheels and time, we got to see some cool stuff off the beaten track that most people that were visiting for a weekend or week never see,” says Val. Offering tips, tricks, candid descriptions and inspiring photography of their many world-trotting experiences, the couple’s travel blog (WanderingWheatleys.com) tallied more than 600,000 visitors last year. Through online advertising and affiliate programs, they earned enough money for living and travel expenses. “The world actually isn’t a scary place at all. People all over the world in every culture are friendly and welcoming,” Nick says.

For those looking to connect with fellow travelers, there are numerous recreational clubs that offer base camps, programming and social opportunities. One such club is Sisters on the Fly (SistersOnTheFly. com), an all-women outdoor adventure club founded in 1999 by Maurrie Sussman and her sister Rebecca Clarke with a penchant for small, vintage trailers that are restored and embellished by their owners.

With 9,000 active members and an organizer in each state, these resourceful and festive ladies hold more than 1,000 events nationwide every year, including fly fishing, guided tours, kayaking, mountain climbing, biking and more. “It’s about being outdoors and meeting amazing women. We love going into the national parks, taking back roads and visiting all the small towns,” Sussman says.

Living in an RV or van fulltime has become an attractive option for many people, including college kids looking for inexpensive housing or retirees on limited incomes. “I think more and more we’re seeing people who value their time more than a bunch of possessions,” says Jane. “Maybe that means working less and living more frugally, so you see a rise in minimalism and van life.” For a wealth of information on vans and RVs as full-time options, as well as in-depth interviews with van lifers, visit Bob Wells’ YouTube channel CheapRVLiving.

Sandra Yeyati is a freelance writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

June 2020

15

Be a part of the Plant-Based Medicine section with sponsorships, ads and listings. Due date June 5 for July issue. Check the calendar for Plant Medicine classes and workshops.

Feeding Happiness

Lifting Moods with Feel-Good Foods

W

by Marlaina Donato

hether it’s a pandemic, a breakup or a busy day with the kids, heading to the kitchen for a carb fix or a pint of ice cream is a common knee-jerk response to stress. It’s easy to get caught in a whirlpool of poor eating when our bodies need nutritional support more than ever.

Sustained or chronic stress can reduce levels of dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters linked to feelings of both satiety and happiness. “When serotonin levels are normal, it leads to both emotional satisfaction and a sense of fullness after a meal,” says Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Maria Marlowe, in New York City and Dubai. “Conversely, when serotonin levels are low, it can lead to depression and a tendency to reach for sweet and starchy foods.”

Avoiding Extremes

Stress-eating sparks only temporary physical and emotional fulfillment. “When your brain is in need of energy, it can mimic the 16

Denver Mile High Edition

symptoms of depression and anxiety,” notes Tara Waddle, holistic life coach at The Center of Balance, in Greeley, Colorado. “Finding healthier substitutes that are less processed can make a huge impact.”

Experts agree that concentrating on weight loss or super-strict diets during times of adversity might do more harm than good.

“Focusing on the need to lose weight during crisis will only do two things—make you feel guilty if you’re not eating what you think you’re supposed to and potentially make you eat more out of guilt,” says Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Jennifer Neily, in Dallas.

Opting for healthier versions of favorite comfort foods is a doable compromise that can prevent endorphins from plummeting after the usual temporary spike. “With the right ingredients and recipes, we can satisfy our cravings for sweet, salt, creamy or crunchy with healthier upgrades of our favorite junk foods,” says Marlowe.

Health, Hope & Happiness

Eating to stay healthy during hard times can tickle the taste buds without a lot of invested time. Marlowe’s go-to favorites like homemade banana ice cream or chocolate truffles not only take minutes to prepare, but fortify the brain. For must-have salty favorites, she suggests opting for snack foods seasoned with unrefined or pink Himalayan salt, fresh guacamole, salsa, olives or pickles. Filling a seaweed sushi wrap with avocado can be a satisfying and easy snack.

For easy-exotic, Marlowe says, “I always keep coconut milk and unsweetened curry paste on hand to whip up a red Thai curry, my favorite 15-minute dinner. Simply add fresh or frozen vegetables and protein of choice and you have a satisfying, flavorful meal that is faster than delivery.”

Waddle’s healthy comfort foods include nuts of different flavors, dried fruits and baked Brussels sprouts with nitrite-free bacon, black pepper and a sprinkle of nutmeg. “The food you consider comfort food is comforting because it’s familiar,” she says. “When you start eating healthier food more often, it will become comfort food. Just keep trying new things.”

Keep it Simple

The kitchen can be our greatest ally during any life-storm, but having a stress-free strategy is key, especially paying attention to emotional states. “Ask yourself, ‘Is it head hunger or belly hunger? Above the neck or below the neck?’

If it’s the latter and that’s truly what is desired, don’t deny yourself, but choose with conscious understanding. Savor the flavor,” says Neily.

Marlowe recommends easy meal planning and maintaining an eating schedule. “This helps remove some of the stress and decision fatigue that comes with figuring out what to eat in the moment, especially with random ingredients in the fridge.” Food shopping can be an instant junk food trap. Waddle’s approach is a sure way to outsmart impulse buying based on habit. She says,“Start with the produce department first. This fills your cart with fresh foods and your cart will be full by the time you get to the snack aisle.”

Self-compassion can be one of the most important, yet overlooked considerations.

“Regardless of what you choose to eat, be gentle with yourself,” notes Waddle. “The guilt of eating poorly is more damaging than the food.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

PLANT-BASED MEDICINE

Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com

Friendly Fare

plant-based medicine

Deborah Lee Rossiter/Shutterstock.com

Sweet Recipes for Healthy Snacking Banana Ice Cream 2 overripe bananas ¼ tsp vanilla extract

photo courtesy of Maria Marlowe

Add-Ins: choose as many as desired 2-3 tsp cacao powder 1 Tbsp almond butter 2-3 tsp carob powder 3-4 pitted dates ¼ tsp cinnamon 1 cup frozen strawberries 6 mint leaves 1 Tbsp coconut flakes (or coconut butter or shredded coconut) 1 Tbsp ginger 1 Tbsp almond butter or almonds ½-inch peeled ginger piece

Five-Minute Chocolate Truffles Truffle

3 Tbsp cacao powder 1½ cups dates, pitted 3 Tbsp shredded coconut, unsweetened

sonchacha/Shutterstock.com

photo courtesy of Maria Marlowe

Toppings (choose a few) Cacao nibs Cacao powder Sesame seeds Shredded coconut Pistachios, crushed Walnuts, crushed Acai powder Goji powder Maqui powder Pomegranate powder

Peel bananas, break in half and put in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Place all ingredients (banana base plus the add-in ingredients of choice) into a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix, and blend on high until soft-serve ice cream consistency is reached, which should be in about 30 to 60 seconds.

Taste to determine whether any more add-ins are needed and re-blend if desired.

Spoon out and serve.

Source: Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Maria Marlowe

Add cacao powder, dates and coconut to a blender. (A bullet blender works well.)

Blend until a paste is formed, which should only take a few seconds. Roll about a tablespoon or so of paste into a ball. Repeat.

Choose a topping, sprinkle it onto parchment paper and roll date ball in it to coat.

Fast, Healthy Pasta Gluten-free bean and legume-based pastas provide more fiber and protein compared to traditional pasta, points out Marlowe. She suggests placing a steamer basket full of chopped veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and squash over boiling pasta water for a quick pasta primavera. Add some garlic sautéed in olive oil and a little salt and pepper.

Feel-Good Foods Serotonin boosters for better mood and digestive harmony:

kiwi, bananas, pineapple, kiwi, plums, all types of berries, tomatoes, raw cacao nibs, 90 percent dark chocolate, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, butternuts (related to walnuts), almonds, eggs, beans, oats, protein-rich foods, sea vegetables, avocados, Swiss chard, beets, green tea and spices like turmeric.

Dopamine boosters for better mood and memory, and warding off neurodegenerative diseases: artichokes, ripe bananas, tahini, wheat germ, almond butter, leafy greens, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, papaya, red beets, apples, watermelon, blueberries and prunes.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

PLANT-BASED MEDICINE

June 2020

17

Consume Olive Oil to Fight Off Aging In what might be good news for teetotalers, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that it’s not the resveratrol in red wine that increases the life span of cells of those following the Mediterranean Diet, but the fat in olive oil that activates the critical pathway which prevents age-related diseases. “This pathway has been linked to almost all of [aging diseases]. It’s the roots,” says Doug Mashek, Ph.D., a professor in the departments of medicine and biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics. His studies suggest that the benefits of olive oil are most pronounced when coupled with fasting, limiting caloric intake and exercising. “We found that the way this fat works is it first has to get stored in microscopic things called lipid droplets, which is how our cells store fat. And then, when the fat is broken down during exercising or fasting, for example, is when the signaling and beneficial effects are realized,” Mashek explains.

18

Denver Mile High Edition

Health, Hope & Happiness

Eat a Plant-Based Diet to Lessen Stroke Risk People that eat a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables and soy may have a lower risk of stroke than others with diets that include meat and fish, concluded a new study in the journal Neurology. Taiwanese researchers studied two groups of healthy people over age 50 that lived in Buddhist communities in which drinking and smoking were discouraged and vegetarian diets were followed by about a third of residents.

Compared to the meat- and fish-eaters, vegetarians consumed less dairy, animal protein and fat, about the same amount of eggs and fruit, and more fiber and plant protein. In the group of 5,050 people studied for six years, vegetarians had a 74 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked, than non-vegetarians. In the group of 8,302 people followed for nine years, vegetarians had a 48 percent lower risk of overall stroke than nonvegetarians, a 60 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 65 percent lower risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. “Stroke can also contribute to dementia. If we could reduce the number of strokes by people making changes to their diets, that would have a major impact on overall public health,” says study author Chin-Lon Lin, M.D.

PLANT-BASED MEDICINE

K321/Shutterstock.com

Natto, a fermented soybean dish of Japan, offers postmenopausal women protection from bone fractures, concludes a new study in The Journal of Nutrition. Studying 24 years of records of 1,417 Japanese women older than 45, researchers found that compared to those women that rarely ate natto, those that consumed one to six 40-gram packs a week had 21 percent fewer fractures and those consuming more than seven packs had 44 percent fewer fractures. Tofu and other soybean products had no effect on fracture risk. With its strong smell and sticky consistency, natto is an acquired taste, but is also one of the few plant sources of vitamin K2, which activates bone-building proteins. Other studies have linked it to healthier gut flora, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and a stronger immune system.

bitt24/Shutterstock.com

Decrease Bone Fractures with Natto

4 PM production/Shutterstock.com

inspiration

Fathers Know Best

D

by Neal Allen

ads, lighten up. Yes, all dads project their own fears and hopes on their children. If Dad dreamed of becoming a first baseman for the Yankees, he’ll push Johnny into baseball, ignoring his son’s preference for woodworking. If Dad harbored hopes of being the next Hemingway, he’ll praise Mary’s poetry, and maybe skip a few of her tedious soccer games.

Those are the facts, ma’am. Dads have a habit of imposing their own success goals on their kids. It’s not built into fatherhood to let kids willy-nilly develop their own talents and dreams. Does that ruin the kids? Who knows? It happens in just

about every family, so good luck finding a control group for the experiment.

There may be no hope for the kids, but how about the dads? What might happen if they notice this odd behavior and how might that lighten their own loads?

Most of us dads, most of the time, initially take on the responsibility of fatherhood—income, protection, education—with drive and purpose. We make compromises with our pre-dad selves.

The sports car gets traded in for a minivan. Playing guitar becomes a hobby, not a professional goal. We sign on at the warehouse. New dads around the country

are making these changes every day, and mostly with alacrity.

It’s later, when the perfect infant becomes the complaining toddler or rejecting teenager, that the vexing notion arises that another life could have been lived. This form of nostalgia—for what never came—is bitter. The word “nostalgia”, after all, comes from the Greek for “the pain of going home”.

But by seeing himself project his dreams on his children, a father can also see how he’s holding onto a suspect belief that another life would have been better. With maturity, a dad can revisit his adolescent dreams; not nostalgically, but with the wisdom that comes with age.

Did I really have a chance at the Yankees?

Be real. Weren’t there two guys in high school alone who had more talent?

Asking these questions, a father might even notice that no one in the family measures his worth in worldly achievements.

A dad is best remembered in his capacity for love, kindness, forgiveness, everyday strength and friendliness. Your child may know you’re a master carpenter. But what she remembers is that day when you gently showed her the right way to hold a hammer.

Neal Allen is a spiritual coach and author who shares seven children, step-children and grandchildren with his wife, writer Anne Lamott. His book on a new path to personal freedom will be released by Hierophant Publishers in spring 2021. For more information, visit ShapesOfTruth.com.

June 2020

19

calendar of events

classifieds

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONFIRM ALL EVENTS BEFORE ATTENDING

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

All calendar events must be placed online at MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com/calendar by the 5th of the month prior to publication in order to be placed in print. Printed events are $10; add $10 for highlight; add $10 for expanded to 70 words. Classifieds are $25/50 words; Save the Date (70 words + graphic + title in special highlight box) are $75. Ask about “Featuring” your event online. Email us at Publish@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com

Looking for a way to bring in extra money but don’t want to get “another job”? Need something flexible to fit it into your life? What if you could transform your health and your wealth in the next 90 days by partnering with us? What if you could work a handful of hours each week and bring in a nice side income? We are looking for people who want the above and want to make a difference in the world while having FUN! WHAT IF YOU COULD? Please call for more info @ 303.903.8248

JUNE 1 MON

Phone Self Healing 101–5-6:30pm thru 6/22 Mondays over the phone. Learn how to meditate and heal yourself with easy-to-use visualization techniques. Check out the first class for FREE June 1st. $100/4 wks. 303530-0920. Register online Boulderpsychicinstitute.org

JUNE 6 SAT

Group Psychic Readings with Randy Birke–69pm. Limited to 20 participants. Tix $40pp. 1923 N. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood. Order tix online forheavensake.com or call 303-953-8760 Home & Business Healings–1st, 3rd, & 5th Saturdays from 11–12:30pm. Got ghosts? Sleepless nights? Consistent household or business conflict? These are great in times of transition! Offered over the phone. Schedule online. $60. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

JUNE 10 WED

Phone Trance Medium Healings–2nd & 4th Wednesdays from 5–7pm. Receive a channeled healing from our postgraduate students. Come with any healing intention and get rid of pain, mental blocks, emotional turmoil, and spiritual imbalances. Schedule online. $15. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

JUNE 12 FRI Psychic Fair Weekend @ For Heaven's Sake Metaphysical Bookstore– thru 6/14. Psychic Readings @ $1.50 per minute/30 minute minimum. Double Reward Points on purchases. 4900 W 46th Ave, Denver and 1923 N Wadsworth, Lakewood. ForHeavenSake.com

JUNE 13 SAT

Psychic Readings–Saturdays over the phone from 11am–12:30pm MT. Performed by our graduate students. Enjoy an advanced skill set and ask questions about relationships, career, health, and more! Schedule online. $30. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org Pet Readings–2nd & 4th Saturdays over the phone from 11am–12:30pm MT. Improve your relationship with your companion animal. Clarify relational dynamics and negotiate issues. All species welcome. Schedule online. $30. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

JUNE 14 SUN

Beads of Intention Mala Making Workshop with Peacock Arts–5:30-8:30pm. Tix $67pp (upcharge for premium stones) For Heaven’s Sake, 4900 W. 49th Ave, Denver. Order tix online: Bit.ly/SpringMalaFHS

JUNE 15 MON

Psychic Readings–Over the phone from 5–6:30pm MT. Performed by our undergraduate students. Get a holistic view of yourself, and enjoy a set format where you’ll learn about your soul essence, past lives, and the layers of your aura. Schedule online. $10. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

JUNE 16 TUES The Women’s Way to Health, Wealth, and Happiness Online Meetup–5:30pm to 7pm Zoom Live Stream free presentation on Conscious Business/ Conscious Lifestyle presented by Conscious Business Experts Tryna Cooper, Meetings and Events/Truly Live Consciously and Kathy Mason, Mason Works Marketing. Contact Tryna at 303-550-4223 or Kathy at 720-938-2536. RSVP for live stream information.

JUNE 19 FRI Sacred Drumming Circle, Sound Celebration & Meditation–7-9pm. (THIS MAY BE ONLINE) Join the community for sharing the intentions and the sacred vibrations of the Drum Circle. Fill yourself with appreciation, celebration, and release using Sound, Breath, Mindfulness and Meditation in the Energy of the Circle. Suggested Love offering/$10 donation. Journeys For Conscious Living, 7401 West 59th, Arvada. 303-731-6695. J4CL.com.

JUNE 20 SAT Home & Business Healings–1st, 3rd, & 5th Saturdays from 11–12:30pm. Got ghosts? Sleepless nights? Consistent household or business conflict? These are great in times of transition! Offered over the phone. Schedule online. $60. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org One Heart Song Global Peace Meditation–7-9pm.

(THIS MAY BE ONLINE) Join with millions of other One Heart Song groups around the Earth to create peace, share love and raise consciousness and frequencies for all and the Earth herself. Doors open 7pm, meditation/peace program starts 7:30 for an hour. Bring your drums prayers, or your own contribution. Journeys For Conscious Living, 7401 West 59th, Arvada. 303-731-6695. J4CL.com.

JUNE 24 WED Phone Trance Medium Healings–2nd & 4th Wednesdays from 5–7pm. Receive a channeled healing from our postgraduate students. Come with any healing intention and get rid of pain, mental blocks, emotional turmoil, and spiritual imbalances. Schedule online. $15.

BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

Find

MORE GREAT EVENTS NEAR YOU AT

MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com/calendar 20

Denver Mile High Edition

Health, Hope & Happiness

Mile High Natural Awakenings is for SALE! This is a meaningful home-based business opportunity that provides extensive training and ongoing support. No previous publishing experience is required; you must love having conversations with people. Make your own schedule, use your creativity and inspire others to learn about health, hope and happiness. Learn more today by calling Doug and Terry at 303-770-1981 or email Publish@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com

JUNE 25 THURS The Mindful Athlete–thru 7/18 6:30-8pm. Live in-person in our dojo - register by June 14. Thoughtprovoking 4-workshop series examining through discussion and practicing Qigong Movement the skills of Mindfulness and more. $25/workshop or $79/4 workshops pd in full. Chi Wellness, 4155 East Jewell Ave, Denver. DebraLin.ChiWellness@gmail.com or 720-427-0406

JUNE 26 FRI Psychic Fair Weekend @ For Heaven's Sake Metaphysical Bookstore– thru 6/28. Psychic Readings @ $1.50 per minute/30 minute minimum. Double Reward Points on purchases. 4900 W 46th Ave, Denver and 1923 N Wadsworth, Lakewood. ForHeavenSake.com Qigong Movement Friday–6-7:30pm. On Zoom and live in our dojo - register at least 24 hours prior.

Meditative “Stillness within Movement” in this fun group experience increases flexibility, strength, endurance, mental focus and calm. $20 drop-in or $90/6 classes. Chi Wellness, 4155 East Jewell Ave, Denver.

720-427-0406 or DebraLin.ChiWellness@gmail.com.

ChiWellness.net.

JUNE 27 SAT Pet Readings–2nd & 4th Saturdays over the phone from 11am–12:30pm. Improve your relationship with your companion animal. Clarify relational dynamics and negotiate issues. All species welcome. Schedule online. $30. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org Psychic Readings–Over the phone from 11am– 12:30pm. Performed by our graduate students. Enjoy an advanced skill set and ask questions about relationships, career, health, and more! Schedule online. $30. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

JUNE 29 MON Psychic Readings–Over the phone from 5–6:30pm.

Performed by our undergraduate students. Get a holistic view of yourself, and enjoy a set format where you’ll learn about your soul essence, past lives, and the layers of your aura. Schedule online. $10. BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

on going events

daily Free Healing Therapy for Individuals with Cancer–Reiki and Healing Touch support healing on all levels. Remote sessions available. Sign up for free sessions at one of our partner locations, or in-home for those too sick to travel, at LifesparkNow.org

tuesdays Longmont Spiritual Transformation with Transmission Meditation–7pm. Join us for a group meditation that is a stimulus to our individual development and also a potent form of world service.

Free. Connie 303-834-0526 Wheatridge Spiritual Transformation with Transmission Meditation–7pm. Join us for a group meditation that is a stimulus to our individual development and also a potent form of world service.

Free. Tim 303-239-8101

wednesdays Energy Healings; Aura Clearing and Chakra Balancing–6-7pm. A healing is an energy clearing, release negative energy blocking growth and create the life you desire. $10. Face masks required. Free for first time visitors. Journey Within @ Irongate Executive Plaza 777 S Wadsworth Blvd Bldg 2 #108, Lakewood. Anita Destino 720-413-7303, journeywithin@hotmail.com

looking ahead JULY 7

AUGUST 8-9

Self Healing 101–thru 7/28 Tuesdays 7:30– 9pm. Location TBA, phone or in person. Learn how to meditate and heal yourself with easy-to-use visualization techniques. Check out the first class of the 4 week course for FREE on July 7th. Register online BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

Plant-Based Health & Wellness Summit 2020–9am-5pm. Lifestyle conference for individuals and multi-generational families who are mindful about their overall well-being. Discover how to transform your health through food choices; world-renowned experts on whole food, plant-based nutrition; live cooking demos from leading culinary chefs; gourmet, plant-based meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marriott Hotel Lone Tree. Info 303-944-4172 or pbsummit.com

JULY 11 Day of Healing–11am-3pm. Celebration-picnic and healings! Celebrate you; celebrate Journey Within being in Lakewood for 11 years with private healings and food. Many different ways to give to yourself: Private Energy Healings, Angel Card readings and more. Healings and Readings by appt. Journey Within; 777 S Wadsworth Blvd. Bldg 2 #108, Lakewood. Anita Destino, 720-413-7303 or AnitaDestino.com

JULY 19 The Secrets of Heaven with Sarina Baptista– 5-7pm. Tix $25pp 4900 W. 46th Ave., Denver, 80212. Order tix online: forheavensake.com or call 303-964-9339

Reach More Clients than EVER!

“Tradigital” Maximize Reach Drive Engagement Build Relationships

saturdays

North Boulder Spiritual Transformation with Transmission Meditation–7pm. Join us for a group meditation that is a stimulus to our individual development and also a potent form of world service.

Free. Lon 303-746-7118

Ask about our full suite of

MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com

Listening to your Intuition - Psychometry–6-8pm.

We will share messages from others’ energy objects after meditation. Great way to meet others and more importantly validate your intuition. $25. Soul Star Holistic Healing Arts, 899 N Logan Street, #310, Denver. 303-223-6336 RSVP SoulStarInc.com.

sundays

Fall Holistic Fair–10am-5pm. Connect with body, mind, spirit and environment with astrology, tarot, palmistry, clairvoyant readings, aura portraits, psychic development classes, and other intuitive arts. Experience healing modalities; sample healthy “green drinks,” vitamin supplements and nutritional products. Locally-made natural skin care products.

Shop creative vendors and artisans. $7/day, $12/ wkend; children 12 & under FREE. The Ranch/ Larimer County Fairgrounds South Hall, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland. Free parking, lectures, door prizes. Holistic-fairs.com or contact Carol at 970-472-0200 or holisticfairs@gmail.com

marketing options on the NEW

fridays

Qigong Movement Live Online–1-2:30pm . Meditative “Stillness within Movement” in this fun group experience increases flexibility, strength, endurance, mental focus and calm. Suitable for all levels of physical fitness. $20 drop-in or $90/6 classes. Chi Wellness, The Center of Qigong, Denver. Debra Lin Allen 720-427-0406, DebraLin.ChiWellness@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 19 - 20

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

Coming Next Month JULY

Beyond Factory Farming plus: Gut Health

June 2020

21

community resource guide

ENERGY HEALING/MEDITATION

Connecting you to resources for health, hope and happiness in our community. Special packages available for print and online. Email Publish@MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com for more information.

AUTOMOTIVE CARE

COUNSELING

Two Locations!

RENEE ELLIS, MA LPC RMT

HINSDALE AUTOMOTIVE 15455 E Hinsdale Dr., Centennial 303-617-0152 / HinsdaleAuto.com

DC AUTO IN MORRISON 303-801-1959 / DCAutoshop.com Professional Mechanics, Not Professional Prices! Owner Darrell Weddell’s motto is to take care of your problem, educate you to make an informed decision, and to advise on future repairs and maintenance.

Whether it’s major or minor issues, your electrical system, or a combination of mechanical problems, Darrell’s team has the experience and know-how to diagnose and accurately repair your vehicle.

DENTISTS 8204 S. Kipling Pkwy Suite 160, Littleton 720-923-5880

CHI WELLNESS, THE CENTER OF QIGONG Debra Lin Allen, Founder/Director 720-427-0406 DebraLin.ChiWellness@gmail.com ChiWellness.net Thrive in balance and flexibility in body and life, physical vigor and health, spontaneity and inner peace through chi cultivation, care and practice with Debra Lin Allen. Medical Qigong and Qigong Lifestyle Coaching by appointment. Group qigong self-care classes throughout the week. Professional certification programs to teach qigong and do medical qigong therapy also available. The best of health and prosperity await you, call today! See ad page 19.

CONSCIOUS EVENTS AND SPEAKERS JOURNEYS FOR CONSCIOUS LIVING 7401 West 59th Ave., Arvada 303-731-6695 / J4CL.com Discover a life of passion, purpose and contribution.

Journeys for Conscious Living is an organization leading the world in conscious living, hosting world class events, speakers and event center (space rental) to empower people to create thoughtful changes in living their lives every day, thus creating the space and energy to stay centered and expand the community. See ad page 15.

Denver Mile High Edition

Experience the benefits of traditional counseling while openly acknowledging the role of intuition and the soul's journey in achieving wellbeing. Move through grief, relationship challenges and life transitions. Discover your path, reveal clarity and experience sensitivity as strength. Get started today with a complimentary consultation and bring wisdom to life.

HOLISTIC LIFE DENTISTRY

CHI HEALING / QIGONG CLASSES

22

Counseling for Women, Grief Counseling, Spiritual Counseling Internal Family Systems (IFS), Past Life Therapy, Energy Healing 1211 S Parker Road, Suite 103, Denver 720-984-9575 / Liveyourknowing.com

Dr. Jamie Greear-Schmidt, DMD, practices safe mercury amalgam removal, ozone therapy, holistic oral surgery, minimally invasive dentistry and understands the strong connection between health and the oral cavity. She is a member of The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, and International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, and is known for her warm chairside manner, gentle touch, and calming nature. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and soaking up all the beautiful nature that Colorado has to offer. See ad page 2.

VIBRANCE DENTISTRY

Dr. Cate Vieregger 7400 E Crestline Circle, Ste 230, Greenwood Village 303-770-1116 / VibranceDentistry.com Whether your goal is to encourage a healthy attitude towards oral health in your children or ease your own anxiety about dental procedures, our friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere will change the way you approach dental care. Our state-ofthe-art equipment and spa-like amenities allow us to offer services that transcend traditional dentistry and promote whole-body wellness. See ad page 11.

Life is like riding a bicycle.

To keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein

Health, Hope & Happiness

JOURNEY WITHIN

Anita Destino 777 S Wadsworth Blvd. Bldg 2-108, Lakewood 720-413-7303 / AnitaDestino.com A safe place for people interested in creating change in their lives, Journey Within helps you focus on spiritual growth, developing your intuition and personal development. Give to yourself with Energy Healings, Angel Healings, Guided Meditations, Meditation Classes, Workshops and Intuitive Readings/Healings. Join us for Aura Clearing and Chakra Balancing every Wednesday from 6-7 pm, open to everyone. $10 per person. Free to first time visitors. See ad page 8.

EVENT CENTER & MEETING ROOMS JOURNEYS FOR CONSCIOUS LIVING

7401 West 59th Ave., Arvada 303-731-6695 / J4CL.com Discover a life of passion, purpose and contribution.

Journeys for Conscious Living is an organization leading the world in conscious living, hosting world class events, speakers, and gatherings, and offering an event center (space rental) to empower people to create and express thoughtful changes in living their lives every day, thus creating the space and energy to stay centered and expand community. See ad page 15.

FAMILY PRACTICE/ HEALTHY AGING CLEAR SKY MEDICAL

Katia Meier, MD 9085 E Mineral Circle, #260, Centennial 303-790-7860 / ClearSkyMedical.com Feel and look your best at any age with Katia Meier, MD, Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine, Specialty trained in Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, Holistic and Naturopathic medicine in Europe and certified in laser and injectable aesthetic dermatology.

Specializing in whole body health with customized approaches. All ages; most insurance welcome. Set up your appointment today. See ad page 14.

HEALING STRATEGIES FOR HEALING/ LIFE VESSEL DENVER

Gary & Sharon Worrell Addressing Stress Energetically 303-564-2723 / StrategiesforHealing.com The Life Vessel™ is a chamber that utilizes frequencies of light, sound, vibration and Infrared to balance and reduce stress in the body, allowing it to perform its innate, natural ability to heal itself. Research shows that time spent in the Life Vessel balances the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and helps with stress reduction, detoxification, and pain management. When the ANS is in balance, other systems in the body are affected in a positive way.

INTEGRATIVE CARE CLEAR SKY MEDICAL with Dr. Katia Meier. Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and specialty trained in Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy and Functional Medicine. See full listing under PHYSICAN or see ad page 14.

NO-PAIN OPTIMAL ALIGNMENT NEUROENERGETIC RELEASE™ (NER) Donald W. Kipp, Founder 303-697-4923 Body-awareness.com NER helps people be Healthier, Decrease Pain, and Increase Peak-Performance...In Seconds!

Control systems, not force are used to painlessly and quickly realign and rebalance the entire body. This releases whole-being patterns causing seemingly unrelated symptoms (such as back pain, headaches, indigestion, brain-fog and asthma). NER predicts and prevents injuries, degenerative changes, and dis-ease. Call now for optimal health and performance.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING CLEAR SKY MEDICAL with Dr. Katia Meier and staff offer Certified Nutrition therapists, specializing in the food-brain connection, nutrition for cancer prevention, autoimmune diseases, food sensitivities/allergies, elimination diets and medically supervised weight loss.. See full listing under PHYSICAN or see ad page 14.

PHYSICIAN: BOARD CERTIFIED HOLISTIC CLEAR SKY MEDICAL Dr. Katia Meier 9085 E Mineral Circle, #260, Centennial 303-790-7860 / ClearSkyMedical.com Feel and look your best with Dr Katia Meier, Board Certified Holistic MD specializing in whole body health for children and adults. Customized approaches to Healthy Aging, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Nutritional Analysis and therapy, medical aesthetics and nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments, Homeopathy, Herbology, Naturopathic Medicine, Personalized Detoxification Program, Medical Weight Loss for men and women. Make your appointment today. See ad page 14.

SHAMANIC SERVICES WOLFHEALS SHAMANIC SERVICES BJ Brown, MSW, CIBP Shamanic Practitioner & Teacher Boulder 303-808-4006 Wolfheals.com Shamanism is known to benefit disease on any level while deepening a sense of wholeness. This ancient spirituality and methodology, found in all cultures, works directly with the compassionate Spirit realms and Earth wisdom. BJ offers Body-Centered Psychotherapy, classes, house clearing, ceremonies, and various shamanic methods (Soul and Power Animal Retrievals, Extraction, etc). Remote shamanic healing is free. See website for events and offerings.

This sacred work can restore connection with self, soul and enhance spiritual autonomy.

PSYCHIC SCHOOL BOULDER PSYCHIC INSTITUTE

Choose your thoughts.

Choose your emotions.

Choose your life.

1332 Pearl Street (2nd Floor), Boulder 303-530-0920 / BoulderPsychicInstitute.org

Being psychic makes life easy! Our first class of the Self Healing 101 course is free—you can take it over the phone or in person. Develop your intuitive and healing abilities in our vibrant and fun community. Check out our free events: • Free Aura & Chakra Healings: Thursdays from 6–7pm • Free Healing & Meditative Services: Fridays from 6–7pm. We also offer affordable readings and healings—you will gain clarity and get your life going in the right direction!

THERAPY POSITIVE ASSIST Crystal Deichert, LPC In Aurora and Westminster 720-767-1994 / info@crystaldeichert.com CrystalDeichert.com Crystal is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy. She is trained in Synergetic Play Therapy for Children, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Mind-Body Connection, Dolphin Energy Healings, and mental causes for physical illnesses. She works with all diagnoses. “I focus on getting unstuck rather than analyzing the problems.”

To travel is to take a journey into yourself. ~Danny Kaye

Connect

with local resources and professionals and even leave reviews at

MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com/businesses June 2020

23

Exclusive Online Content in June SIGN UP for Nature’s Rite emails to receive exclusive discounts on natural remedies

Our Community Partners offer classes, products & services for your health, hope & happiness.

designed by Master Herbalist Steve Frank @ MyNaturesRite.com

HOMEBODY WORKOUTS Getting Fit Without a Gym Check the Fit Body section for this and other great articles!

DAVID HAMILTON ON KINDNESS in the Pandemic Age Check the Wise Words section for this and other great articles!

MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com