Natural Awakenings Fairfield County June 2016

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

Be Happy All Day

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

P L A N E T

FREE

Simple Daily

Practices

Buff and Balanced

Bodybuilders Turn to Yoga

Confronting the Man Boob Epidemic

Nurturing Midlife Love

Growing Up Can Mean Loving Better

June 2016 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

Whole-Body Dentistry® provides comprehensive oral health care using traditional and holistic approaches. We understand the “mouth-body connection.”

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Speaker and best-selling author of Whole-Body Dentistry®

Mercury-free for over 30 years, Dr. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry.

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center Caring Naturopathic Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing

Our integrative approach treats a widerange of conditions including: ADD/ADHD Allergies Anxiety & Depression Autism Brain Injuries Candidiasis Chronic Fatigue (or Fatigue Concerns) Difficulty Concentrating Female Concerns Fibromaylgia

Gastrointestinal Concerns Healthy Aging Hormonal Issues Immune Disorders Lyme Disease RSD Sports Injuries Stress-related Symptoms Thyroid & Adrenal Issues Toxicities Weight Gain

Learn more about our approach. Watch our new therapy videos – all on our website!

We can help you get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments and therapies:

From left to right:

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, Director Dr. Elena Sokolova, MD, ND & Dr. David M. Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) EEG Neurofeedback Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Energy Medicine Electrodermal Screening Metabolic Typing

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

Functional Medicine Colon Hydrotherapy Natural Hormone Therapy Herbal Medicine Nutritional Assessment Allergy Desensitization FDA-cleared Phototherapy Detoxification Abdominal Manual Therapy

FREE CDs on our Whole-Body approach to Lyme Disease.

Call now for details.

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

2

Whole-Body Medicine, LLC – The Natural Approach for Optimal Health Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

3

Be Allergy Free No Medication or Shots Needed!

“Eczema, gastric reflux, bloating, asthma, sinus conditions and digestive problems are often caused by food and chemical allergies.“ Seasonal, food, and environmental allergies can be eliminated with a revolutionary, noninvasive, child-friendly technique!

Enhance immune and digestive system function to assist the body in the natural healing process with computerized allergy testing, treatment, elimination, and enzyme therapy.

FREE E-Book: “How To Stop Suffering From Food Sensitivities, ‘Allergies’ and Digestion Problems” Download at: www.AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com

Call 203-838-1555 for a complimentary consultation

Dr. Mark Joachim Developer of 156 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 www.AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com

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

20 GAY HENDRICKS ON NURTURING LOVE IN MIDLIFE

20

Why Growing Up Can Mean Loving Better

by S. Alison Chabonais

24 MOBILITY TRUMPS

HARD EFFORT

Range of Motion Plays Vital Role in Overall Fitness

by Megan E. Richey

28 BUFF AND BALANCED

24

Bodybuilders Turn to Yoga

by Aimee Hughes

34 HAPPY ALL DAY

Look Fabulous without Surgery or Injections Natural Beauty Spa specializes in today’s latest skin rejuvenation.

Come in for a FREE CONSULTATION and speak with one of our experts on how we can help you feel your best.

Anti-aging and Acne Treatment, Massage, Facial, Hair Removal, Acupuncture, Lymphatic Drainage, VelaShape for Cellulite Treatment and more.

Simple Daily Practices for a Happier Life

by Judith Fertig

38 GIVE YOUR

DOG A JOB!

38

Just Like Us, They Need Purpose to Be Happy

by Mary Oquendo

42 DAD MATTERS

How to be the Father Kids Need

by Armin Brott

43 CONFRONTING THE

MAN BOOB EPIDEMIC

Hormonal Shifts and Toxicity 4154 Madison Ave Trumbull, CT 06611 Tel (203) 502-8503

www.ctnaturalbeauty.com 4

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Cause New Concerns for Men

by Kurt Waples

44 TRESS STRESS

Natural Ways to Prevent Hair Loss

by Jody McCutcheon

44

7 newsbriefs

13 healthbriefs 17 globalbriefs 28 masteringyoga 13 32 fitnessprofiles 37 inspiration 38 naturallyhealthypet 40 naturalpet 41 petresourceguide 42 healthykids 17 44 productmarketplace 46 inspiredtable 42 48 consciouseating 53 calendar 57 classifieds 57 resourceguide 62 displayadindex

Dr. Guerin introduces...

The Acu-Thin program Hunger Stops, Weight Drops, Almost Magic The Acu - Thin program is a system of weight loss based on the principle of auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) used to decrease the desire for food.

It can be done with needles “I can now fit into or without needles.

those clothes that I was keeping in the back of my closet & feel more confident because I know I look better as a thinner me! Thank you for this program.”

Janice B.

First Treatment only $49 Offer expires 7/31/16

For a confidential appointment call our office

Dr. Patrick J. Guerin D.C., F.I.A.M.A. 256 Post Road East, Wesport, CT 06880 203-227-4474 • www.acuthin.com

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

The Center for Natural Medicine

Experts in Science-Based Natural Medicine • Women’s Health • Hormonal Imbalance • Abnormal Paps • Thyroid Disorders • Fertility • Insomnia

• Men’s Health • Cancer Support • Colds and Flus • Anxiety and Depression • Autoimmune Disease • Weight Loss

Dr. Ellen Lewis Dr. Andrew Cummins Dr. Mara Davidson Cindy Wechsler, APRN Tracy Pardo Joy Carbino, LMT Beverly Lewis 8 Lincoln Street Westport, CT 06880

p 203.916.4600 f 203.916.4601

• Pediatrics • ADD/ADHD • Eczema • Allergies • Asthma • Food Sensitivities

Dr. Ellen Lewis

Medical Director www.ShalvaClinic.org Info@ShalvaClinic.org

Naturopathic Medicine • Massage Therapy Classes & Workshops

eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

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letterfrompublisher

W

ith spring’s late start this year, we are now finally getting into the swing of summertime with the blossoming of the flowers and vegetable and herb plants showing their potential. The beautiful weather of May and June reminds us to pay more attention to our physical bodies in preparation for the summer and provides new opportunities to be more in touch with our families and friends, pets and nature.

contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers David Johnston, Amira Mantoura, Mary Oquendo, Lupo Passero, Ashley Popoli, Megan E. Richey Sales & Marketing Alix Bacher Alexa Ferrucci Nicole Miale Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County 54 Danbury Rd, Ste 323 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

For many, this time of year can produce some anxiety about their physical condition and appearance.

It is common for people to begin a new exercise regimen at the start of summer in an attempt to undo Nicole Miale damage done during previous months. Getting into optimal physical shape can be approached in many ways and also creates new challenges along the way as we make requests of our bodies that are out of the ordinary. This month, we include articles about aerial arts; the vital role of mobility rather than hard effort in achieving physical fitness goals; the role of osteopathic manipulation therapy to speed recovery time after a concussion; and how to break painful tension-based habits in the body through structural integration.

Since overall “fitness” is far more than physical, we also include some articles intended to support and help you balance your emotional well-being. Being happy all day is a state of mind, not a destination and being happy in a loving, committed relationship requires a nurturing of its own. We all deserve to look and feel our very best – as individuals and as partners – so we hope these articles inspire and empower you in that regard.

In addition to all that, Father’s Day inspired us to shine a spotlight on men’s health this month. Among other topics, local experts explore herbal support for common health issues affecting men and how the increasing rate of hormonal imbalance and toxicity in men is causing a “man boob” epidemic in our country.

This June issue marks the 11th year that Natural Awakenings has been publishing in Fairfield County. Happy anniversary and thank you for coming along for the ride with us! Hopefully we will see you at one of the many events scheduled to take place this month. Check out our news briefs, ads and calendar listings for great opportunities to visit new places and learn from/meet local practitioners as well as other like-minded people.

With love and light,

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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

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

6

Fairfield County Edition

See our advertiser index on page 62.

Making it easier to find the resources you need.

natural awakenings

newsbriefs Celebrate Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice

Summer Art Programs in Brookfield

O

n June 19, the Worldwide Summer Solstice Festival will take place at the Westport Library from 1 to 4pm.

View the sun safely through mega solar telescopes as the solstice is celebrated with a drum circle, yoga and free Shake Shack custard. There will be a selection of speakers on topics from meteorites to the status of space flight.

T

Schedule for the day includes: • Solstice viewing with three telescopes provided by

the Rolnick Observatory (1-4pm) • Yoga Master Robert Ortner (1:30pm) • Free Shake Shack custard (2:30pm) • Drum circle with Randy Brody (3pm) • Westport Astronomical Society lecture in McManus

Room (4pm)

he Brookfield Craft Center (BCC) is offering an opportunity for 11 to 14-year olds to explore their creative energies in a summer youth program.

Half-day morning or afternoon programs will be offered July 1115, July 25-29, August 8-12 and August 22-26 on the BCC campus.

Professional artist/craft teachers and assistants will teach guided learning experience in a supportive environment. Small classes will enable students to get individual help and allow each child a hands-on exploration of their personal creativity and the process of making. Classes will include glass beadmaking, fiber arts, blacksmithing, fused glass, clay and jewelry. To view the selection of classes, visit BrookfieldCraft.org.

Summer Youth Program Scholarships are available. If you know a child interested in a class offered during our Summer Youth Program that is deserving of a scholarship, visit BrookfieldCraft.org and complete a submission form.

Scholarship applications are due by June 15.

In case of rain, the festival will be held in the library’s McManus Room. Community partners include Westport Astronomical Society and Shake Shack.

For more information, email Info@BrookfieldCraft.org or call 203-775-4526. Location: 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield. See ad, page 25.

For more information, visit WestportLibrary.org/Events.

Location: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport.

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. ~Omar Khayyám

Unity Center of Norwalk Presents:

Celebration Service Sundays at 10:30 am 3 Main Street, 2nd Floor Norwalk,CT 06851 (203) 855-7922 unitycenternorwalk.org

Metaphysics 2 Class - Tuesday’s, June 7th & 21st at 7:00pm Pride Open Mic Night - Saturday, June 18th at 7:00pm

eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

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newsbriefs 7eFit Spa Open House The Art of Control Launches in Stamford in Stamford

S

tamford has a new option for those seeking to look and feel their best during ™ the holiday seayears on theSpa campus of NewonYork’s son fter and10 beyond.

7eFit has opened HighSUNY Ridge PurRoad, chase, The Art of Control has opened their new studio offering a variety of aesthetic services and non-invasive techin Stamford, offering private, semi-private group is niques to support mind and body wellness.and An small open house classical Pilates classes. 22 from noon to 7pm. scheduled for November

“We are proud to offerings—which be part of Synergy and FitThe regular service willHealth be available as ness, a holistically oriented gym where MDs, naturopathic Relax while our technology brief demonstration sessions during the open house—include doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, therapists . does work anti-aging andthe oxygen facials with oxygenmassage therapy, Torc Plus biophysical therapists come together to offer their Noand surgery or invasive procedures. electric stimulation for targeted muscle activation (also clients available the form of health and wellness,” sayssauna Art offor Control Infrared Sauna • Micro-dermabrasion withfullest oxygen therapy) and weight loss, infrared detoxifiOwner Simona Cipriani.

Cipriani is certified through the Myolift • Torc • Body Waxing cation, Reiki and the DietMaster personal weight loss program.

Authentic Pilates Method and has taught alongside Romana Diet Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki The Torc Plus has been FDA-cleared and is known to be Kryzanowska.

Dermalogica Facials • Oxygen Facialstoning, cellulite reduction effective for muscle tightening, and To celebrate the opening, the studio is offering a new Teeth Whitening inch loss. clientFounder Pilates package, which includes private sessions Save Tracey Now with Scalzi, a long-timethree Stamford resident for $125 (a $300 value).

The introductory offer also includes Introductory Prices! and business owner, decided to open 7eFitSpa because she the 30-minute studio intro session (a value).

All of The Call 203-356-5822 wanted a new business dedicated to $70 helping people look Art of Control’s instructors are classically trained Pilates and feel their best.

The |spa had a soft opening in June but 1092 High Ridge Road Stamford, CTtraining.

06905 They adhere teachers each with over 600 hours of was fully operational with all equipment and services avail7efitspact1@gmail.com www.7efitspa.com to Joseph Pilates’ original|philosophy that healing comes able in mid-September. through a body in motion.

Fit Spa

AA new way to looking and feeling good.

For more information, visit 7eLLC.com and visit the For more information, visit7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com ArtofControl.com or callor203Stamford location, email call 973-7262.

Location: The Art of Control, 1177 St, 203-356-5822. Location: 1092 High Ridge Rd,Summer Stamford 2nd fl, Stamford.

See ad, page 17. (inside Salon Cheveaux). See ad, page 15.

Revitalize TLC Center in June Shamanicwith Healing Retreat n June 5 from 11am in Redding O to 4pm, the holistic

J

oin shamanic practitioners professionals at TLC Center and teachers Deana Paqua and Jessica in Norwalk will offer a day Hunter for a day of shamanic healing of insight, clarity, peace for gratitude, transformation, abunand healing. Admission and dance, discoveryare and enlightenment. mini-workshops free, This all-day healing retreat while 20 minute readings/ is open to anyone and allwill levels who wishfor $20. healing sessions be available to learn more about shamanism andto be offered may

Readings and healing protocols shamanic healing practices and techinclude tarot, intuitive readings, Reiki, John of God crystal niques that can incorporated Deana Paqua bed healing, Lifebe Cycle readings,into Chinese astrology, chakra daily life for transformation and posibalancing, Jin Shin Jyutsu and more. changes.

Thefrom event will be heldTLC at will host its annual tive On June 20 7 to 8:30pm, the sanctuary at The Redding Center Summer Solstice Celebration & Meditation. Summer solstice for Meditation onofNovember 14 from and celebration represents a time spiritual blossoming 10am to 5pm. and is an ideal moment in the year for self-reflection and A variety of techniques and teachgratitude.

As the mid-way point in the calendar year, the ings will be incorporated throughout solstice gives way to the season in which we are most likely thewitness day, including shamanicthe journey to and experience joys of our new year’s resoluwork, shamanic ceremonies, crystal tions ripening into delicious fruits. various spirit medicine healing healing, The evening will introduce attendees to a variety of teachings and shamanic techniques for Jessica meditation techniques and will use essential oils to Hunter enhance clearing and manifestation practices. the overall experience. bring a unique andand informative combina Paqua Ledand

by Hunter Beth Leas, TLC’s director a meditator for tion of shamanic healing and teachings to their gatherings. decades, the event will be suitable for both new and exPaqua meditators. specializes Seating in Andean and South perienced is limited and American registrationshais manic traditions, while Hunter focuses on North American required. traditions.

Together, they provide shamanic TLC Center has plenty of parking and is educational walking dis-and inspirational shamanic gatherings that encompass a variety tance from the East Norwalk train station. of teachings and a global connection of a variety of Shamanic Healing practices.

For more information or to register for the Summer Solstice event, visit TLCCenter.com, call 203-856-9566 or email For more information,Location: visit EmbodytheSacred.net andAve, TLCCenter@aol.com.

TLC Center, 152 East HunterHealingHands.com.

See ads, pages 10 and 20.

Norwalk. See ad, page 23.

transformative natural healing are you ready for a change?

Naturopathic Family Medicine For over 25 years, Dr. Debra Gibson has provided caring, personal treatment in a friendly, comfortable environment to support healing transformation of body, mind and spirit.

Her thorough, wellness-oriented approach investigates the root cause of chronic health concerns, and uses effective natural therapies to heal imbalances underlying conditions such as fatigue, overweight, allergy and autoimmunity, hormonal imbalance (thyroid, PMS, menopause), gastrointestinal disorders, and children’s health issues. (thy

100 Danbury Road, Suite 102, Ridgefield, CT Ph. 203.431.4443 8 12

Fairfield Fairfield County County Edition Edition

natural natural awakenings awakenings

Debra Gibson, ND

Ann’s Place Offers Cancer Transitions Workshop Series

D

anbury Hospital, in collaboration with Ann’s Place is pleased to offer Cancer Transitions, a free six-week workshop designed to help cancer survivors make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care. The 5-7:30pm class, which begins June 2, is for those that have completed treatment within the last 24 months.

Expert panelists will discuss exercise tailored to each participant’s abilities, training in relaxation and stress management, and tips for nutritious eating. The Cancer Transitions facilitators will answer questions about cancer survivorship and post-cancer treatment. Please note that physician clearance must be obtained to ensure exercise programs are consistent with your health care regimen and appropriate to your medical condition.

Westport Rolfing®

Ageless Posture, Freedom of Movement Improving body alignment and function through soft tissue manipulation and movement education.

• Decrease chronic pain, muscle tension and stress.

• Create overall ease and balance throughout the entire body.

Offices in Westport and Fairfield, CT • www.westportrolfing.com

Sachi Nakayama The course covers the following topics: Certified Advanced Rolfer • June 2: Get Back to Wellness: 203-216-9720 sachi@westportrolfing.com Take Control of Your Survivorship • June 9: Exercise for Wellness: Customized Exercise • June 16: Nutrition Beyond Cancer • June 30: Emotional Health and Lipo-Light is the new nonsurgical state-of-the-art Well-Being: From Patient to Survivor technology alternative to Liposuction. It is • July 7: Life Beyond Cancer completely non-invasive, does not cause any • July 14: Medical Management discomfort, and no down time.

Beyond Cancer: What You Need to Know It is based on the principle of

Mikel Bensend Certified Advanced Rolfer 203-216-9770 mikel@westportrolfing.com

Lose 3-9 Inches in 9 Sessions 20 Minute Sessions • Super Safe Non-Invasive • No Pain No Downtime • No Side Effects

biophotomodulation. Infrared light at 635 nanometers

Featured presenters include an is absorbed by fat cells causing the cell’s pores oncology nurse navigator, an oncology to open and excrete the fatty acid social worker, an exercisecontents physiologist into the surrounding and certified cancer exercise trainer, fluid. The fat is taken away by the and a dietician and certified specialist lymphatic system and consumed in oncology nutrition. by body metabolism. The result is immediate loss of inches.

To register or for more information, call Maureen at 203-739-6988. Registration is required as space is limited.

Location: Ann’s Place, 80 Saw Mill Rd, Danbury.

Only One Offer Per Person Restrictions May Apply New Patients Only INTRODUCTORY OFFER Offer Expires 8/31/15

SPECIAL 1 Treatment for $99 or 3 Treatments for $249 Only One Offer Per Person. Restrictions May Apply. New Patients Only. Offer Expires 7/31/16

www.westportlipolight.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

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newsbriefs Spreading Lyme Prevention Awareness One Lime Bite at a Time

A

Massage Therapy

The Gift of Relaxation Specializing in: Swedish • Pregnancy • Injury • Infant Trigger Point • CranioSacral Therapy

Robin Ordan, LMT 203-561-8535

www.robinordanlmt.com Located on the Old Greenwich/Stamford Border

Positive & Nature Based Psychology Promoting well-being and resilience.

Happiness • Strength • Hope • Wisdom • Coping • Flourishing

Ann C. Reeves, Psy. D, CAPP Licensed Psychologist

203-451-6208

annreevespsych@optonline.net • www.annreevespsychology.com Offices in Newtown & Wilton, CT

Crystal Visions

For a World of Peace & Blessings Spiritual Counseling & Novelties

860-210-9897

www.CrystalVisionsCT.com 10

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

re you ready to help take a bite out of Lyme disease for Lyme Disease Awareness Month? The 2016 Lyme Disease Challenge is off to a great start for the month to raise awareness and funds for research and education, with participation by public figures such as Ally Hilfinger, Yolanda Foster, U.K. businessman John Caudwell, Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley, Lisa Rinna and Eileen Davidson.

Follow the three steps and then donate $10. Those that prefer not to take the “bite” are encouraged to donate $100 instead. For the first step, bite a lime and take a photo or a short video of the act with your sourpuss face. Secondly, share one brief fact about Lyme disease. You can say them in your video, write them on your photo, or include them in your post. Then challenge three other people to take a bite by mentioning them in your video or tagging them in your post’s photo. Lastly, post it to your favorite social media outlets and tag your video or photo with #LymeDiseaseChallenge. You can check back to watch the challenge live at LymeDiseaseChallenge.org/Lyme-Disease-Challenge-Action.

While the primary goal of the Lyme Disease Challenge is to spread awareness, the organization is also raising funds to benefit the International Lyme & Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADAF), an ILADS Lyme Society nonprofit. The volunteer challenge team raised a total of over $100,000 to support doctor training and research through ILADEF in 2015.

“The Lyme Disease Challenge empowers those in the Lyme Disease community to share their story using the power of social media,” states Florida attorney Melissa Bell, a Challenge organizer and president of Florida Lyme Disease Association. “Advocacy is critical considering how many patients—including children—are slipping through the cracks while we wait for adequate research funding to develop more reliable diagnostic tests and more effective treatments for late-stage Lyme disease and co-infections,” Bell adds.

For more information and photos of the Challenge in action, visit LymeDiseaseChallenge.org.

Vertical Addiction Hosts Grand Re-Opening Party; Expands Services

Clinics

Clinics Clinics

Your Partners in Health and Wellness.

Your Partners in

O

n June 4 from 10am to 3pm, Stamford’s aerial fitness and pole studio Vertical Addiction will celebrate its grand re-opening in its new studio space in Stamford. The party will feature free mini classes, instructor performances, team races, food trucks and more.

After nearly four years on High Ridge Road in Stamford, Vertical Addiction has moved downtown and expanded its services beyond aerial fitness. In addition to yoga and boot camp classes, the studio now offers nutritional coaching for its members. Linda Stephens has joined Vertical Addition’s team to provide at least three nutrition plans to studio members. She regularly contributes to a number of fitness publications including Oxygen Magazine and Muscle and Fitness Hers.

Visitors to the re-opening party can take advantage of new, lower membership prices.

Health and in Wellness.

Your Partners and Wellness.

The UB Clinics, located on the campus of theHealth University of Bridgeport, are staffed by some of the brightest and most talented healthcare professionals of the future. Open to The UBthe Clinics, located on theaffordable, campus of the University of Bridgeport, are staffed the public, UB Clinics offer high quality care at a fraction of theby cost of some of and most talented professionals of thearefuture. to Thethe UBbrightest Clinics, located on the campushealthcare of the University of Bridgeport, staffedOpen by comparable treatments elsewhere. some of brightest mostaffordable, talented healthcare professionals future. of Open the public, thetheUB Clinicsand offer high quality care atofathe fraction thetocost of the public, the UB Clinics offer affordable, high quality care at a fraction of the cost of comparable treatments elsewhere.

comparableMedicine treatments elsewhere.

Naturopathic • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture

Naturopathic Medicine • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture

Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture Call today Naturopathic to find outMedicine how you• can receive state-of-the-art, patient-centered care at NewCall England’s growing university. today tofastest find out how you state-of-the-art, patient-centered care at Call today to find out how youcan canreceive receive state-of-the-art, patient-centered care at New England’s fastest growinguniversity. university.

New England’s fastest growing

Call our UB Clinics at 203-576-4349 to take advantage of this unique healthcare Call our UB Clinics at 203-576-4349 to take advantage of this unique healthcare Call our UB Clinics at to take advantage of this unique healthcare opportunity located in 203-576-4349 your own opportunity located in your ownbackyard. backyard. opportunity located in your own backyard.

For more information, please visit www.ubclinics.org For more information, please visit www.ubclinics.org

For more information, please visit www.ubclinics.org

Health Sciences Center, 60 Lafayette Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Health SciencesCenter, Center, 60 60 Lafayette Bridgeport, CT CT 06604 Health Sciences LafayetteStreet, Street, Bridgeport, 06604

For more information, visit VerticalAddictionCT.com, email Ashley@VerticalAddictionCT.com or call 203 883 8383. Location: 575 Pacific St. Stamford (the entrance to the studio is in the rear of 575 Pacific St. The parking lot is gated and lit for safety.)

Chinese Herb Cleanse Workshop at Kure Spa On June 27 from 6:30 to 7:30pm, Taoist Tonic Herbalist Rehmannia Dean Thomas will present a Deep Cleanse workshop at Kure Spa in Norwalk.

Herbs have long been used in China to rid the body of systemic microbes.

These herbs can also be helpful for those suffering from Lyme disease, candida, herpes and other ailments. During the talk, Rehmannia Dean Thomas will discuss new Chinese herbal Thomas products for cleansing the body, blood, liver and lymph.

After the workshop, he will offer personal pulse analysis and a customized herb formula for those who are interested.

The workshop is free; the pulse analysis and herb formula cost $40.

No need to travel to the Gym or Yoga Studio…

I will come to you!

Elizabeth D. Aleksinas Certified Fitness Trainer, AFAA Yoga Instructor, RYT, Reiki Master Teacher Mindfulness Meditation Teacher PRIVATE YOGA TRAINING

Yoga • Tai Chi • Reflexology • Massage • Reiki

For more information or to register, call 203-857-1500.

Location: Kure Spa, 430 Main Ave, 2nd fl, Norwalk. See ad, page 63. eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

11

newsbriefs Enjoy Music, Food and Art at Soupstock

Westchester Showroom Opens for Basbag Handbags

B

asbag, a handbag company promoting fair trade and sustainable design, is now offering its oupproducts to private and stock wholesale clients through Festival’s a showroom at 37 Indian 2016 muHill Road, Katonah, New sic lineup York. brings 25

“These beautifully national crafted handbags are handand local touring acts and newcomers to the stage. The anmade in Mexico from renual event celebrating music, food, and art will take place cycled materials by artisans this year on July 9 from 11am to 10pm and July 10 from and women in jail,” says 11am to 8pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Shelton.

Basbag’s New York distributor, Leticia Gonzalez. “I fell in

Established in 2010, the Soupstock Festival offer arts, love with the colors, textures and especially the energy food and music as well as a safe interactive environment for children of all ages in the kids’ fun zone. Annual staples from these beautiful bags. Every time I wear one, people such as the Student Art Competition and the 7th Annual Pro/ are naturally drawn to it.” Every Basbag piece is unique, she notes.

Am Soup Cook-Off will be joined once again by the Chili

Basbag is based in Gonzalez’s hometown of Puebla, Cook-Off which was a hit during its inaugural run last year. where there are two major car manufacturers. OperatAdult admission costs $15 per day and is all inclusive. Kids ing under the Fair Trade certification, Basbag hires local 12 and under have free admission; this year there is no extra artisans and women prisoners to craft handbags from the charge for the bounce house. car manufacturers’ leftover leather and textiles. “I wish to

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Mary A. help impoverished communities, and especially women,” Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, furthering art, craft and music Gonzalez says.

Later this summer, the showroom will also education for children and young adults. offer handcrafted jewelry from Tibet and fine necklaces from Columbia.

For more information on the festival and competition submissions, visit SoupstockFestival.org or Facebook.com/ To arrange a viewing or to become a distributor, contact SoupstockFestival. For volunteer opportunities, email Gonzalez at 914-393-7449 or BasbagNY@gmail.com. For Media@SoupstockFestival.org. Location: Veteran’s Memorial more info, visit Basbag.com.mx.

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Fairfield County Edition

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coverartist

healthbriefs

Rocky Mountain High Hanne Lore Koehler A self-taught artist who has been painting since childhood, Hanne Lore Koehler often roams her town of Cambridge, Ontario, and the surrounding countryside in search of inspiration. Koehler takes photos that capture moods of ephemeral light and elusive moments of action that she later expresses on canvas.

Although Koehler often works in acrylics and oils, she chose to portray Rocky Mountain High in watercolor. Her paintings in this medium are characterized by a wet-on-wet background, which the blurring effect transitions to a more definable foreground, and by detailed brushwork. The technique creates a feeling of depth, while engaging the viewer’s imagination.

“My subjects are as varied as my interests, but they always exude my love of life,” says Koehler, noting that her art typically engenders emotions of happiness, excitement, contentment and amazement. “I try to satisfy the eye with form, the mind with purpose and the soul with imagination.”

View the artist’s portfolio at KoehlerArt. com or contact her at 519-740-0318 or Info@KoehlerArt.com.

Live Comedy Evokes Trust and Empathy

R

esearch from the UK University of Surrey has found that witnessing live comedy increases emotional interaction and bonding between the spectators and performer and enhances a general feeling of trust and intimacy among participants through the shared experience.

Published in the journal Comedy Studies, the study was conducted by doctoral candidate Tim Miles, who analyzed surveys and interviews of audience members, as well as comedians, including some well-known performers. Miles found that comics and audiences connected through sharing of admiration and empathy. Bonds also formed as the audience began to identify with the observations and experiences of the comic.

“Comedy has often been seen to be a bit frivolous, but it’s actually something really important. My work looking at comedians and comedy audiences has shown how live, stand-up comedy fulfills a need for feelings of truth, trust, empathy and intimacy between people, which is really important in a society where many people often complain about feeling isolated,” says Miles.

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Awe and Wonder Prime Physical Health Omega-3s May Increase T Risk of Prostate Cancer healthbriefs

R

esearch published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has confirmed that high blood levels of DHA, EPA and DPA—three omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements—are linked to prostate cancer.

The study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center tested 834 men with prostate cancer and 1,393 healthy men; they found that such high concentrations were associated with a 71 percent increased risk of more serious prostate cancer and a 44 percent increase in the risk of less serious prostate cancer. The overall increased risk in all prostate cancers was 43 percent.

The findings of this study confirm similar research in 2011 and another large European study. “What’s important is that we have been able to replicate our findings from 2011,” says one of the more recent study’s authors, Theodore Brasky, Ph.D.

wo related studies from the University of California, Berkeley, suggest that the act of admiring the beauty of nature with awe and wonder can decrease inflammation in the body.

More than 200 adults reported their experiences of emotions on a particular day, including amusement, awe, compassion, joy, contentment and pride. Samples of the subjects’ gum and cheek tissues were analyzed for cytokines, and the researchers found those that cited emotions of awe, wonder and amazement had the lowest levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6).

UC Berkeley professor and co-author of the research Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., says, “That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do to experience these emotions—a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art—have a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.”

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E-Cigarettes Produce Free Radicals

E

lectronic cigarette use, or vaping, is on the rise as many consider it a healthier alternative to smoking. However, in a study published in the American Chemical Society journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, researchers from the Penn State University College of Medicine report that e-cigarettes produce considerable levels of reactive free radicals created by the high-temperature heating coils that warm up the nicotine solution.

Dr. John Richie, a professor at Penn State and senior author of the research, says, “The identification of these radicals in the aerosols means that we can’t just say e-cigarettes are safe because they don’t contain tobacco. They are potentially harmful.”

The researchers found that levels of free radicals in e-cigarettes are between 100 to 1,000 times less than the levels produced by tobacco cigarettes, still making them a better choice than traditional cigarettes although they still carry risk. Richie explains, “The levels of radicals that we’re seeing are more than what you might get from a heavily air-polluted area, but less than what you might find in cigarette smoke.”

Previous research has found that e-cigarette smoke also contains aldehydes that can potentially cause cellular and tissue damage.

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healthbriefs

Choose the Right Shoes for Your Fitness Activity

by Amira Mantoura

A

s soon as we see the first 70°F day, we put on new shorts and summer shoes, ready to get more active outdoors. Regardless of the chosen activity, picking the right Page shoe is essential to staying comfortably on our feet.

The Achilles tendon and plantar fascia form a continuous structure. It is best to avoid placing tension on that structure; wearing shoes with a slight heel lift will help to relieve that tension. Flat sandals and flip flops are quite popular with many young women in high school and boat shoes with their male counterparts. So it’s not surprising when they begin to have heel pain during sports because one of the biggest culprits for heel pain is wearing flat shoes—including flip flops, ballet slippers, boat shoes, flat winter boots and even bare feet.

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203-790-6741 Danbury & Surrounding Towns 16

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Tips for Picking Shoes First check the counter on the shoe. That is the area that surrounds the heel on the back of the shoe.

It needs to be as solid as a rock. Then flex the sole of the shoe where the foot meets the toes. That area needs to be very soft so as to allow for propulsion without having to wrestle with the shoe. You need enough height and width in the toebox to allow for all forefoot deformities, including bunions, hammer toes and ingrown nails. Finally the shoe should have a heel lift to relax the plantar fascia and Achilles structure. The exception is for lateral motion sports—like tennis and basketball—where it is necessary to avoid heels in order to prevent the likelihood of ankle injuries.

Running, shopping and school walking are best done in a good supportive pair of runners or walkers.

Wear dress shoes in moderation but they should also pass the test for picking shoes; they need to have a rigid counter, flexible sole, some heel lift, and enough room in the toebox.

Amira Mantoura, DPM, practices podiatry at 95 Morgan St, Stamford. Connect with her at 203-975-1175 or Amnanai@optonline.net.

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

Well Well

New Healthy Building Standard

Municipal Pioneers

More U.S. Cities Leaving the Grid

The WELL Building Standard, administered by the International WELL Building Institute, is the world’s first development criterion to focus exclusively on human health and wellness. It marries best practices in design and construction with evidence-based medical and scientific research, harnessing the built environment as a vehicle to support human health and well-being.

Pioneered by the Delos company and the culmination of seven years of research in partnership with leading scientists, doctors, architects and wellness thought leaders, WELL is grounded in a body of medical research that explores the connection between the buildings where people spend more than 90 percent of their time and the health and wellness impacts on occupants. It sets performance requirements in seven categories: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and state of mind.

WELL-certified spaces can help foster improvements in the nutrition, fitness, moods, sleep patterns and performance of occupants. WELL is independently certified by Green Business Certification Inc., which administers the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and associated professional credentialing program.

Nassau, New York, a town of 5,000 outside Albany, plans to ramp up a combination of rooftop- and groundmounted solar, wind turbine and landfill methane-capture technologies to generate 100 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020. “If all goes as planned, within the next four years, all six of the town buildings will be disconnected from the grid,” says Nassau Supervisor Dave Fleming.

The New York Department of Public Services wants this trend to grow through its Reforming Energy Vision (REV) initiative. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration is actively working to help municipalities, especially core towns and schools, move toward getting a significant portion of their power from renewable resources. Smaller, cleaner, power systems are less costly and cleaner alternatives to the traditional larger electrical stations.

San Diego, California, recently committed to securing 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2035.

It’s the largest American city to do so. Already, at least 13 U.S. cities, including San Francisco; Burlington, Vermont; and Aspen, Colorado, have committed to 100 percent clean energy. Las Vegas is among other major cities aiming to follow suit. Hawaii has pledged the same by 2045, the most ambitious standard set by a U.S. state to date.

Source: Delos.com

Source: EcoWatch.com

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June 2016

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globalbriefs Buzz Benefactors

More Retailers Ban Bee-Toxic Products Amidst the growing pollinator crisis and due to public pressure, Aldi Süd, the German supermarket chain with stores in the U.S., has become the first major European retailer to ban pesticides toxic to bees, including the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, from fruits and vegetables produced for their stores.

Starting in January, Aldi produce suppliers have had to ensure their cultivation practices exclude eight pesticides identified as toxic to bees. Other retailers in the U.S. and Europe are also beginning to shun bee-toxic pesticides.

Home Depot will no longer use the class of pesticides known as neonics on 80 percent of its flowering plants; completing the phase-out in 2018. Lowe’s is ending the sale of products containing neonicotinoid pesticides within 48 months. Smaller retailers are also working on removing neonics and other toxic pesticides from their shelves.

The science has become increasingly clear that pesticides, working individually or synergistically, play a critical role in the ongoing decline of honeybees and other pollinators. Bees in the U.S. and Europe have seen unprecedented losses over the last decade, and bee-toxic pesticides like neonicotinoids have consistently been implicated as a major contributing factor.

Source: BeyondPesticides.org

Swedes’ Solution

Six-Hour Workday Reaps Benefits Many Americans work 50 hours a week or more because they think they’ll get more done and reap the benefits later. However, according to a metastudy published in The Lancet, people that clock a 55-hour week have a 33 percent greater risk of stroke and 13 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than those that maintain a 35- to 40-hour work week. Data from 25 studies that monitored the health of 600,000 people from the U.S., Europe and Australia for up to 8.5 years were analyzed.

Paul Kelley, of Oxford University’s Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, notes that even a traditional nine-to-five workday is at odds with peoples’ internal body clocks, contributing to sleep deprivation.

Now Sweden is moving toward a standard six-hour workday, with some businesses having already implemented the change. Linus Feldt, CEO of Stockholm app developer Filimundus, reports that the shift has maintained productivity while decreasing staff conflicts, because people are happier and better rested.

Several Toyota service centers in Gothenburg that switched to a six-hour day 13 years ago also report happier staff, a lower turnover rate and increased ease in enticing new hires. A Swedish retirement home has embarked on a yearlong experiment to compare the costs and benefits of a shorter working day.

Source: ScienceAlert.com 18

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Bye-Bye Dye

Mars and Others Abandoning Artificial Colors Mars Inc., the maker of many candies, chewing gum flavors and other food products, is phasing out artificial food dyes over the next five years.

The decision came as a response to growing customer demand, says CEO Grant F. Reid. Nestlé, General Mills, Kraft and Kellogg’s have also started eliminating artificial dyes from their products due to calls for more natural ingredients.

Common shades of red 40 and yellow 5 are presently ubiquitous, as per capita production of artificial coloring approved for use in food has increased more than five-fold since the 1950s. According to a study of supermarket labels by the Center for Science in Public Interest, an estimated 90 percent of childoriented candies, fruit snacks, drink mixes and powders contain artificial colors, and many parents are concerned about their potential impact on developing brains.

Several studies have scrutinized dyes’ possible link to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other effects on children’s behavior. When a study by a group of British scientists suggested a link between the consumption of certain food dyes and hyperactivity in kids, Europe and the UK began requiring food with artificial dyes to carry warning labels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to maintain that no causal relationship exists between color additives and hyperactivity in children, and doesn’t require warning labels.

ecotip Banish Bugs

Safely Keep Winged Visitors Away from Outdoor Events Warding off summertime mosquitoes and flies to maintain outdoor fun is especially important given the new disease potential of the mosquito-borne Zika and West Nile viruses. Here are some naturally protective measures.

Remove stale, standing water outside the home—including swimming pool covers, clogged rain gutters and buckets—and turn over clay pots and plastic containers, as they all can be prime mosquito-breeding spots, suggests the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Alternatively, a toxin-free backyard pond or water garden can be stocked with mosquito fish like gambusia that feed on and consume large quantities of insect larvae.

Avoid applying potent perfumes, soaps and lotions prior to an outdoor event, because such scents attract insects.

It always helps to wear light, long-sleeve shirts and pants to protect more skin.

Grow plants with odors mosquitoes don’t like. EarthEasy.com suggests citronella, horsemint (aka bee balm), marigolds, ageratum (floss flowers) and catnip. WellnessMama.com also likes lavender, thyme, lemongrass, anything in the mint family and even basil; rub fresh or dried leaves on the skin or apply lavender flowers or oil, especially on hot spots (neck, underarms or behind ears).

Use a non-toxic, plastic-free insect-repelling band for kids.

Avoid conventional insect repellents, as many contain diethyltoluamide (DEET), one of the top five contaminants of U.S. waterways.

Chemicals rinse off into shower and bath drains during later wash-ups.

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wisewords

Gay Hendricks on Nurturing Love in Midlife Why Growing Up Can Mean Loving Better

by S. Alison Chabonais

G

Probably the biggest factor is that people in the second half of life tend to be open to learning and trying new things, such as adopting our practice of scheduling two, 10-minute conversations a week to take care of relationship business: one covers “stuff talk”, the other is “heart talk”. Often, it only takes a few minutes of trying out a brand-new activity to spark a major rebirth of intimacy.

ay Hendricks and his wife, Kathlyn, have discovered through working on their own relationship and counseling hundreds of other couples that the time from midlife onward offers the greatest opportunity of any other period to grow love. At a mutual low point, they made the life-changing decision to rebirth their Gay Hendricks and marriage, tapping into his wife, Kathlyn a new source of energy and rejuvenation that’s producing exHow pivotal is self-love, a tensive and surprising benefits. tough concept for many, in se The Ojai, California-based couple, curing a healthy relationship? both with Ph.D. degrees, co-authored You can only love another person to their first trailblazing bestseller, Conthe extent that you love yourself. After scious Loving, more than 20 years ago we take people through a process deand have published 30 other books, signed to give them a clear experience including their latest, Conscious Loving of loving themselves unconditionally, Ever After. The Hendricks Institute that they often tell us that the experience they founded annually offers workshops changed everything in their relationand seminars in North America, Europe ship. It’s powerful because so many of and Asia. Their nonprofit Foundation for us enter a relationship in an attempt to Conscious Living funds research, films get the other person to love some part and scholarships related to relationship of ourselves that we don’t know how well-being. to love, which never works. Learning Why do you say the best rela- to love ourselves is an inside job.

tionships are possible in the second half of life, including the greatest sex?

Childrearing responsibilities often decrease in our 40s and 50s, affording more time and resources to invest in the quality of the relationship. Psychological and spiritual maturity also comes into play—the more deeply we know ourselves, the more able we are to communicate meaningfully with our partner.

20

Fairfield County Edition

What would you say is the biggest challenge for midlife couples in a longterm relationship?

It’s vital to get out of the rut of recycling conflicts and predictable routines in order to liberate a new creativity.

Creativity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It might be a matter of giving a new way to communicate a

natural awakenings

whirl or taking a walk together instead of watching TV. Ultimately, relationships only thrive when both people make an ongoing commitment to investing time and energy to explore their own creative nature. One may elect to learn to play a musical instrument, while the other might take up gardening. The only requirement is that we take on new activities that have the capacity to surprise us.

What tips do you have for those that are single during the second half of their life?

Enjoy your singularity! Singlehood affords great opportunities. You can choose whether or not you wish to invest time and energy manifesting a mate. No law requires that everyone has to have an intimate relationship, but if you’d like to, go about the process consciously. First, work on learning to love yourself, because it’s wise not to depend on anyone else to do it for us. Second, figure out what we call your Three Absolute Yesses and Nos, the three most important qualities you want in a mate, and equally important, the three most important things you don’t want in a mate. It’s a good way to avoid mistakes.

Why do you call blame “the crack cocaine of relationships”?

When you blame another person for something, you fire up adrenaline both in yourself and the other person.

Adrenaline is manufactured by our bodies and is highly addictive. Blame also typically produces a defensive reaction, causing a harmful cycle of two-way criticism and defensiveness that can go on for years. One couple we counseled had been having essentially the same argument since their honeymoon 29 years earlier—so addicted to the adrenalized “cocaine” of blame that it had become a permanent feature of their relationship. The answer is for each person to take healthy responsibility for issues in the relationship and together seek ways to both break unhealthy habits and replace them with mutually satisfying ways of relating.

S. Alison Chabonais orchestrates national editorial content for Natural Awakenings magazines.

actionalertupdate

W

hile the State of Connecticut was one of the first of the now 17 states (and the District of Columbia) to provide for licensure of naturopathic physicians (NDs), the updated naturopathic scope of practice in Connecticut but still does not allow for prescriptive authority.

Although Connecticut’s naturopathic physicians were not entirely successful in their latest legislative push to get limited prescriptive authority, they did receive a mechanism or a path to move toward receiving the rights. The language in the current bill calls for the state health department to establish a committee to consider several details. These include investigating the education and examination requirements and other qualifications necessary to allow persons licensed to practice naturopathy—pursuant to Chapter 373 of the general statutes—to prescribe, dispense and administer prescription drugs consistent with their scope of practice.

Secondly, the committee must look into the development of a naturopathic formulary of prescription drugs for persons licensed to practice naturopathy; those persons must meet specified educational and examination requirements or other qualifications to prescribe, dispense or administer.

This path toward possible prescriptive rights in Connecticut is similar to the process under which NDs in other states—such as Montana and Vermon—received drug authority, explains Rick Liva, RPh, ND, the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association’s president and legislative chair. The state health department committee’s process will likely begin in June.

“Many legislators supported us and spoke on our behalf to get this through the House and Senate. The lieutenant governor went to bat for us as well…The job is not yet finished but I am optimistic we will get meaningful drug authority in the end,” said Liva.

Constituents can help to promote prescriptive rights for their NDs by contacting and/or meeting with their state senators and representatives in their respective districts and ask them to support the legislation. Supporters can also contribute financially to the legislative fund (CNPAOnline. org/Advocacy) to help push for the prescriptive authority.

For more information, visit CNPAOnline.org/Legislative-Action.

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21

Gain Strength and Confidence with Aerial Arts

by Ashley Popoli and Ariana Rawls Fine

T

he words “pole dancing” typically spark mixed emotions and pre-conceived notions; some jump right to stereotypical stripping, while others tend to be a bit more open minded that it is a form of fitness.

Since Demi Moore’s debut in the movie Striptease, pole dancing has been gaining popularity as a serious form of fitness. Year after year, more pole fitness studios are popping up across the world, enticing new students to get in shape.

The unique thing about the aerial arts industry is that there are people from all walks of life who take part in this exercise regimen: moms who

want to get their sexy back, teens who are looking for more than typical high school sports, and young women who need a boost of self-confidence. The workout itself is intense, offering serious core and upper body strength building, muscle definition and weight loss. But the mental and emotional benefits are important as well, helping participants feel confident and empowered.

“This form of fitness allows students to tap into something deeper, more private and protected so they can let down their walls,” explains Ashley Popoli, owner of the Stamford-based Vertical Addiction aerial arts studio.

“It’s emotionally and physically liberat-

ing to move in a way that feels natural for your body without judgment. This continual self-exploration coupled with an amazing workout keeps students coming back for more.”

A student of Popoli concurs: “I feel empowered and I have a sense of accomplishment that carries over to everything else I do; it doesn’t hurt that it is the most fun workout I have ever done!”

Last year, in an effort to promote awareness of this sport within the community as well as offer local athletes a platform to showcase their abilities, Popoli hosted Fairfield County’s first ever pole fitness showcase with over 20 performers.

With all the positive momentum this industry is experiencing, comes a need for serious recognition and respect on a larger scale. The International Pole Sport Federation (IPSF) is taking the lead to engage in conversations with the Olympic committee to strive to have pole fitness become a recognized sport in the games.

Next time you hear the words pole dancing or pole fitness don’t be quick to brush it off. Try out a class and experience a sport that not only gets you in shape, but also makes you feel confident and empowered. Local studios include Stamford’s Vertical Addiction (VerticalAddictionCT.com), Milford’s The Girl Spot (TheGirlSpotCT. com), Norwalk’s Work It Dance and Fitness (WorkItFit.com) and Bridegport’s Elite Dance Corp.

(ElitePoleFitness.fullslate.com).

Ashley Popoli is owner of Vertical Addiction. Ariana Rawls Fine is editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County.

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Mobility Trumps Hard Effort Range of Motion Plays Vital Role in Overall Fitness

by Megan E. Richey

W

hen we think of fitness, what first comes to mind? How fast and far we can run?

How much weight we can lift in the

gym? How fast we can finish those intervals? Common thought is physical fitness is only achievable through hard effort, but cardiovascular and weight

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lifting activities are only a small component of it.

Mobility and myofascial release are becoming more common buzz words in fitness communities. Mobility is having the entire range of motion through a joint, whether it is the shoulder, ankle, hip or spine. What part does mobility play in overall fitness?

A test can help determine your mobility. Lift your arms as far overhead as you can go without arching your back. Can your arms go straight up and past your ears? If they do without arching your back, the shoulders exhibit full range of motion. If your back arches or arms do not go past your ears, the shoulders lack full range of motion.

When full range of motion is lacking, it may open up your body to unwanted injury and compensation.

Those injuries may not occur only in the gym; performing a simple everyday task such as reaching overhead into a high cabinet with an arched back can lead to back or shoulder injury. When the shoulders have full range, the chance of injury is reduced.

It’s easy to change your mobility with a little time, persistence and patience.

Think back to the stretching you learned in elementary and middle school with the obligatory 30-second hold after doing a quick walk or jog around the gym or track. You were instructed to complete stretching all the main muscle groups and then move into the true workout or activity. But what about stretching for change and to achieve the full range of motion you are seeking? This is where myofascial release comes in.

John F. Barnes is a physical therapist, the founder of the myofasical release approach, and has been teaching the technique for over 40 years. He continues to update his teaching based on what works in clinic and what the research shows. His approach can help provide effective change to minimize risk of injury and rid the body of pain.

The fascia is the three-dimensionsal spider web that holds the body together with fluid moving through it.

When fascial restrictions happen with either repetitive motion or injury, the

fluid hardens like cement, not allowing movement through this spider web. This results in decreased range of motion and possibly discomfort and/or pain.

The principles of myofascial release are easy and research supports it; a five-minute hold at 3 percent sheer force—pressure to the first resistance felt in the body—results in permanent change in the fluid, causing the cement to melt into liquid. This is done either with direct pressure to a tender area of the body using a ball or through a stretch, elongating the fascia for five minutes.

However, this type of stretching or self-myofascial release is not to take the place of the 30-second stretching recommended to be done before activities. It is done at the end of the workout to provide lasting change.

What You Can Do at Home Here are two elongation stretches you can try for yourself at home or in a hotel room (no gym required!): 1. Posterior fascia elongation (whole back of body release): Sit against the wall with a pillow behind your back with your hips against the wall. Let your legs straighten in front, relaxing into a comfortable position. Place hands at the side of your body, letting the shoulders slump forward. Beginning with the head, slowly bring it forward, moving down the spine vertebra by vertebra like a strand of pearls. When the body begins to feel the first pull, pause and settle into the stretch, letting it soften and then increase the forward fold as the fascia releases. Continue for five minutes, stretching further with each release, breathing and settling into the body. Slowly return to sitting upright.

2. Anterior fascia elongation (whole front of body release): Using a 36-inch foam roller, lie with it vertically along the spine with the pelvis and head supported. Keeping knees bent and the low back on the foam roller, place hands at your sides on floor, palms up. Begin to elongate out through finger tips, keeping the hands on the floor.

Bring your arms out to the side and up towards the head.

When the body begins to feel the first pull on each side, and it may not be symmetrical, stop and wait, allowing it to soften. Continue to raise hands towards the top of your head without losing the elongation, increasing the stretch as the fascia softens and releases. Continue for five minutes, stretching further with each release, breathing and settling into the body.

Fitness is about strength, cardiovascular endurance and mobility. We need all three components to have a healthy body where the fascia’s fluid is free to do its job, preventing injury.

Megan E. Richey, PT, DPT, is the owner and physical therapist at Radiant Physical Therapy in Ridgefield, located in the Ridgefield Health and Wellness Center.

She can be reached at 860-898-0879 or Admin@RadiantPhysicalTherapy.com.

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Fairfield County Edition

A Way Back from Painful Habit Rolfing Structural Integration for Sensory Motor Amnesia

by Mikel Bensend

A

mystery surrounds certain kinds of pain and functional conditions. These are conditions of so-called undiagnosable pain: pain that appears mysteriously one day, pain that moves from place to place, and pain that comes and goes. We may try to refine or increase our functional abilities in activities and we just can’t get over our plateaus. What is happening in these situations?

Sensory-motor amnesia is the inability to sense and move muscles that are stuck in a chronically contracted state. If we sprain our ankle, what do

natural awakenings

we do in the days that follow to avoid the pain? We shift our weight to the other leg and limp. Our postural and movement patterns shift. This weight shift can affect function and structure in a number of ways. The good leg takes over the job of support while the injured leg contracts to keep the weight off of the ankle. Compression and bracing build through the joints of the good leg while tension from holding builds through the joints of the injured leg. In the process, a pronounced difference can develop in the rotations of the pelvis via the sacrum

and the sacroiliac joint, giving the lower body a visible twist. This imbalance becomes absorbed in the fascial pathways and deep hip flexor muscles, creating limitations of movement in the lumbar spine and low back pain.

Is three to six weeks of healing time enough for a new movement habit to form? Three to six days? Three to six hours? The average person takes 6,000 steps per day. How many steps while trying to avoid discomfort does it take to establish a new pattern?

Muscles with an existing tensional habit are some of the first to tighten under stress and the last to relax. A few years later, which muscles have become chronically tight? By that time, we have forgotten all about the original injury and are completely unaware that at one point we tightened ourselves up and are still holding that tension.

The sensory-motor amnesia term refers to states of muscular activity that we no longer sense because they have become so habitual. We are no longer aware of the action of holding tension. That’s the amnesia. People are also often “amnesic” about the injury that led to their habitual tension until asked to recall injuries they have had in their lives. Suddenly, the connection between their pain and the old injury becomes clear.

Think of the variety of possible injuries—such as common whiplash issues—and you have a possible explanation for chronic muscular tension and pain anywhere in the body. To that, add the various ways we condition ourselves to hold muscles tight, including overuse injuries, improper athletic training and poor work habits.

Rolfing is a Way Out of Trouble One of the most troublesome aspects of sensory-motor amnesia is that one is left with a sense of trouble in the body —such as pain and/or stiffness—but no sense of the muscular action that is causing it. The sense of how certain muscles work to cause certain movements is diminished or lost. Since we can’t pinpoint the cause, we’re unable to pin responsibility on a specific area.

It becomes a predicament with no clear way out.

The way of out of sensory-motor amnesia can be learned and made more available when combined with techniques such as Rolfing structural integration. One way is to relearn how to sense the muscular actions underlying pain and how to control those muscular actions. Muscular control comes from learning to control movement; movement control comes from learning how to access pre-movement.

Most therapeutic approaches involve someone doing something to or for us. The popular phrase is “being worked on.” However, the habitual tensing that develops after injury or under long-term stress has an interesting characteristic; the tensing often returns after therapy or never departs, leaving us with that same feeling of guarding or holding. Rolfing structural integration approaches the body from a deeply holistic perspective; practitioners try to access and release traumas that have become deeply held patterns in the body in sessions that focus on move-

ment explorations and refinement.

When Rolfing practitioners help their clients start exploring ways out of the habitual patterns, the neuromuscular system begins to establish new and more functional patterns. These are not necessarily perfect, but improved.

Form follows function and function follows form. With committed exploration, these patterns are repeatedly modified and the newly established movement patterns become more fluid and functional with reduced chronic pain. Soft tissue therapy on specific areas of the connective tissue structure balances and increases the effectiveness of this movement work and vise versa. Living in our bodies becomes more painless, enjoyable and even pleasant.

Mikel Bensend is a certified advanced Rolfer and principal at Westport Rolfing, with offices in Westport and Fairfield. Connect with him at 203-2169770, Mikel@WestportRolfing.com or visit WestportRolfing.com.

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27

Mastering

YOGA

The yoga community in Fairfield and lower Litchfield counties has never been more vibrant!

Buff and Balanced Bodybuilders Turn to Yoga

by Aimee Hughes

W

e don’t typically envision iron-pumping bodybuilders also flowing and breathing through yoga postures, yet many are combining these complementary disciplines to realize huge benefits.

helps teach bodybuilders how to slow down, breathe into each posture and ultimately win posing competitions because of the grace, elegance and body awareness that yoga provides.”

Competitive Edge

Joseph Grassadonia, bodybuilder, yoga enthusiast and founder of On Fitness magazine, in Kahuku, Hawaii, cites additional benefits: “Incorporating yoga into your workout routine improves your core, giving you overall body strength in specific targeted muscle groups. It also increases flexibility, stability and mobility, allowing greater range of motion. Most importantly, it will keep you from being sidelined with injuries.”

“Stretching a muscle can make it more aesthetically pleasing,” remarks Sandstedt. “In yoga, we often hold postures for a relatively long period of time, in a more isometric endurance

Nicolina Sandstedt, a yoga teacher trainer and anatomy expert with the Yandara Yoga Institute, in Baja, Mexico, observes, “The body awareness and alignment focus that the practice of yoga asanas [positions] offers helps bodybuilders find correct posture. Yoga also teaches elegance in transitions that improve competitive posing.”

Peter Nielsen, a bodybuilder, yoga practitioner and world-class fitness guru in Detroit, observes, “Most bodybuilders haven’t fine-tuned their presentation. They often grimace and look uncomfortable, with their veins popping out.” He points out, “Yoga 28

Fairfield County Edition

Injury Prevention

natural awakenings

workout, than the short, repetitive movements performed in bodybuilding. Bodybuilding develops fast-twitch muscle fibers for power and speed, while yoga develops slow-twitch muscle fibers for endurance. Both are important for tissues to stay healthy while building muscle mass.”

Nielsen notes, “Bodybuilding makes me feel stronger; I look better and have loads of endurance.

Yoga makes me feel more centered; it softens me so I can hear and surrender to what my body is telling me rather than me just telling it what to do.”

Such listening is essential to preventing injuries that periodically plague bodybuilders. Slowing down into yoga’s present moment awareness teaches bodybuilders how to perform from a place of presence rather than on autopilot, which is when most injuries occur.

“Yoga works all the muscles, even the smaller, intrinsic muscles often neglected in bodybuilding,” Sandstedt says. “In addition to facilitating healthy posture, these small muscles help support balanced joint alignment.” She explains that the explosive, repetitive movements used to build muscle mass in bodybuilding make the muscles less elastic, which also inhibits range of motion. Less elastic muscles may be more prone to injury, as daily activities require both strength and mobility.”

Beginning Yogis

For bodybuilders that want to give yoga a shot, Nielsen advises trying a structured, 30-day yoga challenge. He sees how after the first month with his clients, the positive effects become apparent and most bodybuilders don’t want to go back to life before yoga.

Sandstedt offers, “I advise newcomers to incorporate a light yoga routine into the beginning and end of

each bodybuilding training session.

Ending training sessions with a few yoga postures will help balance the body, bringing a sense of calm and equanimity to the workout experience.”

“In my fitness career, I’ve found that yoga perfectly complements any strength training program as a form of stretching, flexibility and de-stressing,” says Nielsen. “Yoga focuses me, and helps me to isolate whatever muscle I choose. It helps me reach my fullest potential and simply makes me a better version of myself.”

Aimee Hughes is a doctor of naturopathy and freelance writer in Kansas City, MO. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com.

COMPARING BENEFITS Yoga

Bodybuilding

Stretches and lengthens muscles while relieving tension

Shortens and builds muscles while building tension

Moves prana (life force energy) throughout the body, boosting energy levels and mental sharpness after a session

Expends energy, sometimes ending in muscle fatigue and mental exhaustion

Improves oxygenation of the circulatory system, providing energy and invigoration

Improves muscle oxygenation, which helps growth and repair functions

Tones muscles gradually

Builds muscle strength rapidly and enhances the toning aspect of yoga

Involves the body, mind and spirit

Primarily involves the physical body

Accessible to every age group

Not accessible for the very young and very old

Promotes body confidence through self-acceptance

Promotes body confidence through a fixed physical aesthetic

Prevents injuries through body awareness and helps heal injuries through yoga therapeutics

Can cause injury absent preventive awareness

Sources: Nicolina Sandstedt; Peter Nielsen; Joseph Grassadonia

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June 2016

29

Recovery from Concussions Cranial Osteopathy Restores Brain Function, Reduces Recovery Time

brain—similar to Alzheimer’s disease—which comes as a result of repetitive brain trauma. This condition is not just in the movies, nor does it only occur in professional level sports such as with National Football League players. Boxing, martial arts, ice hockey, soccer or any activity involving repeated blows to the head and neck are risky for brain trauma.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year. Caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, a concussion—considered a traumatic brain injury (TBI)—is most common in active children and teenagers. It can happen to adults and recovery may take longer for an older person. While most people do not lose consciousness following a concussion, there are often signs of mental confusion.

Most patients with mild concussions recover in a few days, but as many as 15 percent suffer symptoms for a longer period of time.

Post-concussion symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion or inability to focus, memory loss or cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbance, coordination and motor skill difficulties, sensitivity to light or noise, slurred or incoherent speech, irritability or anxiety, depression, and loss of consciousness.

What can be done to treat concussions?

The hardest part for a person who has injured their head to understand is how important it is to rest. The brain has been injured and its function has been compromised; it takes time to heal.

Cranial osteopathy is one of the therapies that can

by David Johnston help restore brain function while reducing recovery time and long-term side effects after a concussion. This therapy, ill Smith plays a brilliant forensic pathologist in performed by an osteopathic physician, includes a system the Concussion movie, embarking on a mission of hands-on manipulation of the bones and tissues aimed at to raise public awareness about the dangers of restoring the body back to health. An osteopath will work football-related head trauma. He discovers chronic traumatic on the dura mater, which is one of the protective layers HVWS_MorningGlories_NatAwake_7.5x3.25_April2016_HVS PMthe K_CT par 2007 3/17/16 12:55 PM Page 1 also cushions the brain inside encephalopathy (CTE), a neurological deterioration of around the spinal cord that

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

the skull. Other osteopathic techniques include gently manipulating the cranial bones at the base of the skull and on the head around the ears. One goal with these techniques is to restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the central nervous system, which promotes healing. Skilled osteopaths can feel the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid and neurological activity in the body with their hands and through light, gentle palpation.

Concussion Recovery Recommendations

some reason, those who have already had one concussion are more susceptible to having another. For those who experience persistent difficulties after a concussion, such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sleep disturbances, or dropping grades in school, an effective treatment plan will often combine osteopathic treatment, neurofeedback, re-education, cognitive rehabilitation, psychological support, natural remedies and supplements and, in some cases, medication.

David Johnston, DO, is a boardcertified osteopathic physician in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine, and a Diplomate with the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.

He holds additional certifications in cranial osteopathy. He practices at the Osteopathic Wellness Center, located at 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. Contact him at OsteopathicWellness.net or 203-438-9915.

To reduce recovery time from concussions, physicians recommend these things: Rest: The patient should rest the brain, body and emotions with sleep and limited noise or bright light for the first 24-48 hours after the diagnosis. This also means staying home from school or work and refraining from physical activity and sports. Most are recommended to restrict activity for 7-10 days.

Undergo osteopathic manipulation (OMT): An osteopathic physician will use OMT to work on and adjust the muscles the patient needs to relax. This helps get the fluids and blood moving in the body, and helps the respiratory and nervous systems so the body can adjust and overcome the damage incurred by the concussion.

Hydrate: A concussion happens when fluid to the brain isn’t moving, so patients should drink more liquids, especially water.

Carb load. After a concussion, a brain is “starving” for energy. It needs quick fuel—such as multigrain breads and pastas—so it can recover.

Be evaluated by a physician every twothree days after the incident: During follow-up visits with the doctor, the patient may undergo additional OMT to ensure the body is healing as efficiently as possible.

g Celebratin f 11 Years o Publishing!

Fairfield County

We are grateful to our ever-expanding community We are grateful to our everfor embracing and supporting us over the past ten

expanding community for embracing and supporting us these past eleven years. The generosity of advertisers and distributors has enabled this community service to flourish and we are deeply appreciative. We look forward to forging new relationships, exploring concepts and continuing to serve the needs of the local and global communities.

We are proud to do the important work of inspiring, educating and empowering people to evaluate their lives and take steps toward being healthier and happier.

THANK YOU for reading and coming with us on the journey.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention after a blow to the head or neck or a suspected concussion. For eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

31

fitnessprofiles Art of Control Simona Cipriani 1177 Summer St, 2nd Fl, Stamford 203-973-7262 Info@ArtofControl.com ArtofControl.com

Bramasole Fitness and Wellness Center Elizabeth D. Aleksinas 57 Slab Meadow Rd, Morris 860-567-0219 Info@BramasoleWellness.com BramasoleWellness.com Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: Mobile fitness and wellness, studio hours also available, healing treatments, Reiki and meditation training.

Practitioner/Studio summary of services offered: The Art of Control offers private, semi-private and small group classes. All our instruction is based on the practice of classical Pilates.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Simona Cipriani has been certified through the Authentic Pilates Method since 1993. She taught alongside Romana Kryzanowska for many years.

How long have you been practicing the techniques you teach?

Cipriani has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years.

Do you work in a studio setting, in clients’ home or does it vary?

The Art of Control, formerly located at SUNY Purchase for 10 years, is a brand Pilates studio located in the center of Stamford, offering private and group session both outside and inside the studio.

What is your particular specialty in working with clients to achieve better fitness?

As Mr. Pilates taught with Contrology, the whole body is worked in harmony. By incorporating all facets of movement, and increasing challenges of strength, flexibility and focus, a body can be restored.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about physical fitness and its impact on overall wellbeing?

Pilates is all about functional training and building strength in your deep muscles while, at the same time, training you to move efficiently and reawaken the nervous system.

32

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Elizabeth D. Aleksinas

What drew you to this work as a profession?

To teach and inspire others to reach for their highest potential of body, mind and spirit!

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: Personal fitness trainer, yoga instructor, Sun Style Tai Chi teacher, reflexologist, Reiki master teacher, mindfulness meditation teacher, movement therapy for special needs population.

What can a client expect from a session or series of sessions working with you?

You can always expect to learn, to be empowered and to feel amazing! Taking my fitness and wellness business on the road helps me to get out and meet and help more people. I have expanded my education so I can help more people become healthier and balanced.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work?

My work is my life. I walk the talk each and every day. I am also very human and can fall just a bit but I get right back up. I love to inspire and teach; it is my purpose and my direct path!

Osteopathic Wellness Center David Johnston, DO 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-438-9915 Info@OsteopathicWellness.net OsteopathicWellness.net Practitioner summary of services offered: We provide gentle hands-on osteopathic structural diagnosis and treatment for athletes and fitnessconscious people of all ages. Excellent for prevention and treatment of concussions, chronic pain, sports injuries, stress reduction, muscle spasms, neck and back pain, and headaches. Detoxification, weightloss programs, specialized bloodDavid Johnston work, BIA testing (body composition analysis), metabolic and nutritional assessment, and sports and medical physical exams are also offered.

We don’t let wood waste in landfills; we take the wood to get recycled.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Board-certified physician with advanced training in osteopathic manipulative/manual treatment (OMT) and cranial osteopathy. Diplomate of American Board of Holistic Integrative Medicine. Athletic training/sports medicine background.

How long have you been practicing the techniques you teach?

Over 20 years experience in private practice and teaching osteopathy, massage, therapeutic exercises/stretches, core stabilization techniques, mind-body visualization and deep breathing relaxation techniques. Faculty for Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation and biobasics courses for medical students, residents and physicians.

What type of setting do you work in?

We provide services in a peaceful, healing office space with bamboo floors, beautiful artwork, lighting and serene music.

What is your particular specialty in working with clients to achieve better fitness?

By balancing the nervous system, aligning the joints, and relieving fascial strain through osteopathic manipulation, the whole body is able to perform better and recover faster from chronic pain and injuries.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about physical fitness and its impact on overall well-being.

The foundation of any solid fitness plan involves an individual assessment and treatment by a skilled health professional who will teach patients how to prevent illness and injury by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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HAPPY ALL DAY Simple Daily Practices for a Happier Life

by Judith Fertig

T

hroughout the past decade, success researchers and positive psychologists have sketched out in broad strokes the big picture of our elemental yearning for happiness.

According to Martin Seligman, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, inner happiness derives from four basic elements: positive emotion, relationships, meaning in life and accomplishment.

What we want to know now is how to instill happiness into daily practices.

In her latest book, Better Than Before: Mastering The Habits Of Our Everyday Lives, happiness expert Gretchen Rubin fleshes out the needed details. She maintains that the shift into a happier way of being can be as simple as changing our habits, which she

terms the invisible architecture of daily life. Rubin found, “We repeat about 40 percent of our behavior almost daily, so our habits shape our existence and our future. If we change our habits, we change our lives.”

We can start small in sometimes surprising ways that encourage personal, family, workplace and community well-being.

Simplify—Exercise— Meditate

Israeli-born Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., a former Harvard lecturer and author of the bestselling Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, had 854 students enroll in one of his pioneering classes on happiness in 2006, the highest enrollment for any

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class at the time. “Students explored ways to apply these ideas to their life experiences and communities,” he says. Today, he lectures and consults worldwide on the science of happiness, or “optimal being and functioning”.

Ben-Shahar suggests we cultivate three personal habits. The first one is to simplify, saying, “We need to turn off our phones, email and other distractions at home, so we can fully be with the people we care about and that care about us. Time affluence—time to enjoy and appreciate—is a predictor of happiness.” The second is to exercise.

“We were not meant to be sedentary,” he says. The third is to meditate. “Meditating helps us to develop extreme resilience to negative emotion.”

Ken A.Verni, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in Highland Park, New Jersey, endorses the importance of a mindfulness habit. In his new book, Happiness the Mindful Way: A Practical Guide, Verni outlines easy, step-by-step actions to form a new happiness habit that concurrently reduces stress and increases enlightenment. He starts with what he calls “compassionate attention”; being fully awake or present in our lives without judging what we’re thinking.

When we view our thoughts as events in the mind, he says, conscious selfobservation introduces a space between our perceptions and responses, allowing us to view our thoughts as separate from the person we really are.

Complementary methods may include breathing techniques or body awareness that help shift us away from anxious, “What if?” speculations into the ever-present now. With just a few minutes of mindfulness a day—the first thing in the morning or at night before retiring—according to Verni, “We can shift our relationship to ourselves and our life experiences in a way that allows for greater spaciousness, acceptance and compassion, and in doing so, can dramatically improve the quality of our lives.”

Daily Joy at Home 203-664-1554 www.westbrooknatureschool.org

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natural awakenings

Another way to improve the quality of our life is to reverse one habit.

Shonda Rhimes, creator of TV dramas

Take the Secret Society of Happy People’s personal happiness inventory at Tinyurl.com/HappinessCheck. Tinyurl.com/ DefiningOurHappiness provides an introduction. that include Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, admits that she’s a driven, Type-A person in her new book, Year of Yes. A busy career in Los Angeles, three children and little leisure left her feeling unhappy, so instead of reciting her habitual, “No” to anything extraneous—like parties, eating chocolate chip cookies or spending a lazy afternoon chatting with an old friend—she decided to change that habit to, “Yes.”

One of Rhimes’ most profound revelations occurred after she responded positively when her children asked her to play. She observes that kids don’t want that much from us and playtime rarely involves more than 15 minutes; when we give them access and attention, it makes everyone feel good.

Rubin agrees that it’s the little things that can contribute to family happiness. As a New York City mother

of two, she decided that she’d be happier if she knew she was creating family memories. She started regularly preparing “special occasion” family breakfasts, a relatively easy meal to customize. She says, “Studies show that family traditions support children’s social development and strengthen family cohesiveness. They provide the connection and predictability that people crave. I know that I enjoy a holiday more when I know exactly what we’re going to do and when we’re going to do it.”

Home for Matthieu Ricard, a biochemist turned Buddhist monk, could be a Nepalese monastery or a seat at scientific conferences around the world. As the author of Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill, he defines happiness as a deep sense of flourishing that arises

from an exceptionally healthy mind.

“It’s not a mere pleasurable feeling, a fleeting emotion or a mood, but an optimal state of being,” he says.

In order to nurture it, Ricard recommends taking some time each day for quiet reflection, noting, “The contemplative approach consists of rising above the whirlpool of our thoughts for a moment and looking calmly within, as if at an interior landscape, to find the embodiment of our deepest aspirations.” By cultivating attention and mindfulness, the cares of everyday life become less burdensome.

Such a spiritual practice of just sitting quietly for 10 minutes a day, observing the thoughts that randomly cross our minds, and then gently shooing them away, can be enormously beneficial, he says, as it helps us put things in perspective and aim for continuous calm.

Flipping the Switch

Changing thought habits to focus on the good things in life is an approach that works for clients of Mary Lynn Ziemer, a life coach in Estero, Florida.

Ziemer suggests we “flip the switch”

10 HABITS OF THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE

H

appy people don’t find happiness like you’d find a penny on the ground; they make it happen, with action. Cultivating happiness habits can make a marked difference in your life.

4 Be deliberately optimistic. Optimism is imperative to emotional wellness.

4 Prioritize mindfully. Consistently align choices, intentions and actions with the top priorities of love, happiness and health.

4 Keep uplifting resources on hand.

A few surefire mood-lifters may include a green smoothie, mani-pedi and solo dance party to at least one get-your-feetmoving song by a favorite artist.

4 Put yourself first. It’s the best way to bring your A game to everyone else.

4 Be a prolific seeker. Seek beauty,

by Kristi Ling joy, adventure, pleasure, growth and powerful meaning in all areas of life.

Let life move you to possibility, opportunity and gratitude.

4 Don’t make things personal. Absolutely nothing others say or do is about you, ever.

4 Examine the worst that can happen.

Many of the limitations you’re placing on yourself aren’t real—they’re illusions.

4 Practice loving-kindness. Making this a habit changes the vibration of your life and the lives of those around you. Plus it feels great.

4 Be aware of your energy. Tune in to surrounding energy, as well as the energy you’re emitting and notice what needs to be adjusted or abandoned.

4 Be wary of media consumption.

Limit messages in everything from email and news to books and music that take you away from the calm, open space within that revels in joy and wonder. Conversations count, too.

Kristi Ling is the author of Operation Happiness: The 3-Step Plan to Creating a Life of Lasting Joy, Abundant Energy, and Radical Bliss. The life and business coach shares more at KristiLing.com/ operationhappinessresources.

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I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health.

stop diverting resources to think about anxiety.” The Harvard Business Review published his research results: “Creativity triples and productive energy rises by 31 percent. Sales rise by 37 percent and the likelihood of promotion rises by 40 percent.”

Achor’s method is helping people rewrite the way they think by first looking for positives at work. Workers write down three highly specific, positive things about their workday for 21 consecutive days. Rather than just, “I love my job,” acknowledge, “I love my job because I get to help people every day.” Or, “I love my morning tea because it gets me going.” Achor reports that at the end of the period, “Their brain starts to retain a pattern of scanning the world not for the negative, but for the positive first.”

~Voltaire from negative thinking and make a habit of starting our day being positive and grateful for 10 minutes. She recommends we start by doing deep breathing—four seconds breathing in, hold for seven seconds, eight seconds breathing out—repeated four times.

Next, we ask ourselves how we feel in the moment and identify the emotion, and then ask what thoughts we can think to feel better.

The last step of the exercise is to frame a positive outlook in an affirmation, such as, “I am so grateful that I know I am doing the best I can and everything will work out. Everything is fine.” Ziemer adds, “Remember that happiness comes from love and takes you to a place of peace and calm. It is such emotions that beget success in relationships, health, supply, and clear purpose. Plus, it benefits everyone around you.”

Habits are like financial capital—forming one today is an investment that will automatically give out returns for years to come.

Happiness Habits at Work

Dallas happiness researcher Shawn Achor, founder of Goodthink, Inc., and author of The Happiness Advantage, applies the science of happiness to the workplace. His research echoes the personal positivity of Ziemer, Verni and Ben-Shahar’s approaches to nurturing happiness. “Happiness is such an incredible advantage in our lives,” says Achor. “When the human brain is positive, our intelligence rises and we

~Shawn Achor

Taking a work break for two minutes of mindfulness is also effective. “We did this at Google,” he says.

“We had employees take their hands off their keyboards for two minutes a day to go from multitasking to simply focusing on their breathing. This drops their stress levels and raises accuracy rates. It improves levels of happiness

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and it takes just minutes.”

Happiness in the Community We can foster happiness habits at home, at work and in the community.

Rubin suggests starting such a group, akin to a self-help book club or bridge group, but with extra benefits. She even offers a free starter kit for those that want to try it, available via GretchenRubin.com/habits/start-ahabits-group.

In addition to the happy exchange of ideas and success stories, happiness habits group members also have the benefit of being accountable to each other. Others can help us continue to color in the details supporting and forwarding the broad brushstrokes of positive emotions, relationships, meaning in life and accomplishments in a down-to-earth, fun way.

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

HAPPIER IN JUST MINUTES n Journaling for two minutes about one positive experience we’ve had over the past 24 hours allows our brain to relive it. n Exercising, including 15 minutes of cardiovascular action a day, teaches our brain that our behavior matters and improves our mood. n Meditating for even a few minutes at a time relieves an overloaded brain and allows it to focus on one thing at a time. n Writing one quick email in the morning praising or thanking someone we work with or just to make them happy will make us feel a sense of social support, a great predictor of happiness.

Source: The Happiness Advantage,

by Shawn Achor

inspiration

Emotional Smarts

How to Raise Your Quotient

by Harvey Deutschendorf

T

he role of emotional intelligence (EI) in helping to facilitate success and happiness in individual lives has become well accepted. People with high EI tend to share seven habits.

Focus on the positive. While not ignoring bad news, EI people have made a conscious decision to not spend much time and energy focusing on problems. Rather, they look at what’s positive in a situation and seek solutions. They focus on what can be

done and what’s within their control.

Associate only with positive people. High EI people regard complainers and negative people as energy drains.

They tend to avoid them to maintain their own vitality. Instead, they spend time with those that look on the bright side of life. They tend to smile and laugh and attract other positive people.

Their warmth, openness and caring attitude leads others to regard them as more trustworthy.

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Set boundaries and assert a position. Although their friendly, open nature may make them appear as pushovers to some, people with high EI are able to set boundaries and assert themselves when necessary; they demonstrate politeness and consideration, yet stay firm. High EI people guard their time and commitments and know when they need to say no.

They don’t make needless enemies. Their response to potentially volatile situations is measured, not inflated, and managed appropriately.

They think before speaking, allowing themselves time to calm down if their emotions start to feel overwhelming.

Practice forward thinking and willingness to let go of the past.

People with high EI are too busy thinking of future possibilities to dwell upon things that didn’t work out in the past.

They apply lessons learned from past missteps in taking future actions. They never see failure as permanent or a personal reflection of themselves.

Look for ways to make life more fun, happy and interesting. At work, at home and with friends, high EI people know what makes them happy and look for opportunities to expand the enjoyment. They receive pleasure and satisfaction from seeing others happy and fulfilled, and do whatever they can to brighten someone else’s day.

Expend energy wisely. High EI folks don’t hold onto anger over how others have treated them, but use the incident to create awareness of how to not let it happen again. While they move on and forgive, they don’t forget, and are unlikely to be taken advantage of again in the same set of circumstances.

Always learn and grow. High EI people are lifelong learners, constantly growing and evolving. Being critical thinkers, they are open to changing their minds if someone presents a better idea. They trust themselves and their own judgment to make the best decision for themselves.

Harvey Deutschendorf is an emotional intelligence expert, speaker and author of The Other Kind of Smart. Take the EI Quiz at TheOtherKindOfSmart.com/ ei-quiz.

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naturalpet

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

News, articles, resources, events— all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

38

Fairfield County Edition

GIVE YOUR DOG A JOB! Just Like Us, They Need Purpose to Be Happy

by Mary Oquendo

U

sing the wellness model, one of the keys to happiness is having a purpose. While cats take responsibility for themselves, dogs need our help to fulfill that function and have a purpose in life. There are four criteria when it comes to finding a job for your dog; the job has to be appropriate, measureable, safe, and something they want to do.

Appropriate Every dog has specific traits in its genetic code. Know your breed(s) and utilize what they were bred to do. For instance, dachshunds were bred to

natural awakenings

hunt underground vermin. They are diggers. Something appropriate for a dachshund might be arn trials instead of your sofa trials. In a barn trial, dachshunds locate rats that run through tubes throughout the barn. These rats are usually pets and are very well cared for. Another breed, the Siberian husky, has a high prey drive; this sport would not be appropriate as they might eat the other participants and contestants.

On the other hand, it might be fun for a Siberian husky to engage in sled dog trials, whereas a dachshund would not appreciate being hooked up to a sled and told to step on it.

Purpose

Is it fun?

What is the dog accomplishing? For the dachshund, it’s locating the rat in the tube. For the Siberian husky, it’s running endlessly. They love to run so much that they may even ignore the squirrel on the sledding trails.

Your dog has to want to do it or the job won’t fulfill its purpose in your dog’s life. Just because most Siberian huskies love to pull sleds doesn’t mean they all do. On the flip side, not all dachshunds want to catch a rat.

Safety

There are many other jobs your dogs can do besides the examples of sled dog and barn trials. Other sports include agility, coursing, dock diving, Frisbee, throwing balls, geocaching and hiking. Many of these sports have their own associations that include national and local events, address safety concerns, and provide guidance for getting started in the sport.

Dogs that like being around other people and keeping laps warm may like being therapy or comfort dogs at a school or nursing home. While comfort dogs do not need specialized training, therapy dogs do. More information on associations connected with therapy dogs can be found at AKC.org/Events/ Title-Recognition-Program/Therapy/

Any sport or vigorous activity requires that a dog be in good physical health.

Is the dog physically conditioned to participate in a sport? Does it get along with other animals so it will not cause harm to other animals or themselves due to over exuberance or dislike of other dogs? In both examples, the dachshund and Siberian husky need stamina in order to fully participate. There have been Siberian huskies pulled off sled duty because they are so powerful and over excited that they could harm the other dogs while running. Be prepared for injuries with a handy pet first aid kit and the knowledge to use it, including pet CPR.

Suggestions

Organizations/.

Many dogs, particularly retrievers, like to carry items, including their own leashes. Doggie backpacks—available at stores such as REI in Norwalk— come in many different sizes. Other activities a dog may have been bred for include pulling carts, hunting or herding. Is your dog naturally or genetically inclined to be a protector? Then try walking around your home at night with your dog to secure the premises.

These are examples, but you can also simply observe what your dog enjoys doing naturally does and seek a corresponding activity. Every dog is different, but when taking into consideration these four aspects, a dog and its human can find a way to satisfy their need for a purposeful job.

Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master pet tech pet first aid instructor. She is the co-owner of Hands and Paws-Reiki for All. She can be reached at HandsandPawsReiki.com. See ad, page 24.

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naturalpet

Hot Days Are Hard on Pets How to Prevent, Detect and Treat Heatstroke

by Shawn Messonnier

A

s outdoor temperatures heat up, pets may suffer from the effects of increased ambient temperatures.

While problems such as squamous cell carcinoma and moist dermatitis (skin hot spots) increase along with temperatures and amount of sun exposure, the most serious heat-related health issue is heatstroke. Holistic vets recommend some simple, commonsense steps that will help and also possibly save a pet’s life.

Heat stroke in both people and pets develops when core body temperature rises and stays above a certain level. In dogs and cats, the tipping point tends to be a body temperature higher than 106 degrees Fahrenheit. This can happen more quickly in overheated dogs and cats because they don’t have the ability to sweat in order to cool off like people do; this is due to a lack of eccrine sweat glands over most of their body surface.

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Panting can reduce body temperature, but is inefficient and easily overwhelmed if their temperature rises quickly and a pet can’t remove itself from the surrounding warm environment. Dogs such as pugs and bulldogs that have a short, broad skull are especially at risk due to genetically impaired breathing structures; they can easily overheat even in mildly warm weather.

Ferrets and rabbits are especially prone to heatstroke because they typically dwell in cooler temperatures. As a result, these small mammals do best when housed indoors rather than outside; outdoor time should be limited and supervised.

Heatstroke in pets is usually easy to detect for a pet with a history of being in a hot environment from which it cannot escape to cool itself in shade or water or take a refreshing drink. Excess panting, dark red gums and a “hot feel” to the ears and hairless skin of the abdomen are clues.

First-aid involves quickly cooling the animal and notifying the veterinarian that a pet suffering from heatstroke is on the way. Wetting it will begin the process. Applying either ice packs or ice cubes in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel to avoid freezing the skin also helps. Recommended spots for the packs are on the back of the neck, armpits and groin, as these areas have large arteries and veins close to the surface. If possible, don’t spend much time on these actions, because getting the pet to the doctor quickly is the overriding goal. Administering homeopathic drops of arnica and hypericum via the mouth from a natural home first-aid kit while en route to the vet may assist healing.

Treatment at the veterinary hospital involves continued cooling, including intravenous fluids and cool water enemas.

Cooling the pet must be done quickly in order to restore enzyme systems to normal functioning. Hospitalization will likely be required to evaluate the patient for potential serious complications, including cardiac arrest, shock, septicemia, bloody diarrhea, and disseminated intravascular coagulation to ensure against a usually fatal disorder involving the pet’s blood-clotting mechanisms. With prompt assistance, most pets with heatstroke will recover, but treatment can be extensive and expensive. The most important aspect is initiating it early to prevent permanent organ and brain damage.

Prevention is ideal and preferred over the need for treatment. Guard against leaving furred pets outdoors for extended periods of time during hot weather. Pets that must be outside need protection from the heat and sun in shaded areas with access to plenty of fresh cool water; provide several water bowls.

Opinion is divided about whether longer-haired pets seem more comfortable and have fewer weather-related problems if their hair is cut short, but don’t cut it down to the skin, as that removes their protective coat and predisposes them to sunburn. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too hot for the pet’s person, it’s too hot for the pet.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

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healthykids

DAD MATTERS

How to be the Father Kids Need

by Armin Brott

A

merican fatherhood has evolved considerably in the last 50 years.

While dads used to be kept out of the delivery room, today, more than 90 percent of new fathers are present for their children’s birth, reflected inMenCare Advocacy’s State of the Worlds’ Fathers. However, being there early on does not necessarily define the scope of future involvement. Overcoming obstacles that might keep men from being the “high-five” dads they and their family need them to be is key.

Involved fathers benefit children.

Most research on child development has focused on how mothers influence their children, but in recent decades, society has “discovered” fathers. In many studies, pioneering Psychologist Ross Parke, Ph.D., professor emeritus of University of California, Riverside, and others have conclusively shown that children of more-involved dads are better at solving puzzles, score higher on cognitive skills tests, do better in school, are more likely to go to college, are more empathetic, manage their emotions better, have fewer behavior problems, are less likely to suffer from depression or mental illness and are less likely to break laws or become teen parents.

Fathering tip: Never miss an opportunity to change a diaper, play with the kids, read stories together or simply ask them about their day.

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Fairfield County Edition

Equal workplace policies matter.

The U.S. is the only economically advanced country that has no nationally mandated paid maternity leave policy and is absent a national paternity leave policy, paid or unpaid. When men don’t get time off to learn basic parenting skills, it’s harder for them to stay engaged later.

In 1977, 41 percent of women and 35 percent of men in dual-earner couples reported work-family life conflicts. Today, the figures are 47 percent and 60 percent, respectively, according to the Families and Work Institute’s ongoing National Study of the Changing Workforce.

Parenting tip: Advocate for national, paid parenting leave policies for men and women starting with local employers. It benefits both families and companies. Studies by Stanford University, the Families and Work Institute, Gallup, Inc. and others have found that companies with family-friendly benefits enjoy more loyal employees, better morale, lower turnover, fewer arbitrary sick days, higher levels of customer service and higher shareholder returns—all of which contribute to their bottom line.

Both genders can be naturally nurturing. Certainly, women are biologically adapted for giving birth and breastfeeding, but Parke found that caring new dads typically cuddle, coo, giggle, rock and feed their babies just as much as new mothers. One hurdle

natural awakenings

men face is that they usually have to return to work sooner, and their natural nurturing skills can get rusty, while moms’ get sharper. Opportunity and practice are the biggest predictors of meaningful connections with children.

Fathering tip: Don’t assume that a partner knows more. Whatever a mother knows, she learned by making mistakes, and that’s the best way for fathers to learn, too.

Be open to complementary expertise. A dad with a mate that praises and supports him will be far more confident and engaged with his child than one with a partner that criticizes him.

Parenting tip: No one likes to feel incompetent, so when offering dad advice, do it in a nonthreatening way that supports and compliments his improving skills over time. It may mean adjusting personal standards a bit. Dad should take pride in practicing his unique rapport with offspring. Instead of letting mom pluck a crying or smelly baby from his arms, he can try, “Honey, I’ve got this.”

End-running the legal system after divorce. For some 30 years, the default decision in divorce cases has been to award the mother primary physical custody, with limited visitation for the father.

More states are now moving toward a presumption of 50-50 physical custody, but it’s not the norm. Therefore, many divorced dads may feel disconnected from their children and suppressed in their parenting role moving forward.

Fathering tip: Never give up.

Children need their dad in their life and vice-versa. It’s critical to stay in touch.

In person is best; phone, email and Skype are decent fallbacks. Make time together feel meaningful as well as normal, instead of falling into a “Disneyland dad” syndrome of trying to make every moment a party. Practice harmonious communications with the ex. The biggest known predictor of children’s future mental and emotional health is how well their parents get along. Separated parents don’t have to be friends, but they do need to acknowledge both parents’ importance to the children and treat each other respectfully.

Armin Brott is the author of eight bestselling books on fatherhood, including The Expectant Father and The New Father. Learn more at MrDad.com.

Confronting the Man Boob Epidemic Hormonal Shifts and Toxicity Cause New Concerns for Men

by Kurt Waples

I

t is no secret that the United States is the heaviest nation on Earth. Of the developed nations, we are among the sickest and consume the most processed, ultra-processed, genetically modified, non-organic, toxin-laden foods. Yet, despite our poor health habits, we are still surprised by the rate of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and overall lack of health and our morbidity rates. We consume almost 50 percent of the world’s prescription drugs; these drugs are designed to prevent symptoms of disease, not necessarily to promote and maximize health.

One issue arising from this cultural pattern is a new epidemic of “man boobs”. Yes, you read that correctly.

Man-boobs are characterized as excess pectoral fat—or fat around the pectoral region—and a circumstance that is extremely damaging, both to the ego and the body’s biochemistry. It is an indicator that a man’s body is converting testosterone into estrogen, thus creating the internal hormone profile of a woman.

When a man has excessive fat tissue in the pectoral area, he now officially has more similarities than he would like to the hormone profile of a woman.

You must have a high estrogen and low

testosterone circumstance in the body to grow breasts. A man needs testosterone to function and live. Low ‘T’ levels is an epidemic and simply giving men prescription testosterone has not helped the problem. The numbers all indicate this problem is only growing.

Focused Detoxification is Key This is not solely an obesity issue; pectoral fat does not discriminate between larger and skinnier men.

However, it does have a link to toxicity in the body—specifically, heavy metal toxicity. One major problem with this specific type of toxicity—which leads to man boobs—is that a healthy

lifestyle will not entirely be corrective. Eating an organic, Paleo-style diet with minimal grains and high fruits and vegetable content is a must. And, if coupled with a weight training, interval-type workout plan, the signs of man boobs can lessen slightly.

However, dietary and lifestyle modifications will not completely correct the excess pectoral fat issue as we cannot work out toxins. Those must be forced out with a focused detoxification plan. In the case of heavy metals, toxicity must be pulled out through either chelation therapy or with a heavy metal-focused detoxification plan which seeks to increase the number and effectiveness of metallothione.

Metallothione is a zinc-dependent molecule associated with the body’s own internal heavy metal detoxification process. By supporting metallothione production and heavy metal detoxification, pectoral fat disappears.

Testosterone numbers, focus and drive, sexual function and overall manliness all improve alongside one another.

If more than 3-6 millimeters of fat is present when we pinch our pectoral area, then we have too much pectoral fat. Men need and thrive on a atmosphere with high testosterone and low estrogen so the focus ought to be on creating the right environment in the body for the hormones to balance.

Kurt Waples, DC, is founder and clinical director of Bluestone Health Group, a detoxification-focused natural medicine clinic located in Stamford. Connect with him at BluestoneHealthGroup.com or 203-220-6488.

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TRESS STRESS Natural Ways to Prevent Hair Loss

by Jody McCutcheon

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ncient Egyptians sought to stem hair loss and stimulate hair growth with a cocktail of iron oxide, red lead, onions, alabaster, animal fats and honey. Today, we’re still deploying creative approaches. Men’s hair loss, specifically, is a billion-dollar industry, touting solutions ranging from chemically laced topical treatments and drugs to transplants and wigs.

Yet hair-loss science is imperfect; it’s riddled with misinformation that allows companies to sell products of varying efficacy.

The average head holds about 120,000 to 150,000 strands of hair, and it’s normal for both men and women to lose 50 to 100 strands daily. We lose hair for several reasons.

Chiefly, aging weakens hair and makes it more brittle; it also decreases hormone production, slowing hair growth.

According to a study published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, anything that interrupts the normal hair cycle can trigger diffuse hair loss. Triggers include physiologic trauma and emotional stresses, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine imbalances and illness, as well as genetics, including pattern baldness. Even air and water pollutants

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and sunlight’s phototoxic aging effects may facilitate alopecia (sudden hair loss).

While it’s impossible to completely stop natural hair loss catalyzed by aging and genes, the rate can be controlled and abnormal loss may be reversed while stimulating growth.

Dietary Changes. The typical North American fat-, protein- and salt-rich diet fosters an acidic environment in the body which can lead to premature hair loss. Iron-rich foods like lean red meats and dark green veggies contribute to ferritin levels sufficient to increase the hair’s growth cycle. Iron also delivers oxygen to hair follicles, further inciting growth. In a review of related research, the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology reports that double-blind data confirmed the findings of a study in women with increased hair shedding in which a significant proportion responded to l-lysine and iron therapy.

Because hair is made mostly of protein, and protein deficiency is thought to cause hair loss, it would seem that consuming more protein would stimulate growth, although moderation is the key. Too much pro-

tein may result in baldness, according to Dr. Michael Eades, who owns ProteinPower.com. The American Heart Association recommends against high-protein diets because most Americans already eat more protein than they need.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, shellfish, nuts and seeds and their oils can facilitate the production and action of hormones and oily lubricants that effect a healthy scalp and follicles and bouncy, shiny hair.

A-complex and B-complex vitamins also are said to promote vibrant, shiny hair; B12 to neutralize premature hair loss; vitamin C and zinc to help strengthen hair; biotin to avoid hair loss and premature graying; vitamin D to facilitate healthy follicular growth; and vitamin E to maintain a healthy, moisturized scalp.

Eating whole foods like organic eggs, lentils, spinach, red meat, pumpkin seeds and salmon is ideal, including plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.

Most vegetable skins are also rich in silica, which helps strengthen hair.

Drink More Tea. Green tea, saw palmetto (or its extract) and stinging nettle tea contain ingredients that inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a compound that’s been linked to thinning hair and pattern baldness, according to Medical News Today. These products are used in battling some forms of alopecia and concentrated ingredients of these teas are available in pill form.

Detox. Eliminating alcohol, tobacco and coffee can help. Excessive booze and caffeine lead to dehydration, which makes hair dry and brittle, and also dramatically depletes the body’s iron and zinc levels. Cigarette smoke contains toxins that accelerate hair loss, as well as premature graying.

Chill Out. Stress is a widely known factor in hair loss, specifically of a condition called telogen effluvium (Principles of Dermatology, by James Marks and Jeffrey Miller).

Meditation and exercise can relieve stress and create a better hormonal balance, thereby helping to prevent alopecia.

Massage of body and scalp also may be beneficial.

Adding oils such as almond or coconut infuses the scalp with essential vitamins and minerals. A study by the Journal of Dermatology shows that applying onion juice can lead to hair growth. Treat hair gently, air-drying rather than rubbing it with a towel.

Don’t Fake It. Using extensions and weaves or wearing tight wigs or hairpieces daily may damage hair follicles by stressing their anchor to the scalp, accelerating hair loss.

Also, hair straighteners, tight pony tails, blow dryers and heated rollers may damage or break off follicles. Consider natural hair dyes.

Eschew Shampoo. Most commercial shampoos contain sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate because it’s inexpensive, lathers well and typically thickens hair via salt. SLS also corrodes follicles and impairs their ability to grow hair. Consider switching to organic shampoos and conditioners.

Jody McCutcheon is a freelance editor in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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here is no question that natural health and healing is on the rise. Today’s publications are filled with useful articles on natural and alternative healing. These tend to focus on women’s health, however; the majority of the information available on men’s health usually concerns bodybuilding or virility. Though these topics may be of interest to some, primary focus ought to be on nourishing the entire male system and addressing common concerns such as stress, heart health and prostate care.

The Stress Factor Regardless of gender, stress is by far one of the greatest concerns affecting modern day health and wellness. Stress directly not only affects the nervous system but the adrenal and circulatory systems as well. The leading cause of death in men is due to heart failure and high blood pressure. Heart health is directly linked stress levels. There is a wide range of relaxing herbs that can be used regularly to soothe and

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nourish the nervous system. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), lemon balm (Melissa off.) and oats (Avena sativa) work well to nourish, tone and relax the nervous system. Linden (Tilia spp) and motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) not only have a positive effect on the nervous system, but also on cardiovascular health. These herbs are best taken in the form of a daily herbal tea (see recipe below). Exercise, yoga, massage and meditation are excellent additions to any stress-reducing regimen.

Heart Health Men appear to have consistently higher blood pressure than women do. It is unclear whether this is a constitutional trait or a result of cultural roles, diet or exercise patterns. Strengthening the cardiovascular system is best approached by toning the heart muscle both through increased exercise and by incorporating cardio-tonic herbs.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an excellent example of a cardiovascular tonic herb.

It is a powerful hypotensive and may

have a normalizing effect for lowering blood pressure. Using this herb as both food and medicine along with other herbs and dietary changes can help treat and possibly prevent high blood pressure. The leaves, flowers and berries of the hawthorn (Crategus species) tree, are thought to be one of the best heart tonics available. The entire circulatory system can show the benefits when this herb is administered as a daily tonic and taken over long periods. It should be one of the first considerations for individuals with high blood pressure, particularly at its initial stage. Energetically, hawthorn can work to help heal old—or new—emotional wounds, or feelings such as grief that can weigh heavily on the heart.

The Prostate It is said that men push their worries into their prostates. The prostate is an endocrine system-dependent gland that sits just below the bladder, next to the rectum, and surrounds the urethra. If the prostate becomes inflamed or engorged, it squeezes the urethra, which, in turn, can lead to bladder infections, urinary

incontinence and kidney problems. Statistics indicate the majority of men will have trouble with their prostate gland at some point in their lives. Saw palmetto (Sereona repens) is a remarkable berry that has proven to be quite effective for prostatic infection, enlargement, and even useful for prostate cancer. In some cases it can relieve not only symptoms but also the underlying causes through its anti-inflammatory, diuretic and urinary anti-septic actions. The dried berries are not considered tasty by most so saw palmetto is best consumed as a tincture or in capsule form. Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) bark has been used in Africa for centuries for a variety of male health issues, including prostate enlargement, impotence and infertility. Pygeum is another popular herb for the treatment of inflammation of the prostate and considered an overall male tonic. Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo) are not only a great snack but also an excellent natural remedy for male reproductive congestion. They are rich in zinc, which is excellent for the prostate. Consume a small handful daily either raw or roasted, or add to salads

and bread.

There are numerous books on women’s health and wellness but very few written primarily for men. In 1991, James Green published The Male Herbal, one of the first books dedicated solely to healing men with herbs.

Daily Tea for Healthy Men 1 part hawthorn berry, leaf and flower 1 part lemon balm leaf ½ part oats straw or seed ¼ part chamomile ¼ part linden leaf and flower Combine all herbs together and store in an airtight glass container. Drink 1-2 cups a day. Add one cup of boiled water to one tsp. of herb, cover and allow to sit 5-7 minutes. Strain, add honey (optional) and enjoy.

Lupo Passero is a community herbalist and director of Twin Star Herbal Education in New Milford. She will offer Earth Spirit, an energetic herbalism series, on June 22, co-taught by Native Mohegan Chris Harris. Visit TwinStarTribe.com for more information.

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Fast Whole-Food

MUNCHIES Tasty Homemade Alternatives to Junk Food

by Judith Fertig

P

lanning ahead is an effective key to healthy eating and weight management. Having healthy snacks available, both savory and naturally sweet, helps us to conquer cravings and avoid a sugar rush—or slump.

Between-meal nutritious and delicious snacks can be easy to make. Plus, unlike commercial foods, we know their ingredients. Here, Natural Awakenings has tapped two plant-based whole foods experts and cookbook authors for their best snack recipes and tips.

“Healthy happens when we’re prepared,” says Elise Museles, of Washington, D.C., the mother of two sons who writes at KaleAndChocolate.com/ blog and recently released Whole Food Energy: 200 All Natural Recipes to Help You Prepare, Refuel, and Recover.

“Nutritious is delicious; healthy doesn’t have to be bland and boring.” she says.

Nor does it take hours to make.

“I pick one day a week to do meal prep,” she explains. “After a visit to our Sunday farmers’ market, I work in the kitchen for a few hours so I’m ready to

photo courtesy of Ella Leché/Andrews McMeel Publishing

consciouseating

go on Monday and for the rest of the week.” Whenever hunger threatens to derail her from a whole-foods, nutrientdense diet, Museles is equipped with options like protein balls and carrot hummus. She’s also learned that having naturally sweet foods at hand helps divert cravings, realizing, “You just want a sweet thing more if you think you can’t have it. Plus, I think better when my blood sugar is stable.”

Museles combines naturally sweet dried fruits such as goji berries and tropical coconut to make a handy snack mix. “Like blending smoothies, this basic trail mix can have many variations,” she says.

She also suggests maintaining a well-stocked freezer. Museles freezes berries in season to pop in the blender for smoothies; pitted and peeled avocados to thaw and mash over gluten-free toast; and frozen banana slices to layer over nut butter.

Canadian Ella Leché, a mother of two daughters best known for her website PureElla.com/blog, is the new author of Cut the Sugar, You’re Sweet Enough cookbook. She came to a plant-based lifestyle in 2008 after a whole foods diet helped her overcome a chronic illness. Her blog documents her journey to wellness—one healthy change at a time.

Leché, a graphic designer and photographer in Mississauga, near Toronto, started an elimination diet four months after the birth of her first child, when she noticed puzzling symptoms.

“I started to make small changes and slowly but surely, I began to recover,” she says. Today her diet is 90 percent vegan and gluten-free.

“I had a sweet tooth, but I didn’t have the balance thing figured out,” Le-

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ché admits. Foregoing sugar was hard emotionally, even though her body had difficulties with sugar, which seemed correlated to frequent headaches and mood slumps. Slowly, she started emphasizing naturally sweet, pure foods like dates and fruits and found other ways to ease cravings. “Starting the day with a savory, healthy breakfast can cut sugar from your diet because the sweet taste on our tongue essentially sets the

brain into craving sugar,” she says.

Leché enjoys involving her children in making snacks like healthy turnip or kale chips. When she gets a hankering for something sweet, she chooses her special cranberry and chocolate protein balls, sweetened with dried fruit and bolstered with almonds and walnuts. They take minutes to make and keep in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for up to three months.

Having easy-to-prepare, whole food snacks on hand keeps families happily snacking on quick bites and on track with healthy eating. “It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle,” says Museles. “If you like recipes that are good for you, it’s a sustainable lifestyle.”

Judith Fertig is the author of the awardwinning Back in the Swing Cookbook and blogs at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle. blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Natural Quick Snack Recipes lower the temperature to 200° F and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until golden.

Source: Cut the Sugar, You’re Sweet Enough, by Ella Leché

Raw Cheesy Kale Chips Yields: 2 servings

Turnip and Beet Chips Yields: Up to 4 servings 4 turnips, peeled 4 beets, peeled ¼ cup grapeseed oil or other neutral oil 1 tsp sea salt Preheat the oven to 325° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the turnips and beets using a mandolin and place in a large bowl. Drizzle the oil over the vegetables, sprinkle with the salt and toss to fully coat.

Bake for 15 minutes, turning over chips halfway through the baking time. Then

Bunch of kale, stemmed 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours ½ red or orange bell pepper 2 cloves garlic, peeled ¾ cup water Juice of ½ lemon 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes ½ tsp sea salt

cashews, bell pepper, garlic, water, lemon juice, yeast flakes and salt until a smooth paste forms.

Toss the kale leaves in the paste to fully coat, and then place them on the baking sheet in a single layer; don’t overlap any.

Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the leaves and bake another 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Alternatively, dehydrate the kale leaves in a food dehydrator for 8 hours on a high setting (no need to turn them over).

Source: Cut the Sugar, You’re Sweet Enough, by Ella Leché

Preheat the oven to 300° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make sure the kale leaves are thoroughly dry. Tear them into large pieces and place in a large bowl.

Rinse and drain the cashews.

In a food processor, process the

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Process all of the ingredients in a food processor until a dough forms.

¼ cup cacao nibs

Turn off the processor, remove the blade and roll a teaspoon of the dough into a ball using the palms of the hands. Repeat with all the dough.

Enjoy between meals or after a workout. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Raw CranberryChocolate Protein Balls Yields: 20 servings

Source: Cut the Sugar, You’re Sweet Enough, by Ella Leché

Superfood Trail Mix This trail mix is loaded with antioxidants. Pack up a mason jar and store it at the office or other work station or make individual serving packets to take along on hikes. ½ cup sunflower seeds 1 cup walnuts 1 cup goji berries ½ cup coconut flakes

SUMMER SQUASH COUSCOUS WITH SULTANAS, PISTACHIOS AND MINT This dish is well-balanced, with tart, sweet and savory playing off each other with every bite – not to mention the fact that it’s beautiful to look at, studded with brightly colored chunks of squash, golden sultanas and green flecks of mint.

Recipe courtesy of the cooks at food52.com.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup diced zucchini 1 medium shallot, finely chopped 1/2 cup sultanas/golden raisins 1/4 cup chopped pistachios Kosher salt 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint Freshly ground black pepper

• In a small bowl, whisk the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the garlic cloves and let them steep for about 30 minutes. • Next, bring the veggie stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover, and turn off the heat; allow the couscous to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it absorbs all the liquid. Toss the couscous with a fork so the grains don’t start clumping together, pour into a large mixing bowl, and set aside. • In a skillet over medium high heat, add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add the chopped squash and zucchini, shallot, sultanas, pistachios and a pinch or two of salt. Only cook for about a minute or two -- you still want the squash and zucchini to be al dente. This just ensures they aren’t too al dente, and all the flavors can marry before they hit the couscous. Set aside until everything reaches room temperature.

• Once the veggies have reached room temperature, add them to the bowl with the couscous and combine. • Then, remove and discard the cloves of garlic from the dressing, and toss it with the couscous (add the dressing gradually, as you may not need it all). Fold in the mint, season with additional salt and pepper if necessary and serve at room temperature.

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Source: Whole Food Energy: 200 All Natural Recipes to Help You Prepare, Refuel, and Recover, by Elise Museles

Yields: About 3 servings

1½ cups raw walnuts 1 cup raw pecans ½ cup naturally sweetened dried cranberries 5 Medjool dates, pitted ¼ cup raw cacao powder 1 to 2 Tbsp chocolate or vanilla protein powder 1 to 2 tsp water 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 drops liquid stevia

1 tablespoon lemon zest Juice of one lemon 1/2 teaspoon honey Olive oil 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 1/4 cup veggie stock 1 cup couscous 1/2 cup diced yellow squash

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and store in an airtight container.

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Magazine calendar events must be received by June 12 (for July issue) and adhere to our guidelines. All calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com: click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 Naam Yoga Healing Circle – 8-8:45pm. Join a guided mantra and breath meditation class to promote healing. Come pray for yourself and/or others. $5. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info.

Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

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Monthly Shamanic Drum Circle – 7:30-10pm.

Enhance your connection to energy, spirit and Mother Earth for guidance and healing through Native American methods. Drums and rattles provided. $20/preregistration. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@ hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info.

Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

AngelHealReiki.com.

CT Audubon Hosts Nature Walks to Celebrate CT Trails Day – 10am-2pm. The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield will host free, hour-long 1.5 mile nature walks in the Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. Pre-registration required. Free.

The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr St, Fairfield. 203-259-6305, x109.

JGuenther@CTAudubon.org. CTAudubon.org/ Center-At-Fairfield.

Spiritual Psychic and Healing Fair – Noon-5pm.

Gifted and caring intuitives and healers available for readings and healing sessions. All are welcome.

Sessions approx. 25 mins. Appointments available, walk-ins welcome. $45 and up for readings, $30 for healing. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Naam Yoga New Moon Celebration – 7:30-9pm.

With Regina Snyder. This is the best time to manifest and bring in all things new; health, abundance, and prosperity. $18.08. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@ NaamyogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

mark your calendar Celebrating Life and Beyond

The Alliance For Conscious Transitioning

Presents: Special Evening with Stephen Jenkinson, Author of “Die Wise” Sunday, June 5 7-9 PM $35 Caring for the Dying & The Journey of the Soul After Death with Ghanashyam Das, Hindu Chaplin Sunday, July 17 10:30 - 2:30 PM $40

Chakradance – 8-9:30pm. New Chakradance series on Tuesday nights. Free-form dancing, meditation, and creating an art mandala by candlelight. No dance experience necessary, just a willingness to try a new dance. $35/drop-in or sign up for the series.

Basil Yoga Center, 31 Bailey Ave, Ridgefield. 203403-2280. Info@BasilYoga.com. BasilYoga.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 9 Social Permaculture Potluck – 6-8:30pm. Bring a dish to share with an ingredient list for allergy awareness and eatery tools. This is an informal introduction to a series of workshops provided through Camping with Strangers. Free. Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

AzothProject@gmail.com. AzothProject.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Free Workshop and Book Signing: There is More to the Sugar Story – 7pm. With Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D., author. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu.

Learn.edu/Events.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Quantum Spoon Bending: A Model for Healing and Transformation with Gene Ang, PhD - Neurobiologist Monday, July 18 6:30 - 9:00 PM $55 End-of-Life Doula Training with Henry Fersko-Weiss Fri-Sun 8/5 - 8/7 $375

Ladies Aid Society Opening Day: Medium Readings – 1-5pm. Medium Readings available. Visit website for more details. $20/20 minutes. Ladies Aid Society/Pine Grove Spiritualist Camp, 34 S Pine St, Niantic. PinegroveSpiritualistCamp.net.

MONDAY, JUNE 13

For more information, or to register: www.AllianceFCT.com or 203-912-2791

LIPHE BALANCE CENTER, WESTON

Questions & Answers About Reiki – 7-9:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master. 7-8:15pm: nonReiki practitioners, $5. 8:15-9:30pm: Reiki-certified practitioners, $10. Western Style & Jikiden Eastern Style Mini- Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

TUESDAY, JUNE 14

Naam Yoga Connecticut, Restorative Yoga with Tibetan Singing Bowls – 4:30-6:30pm. With Marie-Anne Gajdosik and Judy Vuozzo. Special restorative class. Experience the deep healing effects of Tibetan Healing Bowls. $35/advance, $40/day of. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com.

NaamYogaCT.com.

Chakradance – 8-9:30pm. New Chakradance series on Tuesday nights. Free-form dancing, meditation, and creating an art mandala by candlelight. No dance experience necessary, just a willingness to try a new dance. $35/drop-in or sign up for the series.

Basil Yoga Center, 31 Bailey Ave, Ridgefield. 203403-2280. Info@BasilYoga.com. BasilYoga.com.

Die Wise An Evening with Stephen Jenkinson – 7-9pm. Nautilus Award winner, author, teacher and subject of the documentary GriefWalker, Stephen Jenkinson will discuss his new book Die Wise - a manifesto for sanity and soul, addressing grief, dying and the great love of life. $35. Call for location. 203-556-9521. Info@AllianceFCT.com.

AllianceFCT.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 6 Honoring The Four Directions – 2:30-4:30pm.

Painted Turtle will share connection to his Mohegan Indian heritage. Class explores each of the four directions and will touch on the associated theme, animal, element and ceremony. $45. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford.

203-313-7883. TwinStarHerbs@gmail.com.

TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

markyourcalendar Root Chakra Workshop “Getting to the Root of it” June 17 • 7 - 9pm

The first in a series of seven workshops on the chakras. In this workshop, Berta Prevosti will focus on the root chakra, located at the base of your spine. Find out what the root chakra is and how it relates to health and well-being.

Jiiva Yoga, Healing & Wellness Center 2900 Main Street, Suite 1A, Stratford Pre-register at JiivaCenter.com

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calendarofevents

Love’s in Bloom, Find Your Sweetie!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 Shamanic Animal Totem Spirit Workshop – 7-9pm.

Explore discussion of a variety of Animal Spirit Totems. Workshop discussion & exercises included to discover your own personal Animal Totem. $40/preregistration. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@ hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 The Love and Laughter Continues Featuring Comedienne Fran Capo – 7-8:30pm (doors open 6:30pm). Fran Capo leads you to follow your heart, fulfill your dreams, be filled with hope and maintain an aura of laughter and light. Proceeds to benefit Restoration Fund. $20. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

Root Chakra – 7-9pm. With Berta Prevosti. What the root chakra is, how it relates to our health and how to bring it more in balance. $35. Jiiva Yoga, Healing & Wellness Center, 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford. 203-345-7747. Support@JiivaCenter. com. JiivaCenter.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 20 Naam Yoga Full Moon Celebration – 7:30-9pm.

Bring your mental, emotional and physical bodies into balance. Let go of unhealthy patterns, sending healing to places in need and opening yourself to receive Divine Love. $18.08. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400.

Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21 End-Of-Life “The Conversation” – 7-9pm. Come join in our monthly discussions on various topics regarding life, death and end-of-life care. RSVP. Free. Liphe Balance Center, Weston. 203-5569521. Info@AllianceFCT.com. AllianceFCT.com.

J

oin the largest database of health-conscious and eco-minded, spiritual singles and manifest an extraordinary relationship!

Chakradance – 8-9:30pm. New Chakradance series on Tuesday nights. Free-form dancing, meditation, and creating an art mandala by candlelight. No dance experience necessary, just a willingness to try a new dance. $35/drop-in or sign up for the series.

Basil Yoga Center, 31 Bailey Ave, Ridgefield. 203403-2280. Info@BasilYoga.com. BasilYoga.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24 Reiki Second Degree workshop – 10am-5:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years).

Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Linage.

Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

Join for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 54

Fairfield County Edition

Reiki Second Degree – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years).

Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/

natural awakenings

markyourcalendar EMOTIONAL HEALING WORKSHOP June 3, 4 & 5 Friday 6:30pm - late Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 6pm

Marie-Ange Arundel has 30 years in counseling and is traveling from Australia to teach this workshop.

* Experience deep emotional healing * Find your purpose * Heal your inner child * Release and heal trauma * Understand your habits * Shift family patterns Cost $416 Jiiva Yoga, Healing & Wellness Center 2900 Main Street, Suite 1A Stratford, CT 06614 Pre-register at JiivaCenter.com

Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215.

Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net.

AngelHealReiki.com.

Spiritual Conversations: An Afternoon of Joy, Wisdom, and Community – 3:30-5pm. Meet Basil Jones, owner of Basil Yoga Center and Vinyasa Yoga Instructor and Khristee Rich, Chakradance Facilitator and Confidence and Visibility Coach for Entrepreneurs. Free. Basil Yoga Center, 31 Bailey Ave, Ridgefield. 203-403-2280. Info@BasilYoga.com.

BasilYoga.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28 Essential Oils for Multidimensional Healing – 7-8pm. Come experience the purest grade and highest vibrational essential oils on the planet.We will show you how to use EO’s to conquer allergies, detoxify, heal mental, emotional and spiritual planes of existence. Free. Sticks & Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-6262.

CarlaBarzetti9@yahoo.com.

Chakradance – 8-9:30pm. New Chakradance series on Tuesday nights. Free-form dancing, meditation, and creating an art mandala by candlelight. No dance experience necessary, just a willingness to try a new dance. $35/drop-in or sign up for the series.

Basil Yoga Center, 31 Bailey Ave, Ridgefield. 203403-2280. Info@BasilYoga.com. BasilYoga.com.

ongoingcalendar sunday Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:3010:45am. Beginner level with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

203-521-0359. Wendy@AhimsaShantiYoga.com.

AhimsaShantiYoga.com.

New Beginnings in Community Sunday Service – 10am. Join this group of spiritually-minded people embracing and honoring all world religions, belief systems, cultures and traditions. Come together to share thoughts, experiences and wisdom in a supportive environment. Free. Mystics By The Sea, 394 New Haven Ave, Milford. 203-980-6272.

NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com.

Family Meditation Program (Kids and Teens) – 10-11:30am. Second and fourth Sunday. Introducing kids to meditation, metta, yoga, art practice, a discussion of ness in everyday life, generosity, compassion, letting go of negative mind states and other basic Parents can meditate in the main building. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am.

Second & fourth Sunday. Ages 4-13. While the adults are meditating in the main building, young people can connect with others in their age-group, learn about mindfulness, compassion toward self and others. 203-244-3130. MMKeeler@gmail.com.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Celebration Service – 10:30am-noon. With Rev. Shawn Moninger Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfoldment with thought provoking, soul healing topics and uplifting music. By donation. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk.

203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Includes an inspirational talk from caring ministers, guided meditation, time to receive healing energy and spirit messages from those we continue to love.

Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615.

Karma Yoga Classes for Charity – 4:30-5:30pm.

All money collected through contributions to this class will be donated to a local charity. $10 suggested donation. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@ LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net.

monday Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness.

simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Free Guided Meditation – 7:30pm: second Monday.

1pm: first and third Wednesday. With Dr. Allen Levy.

Session is catered towards providing information about the way in which meditation can assist with specific social, emotional and physical health need.

Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

203-254-2633. Sabita@SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

Vinyasa Yoga – 7:30-8:30pm. With Raffaela, certified yoga instructor. Begin your exploration of connecting the breath with movement as you develop strength, endurance, flexibility and optimal body alignment. $15, first class free. Class cards available. The Recharging Station, 241 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-241-1497.

Yoga.For.Me241@gmail.com.

Monday Meditation for Everyone – 7:30-9pm. This is Meditation Guided Imagery for relaxation and stress reduction. It also helps you move forward on your spiritual path. No experience necessary. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Reiki Share – 7:30-9:30pm. Fourth Monday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday Yoga Therapeutics – 9-10:15am. With Dr. Kathy Sward. Designed for those with chronic pain, health conditions, prevention and other health concerns.

Traditional poses are expertly modified to allow the mind to calm, joints to align and muscles lengthen and strengthen. $15. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-207-1613. Dr.KathySward@gmail.com.

DrKathySward.com.

Healing Flow – 9:30-10:30am. Series of stretches, moves and poses; concentrating on breath. Improve flexibility and core strength while reducing stress.

Create a lasting sense of calm. $14. 3 Rt 39, Unit #5, New Fairfield. 203-885-0577. WholeFitNF@ gmail.com. EarthFITnf.com/Whole-Fit. Toastmasters – Noon. Interested in public speaking?

Monroe-Trumbull Toastmasters is a chartered club of Toastmasters International dedicated to improving members’ communication and leadership skills. Meets alternate Tuesdays. Body Smart, Crescent Village, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. 203-459-6773. Franny.

Hannigan@charter.com. ToastMastersClubs.org.

Tai Chi Classes – Noon-1pm & 6-7pm. With Tai Chi Master Rich. For all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus and balance. Focus is on purposeful work to improve well-being and self. $25/drop-in, $85/1 class per week-month. $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690..

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into

daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Kung Fu Classes – 1-2pm & 7-8pm. With Sensei Rich. The ancient of art of Kung Fu is known for its ability to increase mental focus, strength, flexibility and balance and for its self defense moves. $25/ drop-in, $85/1 class per week-month. $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

Kids & Tween Yoga – 4:30-5:15pm. K-5th. With Beth Furman. 4-week series. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203354-7070. NAntolino@aol.com. LifePathYoga.net.

The Art of Meditation – 6-7pm. Whether you are new to meditation or seasoned, this class will help you access inner peace and experience more clarity, purpose & joy! We’ll explore a variety of techniques while practicing in the serene sanctuary of YogaSpace. Chairs available. . $10/ suggested donation. Any offering, large or small accepted. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, (Rt. 6), Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com.

YogaSpace-CT.com.

Meditating Holistically – 6:30-8pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. ah Yoga, 168 New Milford Tpke, New Preston. 860-868-6707 or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

Metaphysics 1 Class – 7pm. With Shawn Moninger. Course explores some of Unity fundamental principles as well as the highest form of mind action: prayer. Students will be encouraged to awaken their awareness and understanding of spiritual truth.

Love Offering. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Angelic Healing Group – 7-9pm. First Tuesday.

Experience the healing energy of the Angelic Realm. Your energy body will be infused with the love and light of the Divine through meditation and hands-on touch. $20. Stevens Memorial Church, 8 Shady Ln, South Salem, NY. 203-438-4893.

Yoga Class or Yoga/Float – Yoga: 7-8pm. or Yoga/ Float package: 7-9pm. Enjoy the benefits of yoga in the beautiful PuREST relaxation room. $15/yoga only. $65/yoga & float package. PuREST Float Center, 35 Corporate Dr, Trumbull. PuRESTFloat.com.

Reiki Shares – 7:30-10:15pm. First and third Tuesdays. Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/ Teacher. For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $20.

Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

wednesday Baby Boomer and Beyond Yoga – 10:30am-noon.

Yoga for the young at heart. Taught by Deanne Mincer, with 30 years experience as teacher. In private setting, heated, carpeted floor. With close attention to aging issues. $80/4 weeks, $25/drop-in.

16 Fulling Mill Ln, Ridgefield. DMinc100@aol. com. DeanneMincer.com.

Free Guided Meditation – 1pm: first and third Wednesday. 7:30pm: second Monday. With Dr. Allen Levy. Session is catered towards providing information about the way in which meditation can assist with specific social, emotional and physical health need.

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ongoingcalendar Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

203-254-2633. Sabita@SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

Vinyasa Yoga – 6:15pm. In Vinyasa yoga, your movements are synchronized to the breath. This style is sometimes also called flow yoga, because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance. $14 or co-op rate. 3 Rt 39, Unit #5, New Fairfield. 203-885-0577. WholeFitNF@ gmail.com. EarthFITnf.com/Whole-Fit. Reiki Share – 6:30-8:30pm. First Wednesday. With June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing. All levels of practitioners are welcome. Please RSVP. $15. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

Meditation – 7-8pm. Transform you by healing the chakras through the release of long-held negative thoughts and beliefs, stagnant emotions, and discordant vibrations. Active-style meditation. All faiths and cultures welcomed. Perfect for all levels.

By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St, Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@gmail. com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Beginner level with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

203-521-0359. Wendy@AhimsaShantiYoga.com.

AhimsaShantiYoga.com.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Stamford Positive Living Forum – 7-8:30pm.

Second Wednesday. Meetings feature inspirational speakers who aim to introduce you yo happiness boosters and techniques to lead to emotional and physical well-being, happiness and an overall sense of positivity. Free. Innovation Center of Stamford, Old Town Hall, 175 Atlantic St, Stamford. 203-962-1062.

Donna.M.Vella@gmail.com. HappinessClub.com.

Journey Group – 7-9pm. First Wednesday. With Cindy Miller. If you are looking to get unstuck, learn more about self-empowerment, becoming a healing facilitator, than this is the group for you. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-426-9448. Cindy@TrinityProduction. org. TrinityProduction.org.

Psychic and Mediumship Development Class – 7-9pm. Develop your own psychic and spiritual communication skills. Meditation and exercises to develop psychic and mediumship skills. All are welcome. $20.

Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@ gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Using Smart Body (Kinesiology) for Everyday Situations– 7-9pm. Third Wednesday. Learn how to sense the energy of foods, supplements, books, places and more. Learn how to change energy. Presentation and discussion. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-377-6162.

Bruce.Zboray@yahoo.com. TrinityProduction.org.

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. Second Wednesday. Associ-

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Fairfield County Edition

ates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk. Home.Homewebs.com/ HMNFairfieldCtyCT. Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and education for women in the process of, or recently divorced. $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center, 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointShare.com.

thursday Tea and Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. Simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Tai Chi Classes – Noon-1pm & 6-7pm. With Tai Chi Master Rich. For all levels of fitness. Known to reduce stress, increase focus and balance. Focus is on purposeful work to improve well-being and self. $25/drop-in, $85/1 class per week-month. $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

Endometriosis Support Group Meet Up – 1pm.

SHC hosts a positive support group for those impacted by endometriosis. These meetings will be a great learning opportunity for women to receive and informative choices for managing the disease. Free.

3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633. Sabita@ SabitaHolisticCenter.com. SabitaHolisticCenter. com/Endometriosis-Support.

Kung Fu Classes – 1-2pm & 7-8pm. With Sensei Rich. The ancient of art of Kung Fu is known for its ability to increase mental focus, strength, flexibility and balance and for its self defense moves. $25/ drop-in, $85/1 class per week-month. $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

CHADD/ADHD Parent Support Group – 7-8:30pm. 3rd and 4th Thursdays. Monthly discussion on parenting child(ren) with an ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Form connections with other parents and gain skills and education to support your child(ren).

Free. The Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848.

DrRoseannInfo@att.net. DrRoseann.com.

EFT Tapping Circle Meetup – 7-8:30pm. Second and fourth Thursdays. Come learn about your energy body. Every month will be a different topic or exercise.

No experience needed, all are welcome. $15.

Location given with RSVP. 203-247-1318.Robin@ RobinFriedman.net. EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.com.

Meditating Holistically – 7-8:30pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. YogaSpace, 78

natural awakenings

Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-YOGA or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Second Thursday. All welcome. Non-Reiki & Reiki practitioners share and experience Reiki. See details on Unity website. Hosted by Gigi Benanti Reiki master/teacher. $20. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk.

203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@snet.net.

AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

friday Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT. Practice Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help each other develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20.

Registration required. Turning Point Healing Arts and Education Center 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield. 203-438-3050. TurningPointReiki.com.

Free Mommy & Me Yoga – 10am. With Brooke de Weaver. We supply water and mats - just bring yourself and your kids. Free. Yogasmoga Townhouse, 68 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich.

Student Massage Clinic – 11am-1pm. Relax and enjoy a full-body massage at the Danbury Campus public Student Massage Therapy Clinic. Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings available. $30/50 minutes. RidleyLowell Business & Technical Institute, 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. Call for appt: 203-748-0052.

Teen Meditation – 5-6pm. This is an enjoyable approach to the understanding of self and how you fit into the world in which you can grow with confidence. Come and explore a guided meditative journey that helps to melt away stress and anxiety.

For teens and up. $15. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plains St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. Last Friday.

Bring questions, receive channeled information to help understand who you are, why you’ve come to the earth plane and empower yourself with messages from Spirit and loved ones. $35. Private residence, Monroe. Information/RSVP: 203-268-3262.

saturday Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10.

Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Love Yourself Fit Meetings – 8:30am. Support for your sacred journey of real weight loss. Meetings offer you a place to be accountable to your highest vision for your healthiest self. $15. Insights Wellness Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-260-9353.

ChrisGuerrera@me.com. InsightsWellnessCenter.com.

Beach Yoga & Meditation – 8:30-9:45am. Nourish your body, mind and spirit practicing gentle flow yoga and meditation by the sea. All levels welcome. During inclement weather, classes held indoors at Lifepath Yoga & Wellness. 4 for $70 (expires 2 months), 8 for $130 (expires 3 months).

Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk. 203-354-7070.

Nina@LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net.

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation – 9:3010:45am. Beginner level with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct

and nurturing for every body. $5. Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

203-521-0359. Wendy@AhimsaShantiYoga.com.

AhimsaShantiYoga.com.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness. simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life, and discover the benefits of becoming more present. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Spondylitis Support Group – 11am-12:30pm.

Last Saturday. Led by Dr. Andrew Cummins, naturopathic physician. Having lived with the chronic inflammatory disease Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 18 years, Dr. Cummins understands what living with chronic pain and limited mobility is all about. Group provides education, empowerment, understanding and support. Free. Shalva Clinic, 8 Lincoln St, 1st Fl, Westport. 203-916-4600.

DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

Kids & Tween Yoga – 11:15am-12:15pm. K-5th.

Sara Kate Venison. 4-week series. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203354-7070. NAntolino@aol.com. LifePathYoga.net.

Buddhist Teachings & Practice Discussion Group – 11:45am-1:15pm. Second and fourth Saturday. No class 5/14. Join a relaxed group, in a tranquil environment and explore some of the core principles of Buddhist practice. By donation.

Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 914-763-4639. Jexel@att.net.

ReddingMeditation.org.

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum.

Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

FOR RENT NEED A SPACE FOR CLASSES/SERVICES? JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS Beautiful 600SF serene yoga studio and private reiki/massage room w/ table are each available for rent. Bamboo floors, high ceilings, dimmable lighting, Ipod hookup, and yoga props. On Rt. 7, close to I-95 and Merritt. Email Nina@LifePathYoga.net.

HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply!

Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

DO YOU LOVE NATURAL AWAKENINGS? Would you like to help spread the word about natural health and personal empowerment?

Contact Publisher Nicole Miale today about becoming a Community Street Team member to represent the magazine at some of our many upcoming community events. NicoleM@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide (CRG) in print and online email FFCadvertising@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our advertising rates.

ACUPUNCTURE

CHIROPRACTIC

INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice

True Health Family Chiropractic 7365 Main St, Stratford 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com

Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad, page 37.

JODY EISEMANN, LAc

Offices in Norwalk, Southport and Trumbull 203-216-2548 AcupunctureHealingCT.com High quality acupuncture for all.

Benefit from the centuries-old and highly effective science of acupuncture and TCM. 25+ years of experience; acupuncture offered in private sessions as well as affordable group settings.

Specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues.

PATRICIA SINGER, MS, LAc 544 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-226-8897 PatSinger.com

As a Spiritual Alchemist, I use a customized one-on-one approach to connect on many levels to assist in the healing process. Modalities: acupuncture, shiatsu, aromatherapy, dietary therapy, sound and energy healing, ceremony and spiritual counseling.

As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Braglia has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique.

We are proud to serve patients from all over Fairfield and New Haven County with our unique and gentle approach to health care. See ad, page 22.

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CTChiropractic.com Dr. Risa Sloves is 1 of 12 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Tu r n i n g Te c h n i q u e s . A l s o provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 4.

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 • AlbaThermalImaging.com Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body.

Safe, painless, noninvasive, FDA registered.

501 Kings Highway East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Ready to start feeling healthier? Take your first step with this gentle cleansing procedure. Watch our colonic and detoxification videos on our new video website located at WholeBodyMed.com. Call for Free CD on detoxification. See ad, page 2.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

57

FLOATATION THERAPY

CRYSTALS MOTHER EARTH GALLERY

449 Danbury Rd, New Milford 203-775-6272 • MotherEarthCrystals.com The area’s finest crystal shop for natural, polished and tumbled gemstones for healing or collecting. Handcrafted gemstone jewelry, candles, chimes, books as well as a showcase for local artisans.

MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

iFLOAT

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 iFloatSpa.net Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt. Relieve stress, chronic pain and more. See ad, page 23. .

EDUCATION

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

HOUSATONIC VALLEY WALDORF SCHOOL

KURT WAPLES, DC

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity and reverence for nature. See ad, page 30.

WESTBROOK NATURE SCHOOL 7 Long Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-664-1554 Info@WestbrookNatureSchool.org WestbrookNatureSchool.org

Bluestone Health Group 47 Oak St, Ste 250, Stamford 203-220-6488 BluestoneHealthGroup.com Specializing in clinical detoxification, fat loss, nutritional medicine, applied kinesiology and neurological-based chiropractic care. Stateof-the-art body composition analysis and physical assessment.

Call today to experience the power of natural medicine.

HEADACHE / PAIN RELIEF

A nature-based education on six acres of trails, streams, and meadows, with an organic garden and natural playscapes.

Our curriculum builds physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness and the foundation required for intellectual growth. See ad, page 34.

END OF LIFE THE ALLIANCE FOR CONSCIOUS TRANSITIONING At Liphe Balance Center of Weston 203-912-2791 AllianceFCT.com

Our mission is opening the conversation and providing resources, programs and services to support and embrace endof-life transition The Alliance was born out of a deep desire to honor, respect and meet the needs of individuals and their families during the end-of-life transition. See ad, page 19.

CONNECTICUT HEADACHE & MIGRAINE RELIEF CENTER/ TOM ANZALONE, DDS

235 Glenville Rd, Ste 2B, Greenwich 203-531-5688 • CTHeadacheRelief.com Connecticut Headache and Migraine Rel i e f C e n t e r ’s (CHMRC) approach to head-ache pain relief actually addresses and treats the sources of the problem. Using techniques that have been proven effective in sports medicine, the CHMRC system targets improper muscle forces in the head, neck, and jaw area that cause painful conditions. See ad, back cover.

HEALTH COACH MARY GILBERTSON, MS, BSN,CHHC

Licensed RN, Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach 500 Monroe Tpke, Monroe • 203-521-4733 GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com Prescription4Wellness.com Working 1:1 in groups and corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. You receive tools to optimize your health through nutrition, disease management, exercise, weight loss & stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens & adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events.

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Fairfield County Edition

HOLISTIC DENTIST

natural awakenings

501 Kings Highway East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer.

His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold worldwide. See ad, page 2.

HYPNOSIS MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 MindBodyTransformation.com

Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc.

Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ad, page 63.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN YUFANG LIN, MD

WCMG Integrative Medicine 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-920-1603 WCMGIntegrativeMedicine.org Are you tired of being sick? Are you ready to transform your life? Let me help you heal from within holistically, using functional, herbal, homeopathic and energy medicine approaches.

HENRY C. SOBO, MD

Optimal Health Medical, LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 DrSobo.com Dr. Sobo provides Natural Horm-one t h e r a p y, We i g h t R e d u c t i o n programs, IV Vitamin/Minerals treatments, Allergy evaluation and treatment, Fibromyalgia care, and treatment for a wide variety of problems utilizing an Integrative Medicine approach.

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Ken Hoffman, DAc, (RI), LAc, CCH, Medical Director Bruce Roff, LAc, LMT, Senior Associate Ashley Russell, ND Chris Maslowski, LAc, Resident Practitioner 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • INM.center Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns. Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more. Most insurance accepted.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD, Stephen Carr, OD, Narvan Bakhtiari, OD, Brian Rodrigues, OD, Jason Rutherford, OD Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy.

See ad, page 36.

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT KIMBERLY TAYLOR

Crystal Visions, Inc. 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman 860-210-9897 CrystalVisionsCT.com Kimberly is a psychic medium and intuitive. Readings consist of childhood experiences, present personal and professional relationship paths and future outcomes of major life decisions. Kimberly can also be a conduit for lost loved ones. See ad, page 10.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLMT.com

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point, Injuries and Infant/Child Massage Instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad, page 10.

MASSAGE SCHOOL FINGER LAKES SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, allnatural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 45.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

272 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 FLSM.com

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com

Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch. Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time programs.

MEDITATION

Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, Bio-Identical Hormones, Homeopathy, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/Toxin Testing, Oxygen T h e r a p y, M e r i d i a n S t r e s s Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad, page 14.

SHALVA CLINIC, LLC

REDDING CENTER FOR MEDITATION 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 ReddingMeditation.org

We t e a c h a n d p r a c t i c e Mahasati meditation. Mahasati meditation cultivates self-awareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events.

Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.

Ellen M Lewis, ND, Director 8 Lincoln St, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org Dr. Lewis offers comprehensive holistic care for women including well-women exams, fertility, thyroid and menopause support.

She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 5.

DR. MARINA YANOVER, ND, LAC 1720 Post Rd East, Ste 213, Westport 203-255-5005 BigAppleHealth.com

MOBILE FITNESS & WELLNESS BRAMASOLÉ FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER Elizabeth D. Aleksinas 57 Slab Meadow Rd, Morris 860-567-0219 BramasoleWellness.com

Bramasolé is a unique mobile fitness and wellness unit. Can’t get to the gym or yoga studio? I come to you! Services include yoga, meditation training, Reiki, massage, Tai Chi and personal fitness.

Studio hours also available. See ad, page 11.

Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Natural Face Lift using microcurrent therapy. Specialties include Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Pain Management, Skin Care.

Insurance accepted.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

59

PSYCHOTHERAPY

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

JILL BADYRKA, MFT & REIKI MASTER

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Highway East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com

In-Home Marriage & Family Therapy For Families, Children, Couples and Individuals 203-218-0194 JBadyrkaMFT@gmail.com

Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared P h o t o t h e r a p y, F u n c t i o n a l Medicine, Herbal Medicine, H o m e o p a t h y, H o r m o n a l Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, RealTime EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies.

See ad, page 2.

In-home services inspire healing, balanced with client well-being and comfort. Specializing in trauma, parent-child relationships, divorce, life-coaching, selfempowerment and inner peace.

Holistic and strength-based. Now accepting Saturday appointments for therapy and Reiki. See ad, page 21.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING NUTRITION RESCUE

Jessica Moon, MS 66 Glenbrook Rd, Ste 300, Stamford 203-979-6181 • Jessica@NutritionRescue.net NutritionRescue.net Facebook.com/NutritionRescueCT Jessica uses a comprehensive approach for working with individuals and families.

Specializing in dietary management of food sensitivities/allergies and providing support with elimination diets, menu development, and minimizing the impact of food restrictions.

.

MARIA C. CASTILLO, MSW, LCSW 238 Monroe Tpke, Ste B, Monroe 203-445-8966 Msisi@aol.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com

Past Life Regression, trained by Brian Weiss, MD. Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy, trained by TNI and Michael Newton, PhD. Traditional psychotherapy with a spiritual approach; Reiki.

Connect with your soul self and let your inner wisdom guide you.

CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT

PsychoSpiritual Therapy & Coaching InsightsWellnessCenter.com 203-260-9353 • ChrisGuerrera@me.com Non-traditional holistic sessions to free and empower yourself on your path of healing and awakening with a blend of psycho-spiritual therapy, energetics and universal wisdom.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in Divorce, Parent/ Child Conflict, Grief, Attachment/Bonding, Child Development and Parenting. See ad, page 21.

THE ART OF CONTROL 1177 Summer St, Stamford 203-973-7262 Info@ArtoOfControl.com

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Fairfield County Edition

Holistic Psychotherapist Comprehensive Energy Psychology Fairfield County 203-544-6094 • DeniWeber.com Within a supportive, empathic relationship Deni guides individuals on their journey of selfdiscovery integrating psychology, Eastern medicine and spirituality to heal suffering from traumatic stress related to chronic illness, disabilities, abuse & PTSD.

REIKI GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 • AngelHealReiki.com

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly.

All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with Cancer, Lyme disease and Back Pain. All Reiki levels taught.

RIVER’S EDGE REIKI

PILATES

Classically trained Pilates instructors teach the fundamental concepts and principles of Pilates. Part of Synergy Health and Fitness, a holistically oriented gym where practitioners from multiple disciplines offer their clients the fullest form of health and wellness. See ad, page 17.

DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

Lori Haggerty Usui Reiki Master Bethel • 203-994-8978 RiversEdgeReiki.com

Feeling the negative effects of a high stress life? Illness, unhappiness, exhaustion? Experience the power of Reiki and how it can restore you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Sessions for adults, children and senior citizens (geriatrics is my specialty!). Reiki training classes offered for all levels. See ad, page 44.

NA Fun Fact: Natural Awakenings’ free app has been downloaded by more than 40,000 iPhone users and is now available on the Android platform.

To advertise with us, call 203-885-4674.

natural awakenings

1492 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-356-5822 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com 7eFitSpa.com

Kaia Yoga Studio, Westport and Fairfield near Merritt exit 46 Sachi: 203-216-9720 Sachi@WestportRolfing.com Mikel: 203-216-9770 Mikel@WestportRolfing.com Providing Rolfing Structural Integration to Fairfield County.

We provide soft tissue manipulation and movement reeducation for postural, functional and chronic pain issues with offices in Westport and Fairfield.

See ad, page 9.

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER Jessica C. Hunter 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.com

Berta Prevosti, Usui Reiki master & certified Phoenix Rising yoga therapist 2900 Main St, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com

7eFIT SPA

WESTPORT ROLFING

HUNTER HEALING HANDS

JIIVA YOGA, HEALING & WELLNESS CENTER

WELLNESS CENTER

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

7eFit Spa offers a variety of aesthetic services and non-invasive techniques to support mind body wellness. Services include anti-aging and oxygen facials with aromatherapy, Torc Plus bioelectric stimulation for muscle activation and weight loss, infrared sauna, and the DietMaster weight loss program.

Fit Spa

A new way to looking and feeling good.

430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk (Wilton Line) 203-857-1500 Kure-Spa.com

does the work.

rely on as part of their weekly routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

No surgery or 4-Pillars invasive procedures.

Experience our of Health for 30-days and we’ll transform your life to one of Health, Healing Healing sessions in shamInfrared Sauna • Micro-dermabrasion & Vitality! Offering Vibrosaun, massage, and an anic healing, Melody crystal organic juice bar. See ad, page 63.

Myolift • Torc • Body Waxing healing, reiki, shamanic intuitive readings. Accr-Diet Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki edited and certification NATURAL BEAUTY SPA Dermalogica Facials • Oxygen Facials training programs in reiki, crystal healing, and 4154 Madison Ave, Trumbull 203-502-8503 shamanic healing. See ad, page 12.

Teeth Whitening

Natural.BeautySpa@hotmail.com CTNaturalBeauty.com Save Now with

We specialize in today’s latest Introductory Prices! skin rejuvenation. Anti-aging and Call 203-356-5822 acne treatment, massage, facials, hair removal, acupuncture,

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels - greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

See ad, page 23.

SPIRITUAL ARTS, LLC

SALTANA CAVE

590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com

KURE SPA

Kure Spa rovides a Relax while our technology place for people to

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING

™

Jiiva is in the business of building a community for yoga and healing.

We offer yoga classes, a school of Reiki, private Reiki treatments, traditional massage therapy, Thai massage, meditation classes, workshops and community events.

See ad, page 29

Fairfield County’s first and only therapeutic Himalayan salt cave provides relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of smoking and pollution. Salt is naturally antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St, S Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformations, CT 06905 healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit. See ad, page 21.

lymphatic drainage, VelaShape 1092 High Ridge Road | Stamford, for cellulite treatment and more.

7efitspact1@gmail.com | www.7efitspa.com See ad, page 4.

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

Richard Wlodarski, RMT 2505 Main St, Ste 209B, Stratford 203-605-0773 Rich@SpiritualArts.info SpritualArts.info Richard is a Reiki Master/Teacher and intuitive reader. He specializes in home and property cleansings.

Come and experience the healing attributes of Reiki and discovering spiritual guidance and awareness, with over 30 years of experience.

Contact us today to be in this space next month!

203-885-4674 eNaturalAwakenings.com

June 2016

61

COSMIC RHYTHMS

by Alethea Hunt

J

une is busy from an astrological standpoint, so definitely avoid letting yourself be pulled in too many directions this month! This “scattered” vibe can lead to being overwhelmed mentally or driven to distraction so productivity is reduced. To avoid this, make “Keep It Simple” your mantra going forward and repeat it often to stay in a grounded headspace.

There’s a clash of planets going on in the sky above. On a global scale, there may be some widely divergent perspectives regarding what constitutes fantasy versus reality depending upon who you ask and what their bias may be. Under Act 2 of the Saturn/Neptune Square (exact on June 17 but active all month), belief can be just as problematic as skepticism; it is therefore essential to acknowledge both dichotomy and interconnectedness and keep the mind supple so it doesn’t become a prison one way or the other. For example, with science versus mysticism—or pragmatism versus optimism versus idealism—it’s not about erring on one side or the other but more about integration. Think also back to Part 1 of this square back in November 2015; similar themes may resurface now.

The Gemini New Moon on June 4 reinforces the above themes.

While there is value in talking thought processes out with others, confusion can sometimes be created by too many external opinions.

Be aware of this rather than bend to a perspective that ultimately isn’t right or helpful for you or for your particular circumstance(s). In other areas, there may be some financial juggling going on with Mercury and Venus exchanging energy until mid-month; generally speaking, fiscal diversification and flexibility will be assets. For example, monetary tensions may be alleviated by picking up a part-time position, or by doing two part-time jobs instead of a full-time one. Manage any potential stress generated by this by refraining from overwork, and making space in your schedule for “restorative time” for the sake of physical and mental health. Avoid mindless spending this month as well. Make sure it’s mindful as the compulsion to spend can certainly surface; debt would only be inclined to inhibit financial mobility.

The Sagittarius Full Moon on June 20 just before the Summer Solstice means an adjustment to a less fault-finding perspective feels better.

From a spiritual point of view, it can be easy to find what’s “wrong” but more challenging to find what’s “right” when there’s an excessive focus on hardship or we’re overwhelmed with minutiae. So look instead at the gradual, large-scale transformation that has been occurring somewhere in your life underneath it all. The little things that felt like challenges may actually be improvements for the better that, in hindsight, coalesce into something greater you couldn’t see when knee-deep in the “dismantling” process. Auspicious omens may surface regarding health, wealth, or work especially; particularly as June 26 draws closer.

Anything that can be done to strip away debt or dependency in favor of financial self-empowerment is super favorable late month.

Watch for gifts with strings attached, though – especially from family.

As much as they are loved and fiscal security is nice, try to keep these kinds of entanglements to a minimum. Lastly, Mars turns direct into probing Scorpio on June 29. Hopefully you have been using its retrograde to confront and clear out anything lingering in dark corners of the psyche; if not, this is certainly a perfect time for self-initiated shifts that would banish any demons. Even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s a must if you desire forward movement.

A practitioner of Western Tropical astrology, Alethea Hunt has been practicing for more than 17 years. Connect with her at 203-917-6312, Alethea@EmpoweredDestiny.com or EmpoweredDestiny.com.

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natural awakenings

displayadvertiserindex AcuThin Westport

5

Alliance for Conscious Transitioning

19

Art of Control

17

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 4 Jill Badyrka

21

Judith Barr

16

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

2

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

2

Lyall Studios

10

Deanne Mincer

23

Mind-Body Transformation

63

Mowatt Painting & Services

33

Natural Awakenings’ 11th Anniversay

31

Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

51

Natural Beauty Spa

4

Natural Health & Wellness Center

45

Bramasolé Wellness

11

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

50

Brookfield Craft Center

25

Nature’s Way Natural Foods

49

Central Services

45

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

39

Chamomille Natural Foods

48

Olivette

49

Crystal Visions

10

Robin Ordan, LMT

10

CT Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

37

Robin Ordan, LCSW

21

CT Headache & Migraine Center

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

13

64

Origin Fitness

17

44

Julie Punishill

23

Ann Reeves

10

Salon Aponte

43

DoTerra/Lori Haggerty Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine

9

Eat Naturall

46

Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa 21

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16

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Eyecare Associates

36

Victoria Shaw, PhD

19

Final Journey LLC

40

SNO Organics

41

Debra Gibson, ND

8

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

21

The Graduate Institute

3

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16

5

Hands and Paws Reiki for All

24

Hilda Swaby

23

Healthy Choice Mattress

15

Topical Pain Relief Plus

52

Hedge Trimming by Thomas

16

Total Life Care Center

23

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30

Touch of Sedona

25

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12

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33

Ifloat

23

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22

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47

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality

7

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29

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19

Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND

14

Kindred Spirits

15

Westbrook Nature School

34

Kure Spa

63

Westport Farmers Market

48

Beth Leas

23

Westport Rolfing

9

LifePath Yoga & Wellness

29

Whole Fit Studio

29

Worden Wellness Center

27

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9

University of Bridgeport Clinics 11

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