Natural Awakenings Fairfield County August 2016

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Creativity & Empowerment

FREE

Helping Kids Step into Their Best Selves

INFANT SOIL SALTY SISTERS AQUATICS SOLACE

Female Farmers Emphasize Eco-Values

Babies Thrive in the Water

The Benefits of Salt Therapy

August 2016 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

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

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501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

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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

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Whole-Body Medicine, LLC – The Natural Approach for Optimal Health 2

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

"Things do not change; We do."

– Henry David Thoreau

If you are seeking healing we are here to help. The sta�f of Insight Counseling expertly treats depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, relationship struggles and all family and adolescent problems. Our sta�f combines science and spirituality to heal the whole person.

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

19 INFANT AQUATICS

Babies Survive and

~ equestrian gifts ~ pottery ~ buddas ~ crystals of all sizes ~ books ~ angels

19

Thrive in the Water

by Ariana Rawls Fine

21 BARNET BAIN ON HOW

CREATIVITY CAN SAVE THE WORLD

Touch of Sedona

Fresh Thinking Challenges Rigid Mindsets

by Linda Sechrist

A unique boutique with a heartfelt purpose

203-438-7146

452 Main Street, Ridgefield

touchofsedonaridgefield.com

Open Every Day Until 5:30

28

24 THE CREATIVITY KEY

Making the World a Better Place, One Choice at a Time

by Lorraine Elmo

26 SALTY SOLACE

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

Fairfield County Edition

by Avery Mack

28 GROWING UP

31

EMPOWERED

Helping Kids Step into Their Best Selves

by Judith Fertig

31 DISCOVER THE

POWER OF PLAY

Whole-Child Development Requires Less Structure

by Sheri Hatfield

40 SOIL SISTERS

Female Farmers Come of Age

by Lisa Kivirist

48 ANIMALS ARE OUR

BRIDGE TO ONENESS

156 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 www.AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com

4

Salt Rooms Soothe Allergies and Skin Conditions

natural awakenings

Opening to Non-Human Love

by Gwen Gangi

40

14

16

48

7 newsbriefs 14 healthbriefs 16 globalbriefs 19 communityspotlight 26 healingways 34 fitbody 37 masteringyoga 38 inspiredtable 42 healthykids 43 productmarketplace 46 inspiration 48 naturallyhealthypet 5 1 petresourceguide 52 calendar 56 classifieds 57 resourceguide 62 displayadindex

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

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.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

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August 2016

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letterfrompublisher “More than ever before, the nature of human consciousness today is making it apparent that we live inside stories and are pushing up against their edges.” ~ Barnet Bain, page 21.

contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale

O

Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Lorraine Elmo, Gwen Gangi, Sheri Hatfield, Mary Oquendo Eilis Philpott, Gabriela Ramon Sales & Marketing Alix Bacher 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.

n a recent visit to Kent State University in Ohio—an institution of higher learning with a long history of being progressive and forwardthinking—one banner caught my eye. “Unknow your boundaries,” it read. I was so captivated that I took a Nicole Miale picture so I could reflect further upon the message at a later time.

Boundaries can be self-imposed. They can be inherited, such as with belief systems, genetics or racial makeup. They can be learned. They can be physical.

The banner made me stop to think about the concept that boundaries—with rare exception—can, in fact, be “un-known”. Much of what we create and impose upon ourselves as the way we are and the way we must live can be changed. In fact, given what’s going on in the world right now, it seems to me these things must be changed. What we’re doing isn’t working.

In a time of great tumult and upheaval in our nation and around the world, the only things that will save us are great love and the collective, conscious unknowing of our boundaries. As individuals, families, communities, corporations and nations, we are being sent the message repeatedly that the old ways will no longer suffice. It is time to break through our self-imposed boundaries to use our untapped creativity to manifest a new world order based on increased love and searching for common ground rather than military-style strength and adversarial conflict.

These thoughts form a fitting backdrop for our Creativity and Children’s Empowerment edition, which supports the raising of conscious and creative children who will inherit the earth. Hopefully, they will have the skills and convictions to improve upon what they have been given. National and local experts weigh in on the importance of creativity and confidence, including how to foster these qualities in ourselves and the children in our lives.

Don’t be afraid to un-know your boundaries; create a new path for yourself and move those barriers out of your way and out of the way of your children.

Sending more love and light than ever before; we each deserve and need it.

Please spread it wherever you can.

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

Ridgefield Playhouse’s Green Living Expo and Shakespeare Grateful Dead Music Celebration on the Green Ridgefield Playhouse ShakeReturns to Danbury Thespeare on the Green and Green

T

he Forever Grateful music festival returns to the Ives Concert Park in Danbury on August 20 from 1 to 10:30pm. The festival celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, Allman Brothers and Bob Marley with live performances on the main stage by Shakedown, Cats Under the Stars, Brothers of the Road, Terrapin and Ras Spective. The day-long festival boasts 10 bands on two stages plus food, beer and vendors.

The event’s second stage will host local musical talent such as Jen Durkin and the Bizness, featuring members of Deep Banana Blackout, Union Rail, The Native Heads & Friends, Father Nelson and the Backsliders, Phoenix Tree and MSM Band. Comedian Pat Oates and other performers will be on stage throughout the day as well.

A long-time fan of the Grateful Dead, Cathy Moore, owner of Danbury-based Promotions In Motion special events marketing and production company, produced and launched the inaugural festival in 2015 in celebration of The Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary. After that successful foray, in 2016 the festival returns at double the size.

“We are excited to once again to be partnering with Ives Concert Park. This year, we not only have the music of The Grateful Dead performed by local artists, but we’ve included the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia Band and Bob Marley into the mix, which makes for one serious day of music, dancin’ and jams, all in Grateful Dead style. We wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Moore.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. There are limited VIP tickets for $45, Kids under 12 are free.

Expo has been a much loved, community event for the past 10 years. This year the expo will be held on August 13 from noon to 4pm with the Shakespeare-inspired tale So Please You taking place under the tent at 2pm. This free public event is a “thank you” from the Playhouse to the community for supporting the arts throughout the year.

This year is also the celebration of William Shakespeare’s 400-year legacy. So Please You, a family-friendly comedy produced and performed by Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, tells the story of a servant named Dennis—who appears only once in Shakespeare’s As You Like It—to announce that, “so please you,” there is a wrestler at the door. Inspired by one moment of mischief, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival’s Conservatory Company has created a “comical-tragical” tale of Dennis the servant. Rejoice in the art of clowning in a comedy that pays homage to the life and dreams of a struggling Shakespearean actor and showcases text from many of Shakespeare’s plays.

Casey Fuel, a third-generation, family-owned Ridgefield business, is the title sponsor for the event. At the green expo, you can visit with Natural Awakenings, Basil Yoga Center, BMW of Ridgefield, Eversource, The Natural Scoop, The Toy Chest, Shine Enrichment Tutoring, Solar City and Way of the Sword.

Tickets for Shakespeare on the Green and Green Expo are free but must be reserved by calling the box office at 203438-5795. There is a limit of six tickets per family on a first come, first served basis. Tickets will be held at the box office until 1pm the day of the show.

For more event information, visit ForeverGratefulFest.com.

To order tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/2nd-Annual-ForeverGrateful-Music-Festival-Tickets-26453546269. Location: Ives Concert Park, 43 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury.

For more information, visit RidgefieldPlayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a nonprofit performing arts center.

Location: 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. See ad, page 32.

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August 2016

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S&SF NaturalAwakenings_Jan2016_3.5x2_Layout 1 12/17/15 3:52 PM Page

Moss Mountain at

STICKS & STONES FARM A family farm hosting healing, educational, and musical events for the community.

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If you’re afraid of the dark, remember... not only your wounds, but also your strengths and gifts are found in the dark.

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JudiTh Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG TO ThE rOOT a rare weave of deep therapeutic and grounded spiritual Depth Psychotherapist • Midwife to the Soul Professional Training/Supervision • Speaker

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8

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

newsbriefs Sacred Spirit Offers August Workshops

T

he Sacred Spirit is a New Age gift shop in Old Greenwich, offering many tools for personal and spiritual growth in addition to evidential readings and various energy healing modalities. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 7pm, Saturday from 11am to 6pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm. The store is hosting an August workshop series as well as other events offering tools for personal and spiritual growth.

The Loving & Listening to Your Body series starts August 4 to provide insight into figuring out your physical body’s messages, learning to heal with positive affirmations and enhancing your body’s natural energy. August 11’s focus will be on the emotional body. Find out if you are aligned with your soul’s purpose and enhance your soul connection on August 18. Each evening is $30 or $75 for the series.

Feeling stuck? Unsure what to do? Hidden in your cellular memory are the tools for success. You Have the Key— Bring Back Success From a Past Life is a workshop presented

by Jessica Lawrence on August 5. Tap into your most successful past life and bring forward that energy. The class fee is $40. Angela Pizzarello is offering the Spiritual Protection Class on August 12 to discuss how to shield yourself from negative or chaotic energy, how to bring in spiritual protection, and how to release what you’ve picked up from other people’s energy fields. The cost is $40.

In addition, Sacred Spirit is offering an eight-week tarot course in the fall, starting September 2. You will learn how to use the ancient wisdom of the tarot to help yourself and others. The series will cover card meanings and interpretations, using your intuition to discern a story, and sample spreads and practice with other decks. The cost is $50 per class.

Sacred Spirit gift items include candles, décor, crystals, prayer beads, pendants, jewelry, tarot and oracle cards, crystals, stones and more. Readers and healers are also available by appointment for intuitive, psychic and grief readings; tarot; palmistry; mediumship; Reiki; energy, crystal, pendulum and sound healing; past life regression and restructuring.

Walk-ins are welcome on weekends only. All readers and healers have a minimum of three years of experience.

For more information, call 203-344-9311. Location: Albertson Memorial Church (entrance in back), 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. See ad, page 13.

Joshua Bell Appears at Westport Nonprofit Fundraiser

F

Wall Street Veteran Launches Love and Relationship Coaching

airfield County residents have the unique opportunity on August 25 to hear Joshua Bell, one of the top violinists in the world, play in an intimate, immersive setting in Westport.

He will appear at the annual fundraiser for Beechwood Arts & Innovation, a Westport-based nonprofit fostering collaboration and innovation across all the arts. Proceeds from the High5 fundraiser with Joshua Bell will go Joshua Bell toward the organization’s programs.

The event begins at 8pm; a VIP pre-concert meet and greet begins at 6:30pm.

Bell will also play with Westport’s own world-renowned musician and pianist Frederic Chiu; these collaborators are also longtime friends. Beechwood is reserving 40 seats at their fundraiser for patrons to sponsor young music students from underserved communities through collaborations with local music and youth nonprofits such as Spread Music Now, Turnaround Arts, Intake, Neighborhood Studios and KEYS.

“In our youth, both Joshua and I had experiences where we were deeply inspired seeing master musicians play live.

As aspiring musicians, those experiences left impressions that lasted for a lifetime. This is what inspires both of us to work with students and why, at Beechwood, we regularly include students alongside masters of their craft in all of our events across music, art, film and performance,” said Chiu. He and his wife, Jeanine Esposito, cofounded Beechwood Arts & Innovation.

W

Tickets must be reserved. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit BeechwoodArts.org/EventDonate.html or call 203-226-9462. Location: United Methodist Church of Westport, 51 Weston Rd, Westport.

For more information and a free consultation, visit DreamtownCT.com, email Noreen@DreamtownCT.com or call 475-205-1121. See ad, page 12.

all Street CFOturned-love-and -relationship expert Noreen Ehrlich is launching Dreamtown, a coaching business to help professionals find success in love. With almost two decades of experience in Manhattan’s real estate private equity industry, and a trajectory through Japan to India’s Bollywood and California’s Hollywood, this summer she is returning to Connecticut to open the practice.

Through transformational eight-week programs, Ehrlich helps people attract and engage in happy, healthy relationships that succeed. She is currently becoming certified in the Calling in The One coaching method developed by Katherine Woodward Thomas.

This transformation, says Ehrlich, a Greenwich resident, is the basis for a fulfilling life. The focus at Dreamtown is on identifying love goals, replacing destructive patterns with constructive ones and manifesting deep, meaningful partnerships.

“I’ve traveled the world and completed several successful careers,” says Ehrlich. “And yet, success in love can be elusive for highly driven, successful professionals. I refused to accept that we could only be successful in one aspect of our lives. Using the deliberate, smart guidance we apply to our careers, we can and will transform our personal relationships for the better.”

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August 2016

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newsbriefs Ridgefield Resident Opens Elements Massage

L

ong-time Ridgefield resident Junius Brown opened a new Elements Massage location in Ridgefield at the end of July. The studio—open every day from 9am to 9pm—offers deep tissue, hot stone and Swedish massage with aromatherapy options available with sessions.

The Elements Wellness Program is a month-to-month membership that grants each client one massage session per month at a discounted rate. It also provides clients as many additional sessions as desired at the discounted member rate.

There is no long-term contract and members can opt out at any time with a 30-day notice.

Owner Brown spent 17 years with PepsiCo in a variety of roles, including strategic planning, sales and marketing. Launch Elements Massage in Ridgefield enables him to create a business he knows will help people in the community he has lived in for the past 16 years.

Brown is currently hiring at the new location; if you are interested in therapist or customer service opportunities, visit the careers section of the company’s website.

For more information, to request an appointment or purchase a gift card, visit ElementsMassage.com/Ridgefield or call 203-403-3348. Location: 86 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Torrington Welcomes Thousands for Main Street Marketplace

M

ain Street Marketplace is expected to once again bring more than 30,000 people to downtown Torrington this summer for a weekly slate of themed activities. Natural Awakenings is proud to be a media sponsor of the event’s Healthy Living & Lifestyles week this year.

The festival begins on Thursday, July 21 from 5 to 9pm and recurs weekly.

This year’s themes include: • Christmas in July on July 28 • Community Night on August 4 • Healthy Living & Lifestyles on August 11 • 1st Annual Coffee & Tea Festival on August 18.

Admission is free to the festival, which features an array of entertainment, exhibitors, vendors and food each week.

For more information visit MainStreetMarketplace.org or call 860-410-MSMP. See ad, page 18.

Dream Bigger at Palace Theater An exciting, funfilled, inspirational evening—with dance, music, a touch of the Great White Way, prizes and more— comes to Stamford on August 26. The Unity Center of David Tutera Norwalk is presenting reality TV star and celebrity event planner David Tutera’s Dream Bigger Tour at The Palace Theatre for the Performing Arts for one performance only at 8pm.

Broadway singing star Norm Lewis will be Tutera’s special guest. Tutera, star of WE tv’s CELEBrations, describes the event as a festive hybrid of talk show and live theater.

“Dream Bigger is a truly interactive and entertaining experience,” Tutera said. “I am thrilled Norm Lewis will open the show with a wonderful new Dream Bigger song composed by David Friedman.”

Lewis, nominated for a Tony Award for best actor in a musical (Porgy & Bess), made show business history by being the first African American to play the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. In the television drama Scandal, Lewis has a recurring role as Senator Edison.

Friedman, a popular film and theatre composer, songwriter and conductor, has made his mark with multi-platinum recordings, Broadway shows, Disney animated films and television scores.

General admission is $30. Limited VIP tickets are $100 and include premium seating and a post-show back stage reception with Tutera. The event is sponsored by Platinum sponsors, including The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s, The Delmar Greenwich Harbor and The Spa at the Delmar Greenwich Harbor.

The Unity Center in Norwalk is a spiritually-based community founded and based on a concept of always pointing the way toward a more positive way of living.

For tickets, please call The Palace Theater at 203-325-4466 or visit PalaceStamford. org. Location: The Palace Theatre for the Performing Arts, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford.

See ad, page 14.

Take Your Business to the Next Level Create the vision and success for yourself and/or your team with the guidance and support of a professional business coach.

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

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newsbriefs Chaski Fest Celebrates Ancestral Wisdom in Danbury

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n July 30, the Danbury Green on Ives Street will host Chaski Fest from noon to 8pm. Chaski is the Quechua (native Andean language) word for messenger.

Traditionally, chaskis were trained runners who would deliver important messages throughout the numerous Andean empires. Today Chaski Fests are worldwide gatherings of conscious artists and activists who carry and spread the message of preserving the earth’s resources and ancestral wisdom.

Admission is free for the day of live music, dance, poetry, yoga and environmental activism. It is an opportunity to have fun and become a part of a united group of messengers for the protection of Mother Earth. The event is presented by the World Conscious Pact Northeast, a regional chapter of an international network of conscious artists and activists united for mother earth. The five objectives of the World Conscious Pact are to protect animals, protect humanity, protect nature, promote a conscious consumer culture, and to help preserve the ancestral wisdom of indigenous cultures around the world.

For more information, visit WorldConsciousPact.blogspot. com email WorldConsciousPactNortheast@gmail.com or call 203-448-9886. Location: The Danbury Green, Ives St, Danbury.

12

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Blues Views and BBQ Returns to Westport

O

n Labor Day weekend one of the largest music festivals Fairfield County will see this year returns to the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. Fans of blues, rock and funk will not want to miss Blues Views and BBQ on September 3 and 4. The Westport Downtown Merchants and the Levitt Pavilion are partnering with Westport's BBQ trailblazer Bobby Q's to offer two days of food, music and fun.

The all-star music lineup will include artists such as The Funky Meters, Anders Osborne, Mike Broussard, The Revivalists and Matt Schofield.

Along with food and music, enjoy family fun at Jessup Jam on the upper Westport Library grounds with bouncy amusements, face painting, henna artists, cooking demos and BBQ competitions. The panel returns this year to judge "Cookin' for a Cause," which benefits Westport Women's Club Food Closet‘s support for local families in need. The second stage will feature the best CT-based and familyfriendly musicians.

Tickets are on sale at BluesViewsBBQ.com/buy-tickets.

The early bird ticket prices are $40 for Saturday, $30 for Sunday and $65 for a two-day pass. Advance tickets are Saturday for $50, Sunday for $40 and both days for $80. Gate pricing is $60 for Saturday, $50 for Sunday and $95 for both days.

For full lineup, schedule and event updates, visit BluesViewsBBQ.com. Location: Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, 40 Jesup Rd, Westport. See ad, page 32.

kudos Western New England Greenway Bikeway Gains National Recognition

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ortions of the Western New England Greenway (WNEG) recently gained national recognition by being designated a U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR 7) by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The designation officially places USBR 7—comprised of back roads and scenic bikeways starting in Norwalk that run throughout Fairfield County’s Route 7 region—on a national Adventure Cycling Association mapping system. The entire touring network system covers more than 11,000 miles in 24 states and the District of Columbia. It features mapped routes that include listings of nearby lodging, dining, cycling shops and heritage sites.

The WNEG-Western New England Greenway connects western parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont along 380 miles of quiet country back roads and existing bike trails that connect, crisscross or parallel Route 7. Formed as a grassroots ambition by volunteer cyclist enthusiasts, the WNEG is part of a multi-segment system that serves as an international link between the East Coast Greenway—a 3,000-mile route from Maine to Florida that begins at the Merritt Parkway in Norwalk— and the 3,130-mile route, La Route Verte, at the Canadian border in Quebec. It also links the two iconic cities of New York City and Montreal via back-road bike routes.

The 85.2 miles of the USBR 7 in Connecticut is routed along the Housatonic River along gently-rolling terrain marked by farmland and river views. The bike route includes a ride along the Saugatuck Reservoir in Weston. When entering New Milford, cyclists are encouraged to stop at Lover’s Leap State Park, and travel toward Kent where they cross two covered bridges, the West Cornwall Bridge and Bull’s Bridge.

The ambitions of the volunteer cyclists who formed the WNEG were to highlight the many scenic bike routes connecting Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. The multisegment, multi-state Greenway has been developed with supportive administration by the nonprofit Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (Burlington, Vermont) and the National Park Service RTCA – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Program which provides technical assistance.

Since 2010, a group of volunteers from the three states has coordinated four annual conferences, created a website and Facebook site, and published maps of the most favorable on- and off-road routes that now comprise the Western New England Greenway.

For more information about the Western New England Greenway programs, visit WNEGreenway.org or Facebook.com/Western NewEnglandGreenway, or email:Info@WNEGreenway.org.

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healthbriefs

Delayed Kindergarten Reduces Attention Deficit

D

elaying kindergarten enrollment for one year shows significant mental health benefits for children, according to a Stanford University study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Reviewing results from a mental health survey completed by more than 35,000 Danish parents, the researchers saw that youngsters held back from kindergarten for as little as one year showed a 73 percent reduction in inattentiveness and hyperactivity for an average child at age 11, compared to children enrolled the year earlier.

Measuring inattentiveness and hyperactivity reflect a child’s ability to selfregulate. The generally accepted theory is that young people that are able to stay focused, sit still and pay attention longer tend to do much better in school.

“This is some of the most convincing evidence we’ve seen to support what U.S. parents and policymakers have already been doing—choosing to delay entry into kindergarten,” says Stanford Graduate School of Education Professor Thomas S. Dee. In addition to improved mental health, children with later kindergarten enrollment dates also exhibited superior emotional and social skills.

The number of U.S. children entering kindergarten at age 6 instead of 5 has progressively increased to about 20 percent, according to the study. Many parents are opting to delay kindergarten enrollment for a year to give their children a leg up in physical and emotional maturity and social skills.

Legumes May Facilitate Weight Loss

A

review of 21 clinical trials has found that just one daily serving of legumes can facilitate an average drop of three-quarters of a pound over a six-week period. Published in the journal Obesity, the research analyzed results from studies that tested a total of 940 men and women eating about three-quarters of a cup of beans, lentils, chickpeas and other legumes each day.

The subjects reported feeling nearly one-third fuller on average after eating about 5.6 ounces of these foods with their meals, compared with a control group’s diet. These beneficial legumes may also reduce body fat percentages.

According to senior study author and physician John Sievenpiper, Ph.D., of St. Michael’s Hospital’s Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center and the University of Toronto, “Ninety percent of weight-loss diets fail, resulting in weight regain, which may be due in part to hunger and food cravings. Knowing which foods make people feel fuller longer may help them lose weight and keep it off.”

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Breastfed Babies Have Fewer Colds and Ear Infections

A

study from the University of Texas has found that increased breastfeeding decreases ear infections among nursing children. The researchers followed 367 babies between 1 and 12 months old from 2008 through 2014.

The scientists analyzed family history traits of smoking, ear infections, breastfeeding and formula feeding. Nose and throat mucosal samples were taken throughout the study period to identify infections, and parents informed the researchers whenever the baby experienced an infection.

The study was led by Dr. Tasnee Chonmaitree, a pediatrics professor from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. “We clearly showed that frequent upper respiratory infections, carriage of bacteria in the nose and lack of breastfeeding are major risk factors for ear infections,” he states. “Prolonged breastfeeding was associated with significant reductions in both colds and ear infections, a common complication of colds.”

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

Scrambling Species

Climate Change Favors Some Birds over Others Decades of data show that climate change is manipulating the way avian species move across continents. For instance, the orchard oriole is losing prime habitat in the South, but gaining more up north. Thousands of species worldwide face the same dilemma. Specific birds need a particular habitat, such as open spaces or groves of trees, and some of their traditionally preferred spots are becoming unlivable.

England’s Durham University ecologist Phillip Stephens, along with researchers from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the U.S. Geological Survey, have compiled nearly half a century’s worth of occurrence data from thousands of citizen scientists. Birders submitted their observations to the Pan-European Common Birds Monitoring Scheme and the North American Breeding Bird Survey for 145 terrestrial bird species native to Europe and 380 species native to the United States.

“We used that information to generate a prior expectation for whether the species would’ve been advantaged or disadvantaged by climate change,” says Stephens.

The predictions were compared with actual bird abundance data from 1980 through 2010, and the populations that were expected to lose suitable habitat declined, while those expected to find their habitats improve increased. He states, “Recent climate change has already favored one set of species over another.”

Read the report at ClimateChange.Birdlife.org.

Green Serenity

Sikkim Now a Wholly Organic State Sikkim, the northeastern Indian state located between Bhutan and Nepal, has rid its agricultural land of pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified crops and other artificial inputs on around 75,000 hectares, or about 300 square miles, of agricultural land, making it its country’s first organic state. Instead, farmers use natural alternatives such as green manure and compost.

Twelve years ago, the Pawan Chamling-led government decided to make Sikkim an organic farming state through a declaration in the legislative assembly. After the entry of chemical inputs for farmland was restricted and their sale banned, farmers had no option but to go organic.

Source: TheHindu.com

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Hope for a New Generation Despite being less confident than their elders, a new study by PsychTests. com, in Montreal, reveals that Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) are an ambitious and tenacious generation that continues to prove potential critics wrong. Labeled by some as self-entitled, arrogant and immature from being coddled by hovering parents, the company’s research says that Millennials are not afraid to push themselves to achieve lofty goals, work hard or take on difficult challenges.

Collecting data from 1,035 people that took their Ambition Test, the researchers looked at the differences between Millennials, Generation X (born between 1960 and 1980) and Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1960) in terms of their levels of aspiration, persistence and sense of self-efficacy. The study reveals that while Millennials lagged a little behind the other two generations on some factors related to ambition, the potential of these young adults should not be underestimated.

“One can argue that Millennials’ hopeful and determined nature is a case of idealism,” explains Ilona Jerabek, Ph.D., president of PsychTests.

“Some have just started out in the workforce, so they’re eager to prove themselves, which could also mean that at some point they’ll be blindsided by the reality of what it’s like to be out there in the real world.”

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The results indicate that readers of It istoward based on the principle of fiction are more empathetic others. By engaging with abiophotomodulation. story, they Infrared light at 635 nanometers is absorbed by are temporarily placing themselves in fat cells causing the cell’s pores a character’s shoes, thus fostering emto open and excrete the fatty acid pathy in real life, and literary reading contents into the surrounding amplifies this effect. fluid. The fat is taken away by the

According to a Stanford Univerlymphatic system and consumed by body metabolism. sity study, reading a challenging book The result is immediate loss of inches. also helps us become smarter, as well as more empathetic. By attempting to tackle harder books, we create new connections in our minds that we might not have done otherwise. Neuroscientist Bob Dougherty remarks, “The right patterns of ink on a page can create vivid mental imagery and instill powerful emotions.”

David Comer Kidd, author of another related study, observes, “Like opening a window to let fresh air into our home, literature opens up our minds to the myriad ideas that we wouldn’t be able to experience on our own. We can pause to analyze the experiences depicted as if they were our own, expanding our experience of the world.”

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globalbriefs Toxic Trinkets

Low-Cost Jewelry May Harbor Cadmium

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In recent years, the European Commission has banned cadmium in all jewelry sold in Europe, but those shopping for lowcost jewelry in North America from popular fashion chains may be wearing products made with cadmium, a heavy metal that can be particularly toxic for kids. There are no known risks for people that wear contaminated jewelry, but swallowing or chewing on a piece containing high concentrations of the toxic metal could allow it to seep into the body.

James Van Loon, director of risk management at Health Canada’s consumer product safety branch, says that children’s bodies more readily absorb the toxic metal, and because they are more likely to put things in their mouths, jewelry that is marketed to those under 15 should contain virtually no cadmium.

Dr. Gérald Zagury, who performed tests and has published several studies on heavy metals in jewelry, says one sample contained the highest amount of cadmium ever reported in Canada for such a product. “It’s pretty close to pure cadmium,” he says. According to Health Canada, cadmium is cheap and melts at a lower point than more commonly used zinc, lowering energy costs for product makers.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, cadmium is a known carcinogen that can also lead to kidney failure, bone loss and other complications in those that are chronically exposed over time.

Source: EWG.org

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Circuses Cease Exotic Animal Acts

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The Ringling Brothers Circus made good on a promise to retire their last contingent of performing elephants to the Center for Elephant Conservation, in Polk City, Florida, with the last such show streamed worldwide in May. While Ringling will retain the services of tigers, lions, leopards, horses, camels, dogs and kangaroos, the Mexican Congress has voted to prohibit exotic animals under big tops across their country. That means no more tigers jumping through hoops, elephants used as props or monkeys dressed in tiny outfits. The bill requires circuses to report the wildlife they own, which would then be made available to interested zoos.

Source: The New York Times

communityspotlight

Infant Aquatics Babies Survive and Thrive in the Water

by Ariana Rawls Fine

“T

ake control, not chances.” Infant Aquatics’ tagline has personal meaning for owner Dena Blum-Rothman, a certified Infant Aquatics Survival swimming instructor. “Although my mother’s brother drowned long before I was born, the impact of his death and the need for safety around the water was felt throughout my childhood...I fully understand water’s potential deadly consequences, and the possibility of a terrible drowning accident is very real in my own life,” she explains.

More than 50 percent of the 1.2 million people around the world who drown each year are children, according to the International Life Saving Federation. And about one third of children who drown do so in and around the home. Children who possess basic survival swimming skills have a significantly higher chance of surviving an aquatic accident.

The ability to swim and survive can be learned by infants as young as six months.

“[Ava] went swimming yesterday without me in a fourfoot pool. I was told that she fell in the water and before anyone could move to jump in for her, she turned onto her back, caught her breath and floated. No tears, no panic—at least not on her part. She instinctively seemed to know what to do to everyone’s amazement,” a mother recently told BlumRothman about her two-year old daughter. Parents report similar incidents to Infant Aquatic instructors several times a month, especially during the summer months.

What is different about survival swimming? In traditional lessons at pools, there is usually one instructor with eight kids. That can translate into downtime in the water during a 30-minute lesson. “A child under the age of four starts to get cold after about 10 minutes,” Blum-Rothman explains.

“Once the muscles tighten up from the cold, they will not retain memory or take in more information. In our lessons,

the children are also exhausted after 10 minutes of one-onone swimming or floating instruction.”

Traditional group lessons are not customized. The issue is that each one of us learns differently, says Blum-Rothman.

The best fit for one child could be by practicing, whereas another learns better by being shown through hands-on touch or verbal instructions. Infant Aquatics’ method focuses on stimulating long-term muscle memory through daily individual lessons; if a child falls in a pool, their brain may panic, but their body knows how to react.

Infants learn to roll over from a face down position in the water onto their backs to float, rest and breathe—called the survival back float. Toddlers and older children learn the same technique in addition to returning to swim face down again in the swim-float-swim sequence.

After learning floating skills in a wetsuit, children practice their skills in summer and then winter clothing; these are critical lessons as most children who fall into the water by accident and alone are fully clothed. “We want to make sure their body knows what to do and they don’t panic with the extra weight,” Blum-Rothman explains.

For children up to one year old, the 10-minute lessons are one-on-one, four days per week for four consecutive weeks. For those over one year and under four years, the lessons take place over six consecutive weeks. Those over four have more body fat and strength and can withstand the cold water effects longer so the individual lessons are 20 minutes each for three consecutive weeks. Children are floating, swimming or both in weeks, not years.

Year-round lessons are available at Connecticut facilities in Milford, North Haven and Cromwell in addition to Port Chester in New York. In mid-May, seasonal outdoor lessons are held in heated pools in Westport and Greenwich.

Based on demand, lessons can be arranged in Bristol and Newington.

The lesson price varies depending on the location and the charge for pool rental time. Pricing ranges from $150 to $250 a week for the 10-minute, six-week lesson series, an adjustable Neoprene wetsuit and a swim diaper. In-home heated pool options are also available seasonally in lower Fairfield County, including New Canaan, Norwalk and Westport.

The recommended group maintenance classes after finishing the individual lesson series enable students to retain the basic survival skills, learn new ways to continue to enjoy the water and practice swimming with similarly aged and skilled children.

“Being a survival swimming instructor is the most fulfilling job I have ever had. There is no greater gift than being able to assist in saving a life. Teaching babies and young children how to survive in a water-related accident…is an honor and a blessing all at the same time,” says Blum-Rothman.

Ariana Rawls Fine is editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County and New Haven/Middlesex Counties. She resides in Stratford with her family.

Connect with Infant Aquatics at InfantAquaticsCT.com, InfantAquaticsCT@gmail.com, InfantAquaticsCT on Facebook and Twitter, and 203-795–9600. eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

19

ecotip

SEPTEMBER YOGA IS THE POETRY OF MOVEMENTS

Vegan Leather

Walk the Talk with Cruelty-Free Shoes With a wealth of luxury faux alternatives available in today’s market, shoe lovers can obtain the quality footwear they desire without incurring the usual environmental and human health costs.

Vegan leather is an animal-friendly alternative to real leather, derived from synthetic materials. No cow, sheep, goat or any other animal is killed in order to make vegan leather shoes, and for most people, that’s a good enough reason to choose it over the “real” thing. Provided that we pick the right maker, it also boasts the added advantage of being far more eco-friendly and sustainable than conventional leather.

Elizabeth Olsen, founder of the luxury vegan shoe brand Olsenhaus, says, “The only difference is the materials—one uses a dead animal’s skin preserved in toxic chemicals; the other is made from a mixture of natural and manmade materials that are better for animals and the environment.”

Twenty times more energy is used to create a leather hide than what is required for synthesized material. Conventional leather tanning involves treating animal skins with large quantities of toxic chemicals, including mineral salts, lead, cyanide and formaldehyde. This process wreaks havoc on our environment and the people that work in or live near tanneries, where chemical exposure can cause sickness or even be lethal.

Olsen cautions that just because a shoe is vegan doesn’t mean it’s been made in an eco-friendly way. She uses natural and manmade materials such as linen, cotton, cork, wood, imitation leathers and recycled faux suede in her vegan shoe line. To assess the quality of vegan leather shoes, she advises, “Shoppers can feel the material and look at the grain to see if it’s faux; with faux, the grain will show a repeating pattern. Also, look for labels noting materials either inside or on the bottom of shoes.”

Olsen notes that an online search for vegan fashion will yield everything from adult couture to baby clothes. Several websites and blogs report on the latest vegan products. She especially likes GirlieGirlArmy.com for vegan lifestyle and fashion.

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wisewords

Barnet Bain on How Creativity Can Save the World Fresh Thinking Challenges Rigid Mindsets

by Linda Sechrist

F

ilmmaker Barnet Bain’s credits include writer/director of Milton’s Secret, due out this fall, starring Donald Sutherland and Michelle Rodriguez and based on Eckhart Tolle’s book, producer of the Oscarwinning What Dreams May Come, executive producer of the Emmy-award nominee Homeless to Harvard and writer/producer of The Celestine Prophecy movie. Now, as author of The Book of Doing and Being: Rediscovering Creativity in Life, Love, and Work, he offers tools that everyone can use to develop a creativity practice designed to move us beyond our unconscious hand-me-down worldview, escape mental and emotional straightjackets and unlock great reservoirs of imagination. In so doing, we discover we can create anything we like; from a work of art to a fulfilling relationship.

Why is creativity so vital now?

More than ever before, the nature of human consciousness today is making it apparent that we live inside stories and are pushing up against their edges. Strategies we’ve used to try to attain control, success or empowerment—structured ideas about how the world works, false assurances and guarantees about life— may not be working. As a result, we are mired in anxiety, stress and crises. It all offers us the opportunity to wake up to a larger truth that supersedes everything else: We must discover where our true safety resides, in building newly intelligent relationships within, as well as with

others, using capacities beyond logic and reason.

Why do we need an internal sense of safety?

Safety found within shows up in our experiences of the world. As we become increasingly reliant on and confident in our creative skills to survive and thrive, we give ourselves the gift of resilience in chaos.

Humanity’s creativity must be awakened in order to meet the challenges of a changing world and effectively address problems that appear to have too few solutions. The same inner awareness and skill set that give birth to the creative process can be applied to all aspects of life. Only through creative acts can we rise above unworkable paradigms, group thinking and earlier conditioning to create new and more fluid stories that grow from revised thoughts, beliefs, choices and attitudes that mature from the inside out.

Deep, compassionate understanding of how we arrived at this point allows us to shed restrictions. It begins with facing the whys and wherefores of our most intimate consciousness.

How do male and female energies play into this?

Everyone possesses both masculine and feminine energies; neither is better or less valuable than the other. Doing and acting characterize masculine energy, which makes things. It builds, structures, orders and files. Being

characterizes the feminine, womb-like energy, pregnant with possibilities and subsequent manifested outcomes. The capacities to imagine, feel and receive also are feminine. In the dance with the masculine, the harmony of these feminine qualities is the primal desire for and the impulse of creativity itself.

When the masculine and feminine energies are balanced and intimately joined, they express the ability to act, create, manifest, build and bring order.

When we learn how to balance them, we become more creative and effective, individually and collectively. We are better at meeting challenges and responding to opportunities.

How does chauvinism block creativity?

Chauvinism, an elevation of masculine over feminine energy, would separate us from our feelings. It does violence to femininity and castrates legitimate masculinity. The mildest trace of such subordination diminishes and reduces primal creative energies to second place, so that nothing new can arrive. Civilization suffers from this systemic disorder to the degree that we believe our needs won’t be met unless we are controlling or relying disproportionately on action principles. A culture that elevates doing over being is ignorant of how to pop the clutch and shift into neutral, and so keeps driving down the same road without hope of changing direction.

When spirituality was more alive inside religious traditions, we honored the sanctity of the Sabbath and the importance of putting aside doing in order to be intimate with the mystery of life. It’s what breathes new life into our thoughts and feelings, arousing body, mind and spirit to new heights.

Every creator understands that all creativity is a gift of the feminine energy and a gift of the gods. Integrative masculine energies are always constellated around such a gift. Allowing ourselves to become intimate with a greater state of being rather than doing, we open ourselves to receiving a new relationship with life.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

21

Become More Confident by Tapping into Your Creativity A Conversation with Khristee Rich of The Dancing Curtain

N

atural Awakenings is keenly aware of the connection between creativity and confidence. Khristee Rich, principal of The Dancing Curtain, LLC, and a visibility and confidence coach for entrepreneurs, shared her own story with us as an example of how children can find their confident, authentic selves through the creative arts.

Many children—and adults— suffer from shyness which inhibits their confidence.

Please describe your experience with childhood shyness.

Growing up as an African-American girl living in a small suburban town was hard for me. My parents chose Ridgefield because it was a safe, beautiful, family-centric community. They placed a lot of pressure on me and my brother to be the perfect role models, so we would represent our ancestors well. Consequently, I wore my thick, extra-curly hair in perfectly tight braids each day.

I dressed in the up-and-coming Esprit clothes that all the cool girls sported in

town. And I was so painfully shy that I did not utter a word in school. I was so afraid of how I would be perceived that I chose to be silent so I could appear perfect. But at home I was wildly playful. My parents often had to yell at me to keep it down!

It might have been due to the fact that I didn’t speak in school, but I didn’t have many friends.

At the time, there was only one other black family in the whole town, a wellregarded Jamaican family. Luckily, the family had a daughter, Joanne, who was my age. Naturally, I yearned to become friends with her; when I heard Joanne had signed up to take an acting workshop on Saturday afternoons, I signed up too.

How did your first foray into the arts help you express yourself?

The day I stepped into my creativity was the day I became unstoppably confident. It was the day I felt more connected with my soul.

Spotlight Theater was a wonderful

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children’s theatre for kids ages four to 18. It was led by a charming couple, Al and Lillian Matthews, who were old-timers of the theatre. The children learned theater games, such as The Machine; everyone acted out different machine parts, provided their own rhythm, added their own unique sound, and performed as a well-operated team.

During the school year, we memorized and performed short comedic scenes.

During the summer, we performed fulllength musicals with parents helping with sets, costumes, props and ticket sales. Lifelong values were emphasized such as the importance of teamwork, collaboration, non-judgment, support and friendship. Everyone got a chance to perform and there was no competition. Most importantly, we were encouraged to be free, to express ourselves, and to use our wildly creative imaginations. It was like playing makebelieve but with an audience. I loved it!

After my first performance, I was hooked and immediately signed up for the summer musical. I had found my home. My shyness vanished when I was performing. I was never self-conscious because I knew I was playing a character. That was freeing. The live stage was empowering for me.

How did acting affect your confidence and your goals?

Acting gave me the confidence and poise to reach for my desires, confidently auditioning for theatre programs at prestigious universities as I got older. During my time as a theatre performance major at the University of Michigan, I not only acted in several productions but also wrote and directed my own full-length play.

Acting has given me the courage to dream bigger and to accept my true authentic self. It has enabled me to travel to study and act in London and be a professional actress in New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Who knew playing The Machine in a kids’ acting workshop when I was 11 would change my life forever?!

Connect with Khristee Rich at TheDancingCurtain.com, Facebook.com/thedancingcurtain or 203-733-8250.

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The Creativity Key Making the World a Better Place, One Choice at a Time

by Lorraine Elmo

E

very year, the world seems to broaden its spectrum of oddities, illnesses, unusual trends and unnecessary tragedies. The world is so different now, and children are often exposed to too much too soon. They are expected to do and be more than their developmental stages allow. As parents, we are responsible for raising and guiding our children to make the best choices in life. However, we can no longer teach them based on what we learned, because our pasts are so different from their realities.

What then is the best way to cope in a world that’s gotten so strange and out of control? How do we teach our children to make the best choices when they are surrounded by peers making poor choices? There is one key action that will keep us surviving, thriving and striving most successfully: being creative.

Here are some tips for being creative in a memorable acronym. These tips apply to parents and children of all ages.

C: Creativity R: Receive E: Exercise A: Actualize T: Technology I: Intelligence V: Vocalize E: Express Gratitude 24

Fairfield County Edition

Creativity Creativity resides at the core of our being. Expressing our creativity makes us grow as a person and collectively evolve as a society. Being creative takes tremendous courage, and is something we must decide to do. We need to honor and channel our feelings through our creativity, whether it is writing in a journal, singing about our emotions, penning a poem, painting a picture, or even baking a chocolate lava cake when we’re erupting with anger. It is a powerful ally in the war against anxiety and depression.

For parents, encourage children to express themselves through creativity.

They may not always have the words to describe their feelings, so give them the opportunity to express and identify themselves in other artistic, tactile or experiential ways.

For parents of young children, reserve a 30-minute period of time each day to completely indulge in a child’s playful silliness. Let them take the lead, follow and mirror their every move. Do not take the focus off the child; by letting their intuitive inspiration lead, the creativity bursting inside both of you might be unleashed.

Receive Being creative is a two-fold process of giving and receiving. Most people do not recognize or value the skill of receiving. When someone compliments us for something we’ve created, receive the admiring comments as we all touch natural awakenings

lives through our creativity. Relish in it. Enjoy it. Do not diminish or deny the compliment by saying, “Oh no, it’s not very good. I don’t know what I’m doing.” Just say thank you. Receiving someone’s kindness is not only a gift to us, it is a gift to the giver. We are allowing them to give to us out of the kindness of their heart. Model being able to receive graciously to children, and they will learn to do the same.

Exercise Movement and muscle strengthening through resistive exercises are important for every aspect of development and healing. Exercise improves mood, regularity, digestion and sleep. It helps us look, feel and move better. Exercising regularly helps you live longer. If physical pain is present, make sure to get referred to a physical therapist for instructions on the most appropriate stretches and strengthening exercises.

Make exercise a part of the daily routine. Our bodies are the vehicles that channel our creativity and we must keep our creative vessels strong.

Actualize Self-actualization is a critical rite of passage in our lives. We can help unlock the creative process by taking the time to capitalize on our strengths as well as recognize and improve our weaknesses.

When our longstanding internal layers of resistance are identified, understood

and released, it is then possible to access the creative layers within. Psychotherapy, life coaching, and the practice of mindfulness and meditation can aide in this process.

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Technology Using tech-savvy skills to start a webpage or website to share and post about personal journeys can be helpful and healing.

Post real stories about real people that will touch lives and inspire others to have strength and courage beyond what they thought was possible. Post about and share unique talents and gifts to connect with like-minded people.

Intelligence Knowledge is power. What areas of our lives need balancing?

What would we like to do better? Think of three skills to develop to stimulate the intellectual palate and feed our brain with knowledge that will enrich our lives.

For parents, make learning fun. Spend time learning with the children, and show them the ways we put forth effort to learn and grow beyond our comfort zones.

Vocalize Sing! Sing in the shower, at church or while cleaning. Sing along to favorite songs on the radio. Children love to sing. It is a great way to learn, and is much more memorable than just being told what to do. Think back to how we learned the alphabet or event the state names from songs.

Singing is also meditative. In chanting meditation, the vibrations elicited from singing “om” are healing to different chakras in our bodies. Songs do not have to be made of words, simply the act of making sounds—even silly ones—is both a form of creative play and one of release.

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Express Gratitude The most important and healing part of creativity is the end result of being thankful and expressing gratitude for these gifts. Count blessings and focus on the positive everyday moments. Recognize and compliment others for their creative efforts. Never stop praising children for their creative expressions; there is no such thing as too much gratitude.

Get into the habit of naming three positive personal attributes about ourselves to counter negative thoughts that enter our minds. If a child has difficulty recognizing his or her positive attributes, make it a point to counter their negative self-talk with positive feedback. Encourage them to do this for themselves. By expressing gratitude to our children, we can be a model for them to do the same.

Being kind, paying it forward, giving back and being charitable are all expressions of gratitude. Always say thank you.

As parents, we must first choose to be creative, and to heal and center ourselves. With a strong foundation of love and trust and examples of our positive, creative expressions, our children are more likely to make good choices in an ever-changing world.

Lorraine Elmo, a pediatric occupational therapist residing in Trumbull, is also a breast cancer survivor who leads a private support group for breast cancer survivors. Follow her creative songs, poems and positive posts on Facebook at Lorraine’s Big Pink Adventure.

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SALTY SOLACE Salt Rooms Soothe Allergies and Skin Conditions

A

by Avery Mack

ccording to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 50 million Americans are affected by seasonal or year-round nasal allergies. Additionally, 56 million suffer from eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.

Prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs may help, but aren’t a cure. Salt therapy can be a gentler, all-natural solution for easing associated symptoms.

While eating too much salt is bad for the body, breathing it is a healthy activity. The Greek word for salt is halos, and halotherapy provides a welcome alternative to conventional pills, sprays and injections.

In the mid-1800s, after salt mine workers in Poland were found to have a low rate of respiratory illness, the Wieliczka Salt Mine Health Spa was established on the site of a mine to treat clinic patients for asthma and allergies. That pioneering facility is still in operation.

“In the beginning, I think salt therapy was seen as a time-consuming novelty. Now, holistically minded people are more supportive,” says Clay Juracsik, owner of the St. Louis Salt Room, in Maplewood, Missouri. The room’s walls are covered in salt, with blocks of backlit Himalayan pink salt at floor level. Clients wear disposable booties to walk through inches-deep, loose, mineral-rich Dead Sea salt to reclining chairs. The lights dim, soft music plays and salt, rich in negative ions, infuses the air for a 45-minute session.

“We have a second, smaller room where the walls and floor are not salted, so a child and parent can move around or play without disturbing others. Our youngest client was 2 weeks old,” says Juracsik.

With the help of specially designed machines and software, microscopic salt particles one to five microns in size are circulated through the air to be deeply inhaled. As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, salt helps reduce swelling of throat tissues and nasal passages, making breathing easier for individuals suffering from such respiratory ailments as allergies, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.

“True halotherapy is based on using 99 percent pure sodium chloride in the halogenerator,” says Leo Tonkin, co-founder of the Salt Therapy Association, in Boca Raton, Florida. “Dead Sea, Himalayan or other salts can be used as décor.”

“My husband, Gary, had three sinus surgeries before he discovered a salt room during a trip to London and had a eureka moment,” relates Ellen Patrick, owner of four Breathe Easy salt rooms in New York City and nearby Westchester County.

“A client’s 4-year-old son tells Mom when he needs a treatment to ‘make his nose work better,’” reports Lisa Cobb, owner of Luxury on Lovers, in Dallas, Texas. “He uses a salt bed similar in style to a tanning bed and large enough for his mother to be with him for a 20-minute treatment. Pilots and flight attendants like salt rooms to counteract the recirculated air on planes. Athletes use them to increase lung capacity. A treatment works like a visit to the ocean.”

A recent pilot study conducted at The Salt Room, in Orlando, Florida, and published in the International Journal of

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Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine, concluded, “Halotherapy is associated with improvement in symptoms of sinus disease in cystic fibrosis and should be explored as an adjunct treatment.”

Salt’s anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties may also reduce skin swelling and itchiness, and even acne, without drying the skin.

Increased lung capacity aids blood circulation, which also helps improve skin health. Salt room operators note that frequent treatments are needed during early stages of therapy or during acute outbreaks of conditions, but can be reduced to a maintenance level over time.

Juracsik remarks, “The best success I’ve seen is with respiratory ailments like bronchitis and pneumonia. We don’t need a new, fancy pill for every illness. Salt is historically proven to be a natural and effective way to improve respiratory health.”

Options go beyond basic treatments.

“Meditating in the salt room allows double relaxation,” comments Patrick.

“Salty yoga is one of my favorite therapies because clients can exercise and breathe easier at the same time. Another option comprises a sound bath, during which crystal bowl music creates a vibration similar to piano notes to quiet and focus the mind during a salt session.”

Salt treatments can be experienced regularly, seasonally or as needed. For those free of respiratory issues, a salt room visit provides a refreshing way to relax, sit, chill and breathe. Patrick views it as a form of stress management to increase well-being.

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Local Resources Our area is blessed to have two salt caves and both offer a wide array of services and events including sound healing concerts, yoga and others. Schedule a visit or attend an event soon to find out what benefits you may receive.

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GROWING UP EMPOWERED Helping Kids Step into Their Best Selves

by Judith Fertig

T

he plugged-in, stressed-out world that challenges adults can be even more difficult for teens in the throes of hormones, peer pressure and a selfie culture. Parents can help their children thrive and become empowered individuals by nurturing desirable character traits such as resourcefulness, resilience, perseverance, self-reliance, independence, empathy and social competence.

Child psychologist Michele Borba, Ed.D., of Palm Springs, California, is a former classroom teacher and the mother of three grown children who dispenses advice at MicheleBorba.com/blog.

Her main parenting focus is character education, as reflected in her latest book, Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. “Tune in to what your kids love,” advises Borba. “Then find learning experiences that help them develop traits they need to be happy, productive adults.”

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Fairfield County Edition

This positive parenting approach—accentuating youthful desires and strengths, instead of deficiencies and weaknesses—helps young people develop a secure footing in life. “Kids are driven by their hearts,” observes Borba. “A positive parent doesn’t do the cookie-cutter approach, as in, ‘That’s what worked for other kids in the neighborhood,’ nor even reference what the parent did as a teen.” Teens also impose upon themselves, thinking that being trendy, beautiful, rich and famous are valuable life goals. “The positive parent looks at each child as an individual, listens to what really makes them light up, and then supports that.”

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and greatness. Corporate leaders praise its programs for helping participants relate, communicate and perform well.

Josselyne Herman-Saccio, a Landmark program leader in New York City, remarks, “Every one of us has a dream, yet too many of us choose our path with fear, disguised as practicality. Our kids might get the message that, ‘You don’t do your dream as your career.’”

That thought can leave anyone feeling like something is missing.

After putting off her own career as a singer and ultimately deciding to go for it, Herman-Saccio recorded That’s What Love Can Do with her group Boy Krazy. The song rose to the top of the pop charts in 1993.

That empowering experience helped her decide to help others—including her own three children—fulfill their dreams. Today, Herman-Saccio leads the Landmark Forum for adults, and the company also offers a version of the course for 13-to-17-year-olds, an interactive, three-day program in cities across the U.S. It helps teens first understand their existing patterns of thoughts and behaviors and then move forward to create new possibilities and face new challenges and discover a new level of power, freedom, self-expression and peace of mind. For a teen to register, a parent or legal guardian must register for or have completed the organization’s adult forum and provide permission.

Teens planning for life after high school get help identifying their career passion at schools such as Upland Hills School, in Oxford, Michigan.

Its emphasis on experiential learning culminates in a senior project the teen produces, whether it’s writing a novel, building a storage shed or volunteering at the local senior citizen center. Each must someway contribute to the community. Beginning with the student’s dream, they must work their way through obstacles, setbacks and all the steps required to bring a dream to reality.

Emotional Literacy/Healthy Risk-Taking

Sometimes parents need to address a teen’s longing for friends and social connections. For youths that especially need to nurture their social skills, such

Leadership

Over time, experiential learning can help youths develop leadership skills.

Lander, Wyoming’s National Outdoor Leadership School, a gap-year program for high school graduates taking a year off before college, offers courses lasting two weeks, several months or even a full year. Activities include sea kayaking, Alaskan mountain and glacier climbing and wilderness medicine.

Teens already on track and wanting to develop additional leadership skills can tap into motivational speaker and self-help author Tony Robbins’ annual Unleash the Power Within youth leadership program event. Groups of youths

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as high-functioning kids with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, film school might be an answer. At the Joey Travolta Film School and summer camp, in Lafayette, California, kids work together to make a movie; they start with a script, create sets, operate the camera, act and direct.

At the Hunter School, in Romney, New Hampshire, kids dealing with attention challenges can nurture mindbody awareness, energetic mindfulness and sensory integration. It all helps them get to know themselves and relate better to others.

Outdoor skills can help teens develop healthy risk-taking behaviors, as well as teach resilience, perseverance and self-reliance. SheJumps (SheJumps. org), in Salt Lake City, offers young women 6 to 18 years old an opportunity to master outdoor living skills, boost confidence and encourage leadership via collaborating with strong female role models. Fun activities include mountain biking, skiing and trailblazing.

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For Grammy-winner Jennifer Nettles, of Nashville, 4-H meant learning to perform at an early age, even flying to Chicago to do it. “I don’t know that I would be where I am today without 4-H,” she says. “Mentors there help you. They helped me with the skills of performing and learning about being on stage; they also taught me the importance of giving back.”

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14 to 17 years old collectively participate to create individual breakthroughs, move beyond fears and limiting beliefs, accomplish goals and realize true desires. Application requirements include a good academic record, at least 20 hours of community service and a guidance counselor’s recommendation.

Robbins maintains, “Grow and give is what life is all about.”

Service to Others

A way for youngsters 5 to 19 years old to become empowered is by joining a 4-H group in urban, suburban or rural areas. If we envision a farm kid raising a calf to show at the state fair, that’s still one facet of today’s 4-H, but far from the entire scope. Founded in 1902, 4-H is a global nonprofit dedicated to learning by doing; specialties now range from computer science and graphic design to leadership, healthy living and the performing arts.

Positive mentoring by adults and developing community spirit ground 4-H clubs, camps and programs. Research by Tufts University’s Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development and America’s land-grant colleges and universities shows that people with a 4-H background are more likely to give back to their communities than others (see Tinyurl.com/YouthDevelopmentStudy).

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Growing food for themselves and others can be a great adventure for teens, while fostering resourcefulness, perseverance and ecological awareness. Seventeen-year-old Katie Stagliano launched Katie’s Krops, in Summerville, South Carolina, several years ago based on her desire to fight hunger by growing food for people that need it. Today, the enterprise offers grants for youth in any area to start and maintain a local garden, provided they give away the produce to the hungry. The initiative has grown to more than 50 gardens around the U.S.

Both Mobile Urban Growers, in Mobile, Alabama, and Closer to Earth, in Oklahoma City, empower youth through exercising organic gardening skills, environmental and food justice advocacy and personal mentorship.

Empowering experiences for teens don’t have to cost a lot or involve travel. “Dream big, but start small. Look around your own backyard, in your community,” says Borba. “Teens can learn to pay it forward in all kinds of ways. They can get together with their peers and take on a doable project to help others. They may even need to start by learning to self-regulate and manage stress by getting away from their phones and instead being outside getting exercise.”

Casual family activities can provide opportunities for conversations about what teens want in life or what they’re worried about, and that opens the door for adults to step up to help mentor and empower their children. “Boys are more likely to talk while they’re doing something, like shooting baskets with you in the driveway,” observes Borba. “Girls are more likely to talk if it’s one-on-one.”

Positive parents actively listen and then clarify what they heard from their teens, says Herman-Saccio. This information helps point the way forward, to more interactive dialogue, brainstorming, problem-solving, helpful experiences and eventually, youth empowerment.

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

PhD, in “Play in Children’s Development, Health and Well-being,” an article published for the Toy Industries of Europe.

As adults, we often find that we need to clear our minds and take a walk to better focus on our tasks. It is the same with children. In fact, schools in Finland and other European and Asian schools take mandatory play breaks for up to 15 minutes after 45 minutes of classroom learning. This recess is typically outdoors; it has been shown to both help children transition from one subject to the next and settle down to focus for the next period of learning time. Think of how difficult it is to sit in a conference room for a twohour meeting, let alone at a desk for a full eight hours. Now imagine doing that as a child.

Discover the Power of Play Whole-Child Development Requires Less Structure

by Sheri Hatfield

W

hen asked if their kids play, many parents would most likely respond that they play all the time, whether it is video games, sports or an instrument. And, while all of those types of play are important, none are as important as the power of unstructured play in the lives and development of children. It is through play—specifically unstructured play— that children process the world around them and truly learn.

The American Academy of Pediatrics stated in a recent report that children between the ages of two and 12 spend an average of seven hours a day engaged with a screen, whether it is a television, computer, phone, tablet, video game or other electronic devices.

A mere one hour per week is spent in active, free play. The report states that children and teens should not be engaged with entertainment media for more than two hours a day. And the content they should be exposed to

should be of high quality. The association also emphasizes the importance of spending time on outdoor play, reading, hobbies and free play.

Unstructured or free play is defined as a category of play that is open-ended and has no specific learning objective.

It is when the only objective is enjoyment and self-directed by the child.

This type of play has many incredible benefits for children.

Play makes children smarter. It is during play when a child’s mind subconsciously processes all of the information received throughout structured learning or organized activities, and becomes cemented into knowledge.

“Play increases brain development and growth, establishes new neural connections and, in a sense, makes the player more intelligent. It improves the ability to perceive other’s emotional state and to adapt to ever-changing circumstances,” states Jeffery Goldstein,

Play helps build critical life skills.

Another important aspect of play is that children learn and practice invaluable emotional, social and language skills.

It is the time when children can develop empathy, compassion and conflict resolution, especially if they are allowed to negotiate their own differences. When children are allowed to make up their own game, they set the rules. When one child does not follow the rules established by the group, the children can, and will, police those rules. Even though it may be accompanied by “that’s not fair” cries at times, this is when children can learn to speak up for their own needs and desires, work together to find what’s fair and eventually solve their own problems.

The children are learning about self control, exerting their own feelings and building their own sense of right and wrong while following rules set by their peers. Of course, adults may need to step in from time to time to ensure the safety of all involved. All are critical life skills for healthy, productive adults.

Play builds creativity and problem solving. Children use their natural curiosity and creativity to master the world around them, solve problems and develop their imaginations when they play. As Albert Einstein said, “Play is the highest form of research.”

Let’s pretend a group of children discovers some sticks and branches and

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decide to build a fort. Left to their own devices, they will work together to position the sticks in a way that allows them to create a structure. Typically, one child will emerge as the idea person and enlist the help of others to help achieve their objective of building the fort. “If we put these two branches this way, we can lean all the other sticks against them,” another child—who may have natural spatial aptitude—may say as he assumes the engineer role. Others will emerge as the workers, taking direction and getting the work done.

Throughout the process, roles may switch and another person might emerge as an innovator and problem solver. They have learned teamwork, problem solving and communication, along with following and giving directions all through play.

Play helps kids define themselves. By trying out different roles during play—such as teacher, police officer, veterinarian or inventor—children discover what interests them, leading them to discover life-long passions. It allows them to discover their fears and conquer them.

When a child pretends he or she is an explorer, they get down on their hands and knees to look at bugs and grass to discover that worms are both yucky and incredibly interesting.

When they walk on the curb, they may be pretending they are a tightrope walker, all the while conquering balance and feeling brave. By climbing trees, they learn critical thinking and problem solving skills. Doing any of these things in the company of other children teaches them control of emotion, empathy for other children and the ability to help each other.

Play is whole-child development. Physical play enables children to build muscle strength and coordination. Emotional and pretend play helps them to express feelings and emotions.

Play has been shown to dramatically reduce stress, assist in helping offset attention deficits and allow children to focus. It enables them to be happy in their own way on their own terms, and feel joy and accomplishment. These benefits are increasingly important in today’s world, in which children report feeling stressed at younger ages and technology replaces human interactions.

With the benefits of free play so widely documented, why is there such a dramatic decrease in play for our children?

Many factors influence this. First, with the increased amount of two-income households, parents need to keep their children occupied while they accomplish many of the tasks around the house. It is a simple decision of occupying the children with a movie, television show or video game while parents clean, do laundry or simply get some down time for themselves.

Second, in schools play time or recess has been decreased to ensure enough time to teach the required materials. Additionally, there is a safety concern about letting children out to play at home or at school. The risk of injury to one’s own child or another and potentially being sued comes along with letting children play in situations like climbing trees or rough-housing. Letting children out to play in the backyard while a parent does laundry is a chance that might be taken; on the other hand, someone could perceive that the children are unsafe and unsupervised and call the authorities. It has become dicey to allow our children to play

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Shamanic Healing Retreat

in the ways we played as children.

Thankfully, many resources allow parents and caregivers the opportunity to let the kids play. Connecticut oin shamanic practitioners and The Alliance for Play, a nonprofit abounds with children’s museums that teachers Deana Paqua and Jessica organization promoting play, has creprovide ample activities for children to Hunter for a day of shamanic healing ated a primer for play that lists what exercise their minds and bodies. The for gratitude, transformation, abuntamford parents andhas adults can do to help benefits of children’s museums go bedance, discovery and enlightenment. a new play. option children yond the children and their well-being.

This all-day healing retreat is open for those seeking They provide the opportunity for parto anyone and all levels who wish to look and feel Reduce or eliminate screen time. ents to connect with one another too. to learn more about shamanism and their best during Give children a chance to flex their ™ While children are engaging in ageshamanic healing practices and techthe holiday sea- muscles. own imaginative They may appropriate play with other children, that can be incorporated into son and beyond. 7eFit Spa has opened on High Ridge at Road, Deana Paqua be bored first. Be niques prepared with parents can form new social connecdaily life for transformation and posioffering a variety of aesthetic services and non-invasive techsimple playthings and suggestions tions, sharing the joys and challenges of tive The event will be held at niques to support mind and body wellness. An house is play foropen make-believe tochanges. inspire their parenting. In an ever-increasing socially the sanctuary at The Redding Center scheduled for November 22 from noon to 7pm. inner creativity. disconnected world, children’s musefor Meditation on November 14 from The regular service offerings—which will be available as ums become social center benefitting Relax whilea our technology to 5pm.

Curtail time spent in10am adult-organized activities. brief demonstration sessions during the open house—include the entire family, and creating strong . does the work A variety of play. techniques and teach-lives leave little time Children need time for self-initiated Overscheduled anti-aging and oxygen facials with oxygen therapy, Torc Plus biothrough procedures. shared experiNocommunities surgery or invasive ings will be incorporated throughout for(also play.available electric stimulation for targeted muscle activation ences, empathy and connection.

Infrared Sauna therapy) • Micro-dermabrasion oxygen and weight loss,the infrared sauna for detoxifi- the day, including shamanic journey with Parks and playgrounds provide Choose simple toys.work, shamanic ceremonies, crystal Myolift • Torc • Body Waxing cation, Reiki for andparents the DietMaster personal loss program. opportunity and children to weight A good toy is 10 percent toy and 90 percent child. The child’s imagination is Diet Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki The Torc Plus has been FDA-cleared and is known to be healing, various spirit medicine healing spend time outdoors engaging in conthe engine of healthy play.

Simple toys and natural materials—such as wood, Dermalogica Facials • Oxygen Facialstoning, cellulite reduction teachings and shamanic techniques for effective for muscle tightening, Jessica Hunter versation, play and nature.

The added boxes, balls, dolls, sand and clay—invite children to create their own scenes, Teeth Whitening clearing and manifestation practices. and inch loss. benefit is that many are free. Schedulknock them down and startand over.

Paqua Hunter bring a unique and informative combinaSave Now Tracey Scalzi, a long-time Stamford resident ing aFounder play date lets with the children run, Introductory Prices! tion of shamanic healing and teachings to their gatherings. and business owner,and decided to open becauseoutdoor she Encourage adventures. jump, laugh, tumble connect while7eFitSpa Paqua specializes in Andean and South Call 203-356-5822 wanted aparents new business to helpingReserve people time lookevery day for outdoor play where children can run, American climb, findshaallowing time to dedicated sit, relax, read manic traditions, while Hunter focuses on North American feel their best.

The |spa had soft opening in June but aand book, sneak in some timeaand 1092 High Ridge Road adult Stamford, CT 06905secret hiding places and dream up dramas. Natural materials such as sticks, shamanic Together, they provide educational and was fully operational with| Play all equipment andmud, services wateravailand rocks—are thetraditions. raw materials of play. reconnect with each other. can 7efitspact1@gmail.com www.7efitspa.com inspirational shamanic gatherings that encompass a variety able in mid-September. benefit the whole family. of teachings and a global connection of a variety of ShaBring back the art of real work.

To truly empower your child, help Believe it or not, adult activity—cooking, raking, cleaning or washing the manic Healing practices.

For more information, visit 7eLLC.com and visit the them discover the power of play. car—actually Stamford location, email 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com or call inspires children to play. Children like to help for short periods andStamford then engage in their own information, play.

For more visit EmbodytheSacred.net and 203-356-5822.

1092 High Ridge Rd, Sheri Hatfield is Location: a Connecticut-based HunterHealingHands.com.

See ads, pages 10 and 20. (inside Salon Cheveaux).

See ad, page 15. freelance writer and advocate for play.

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33

fitbody

ZEN GOLF Master the Mind to Master the Game

by Aimee Hughes

I

“

remember the moment I had what I call my ‘golf game epiphany,’” recalls Steve Hughes, a passionate golfer from Richmond, Missouri. “I realized that my main obstacles were in my head, and from that day on, my golf game changed.”

In any athletic or fitness endeavor, the pursuit of excellence unfolds an array of challenges. While golf presents some of the toughest hurdles to improvement, any links enthusiast can better their game by acquiring a champion’s mindset. Applying a few Zen techniques and disciplines adapted from the Buddhist tradition of mindful awareness—which teaches that the mind is everything—can work wonders.

Zen Golf master and performance psychologist Joe Parent, Ph.D., of Ojai, California, advises: “The key is finding a way to let the ‘thinking’ mind do all the preliminaries to physical performance—selecting a target, judging the lie, gauging weather influences, etc.—and then letting our ‘intuitive’ mind take over, enabling our body to make a swing that’s free from second-guessing ourselves.” He calls the optimal playing mentality, “Not too tight, not too loose.” It’s the sweet spot that allows us to perform via our best self. Some key techniques 34

Fairfield County Edition

prepare us to find and reside in this just-right Goldilocks place of being not too hot and not too cold.

Developing mental fortitude takes us even further than we can imagine.

Mastery is born from discipline, focused attention and a deep core desire to adopt habits and behaviors that will upgrade our mindset.

Author of Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game, Parent teaches his students to enter a state that he calls “trusting versus trying.” He teaches a “one stroke at a time” approach, which emphasizes awareness of being in the present moment, as many contemplative spiritual traditions do.

When the golfer is deeply engaged in the present moment with just the right level of emotional intensity, free of distractions and worries about future swings, they become integrated with what’s taking place on the course in the here and now to the point of total absorption.

In yoga, pranayama, or breathing techniques, are employed to promote relaxation in the mind and body. The Zen approach to golf uses breath work to allow body and mind to make the most fluid and powerful golf swing possible for the player. “The single factor that sets apart the top performers

natural awakenings

in any athletic discipline from the rest of us is their state of mind,” says Craig Perkins, a yoga master and founder of the Yandara Yoga Institute, in Baja California, Mexico. “From all my years of yogic study, there’s one teaching that always sticks with me: If we want to master our game, whether it’s golf, yoga or chess, we must first and foremost master our mind.” Practitioners maintain that, meditation can take our mental game to its optimal level and Perkins believes, “Meditation is the number one practice for cultivating self-trust.”

Positive visualization, which can be supported by meditation, is another method champion golfers leverage to improve their performance levels. Parent teaches his students, “Establish a clear image in your mind’s eye, and the body will follow.” Repeating this technique with every shot helps the golfer cultivate the habit of positive visualization by seeing the results.

Physical prowess is of little consequence if our mental game is off.

Under the intense pressure of a golf match, execution suffers when performance anxiety isn’t kept under control.

While many golfers have what it takes to succeed—the requisite native ability, experience, technique and talent—mental hang-ups can cause them to call it a day. Detrimental habits can undermine our self-confidence, as well as our score.

The solution lies in pinpointing what’s behind them and applying pertinent Zen techniques to either gradually alleviate or winningly work with them.

Hughes, who makes his home overlooking the greens of Shirkey Golf Course, says, “It’s about getting out of your own way. When you’re at one with the game as it presents itself, you know your game will be much better than when your mind is racing off to work issues, family dramas and all the other usual life stuff. When I learned how to establish myself in this present moment awareness, not only did my golf game change for the better, so did the rest of my life.”

Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy on the faculty of the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@ gmail.com.

World Conscious Pact Fosters Connection Providing Ancestral Awareness to Children Via Yoga and Meditation

by Gabriela Ramon

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Gabriela Ramon is a World Conscious Pact coordinator in the Northeast and has been studying Inbound for nine years.

She is currently an organizer of Chaski Fest, an environmental festival uniting artists and activists in the protection of Mother Earth, and gives weekly yoga and meditation classes.

Chaski Fest will take place on July 30 at the Danbury Green, Ives St, Danbury. Children ages four to 13 are invited to yoga and meditation classes every Saturday from 4-5:30pm at 19 Starr Avenue in Danbury.

For more information about getting involved in World Conscious Pact activities in the Northeast, visit WorldConsciousPact.blogspot.com, email WorldConsciousPactNortheast@gmail.com or call 203-448-9886.

Saturday, August 27th, 2016 9am-4pm Saturday, NYA Sports & Fitness August 27th, 2016 4 Primrose Lane 9am-4pm Newtown, CT. 06470 NYA Sports & Fitness 4 Primrose Lane Newtown, CT. 06470

Community Class Featuring Gwen Lawrence and Elena Brower with special guest musician Garth Stevenson • Suggested Donation: $30 ($35 at door) Community Class Featuring •Gwen Under 16 is Free!

Lawrence and Elena Brower with musician Garth Stevenson •special Adultguest and Family Yoga Suggested Donation: $30 ($35 at door) • Vendors and Live Music UnderYour 16 isOwn Free!Mat (and any blankets/props!)

• Bring • Adult and Family Yoga www.NewtownYogaFestival.org • Vendors and Live Music eNaturalAwakenings.com August 2016 35 • Bring Your Own Mat (and any blankets/props!)

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he World Conscious Pact is an international network of conscious artists and activists united for Mother Earth. Their five stated objectives are to protect animals, humanity and nature while also promoting a conscious consumer culture and helping to preserve the ancestral wisdom of indigenous cultures around the world.

Numerous indigenous communities have been implementing measures of guaranteeing security for future generations for thousands of years—such as the Haudenosaunee practice of preserving natural resources for the next seven generations. Unfortunately, studies show that the current generation may be the last generation with the opportunity to reverse any environmental damage.

“We have to respect life to the maximum, and that’s why the way we care for children is always a priority. We have to give children ancestral wisdom from the time they’re young; tomorrow they’re the ones who will have to apply, care for, cultivate and pass on this knowledge. We have to pay close attention to the sustainability of natural processes, taking into account that humanity is always growing,” says Ulrich Harlan (Paramadvaiti Swami), the co-founder of World Conscious Pact.

The World Conscious Pact supports initiatives that work toward promoting environmental awareness, especially among youth. In Fairfield County, volunteers offer yoga and meditation classes for children from ages four to 13 every Saturday from 4-5:30pm at 19 Starr Avenue in Danbury. The objective of these classes is to guide children on a learning path toward a more conscious relationship with Mother Earth and with themselves. These classes use techniques from the School of Inbound Yoga, a system that applies the millennial teachings of yoga philosophy to the needs of the modern world. Children will learn yoga techniques such as asanas (yoga positions), pranayamas (breathing techniques) and meditation to help develop better self control. They will also be encouraged to foster a connection to the environment through crafts and activities—such as creating mandalas from natural materials,

decorating rocks, theater and more. The classes have no formal charge; however, children can bring a donation of flowers or fruits to foster an attitude of gratitude and appreciation.

Rapid industrialization has caused detrimental consequences for the environment. Educators around the world have a responsibility to project sustainable messages that won’t be a pleasure today and a disaster tomorrow. We exploit the planet every day and her natural resources are usually viewed in relation to the service they provide for humans. For this reason, as inhabitants of the planet, we have no other option than to live a lifestyle that cares for her, promotes her protection, and guarantees that future generations will also have the ability to do so.

Mindful Minutes for Little Ones Yoga Helps Kids Focus and Relax

by Julianne Hale

A

merican kids’ school, after-school and weekend schedules now rival the hectic pace of their multitasking parents. Like their adult counterparts, youngsters need time to decompress from the pressures of life and be present in their own skin, and yoga provides the tools to accomplish this.

Most adults take to their yoga mat to create harmony in their body and mind, increase flexibility and balance, build muscle tone and strength, and because it makes them feel great. These same benefits apply to children as their developing bodies and minds respond to yoga on a deep level, both on and off the mat.

Start with Watching Breath

“Breathing and mindfulness practices are important for children,” explains Mariam Gates, the Santa Cruz, California, creator of the Kid Power Yoga Program and author of Good Morning Yoga and the upcoming Good Night Yoga. “There is so much that children are not in control of in their everyday lives; to give them a way to physically process their experience, to self-soothe and find their own internal source of strength, is crucial.”

“Having kids experience simply paying attention to their breath as it comes all the way in and moves all the way out can serve them well in every area of their lives going forward,” says Gates. In the classroom, it transfers to learning skills benefited by the ability to focus.

From toddlers to teens, children can have a difficult time processing and controlling their emotions, which are vital life skills. Carla Tantillo, founder of Mindful Practices, a Chicagoarea wellness organization, has found that yoga and the practice of mindfulness help children express themselves in constructive ways. She observes, “In any situation, especially in communities 36

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

where reactivity, impulsiveness and violent solutions are modeled, yoga empowers children to pause and take a breath so they can own what’s happened, move through it and move on.”

“I like yoga because it makes me feel like there is calm all around me,” says 8-year-old Biko Cooper.

Dee Marie, the Boulder, Colorado, founder and executive director of Calming Kids, a nonprofit program that integrates yoga into the classroom to foster a nonviolent atmosphere, says, “When a child learns through yoga how to feel a sense of themselves and begins to understand their self-worth and stand tall in their power, they can begin to regulate their breath and their emotions.”

These invaluable skills stay with children through adulthood.

Step into Yoga Together

Educators are starting to take notice of yoga’s benefits for children, including those with attention deficit disorders or autism, but yoga practice is still rare among school-age children. As encouragement, “Make it fun,” advises Gates. “It’s essential to create experiences that feel accessible and enjoyable for kids.

They must feel empowered to do it themselves and take over the experience.”

Six-year-old Carmen Wheeler likes doing yoga with her dad. “Yoga gets me feeling strong and it really calms me down,” she says. Music can help children relax and focus during their practice. Soothing basic instrumentals are good to start; an Internet search for yoga music for kids reveals many options.

Parents can assist by incorporating yoga into a child’s daily bedtime ritual. “Do whatever they are willing to do with them,” counsels Marie. “Start by lying on the bedroom floor, doing stretches and focusing on breathing. Then move to the bed and teach some relaxation and visualization techniques.”

Marie cautions parents against insisting that their child’s yoga practice mirror their own. “We have to meet children where they are.” Adults think that yoga has to look a certain way, but sometimes children don’t necessarily want to do the postures we’re familiar with. The best teaching reaches each individual child in a way that resonates with them because yoga is a lifestyle, not an exercise regimen,” she says. Yoga novices and parents that prefer specific guidance can take advantage of local studio classes for children and families or use DVDs, online streaming services and instruction books.

Kevin Day, age 5, regularly starts his days with a Boat pose. “I like it because you can do it with a friend,” he says.

Lisa Flynn, the Dover, New Hampshire, founder and chief executive officer of ChildLight Yoga and Yoga 4 Classrooms, is optimistic about the future. “In 10 years, I envision social and emotional learning, yoga, and mindfulness integrated at every school and mandated by educational policy,” she says. In addition to improved physical, social, emotional and cognitive health and wellness of the students, teachers and parents, she foresees “a positive shift in the overall school climate.”

Julianne Hale is a freelance writer and Natural Awakenings franchise magazine editor in Cleveland, TN.

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Newtown Yoga Festival Offers Chance to Practice with Internationally Known Teachers

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ake a family break on August 27 to be a part of the 2016 Newtown Yoga Festival. The event will be held from 9am to 4pm at NYA Sports & Saturday, Fitness in Newtown.

27th,internationally 2016 August Featuring known yogis Gwen Lawrence and Elena Brower and musi9am-4pm cian Garth Stevenson, the full-day festival also includes live&music, NYA Sports Fitnessmini-yoga classes, familyfriendly activities, local vendors, food, drink and 4 Primrose Lane a silent auction.

CT. 06470 Newtown, Registration begins at 9am, followed by Journey Dance & Hoop Yoga at 9:30am. The Yoga Buffet at 10am enables attendees to experience different yoga styles, including children’s yoga. Take a break at noon for lunch and shopping in the courtyard. At 12:45pm, the silent auction drawing will take place. The afternoon begins with a community class featuring Lawrence and Brower at 1pm, relaxation with crystal bowls at 3pm and the closing mantra and more music at 3:30pm.

The suggested donation is $30 (or) $35 at the door. Children under 16 are free.

You are asked to bring your own mat and any blankets or props you may need.

Community Class Featuring

For more information register, visit with NewtownYogaFestival.org. Location: Gwen Lawrenceand andtoElena Brower NYA Sports & Fitness, 4 Primrose Ln, Newtown. special guest musician Garth Stevenson See ad, page 35.

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37

INSPIRED

TABLE

inspiredtable Fragrant Basil Juice Café Reopens in Norwalk

A

little more than a year after initially opening in Norwalk, Fragrant Basil Juice Cafe has moved to a new storefront just across Main Street. Chef Tanisha Williams continues to offer an extensive menu of almost 30 fresh juices and smoothies, catering to people with allergies and those looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Most source ingredients are local, organic, dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan-friendly, Williams says.

The reopening at the new location at 11 Main Street—adjacent to McMahon Ford-— ccurred at the end of June. The new site offers the café better foot traffic and visibility than the previous location, Williams says.

“I’m hoping it’s a place people will appreciate not just for its looks and products, but over time also for the health benefits our products offer”.

The cafe’s menu is dairy-free, including organic vegan milkshakes blended with house-made almond milk, energizing shots and many smoothies and juices.

Toppings like coconut whipcream and dark chocolate shavings are also available, along with fruit bowls, infused waters, and light fare such as sandwiches and chili.

For more information, visit FragrantBasilJuiceCafe.com or call 203-939-1440.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm, closed Saturday and Sunday. Location: Fragrant Basil Juice Café, 11 Main St, Norwalk.

Open House with The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition

T

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

203-885-4674 38

Fairfield County Edition

our the Holcomb Farm in West Granby and meet the staff and students of The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN) at their Open House on August 19. Starting at 6:30pm, the free event will include cooking a dish using wild edibles and a garden tour. Attendees will also learn about TIOSN’s one-year certification program while sipping tea made from the garden and tasting tidbits made by the students.

During the open house, attendees can meet former students and go on a wild forage to learn about local wild food and herbs. There will also be information presented on seasonal happenings and an overview of kitchen medicine.

TIOSN is reshaping nutrition education by teaching nutrition, soil health, soil re-mineralization, growing food, foraging, cooking, kitchen medicine and overall sustainable health. Students are now being enrolled for 2016-17 programs for Sustainable Nutrition Certification and Remembering Our Roots: Herbal Intensive.

Registration ends September 10.

For reservations for the open house or for more information, visit TIOSN.com, email Joan@TIOSN.com or call Joan at 860-764-9070. Location: Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby. See ad, page 41. natural awakenings

Foraging in the Forests with Steve Brill and Hayden Stebbins Mushroom Weekend at Sticks and Stones

R

esiding in Fairfield County provides us with the unique opportunity of living at a certain crossroads between New York City—one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant cities—and the quiet but equally diverse and vibrant woodlands of Connecticut.

With our farmer’s markets and gourmet restaurants, it’s easy to develop an appreciation for organically grown and Steve Brill freshly prepared foods. The pleasure of a morning at an open air market is difficult to trump. The emotional feelings we get from meeting our farmers and handpicking our vegetables is just as important as the physical boons we gain when we stay away from harsh pesticides and refrain from buying produce grown on massive farms across the country.

It isn’t difficult to realize that consuming locally and sustainably grown foods is, by far, a better way to eat and live. But we can take it one step further. Imagine the sense of awareness we would feel to look off into the forest and see plants we know we could safely eat? If we take advantage of the bounty in the forests around us, we can create for ourselves a food experience that truly is intimate.

There is a real difference between looking up at the shelves of produce illuminated by the fluorescent lights and the experience of moving aside a bit of earth to discover a delicious and rare edible that you’ve been quietly searching for. To be a part of the entire process our food travels from the ground to our meal.

Our forests are teeming with an endless array of edible plants and fungi and, with some time, you too can reap the harvests that our forests freely offer us. We can reconnect with our food and invest in our own well-being by relearning the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. Mushrooms, in particular, are incredibly healthy. They provide us with lean protein and have no cholesterol or fat. Mushrooms can even help to regulate cholesterol levels, thus strengthening our bodies against all sorts of ailments. Vitamin D, difficult to find in vegetables, is common in mushrooms. The fungi also contain ergothioneine, which helps boost our immune system and protects us from free radicals.

Come for a weekend experience in Sticks and Stones Farm’s 60-acre forest to learn the art of mushroom foraging with legendary “Wildman” Steve Brill and local foraging master Hayden Stebbins. During the September 16-18 mycology weekend, we will walk through the woods identifying and collecting mushrooms, discovering ways to prepare mushrooms, and learning about the future uses of mushrooms in our foods and beyond.

For more details and reservations, email HaydenStebbins@ gmail.com. Location: 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

See ad, page 8.

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ROSEMARY-LIME SALMON KABOBS

(Serves 4) These colorful kabobs are a perfect complement for summer salads and whole wheat couscous.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound boneless, skinless salmon fillet, cut into chunks 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 large red onion, cut into chunks 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons lime juice 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Place salmon, zucchini, bell pepper and onion in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Whisk together garlic, rosemary, oil and lime juice in a small bowl. Pour mixture over salmon and vegetables, toss and marinate 15 to 30 minutes.

Prepare a grill (or broiler) for medium-high heat cooking. Skewer salmon and vegetables, reserving marinade. (If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before assembling.) Grill kabobs, turning once, until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. While the kabobs cook, boil the reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 5 minutes. Drizzle over skewers and serve. eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

39

SOIL SISTERS

Female Farmers Come of Age

by Lisa Kivirist

M

ore women are becoming farmers, bringing with them a passion for producing organic and sustainably raised fare and transforming America’s food system. The U.S. Census of Agriculture reports that their numbers rose by more than 20 percent between 2002 and 2012, to 288,264.

Historic Roots

“Women have played an integral role in farming for centuries, but in the last 100 years they’ve started to self-organize and be recognized for their important work,” says University of California garden historian Rose Hayden-Smith, Ph.D., author of Sowing the Seeds of Victory: American Gardening Programs of World War I and editor of the UC Food Observer. “During that war, the Women’s Land Army of America, a female-led initiative, recruited nearly 20,000 mostly middle-

class urban and suburban women to enter the agricultural sector as wage laborers at farms, dairies and canneries, often in rural areas, where farmers urgently needed help while the male labor force was off fighting.”

Women also helped feed Americans during the Victory Garden era of World War II. “It’s also estimated that more than 40 percent of fruits and vegetables consumed on the American home front then were grown in school, home, community and workplace gardens,” says HaydenSmith, possibly resulting in America’s highest period of produce consumption ever.

When the commercial organic industry launched in the 1990s, women organized to provide overlooked and undervalued perspectives. The wake-up call for Denise O’Brien, an organic vegetable farmer and owner of Rolling Hills Acres, near Atlantic, Iowa, came during the farm economic crisis of the preceding decade. Although still considered “just” farm wives, “It was the women on the farms that had foreseen where things were heading, because they often kept the accounting books, though nobody took their voices seriously,” O’Brien recalls.

This launched O’Brien’s agriculture activism: balancing farming, raising children and serving as a national advocate and spokeswoman for women in agriculture in an ecological and just food system. In 1997, she launched the Women, Food and Ag Network to collectively advocate for a stronger voice.

“Throughout history, women in agriculture have been relegated to providing assistance, rather than making decisions,” O’Brien explains. “It’s up to us as women to collaboratively support each other while challenging the system.”

Cultivating Change

For her 50th birthday, Paula Foreman gave her life a new chapter. She launched her midlife “second act” in 2007 with Encore Farm, a name that serves as a rallying mantra for her peers. “The name is a tribute declaring that fresh starts and new beginnings can happen at any age,” explains Foreman, now an urban farmer in St. Paul, Minnesota. Embodying this business moxie, she chose to specialize, producing one thing very well: organic dried beans.

Relinda Walker, of Walker Organic Farms, outside Savannah, Georgia, represents a cadre of “boomerang” farmers; women that return to the land to continue a family farm with a commitment to organics. Like many farm kids, after college, Walker left to pursue a corporate career in the city. Then the 9/11 terror attack shifted her priorities. “All roads led

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me to coming back home and growing food,” she says.

Launched in 2005, Walker’s farm was one of southern Georgia’s first organic operations, yielding specialty varieties like rainbow carrots in vivid shades of purple, orange and red.

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Young women in their 20s and 30s are adding energy, diversity, vibrancy and fresh outlooks to the female farming movement. Lindsey Morris Carpenter runs Grassroots Farm, in Monroe, Wisconsin, a diversified operation of certified organic vegetables and pastured livestock, in partnership with her mother, Gail Carpenter.

“A crucial key to farming happiness is being a good neighbor,” she shares. “I call around when I see livestock and pets outside of fences; maintain my fences; share my garlic and potato seed; and always invite neighbors to parties and events, even though they may not attend. Even if others’ personal lifestyle and farming philosophies are radical opposites, we still have our physical location and appreciation of nature in common, and that’s big.”

“The women farmer movement is just a toddler,” sums up O’Brien. “We’ve come a long way, but we’re not there yet, especially with representation on the national leadership platform.” It’s easy to support female growers at local farmers’ markets. Cultivating change can be rewarding—and tasty.

Lisa Kivirist is the author of the new book Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers and a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. Her family runs the energy-independent Inn Serendipity Farm and B&B, in southwestern Wisconsin.

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arents frequently awakened by a child’s interrupted slumber typically are torn between the need to care for their own health and that of their child. The goal is to meet everyone’s needs, so that adequate adult sleep doesn’t feel like child neglect. Solutions are feasible if the parent is emotionally equipped to feel continuing empathy for their little one and secure in their choices for resolution, regardless of setbacks or delays.

Uncovering the real reasons that a child stays alert at bedtime or wakes during the night—such as inconsistent timing of sleep cycles, excessive fatigue, insufficient physical activity, hunger, pain, anxieties, inadequate downtime or a desire for continued interaction with a parent—is the first step. With so many variables, frustration can impede the workings of parental intuition, which is key to the process, as is testing individual possible solutions long enough to assess the result and then confidently move forward.

Expecting a child to feel so empowered that they can fall asleep on their own is a good beginning. Lindsay Melda, of Atlanta, relates, “Our daughter used to wake us up by coming into our bed each night. Once I realized I was anxious natural awakenings

Parents that model self-care help their children learn to care for themselves.

about her sleeping cortisol, contributing alone in her room and to decreased sleep was able to instead disturbances. trust she was okay, she Marissa Wolf, easily slept through of The Woodlands, the night, waking more Texas, relates, “We rested. My own anxiety moved here from San was causing her Diego when my son sleep disturbances.” was 34 months old.

Christine Gipple, He was acting out in of Oaklyn, New ways I’d never seen ~ Sheila Pai, author, Jersey, a practitioner before, mourning the Nurturing You of non-violent comloss of his routine. munication, shares, Within weeks after “When my daughter is chatty at we started tapping before school and bedtime and I’m past ready for her at night, he was back to his happy self. to be in bed, I have to consciously Last night, he simply went to bed and pause, or I can snap at her, thus defell asleep. Now when I see his builtlaying bedtime. Granting myself just up emotions, I know we need to tap.” five minutes to reset myself and be (To learn more about EFT methods, present in the moment before I gently visit emofree.com.) re-engage is critical to the outcome.”

Such checking in with ourNourished Rest selves helps keep a parent thinking Good nutrition is also important to positively. Law of Attraction specialist healthy sleep. According to Health Cassie Parks, of Denver, Colorado, Coach Sarah Outlaw, owner of the advises, “When you focus on the feelNatural Health Improvement Center of ing you desire once a child is peaceSouth Jersey and an advanced Nutrition fully asleep, rather than the feeling Response Testing practitioner, “Children you want to move away from, your may be devoid of minerals because chances for success greatly increase.” of the filtered water we drink. SuppleNoting how we envision nighttime menting with minerals like magnesium unfolding or creating a nighttime vior enriching the diet with trace minsion board can help focus and mainerals, sea salt and mineral-rich bone tain these feelings. broth will promote a healthy immune system, along with a nervous system Releasing Stress programmed for sleep.”

One method parents have successfully

Outlaw also advises, “A whole used is the Emotional Freedom Techfoods diet is paramount to children’s health and sleep ability. Parents should nique (EFT). It involves light tapping limit or eliminate artificial flavors, sweeton specific points along the body’s eners and sugar; preferably at all times, energy meridians, like the collarbone or between the eyebrows, often accom- but at least an hour before bedtime.”

When a parent takes the time to panied by attention to current thoughts plan each step toward their goal of and feelings, in order to restore a optimum sleep and feels secure in balanced feeling. following through, they can create a

Karin Davidson, of Media, Pennpersonalized and consistent bedtime sylvania, co-founder of the Meridian routine that fosters a sense of safety for Tapping Techniques Association, says, children that feel heard and tended to “Including tapping with a supportive and know what to expect. Children that nighttime routine can be a godsend. gain the ability to naturally develop It can relieve distress, whatever its source, increase feelings of security sleep skills reap lifelong health benefits. and promote a peaceful transition to sleep.” In clinical studies from the NaStephanie Dodd is the author of the tional Institute for Integrative Healthinternational bestseller, Good Baby, care, EFT has been shown to counter Bad Sleeper. She blogs at the stress hormones adrenaline and HeartCenteredSleep.com.

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Prenatal and Perinatal Experiences Have Lifelong Impact Epigenetics and Attachment Theories Support Rebirthing Principles

by Eilis Philpott

P

renatal and perinatal psychology is defined as an interdisciplinary study of the foundations of health in body, mind, emotions, and in enduring response patterns to life. It explores the effects and implications of the earliest experiences of the individual before birth as well as during and immediately after childbirth on the health and

abilities of the individual and on their relationships.

Twenty years ago, the training to become a rebirthing practitioner was a nine-month program that covered aspects of birth, birth trauma, decisions we made about life and relationships, and how these issues are playing out and continue to impact our lives today.

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The modality of rebirthing is a breathing technique where these issues can be accessed and healed on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels.

In 2016, students of human development and other disciplines that support the resolution of trauma, such as cellular biology and neuroscience, are also confirming that a child’s experiences during conception, prenatal life, birth and the perinatal period can affect development. In addition, the epigenetics and attachment theory areas of research have impacted our knowledge in the area of rebirthing.

During the 1990s, funding increased for research in embryology, neurology and other related epigenetic fields. In particular, the Human Genome Project was initiated. The expectation was that through the mapping of genes it would be possible to track disease and support the healing of those diseases.

It was believed that humans had more than 100,000 genes. In fact, only 25,000 genes were discovered. The result of this discovery caused research to move in the direction of how environment plays a role in our development and how the environment influences gene expression.

This field—known as epigenetics—looks at how the environment and genetics interact. How we are raised does have major implications on our development into adulthood.

The other area is attachment theory. It is now recognized that the bond between the parent/caregiver and the child is vitally important in human development. Attachment patterns start as early as preconception and continue through childhood into adulthood.

Conscious Conception Preparing for conception by both the mother and father has been shown to influence the DNA selection for a baby. Both parents can cleanse and heal physically as well as emotionally in preparation of conception. A strong healthy relationship between the parents also sets up the foundation of support for this new life.

Prenatal Communication and Bonding Life in utero is experiential and these experiences can be affected by the

physical as well as emotional environment. When a deep, loving, nurturing bond is formed between the baby and both parents in utero, the child develops a feeling of safety, lovability and is set up to form healthy relationships in life.

Mother as Support, and Healer It is vitally important that mothers receive as much support as possible in order to be the anchor for the family. Depression, anxiety, illness and any other stressors will cause difficulty and can translate into issues for the baby later on. Mothers often sacrifice for the sake of the family; however, if caring for herself is a priority, it will be reflected in how the baby develops and thereby allowing the whole family to benefit.

Birthing Practices and Recovery Ideally births with little to no intervention are optimal for both babies and mothers. The body produces hormones which support both through the birth process and in recovery afterwards; however, unresolved issues can hinder those plans and interventions may occur. Birth itself can be very traumatic even with an “uneventful” birth and babies make many unconscious decisions about life and relationships during this process. Allowing the baby to breathe spontaneously before cutting the umbilical cord means that this first breath and the baby’s first experience of life as separate being from its mother is soothing and healing and fosters feelings of safety in this new environment.

Skin-to-Skin and Self-Attachments Placing the baby on the mother just after birth is very beneficial for the baby

on so many levels. Anecdotally and in case reports, there are many examples of times when a baby who died during birth was placed on the mother and seemingly made a miraculous recovery and started breathing.

Breastfeeding Breastfeeding, particularly when done exclusively and on demand until six months of age, is optimal for the developing baby. Many health risk factors are reduced and bonding is supported during this process.

With this knowledge, we now know that how we conceive and support our children at all stages—including how we care for ourselves—influences their development and that of future generations. It may not be possible to control every step in the process but, by having the knowledge and doing the best that we can do, we set our children up for the best possible outcome.

Eilis Philpott owns and operates a healing practice in Fairfield. She has been a Rebirthing practitioner for 20 years and offers individual sessions, group sessions and classes. Connect at EilisPhilpott.com.

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inspiration

The Adventure of Couchsurfing

Stay with Locals and Make New Friends

by Lisa Rosinky

D

aniel Sperry, a “couchsurfer” in his late 50s, decided a few years ago to quit his day job and make a living by performing cello music and reciting poetry in living rooms across the country. “I didn’t know it would become a catalyst for bringing communities of local people together,” he says, but his first gig, a “little shotgun shack” in Elko, Nevada, became more than a once in a lifetime experience. Years later, his Elko host remains a close friend and hosts a regular (and lucrative) stop on his crosscountry tours.

Not only does creating connections with strangers make us happier—as University of Chicago social scientists have proven—it leads to fun travel stories. If we choose to see the world via the decade-old organization at Couchsurfing.com, we might find

ourselves sleeping on a sailboat in the Irish Sea; meeting backpackers by solarpowered light in a cave in Petra, Jordan; sharing a room with a pet bird that falls asleep listening to sappy love songs on the radio; or jamming to old-time banjo and fiddle tunes in a North Carolina kitchen.

The global community of couchsurfers, now 10 million strong, considers strangers “friends you haven’t met yet.” They currently are hosting and organizing more than half-a-million events in more than 200,000 cities worldwide this year. The aim is to make travel easier and more affordable, build people’s faith and trust in one another and create meaningful connections across cultures.

It’s easy to become a member by creating a profile as a host and/ or a traveler, which includes verified identification. Guests don’t need to reciprocate by hosting or leaving gifts, although lasting friendships are a common result. Hosts and guests are encouraged to leave honest reviews for each other, which helps ensure ongoing safety and good behavior all around.

As a traveler, offer an ethnic meal, good story or how to say hello in a different language.

As a host, be open to what guests can teach.

Keep a travel log and guestbook to record memories.

Meanwhile, non-members also are welcome to explore couchsurfing events in their city. Fun opportunities to make new connections include weekly language exchanges, skill swaps, outdoor activities and potlucks.

“For me, it’s undeniably about the community, the kind of person it tends to attract,” says Joseph Abrahamson, a couchsurfer in his mid-20s. “A room full of couchsurfers is full of stories and listening and sharing and trust. It changes a person in a positive way… people that travel like this for long enough can no longer survive with closed minds.”

Lisa Rosinky is a freelance writer in Boston.

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naturalpet

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

Animals Are Our Bridge to Oneness Opening to Non-Human Love

by Gwen Gangi

“M 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 48

Fairfield County Edition

y goal in life is to become the person my dog thinks I am,” states a plaque that can be found in many homegood stores.

Some of us would substitute cat, horse, goldfish, guinea pig or any number of other animals. The good news is that we already are that person, and our loving animals recognize that even when we can’t. Our animals are our companions, but they also are our teachers, healers and guides. Now more than ever, their special role in our collective awakening is being brought to the forefront of consciousness. Time recently had a special edition devoted entirely to how animals individually, nationally and globally affect our health.

If we have ever loved an animal, then we have communicated with them.

Often we think we are just reading their body language or that we are so accustomed to their routines that we know what they want or need. While that is true to some extent, it is not the whole story. Animals are communicating with us all the time, and we with them as we are both naturally telepathic.

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“We see, first, that birds and beasts have certain audible cries which convey a more or less definite meaning... and second, that they also have some ‘telepathic’ faculty of sending emotional impulses to others of their kind at a distance....And the hypothesis of silent communication certainly ‘works’ since it helps greatly to clarify certain observed phenomena of animal life,” said William J. Long, a Stamford-based naturalist who authored How Animals Talk in 1919. “All men seem to have some hint or suggestion of telepathy in them....meanwhile, by employing speech exclusively to express our thought or emotion, and by habitually depending on our five senses for all our impressions of the external world, have not only neglected but even lost all memory of the gift that was once ours,” he continues.

Although we may discover after many hours of searching and meditation that the point of love is oneness, we still find our joy an elusive being. Our egos convince us that we are chasing down our joy, while in fact we are running away from it. At this point in our spiritual

evolution, we need to admit that the concepts of love, oneness and joy are a choice. We can continue to make the same choices over and over, or we can admit we are wrong and start over every moment of every day.

“You are on this earth, in this world of perception, for one reason: to experience the reality of Life in all its forms, and know that they are One,” says James Twyman in The Art of Spiritual Peacemaking. Experiencing the deep connection of non-human love with our animals brings us to this place.

We surrender to the truth that we are connected in a place beyond form with a soul-to-soul connection.

If we sit or stroll in nature, without intention except to extend an aura of peacefulness, we can experience an unconscious oneness as animal do. Animals will greet us with a look of surprise and angle for a better look, but they will make eye contact and show signs of curiosity before they scamper away. That is the beginning of animal communication.

Our domestic animals hold a special place in bringing about coming changes on our Mother Earth. They live in continued oneness with the whole

as well as in our dualistic world of form and divine source. They are truly domesticated; they share our passions and our fears. We are here to be truly helpful to one another and, in doing so, we heal each other. Every time we want to tear our hair out because life with our animals is just not working, there is a lesson to be learned. No matter how much that seems to be the case, they do not act out simply to drive us crazy. This is where animal communication is an asset; it is intensely practical and spiritual.

In order to communicate with our animals, we must see them as equals.

We communicate telepathically with a soul-to-soul connection. Start with connecting with a wild animal, whether it is a squirrel, bird, deer, fly or another animal that shows up in our lives. Extend love outward but don’t project our perception of ourselves; simply see radiant energy extending out like ripples in a still pond. Whatever creature that shows up is meant to be. Politely, remembering the pleases and thank yous, ask the creature if it would mind having a word or two. They will make eye contact. Even if they dart into the nearest bush, there is still a connection. If they stay around

looking curiously at the human who is willing and able to talk to them, ask them simple questions about how they are doing or if they have enough food.

Whatever comes to mind is appropriate.

Trust what you hear. Communication comes in many forms. Learning how you hear is a big part of being able to communicate with all life. Know that wherever we each are on our individual spiritual journey, being able to communicate with animals will open us further.

Gwen Gangi, an animal communicator all her life, began studying animal communication in 1993 with Dawn Hayman of Spring Farm Cares. Living in Monroe with her husband, son, three dogs and two parrots, Gangi also owns a local pet sitting business. Connect at FurtoFeathers.com, FurtoFeathersPets@ gmail.com or 203-610-2444. See ad, page 50.

For Natural Awakenings readers, Gangi has offered to provide an Ask Your Animal consultation at no cost. Email a picture of your animal and include two questions that you would like to ask your animal. She will pick two recipients a month and email you their response.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

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Exercise Benefits All Pets Help Physically Challenged Animals Stay Healthy

by Mary Oquendo

D

ue to advances in veterinary care, many pets are living longer with an overall better quality of life and now even handicapped pets are beginning to reap the benefits of such advances.

The word “handicapped” indicates a condition that restricts the ability of a pet to function physically. Handicaps can include mobility issues such as blindness, neurological or spinal disorders, or loss of limb. In addition, it may involve temporary circumstances, such as surgeries, illness and injuries. Being handicapped does not preclude the necessity of exercise for these pets.

“Regular exercise is imperative for handicapped or injured pets. Dogs with chronic arthritis or ligament injuries will benefit from routine exercise. The movement maintains proper muscle tone, as well as strengthening the tissue surrounding the problem areas. Without appropriate physical conditioning, these pets may see a significant decrease in quality of life due to increased pain and discomfort,” states Andrew Pickerstein, DVM.

As pet parents, it is necessary to recognize our own expectations and not let our biases unknowingly negatively impact our animals’ quality of life. All pets should get exercise, especially those with disabilities or movement restrictions. Exercise improves strength, reduces stress that causes behavior challenges and provides healing energy.

Exercise can benefit our pets by:

• Strengthening their joints and muscles so they are more limber and agile.

• Improving their digestive system so they are less likely to suffer from constipation.

• Reducing destructive behaviors and hyperactivity. Like us, essentially they become too tired to cause trouble.

• Helping to keep them at a healthy weight.

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• Reducing the likelihood of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart, respiratory and kidney disease. All of these are exacerbated when a pet is overweight.

• Increasing cognitive function. Cardiovascular exercise not only improves the heart, but brain tissue as well.

“Handicapped dogs are so resilient, they usually figure out how to work around their impediment and live a full and active life. Yet providing proper exercise and food portions to keep their weight in check is so critical, and even more so for handicapped pets than normal pets,” says Steve Pelletier, founder of SlimDoggy.com and a former pet parent to a blind rescue dog.

“A fat dog has a harder time getting around and their lives are generally harder than a fit and trim pet. Why would an owner of a handicapped dog add another unnecessary level of difficulty to their dog’s life?”

The most important consideration in exercising a handicapped pet is choosing the right type of exercise for the situation. Seek guidance from a professional to develop a therapeutic program that is designed to work with a pet’s limitations. They can demonstrate how to do the right exercises and help provide equipment recommendations to fit the pet’s needs.

Any exercise is good, whether it is walking, hiking, swimming, playing, running or even using exercise equipment. There are companies that make treadmills, agility equipment, exercise vests for therapeutic resistance training, and gym gear for strength, endurance and balance for pets. Let’s not forget mental exercise.

Mental exercise includes hiding treats around the home or buying toys where the pet has to figure out how to get the treat out.

Before beginning a new exercise program with handicapped pets, it is best to discuss it with a veterinarian first because there may be circumstances than require special attention. These can include breathing issues that short-nosed dogs may have during exercise or inflamed arthritic joints, as well as heart and respiratory issues, which may limit the duration of exercise.

In general, resistance exercises are great for developing strength and can be performed at various degrees of difficulty. For dogs with hearing or sight challenges, cardiovascular exercise can still be performed but different cues and equipment can be used.

Flexibility exercises are great for handicapped pets that have limited range of motion and can be performed daily to increase blood flow and circulation, says Krista Wickens, president of FitPAWS/ FitBALL/Ball Dynamics (FitPAWSUSA.com).

Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master pet tech pet first aid instructor. She is the owner of Hands and Paws-Reiki for All. She can be reached at HandsAndPawsReiki.com. See ad, page 27.

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Offering a range of services for four-legged, feathered or scaled pets.

Gwen Gangi

Animal Communicator and Pet Sitter Animal Communication Consultations available by Classes Available phone, in person or at your home. Can work with a Call 203-610-2444 picture, or with your pet. for more information

furtofeatherspets@gmail.com | www.furtofeathers.com 50

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

petresourceguide ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 • Animals-In-Distress.com BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727 BULLY BREED RESCUE PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRCT@yahoo.com BullyBreedRescueInc.org COMMUNITY CATS PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297 FRIENDS OF FELINES INC PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org NFSAW 223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 • NFSAW.org PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC (PAWS) 504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PAWSCT.org

Cool Treat for Pets

PET PROTECTORS 2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 • PetProtectorsRescue.org RIDGEFIELD OPERATION FOR ANIMAL RESCUE (ROAR) 45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 • ROAR-Ridgefield.org STRAYS AND OTHERS PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com TAILS OF COURAGE 1 Pembroke Rd, Danbury 877-63-(TAILS) • TailsOfCourage.org WESTPORT ANIMAL SHELTER ADVOCATES (WASA) 1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 • WestportWASA.org

HOLISTIC MOBILE GROOMING MARY OQUENDO

203-994-5308 MaryOquendo.com Mary@PawsitivelyPretty.com Pet grooming in a relaxed one-onone environment in your driveway by a leader in the holistic grooming industry. Mary also offers Reiki and crystal therapy for your beloved pets.

VETERINARY SERVICES NUTMEG SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION/ PET SITTING GWEN GANGI

Fur to Feathers Pet Services Monroe 203-610-2444 (call or text) FurToFeathers.com FurtoFeathersPets@gmail.com Gwen Gangi has been an animal communicator all her life and has been doing consultations for the past 23 years. Practical for any situation, you enter into a 3-way conversation Prep Work • Sanding • Taping Prep Work • Sanding • Taping to get and give information needed.

Patching • Repairs • Carpentry Patching • Repairs • Carpentry Consultations done over the phone or in person, Environmentally Friendly Friendly Environmentally including home visits.Workshops on animal communication available. See ad, page 50.

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs; the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services during the spay/neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families and offers further low-cost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats.

See ad, page 49.

Fido’s Frozen Fruit Pupsicles Call Phil Today!

4 cups water will Gladly Gladly Provide Provide We will 1 Tbsp blackstrap molassesWe (optional) References References 1 cup fruit (no grapes or raisins), chopped CT Lic. 55081C CT Lic. 55081C Fully Insured Insured Fully

Wash and core all fruit. Blueberries and strawberries are popular with most dogs, while others enjoy melons, peaches and apples.

Chop fruit into bite-sized pieces.

Mix fruit with water and molasses.

Freeze the mix in ice cube trays, small tubs or Popsicle molds.

Source: The Healthy Hound Cookbook by Paris Permenter and John Bigley

Commercial Green Cleaning Available for HOME! SNO = Safe-Natural-Organics Safe enough to clean Appliances, Counters, Stainless & Chrome.

Tough enough to Remove Dirt, Oils & Pet Stains from Carpeting, Floors & Blankets. SNO works great to remove Wine & Coffee Stains from Linens, Clothing & Laundry. SNO gets rid of all odors.

Use for Pets Carriers, Diaper Hampers & Pails, Gym - Diaper Bags.

SNO is Safe Around Children & Pets.

100% Plant Based Kosher Certified Ingredients.

Made from Citrus Essential Oils Free of Dyes & Perfumes.

Manufactured in USA FDA Food Grade Facility.

The SNO Company, LLC Email: thesnoco@gmail.com Visit us @ www.thesnocompany.com - full product line eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

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calendarofevents Magazine calendar events must be received by August 12 (for September 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, AUGUST 3

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Working With Crystal Skulls With Sherry And Synergy – 7pm. Entertaining narratives about the history of the skull and some of its journeys to awaken your own spiritual passion. Pre-registration and payment required. $50. Mother Earth Gallery, 449 Danbury Rd, New Milford. 203-775-6272. LeslieGera@sbcglobal.net. MotherEarthCrystals.com.

1 Day Meditation Retreat – 9:30am-4pm. Silent session allows the mind more time to drop daily thoughts and develop deeper levels of awareness of our body, mind, thoughts and feeling. Bring a bag lunch. By donation. Redding Center for Mindfulness & Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 Loving and Listening to Your Physical Body (Part 1 of 3) – 7-9pm. Figure out what your body is trying to tell you. Learn to heal with positive affirmations.

Enhance your body’s natural energy. $30 per class. $75 for 3 pre-paid classes. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

203-344-9311.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 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.

AngelHealReiki.com.

You Have the Key: Bring Back Success From a Past Life – 7-9pm. With Jessica Lawrence. Feeling stuck? Unsure what to do? Tap into your most successful past life and bring forward that energy. $40.

Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

markyourcalendar 11TH ANNUAL SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN & GREEN EXPO August 13 Green Expo from noon-4pm Performance of “So Please You” from 2-4pm

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.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 Loving and Listening to Your Emotional Body (Part 2 of 3) – 7-9pm. Tune into your emotional self.

Figure out what your emotions are trying to tell you.

Healing through emotional release and positive affirmations. $30 per class. $75 for 3 pre-paid classes.

Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 Spiritual Protection Class – 7-9pm. With Angela Pizzarello. Discuss how to shield yourself from negative or chaotic energy, how to bring in spiritual protection, and how to release what you’ve picked up from other people’s energy fields. You will leave feeling more grounded, protected and energized. $40. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

Admission is free but tickets are required and seating limited (6 tickets per family) for the performance.

Call 203-438-5795 today to reserve your space!

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.

One Day Healing and Growth Retreat – 9am4pm. With Carla Barzetti. Day of healing and spiritual growth. Yoga, meditations with chakra healing bowls and many experiential exercises. Workshop will help you love & accept yourself deeply. Beaver Dam Rd, Newtown. 203-364-6262. CarlaBarzetti@ me.com. BrilliantSoul.com.

Ridgefield Playhouse 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield

Fairfield County Edition

HYPNOSIS CERTIFICATION COURSE 100-hour course with Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI

October 22-29 Open doors to a better future. Not just something different, something that makes a difference. “This course exceeded my expectations! Truly life changing.” - Margaret Early Bird: $2,289 by 8/15 Regular: $2,489 by 9/15 Mind Matters Hypnosis Center LLC Branford Call to see if you qualify: 860-693-6448 Info: MindMattersHypnosis.com Late Summer’s Bounty Painting Workshop – 10am-2pm. Connect with your heart through your hands and eyes as you paint a Still-Life fresh from the Bountiful Summer’s Garden. No experience necessary, materials list will be provided. $45.

Jill Nichols’ Home Studio, 24 Meetinghouse Ln, Shelton. 203-362-7681. Jill@JillNichols.com.

JillNichols.com.

Herbal Outdoor Spa Afternoon – 2-4pm. Indulge in sangria and decadent treats as you make and enjoy Papaya-Pineapple No More Pores Mask, Parsley & Peppermint Astringent Healing Thyme Elixir and Make/Take Lemongrass Foot Scrub. $25/materials included. The Grounded Goodwife, call for location, Woodbury. 860-354-4881. GroundedGoodWife@ yahoo.com. GroundedHolisticWellness.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 End-of-Life “The Conversation” – 7-9pm. Join our monthly discussion on various topics regarding life, death and end-of-life care. Free. RSVP. Alliance For Conscious Transitioning, The Liphe Balance Center of Weston. 203-556-9521. Info@ AllianceFCT.com. AllianceFCT.com.

markyourcalendar OPEN HOUSE THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION August 19 6:30-8:30pm Spend a beautiful evening at the farm. Learn more about what we do at our school and see if our program might be right for you.

Free Holcomb Farm 113 Simsbury Rd West Granby

Visit RidgefieldPlayhouse.org for more information 52

markyourcalendar

RSVP: 860-764-9070 • TIOSN.com natural awakenings

markyourcalendar CELEBRATING LIFE AND BEYOND The Alliance For Conscious Transitioning Presents:

End-of-Life Doula Training With Henry Fersko-Weiss, INELDA Bringing deeper meaning and greater comfort to the dying.

August 5 – August 7 $375 End-of-Life “The Conversation” Join our monthly discussion on various topics regarding life, death and end-of-life care.

August 16 • 7–9pm Free, RSVP For more information or to register: Info@AllianceFCT.com 203-912-2791 AllianceFCT.com Liphe Balance Center, Weston

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17 The Graduate Institute Information Session – 7pm. Learn more about The Graduate Institute programs. Free. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-874-4252. Info@Learn.edu.

Learn.edu/Events.

Screening of Vaxxed – 7:30-9:30pm. Documentary based on the appalling cover-up committed by the government agency charged with protecting the health of American citizens. $11. Tickets must be purchased prior to 8/10. Fairfield Cinema’s at Bullard Square, 41 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield.

203-292-8190. CatchAHealthyHabit@yahoo.com.

CatchAHealthyHabit.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 Loving and Listening to Your Soul (Part 3 of 3) – 7-9pm. Figure out what your soul is trying to tell you. Tune into your soul signature. Find out if your aligned with your souls purpose and enhance your soul connection. $30 per class. $75 for 3 pre-paid classes. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 Monthly Shamanic Drum Circle – 7:30-10pm. Enhance your connection to energy, spirit and nature, through Native American methods in positive energy. All levels welcome. $20 with pre-registration.

Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport.

203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com.

HunterHealingHands.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

markyourcalendar SUNRAVEN

THE HOME OF SLOW MEDICINE SunRaven Garden Workshop on Beekeeping August 4 • 1-3pm Introduction to BeeKeeping. $30

1770 House Tour and Fire Cider Sampling – 5-6:30pm. With Ehris Urban and Velya Jancz-Urban, historians and herbalists. Tour of their unique 1770 home, and sample a variety of homemade Fire Cider blends. $15. Acquiescence Farmhouse, Call for location, Woodbury. 860-354-4881. ColonialGoodWife@gmail.com. ColonialGoodWife.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Introduction to Aromatherapy – 1-4pm. Learn how to work with Essential Oils. Learn about EO safety, origins, scents, how they affect our being, and how to use them for personal use and healing.

$63. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883. TwinStarHerbInfo@gmail. com. TwinStarTribe.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 Wise Woman Wednesday – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn about herbs for skin vitality and cleansing. Go home with a natural beauty remedy. $25/pre-registration. $30/at door. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-460-2854. BekahTwinstar@ gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 Kimchi: Fermenting Feverishly – 7-9pm. With Ehris Urban & Velya Jancz-Urban, historians and herbalists. Make 16-ounce vegan Kimchi. Sample 3 blends as you learn about the probiotic benefits of traditional fermented foods. $20/materials included.

The Grounded Goodwife, Call for Woodbury location. 860-354-4881. GroundedGoodWife@yahoo. com. GroundedHolisticWellness.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 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.

Dream Bigger Show – 8pm. An unforgettable, fast paced, inspirational experience with reality TV star and celebrity event planner, David Tutera, plus music, dance, prizes and more. $30/General admission. $100/VIP. The Palace Stamford, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford. 203-855-7922. Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 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/Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Slow Medicine for Men - A Men’s Group August 4 Cultivating deep and meaningful relationship with other conscious men. $30

Tips and Tricks for Advertising Success

Slow Medicine Cafe August 10 • 10am-noon Enjoy a relaxing farm to table brunch. $25

Are you a practitioner or small business owner who has considered advertising but feels overwhelmed by the choices, options and logistics? Or are you concerned about the cost and the return for your investment if your business is new or not your fulltime job? We hear you!

Slow Medicine Women’s Wisdom Group Every Wednesday and Friday Supporting each other by recognizing and embracing one’s full authentic beings, together nurturing our highest potential. $30 Please call to register for all gatherings: 914-218-3113 SunRaven: 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY SlowMedicineTherapist.com

Tuesday, August 9 • 1-3pm Learn from Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Publisher Nicole Miale about tips and tricks to make your advertising efforts more successful from the start.

This workshop is interactive, giving all attendees the chance to explore their own questions.

For more information or to register, contact Beth Leas at 203-856-9566 or BethLeas.com.

Location: TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

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ongoingcalendar daily Little Creepers Herb Camp – 9am-noon. Daily.

8/8-8/12. Herb camp for kids ages 7-12. Explore common herbs and wild flowers and their traditional uses in a fun atmosphere: plant walks, games, native American stories. $35 per day. Harrybrooke Park, Ohmen Pavilion, 100 Still River Dr, New Milford.

203-312-6958. StephanieSereday@gmail.com.

TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

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 and 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

54

Fairfield County Edition

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.

Evidential Readings and Various Healing Modalities – 11am-6pm. Appointment and walk-ins welcome. $45 & up. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

monday Flower Essence Immersion – 6:30-8:30pm.

This immersion course meets 2 Mondays per month. Drop-ins welcome. August meetings focus on Angelica as a flower essence to support Spirit Connection. Receive a bottle of the essence to work with. $45 per class. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883.

TwinStarHerbInfo@gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.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.

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.

natural awakenings

tuesday 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 and 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 and 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/dropin, $85/1 class per week-month. $150/unlimited classes month. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

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 and joy. 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.

Joyful Movement – 6:15-7:15pm. Stretch and breathe, with simple dance and yoga movements, with praise to contemporary Christian Music. Move and Praise God. All welcome. Free will donation. St John’s Episcopal Church, 628 Main St, Park in Cantebury Green (Suburban St), Stamford. 973-476-9582. PositivePathNow@ gmail.com.

Intro to Herbalism w/Lupo – 6-8pm. Series of 4 weekly classes. Get to know over 20 herbs and how to incorporate them into your daily life. $50 per class. $25 for materials. Twin Star Herbal Education, 265 Litchfield Rd, 65 Bank Street, New Milford.

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

TwinStarTribe.com/events.

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.

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 and 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 Wednesdays. With Dr. Allen Levy. In 20 minutes, you will be meditating for the first time. Please RSVP. 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. Associates in Family Chiropractic and 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

Guided Meditation – 11:30am-12:30pm. Meditation is an easy way to improve your mood and stress relief, and gain clarity in your day-to-day life.

Scientific research shows meditation benefits health, emotional and mental states as well as creativity and business practices. $10. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

203-344-9311.

Tai Chi Classes – Noon-1pm and 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.

Mindfulness Meditation and Relaxation Tools for Busy Professionals – 12:30-1:15pm. Increase capacity to focus, concentrate and gain clarity. Act with greater ease and respond vs. react even amidst chaos, change and conflict. $99/5-week series. Includes drop-in meditation classes. LifePath Yoga and Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd flr, Norwalk. 203-3547070. Nina@LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net.

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 and 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.

There is a fountain

of youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love.

When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. ~Sophia Loren

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.

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ongoingcalendar 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 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 and 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 and 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.

Somatics – 10:30-11:30am. With Darlene Carman.

The practice of body awareness and using the body to heal itself. Class Pack or $17 (+tax). Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-7302400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

Student Massage Therapy Clinic – 11am-noon.

Relax and enjoy a 50-minute, full-body massage for only $20 at our Danbury Campus public clinic. $20.

44 Shelter Rock Road, Danbury. KMCCaffrey@ Ridley.edu. Ridley.edu.

Gentle Naam Yoga – 3:30-4:45pm. With Darleen Driver. Gentle introductory class to learn about the special benefits of the Naam Yoga practice. Class Pack or $17 (+tax). Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com.

NaamYogaCT.com.

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.

Vinyasa Flow – 5:30-6:30pm. With Patricia Voorhees. Class guides you through classical yoga poses with attention to breath and mind-body awareness.

Class Pack, or $17 (+tax). Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave. Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@ NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

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Fairfield County Edition

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 and 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 and 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.

Evidential Readings and Various Healing Modalities – 11am-6pm. Appointment and walk-ins welcome. $45 & up. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

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

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

Open Mic Night – 7-9 pm, 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany you at the piano for your moment at the microphone. Comedians, poets, writers and musicians welcomed as well. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterNorwalk.org. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

natural awakenings

Creativity is

allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams

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.

OFFICE SPACE STAMFORD IN WELLNESS CENTER - Perfect for therapist, counselor, coach, healer-Available full or part time.

Beautiful environment, great parking congenial office mates. Call Eileen 203-353-8811.

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 health care 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 INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice

Ingri treatments help alleviate pain, depression, neck and back, anxiety, headaches, stress, allergies, asthma, arthritis, digestive, menstrual, infertility and smoking and weight loss issues. See ad, page 27.

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 a ff o r d a b l e g r o u p s e t t i n g s .

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.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY 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, non invasive, FDA registered.

CHIROPRACTIC

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. Hand-crafted gemstone jewelry, candles, chimes, books as well as a showcase for local artisans.

EDUCATION

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

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

HOUSATONIC VALLEY WALDORF SCHOOL

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 Counties with our unique and gentle approach to health care. See ad, page 7.

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 29.

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org

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

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic and 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 Turning Techniques . Also provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 4.

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 22.

END OF LIFE ALLIANCE FOR CONSCIOUS TRANSITIONING

COLONICS

At the Liphe Balance Center of Weston 203-912-2791 AllianceFCT.com

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.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com

Our mission is opening the conversation and providing resources, programs and services, to support and embrace end-of-life transition. The Alliance was born out of a deep desire to honor, respect and meet the needs of individuals and their families at the end-of-life. See ad, page 17.

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.

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HYPNOSIS

.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE 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 CONNECTICUT HEADACHE & MIGRAINE RELIEF CENTER/ TOM ANZALONE, DDS

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, page 20.

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.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

SunRaven: The Home of Slow Medicine 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicineDoctor.com

Insightful health evaluations with customized medical guidance.

Consultation and holistic-lifestyle teaching and coaching aimed at attaining enhanced health and wellness on every level.Uniquely qualified to offer a second opinion from a Holistic Perspective. See ad, page 11.

YUFANG LIN, MD

HEALTH COACH MARY GILBERTSON, MS, BSN,CHHC

Licensed RN, Nutritionist and 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 and stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens and adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events.

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

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 soughtafter speaker and lecturer.

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

Fairfield County Edition

SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

MICHAEL FINKELSTEIN MD FACP ABIHM

235 Glenville Rd, Ste 2B, Greenwich 203-531-5688 • CTHeadacheRelief.com

58

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

KURT WAPLES, DC

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE 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

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.

We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy.

See ad, page 17.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

HENRY C. SOBO, MD

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com

Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 DrSobo.com Dr. Sobo provides Natural H o r m o n e t h e r a p y, w e i g h t reduction programs, IV vitamin/ minerals treatments, allergy evaluation and treatment, fibromyalgia care and treatment for a wide variety of problems utilizing an Integrative Medicine approach.

We offer Traditional, Thai Massage and Prenatal massage. At Jiiva Massage, our goal is to provide our clients with a variety of experienced therapists and modalities to choose from. Our hope is to provide you with an assortment of different techniques so you can find what works best for your individual needs. See ad, page 37.

Children will support anything that is empowering to them.

natural awakenings

~Robert Rodriguez

ROBIN ORDAN, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist and 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 13.

MASSAGE SCHOOL FINGER LAKES SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

272 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 FLSM.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 REDDING CENTER FOR MEDITATION 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 ReddingMeditation.org

We teach and practice 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.

MOBILE FITNESS & WELLNESS

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, all-natural 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.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com

Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, homeopathy, Chinese/ Western herbs, allergy/toxin testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, nutrition/ enzyme therapies. See ad, page 45.

SHALVA CLINIC LLC

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 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 37.

1720 Post Rd E, Ste 213, Westport 203-255-5005 BigAppleHealth.com

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.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.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 Phototherapy, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies. See ad, page 2.

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.

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN DAVID L JOHNSTON DO 158 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-438-9915 OsteopathicWellness.net

Dr. Johnston has been providing gentle, holistic hands-on osteopathic manual treatment and nutrition for over 20 years. Excellent for newborns, birth trauma, concussions, headaches, sports injuries, neck and back pain, digestive issues, brain support, stress, fibromyalgia, detoxification and weight loss, specialized bloodwork.

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MARIA C CASTILLO, MSW, LCSW

PILATES

.

238 Monroe Tpke, Ste B, Monroe 203-445-8966 Msisi@aol.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com

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

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 16.

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.

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 43.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual and Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com

PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

RIVER’S EDGE REIKI

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 46.

CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT

PsychoSpiritual Therapy and 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.

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION WESTPORT ROLFING

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 re-education for postural, functional and chronic pain issues with offices in Westport and Fairfield. See ad, page 44.

REIKI GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER

ROBIN QUEEN-FINKELSTEIN

SunRaven: The Home of Slow Medicine 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicineTherapist.com Offering a whole-being, integrative approach to wellness, nurturing clients into health on the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical levels. Following one’s heart to Re-envision life in order to flourish.

See ad, page 11.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

.

JILL BADYRKA, MFT AND REIKI MASTER In-Home Marriage and Family Therapy For Families, Children, Couples and Individuals 203-218-0194 JBadyrkaMFT@gmail.com

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 13.

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Fairfield County Edition

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.

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com Berta Prevosti is a Usui & Karuna Reiki Master and has been practicing Reiki for over 20 years.

We also have several experienced Reiki Masters and practitioners.

We offer private Reiki sessions for physical and emotional pain. We also have ongoing Reiki Classes that are taught in the traditional Usui method by Berta. See ad, page 37.

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SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER HUNTER HEALING HANDS

Jessica C. Hunter 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.com Healing sessions in shamanic healing, Melody crystal healing, Reiki, shamanic intuitive readings. Accredited and certification training programs in Reiki, crystal healing and shamanic healing. See ad, page 26.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk and 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 of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 23.

SPIRITUAL ARTS LLC

Richard Wlodarski, RMT 2505 Main St, Ste 209B, Stratford 203-605-0773 Rich@SpiritualArts.info SpritualArts.info

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

Berta Prevosti, Usui & Karuna Reiki Master 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com

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 discover spiritual guidance and awareness, with over 30 years of experience.

WELLNESS CENTER 7eFIT SPA

1492 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-356-5822 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com 7eFitSpa.com 7eFit Spa offers a variety of aesthetic services and noninvasive techniques to support mind-body wellness. Services include antiaging and oxygen facials with aromatherapy, Torc Plus bioelectric stimulation for muscle activation and weightloss, infrared sauna and the DietMaster weightloss program.

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 37.

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

SALTANA CAVE

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

Fit Spa

™ OF THE EARTH SALT THERAPEUTIC SPA

A new way to looking and feeling good.

KURE SPA

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

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

does the work.

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

No surgery invasive procedures.

Experience or our 4-Pillars of Health for 30-days and we’ll transform your life to one of health, healing Infrared Sauna • Micro-dermabrasion and vitality!

Offering Vibrosaun, massage and an organic juice bar. page 10.

Myolift • TorcSee•ad,Body Waxing

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 transformation, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit. See ad, page 13.

SUNRAVEN: THE HOME OF SLOW MEDICINE

501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicine.org Promoting and supporting health and wellness; facilitating Natural.BeautySpa@hotmail.com community-centered experienCTNaturalBeauty.com Save Now with tial and reflective learning for We specialize in today’s latest skin Introductory Prices! individuals, families, and rejuvenation. Antiaging and acne groups, by offering educational programs, events, Call 203-356-5822 treatment, massage, facials, hair and resources designed to build integrative skills removal, acupuncture, lymphatic and understanding for those looking to holistidrainage, VelaShape for cellulite 1092 High Ridge Road | Stamford, CT 06905 cally care for themselves, others, and the world treatment and more. See ad, in which we live. Transformative programs, ho7efitspact1@gmail.com | www.7efitspa.com page 18. listic medicine, psycho-spiritual counseling; women’s, men’s and couples groups, garden coop, cleansing program; special 12-week “immersion”. See ad, page 11.

Diet Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki NATURAL BEAUTY SPA Dermalogica Facials • Oxygen Facials 4154 Madison Ave, Trumbull 203-502-8503 Teeth Whitening

Contact us today to be in this space next month!

203-885-4674 eNaturalAwakenings.com

August 2016

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COSMIC RHYTHMS

by Alethea Hunt

A

new moon in festive Leo amps up possibilities for fun in the sun around August 2. Beneficial restraint from Saturn indicates this is more in line with scheduled playtime; instead of playing hooky, consider booking a day off for some R&R. Relaxation is an important part of recreation under this lunation’s contact to restorative Neptune. How about a spa day? But with Neptune’s involvement, it might be better to take it easy with the mimosas to avoid hangovers.

Jupiter in Virgo makes a final opposition to Chiron in Pisces on August 12 but this energy will be active most of the month. Take a macro view of wellness matters and also look discerningly at both your own and others’ healing and wellness philosophies; Jupiter in Virgo can be a bit of a “wellness evangelist” and it’s possible to subscribe to a health philosophy that frankly isn’t truly serving your healing process. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wellness; a personal truth shouldn’t be mistaken for a universal truth when it comes to a health “gospel” of some kind. Perceptions of what is or is not healthy can be easily skewed. Speaking of distorted perspective, hypochondria can be another effect of this influence, so be careful not to let a minor wellness issue be blown out of proportion. On the other end of the spectrum, ignoring a chronic or big health issue can be equally problematic. Back up to take in the whole picture and strive to walk a middle ground that is neither neglectful of nor overly concerned with health. Be aware that it is entirely possible under this energy to go overboard with something theoretically “good” for you that actually isn’t. Again, moderation and balance are key.

Minor stress hits for Venus between August 11 and 16 suggest an approach to love and money matters that is not too analytical, frugal or fantastical. Think back to March and ask yourself if anything significant was going on in either area. It’s possible to err too far the other way now. Perhaps, in one instance, you were being too trusting or not paying attention and now you are potentially veering too much toward being too critical or logical. Avoidable errors in judgment can be made via overanalyzing fiscal or romantic situations, which can prematurely shuts the door on opportunity and growth. Say yes to discernment and no to projecting negatively when it isn’t legitimately warranted or substantiated. August 17 through 27 is a fantastic period overall for love and money, though; this is especially true if you need a good reference from someone in an influential position for a potential job or a diligent worker hoping for a raise, bonus or promotion. Just watch the potentially overreaching vibe, though, as Mars and Saturn also link up this week (exact on August 24). Be careful of “punching above your weight” scenarios where it’s entirely possible to rub someone with more clout the wrong way.

The Aquarius Full Moon on August 18 is a complex lunation made extra wild by contact to Uranus, so strange and shocking may become norm. Social circles are highlighted by this moon; it’s an especially good time for ladies to get together since the Moon is also in close proximity to “feminista” Pallas Athene. The energies of this lunation are best channeled toward some kind of social or political activism, as there is power in groups now. This activism may involve discussion about schooling, politics and/or health. Lastly, it bears mentioning that Mercury turns retrograde in Virgo on August 30; it’s a good idea to be on top of wellness, nutrition or fitness matters ahead of this event.

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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displayadvertiserindex Main Street Marketplace

18

Advanced Healing Skin Cream 47

Deanne Mincer

23

Alliance for Conscious Transitioning 17

Mowatt Painting & Services

25

Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

63

Natural Beauty Spa

18

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

40

Nature’s Way Natural Foods

30

Newtown Yoga Festival

35

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

49

AcuThin Westport

Art of Control

5

16

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 4 Jill Badyrka

13

Judith Barr

8

Blues Views and BBQ

32

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

2

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

2

Olivette 40 Robin Ordan, Coach

11

Robin Ordan, LMT

13

Robin Ordan, LCSW

46

Bramasolé Wellness

37

Central Services

42

Chamomille Natural Foods

39

CT Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

27

Origin Fitness

16

CT Headache & Migraine Center 20

Julie Punishill

23

DoTerra/Lori Haggerty

Ann Reeves

30

Ridgefield Playhouse

32

43

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

9

Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine

15

The Sacred Spirit

13

Dreamtown/Noreen Ehrlich

12

Salon Aponte

15

Embody the Sacred

8

Eyecare Associates

17

Shalva Clinic/Ellen Lewis, ND

Final Journey LLC

50

Victoria Shaw, PhD

15

Fur to Feathers

50

The SNO Company

51

Debra Gibson, ND

33

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

46

The Graduate Institute

64

Sticks & Stones Farm

Hands and Paws Reiki for All

27

Harbor Harvest

11

Sun Raven, the home of Slow Medicine

11

Hilda Swaby

23

Total Life Care Center

23

Hedge Trimming by Thomas

8

Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa 13 5

8

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

29

Touch of Sedona

Hunter Healing Hands

26

TreeTech 42

Insight Counseling The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

3

TrueHealth Family Chiropractic

4 7

41

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality 14

Jiiva Yoga and Wellness Center 37

University of Bridgeport Clinics 25

Kairali Wellness Center

29

Kindred Spirits

27

Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND

45

Kure Spa

10

Westbrook Nature School

22

Beth Leas

23

Westport Farmers Market

39

LifePath Yoga & Wellness

37

Westport Rolfing

44

Lipo-Light Westport

17

Whole Fit Studio

37

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