Natural Awakenings Fairfield County September 2014

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Fostering Conscious Kamini Desai Personal and Caregiving Explores Cultural Shifts A Reciprocal Gift Yogic Life September 2014 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

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

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

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

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

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

5520 Park Ave., Trumbull / Fairfield town line at Exit 47 off Merritt Pkwy

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

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

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

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

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

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

From left to right:

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

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

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

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

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

Call now for details.

Office located on the Fairfield/Trumbull line

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

Fairfield County Edition

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Healthy

Pizza & MoRe made with 100% Organic Whole Grain Flour ~ no exceptions ~

Savor Healthy Pizza

430 Main Ave (Rt 7) Norwalk, CT Across from the Merritt Professional Buildings

203-939-1666

Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm

Now taking orders on line!

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healthy, natural & organic pizza you’ll savor every bite Now serving zero grain pizza crust!

Extremely low-carb

Ask About Our Homemade, Gluten-Free & Vegan Pizzas free local delivery with $ 15 min. order

h e a lt h y

September 2014 l 3 leNaturalAwakenings.com i v e w e l

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.

2014

HAWK FESTIVAL

21 STAMFORD

HOSPITAL HEALTH WELLNESS & SPORTS EXPO 2014

24 LIVE GREEN

CONNECTICUT!

5th Annual Festival

September 27 & 28 11:00 �� - 5:00 �� The 16th Annual “Hawk Festival & Green Bazaar” An Exciting Two-Day Nature Festival Celebrating The Annual Hawk Migration Passing Overhead At Audubon Greenwich’s “Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch.” & Birds of Prey Enjoy Live Animals Shows at 1 & 3��!

Nature-Themed Games • Environmental Exhibits • Great Food Dozens of Eco-Friendly Vendors On Site Raptor Fun for Families • Rain or Shine!

Last Weekend In September

203-869-5272

Festival Details Online: http://greenwich.audubon.org/events

Audubon Greenwich 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT06831

32 LEARNING THAT

Fairfield County Edition

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TRANSFORMS HEARTS AND MINDS

Rethinking How We See Our World Changes Everything

by Linda Sechrist

34 FOSTERING PERSONAL & CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

by James D. Trifone

37 PRACTITIONER PROFILES Local Professionals Facilitating Personal Growth

48 PRESERVING THE

HARVEST AT HOME

54 68

by Analiese Paik

54 CONSCIOUS CAREGIVING

A Reciprocal Gift

by Patricia Staino

68 PREPARING FOR A NEW

ANIMAL FAMILY MEMBER

by Mary Oquendo

73 KAMINI DESAI

EXPLORES A YOGIC LIFE Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery

by Linda Sechrist

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7 newsbriefs 15 healthbriefs 18 therapyspotlight 26 globalbriefs 30 healthykids 46 fairfieldgreen

foodguide 57 healingways 62 naturallyhealthypet 66 naturalpet 70 petresourceguide 72 fitbody 73 wisewords 74 inspiration 75 calendar 80 classifieds 81 resourceguide 86 displayadindex

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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Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than repair itself. Regular bedding & mattresses are laden with polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, and water or stain resistant chemicals.

Organic Innerspring Mattresses Our cotton innerspring mattresses are made with organic cotton batting and organic wool — free from chemicals and pesticides! Great for those who are chemically sensitive or allergic to latex. A good fit for families on a budget because an innerspring is generally less expensive than a latex mattress.

Natural Latex Organic Mattresses When it comes to latex there’s “natural” and then there’s “all natural”. We sell only “all natural” latex mattresses so you sleep chemical-free. Beware mattress stores online and in your neighborhood selling “natural” or “green” or “sustainable” foam mattresses.

This is “green wash” marketing hype.

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September 2014

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letterfrompublisher “For the first time in human evolution, the individual life is long enough, and the cultural transformation swift enough, that the individual mind is now a constituent player in the global transformation of human culture.” ~ William Irwin Thompson

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contact us Publisher/Managing Editor Nicole Miale Assistant Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Food Editor Analiese Paik Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers David Davis Beth Leas Natasha Michaels Patricia Staino Sales & Marketing Nicole Miale Francesca Moscatelli Analiese Paik Virginia Trinque Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2014 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.

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 $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

hether change comes swiftly or creeps up, it always comes. We live long lives in a fast-paced world, so gracefully navigating transitions of life has become a necesNicole Miale sary skill set. Resilience is a skill not emphasized in our standard educational institutions yet research indicates it may be a critical element to developing a successful, happy life.

With this in mind, we devoted our September issue to exploring aspects of transition and transformation. Whether a change of circumstance is expected or unexpected, there is rich opportunity within the chaos for personal growth. How can an individual thrive in the midst of upheaval? How can you take care of yourself when you are thrust into acting as caregiver to your own parents or spouse?

Is there a way to consciously parent so your own children don’t share the burden of your childhood experience? Is it possible to end a marriage without rancor and high emotional cost? What must be considered when you adopt a new non-human family member and transform your family?

Our authors write about these topics - and many others! - this month. As always the goal is to provide insight, ideas and practical tools for living the life you want. To that end, we include profiles of 16 diverse local practitioners who focus their work on empowering clients’ personal growth. Change may be inevitable and undeniably painful at times, but it certainly doesn’t need to be managed solo.

September is recognized nationally as Yoga Month. I know from experience that yoga is a powerful tool for personal transformation. The word yoga actually means to “yoke” mind-body-spirit. Renowned yoga teacher Kamini Desai explores how the practice of inner calmness through physical pose and energy release can lead to expansion and mastery of self. The challenges you face won’t disappear, but the support of this ancient practice may enable you to respond differently.

This month is a busy one for big events in our area. Natural Awakenings Fairfield County is a media sponsor for several: The Live Green Connecticut! Festival in Norwalk (where we co-sponsor a tent with the Total Life Care Center!); The Stamford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2014 in Stamford; and the Audubon Greenwich 16th Annual Hawk Festival & Green Bazaar in Greenwich. Don’t miss the special screening of documentary film Project Wild Thing in Newtown on September 12th, another event sponsored by Natural Awakenings. Look for more details about each event in these pages and hopefully we’ll see you there!

Change surrounds us, sometimes light and welcome, other times cold, abrupt and shocking. We can be swept away or we can ride as if on a stand up paddleboard. Sometimes circumstances demand we take a turn doing both. Whatever we are faced with, we have choices and, with support, we may be able to transcend a situation to find the learning and gift within. The caterpillar feels pain as it transforms into a butterfly…but change it does. We are no different.

In love and light,

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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natural awakenings

newsbriefs Through Artist’s Eyes: Norwalk’s People and Places in the WPA Murals

Family and Child Psychotherapy Support and Guidance • Divorce Anxiety • Parent/Child Conflict Attachment and Bonding • Trauma • Grief Professional/Executive Coaching

Robin Ordan, LCSW 203-561-8535

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orwalk Preservation Trust’s fourth annual Living History Tour is partnering with the Norwalk Arts Commission to create an insider’s tour of Norwalk’s collection of WPA murals on September 28 at 1pm. The tour will start with a docent-led look at the paintings and rarely seen source photographs, continuing with a bus tour around Norwalk to view the sites today.

Re-enactors will join the tour en route to bring to life the people, scenes and events portrayed in the paintings.

A reception with refreshments will conclude the tour. WPA artists created more than 50 works of art for Norwalk’s public schools libraries and post offices from 1935 to 1941. While much of the WPA art nationally has been lost or destroyed, most of Norwalk’s collection was rescued and restored. The Norwalk collections consist of nearly 50 murals, 31 of which are at City Hall.

For more information and reservations, visit NorwalkPreservation.org.

Tending to Body, Mind and Spirit During Divorce

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he Turning Point S.H.A.R.E Divorce Group is sponsoring Anna Raimondi and Debi Silber at The Redding Center for Meditation in West Redding on September 11 from 7 to 9pm.

The duo will discuss the tools for tending to body, mind and spirit during the divorce process. This workshop can also benefit someone going through any life crisis or transition.

Attendees will learn how to find their “true self” by creating a lean, fit body, radiant health and soaring confidence, rewarding relationships, financial and spiritual abundance, endless energy and an optimistic outlook by connecting to your mind, body and soul. The fee for this informative and inspirational session is $50. If you purchase tickets to see Anna Raimondi at the Ridgefield Playhouse on September 20, you can bring a friend to this September 11 S.H.A.R.E. event for free.

For more information and registration, visit TurningPointShare.com or call JoAnn Duncan at 203-438-3050. Parking is limited. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 85.

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

Personalized 7Computing Training

& Troubleshooting Help is Here!

7 FEEL and BE comfortable using your computer as a

precious ally to stay connected to the world, your clients, friends, family, and what matters to you MOST. 7 Speed Up Slow Computers 7 Add Virus Protection 7 Clean Up and Save Precious Files & Photos www.IAmTheComputerFairy.com

alizafreedman17@gmail.com

7 203-554-5975

stop talking i start living LIFE / MENTOR COACH / YOGA INSTRUCTOR Do you want more from your life?

Would you like to invite a change into your life?

Align your life with what you want the most for yourself.

Let me be your support on your journey to a happier life. time management i relationships i career i family communication i finances i health i spirituality Alzbeta Peskova

Visit my website for a free consultation Yoga2LifeCoaching.com • 203.326.0405

• Integrated Swedish • Sports • Deep Tissue 122 River Road Ext. Cos Cob, CT 06807 203.869.1764 Pangaeamassage.com

Selected as Best of 2014 by Serendipity Magazine eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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newsbriefs Copper Beech Institute Offers R&R Retreats

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Healing White Light,

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10% Off Your First Coaching Appointment or One Massage/Energy Work Session

Contact Joy Carbino Certified Holistic Health Coach For a Free Consultation

203-470-1226

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Joy Carbino Certified Holistic Health Coach Licensed Massage Therapist Reiki Master/Teacher NCBTMB Certified

Healing White Light, LLC 37 Franklin Street, Suite 103 Westport, CT 06880 joy@healingwhitelight.com www.healingwhitelight.com

eginning this fall, the Copper Beech Institute in West Hartford will host a series of retreats that offer the opportunity to step back from the pace of life for a weekend of rest and renewal. The first R&R retreat is offered over the weekend beginning September 12.

Scheduled to coincide with the institute’s structured retreat programs, the R&R retreats allow participants to create their own experience, choosing from daily activities that include morning and afternoon yoga classes, mindfulness meditation practice, experiential workshops with R&R faculty, and Saturday evening musical events. Participants may also partake of the many amenities that come standard with a stay at the Copper Beech Institute, including farm-to-table food, 48 acres of wooded grounds, a stone labyrinth and the Golden Thread Art Gallery. Healing art therapies including massage and reflexology are available for an additional charge.

Guests are welcome to come solo, with a friend, or as part of a group.

Accommodations include private rooms with queen beds and a shared or private bath. Shared rooms are also available by request. R&R retreats dates for the 2014 season are as follows: September 12-14 and 19-21, October 3-5 and 17-19, November 14-16 and December 5-7. The dates for 2015 can be found on Copper Beech Institute’s website.

To learn more about the R&R retreat offerings and faculty as well as scholarships through the Boundless Heart Fund, please visit CopperBeechInstitute.org.

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Fairfield County Edition

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National Naturopathic Gathering Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise 2015 on board the March 14-21, 2015 in Bridgeport HopHolistic Holiday at Sea cruise for an

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he 11th annual Naturopathic Gathering: Sowing Seeds, Remaining Rooted will take place October 10-12 in Bridgeport. The Naturopathic Gathering is a student-driven, national conference to learn more of the philosophy bound with naturopathic medicine from the elder doctors of the profession.

The conference is geared toward naturopathic medical students and naturopathic but all are welcome. Its purpose is to bring the elders of naturopathic medicine together for a conversation with new generations about vitalistic medicine in practice and theory. “This is not just another conference.

This is a celebration of our medicine!”, said the late Bill Mitchell, ND.

The conference, held in partnership with the Naturopathic Medical Student Association and the University of Bridgeport’s (UB) College of Naturopathic Medicine, will take place at the University of Bridgeport’s John J. Cox Student Center, located at 244 University Avenue, Bridgeport. The CEU credits for this course are being facilitated through the University of Bridgeport, Health Science Postgraduate Education Department. UB is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this event.

For more information, visit NaturopathicGathering.org.

event that Natural Geographic Traveler calls “one of the 100 best worldwide vacations to enrich your life.” Enjoy l ife-transforming discussions on the benefits of a plant-based diet aboard an Italian cruise liner with a community of friends. Meet others who share your vision of health as you nourish yourself with good food, good people and good times.

Among the 1,700-plus people attending will be doctors, instructors and chefs speaking on all of aspects of holistic health, wellness, and plant-based and macrobiotic diets. Drs. Caldwell Esselstyn, T. Colin Campbell, Neal Barnard and Michael Greger will present why such a diet serves you and the world. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Chef AJ and several other vegan chefs will teach you how to make this life taste great. These are just a few of the 35 teachers offering over 130 classes, which include yoga, Pilates and meditation. Evening parties will provide plenty of opportunity for fun and socializing.

The cruise also docks for adventures at Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

For all the details, visit HolisticHolidayatSea.com, email Info@HolisticHolidayatSea.com or call 828-749-9537.

See ad, page 87.

Listening and Caring Wouldn’t you prefer a doctor who makes time for both?

Naturopathic Medicine Services Offered:

General Family Medicine Acupuncture Dr. Susan Rzucidlo, ND Anthem, BC/BS, Oxford, Aetna insurance accepted

Facial Rejuvenation– “The Natural Facelift” Pediatrics

Diet & Nutritional Counseling Botanical Medicine

Conditions Treated: Allergies Arthritis Diabetes Heart Disease PMS Chronic Pain Any many others…

The Center for Naturopathic Medicine, Inc. 3335 Main Street, Stratford • (203) 377-1525

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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newsbriefs Carb-Loaded: A Culture Dying to Eat

PRESENTING SPONSOR

t 2 2annual

T

RIDGEFIELD

PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF N

BIGGER THAN EVER! PRESENTED BY

RIDGEFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE CONNECTICUT PUMPKIN CLUB

Music Sunday, September 28 Vendors & Sponsors Farmers Market Meet the Growers Kids Activities Free to the Public WEIGH-OFF AT NOON, AWARD CEREMONY FOLLOWS Pumpkin Carving Demo PUMPKIN GROWERS FROM THE REGION WILL COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES

10 AM-3 PM Ballard Park

The Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors:

Alexander Isley Inc. Designers. Illustration by Alexis Alexander, Quinnipiac University ’14

GIANT

Learn more: DestinationRidgefield.com

Are You Searching For A More Fulfilling Career?

You Can Become a Certified Life Coach in 2 Days!

he U.S. premiere of the documentary film Carb-Loaded: A Culture Dying to Eat will take place on September 27 at 7:30pm at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

The film explores the origins of the skyrocketing diabetes and obesity crisis in the U.S. and will shred any misconceptions about who is at risk and why.

The film features world-renowned medical experts David L. Katz, M.D., David Perlmutter, M.D., Andreas Eenfeldt, M.D., Yoni Freedhoff, M.D., Timothy Noakes, M.D., and Brian Wansink, Ph.D. as well as noted authors Gary Taubes, Mark Sisson, Jonathan Bailor and Marion Nestle. This fast-paced film includes interviews, animation sequences, graphics and on-location footage. The film’s content will help viewers gain knowledge necessary to take control of one’s health and tackle the obesity epidemic head on.

A post-screening Q&A with Lathe Poland, the Connecticut-based filmmaker, will be followed by a reception. Poland will answer questions about making the movie, launching a successful crowd-funding campaign, and lessons learned during filming.

For more information, visit RidgefieldPlayhouse.org/Event/ Carb-Loaded-Culture-Dying-Eat. Tickets are $15 per person and $7.50 for seniors and students. The Ridgefield Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.

Learn Hypnosis with Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers

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If you have a passion to help others, this course provides you with the tools and skills needed to create a successful, lucrative coaching practice.

Contact us for a free, no obligation, skills assessment to determine if coaching is the right career path for you.

Shelton, CT

September 20-21st

Windsor, CT

October 4-5th

Norwalk, CT

October 18-19th

Call Now to Register!

954-448-7648 or 860-924-6992 CoachingExcellenceInstitute.com 10

Fairfield County Edition

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ind Matters Hypnosis Centers is offering a hypnosis certification course October 11 through 18. In these 8 full days of in-person training (plus home and group study), Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI, will teach attendees how to successfully hypnotize themselves and others. The course will cover the science behind hypnosis, who can and cannot be Lisa Zaccheo hypnotized, what it can be used for, and exactly how to use this technique that gives people access to the other 90 percent of their mind’s power.

Are you feeling bored or unfulfilled with your job or career? Do you dread going to work and count the hours until the weekend? This is an opportunity to start an interesting and fulfilling life by becoming a certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist. Registration closes September 15 for the course.

For more information, call 860-693-6448 or visit MindMatters Hypnosis.com for more information. See ad, page 14.

Project Wild Thing Screening with Two Coyotes

Discover Westbrook Let your child experience the joy and wonder of nature in a safe and loving environment Set on six beautiful acres in West Redding, CT, Westbrook offers Parent-Child and Mixed-Age Kindergarten Programs, Adult Workshops, Playdays and Seasonal Events

203-664-1554 www.westbrooknatureschool.org

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wo Coyotes Wilderness School is launching a 365 Days of Nature for Kids campaign to get kids out in nature year-round, not just during the spring and summer. The campaign launch includes two free screenings of the 82-minute Project Wild Thing, sponsored by Natural Awakenings, on September 12 at 1:30 and 6:30pm. The event will take place at The Alexandria Room in Edmond Town Hall, located at 45 Main Street, Newtown. A panel discussion will follow each screening.

The PG-rated feature-length documentary, which stars and is directed by David Bond, takes a funny and accessible look at the increasingly fragile connection between children and nature. Determined to get his children up and out, Bond appoints himself as the marketing director for nature. With the help of branding and outdoor experts, he develops and launches a nationwide marketing campaign to get British children outside.

Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a non profit organization based in Newtown that is dedicated to nurture healthy, whole human beings through building self-awareness, community, and connecting people to nature. The school offers kids aged 5-16 ongoing, year-round outdoor programs, as well as summer camps. Their programs are based on the enduring wisdom of the ages and ancient wilderness skills.

For more information, call 203-426-2475 or watch the movie trailer at Project WildThing.com. Visit TwoCoyotes.org to learn more about Two Coyotes Wilderness School’s upcoming after-school, weekend and homeschool nature programs in Newtown and Granby. See ad, page 15.

Lipo-Light is the new nonsurgical state-of-the-art technology alternative to Liposuction. It is completely non-invasive, does not cause any discomfort, and no down time.

It is based on the principle of biophotomodulation. Infrared light at 635 nanometers is absorbed by fat cells causing the cell’s pores to open and excrete the fatty acid contents into the surrounding fluid. The fat is taken away by the lymphatic system and consumed by body metabolism. The result is immediate loss of inches.

Kindred Spirits A Center for the Mind, Body, & Soul

Only One Offer Per Person Restrictions May Apply New Patients Only Offer Expires 10/31/14

Relax, Enjoy, Let Your Spirit Shine Through Interfaith Ministry Services Energy Sessions (Reiki, Rising Star) Certification Classes (Reiki, Rising Star) Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Ear Coning • Meditation Classes Intuitive/Clarity Sessions Group Workshops • Buddhist Chanting

203-938-3690 www.kindredspiritscenter.com 59 Ledgewood Road, Redding, CT 06896 eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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newsbriefs Etheric Healing Center Opens in Monroe

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ruce Smith, LMT, has opened up a new complementary healing center in Monroe. The Etheric Center includes services such as etheric massage, energy healing and Reiki, etheric crystal healing beds, ionic cleanse and meditation with additional services to be offered soon.

Bruce Smith is a Connecticut, New York, and nationally licensed massage therapist and the executive director and founder of The Etheric Bruce Smith Center. The organization’s mission is to bring quality healing modalities to others in ways that are complementary and designed to support experiences of true healing. Etheric massage combines traditional massage techniques with other energy practices that include Reiki, energy palpation, reflexology, shiatsu, and chakra balancing.

For more information, visit EthericMassage.com or call 203445-0432. The Etheric Center is located at 731 Main St, Monroe. All services are by appointment only. Gift certificates, package pricing and a membership plan are available.

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TWC Health & Wellness Mini Expo in Norwalk

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n September 26, Total Wellness Connect (TWC) will hold its second quarterly Health & Wellness Mini Expo. The event will be offered free of charge at Achieve Fitness in Norwalk from 6 to 8:30pm, and will feature ten wellness vendors.

TWC is a new organization focusing on connecting health and wellness professionals to each other and their local communities. It provides its members networking, social media advertising, education and community events to gain exposure for their businesses. Currently, TWC networking meetings are held every other Wednesday in Norwalk. Chapters (or groups) will be launched soon in Fairfield, Stamford and Ridgefield.

“We each have one body and at one point or another, it needs healing. There are thousands of healing methods, but many of us only stick to what we know, which is not always the best choice! The more we know about what is available, the better we are able to maintain and improve our health in a lasting, natural manner,” says TWC Founder Kristina Centnere.

For more information on upcoming meetings and events, visit TWC at Facebook.com/TotalWellnessConnect. See ad, page 8.

Audubon Greenwich Hawk Festival & Green Bazaar

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he 16th annual Hawk Festival & Green Bazaar will take place September 27 and 28 from 11am to 5pm at Audubon Greenwich. The two-day nature festival celebrates the annual hawk migration passing overhead at Audubon Greenwich’s Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch. The event will be held rain or shine.

Attendees can enjoy live animal shows, guided hikes, nature-themed games, environmental exhibits, food and dozens of eco-friendly vendors on-site. Special events include live birds of prey shows such as “Talons: A Bird of Prey Experience” and “Bill Robinson’s Famous Wildlife Lectures”, the Cyril the Resourcerer’s Magic Show, and a rehabilitated raptor release by Wildlife In Crisis. The fee is $7 per person for Audubon members and $10 per person for non-members.

Children under three are free.

Audubon Greenwich’s mission is to engage and educate people to conserve, restore and enjoy nature, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats. It is also home to Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society.

For more information, visit Greenwich.Audubon.org/Events.

Audubon Greenwich is located at 613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich. See ad, page 4.

Hunter Healing Hands For Body, Mind, & Soul

Classes Workshops Drum Circles Reiki Shares Private Healing Sessions by Appointment

Jessica C. Hunter

Shamanic Practitioner & OM Certified Reiki Master Teacher Certified Crystal Therapy Practitioner Empath Intuitive, Shamanic Medium Spiritual Teacher

203-916-8381

www.hunterhealinghands.com hunterhealinghands@hotmail.com

Massage Therapy

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

Robin Ordan, LMT 203-561-8535

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

Live in Your Higher Brain Presentation

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ome learn about a new discovery in the human brain and see a live demonstration. Dr. Adam Breiner, director of Whole Body Medicine in Fairfield and Trumbull, will present a Free Yourself of Stress and Live in Your Higher Brain! presentation in Westport on September 10 from 7-8:30pm. The presentation will also take place on September 29 from 7-8:30pm.

Higher Brain Living is a revolutionary gentle-touch technique that creates a surge of energy into the higher brain, loosening the grip of our primal “survival” brain. Many people who have experienced Higher Brain Living have reported their thoughts became clear, they made better decisions fast and with ease, and they quickly changed their habits.

All presentations are free and available to the public but attendees must register in advance because space is limited.

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience Higher Brain Living for a reduced rate. Both presentations will be held at Awaken Higher Brain Living in Westport.

Awaken Higher Brain Living Westport is located at 17 Bridge Square, Westport. For more information, call 203-8638333 or visit HigherBrainLivingWestport.com. Dr. Breiner’s clinical practice at Whole Body Medicine can be reached at WholeBodyMed.com or 203-371-8258. See ad, page 2.

Personal Wellness Center Inspiring You to Live Your Best Life!

• Intuitive/Psychic Readings • Mediumistic Readings • Holistic Health Coaching • Health & Healing Program for Cancer Patients

1895 Post Rd, Fairfield Sage Osa 203.767.6237 ~ MyPersonalWellness.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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BORED & UNFULFILLED? Become a Certified Hypnotist and Say Hello to a Fascinating Career Helping Others

“In over 30 years of police and FBI training, this was the BEST training I’ve ever experienced.”

- Dave B, Retired Police Captain Join the burgeoning field of alternative health. Become a Certified Hypnotist and begin helping yourself and others lead happier, healthier lives. Learn the most cutting-edge, highly successful and proven hypnotic techniques to help resolve long-standing life issues safely and easily.

As a Certified Hypnotist you’ll have the skills to contribute in a meaningful way as you enhance your current career or begin a fascinating new one.

a FREE 1/2 hour consultation Call 860-693-6448 for to see if you qualify.

Registration closes September 12th, so call TODAY!

Mind Matters© Hypnosis Center, LLC 12 Waterside Ct., Avon, CT 06001 www.MindMattersHypnosis.com

FOr YOur SaKE & FOr thE SaKE OF YOur ChiLdrEN . . .

A UNIQUE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS iF YOu’rE a ParENt

who wants to give your children the best of who you are . . .

iF YOu’rE a ParENt

who wants to give your children the best chance to succeed, not only in functioning, but in being their true selves . . .

iF YOu’rE a ParENt

who knows that your children trigger you at times . . . and you don’t understand why, or if you do, you don’t know how to get to the root of the trigger . . .

rEGiStEr FOr thiS wOrKShOP FOr ParENtS . . .

so you can learn more . . . so you can experience more . . . so you can discover the depths of the healing you can do to help your children in a way nothing else can . . . and nobody else can.

Saturday October 11, 2014 from 2-5 pm Judith Barr’s office – Brookfield, CT SPECiaL OFFEr FOr ParENtS FOr FaLL 2014 : REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT RECEIVED BY SEPTEMBER 1: $85 – BY SEPTEMBER 12: $90

BY SEPTEMBER 24: $95 – AFTER SEPTEMBER 24: $100 Registration and payment must be received by October 7th, 2014.

Judith Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG tO thE rOOt To learn more or to register, call Judith’s office at 203-775-5006 or email Judith at JudithBarr@PowerabusedPowerhealed.com

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

kudos Computer Fairy Relaunched

N

orwalk entrepreneur Aliza Freedman is announcing the relaunch of her Computer Fairy business. After a hiatus to focus on raising her two children with special needs, she is thrilled to return to helping women feel empowered in issues of technology and connection through Facebook, emails and social media. FreedAliza Freedman man began her business making housecalls to help women from all different walks of life build their computer skills and feel more empowered about their abilities. She works with her clients to help them with all their home computing needs, both training and troubleshooting.

For more information, email AlizaFreedman17@gmail.com, call 203-554-5975 or visit IAmTheComputerFairy.com. See ad, page 7.

Deana Paqua Joins WestConn as Adjunct Faculty Member

D

eana Paqua, a Reiki master, shamanic healer and licensed massage therapist in Ridgefield and New Milford, will be teaching a credit course, Mind-Body Interventions for Healing, for Western Connecticut University (WestConn) students starting in September.

Paqua will teach students about the mind, body, spirit connection to health along with Deana Paqua modalities such as meditation, massage and manual therapies, various forms of bodywork, energy healing and movement therapies. The course will include lecture, experiential learning, and guest practitioners and speakers.

Paqua has a private healing practice in Ridgefield, where she has worked for over 12 years, and more recently in New Milford. She incorporates Reiki, various forms of shamanic healing, including Andean energy medicine, to support clients in recovering from trauma, illness, difficult transitions such as loss of a loved one or pet, divorce and career changes. Many of her clients are in the health care field themselves. One of her main goals is to teach clients how to heal and empower themselves. She leads workshops and events around the area in shamanic Reiki, healing with angels, healing with power animals, and women’s drumming and healing circles. She has also been a visiting faculty member at The Graduate Institute and WestConn over the years. Paqua has a masters degree from The Graduate Institute in Experiential Health and Healing, and various certifications and trainings in Reiki, energy medicine and shamanic healing.

For more information, contact Deana Paqua, through Embody the Sacred, at EmbodytheSacred.net or call 203-994-5045.

See Community Resource Guide listing, page 85.

healthbriefs

Pre-K Education Linked to Better Health 26 Years Later

I

n addition to an increased likelihood of achieving academic success, children that participate in gamebased educational training also have a significantly lower risk of developing future cardiovascular disease, according to University of North Carolina researchers in a paper published this year in Science magazine.

Launched in the 1970s, the Carolina Abecedarian Project studied more than 100 children beginning when they were just over 4 years old. Fiftyseven focused on language skills while also receiving nutritional and health services. A control group received the same nutritional and health services, but not the early language education.

Early education turned out to be an indicator for significantly healthier individuals when they had reached the age of 30, with a lower average systolic blood pressure than those in the control group and no symptoms of metabolic syndrome—a condition related to diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Twenty-five percent of the control group had metabolic syndrome symptoms at age 30. eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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healthbriefs

Are You Looking For A Doctor Who Will Address More Than Just Your Symptoms?

• Pediatrics • ADD/ADHD • Diabetes • Food Sensitivities • Eczema

• Asthma • Allergies • Insomnia • Abnormal Paps • Thyroid Disorders

• Women’s Health • Fertility • Hormonal Imbalance • Anxiety and Depression • Weight Loss

Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy, low-level laser therapy, and detoxification programs.

Shalva Clinic, LLC

Dr. Ellen Lewis Naturopathic Physician

The Center for Natural Medicine 260 Riverside Avenue Westport, CT 06880 p 203.916.4600 f 203.916.4601 www.ShalvaClinic.org Info@ShalvaClinic.org

Struggling to Find Happiness in Your Marriage?

If you are feeling hopeless, there are things you can do right now to restore love and connection.

This is not couples counseling.

You’ll learn immediate solutions to the biggest challenges in your relationship.

You can eliminate your relationship stress and restore the love and connection.

Call 860-633-8555 Today to Get Help and receive a complimentary book, The 90-Minute Marriage Miracle

Jeff Forte CSIC CME and author of The 90-Minute Marriage Miracle 2389 Main St • Glastonbury, CT Jeff@PeakResultsCoaching.com

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Yoga Boosts Hearts, Shrinks Waistlines

T

wo scientific reviews of human clinical research have found that hatha yoga significantly reduces heart disease risk factors.

Researchers from Germany’s University of DuisburgEssen reviewed 44 studies involving more than 3,000 people. Overall, the studies found that hatha yoga significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Yoga participants also showed lower respiratory and heartbeat rates, significantly reduced triglycerides and lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol. Several important diabetes risk markers decreased among the yoga participants; they also realized smaller waistlines.

Similar results were reached by scientists from the United Kingdom’s Warwick Medical School. In analyzing 11 studies involving 800 people, they found that regular yoga exercise both reduced diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides and increased beneficial HDL cholesterol levels.

Vitamin D3 Cuts Antibiotic Use by Elderly

R

esearch from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, in Australia, has found supplemental vitamin D3 reduces the incidence of infection among seniors. More than 600 subjects, ages 60 to 84, were divided into three groups and for one year took either 1,000 international units (IU) a day of vitamin D3, 2,000 IU a day of vitamin D3, or a placebo.

Those given the 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day were 28 percent less likely to require antibiotics prescriptions than those taking the placebo. Those older than 70 years were 47 percent less likely to be prescribed antibiotics than the placebo group.

Backpack Safety

Kamini Desai, Ph.D.

“As the twig bends, so grows the tree”

Using Love as a Spiritual Practice

by Risa Sloves

“Empowering for women of all ages”

“S

top slouching, put your shoulders back, stand up straight and pay attention!” Does this sound familiar? Many of us spent years listening to such badgering. Mother was right though. Posture does indeed matter.

Leading physicians and researchers have reported that posture affects and moderates every physiologic function, from breathing to hormonal production. To fully appreciate the profound effects posture has on the entire body, we must consider the body’s master control system: the brain and nervous system. They control and coordinate all other systems, organs and tissues of the body. Alf Breig, M.D., neurosurgeon and researcher, determined that abnormal postural patterns interfere with the natural healing ability of the central nervous system. Similar findings have been reported in the medical journals Spine and the Journal of Neurosurgery.

Billions of dollars in workers compensation are lost every year due to back, neck and repetitive stress injuries. Most of those are because of bad habits learned in childhood, habits that could be prevented by education at an early age. Spinal damage that children sustain from lifting backpacks is much like repetitive stress industrial injuries in adults. Educating children now could eliminate much pain and grief later in life. It has been estimated that before they graduate high school children will lift more than 22,000 pounds or eleven tons of backpack weight. That is enough to cause stress and injury, especially to a growing spinal column.

To safely use a backpack, the child must first be fitted properly. An ill-fitting pack can cause back pain, muscle strain or nerve impingement. First, make sure your child has a backpack that is correct for their age and size. Both shoulder straps should be used and they should be padded to avoid pressure on the nerves around the armpits and worn snugly but never too tight. Never sling a pack over just one shoulder as this distributes weight unevenly and could contribute to long term problems such as scoliosis, neck, shoulder, back or other problems. Choose a pack that has a waist strap to stabilize the load.

Repetitive lifting, even of light weights, can cause damage. Children must lift their packs properly as well. First, bend at the knees and, using both hands, check the weight of the backpack to assure that it is not excessive. Next, the child should lift the pack with the legs (not the back) and then slip into the shoulder straps one at a time. The pack should be worn over the mid and upper back rather than slung low over the lower back and buttocks.

A loaded backpack should never exceed 15 percent of the child’s body weight. For instance, an 80-pound child should not carry more than 12 pounds on his back. If the backpack forces the child into a forward-bending posture, it is overloaded. Necessary items should be packed carefully to distribute weight evenly otherwise the body will shift into unnatural postures to compensate. These postural abnormalities should not be overlooked as they are often the first sign of spinal misalignments and other neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as scoliosis.

The earlier these conditions are detected and corrected, the less likely there will be long term health consequences.

Rajarshee Choudhury of Bikram Yoga Life Lessons Love Lessons $16.95

www.amritkala.com 352.685.2855

Rejuvenation and Healing

Over 25 years providing expert naturopathic solutions for: • Immune strength • Gastrointestinal health • Detoxification • Healthy weight • Increased vitality • Hormonal support • Mental clarity, neurotransmitter and mood balance

Dr. Risa Sloves is one of 12 board-certified pediatric chiropractors in Connecticut.

She practices with her husband, Dr. Mark Joachim, at Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, P.C. in Norwalk. To obtain further information on backpack safety or have your child screened with their backpack, call 203-8381555 or email RsmjChiro@sbcglobal.net. See ad, page 30. eNaturalAwakenings.com

Debra Gibson, N.D. 100 Danbury Road Suite 102 Ridgefield CT

203.431.4443

debragibsonnd.com

September 2014

17

photo by Carissa Rogers

therapyspotlight

Vision Shapes Perception and Possibilities

by Randy Schulman and Narvan Bakhtiari

W

e find the topic of transformation fascinating, particularly in regards to vision. Vision transforms light energy into information we can interpret and use to understand our surroundings. We often take our eyes for granted and think our vision is the same as everyone else’s.

That is not the case. Each of us has a unique perspective; perception is based on our eyes, our brain and our previous experiences. Factors such as early development, beliefs we are taught, nutrition, exercise and environment all play a role in how we view the world and how we function in the world. What is remarkable about our vision is that it not

only shapes how we see our world, but is absolutely capable of changing, improving and expanding our possibilities. We will touch upon the impact of vision development and visual experiences, and how these factors shape how we see and who we are.

Vision develops over time. At 3 months of age, we are able to see some depth and color and can focus our eyes to get things clear. Around 2 to 3 years of age, we start to coordinate our eyes and use them to seek out and explore our environment. We continue to develop eye-hand and eye-body coordination in our early years. It is not until we are nearly 8 years old that we can track smoothly, a necessary skill for reading a book or tracking a ball in sports. Our perceptions of space – how far or big something is, and differentiating different shapes and symbols – and understanding right and left continue to develop between 5 and 12 years of age.

Vision is so critical to learning and life that if it is not working properly, it will impact academics, driving, sports or certain hobbies. In fact, 80 percent of all sensory information coming into the brain stems from our visual system. It makes sense that a properly working visual system will maximize our potential.

One can imagine the impact on a child who has not developed good tracking or focusing skills, or visual perceptual skills such as visual memory, right and left awareness or eye hand coordination. These children struggle with reading, are poor spellers, and have difficulty with math. They may also be uncoordinated and struggle with sports. Children who have had early delays in development, poor nutrition and limited outdoor play are more prone to difficulties with basic visual skills, particularly those who spend much time on a screen rather than interacting with their environment.

As a result, these children may not succeed in school, work below their potential, and may have poor self-esteem. If unaddressed in childhood, such visual problems persist into adulthood.

How do we know if our visual system is working properly? Only vision care providers testing the functional visual system can determine whether or not you or your child’s visual demands match your skill development. A behavioral or integrated optometrist is able to assess eye teaming, focusing flexibility, eye movements, perception and eye-hand and eye-body coordination. These skills are not checked in

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SPIRITUAL SUNDAY SERVICES AT 10 AM followed by FELLOWSHIP at 11 AM (Visit our website for a detailed description of our Sunday services and for classes & events at the center)

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Fairfield County Edition

Honoring your spirit, your way

natural awakenings

458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe, CT 203-268-1ARC (1272) arcsacredcenter.org arcsacredcenter@gmail.com

typical eye examinations. If any of these visual skills are lacking, behavioral optometrists are able assist you in developing and improving your vision using lenses, prisms, colored lights and vision training. Such a program may include using special glasses temporarily or only for certain visual tasks.

Training for the eyes may be done in the office on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis, or done at home with periodic progress evaluations. Vision training is a highly effective way to improve skills, reduce the need for glasses, improve efficiency at work and enhance sports performance.

For more information on Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD, and Narvan Bakhtiari, visit CTEyecareAssociates.com. Eyecare Associates has office locations in Trumbull, Norwalk and Southport. See ad, page 22.

Checklist indicating possible vision problems: • Struggling in school or at work • Working below potential • Poor organizational skills • Easily frustrated • Fatigues easily with reading, writing or school work • Difficulties reading • Loss of place, re-reading and skipping lines when reading • Poor reading comprehension • Frequent reversals when reading or writing • Difficulty copying from board or from spreadsheets • Finds it hard to complete work • Behavior concerns • Problems with social interactions, self control and hyperactivity • Distractibility, poor concentration • Poor handwriting • Has difficulty sitting • Clumsiness • Sensitivity to noise • Has frequent temper, tantrums, outbursts • Difficulty communicating • Difficulty following directions

Visual skills needed for life: • See Clearly • Move the eyes and look at a target • Get and keep things clear • Point the eyes on targets close and far • Use the eyes as a team • Make sense of what is seen • Coordinate the eyes with the hand and body • Use vision to communicate

Vision Training: • Guided activities done in a safe, comfortable environment • Activities are designed to develop specific visual skills • Training allows for more experiences for learning • Training includes activities which integrate vision with auditory and visual motor skill development

Feldenkrais® Workshop

EYES • ORIENTATION • BALANCE Presented by Carol Lessinger & Anna Johnson-Chase

Saturday, Sept. 13 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday, Sept. 14 10:00am to 2:00pm In lovely Kent, CT

Location available upon registration

Saturday & Sunday $175 Saturday only $135

Discount for early registration before Aug. 15

To register call Melene 203-403-3338 or RT4res@gmail.com For more information go to: www.carollessinger.com, www.cfrhealing.com, www.feldenkrais.com

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Prescription4 Wellness

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Call 203-521-4733 today!

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September 2014

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

eventspotlight

Stamford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2014

T

he Stamford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2014 will return to Chelsea Piers Connecticut, 1 Blachley Road in Stamford, on September 20 and September 21 from 9am to 4pm. Now in its third year, Expo 2014 will feature health screenings and children’s activities provided by Stamford Hospital and more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in health and wellness.

This year, Saturday will be designated Pet Wellness Day and Sunday as Healthy Technology Day. Everyone attend-

ing this free expo has a chance to win raffle prizes and is encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.

Stamford Hospital will provide complimentary health screenings such as cholesterol and glucose, cardiac and stroke risk assessments, blood pressure, body fat analysis, and pulmonary function and hand hygiene tests. There will also be information on a variety of medical conditions and treatments, as well as representatives from Paint the Town Pink to promote breast cancer awareness. The hospital’s Mobile Wellness Center, parked outside, will offer mammograms, which are covered by most insurance companies, and free of charge for the uninsured.

Special guests will include Bobby Valentine, former professional baseball player and manager and current athletic director at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Visitors can putt with Valentine at a putting green provided by Golfsmith. Proceeds will go to the Sacred Heart University athletic program. Additional guests will include Sean Hyson, author of 101 Best Workouts of All Times and training director of Men’s Fitness Magazine, Gillian Neff, News 12 Connecticut anchor and health reporter, and Cora Ragaini, RDN, Grade A ShopRite.

Grade A ShopRite will demonstrate how to make healthy smoothies and Walgreens will provide flu shots and will accept most insurance. CT Flyboard will showcase the latest in extreme water sports while Next Step Living will offer advice on home energy efficiency. EBMAS CT Kung Fu will demonstrate martial arts and Shaklee Independent

eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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Expanding Possibility Through Vision There’s More To Healthy Vision Than 20/20 Eyesight Eyes Are Important Indicators Of Overall Health • Comprehensive eye exams for all ages • Solutions for dry eyes, computer use,

• LASIK and Refractive Surgery co-management • High quality eyeglasses and specialty

• Exceptional treatment for eye diseases

• Iridology

and sports

contact lenses

Eyecare Associates, ��

6515 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 203-374-2020

www.cteyecareassociates.com 2600 Post Road Southport, CT 06890 203-255-4005

139 Main Street Norwalk, CT 06851 203-840-1991

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Distributor Debbie Miron will feature a wealth of health and nutritional products. There will be many more interactive and engaging exhibits.

“Visitors can learn about many health issues and take advantage of important screenings,” said Vicki Hoffman, director of the Stamford Hospital Orthopedic & Spine Institute. “We hope that families will come away from the expo with a new sense of commitment to a healthy lifestyle.”

A 5 K Run and 1 Mile Walk for Health & Hunger, presented by Athletic Shoe Factory of New Canaan and Fairfield, will kick off Expo 2014 on Saturday, starting and finishing at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. The 5 K Run, a USATF-certified course through Stamford and Cove Beach, will begin at 8:15am and the 1 Mile Walk, including a 1 Mile Dog Walk for families and children, will start at 8:30am. The entry fee is $80 for 2 adults and up to 3 children under age 12, plus 4 nonperishable food items. The food and $5 from each entry fee will be donated to The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. During the 1 Mile Dog Walk, sponsored by The Veterinary Cancer Center of Norwalk, dogs must be kept on leashes and up-to-date on vaccines. The first 500 registered participants will receive a dri-fit shirt, race bib and goody bag. After the Run and Walk, Wagmore will provide a free doggy day care until 1pm so participants can attend the expo.

Those who bring food to Expo 2014 will receive a raffle ticket valued at $5. Prizes will be awarded all weekend. A special $10 raffle ticket will be on sale for the grand prize, a stay for two at the luxury Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the raffle and a silent auction will go to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.

The event is produced by TMK Sports & Entertainment, based in Greenwich.

growso.com

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

For more information, call 203-5313047, visit HWS-Expos.com and follow on Twitter @HWS_Expos and Facebook.com/HWS.Expos. See ads, pages 20 and 21.

At fine retailers everywhere. For more info or to find a retailer, visit

xlear.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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eventspotlight

Live Green Connecticut!

5TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL FEATURING Natural Awakenings’ Live Green Connecticut Center for Total Life Care

L Daphne Dixon and Scot Weicker

ive Green Connecticut!, a funfilled, educational family destination and the largest event of its kind in the state, is back. The 5th annual Live Green Connecticut! festival will be held September 13 from 10am to 4pm and, September 14 from 11am to 4pm at Taylor Farm Park in Norwalk. Admission is free.

Daphne Dixon and Scot Weicker, co-founders of Live Green Connecticut!, say this year’s event will feature eco-friendly transportation with more than 20 cars on display including Tesla,

Lexus, Nissan, Toyota, and Frito-Lay’s natural gas-powered truck.

An exciting addition this year is the Gustave White replica plane. On March 8, 2013, the world’s foremost authority on aviation history, “Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft”, formally recognized Gustave Whitehead’s claim as “First in Flight.” The replica is 36 feet by 36 feet and will be on display in the front of the festival.

Also new is the Natural Awakenings’ Live Green Connecticut! Center for Total Life Care. Sponsored by Natural Awakenings Fairfield County and the Total Life Care (TLC) Center in Norwalk, this featured tent is part of the Live Healthy CT! area and will include diverse holistic heath practitioners providing health and wellness information, mini-sessions and resources.

“We are very excited that we have so many activities this year, as well as emerging green technology exhibits.

The festival continues to grow and grow. This year is no exception – it will be bigger, better and greener than previous years ,” state Weicker and Dixon.

For fitness lovers, there will be a

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Zumba demonstration and electric bikes – test drives will be available.

The Cool Kids’ Zone returns as a major feature. The area will feature pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, interactive environmental exhibits, the Maritime Aquarium Touch Tank and arts and crafts.

AAFamily-Friendly Festival!

Family-Friendly Food Food & Music Music Festival!

Saturday,September September 13th 13th / 10am –– 4pm Saturday, 4pm Sunday,September September 14th 14th // 11am 11am –– 4pm Sunday, 4pm TaylorFarm FarmPark, Park,45 45Calf CalfPasture Pasture Beach Beach Road, Road, Norwalk, Taylor Norwalk,CT CT06855 06855

DELICIOUS FOOD • LIVE MUSIC • ARTS & CRAFTS • PONY RIDES! Features: Gustave Whitehead Replica Plane - Natural Awakenings presents the LGCT! Center for Total Life Care - Town Green Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners

With the support of Sustainable America, Live Green Connecticut! will compost all food waste and once again be a zero-food waste event.

Live Green Connecticut! provides environmental education in a familyfriendly, fun atmosphere to people throughout Connecticut. It features non profit organizations, small businesses, grassroots efforts, government agencies, green businesses and corporations, local and organic food, renewable energy, green technology, organic gardening, environmentalism, ecotransportation, children’s activities and live music. Individuals and families will come away with money saving tips and new ideas. Live Green Connecticut! is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Admission is free. Parking costs $5 per car. For more information visit, LiveGreenCT.com or contact Daphne Dixon at 203-536-4695 or Daphne Dixon@mac.com. See ad, page 25.

• Xerox

• CT Kids & Family

• FAME

• The Hour

• 95.9 THE FOX

• Natural Nutmeg

• Conscious Decisions

• The Patch

• News 12 Connecticut

• Norwalk Chamber of Commerce • Aberdeen Associates, Inc.

• E/Environmental Magazine

• Frito-Lay

• Moffly Media

• Sustainable America

• SBWEventsGroup

• CT Environmental Headlines

• Natural Awakenings, Fairfield County

FREE ADMISSION! COOL KIDS’ ZONE

LIVE MUSIC

• Sarah Chesler • Matt Dyer • Al Smith Sponsored by Bright Horizons • The Gatsby’s Green Light Band • Pony Rides • Scot Albertson • Sarah McGowan • Petting Zoo • Arthur Lipner/Wilton Steel Community Band • Face’s by Wells - Face Painting • Blind Fire • SoundWaters & Creatures from the Sea! FEATURES & • Marine Ecology DEMONSTRATIONS • Nature Center Exhibits • Portable Sawmill Demonstrations • Arts & Crafts • Free Goody Bags to the First 200 Adult • Henna & Tattoo Art • Attendees Each Day • Magic • Speak with our Local/State/National • Connecticut Kids & Family Elected Officials!

• PAWS • Governor Malloy proclaims Live Green • Homespun Merry-Go-Round Connecticut! Weekend! • Yoga and Zumba Demos • KidsOutAndAbout.com • New Featured Area: • Healthy Cooking Demos • Fun Games provided by Sierra Club Health & Wellness • Animal Tricks • Authors and Storytelling • De-stress & Unclutter Your Life • Maritime Aquarium Touch Tank HOME IMPROVEMENT • Interactive display by Audubon Greenwich Sponsored by PurePoint Energy

DELICIOUS FOOD

• LobsterCraft • Skinny Pines Pizza • The Stand Juice Company • Island Cow Organic Ice Cream • Melt Mobile • Maddy's Food Truck

ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION

Sponsored by Frito-Lay • Nissan LEAF • Electric Car Club Display • Stamford Ford • Trio of Tesla's including Model S and Tesla Roadster • Eco-friendly cars from Toyota of Stamford • Stamford Ford EV Display

PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored by Natural Awakenings and

the Total Life Care Center

̈́ͷ Ȃ ͳͲͲΨ Ǧ Ƥ Ǩ

www.livegreenct.com

www.livegreenct.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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

Radioactive Sea

Apple Corps

Scientists analyzing kelp off the coast of San Diego have linked the presence of the radioactive isotope cesium to the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, in Japan, which melted down in 2011. As part of the ongoing Kelp Watch 2014 project, government and academic institutions have begun receiving results from samples of bull kelp and giant kelp collected along the California coast.

“We’re trying to figure out how much is there and how much is getting into the ecosystem,” says Matthew Edwards, Ph.D., of San Diego State University.

“Things are linked a little more closely than sometimes we’d like to think. Just because it’s on the other side of the world doesn’t mean that it doesn’t affect us.”

With experts predicting a 40-year-plus cleanup at Fukushima, the likelihood of increased cesium in the Pacific Ocean seems inevitable.

The Green Apple Day of Service, to take place on September 27 nationwide, will give parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations ways to transform schools into more healthy, safe and productive learning environments via local service projects. Green Apple is a global movement dedicated to enabling schools to provide clean and healthy air, conserve energy and other resources and serve as places where young people can reap inspired dreams of a brighter future.

Japan’s Nuclear Meltdown is Poisoning California Kelp

Green Apple Day Aims to Transform Schools

Source: MyGreenApple.org

For more information, visit KelpWatch.Berkeley.edu.

DID YOU REALIZE THAT

TOXINS Toxins drive neurological, metabolic (including weight gain), immune and cardiovascular illnesses – and any disease ending in “itis”. We have the knowledge and technology to help your body heal itself. For 25+ years, our patients have enjoyed remarkable success with naturopathic treatments which cleanse, detox, nourish, repair and balance. Call us to schedule an appointment:

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

ARE OFTEN THE ROOT CAUSE OF

INFLAMMATION?

D r M a r v i n S c h w e i t z e r. c o m 2 0 3 . 8 4 7. 2 7 8 8

1 We s t p o r t A v e n u e Norwalk, CT 06851

Cleaner Air

New EPA Rules Proposed for Climate Change The White House plans to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030. Each state will have its own goal within the overall national pollution reduction effort, an attempt to be politically and practically flexible in its implementation. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy explains, “Each state’s goal is tailored to its own circumstances, and states have the flexibility to reach the goal in whatever ways work best for them.”

States can renovate existing coal-fired plants with newer, cleaner burning technology; switch coal plants to natural gas, which produces much less carbon; and work to persuade residents to be more efficient in their use of electricity. States can also band together in cap-and-trade networks for emission reductions, in which companies buy and sell permits allowing them to produce a certain amount of carbon emissions. Clean producers can be sellers, dirtier producers buyers.

The program represents an absolute reduction in U.S. carbon emissions of nearly one-third, rather than a simple slowing in the growth rate of emissions. Contrary industry groups, many Republicans and some coal-state Democrats oppose the proposal due to its anticipated costs and increased regulations.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Personal transformation can and does have global effects.

As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us.

The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one. ~ Marianne Williamson

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September 2014

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globalbriefs ecotip Cell Bill

Safer Shampoo

Overcharging Mobile Devices Wastes Money

Makers Agree Not to Use Cancer-Causing Chemical This year, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) reached legal agreements with 26 major companies to discontinue using a cancer-causing chemical in shampoo and personal care products, and potential agreements with more than 100 additional companies are still pending. Cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), a synthetic chemical created from a chemical reaction between coconut oils and diethanolamine, has been used for decades in shampoos and other products as a foaming agent.

In 2012, California listed the chemical as a known carcinogen, based on assessment by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, which evaluated skin exposure tests on animals. In 2013, the CEH brought lawsuits against companies selling products in California containing the substance without a health warning, as required under Prop 65, the state’s consumer protection law for toxic chemicals.

Note: A Think Dirty app offers information about the potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products and what not to buy.

Source: Ecowatch.com (Tinyurl.com/ Shampoo-Lawsuit)

Smartphone maker Nokia estimates most devices need only about two hours to fully charge, making overnight charging highly wasteful; users also should disengage and unplug chargers from the wall when they’re done.

Another helpful tip from BatteryUniversity.com is not to wait until cell phone power is nearly or completely depleted before recharging, because full discharges put a strain on the battery that can shorten its lifespan.

Umbra Fisk, an environmental columnist at Grist. org, advises using a power strip and even a timer as parts of a central charging area for all mobile devices to facilitate monitoring and reduce overcharging. Energy Star-qualified (EnergyStar.gov) cordless phones demand about half the energy of standard units.

Energy Star reports that the average U.S. household spends $100 annually to power devices while they are off, constituting nearly 10 percent of annual electric utility bills and amounting to an annual total of 100 billion-plus kilowatt hours of U.S. electricity consumption and more than $10 billion in annual energy costs.

actionalert Planetary Push

Public Demands Climate Change Solutions People throughout the U.S. and worldwide, representing hundreds of grassroots and non-government organizations, will converge on New York City for the Peoples Climate March on September 21.

As United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calls for heads of state to mobilize at an historic U.N. Summit on Climate Change that weekend, the people will demand action via the largest-ever climate change citizens’ demonstration. Concerned groups and individuals expect to exchange ideas, articulate common challenges and address solutions.

Learn more and sign up at PeoplesClimateMarch.org. Find a partial list of participating organizations at Tinyurl.com/GroupsMarching.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

by Judith Barr

P

arenting is sacred work, calling us to hold in our hearts and hands the precious life, well-being, nourishment and development of a tiny baby. It calls us to really see who that baby is, to attune to our baby, and take seriously all the signals baby sends us. It calls us to do whatever is necessary to become the best parent possible, giving our child what s/he needs in the journey to self at each age.

What if we dona’t think of parenting as sacred work?

What if we think of our child as our possession and are driven by agendas we don’t even realize? What if we don’t know how to parent as sacred work or think we know but really don’t?

Parenting is a tall order and isn’t just a job. It’s sacred work. How do we discover this sacred work when there are no “parenting schools”? How do we learn when there are only parenting fads, like PET and RIE, and parenting gurus, like Dr. John B. Watson and Dr. Phil? Trends or crazes supposedly teach us how, but each is teaching what’s normalized in society at that time or what somebody wants to sell to a hungry population – parents. The charismatic gurus who influence parents may produce behavioral goals, but often in harmful ways, leaving a painful, perhaps hidden, aftermath

for the child. No technique or fad can truly help us be good parents or parent the way children need. No guru is going to teach us how to be parents from the inside out – the way our souls are truly calling us to parent.

We learn the deepest truth about being wonderful parents for our children from doing our own inner healing work – healing our childhood wounds. Beneath our awareness, our unhealed wounds interfere with our natural healthy instincts for parenting and our attuning to our unique child.

Think about it. Feel into it. A child may not being doing something wrong or being difficult but the mother may be triggered by her child, as we all are at times. His actions or words may evoke an experience, memory or feelings from the mother’s past, even without her realizing it. She needs to find a way to tease her childhood experience away from the current experience in order to give him what he needs. At the very least, she’ll need to identify what’s happening – that past and present are colliding.

Let’s say Sam asks his three-year-old daughter, Julie, to get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, and climb into bed. Julie screams, “No, no, no!” Sam finds himself triggered, wanting to scream “Stop it!” at Julie. But what’s being triggered is Sam’s own childhood experience of asking his mother for a drink of water before bed, and her screaming, “No! No! No!” until Sam wanted to scream at her, “Stop it!”.

Sam is not even seeing or hearing his daughter. He’s back in his own childhood with his mother. So this isn’t the time to start screaming at Julie. It’s a time to breathe, count to ten, put his hand on his heart, realize he’s triggered, and commit to find out later how to dissolve that trigger.

What’s most important is that Sam doesn’t act on the trigger with Julie now. He needs to find some way to make sure Julie’s safe, to make sure he’s truly kind and loving with her as he puts her to bed. Then he can do his own thinking and feeling work with the emotions that were triggered. He can discern if he needs a therapist’s help to work on ways he’s triggered by his child or children or to work with directly on his experiences in childhood that are impacting his children and calling to be healed.

This is fulfilling the sacred task of parenting.

Sometimes we as parents can identify the trigger and what our child did that we were evoked by. Sometimes we can identify the trigger opened in us particular experiences from our childhood. Often we need a good therapist to help us dissolve the trigger and heal it to the root. Even if we are trained therapists ourselves, we all have blind spots we need help with.

There’s no failure in needing that help, in revealing we need help or what’s been triggered. Both parent and child need and deserve that help. Both parent and child are worth it. Both parent and child are sacred. Parenting is sacred work.

In private practice as a depth psychotherapist in Brookfield, Judith Barr has been working with individuals, couples, groups and healing professionals for over 30 years. Her next workshop for parents will be October 11 in Brookfield. For more information or to register, call 203-775-5006 or email JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com. See ad, page 14.

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September 2014

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Learning that Transforms Hearts and Minds Rethinking How We See Our World Changes Everything

by Linda Sechrist

I

n the 30 years since Harrison Owen introduced Open Space Technology (OST), it has been used hundreds of thousands of times by three-quarters of the world’s countries. Whether a few people gather in a circle to share ideas and brainstorm personal issues or thousands discuss a bulletin board of topics around tables, OST is a safe, informal venue for transformative learning.

Guided by purpose-based, shared leadership, it allows individuals focused on a specific task to freely speak their thoughts and be heard. It also encourages breakout groups to mine for more information—learning individually, as well as collectively, and self-organizing in order to concentrate on more complex topics. “Boeing engineers used OST to learn how to redesign airplane doors and young Egyptians used it to strategize for their Arab Spring,” as examples, comments Owen.

Circle Principle

For Owen, like Jack Mezirow, author of the paper, “Core Principles of Transformative Learning Theory,” 20th-century Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and 32

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Juanita Brown, co-founder of The World Café, learning is transformation, the keystone of life, and the essence of meaningful education. “The circle principle contains the predictability of fresh, emerging thoughts and learning that never occurred previously,” explains Owen.

He points to an experiment regarding children’s capacity for self-learning initiated by Sugata Mitra, Ph.D., the former science director of an educational technology firm in India. On the outside wall of the building where he worked, Mitra installed a computer facing a New Delhi slum where most children were unschooled and illiterate and had never seen a computer. He turned it on and told children they could play with it.

Via a noninvasive video camera, he watched 7-to-13-year-olds discover how to use the computer and teach each other how to play music and games and draw using Microsoft’s Paint program.

Repetition of the experiment in other impoverished sections of India yielded similar results. Wherever he established an Internet connection, children that could not read English, the Internet’s default language, taught themselves

natural awakenings

how to use the Web to obtain information through their interactions with each other and the computer.

“I agree with what Mitra surmised from his experiment—learning is emergent, which is another word for self-organizing,” remarks Owen. Like Freire, Owen likens traditional education to the “banking” method of learning, whereby the teacher passes information to students that become dependent on someone else rather than learning how to think on their own.

Suzanne Daigle, a Sarasota, Florida-based consultant with a Canadian multidisciplinary consulting firm, explains how the OST learning environment changed her life: “My personal transformation began in 2009, when I volunteered to assist another OST facilitator. I was a perfectionist who judged myself harshly and struggled with the question, ‘Who am I to think I can help hold space for leaders to transform themselves through their learning when I have so little experience?’”

She notes, “Before such experiences, even though I was a leader in my corporate career, I doubted myself and often believed that what others had to say was more significant and interesting than what I could express.” Now she says she has shed her people-pleasing tendencies and former attempts to control other people’s agendas and discovered the freedom and courage of her own voice. “As an OST facilitator, my life work now occurs in the moments I am collaboratively learning and listening for opportunities to enter into meaningful conversations that can lead to actions,” says Daigle. “I invite others to do the same.”

Co-Learning

In a compulsory two-year Theory of Learning class for an International Baccalaureate degree at California’s Granadas Hill Charter High School, math and science educator Anais Arteaga helps students apply two major elements of transformative learning: self-reflection to critique one’s own assumptions and discourse through which they question or validate their judgments. She focuses on the roles that perception, language, reason and emotion play in a student’s learning and decision-making abilities.

“Questions and lively discussions are the basis of the class,” Arteaga says.

“We begin with a question and explore what we know, how we know it and any conclusions drawn from the process.”

Using a democratic model in which the teacher welcomes critical discussion, Arteaga and her students have mutually discovered that knowledge is not static, but has a history and changes over time. “When we first started the class, it was challenging to accept that in many situations there is no right or wrong, just relativity and a matter of perception. We don’t really know anything for certain,” she remarks.

Worldview Explorations

Katia Petersen, Ph.D., is the executive director of education at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), headquartered in Petaluma, California.

She co-developed the tools, practices and 22 lessons in the pioneering organization’s Worldview Explorations (WE) project. Founded on 40 years of IONS research, WE engages everyone in age-appropriate ways in reflecting upon long-held assumptions and how beliefs create the lens they see through, ultimately improving how they understand and respond to the world.

“When individuals understand the power of offering their story and are open to the worldview stories of others, they no longer focus attention on differences and limitations,” says Petersen.

“They realize that everyone has their own truth.”

Through small groups and conversations, participants unpack how the program has influenced them by answering questions that explore what inspired, surprised and changed the way they perceive the world. “WE’s transformative learning experiences draw from the heart and soul of individuals, rather than stuffing heads with ideas and perspectives, which serves them well as they embody and apply these tools and practices in their daily lives,” notes Petersen.

She cites a particularly powerful moment for a group of young people she worked with. “A student was killed in a drive-by shooting two weeks before their certification. The transformative moment came when they said

that their new awareness and capacity for compassion and understanding would not allow them to seek revenge.

Instead, they chose to save lives in their communities using their new skills.”

Mycelium School

Ashley Cooper and Matt Abrams, cofounders of the Mycelium School, in Asheville, North Carolina, re-imagined a learning environment for aspiring entrepreneurs and social change agents committed to activating their potential and realizing solutions to today’s challenges. A 12-week learning journey allows individuals to become increasingly adept at learning from and helping each other learn.

The curriculum offers minimum structure, significant support and collaboration with others. “In the learning community, individuals are dedicated to a project or life question of their choice,” explains Cooper. Participants’ goals include changing careers, determining the next steps after retirement or how to pursue true passions to make a difference in the world.

Cheri Torres, Ph.D., founder of the Asheville-based Innovation Partners International SE, was one of the earliest participants in the Mycelium Learning experience. She says that she obtained an expanded understanding of the approach that she uses in her work. “The whole systems approach I use with organizational and community leaders enables them to shift from a top-down management model to one that engages everyone and uses the collective intelligence and collaborative efforts of all for the collective good. My own learning journey transformed the level of awareness I bring to my work and the understanding of who I am,” advises Torres.

“My original guiding question was, ‘How can I get so clear about my work that I can explain it in plain language?’

Ultimately, my question shifted to what would it be like for me to live and work from a place of wholeness. Through conversations with Ashley and self-reflection, I realized I was not walking my talk within my own mind-body-spirit system. My journey helped me understand that my most effective role in my own life, as well as with clients, is to create the conditions for collective in-

telligence and collaboration to emerge in service to the whole,” says Torres.

World Café

Like OST, the World Café, co-created

by Brown and David Isaacs, of Burnsville, North Carolina, creates a transformative learning environment for individuals of all ages. Its primary principles are: set the context, create hospitable space, explore questions that matter, encourage everyone’s contributions, connect diverse perspectives, listen together for patterns and insights and share collective discoveries. Webs of conversation created around actual or occasionally virtual tables resemble those found in coffeehouses.

“Conversation is a core meaningmaking process, and people get to experience how the collective intelligence of a small or large group can become apparent,” says Brown. After several rounds of conversation on one or more topics, participants offer their harvest of key insights, learning and opportunities for action with the full group gathered to reflect together on their discoveries.

“World Café provides an environment in which you are comfortably drawn forward by the questions you are asking together. When enough diversity is present, varied perspectives are offered and people feel listened to and free to make their contribution,” observes Brown.

What participants learn in this setting creates the climate of conditions that support the kinds of transformations that can changes lives. Brown remarks, “When it happens to me, I feel like my brain cells have been rearranged. I know something in the collective, as well as the individual, has been evoked, so that something never before imagined becomes present and available.”

Transformative learning has been compared to a sea journey without landmarks. Adventurous individuals that are open to traversing its highly engaging processes can emerge as autonomous thinkers, capable of contributing fresh, new ideas that just might transform the world we live in.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAbout We.com for the recorded interviews.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Fostering Personal & Cultural Transformation

by James D. Trifone

C

haos scientists use the term “attractor” to describe the general tendencies a system tends to display, and even return to, when perturbed by small fluctuations. In other words, systems seem to tend toward returning to balance and stability. Similarly, the collective members of a society have consensual beliefs, memes, laws and paradigms they adhere to in maintaining the stability and functioning of that society. Thus, when a few individuals challenge the collective beliefs, their actions are minimized or diffused according to the collective’s values, thereby maintaining the status quo.

While the very construct of an attractor successfully explains how a system’s behavior tends to remain the same and even resist change over time, it also suggests a mechanism for explaining how a system may change itself. In his book, The Great Turning, David Korten further develops Riane Eisler and Joanna Macy’s notion of the growing global shift currently underway from an empire or “dominator” to an earth community or “partnership” consciousness. Ervin Laszlo chooses the term “macroshift” to describe this transformation in consciousness we are now experiencing with respect to viewing ourselves in relation to nature.

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This is nothing short of a paradigmatic change. In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell suggests that shifts of this nature are dependent upon unique change agents who, in the guise of connectors, mavens and salesmen, bring about a “tipping point” for social, political, economic or spiritual change.

It is here we find a practical and ethical description of “change agent.”

Any effective action begins as an internal shift in perspective that can only occur when we release ourselves from the constraints on our thinking imposed by our egoic mind. The Dalai Lama says there are two things that can truly change the world: love and compassion. When we are willing to suspend our beliefs and assumptions, which are products of our egoic mind, and reflect on the intelligence of the heart, we can open ourselves up to a new field potential of love and compassion that is necessary to effect real change.

The Graduate Institute (TGI), located in Bethany, offers dynamic degree programs which foster personal and cultural transformation. The programs, arising from emerging fields of inquiry, portend a rapidly changing global culture. TGI programs aim to create a community of change agents by diligently supporting shifting values,

natural awakenings

transforming attitudes, changing perspectives and constructive behaviors. It is an enterprise of the spirit that creates intellectual, academic and spiritual frameworks necessary for individuals who would trek on the path of shifting cultural values.

TGI’s series of graduate degree and certificate programs are dedicated to forming authentic learning communities. It is an enterprise of the spirit that creates intellectual, academic and spiritual frameworks necessary for those seeking the path of shifting cultural values. These programs aim to develop a community of change agents by diligently supporting the evolution of values and consciousness, transforming attitudes, changing perspectives, as well as fostering constructive behaviors.

TGI students will spend a great deal of time reading, reflecting and dialoguing on the problematic nature of the modern Western mindset that advocates “doing” over “being,” let alone “becoming.” In The Biology of Transcendence, Joseph Chilton Pearce contends that the planetary crisis we now face is not just the result of feeling isolated from others, but rather from passively aligning with the group mindset at the expense of following the wisdom of our heart. It is Pearce’s belief that the group mind, in and of itself, is insufficient to give rise to community.

Rather community can only arise when individuals are bonded in their hearts.

Therefore, he concludes that we need to break from the group mind if we are to affect any kind of significant and lasting change upon it.

Participants in TGI programs are encouraged to envision themselves as change agents to foster a “turning” or “tipping” point in the community. Towards this end, they will have a chance to come to understand the deep meaning of Gandhi’s words of wisdom to “be the change you wish to see in the world”.

James Trifone, Ph.D., is program coordinator for the MA in Learning and Thinking program at The Graduate Institute in Bethany. TGI will start new Fall 2014 cohorts for many of its graduate and certificate programs. For more information, call 203-874-4252 or visit Learn.edu. See ad, page 29.

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ing focus on what you want and how you are going to get there, coaching can change your life. Overall, coaching is a tool to promote possibility thinking and behavior in your personal and business life.

Why might you hire a coach?

COACHING: A Way to Thrive in the Midst of Change

by MaryAnn D’Ambrosio

I

n this fast paced changing world, so many of us are faced with re-inventing ourselves and our livelihood on a daily basis. What worked smoothly and consistently yesterday seems daunting and demanding today.

Do you want to move beyond the challenge to the transformation? No matter what you would like to change or achieve, the secrets to success are the same. #1: Get Clear: The essential question to ask yourself is “What do I really want?”

Be as specific as possible when deciding what you want. The clearer you are on what you want to have in your life, the more likely you are to achieve it. #2: Get Perspective: Most people don’t tell anyone what they want or what they are struggling with and, because of that, they don’t get an outside perspective. Well-intentioned family members, friends and colleagues who offer their assessment may be too close to the situation to provide an objective view.

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#3: Get Support: Very few people, if any, achieve anything great alone.

Sports stars have teammates and coaches. Coaches support transformational change by guiding, inspiring and encouraging. A great coach can n Point out where you might need to improve to jumpstart results. n Reveal new truths others might not even know. n See a bigger picture and challenge you to leap up at least to the next level. n Encourage you to keep going when you want to give up. n Help keep your intent (“activation of the field of possibilities”), intention and inspired actions in alignment with the experience you desire.

What is coaching?

Coaching is a forward-looking, creative partnership that helps clients focus on personal growth and business development. Through recognizing unproductive patterns, eliminating limiting thinking, taking risks, seeking innovation, embracing change, and increas-

natural awakenings

n Something urgent, compelling or exciting is showing up such as a challenge, stretch goal or opportunity n A craving for greater fulfillment in work and life n A gap exists in knowledge, skills, confidence or resources n A desire to accelerate results n A need for clarity with regard to choices and next steps n Success has become challenging and elusive n Amplify strengths and breakthrough blocks to uplevel authentic power The type of coaching results clients experience are varied and can include: greater income and prosperity, better relationships, more freedom, dream jobs, vacation homes, increased productivity, better health, and an overall feeling of being fully alive and loving life.

If you’re curious about what life might hold for you upon discovering and tapping into your true potential, then working with a professional coach is a powerful next step.

American poet Mary Oliver poses a life-enhancing question; “Listen, are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?” Is life working for you? Does your life work? A good coach can help you get from where you currently are to where you want to be faster and with greater clarity and ease.

Are you ready to thrive?

MaryAnn D’Ambrosio, MBA, Ph.D., is a speaker, author and coach. As founder of Leap Without Limits and an energetics expert, her mission is to coach, mentor and train individuals, groups and companies on how to thrive in the midst of change. For more information and a F*R*E*E Overcome Overwhelm Toolkit, visit LeapWithoutLimits.com.

See ad, page 10.

practitionerprofiles Diverse Fairfield County practitioners who devote their time, energy and expertise to facilitating and empowering change for their clients.

Nina Antolino

Limitless Potential Norwalk • 914-393-9221 NAntolino@aol.com • Limitless-Potential.net Practice Summary/Wellness services offered: Coaching and wellness programs, emphasis on women’s empowerment and wellness. An integrative approach to personal and professional development through Reiki, life coaching, yoga, meditation, women’s empowerment workshops, mind/ body support groups, educational seminars and more.

What drew you to health and wellness as a profession? After 10 years in corporate training and professional development, I developed a stress-related chronic illness. It set me on a path to self-healing and selfempowerment which sparked my passion to empower others and help them recognize their own healing potential.

Deborah Arconti Danbury 203-470-0635 WellnessDeb@att.net TheLightOfHappiness.com

Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: I am a Reiki Master offering sessions and teaching all levels of Usui Reiki. In 2013 I began IET Integrated Energy Therapy as an Advanced Level Practitioner.

Nina Antolino

What training and/or certifications do you have? Reiki Master, certified empowerment life coach, certified interdisciplinary yoga instructor, mindfulness meditation practitioner, MBA. How long have you been practicing? 15 years Do you have a particular specialty or niche? Integrative Reiki and coaching sessions to facilitate greater healing and personal transformation. Stress-related illness, anxiety, chronic fatigue, acute and chronic pain, fertility issues, women’s WELL (Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership, Learning) programs.

What should a client expect from a session or series of sessions with you? As an intuitive healer and coach, I understand the power of guiding a client to her own inner wisdom, releasing energetic blocks to promote healing, and facilitating the motivation and commitment necessary to achieve her limitless potential. Using a powerful, 4 Step Transformational Process, you are guided to envision and create what you want in both your personal and professional life.”

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your work? I am so passionate about this work because I get to witness the amazing healing potential that each woman possesses within her. I feel blessed to be able to share mind/body/spirit tools and help women achieve more than they ever believed was possible.

Deborah Arconti

What drew you to this work as a profession?

As a nurse, I could see how our emotions can have a physical effect on us and how Reiki can help us get past that. Eventually I wanted to share this beautiful practice with anyone who might be interested.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: Reiki to Master/Teacher, “Advanced Energy healing Techniques for Reiki Practitioners”, 4 of the 5 IET Levels “The Healing Angels of the Energy Field”, “IET Basic Level”, “IET Intermediate Level”, “IET Advanced Level” What can a client expect from a session or series of sessions working with you?

I offer an angel card reading; often the cards have significant meaning for the client. Sessions are approximately 1 hour long. I also use positive affirmations the client can use daily to promote a happier life.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

I plan to take the teacher level of IET and I plan to finalize my curriculum and offer a fun “Transformational Empowerment” class by 2015.

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

I wish for those of you I know or teach to grow and surpass anything I have ever accomplished. I wish for you to shine, to share your light and happiness! That is what I hope for with….”The Light of Happiness/ La Lumiere du Bonheur”: to share my light and happiness, my encouragement, perseverance and drive with those of you who feel drawn to it.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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practitionerprofiles Judith Barr – Mysteries of Life Maria C. Castillo PO Box 603, Brookfield 203-775-5006 JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com JudithBarr.com

Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: So many suffer needlessly from settling for band aids, quick fixes, or symptom management alone.

They need help to seek, find and heal the root cause…That’s my heart’s calling.

Judith Barr

What drew you to this work as a profession?

I saw our world tending symptoms alone, creating still more suffering, leaving roots of our wounds to haunt us until we find and heal them. I longed to help.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: Depth psychotherapy; healing to the root; joining grounded spirituality and psychotherapy; healing childhood wounding; financial therapy; healing relationships with power; women’s mysteries; midwife to your soul; helping fulfill your potential.

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

My attunement to them, listening with my ears and heart, helping them feel – not mask – their pain, and safely healing their wounds to the root, at their natural pace.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

The more evidence in our world that we’re avoiding the crucial healing at the root, the more committed I am to showing people – we cannot truly heal without that healing.

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

I have a full commitment to those with whom I work; our partnership in working for their deepest healing; safety in the process; and working for true healing in our world.

238 Monroe Tpke, Ste B, Monroe 203-445-8966 Maria@LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: Maria C. Castillo is a bilingual, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in private practice with over 25 years of experience.

Areas of specialty, training, and/ or special certifications: She received her MSW from Hunter College in New York City.

Maria has worked with a variety of clients and issues as a psychoMaria Castillo therapist, taught social work as an adjunct professor at a local university, and has appeared on television and radio shows. She weaves Reiki, hypnosis and relaxation/meditation techniques into her eclectic and holistic approach. Additionally, Maria holds certifications in hypnosis from The National Guild of Hypnotists and trained in past life regression with Brian Weiss, M.D. Maria is honored to have been a contributing author in Dr. Weiss’ latest book Miracles Happen: Transformational Healing Power of Past Life Memories. Two of her past life sessions with clients were featured in the book.

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

As a certified Life Between Lives Therapist trained by The Newton Institute and Michael Newton, Ph.D., she is available for private sessions as well as speaking engagements on the subject. She enjoys traveling the road along with her clients guiding them to find their own answers within by connecting their higher selves. Maria offers workshops to familiarize individuals with regression to past lives and the afterlife.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

In the past year, she added sound and Reiki healing in a group setting known as Healing Vibrations: A Journey Inward to her varied services.

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

Maria’s motto: “We are all here to learn, to love, and to be happy. Let your inner wisdom guide you.”

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Keith Donlay

New Horizons Healing New Milford KeithDonlay@NewHorizonsHealing.com NewHorizonsHealing.com Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: Shamanic practitioner What drew you to this work as a profession?

My first ceremony was with Don Umberto, a Q’ero medicine man and former leader of the Q’ero nation. The love and humbleness emanating from him is what led me to fall in love with shamanism.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Deana Paqua helped me to find my first of many teachers, including herself. I have studied with teachers of the Mystery School (elemental mastery), Tibetan monks, Eileen O’Hare (Andean medicine), Gretchen Thermer (Quabalah) and Alverto Taxo (Ecuadorian shamanic medicine). I have also studied Reiki, Karuna Reiki, EFT and shamanic constellations with Gail Gorelick. I am a Deeksha Oneness blessing giver through Marieka Voh. All of my training so far has been here in the greater Northeast area.

Keith Donlay

How long have you been practicing?

Over the last two years, I started putting myself out into the mainstream because I wanted to hone my skills to better benefit my clients.

Jessica C. Hunter – Hunter Healing Hands 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.com

Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: My practice focus is shamanic healing, crystal healing, intuitive readings and Reiki. I offer classes, workshops, drum circles, legal ceremonies and private healing sessions.

What drew you to this work as a profession?

I have been drawn to various natural healing modalities since Jessica Hunter childhood. The work has been helpful for my own healing, and I enjoy sharing it with others to assist their healing process.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: I have formal training in shamanic healing, Reiki, crystal healing and acupressure. I am also an empath intuitive, shamanic medium, and OM with Circle of the Sacred Earth.

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

Clients can expect to receive healing from the spirits, guidance, and tools/teachings they can use to assist in transforming their lives to reach a new level of healing.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

I really like doing cord cuttings on people and house clearings. There is an immediate change that comes over people and I love to be witness to their healing.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

Shamanic healing sessions have become the main focus of my practice, along with intuitive readings. Of all the work I offer, the shamanic healing has been the most transformational.

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

Shamanism is a way to engage with everything from a natural viewpoint (sun, moon, trees, water, etc.) and how they are spiritually, energetically and fundamentally connected with each other and us.

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

The main focus of my work is to assist clients in connecting and discovering their own personal power and gifts. It is priceless to see that transformation.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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practitionerprofiles Beth Prins Leas

Kindred Spirits

59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding 203-938-3690 JTKindredspirit@aol.com KindredSpiritsCenter.com Facebook.com/KindredSpiritsCenter Business Practice/ Summary: Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our clients by providing alternative holistic care. It is in our center that all will connect with their inner truth, allowing them to experience growth and new beginnings.

What drew you to this work as a professional?

We were at crossroads in our lives and sought to find our true purpose and passion in life. We were blessed with many wonderful teachers, friends and colleagues; each sharing their gifts and guiding us on our journey.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: We offer a variety of holistic wellness and care including but not limited to: ministry services, meditation, Reiki, Rising Star, Theta healing, neuro-linguistic programming, ear coning, Prema birthing, intuitive/clarity sessions and martial arts.

In addition, we teach Reiki, Rising Star and Prema birthing healing modalities.

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

We provide encouragement, support, guidance/tools, and a warm, safe and caring environment to help our clients blossom in their lives.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what changes do you have planned for 2014?

Along with our healing/holistic work we are expanding our services in the area of ministry work and spiritual counseling.

Our ministry work includes rituals, ceremonies, blessings and more.

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

Our stories help to create who we are but they should not define us. We continue to grow and expand through our spirituality, guidance/support from teachers /colleagues and education. We are filled with a sense of joy when our clients gain clarity, happiness and a sense of inner peace and joy!

Namaste!

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Norwalk & Ridgefield Locations; sessions also available by phone 203-856-9566 Beth@BethLeas.com BethLeas.com Facebook.com/BethPrinsLeas Twitter.com/BethLeas Practice summary and/or services offered: Growth depends upon movement. My powerful Transformative Healing sessions support you as you grow through change – using energy healing (Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu), meditation and intuitive guidance through tarot.

What drew you to this work as a profession?

My own healing journey helped me to understand the power of Beth Prins Leas energy healing and meditation as part of a spiritual practice. As a practitioner/teacher/retreat leader, my focus is on empowering you on your journey.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: I have worked extensively for 22+ years with adults and children. I am a Reiki master and Jin Shin Jyutsu self-help instructor with a special interest in fertility, pregnancy, menopause, life-challenging illnesses and spiritual transformation.

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

You will be fully supported in your healing process as I work with you to energetically release what is holding you back, help you find clarity and balance and open to receive your heart’s desire.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

I am super excited about the half-day retreats I am co-facilitating this fall – and am looking forward to a weekend one in the spring!

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

All healing comes from within. The greatest gift a wellness practitioner can offer is supporting you in tapping into your unlimited potential. I am dedicated to empowering you to live life well.

Robin Ordan

2001 West Main St, Ste 100C, Stamford 203-561-8535 OrdanR@hotmail.com RobinOrdanlcsw.com Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over twenty years of experience providing family, couple and individual therapy. I have expanded my practice to include professional coaching for executives and small businesses.

What drew you to this work as a profession?

I am committed to and passionate Robin Ordan about working with the complex issues of families and small businesses as we walk through the process of change together.

Successfully facilitating the changes people identify for themselves is extremely rewarding.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: Executive and professional coaching; child, adolescent and family therapy; grief and trauma therapy; navigating divorce; and parenting and parent/child conflict.

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

I view both executive coaching and therapy as a partnership between us. You define the problem areas to be worked on; I use my special knowledge and experience to help you make the changes you identify. Both coaching and psychotherapy require your active involvement.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

I have expanded my practice to include the discipline of executive and professional coaching. This is very goal oriented, time limited and focused work designed to address specific problems or skill development.

Personal Wellness Center Sage Osa 1895 Post Rd, Fairfield MyPersonalWellness.com 203-767-6237 Sage@MyPersonalWellness.com

Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: Sage Osa is a third generation psychic medium.

Areas of specialty, training, and/ or special certifications: Sage Osa offers her clients guidance and clarity through psychic and mediumistic readings. She also offers weekly classes at her office located at 1895 Post Road, Fairfield, on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. These include Sage Osa learning how to communicate with spirit such as your crossed over loved ones. Additional monthly evening and day weekend classes are available in various areas of psychic development. All levels welcome.

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

Her popular soul readings allow you to receive channeled information from your soul, higher self, and angels to assist you with life challenges and choices. Many people feel a sense of peace, closure or a sense of renewed hope from her mediumistic readings as they are able to connect with a crossed over loved ones.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

Upcoming programs include Learning the ABC’s of Mediumship on September 13 and Manifesting Your Heart’s Desires on September 14. Going into 2015, Sage Osa will be offering online classes in spirituality, psychic development, and creating the life you desire. One of her passions is to teach personal development and spirituality.

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

My most extensive experience is working with complex family and business relationship challenges. I am passionate about facilitating changes that my clients identify and are willing to work hard to improve.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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practitionerprofiles Deana Paqua

Alzbeta Peskova

Embody the Sacred New Milford and Ridgefield 203-994-5045 EmbodytheSacred.net Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: Reiki master, shamanic healer and spiritual teacher.

What led you to the shamanic path? I spent more time in the woods than anywhere else as a child, and talked to invisible friends such as angels, fairies, dragons and unicorns. More recently, in 1997, I had near death experience through a Deana Paqua near-fatal car accident. I call it my “crash course in self-healing.”

I then knew through direct experience the power of the connection between spirituality and health.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

Some of my recent teachers include Gail Gorelick and Eileen O’Hare. My indigenous teachers include Alverto Taxo of Ecuador, Don Umberto, Don Francisco and Dona Juanita of the Q’ero, Don Martin of Cuzco, Peru, and others. I have taken a 3-year training in Elemental Mastery shamanic studies, and completed the 16-month Medicine Spiral Program in Andean shamanism. I have also trained in shamanic journeying, soul retrieval, shamanic extraction, depossession, shadow work, stone healing and space clearing. I am a Reiki master and licensed massage therapist.

How long have you been practicing?

I have been practicing healing work officially for fifteen years, and on the shamanic path for ten years.

Do you have a particular specialty or niche?

My specialties include guiding those who have been through a major loss or trauma. I also support energy healers, Reiki practitioners and other health care professionals with their personal healing work and spiritual journeys.

What do you most want readers to know about your work?

That God/Great Spirit is in everyone and everything. Our spiritual connection is the foundation of healing. Spirit, God, the Angels, our Ancestors and the loving Nature Spirits are all around us. Shamanism is all about relationships. If we treat ourselves and everyone and everything with integrity, respect, honor and love, that is what we will get back. All of Nature is Holy, and so are we.

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Norwalk 203-326-0405 Info@Yoga2LifeCoaching.com Yoga2LifeCoaching.com Linkedin.com/Pub/Alzbeta-Peskova/93/797/93a Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: I am a life/mentor coach and a yoga instructor who wants to be your support system as you grow into the person that you want to be.

What drew you to this work as a profession?

My desire to help people to discover and achieve their dreams.

Alzbeta Peskova

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: Life/mentor coach, coach training alliance

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

After a brief consultation, we find an agenda that needs improvement and work on it together for couple of sessions.

Clients find more confidence and passion in life generally.

Working with a life coach can help you make life changes and live a life that you’ve always wanted.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

I am trying to evolve my business by staying educated and not letting any opportunity to learn something new pass by unnoticed.

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

Happiness is a choice. Realizing and being aware of your choices will change your everyday life. Living your life aligned with what you want the most will make you and your family happy.

Ridley-Lowell Massage School 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury 203-797-0551 DbAdmissions@Ridley.edu Ridley.edu

Business/Practice summary and/or services offered: Ridley-Lowell is a well-established career school with undergraduate education in massage therapy. You can gain the practical, hands-on training to become a massage therapist and qualify to sit the exam and upon passing apply for licensure.

What drew you to this work as a profession?

Our instructors have over 50 years in the industry and offer a wide range of competencies.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: The full-time day program takes 9 months and the part-time evening program takes 16 months. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. On site tutoring is available. Career Services offers lifetime placement assistance to graduates.

Monthly continuing education workshops are offered on campus to licensed massage therapists.

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

Ridley-Lowell will equip you with knowledge of anatomy & physiology, pathology, kinesiology, therapeutic massage, spa services, sports and medical massage, and the legal and ethical issues related to massage therapy. As a licensed massage therapist, you can seek employment opportunities in a wide range of settings, including salons, spas, resorts, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, athletics departments, fitness centers, and more.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

Ridley-Lowell has a very diverse 900-hour program covering Eastern and Western modalities and is known for developing careers in medical massage and sports massage as well as careers in spa services.

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

Ridley-Lowell is a small private school that is very family oriented. Classes are small and there is a lot of personal attention. The learning leaders are always on hand to further develop skills after school as well as organized participation in many regional events.

Victoria Shaw

Offices in Westport and Wilton 203-210-5700 VfShawphd@gmail.com VictoriaShawIntuitive.com VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com Facebook.com/VictoriaShawPsychotherapy Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: Drawing on both my intuitive gifts and training in psychology and counseling, I support clients in dealing with life’s struggles and improving the quality of their lives. I offer intuitive consultations as well as intuitive psychotherapy for children, teens and adults.

What drew you to this work as a profession?

Eight years ago, as I began pracVictoria Shaw ticing meditation, I discovered my intuitive gift and realized it could be of benefit to others. The more I do this work, the more it is apparent that this truly is what I was meant to do.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: I have a doctorate in cognitive psychology from Princeton University and completed postdoctoral training at Columbia University Teachers College in child development and educational psychology. I am a licensed professional counselor and a certified distance counselor. I also studied with many gifted healers and intuitives.

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

Sessions can help clients to understand themselves better, identify personal strengths, make important decisions, resolve dysfunctional behavior and energy patterns, and learn to deal with life’s struggles in a more direct, empowering, and conscious way. Most clients experience immediate benefits after their first session, though many clients continue to work with me either regularly or periodically over a longer period of time. Clients can choose between 20- and 45-minute sessions. Intuitive consultations can be conducted either in person or over the phone.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

I am moving into a new, larger space and will be offering more groups and workshops, including healing visualizations and intuition development workshops.

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

That it’s fun and accessible. The messages I receive are always life affirming. eNaturalAwakenings.com

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practitionerprofiles Mela Rispoli – Soul Focus 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-570-3868 Soul-Focus.me

Joy Yascone

914-341-2070 Joy@JoysPantry.com AstrologicalLifeCoach.com Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: 3rd generation intuitive, astrological life coach, MA Holistic Health

Business/Practice summary and/ or services offered: Soul Focus is a spiritual wellness center, offering many modalities such as mediumship, Reiki, drumming, meditation classes, workshops and more.

Mela Rispoli

What drew you to this work as a profession?

I have connected to spirit all my life with my earliest recollection at four. I have further enhanced that ability with instruction from the most world-renowned teachers known today.

Joy Yascone

What drew you to this work as a profession?

I was drawn to wellness coaching due to my own personal transformative experience with astrology and holistic health. After a 20-year study of astrology and pursuing my M.A. in holistic health, I became a full-time intuitive and astrological life coach.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: I have trained with both those from the U.S. and abroad, capitalizing on my mediumship skills in all areas. I am also a Reiki practitioner.

What training and/or certifications do you have?

I have a Masters of Arts in Holistic Health Studies and am a third generation intuitive. I have also studied astrology for over 20 years.

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

Clients can expect to gain a better understanding of self, as well as valuable knowledge to move forward on their path of life.

How long have you been practicing?

I‘ve been practicing professionally for 10 years. My grandmother, who was gifted, explained that I too had the gift as a child. That was confirmed for me when I would share insights with people about their path that was just part of my consciousness.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what new are you offering for 2014 heading into 2015?

My business continues to evolve in all areas, offering ample opportunity for those wishing to explore their full potential. We’re planning more exciting possibilities into the fall and year ahead.

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

My concentration is on the evidence that we do not die and that love continues on. Our loved ones are always there wanting the best for us.

What can a client expect from a session or series of sessions working with you? I utilize my client’s astrological chart with my intuitive gift and my academic training in holistic health to assist my clients in becoming whole and living abundant lives in career, finance, love and marriage. I also work with couples.

I meet with my clients on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

During sessions, clients receive accurate timing of events, weekly assignments for life improvement based on their natal chart, and a life plan based on current planetary influences.

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

I’m very spiritual and work with divine love and light energy.

I have worked with people from all walks of life. I’m very compassionate and love to see my client’s lives become successful and abundantly happy!

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foodguidenewsbriefs Greenwich Community Gardens Offers Universal Access at Bible Street

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Your Local and Sustainable Food Destination FairfieldGreenFoodGuide.com

reenwich Community Gardens (GCC) started the Armstrong Court Community Garden almost six years ago and opened a second garden, the Bible Street Community Garden, in May. The community garden in Cos Cob, situated across from the Montgomery Pinetum on Bible Street, also includes the Universal Access garden beds as a special feature.

Universal Access Gardens, also known as enabling gardens or barrier-free gardens, allow those with limited mobility the opportunity to garden in garden beds that are raised appropriately to accommodate wheelchair gardeners, seated and standing gardeners. Many people stop participating in gardening and other activities when physical limitations get in the way. By helping to remove some of those barriers, individuals with limited mobility can be active members of the gardening community and the entire community is enriched by expanding our reach to include everyone.

To learn more about how to arrange for a universal access garden bed, call President/Founder Patty Sechi at 203-629-1499, email PSechi@gmail.com or visit GreenwichCommunityGardens.org.

CT Farm-to-Chef Week Announces Participants

C Analiese Paik, Food Editor

News, articles, resources, events... all dedicated exclusively to local and sustainable food in Fairfield County.

For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

203-520-3451 or email Analiese@snet.net

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Fairfield County Edition

T Farm-to-Chef Week, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s annual celebration of CT Grown, is scheduled for September 14-20. Restaurants, cafes, caterers, cafeterias, food trucks, bakeries and other dining establishments participate in this event. They partner with Connecticut farms to showcase their Connecticut Grown ingredients in various dishes on the week’s menus. Connecticut farms from which ingredients are sourced will be listed on Farm-to-Chef menus and promoted in some additional way, such as through farmer talks and presentations. Participants that normally serve alcohol are strongly encouraged to offer one or more Connecticut farm wines.

Participating eateries will begin posting Farm-to-Chef Week menus on their websites in early September, helping to build excitement for this annual event.

Plan your weeklong celebration of CT Grown by making reservations at a restaurant on this list, and if your children attend participating schools, ask them how they liked lunch that week. Fairfield County Farm-to-Chef participants include Sugar & Olives in Norwalk, Rizzuto’s in Bethel and Westport, Cask Republic in Stamford, Weston Public Schools, Sodexo at University of Bridgeport, Chartwells at: Wilton Public Schools, Westport Public Schools, Newtown Public Schools, Stamford Public Schools, Region 9 Schools in Redding, Bullard Haven Technical High School Restaurant in Bridgeport and Henry Abbot Technical High School Restaurant in Danbury.

For more information, visit ct.gov/doag/lib/doag/FTC_Week_FAQs.pdf.

natural awakenings

Norwalk’s Sugar & Olives Offering New Cooking Classes

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ugar & Olives has been hosting Fairfield County cooking classes since 2009 and now offers weekly day and evening cooking classes. Held on Wednesday evenings, Prep School hands-on classes include a meal and some alcohol. The new Wednesday Nooner class includes a three-recipe demo and three-course lunch featuring a different topic each month.

Summer features include Ramps and Totally Tomatoes. September’s focus is on apples and includes bacon/apple chutney, an apple/fig bellini and apple/bourbon butter. Come for breakfast, lunch, brunch and supper.

Sugar & Olives in Norwalk seeks to educate its diners and help cultivate a relationship between farms and families. The restaurant is devoted to serving local food and nearly all its offerings come from The Nutmeg State. The rustic shop was established in 2008 by Jennifer Balin, a Westport mom of four.

Chef Jonathan Vaast, formerly executive chef of The Dressing Room, recently joined Sugar & Olives as co-executive chef.

Balin and Vaast are quickly growing the three star Certified Green Restaurant’s services to include supper, additional cooking classes and special events. The space is also a charming party venue and community hang-out. The restaurant can accommodate over 200 people, but also has two smaller spaces for more intimate gatherings.

From Vermont farms and our country kitchen… straight to your fridge or table.

Helping you bring your family back to the dinner table without the hassle!

Visit us online or contact us! www.simplescallion.com 888-934-7293

For information, visit SugarandOlives.com or call 203-454-3663.

The Stand Juice Company Relocating to Ironworks SoNo

T

he Stand Juice Company has announced the relocation of its Wall Street, Norwalk location to the Ironworks SoNo at 20 North Water Street in South Norwalk. The new location enables the company to offer an expanded menu, free Wi-Fi, a view with a fountain, abundant free parking, as well as fresh produce and goods from owners Carissa and Mike Hvizdo’s new Hideaway Farm.

Hideaway Farm sits on 15 acres along the banks of the Connecticut River in East Haddam and is committed to organic and sustainable farming practices. The farm grows fruits and vegetables to supply the restaurants, serve the surrounding communities, and act as an educational hub for children otherwise unable to experience agriculture and the outdoors.

The Stand opened their first location on Wall Street eight years ago and a second location in the Sportsplex in Fairfield in 2011. Carissa and Mike are dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle through delivering wholesome, vegan products made from organic, sustainable and ethically sourced, non-GMO foods from local farmers and other producers.

Menu items include juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, soups, and juice cleanses.

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For information, visit Thestandjuice.com. The Stand is located at 20 North Water St, Norwalk and 87 Mill Plain Rd, Fairfield. eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

47

PRESERVING THE HARVEST AT HOME

by Analiese Paik

O

ur gardens are overflowing with more herbs than we know what to do with, many already flowering and gone to seed (make sure to save seeds for next year). Tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplant, corn, beans, cabbage, beets, summer squash, peaches, plums, nectarines and raspberries are coming out of our gardens and farmers’ fields faster than we can eat them. It’s time to preserve the fleeting flavors of summer so they can be enjoyed all winter.

If you think food preservation is always a complicated, labor-intensive process, think again. Some homesteaders and farmers – the very people at their busiest this time of year harvesting and preserving – shared their commonsense practices and cherished traditions to help you discover a method or two that’s just right for you.

Farah Masani, a homesteader at Farah’s Farm in Wilton who keeps chickens, ducks and turkeys and grows a variety of organic herbs and vegetables, speaks about two enormous jars of pickled cucumbers out on her counter. “This is nothing. I’ll make ten more of these before the summer’s over” she says as she rattled off the jars’ contents – cucumbers, dill, fresh and dried coriander seeds, radishes, carrots, curry leaves, green peppers – essentially whatever was coming out of her garden. The cilantro growing next to the porch had already gone to seed, providing the coriander for the brine.

Masani mentions that fresh green seeds add a delicious burst of citrusy flavor to almost any dish.

Masani lays her homegrown basil, mint, lemongrass and

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natural awakenings

rosemary flat to dry, seed heads and all, on brown paper bags or newspaper, then bags the leaves and seeds for use in the winter. “I have no time! The less fussing I do the better” she says. “I use dried mint and anise leaves in a personal chai blend I grew up drinking in Bombay that includes cardamom, cinnamon and clove.” She dries fruits, vegetables and leeks in a dehydrator because they last indefinitely. “In India everything is sun dried. Tradition plays a big role in how I do things. My ancestors are my biggest resource.” Masani snips dried lemongrass into rice, green tea and soups and rehydrates sliced leeks in warm water before making potato leek soup. Not one to waste a thing, she reserves the leek-soaking liquid to make the soup.

Rather than turn the stove on in the summer to make jams, Masani freezes raspberries and strawberries in plastic bags and does her cooking in the winter when the house needs warming and she’s enjoying her off-season. A water bath is her preferred canning method because it’s easy and convenient compared to a pressure canner. Cold storing root vegetables is a more complicated process. She stores carrots, potatoes, onions and peppers earmarked for short-term use in a root cellar under the Bilco doors. A trek outside in the snow, and a trip down a ladder, are required to retrieve food from long-term storage in an abandoned, covered well twenty feet below ground to replenish short-term stocks. “It’s not ideal” she said. “The transfer from the well to the basement is a lot of labor.” Yet the system works for her and she’s able to enjoy her harvest all winter long.

As the stewards of Wakeman Town Farm Sustainability Center, an organic demonstration homestead in Westport, Carrie Aitkenhead, her husband Mike and two children live in the main house. Aitkenhead holds a canning workshop at the farm each August and teaches participants how to make and can jams, jellies, pickles, salsa and tomato sauce.

“My favorite things to can are jams and jellies. My absolute favorite thing to can every year is jalapeño jelly!” she says.

“The sweet spicy tartness of this jelly is unlike any other.

Delicious!” When attending a party or gathering, Aitkenhead brings her jalapeño jelly as a hostess gift where it can be served with crackers over cream cheese or goat cheese.

“The best advice I can give for canning is to always use reliable sources for canning recipes, and to always follow the instructions and measurements exactly to maintain the safety of canned goods. With canning, it is important not to be intimidated by the precise nature of the recipes, but also not to be careless” says Aitkenhead. “The adage I’ve heard about home canning safety is, when in doubt, throw it out.”

Sherri Brooks-Vinton’s canning and preserving cookbook, Put ‘em Up, and Better Homes and Gardens canning issue from summer 2013 are her go-to resource for recipes. For hands on learning of preserving, she’s enjoyed attending Northeast Organic Farming Association conferences and classes on canning and preserving.

Micro-farmer and private chef Phoebe Cole-Smith cultivates organic herbs, vegetables and fruit on Dirt Road Farm in Weston. Thirty-five pounds of organic strawberries harvested from her farm, The Hickories, and Fort Hill Farm yielded forty jars of jam, but Cole- Smith has plans for more single-

fruit jams. “I like the single fruit flavor to come through and just add an herb or another flavor note. Strawberry and rose petal jam with a hint of rose is fantastic!” Beach plum jelly, a delicacy she grew up with, is in the plans, as is something experimental – blueberry jam with pine or spruce. Last year she made a wild raspberry and lavender jam that was also delicious, but cautions restraint when using lavender because it’s so potent.

After taking a workshop at the Greenwich Historical Society two summers ago with Food in Jars author Marisa McClellan, Cole-Smith made a rhubarb with Earl Gray and vanilla jam that she loved. “I have made strawberry-rhubarb jam, but really like rhubarb on its own.” Although her farm produces maple syrup and honey, she favors organic, Fair Trade cane sugar. “Alternative sweeteners sometimes interfere with the flavor of the fruit.” She doesn’t use store-bought pectin either, an approach shared by revered jam and jelly expert Christine Ferber, author of Mes Confitures.

“My mother used to make pickled green tomatoes, so this year I’m pickling green cherry tomatoes, which are great in martinis,” says Cole-Smith. Her pantry will also be stocked with cucumber pickles, jalapeño pickles and salsa, all canned using the hot water process. She recommends putting a fresh grape leaf in the jar with the pickles to keep them crisp, a trick she’s used with great success. “I don’t use the pressure canner, but want to make garlic confit with it.

That would be a good one to have around,” she explains.

“Chef Paul Virant has a recipe for it in his cookbook, The Preservation Kitchen, which is all about cooking with foods he’s pickled and preserved.”

Cole-Smith likes to roast and freeze peppers, especially poblanos, because they freeze well, unlike green beans, which turn soggy. She blanches and freezes corn kernels, fava beans and peas along with soups and pestos. “I make Mediterranean salsa verde with parsley, marjoram, mint, capers, anchovy and olive oil, then freeze it in ice cube trays for use in winter dishes. It’s a breath of summer that’s heavenly,” she says. After conducting careful research on author Margaret Roach’s AwaytoGarden.com website, Cole-Smith decided to experiment with collecting poppy seeds from her garden, something she has in abundance. Like Masani, she uses the space under her Bilco doors for cold storage, but it’s not cold enough to keep them in good shape all winter. “I really need a root cellar,” she laments.

Fermentation is an ancient method used by cultures around the globe to preserve food, and it’s undergoing a renaissance. Masani ferments honey to make mead and Cole-Smith declared her sauerkraut, made in a big German crock, a delicious success. Using The Art of Fermentation and The Kimchi Cookbook, you can learn to make traditional fermented foods at home, including kimchi. Whether you dry, pickle, freeze, can or ferment the harvest, enjoy the sweet satisfaction of reaching into your freezer or pantry this winter for a taste of summer.

Analiese Paik is food editor for Natural Awakenings Fairfield County and owner and editor of FairfieldGreenFoodGuide. com. Connect with her at 203-520-3451 or Analiese@snet.net.

RESOURCES Online: • National Center for Home Food Preservation – nchfp.uga.edu • Food in Jars – FoodinJars.com • A Way to Garden – AwaytoGarden.com • Wild Fermentation – WildFermentation.com

Cookbooks: • Food in Jars and Preserving by the Pint

by Marisa McClellan • Put ‘em Up! by Sherri Brooks Vinton • Better Homes and Gardens’ Canning 2013 • Mes Confitures by Christina Farber • The Preservation Kitchen by Chef Paul Virant • The Kimchi Cookbook by Lauryn Chun • The Art of Fermentation and Wild Fermentation

by Sandor Ellix Katz

Workshops: • Wakeman Town Farm – Visit WakemanTownFarm.org and click on Adult Workshops.

• Millstone Farm, Wilton – Canning & Preserving Tomatoes on September 27 from 10am-1pm and Pickles & Preserving on October 18 from 10am-1pm. Visit MillstoneFarm.org for more information and to RSVP.

PASTA FRITTATA WITH CHARD, BACON AND(Serves GOAT CHEESE 8) With all of the familiar carbonara flavors of bacon, rich cheese and pasta, this main course frittata is irresistible.

2 cups whole wheat shells or fusilli 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces 1 cup chopped yellow onion 4 lightly packed cups chopped chard 10 eggs 1 (4-ounce) package fresh goat cheese with garlic and herbs, crumbled 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside. (If you’re using leftover cooked pasta, you’ll need about 3 cups.)

• Meanwhile, in a large, ovenproof skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until just crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Carefully discard all but 1 tablespoon drippings and then return the skillet to the heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add chard and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes more.

• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half of the goat cheese, parsley, salt and pepper; stir in pasta and bacon. Pour into the skillet, spreading out evenly, top with remaining goat cheese and cook 2 minutes more.

• Transfer to the oven and bake until set in the middle and golden brown around the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes and then loosen edges and bottom and slide out onto a plate. Cut into wedges and serve. eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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PAN-ROASTED BRONZINO

With Pickled Beets, Roasted Cauliflower and Baby Carrots, Arugula, Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

ifferent textures, preparations and temperatures of late summer baby vegetables serve as a bed for the fish.

Paired with some crusty bread and a glass of wine, it is a great dish for dinner or lunch. You can use any variety of fish you like or even substitute the fish with grilled chicken, pork or lamb.

Serves 2 Ingredients:

kosher salt, to taste black pepper, to taste 2 sprigs thyme, fresh 1 - 1 ½ lb. bronzino fileted and pin boned, skin on 2 Tbsp. olive oil Maldon or fleur de sel, to finish the fish before serving 1 cup baby beets, whole and unpeeled ¼ cup red wine vinegar 1 tsp. sugar in the raw 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 5-6 whole peppercorns 8-10 baby carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise ½ head cauliflower, cut into florets ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp. red chile flake continued...

Vinaigrette:

juice of 1 lemon 4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 shallot, small diced 2 cups arugula, washed and dried

1. Prepare the quick pickled beets: In a medium saucepot, cover

the beets (whole and with their skins on) with cold water and a little salt.

Bring to a simmer and cook until the beets are just done (approx. 20 minutes). You will be able to pierce them easily with the tip of a paring knife or a fork. Remove the beets from the water with a slotted spoon and allow them to cool until you can handle them.

Meanwhile, prepare the pickling marinade. Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, 1 sprig of thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Peel the beets and cut into 1/2s or 1/4s depending on their size. While they are still warm, place them in a bowl and pour the pickling liquid over them. Allow to marinade for a half hour.

2. Prepare the roasted vegetables: Toss the cauliflower

florets in a bowl with some extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt and chili flakes.

Place on a sheet pan and bake at 415 degrees F for 16 minutes. The edges of the florets should be slightly browned and caramelized. Allow them to rest at room temperature.

For the carrots, dress them in the same manner as the cauliflower and roast on a sheet pan until just tender (approx. 15 minutes). Allow to rest at room temperature.

3. Prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk

together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and shallot. Set aside at room temperature.

the fish skin side down when it is hot.

Gently press down on the fish with your fish spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure that the skin is getting even contact with the surface of the pan. After 3-4 minutes, place a sprig of thyme in the pan and bake at 400 degrees F for another few minutes, just until the fish is cooked through. You will see that the flesh turns from translucent to opaque.

Gently flip the fish over for a second or two, flesh side down, and then transfer to the center of the salad plate.

6. Sprinkle a little finishing salt (maldon or fleur de sel) over the top of the fish. Drizzle the entire plate with some of the lemon shallot vinaigrette. Enjoy.

4. Arrange some arugula on a large

plate or platter and, while the fish is cooking (see below), you can place some of each vegetable atop, leaving a space in the center for the fish.

5. Cook the fish: Pat your filets dry and season with kosher salt and black pepper on each side. You can keep the skin on for presentation. Heat the little olive oil in a large sauté pan and place

Karla Sorrentino is the owner and chef at Taste by Karla Sorrentino, a boutique caterer specializing in parties in private residences throughout Fairfield County. She can be reached at 203-273-2834 or KarlaSorrentino@ live.com. Visit KarlaSorrentino.com, Facebook.com/Taste.ByKarlaSorrentino and Twitter.com/SorrentinoKarla for more information.

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September 2014

51

coffeeanddessertprofiles Michele’s Pies

Source Coffeehouse

666 Main Avenue Norwalk 203-354-7144 MichelesPies@optonline.net Michelespies.com Please describe your business: Michele’s Pies is an award winning pie shop serving all handmade desserts, savory pies, and assorted other goodies with a full line of coffee drinks. We have been open for 8 years with seating both indoors and out.

What types of coffee, tea and food do you serve?

We serve Bean & Leaf coffee, a locally roasted CT coffee that’s both Fair Trade and organic. We serve desserts including an assortment of cookies, tea breads, brownies and blondies. We also sell frozen, savory pies to take home and bake.

Who are your customers and what draws them to you: We have very loyal customers ranging from moms to corporate accounts. From our airing on Food Network and other media outlets, we are also a destination bakery and do many weddings and private catering.

What are your most popular beverages and menu items?

Our iced coffee and cappuccinos are very popular and pair nicely with our signature chocolate pecan bourbon pie. We use only fresh fruit, with an emphasis on local sourcing, so our pies are very seasonal based on what fruit we can get.

In the fall, our fresh pumpkin pie made with pumpkins from Jones Family Farm is extremely popular.

What makes your business unique?

We are a from scratch bakery. We use only the finest freshest ingredients. All of our pies are made by hand with love!

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

We are a 27 time National Pie champion. We have been featured on Food Network, Good Morning America, Today Show and many other media outlets.

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natural awakenings

2889 Fairfield Ave, Fairfield 203-522-5662 DrinkLocal@SourceCoffeeHouse.com SourceCoffeeHouse.com.com Facebook.com/SourceCoffeeBr Twitter.com/SourceCoffeeBr Please describe your business.

Source Coffeehouse is a neighborhood coffee shop where customers are welcomed like part of the family. We offer coffee and tea with light breakfast fare. Indoor and outdoor seating is available with free wifi for customers.

What types of coffee, tea and food do you serve?

We serve family- farmed, direct trade coffee roasted in Brooklyn, NY along with a selection of Fair Trade teas. We offer a variety of baked goods and snacks, many of which are sourced locally.

Who are your customers and what draws them to you?

We serve a truly diverse clientele; anyone who appreciates a good cup of coffee served with a genuine smile. Customers appreciate our commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability.

What are your most popular beverages and menu items?

Customers love our coffee- particular favorites are our pourovers and cold brew iced coffee. Our monthly signature drinks are also popular, such as the crowd favorite toasted hazelnut latte with homemade hazelnut paste.

What makes your business unique?

Our motto is “Drink Local” and we seek to embody that philosophy through sourcing locally when possible, playing an active role in our community, and really getting to know our customers.

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

Source Coffeehouse was recently featured on WTNH’s CT Style program, where we demonstrated our pour-over brewing method.

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September 2014

53

Extending a Hand to Caregivers If your caregiving friends can’t articulate what they need, try these lovely offerings. n Send a cheerful card. n Gift a plant. n Weed their garden. n Cook a meal. n Schedule a walk together. n Sit with a loved one for several hours so they can run errands. n Volunteer to get their car washed. n Take them to a movie or out to dinner. n Buy a gift certificate to use online. n Treat them to a massage.

Conscious Caregiving A Reciprocal Gift

by Patricia Staino

R

osalynn Carter once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

More than 65.7 million Americans care for someone who is sick, disabled or aged, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. The decision to take on this responsibility may be a choice or an unexpected twist of fate, but the key to fulfillment is a conscious awareness of the needs of both the caregiver and the cared-for and a plan for the transitions that are yet to come.

Make the Decision

Making the decision to be a caregiver is not always a choice—where an adult child may choose to take in ailing elderly parents, a spouse is thrust into the position—but with conscious planning, acceptance and facilitation, both the caregiver and the patient control the situation and environment.

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Fairfield County Edition

“As an only child, the decision to have my parents move in with me was a given, although I had denied the eventuality of it for a long time,” said Helen Amalia, 43, whose parents had been suffering from various ailments for three years while living three hours away.

“We had to make a change and make proactive choices so the new living arrangement would please everybody.”

Accept the New Normal

The first step, and sometimes the hardest, is the realization that life is changing, and there is no going back.

“The first time my father got sick I kept myself going by thinking he would get better soon and my life would get back to normal,” said Amalia. “The truth is, this IS my new normal. Since I’ve accepted that, I’m better able to handle the present and plan for the future.”

It’s also necessary that caregivers acknowledge their fears rather than simply push forward. Carol Schwidock, owner of Harmony Yoga Studio in Stamford, Connecticut, believes it’s impossible to be a conscious caregiver without facing

natural awakenings

the emotions that accompany such significant changes in two people’s lives.

“For myself, as a caregiver, I needed to keep positive, but you also have to let yourself feel what’s there, and respect your body’s message to ultimately surrender and release and let go. Sometimes you feel really sad, and you have to be with the sadness.”

Face the Logistics

Being conscious and present in the moment as a caregiver still requires planning ahead for what may come.

Legal forms, finances, last wishes, insurance policies and other topics may seem cold and clinical, but facing them together with the patient, if that is possible, can bring a peace of mind that allows greater focus on care and comfort rather than cash and consequences.

“The first time my father was in the hospital, our main concern was if he would pull through or not. There was no power of attorney, no living will, no last will and testament in place,” said Amalia. “When he rallied, we briefly talked about getting POAs done and then quickly pushed it to the backburner.”

Two years later, right before Amalia and her father were about to close on a house, he suffered a stroke and they almost lost the house when he wasn’t lucid enough to sign the POA papers.

Ask the Big Questions

With a laundry list of day-to-day tasks,

it’s not surprising that sometimes the caregiver’s concerns are not the same as the patient’s, particularly in the case of a sick spouse.

Beth Prins Leas’ husband was diagnosed with Hepatitis C just after their child, who is now 21, was born.

Early on, he showed few symptoms of the disease, but was very sick for the last five years of his life, and died at age 47 while waiting for a liver transplant.

Leas, the founding director of Total Life Care Center in Norwalk, CT, was 43 at the time, and her daughter was only 14.

“Even though you think that when you have a lot of time to say goodbye it somehow makes it easier, a lot of times he and I were in very different places,� she said. “I wanted to talk about all those things, about healing parts of our relationship and making plans for what he wanted for the memorial service, but he was angry, he didn’t want to wrap things up. It didn’t unfold like a storybook.�

One of the most important things Leas learned is that the caregiver needs to ask questions to be aware of what her loved one feels, wants and thinks, if that’s possible.

“I was making sure that everything was being taken care of, that he was comfortable, that we were going to all the doctors’ appointments. He was more aware of the fact that he was not going to be here that long, so he was angry about it and was also withdrawing in some ways. I wish I had that awareness then rather than seeing it as non-compliance or something against me.�

Understand the Phases of Caregiving

Caregivers are not always caring for bedridden, dying relatives. In Amalia’s case, while her mother battles cancer and her father recovers from a stroke, they are both still capable of grooming themselves, moving around the house (if not up stairs), short trips to the grocery store and cooking meals. While he or she needs to be nearby, he or she wants to let them be as independent as they can be, for now.

“For me, conscious caregiving means being aware of their current health status, maintaining it as long as we can, and being prepared for when we enter a new phase that

requires more of my time and attention,� she said.

Schwidock took the same approach with her husband, who had an autoimmune liver disease from which he was asymptomatic for years.

“The last 10 years of his life, he was in and out of the hospital a lot, and after 9/11 happened, I decided to leave my job as an occupational therapist and become a yoga teacher, because I wanted to do more for wellness rather than for illness,� she said. “My caregiving to him became more of wellness caregiving and trying to find the positive.�

Acknowledge the Caregiver’s Needs

Most importantly, the caregiver needs to take care of herself and ask for help.

This isn’t easy, particularly if he or she works full time or has children. Leas’ friends cleaned her house once a week and brought dinner every Friday night for years while her husband was sick.

Caregivers need to be aware of their limits, and be willing to place themselves in the hands of others for some brief, re-energizing respite.

Schwidock agrees this is critical to caregiving. “The conscious part, to me, is being in the present moment, and choosing the things that are going to help this person mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, because it’s not just the physical—you need to embrace all of that.�

Patricia Staino is a freelance writer living in Holly Springs, NC, who spends her free time teetering in tree pose and sneaking off to read. She can be reached at PatriciaStaino@gmail.com.

Karate

Online Help for Caregivers AlzheimersSpeaks.com Radio show, blogs, free webinars and resource directory CaregiverAction.org Advocacy, peer support and other practical information CarePages.com Free patient blogs connect friends and family CaringBridge.org Share views and receive support LotsaHelpingHands.org Coordinates ways to address specific needs by those rallying to help ShareTheCare.org Join in organizing a healing team and/or support system TheCaregiverSpace.org Free social network to share experiences, find critical resources, cope with stress and learn to fulfill care partner roles most effectively CaregivingWife.com Helps caregivers solve problems, learn survival tips and improve the care partners’ relationship

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

55

Transformational Caregiving

by David Davis

T

his is the kind of article written of necessity, upon finding oneself at one of life’s unanticipated crossroads, the kind that gratitude reminds us is essential for our spiritual expansion. We who take care of our husbands and wives, afflicted by the tragic illness of dementia or Alzheimer’s, understand, perhaps in a way very few others can, how our lives, dreams, and desires have been hijacked by a cruel and vicious twist of fate. We have wordlessly and anonymously shared the sadness across unfamiliar distances to the point that a community has taken root where one did not previously exist.

This community understands a common struggle, having been tethered to each other by tears.

We have an opportunity to reach across the exhaustive wasteland of emotion laid bare by sorrow and lend an uplifting hand to each other. Explore instead those inner resources of our own that become the wellspring for patience, understanding (in its broadest context), and peace. We deserve to

experience the peace so elusive since the pivotal circumstance of our lives shifted so dramatically. And even more broadly, we ask, or should ask, that this part of our life’s journey contribute to our healing. As caregivers, we find our hearts, bodies, and even our souls can easily become the battleground where the ravages of stress can leave the landscape scarred.

Perhaps, for so many, a reckoning came when confronted with the statistic from the Alzheimer’s Association that 63 percent of caregivers will die before the loved ones they care for do. Our awareness, maximally dilated, should immediately and vociferously reject this notion. Surely statistics like that hold sway to those who see themselves as victims of vicious circumstances. That is not a reality that we should subscribe to. The opportunities inherent in illness, that all aspects of illness, and in all the roles of those involved, carry the seeds for transformation if they are carried to fruition on the wings of self-effort and grace. Many of us have witnessed

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people who routinely express a sickly spirit through a sound body, and conversely, held the hands of people who lay claim to peace and contentment as their final breaths found escape from their disease-ravaged flesh.

We give care, but sadly we often do not take care. As caregivers, it is incumbent upon us to give care to ourselves as well as our loved ones. To give care is to offer love freely and to provide compassion in its most tangible forms. There is information in abundance that underscores how meditation, prayer, contemplation, exercise, eating healthy, proper rest and personal time naturally foster our replenishment.

The single greatest factor in that statistic mentioned above is the feeling caregivers express that they are too stressed to engage in their own well-being.

Our lives are an opportunity to recognize the sacred in the mundane.

Being a caregiver to a stricken loved one can narrow our focus until the rest of the world falls away in a blur. Our circumstances then stand in the foreground with the clarity of immovable objects. Let us not forget that caregiving is a microcosm for the totality of our lives. It funnels the challenges and struggles, the sorrow and the anger, the fear and the resentment into a compressed space and time. Yet it brings the opportunity for growth, awakening, strength and vision into the very same moment. We get to choose in each moment what we identify ourselves with.

Do we hitch our emotional wagon to the small and mundane, to circumstance and outcomes? Do we see ourselves as severely limited by exhaustion and inability? Or do we understand that life is filled with opportunities never in short supply? Do we recognize that, in the process of caregiving, we are reclaiming our path to compassion and love, patience and understanding?

Who we are determines how well what we do works. We have to remember that we are born with the capacity to experience life in a deep and profound way. Circumstance mustn’t bind, but liberate us.

David Davis, DC, practices at Odyssey Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Ridgefield. Connect with him at 203-4317779 or ChiroDave22@gmail.com.

healingways

of art are viewed. A similarly beneficial at-home ARTZ experience relates to the individual’s background or interests, looking for images that tell a story about families or feature animals the loved one likes.

“Use open-ended, non-judgmental questions to discuss the art,” Shifrin suggests. “It’s all about listening to the response and encouraging the conversation.”

Musical Connections Trigger Happiness

Sparking Creativity in Elders with Dementia Re-Engaging Through Art, Music and Dance

by Deborah Shouse

I

s there a way to upend the limits of Alzheimer’s disease? Expressive therapies focus on what people can do and their successes. Cultural programs offer creative opportunities for those with dementia and their care partners.

Artful Imagination Prompts Participation

“Looking at art and making observations gives people living with dementia a chance to exercise their imagination FREE Monthly Workshops Knowledge leads to Empowerment and Action!

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and creativity,” says Susan Shifrin, Ph.D., director of ARTZ Philadelphia, part of the Artists for Alzheimer’s program founded by John Zeisel, Ph.D., and Sean Caulfield. “There are no right or wrong answers. People are enlivened, realizing they still have ideas to contribute.”

Prior to a museum visit, an ARTZ facilitator brings photos of familiar works of art that evoke memories, emotions and conversation to a care facility.

The facilitator then tailors a museum visit so that the most engaging works

Dan Cohen, of Brooklyn, New York, had a simple yet profound idea: Furnish people that have memory loss with an iPod loaded with their favorite music. It’s helping people nationwide reconnect with themselves through listening to their personal playlists. He has repeatedly seen how “The music transforms lives.”

Cohen notes, “Residents who were formerly idle become engrossed in listening to their favorite music. They are empowered to choose the songs they want to hear. They become engaged as the music triggers memories. I’ve also seen the experience make people more social.” He recommends using headphones to minimize distractions. Sit together, turn on the iPod and watch for smiles of delight.

Dance Movement Integrates Souls “Dance therapy enhances connections in the brain and uses movement to integrate body, mind and spirit,” says Erica Hornthal, owner of Chicago’s North Shore Dance Therapy, a psychotherapy practice that helps individuals cope

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with the challenges of dementia.

Hornthal often notices a real change after people experience movement therapy. Often, when she enters a memory care facility she sees people withdrawn or sleeping. After she guides them in specific movements designed to connect mind and body, participants are usually awake, more alert and making eye contact.

“We might reach our arms up, then down, to connect with ourselves. We might give ourselves a hug and then stretch toward our neighbor,” explains Hornthal, a boardcertified dance movement therapist. “All the movements have a psychosocial goal.”

She suggests that care partners play familiar music and encourage their loved one to move as they wish to. The care partner might move her head or wiggle her fingers to the music, inviting the other to do the same. “Focus on what your loved one can do and celebrate their abilities,” Hornthal advises.

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“Even after memory and cognitive functions are damaged, the ability to create art can continue,” says Karen Clond, a licensed master social worker and dementia care specialist at the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America chapter, in Prairie Village, Kansas. “The organization’s Memories in the Making art program works because the amygdala, the part of the brain involved with emotions and memory that processes feelings like fear, also processes beauty, appreciation and attachment.”

Sally Jenny developed the program in 1988, which now boasts more than 4,000 participant artists a week. Facilitators create a safe and encouraging atmosphere to explore painting with watercolors, which can unlock memories, stimulate thoughts and promote social interaction. The process also produces tangible pieces they’ve created and can revisit.

“The artists have complete control over their work,” Clond comments. “It’s a failure-free activity.”

For at-home painting activities, she suggests inviting guidelines: Provide good-quality supplies; have no expectations; find something good in every effort; ask them to title their piece and affix their artist’s signature; call them an artist and provide artistic respect.

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“Creative storytelling for dementia patients replaces the pressure to remember with the freedom to imagine,” remarks Joan Williamson, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a coordinator and master trainer with TimeSlips. She’s seen it improve communication, self-esteem and social interaction for people with memory loss.

Whether exploring art, music, movement or storytelling, expressive therapies can enrich the lives and connections of people with dementia and their care partners.

Deborah Shouse is the author of Love in the Land of Dementia. Visit DeborahShouseWrites.wordpress.com.

Total Life Care Center 152 East Ave. • Norwalk, CT • 203-856-9566 • TLCcenter.com Total Life Care Center is dedicated to holistic health by providing you with highly trained and experienced integrated health care practitioners. TLC Center is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health center - with more than 90 Independent Members - and was founded by Beth Prins Leas in 1997 on the premise that a single candle burns brighter in a gathering.

Beth has created a vibrant holistic health and resource center and growing community of people who are committed to living consciously and to offering healthy lifestyle options in the form of private sessions, classes, workshops and special events.

Please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how TLC Center can support you on your journey to living well.

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Resting When You Don’t Have The Time

by Carol Lessinger

A

s a caregiver, there is always something needing your attention. The details of daily needs, arranging appointments, organizing medications, scheduling other caregivers, worrying about what unforeseen issue is next all battle for your attention while you are trying to fit in your own work and personal life. Each of these activities involves focus that is pulled outward, away from yourself. Do you take the time to turn your attention inward? And, if you do, is it in a way that is helpful or does it simply provide more anxiety?

Being aware of your body to turn your attention inward is one way of being present. It is a learnable skill. Russell Delman (RussellDelman.com), originator of The Embodied Life School, talks about changing the noun, “presence,” to the verb, “presencing.” It then becomes an action which embraces the commitment to return to the here and now, when our mind has wandered elsewhere. Leaving self-judgment out of the picture, it means that we take responsibility for how we move our attention. Often, it is accompanied by the feeling of gratitude. Presencing is the return to presence.

If you are a meditator, presencing is helpful to include in your meditation practice. However, you don’t need to be a meditator to add presencing in your life. Following is a helpful way to come into presencing. It is suggested that you practice each paragraph’s movement of attention individually as you read along.

If you’re sitting, please feel your bottom on the seat, notice some of the details. How much weight is resting on each sit-bone? As you begin to notice, things may change just because your awareness in the area offers more choice than the habitual pattern. If you are in a different position, notice the places where you receive support under you.

Now add awareness of your breath to the awareness of the feeling of support. When you notice that your mind has wandered, compassionately return your attention to your bottom and breath.

The third step is to add awareness of the sounds you hear. This brings you into relationship to the context around you. Repeat the first three steps…bottom, breath, sound... bottom, breath, sound.

Now notice the effect of what you have just done. What has happened to your state of consciousness, to your breath and to feelings in your body?

The more you practice, the easier it gets. You can then bring presencing into many moments during your day, such as while waiting at a red light or standing in line at the store; stop, feel your feet (they are your new bottom), notice your breath and listen. You are listening to the precious moment that is the only moment you have right now. In truth, our whole life is made up of moments. Presencing while you are with the person who you are caring for – child, adult, animal - enriches the experience of your relationship with that other being and can make it easier to be there when the situation becomes difficult.

After practicing this type of inward attention, people have often reported a feeling of restfulness and calmness. Without the time for a nap, you can bring yourself into equanimity. It is a happy side effect of presencing. As many of us already know, feeling rested offers you the possibility for better health, resiliency, and a greater capacity to be helpful to others. Freedom from mind drain is restful. Presencing costs nothing and is always available when you tune into the moment.

Carol Lessinger is a certified Feldenkrais practitioner, cortical field re-education trainer, and a student of Russell Delman.

Lessinger and Anna Johnson-Chase will be teaching a Feldenkrais workshop in Kent on September 13 and 14. For more information and to register, visit CarolLessinger.com. See ad, page 19.

Our mission is to continually discover, demonstrate and educate that our source of Good is God within.

Ongoing Events

Celebration Service Sundays at 10:30 am Rev. Shawn Moninger, Minister 3 Main St, 2nd Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 855-7922, www.unitycenterps.org

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Celebration Service, Sun at 10:30 am Reiki Healing Circle, 1st Thu at 7 pm Thought Exchange, Mon at 7 pm (beginning Sep 8) Purls of Wisdom, 2nd Sat at 6:30 pm Radically Rethinking Your Life, Wed at 7 pm (beginning Sep 3) Open Mic Night, 3rd Sat at 7 pm

Special Events How to Discover and Use Your Money Mantra - A Workshop with Cary Bayer Sunday, September 21, 12:30-3:00 pm - $20

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TRANSITION CAN BE EASIER: Reducing the Stress of Divorce

by Vicki Volper

I

t is common wisdom that divorce is one of the more stressful experiences that a person will endure. Children are not immune to the effects of stress.

When children hear their parents fighting, their anxieties will rise. Even without actually hearing parents fight, children often sense their parents’ anxieties and begin to worry themselves.

Studies have shown that the single most important factor in how well children do when their parents divorce is the level of conflict between the parents.

Recent studies have increasingly shown the physical toll that stress can have on the human body. Stress triggers changes in our bodies and makes us more likely to become ill. It can also worsen problems we already have.

Stress has been linked to numerous physical ailments including headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, eating disorders and sleep disorders, among others. It only stands to reason that both adults and children are well served by reducing the stress of divorce.

While no divorce will be stressfree, there are steps you can take to reduce the level of stress of divorce.

Avoiding adversarial and confrontational approaches to divorce goes a long way to reducing the difficulty a divorcing family will experience. When parents can maintain their dignity through the divorce process, their children can continue to feel safe and secure in their parents’ love. Their natural resilience will allow them to adjust to the reality of their parents’ separation if the parents move forward without rancor.

Mediation and collaborative divorce are two non-adversarial options for divorcing couples. Couples divorcing through these methods need not get along well or be able to communicate.

If a couple wishes to divorce amicably, regardless of their current level of communication, both the mediation and collaborative divorce methods can create a space where they can settle their differences peacefully.

More important than the ability for the divorcing couple to communicate

with each other are certain other qualities each of them should have: • Ability to be aware of and articulate their needs and goals for the divorce process • Degree of empathy for their spouse’s situation • Patience to actively listen while their spouse speaks •Willingness to ask questions and not jump to conclusions about how the divorce process will end • Understanding and acceptance that the divorce mediator will facilitate conversations between the divorcing couple, but not make decisions for them

The vast majority of couples who begin divorce mediation are successful if they are committed to the process. The rewards of a non-adversarial divorce are substantial and worth the effort to reduce the burden of stress and anxiety on the entire family.

For more information about non-adversarial divorce, call Westport-based Vicki Volper, JD, LLM, at 203-222-1202 or visit VickiVolper.com.

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petbriefs Fun Competitions at Puttin’ On The Dog Festival

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

T

he 27th edition of Adopt-A-Dog’s Puttin’ On The Dog event takes place on September 21 from 10am until 4:30pm at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich.

One of the highlights of this annual festival is the Show Class contests. Judges will be looking to award prizes in 12 categories, including: Who Saved Who (for owners and dogs who saved each other); Mirror Mirror (for owners and dogs who look alike); Puppy Love (for puppies under 12 months); Mixed with the Most (for any mixed breed dog); Pick of the Litter (for any purebred dog); Best Tail Wagger; and Aged to Perfection (for dogs 10 years or older).

The entertaining competitions start at 11am and end at 4pm with the Puttin’ On The Dog Costume Contest parade. The day’s activities for dogs, their families and all pet lovers include performances by local bands, demonstrations, children’s events, shopping and information booths, displays and food. Puttin’ On The Dog is the primary fundraiser to aid Adopt-A-Dog in its caring work.

Registration is open online for all Show Class entries. Puttin’ On The Dog attendees also can register for contests on the day of the festival. The fee is $10 for one class and $5 for each additional category entered. Individual adult tickets for the festival cost $15, senior citizen tickets are $5 and children aged 13-18 are admitted for $5. A special discounted family package for $20 can be purchased online in advance.

For more details on Puttin’ On The Dog, ticket reservations, contests and registration forms, visit AdoptaDog.org. See ad, page 71.

DAWS 25th Annual Walk for Animals

T

he Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) 25th Annual Walk for Animals fundraiser, a non-competitive leisurely walk for dogs, cats and their families, will take place on September 28. Starting at 11am at the Bethel Municipal Center, the event will help raise funds and awareness for the Danbury Animal Welfare Society.

The walk will happen rain or shine. Registration and check-in begin at 10:30am. DAWS will also include several dog contests as part of the event.

For 40 years, DAWS has been dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community and beyond. DAWS promotes responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals, while working toward ending animal overpopulation through education and a variety of programs.

News, articles, resources, events… all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions.

For information and registration, visit FirstGiving.com/2344/dawsWalkforAnimals2014.

The walk will take place at the Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel.

For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

Memorial to Honor Memories of Beloved Pets

September 14 and veterinarian Dale 203-885-4674 N Krier of Creature Comforts Mobile Vet is working with others in our community to ational Pet Memorial Day 2014 is

or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

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organize a gathering to commemorate the memory of all the beloved animals that have deeply touched our hearts. A Fairfield County gathering will take place on

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National Pet Memorial Day from 5:30 to 6:30pm at Sherman Town Beach off of Sawmill Road in Sherman. The event will feature live music, memorial readings, meditation, a memorial wall and a candle lighting ceremony.

For more information, contact Creature Comforts Mobile Vet at 860-355-0247 or visit CreatureComfortsMobileVet.com.

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1 Mile Dog Walk for families and children, sponsored by The Veterinary Cancer Center of Norwalk, will take place on September 20 at 8:30am at the Run Walk for Health & Hunger presented by Athletic Shoe Factory at Chelsea Piers Connecticut in Stamford. The event will follow a 5K Run at 8:15am. The entry fee is $40 per adult plus three nonperishable food items and $20 per child (14 and under) plus one nonperishable food item. A family entry fee for two parents and up to three children is $80 plus four food items. There is no charge for dogs and they must be kept on leashes during the 1 Mile Walk. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccines. The food and $5 from each entry fee will be donated to The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.

The first 500 registered participants will receive a dri-fit shirt, race bib, finisher’s medal and goody bag. Prizes will be awarded to winners. Register at HWS-Expos.com and click on Active.com.

After the 1 Mile Dog Walk, a free doggy day care sponsored by Wagmore will be provided from 9am to 1pm so owners can attend the 3rd Annual Stamford Hospital Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2014 at Chelsea Piers CT from 9am to 4pm. Saturday is Pet Wellness Day at Expo 2014, which is free to the public, and will feature special exhibits related to pets.

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nation. When this “drain field” gets overloaded, the body can’t detoxify and waste backs up. The resulting hit to the body runs the gamut, from mental fog, mood swings/behavior issues, depression, allergies, cravings and weight gain to slowed recovery, weakness, infections, skin issues, premature aging, bone/skeletal issues, chronic illness, organ toxicity, cancer and almost all degenerative diseases.

Our Processed Food and Feed

Good for Me, Good for My Horse Diet Adjustment and Detox Power Healthy Change

by Sandra Mendelson

Y

ou and your horse have a special bond.

Did you know you share a lot of the same health challenges?Humans and horses are both experiencing chronic lifestyle issues and diseases at alarming rates, due in large part to toxicity in our environment, food and water. The good news is that both equine and human health problems, from navicular and laminitis (akin to osteoporosis and gout) to arthritis, slow-healing injuries, and insulin resistance such as type 2 diabetes, can be prevented or dramatically improved with a combination of diet changes and detoxification.

Here’s a deeper look at what our two- and four-legged bodies are facing and some powerful steps you can take to help you and your horse lower toxins, strengthen disease resistance and speed healing.

Our Beautiful, Dirty World

Numerous studies continue to prove that chemicals, food additives, drugs, pesticides, heavy metals and other pollutants in everything from bread and milk to bottled water and detergent can overload our bodies’ self-healing mechanisms. Our horses are subject to a nearly constant bombardment from chemicals and petroleum residue in feed, toxic ingredients in fly sprays, de-wormers and grooming products, antibiotics, heavy metals and carcinogens like formaldehyde in vaccines, pesticides on seeds and hay, and chemicals, bleach and fluoride in water.

This poison load puts pressure on organs, especially the liver, kidneys, lungs and skin — the body’s organs of elimi64

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The human body was designed to run optimally on the nutrition provided readily in nature. It best recognizes, digests and absorbs the nutrients in real food, the way you would find it in nature with vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds and animals. Back at the dawn of civilization, our diet was mostly alkaline with the exception of animals, which required a lot of work to hunt down and were not necessarily an everyday staple. Even our blood is slightly alkaline at a 7.3 to 7.45 pH.

Your horse’s body was also designed to fulfill its nutritional needs with a natural alkaline diet, accomplished by grazing 16-20 miles a day and feasting on a variety of alkaline grasses that provide the necessary balance of nutrients.

Fast forward to our current world of microwaved burritos and meal-in-a-bag sweet feeds. Our diets are now mostly acidic, with daily doses of muffins, bagels, sandwiches and convenience foods. Most of these foods rapidly break down into sugar that shocks our systems, causing “silent” inflammation that is an underlying cause of major diseases in our society. Fifty percent of all Americans and one in four children are pre-diabetic or have type 2 diabetes. In addition, diets high in acid-producing foods lead to a lack of energy, excessive mucous production, infections, anxiety, irritability, headache, sore throat, nasal and sinus congestion, allergic reactions, and increased risk of conditions such as gout and arthritis. The body, seeking to balance and buffer its high acid load, pulls alkaline substances (minerals) into the bloodstream and out of the bones, ligaments and tendons. The result: weakened, brittle and demineralized bones (osteoporosis), arthritis, fractures and injuries.

Back at the ranch, your horse is probably dining on popular brands of highly processed, acidic stuff from a bag, the main ingredients of which were genetically modified (GMO) starchy by-products of flour and liquor manufacturing. Since there is little taste or nutrition in this sawdust, manufacturers have to heavily disguise it so horses will eat it. They add cheap sugars—mainly from cane molasses—and inflammatory fats from GMO soybean and corn oil. In order to call this “nutritionally complete feed”, they add doses of indigestible minerals (e.g., calcium from limestone which can lead to painful enterolyths) and synthetic vitamins and sometimes toxic preservatives.

Treats from a box, sugar cubes and peppermints are further examples of how we think we’re treating our horses with love, but we’re actually setting them up for diabetes, hyperactivity, colic, founder and equine Cushing’s disease. If you are supplementing with name brand commercial electrolytes, your horse is also guzzling down saccharin (known to cause cancer) and artificial colors and flavors.

Take Charge: Eat and Feed for Health

Whether you or your horse are dealing with illness, annoyed by joint or back pain, allergies, respiratory issues or mood swings, or whether you’d like to prevent them, these two steps are a smart way to detoxify your organs and strengthen your immune function.

1. Eat/feed alkalizing foods and replace sugar/starch with healthy fat For Humans: Cut down or eliminate added sugars, baked goods, white flour products, fast food, soda and artificial sweeteners. Eat more “good-for-you” fats rich in nutrients and help stabilize appetite and blood sugar, including avocados, nuts, seeds, unsweetened coconut and coconut oil and olives. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring are wonderful for brain and heart health. Load up on cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, collards, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, garlic, onions and kohlrabi. These increase sulfur in the body and aid detoxification as does the supplement MSM. Chlorella is also a powerful superfood and detoxifier. Cu-

cumber, sprouts, grasses, all-veggie green drinks, sprouted greens, green vegetables and Himalayan salt are all alkalizing.

For Horses: When looking at the total components of your horse’s diet and striving for a healthy balance, remember that alfalfa (high protein) and grains are acidforming while most grass hays and fats and minerals are alkalizing. If you need to feed grain, switch to a whole grain option that even finicky eaters will gobble up, like Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed (Facebook.com/CryptoAero). The feed is full of gut-healing, health-building ingredients and free of soy, corn, molasses, wheat, barley, fillers, chemicals and artificial ingredients. For alfalfa-sensitive horses, Genesis Organic Feed (OrganicHorse-Feed.com) is a complete feed alternative with just 5 ingredients.

To raise the alkaline balance with healthy fats, which provide energy and help build and maintain muscle, many horse experts substitute copra (partially defatted coconut meat) for part or all of their horse’s feed. They also add pHbalancing free choice minerals so the horse can choose which ones it needs, as it would in nature, constantly varying proportions as needs continuously

change. Two great options are Free Choice Minerals by Dynamite Marketing and Redmond Equine’s Daily Gold brand natural equine minerals.

2. Find a great, safe detox product There are products on the market that bind with and absorb toxins, enhance blood flow and support the immune system with antioxidants. Look for ingredient mixes that include zeolite, organic medicinal mushrooms, alpha lipoic acid, gluthathione, quercetin, diatomaceous earth, dandelion, ProCoQ10, turmeric and vitamins C and E to aid in cleansing and fighting inflammation and infection. Horse folks have also discovered a product called VivoZeoCompleteEQ, which can be used by both humans and horses.

Following these few changes can make a powerful difference in how you and your horse feel, especially over time.

Sandra Mendelson, HC, CPT, CLT, is board certified as a holistic health and nutrition coach, AADP, equine photopuncture therapist and certified light therapist, BANHS. For more information, visit WholeHorseBodyBalance.com.

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decisions with using the logical side of your brain.

Finding That Perfect Pet

Personal Inventory and Preparation

by Donna Gleason

B

ringing a new pet into your home is a serious decision and a big responsibility. It’s about taking the time to prepare for a future commitment that could last up to twenty years. Being well informed increases the chances that your pet will remain with you in a forever home. How do you begin to prepare for finding that perfect pet and what should you stay away from?

Avoid the “Fatal Three” Adoption Reasons

“My pet was an impulse decision”: It has been statistically proven that those owners who take their time to research the specific traits and characteristics of a new pet tend to be the most satisfied

with their choice. Those owners who run out and make a decision on a whim tend to be the least happy and have the highest rate of owner surrender/return.

“My new pet was so cute. How could I say no?”: It’s very hard not to make a choice that is based on looks when in a room of many adorable puppies and kitties. However, this is a time to think with your head first and then your eyes. Stick to your list of desired traits and characteristics when picking out your new pet.

“I felt sorry for my new pet”: Trying to decide which pet is best for you by using your emotional side is like standing at a dessert buffet with no idea of what would make you happy. Leave your emotions at the door and make all

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“Most of the adopters that come into the shelter really don’t know what specific characteristics they are looking for in a pet. Most know what species [dog or cat] they want but that’s all. Many times, it becomes the staff’s job to ask the right questions. This way, when matching a potential adopter with a pet, we get it right the first time, reducing the chances that this pet will be returned to the shelter at a later date,” says Meg Turner, shelter manager at the New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society.

Before you contact the shelter or breeder about acquiring your new pet, it is important to take a personal inventory of your current lifestyle.

Other Pets in the Household: Do you own other pets? Consider the needs of any established pets in your home before bringing another pet into your home.

Energy Level: Do you prefer to run in the mountains, watch reruns of old movies, or are you somewhere in the middle? When there is a conflict of energy between you and your pet, resulting frustrations could cause tension on both sides.

Time Commitment: What is your daily schedule? Do you have time in your daily schedule to take care of a new pet? How long will your new pet be left alone? The answers to these questions are critical to the overall happiness of your new pet.

Cost: According to ASPCA’s pet care costs, the average annual estimate for raising a cat is $1,035 and the cost for a large dog is $1,843. Make sure you are aware of the extra financial obligations that come with owning a new pet.

There are 39 types of purebred cat breeds recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association, 180 types of purebred dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and a multitude of mixed breeds of both species. How do you begin to narrow down the search to figure out which pet would be best suited for you and your family?

Pick a Species: Typically dogs are considered loving, loyal and social

animals who thrive in the presence of humans and other dogs. Most dogs require a time commitment in terms of grooming needs and daily opportunities for training and exercise. Cats are typically considered graceful, playful, sensitive and affectionate. Did you know that cats are considered the most popular pet in the United States? Unlike dogs, cats can be very independent.

Pick a Breed: Most dog breeds evolved from a specific job that they have been designed to do. Cat breeds were developed mostly for companionship. If you have a specific canine or feline breed in mind, make sure you research the breed in depth. Don’t forget that mixed breeds often-times are a potpourri of their DNA history and may have less medical issues since their gene pool is much more diverse.

Pick an Age: Getting a young dog requires a lot of energy and direct supervision from their owners. Senior dogs typically thrive better in quieter homes and may need less exercise. Senior dogs may require more healthcare than their younger counterparts, but the love they share is worth every penny.

Kittens are typically playful with much energy. Kittens, similar to puppies, need direct supervision to keep them out of trouble. According to the Humane Society, one interesting fact about kittens is that you will not know what kind of cat you will end up with until she outgrows her kitten personality.

Bottomline: Before going out and getting your new pet, do the research, approach the process with a logical plan and, most importantly, have fun. Bringing home that pet who is a perfect match for you and your family will bring years of love and enjoyment for all.

9 Worst School Pets Birds—can be messy and noisy, bite when handled too much or roughly, are stressed by too much noise and can pass salmonella.

Chinchillas—nocturnal; need cool, constant temperatures of less than 85 degrees and don’t like to be handled.

They need time out of the cage daily (subject to being stepped on by eager children) and require an allergen dust bath to remove oil from their fur.

Ferrets—emit a strong odor and have a tendency to nip.

Frogs—petting can transmit salmonella.

Hamsters—nocturnal; poking can lead to a bite.

Iguanas—can grow to over six feet long and a tail-swiping can be painful; generally not friendly and have highly specific dietary needs.

Rabbits—don’t like to be handled, can bite or scratch; need a calm and peaceful environment to avoid potential stress-

induced heart attacks. Dr. Clark Fobian, of Sedalia, Missouri, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, says they require hay or grasses, fresh greens, vegetables and a highgrade pellet food, plus toys to prevent boredom and excessive tooth growth.

Snakes—can be aggressive during molting.

Turtles—need sunlight, specific diet and more exercise space than a tank can provide; salmonella may be transmitted through their drinking water or by touch.

Better Alternatives

Fish—relaxing to watch and easy to feed.

Guinea pig—larger than a hamster and more easily handled; need space to move around and another companion guinea pig. Fresh food, high in vitamin C, is necessary, according to Fobian. Mites can be a problem requiring a vet visit.

Source: Adapted from PetMD.com

Since 2008, we have rescued more than 1000pure and mixed breed dogs and cats from death row and placed them in foster and forever homes!

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ADOPT • FOSTER • DONATE • VOLUNTEER www.TheLastResortRescue.com • TheLastResortRescue@gmail.com The Last Resort is a 501(c) non-profit, volunteer-run organization.

Donna Gleason, owner of TLC Dog Trainer, resides in Sherman. She is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDTKA) and IAABC certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC) with a master’s degree in behavior modification. She offers professional in-home dog training and group puppy/basic obedience classes. For more information, call 203241-4449 or visit TLCDogTrainer.com.

See ad, page 63. eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Preparing for a New Animal Family Member

by Mary Oquendo

C

ongratulations on your newest bundle of fluffy joy. It makes no difference if you adopted, rescued or purchased your new family member or whether they are young or old. If it has been a while since a new pet has entered your household, it is a good idea to look at your home through the eyes of a pet unfamiliar with its layout and boundaries.

Inside The Home

As this pet is unaware of the confines of your property, fearful, or just wants to go for a run, ensure there are no escape routes available to them. Exterior doors, sliders and windows should be closed.

Window and door screens are not a deterrent. Second floor windows can be deadly if the pet tries to make a break for it. Open windows from the top pane downwards rather than the bottom pane upwards for better safety. Please remember that may not prevent a cat, 68

Fairfield County Edition

bird or ferret from getting out. Ferrets are notorious for getting into the walls of a home. Look for holes and repair immediately.

Collars and harnesses should fit properly. If it is too loose, a scared dog can back out of them. The front-attaching harnesses and martingale collars are more secure and you will have better control of your pet. Breakaway collars are a must for cats as they are far more agile than dogs and, while leaping about, may catch the collar on something. If the collar does not breakaway, the cat may hang itself.

Look at your home from their eye level. See what they see. Licking or sticking a nose into an electrical outlet or chewing on cords can cause heart attacks.

Small children’s toys left lying around can pose a choking hazard if ingested.

Pets are attracted to the saltiness of empty snack bags. These bags are slick on the inside. Once they get their head

natural awakenings

in it, they may not be able to remove it and will suffocate.

Keep poisonous substances such as pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning supplies, pool chemicals, antifreeze, bleach, motor oil and similar products stored in the laundry room or garage out of the pet’s reach. In addition, smaller mammals like to hide in laundry baskets. Use caution when loading the washing machine or dryer.

Secure the garbage can in the kitchen and remove food from tables within their reach to prevent marauding. Many of our foods are not poisonous to pets, but can cause choking as well as intestinal damage.

Stovetops can burn paws. Removing the knobs can prevent a pet from accidently turning on a gas stove.

Outside The Home

Know what plants and shrubs are deadly to your pets before planting.

Your local nursery, as well as PetPoisonHelpline.com is a good resource. Metal edgings and other lawn decorations may have sharp edges that can slice paws and ears. Non-organic mulch is treated with dyes and chemicals. If ingested, mulch can cause choking and intestinal damage.

Dangerous wildlife in your local area can include coyotes, hawks and snakes. Coyotes hunt in packs and can take down a large dog. Larger hawks can carry off pets in the 30-pound range. All snakebites are dangerous.

While copperheads are the most common poisonous snakes in these parts, rattlesnakes and cottonmouths are also prevalent.

Pets can drown in pools if they are unable to get out. There are ramps designed to attach to your pool so your pet has an easy way out.

Barbeque grills are hot and a temptation for dogs. That attraction can cause burns, choking and intestinal damage.

Keep outside gates latched as well as look for damage or holes in fencing.

Lightening can short circuit electronic fences. Always test the line after a storm and periodically check the batteries.

The Arrival

Bringing a new pet into a different environment can be stressful. Set the mood with diffused calming essential oils, soothing music and crystals throughout the house.

Important note about essential oils and cats and birds: Cats cannot metabolize most essential oils and birds cannot metabolize any. Rather than processed out from their bodies, essential oils are stored causing long-term health problems. However, you can diffuse essential oils in the air if the cat is healthy.

Good choices for crystals include rose quartz for love, tiger eye for grounding, and blue lace agate for calming. Place stones out of reach as they can be a choking hazard.

You may need the services of a dog trainer. Choose one that uses positive reinforcement as their primary tool for training as opposed to aversive or pun-

ishment training. Since dog training is not a regulated profession, it’s important to always interview your trainer prior to hiring. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior offers some good guidelines for choosing a dog trainer.

Microchip your pet before coming home and supply the microchip company with a photo and current phone numbers, including a cellphone number. Collar tags should be new. Older ID tags become worn and unreadable and may not have your current phone number on them.

Nick Trout sums up the joys of pet ownership; “It may be a cat, a bird, a ferret or a guinea pig, but the chances are high that when someone close to you dies, a pet will be there to pick up the slack. Pets devour the loneliness.

They give us purpose, responsibility, a reason for getting up in the morning, and a reason to look to the future. They

ground us, help us escape the grief, make us laugh, and take full advantage of our weakness by exploiting our furniture, our beds, and our refrigerator. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Pets are our seat belts on the emotional roller coaster of life--they can be trusted, they keep us safe, and they sure do smooth out the ride.”

For all the joy, love and companionship they offer us, taking some time to make sure their home and environment is as safe as can be is the least we can do.

Owner and stylist of Pawsitively Pretty Mobile Grooming Salon in Danbury, Mary Oquendo ACM, RM, is one of 13 Certified Master Pet Tech Instructors worldwide.

She is a Reiki master and certified crystal therapist. For more information, visit HandsAndPawsReiki.com. See ad, page 66.

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September 2014

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petresourceguide ADOPTION/RESCUE

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ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC. 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com

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COMMUNITY CATS

PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org

15 Cross St, Norwalk 203-838-7729 DogGoneSmart.com

Earth Animal has been the pioneer in the natural pet health industry for decades.

Fairfield County’s TOP The family-owned business canine center! We have sells its own veterinarianbeen serving pet lovers in formulated products for cats our area for more than 20 and dogs. These include years. Our staff consists of dog trainers and animal vitamins, organic herbal remedies and a natural Goldstein behavorists who work together to make Dog Gone flea and tick prevention program. Dr. Bob ® Smart a loving, safe, fun and happy home away from recently partnered with Bell&Evans to produce a hormone-and antibiotic-free line of Americanhome for your dog. See ad, page 63. treats. Earth Animal also sells raw Love yourselfmade first chicken and everything and dehydrated foods and organic home-cooking PASSAGE EAST BOARDING KENNELS else falls intopre-mixes, line. Youplus really havequality treats, bones, toys, the best 499 Danbury Rd, Wilton to love yourself to get anything leashes, collars, beds, etc!

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been dedicated to caring for pets for more than 40 years and makes your dog feel like it never left home.

Passage East is a full-service dog boarding kennel. We offer daycare services, overnight boarding and full-service grooming. See ad, page 65.

147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297

PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org

PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC. (PAWS)

WHOLISTIC PET SERVICES BOUTIQUE DOG RESORT & SPA

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PET PROTECTORS

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2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 PetProtectorsRescue.org

RIDGEFIELD OPERATION FOR ANIMAL RESCUE

45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 • Roar-Ridgefield.org

STRAYS AND OTHERS

PO Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com

Wholistic Pet Services is a unique and “boutique” dogboarding and training resort in a private home with a fully fenced and landscaped garden.

Furry guests receive good manners training, sleep on cotton sheets and Persian carpets and go for daily socialization and training hikes. Homemade holistic nutrition supplemented by herbal remedies and nutritional advice and cooking lessons available for health-conscious dog parents. See ad, page 63.

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

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EARTH ANIMAL

606 Post Rd East, Westport 203-222-7173 • EarthAnimal.com

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The Honest Kitchen provides natural, human-grade pet food products for dogs and cats. Our gourmet recipes are 100% natural and gently dehydrated. See ad, page 67.

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

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 only 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 an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 69.

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fitbody

Say Yes to Yoga It Boosts Health, Peace, Community and Spirituality

by Lynda Bassett

L

ois Parker Carmona first stepped into a yoga studio looking for better physical health. “I was doing hot vinyasa because I wanted to sweat. I wanted to feel better,” she recalls.

Many people on a similar quest try yoga for the first time during September’s National Yoga Month (YogaHealth Foundation.org/yoga_month), founded

by Johannes Fisslinger. “This year, more than 2,200 yoga studios will offer informative public events or a free week of classes to new students to educate everyone about the health benefits of yoga and inspire a healthy lifestyle,” says Fisslinger. “Yoga and mindfulness are an essential part of America’s newly emerging health paradigm.”

Like many others, as Carmona deepened her practice, she discovered that yoga’s benefits transcend the physical. Then she went further, becoming a certified Baptiste yoga instructor and co-owner of Melrose Yoga, in Melrose, Massachusetts. “Many of us are so busy and consumed with the constant motion of day-to-day activities that we lose complete track of who we are, along with the state of our bodies,” she says.

“Yoga reconnects me with myself.”

Flexibility

One reason that people try yoga is to improve their flexibility. A recent report from Yoga Alliance, a nonprofit association based in Arlington, Virginia, states that it can improve flexibility and mobility and increase range of motion over time as ligaments, tendons and muscles lengthen and become more elastic.

It also helps relieve muscular tension throughout the body.

The Alliance’s Danica Amore notes that flexibility means different things to different people. “A senior might define flexibility as being able to pick up the grandkids, while young people might consider it essential to their athletic abilities.” Flexibility can also mean being able to turn around easily while backing out of the driveway or running with fewer injuries, adds Carmona.

Improvements in flexibility generally depend on an individual’s age, health and commitment to practicing yoga, as well as the style chosen. “There are so many different lineages of yoga, and each teacher has his or her own style.

Plus, each individual progresses at their own pace,” Amore explains. “It’s really a question of where you want this personal

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practice to take you and how you embrace it in your private life.” The bottom line is that everyone’s journey is different.

Mental Health

Many experts concur that yoga can be effective in reducing stress. As students continue their practice, they feel less stress and an increased sense of peace and relaxation, along with other mental health benefits.

“Yoga gives you what is often called a ‘witness consciousness’,” says John Kepner, executive director of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Being able to observe the external events around you, but not being caught up in the drama. In modern terms, it’s an increased ability to stay cool, calm and collected. After a good yoga class, your troubles can appear further away.”

Improved Relationships

When stress is reduced, an increased sense of calm tends to permeate all areas of one’s life, observes Kepner. “Based on my experience, yoga also helps improve relationships.” He has taught the same group of students for 10 years and notes their special relationship: “If one goes to the same yoga class regularly, a friendship tends to develop with others in the class, called Songhai. After a while, practicing together becomes one of the most valuable parts of the practice,” he says.

This beneficial, deeper sense of community—a major allure of a longterm yoga practice—develops mainly from the intangible sense of working together in terms of physical, mental and spiritual support.

Spirituality and Connectedness “Even beginning students quickly realize how connecting with their bodies and their breath helps them in their everyday lives,” says Carmona. “It adds a transcendent dimension to everything you do in life.”

In addition to its more immediate tangible benefits, other long-term benefits experienced by students may be harder to define or quantify. Carmona observes, “People generally say that yoga has changed their life, physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Lynda Bassett is a freelance writer outside Boston, MA. Connect at LyndaBassett@gmail.com.

wisewords

Kamini Desai Explores a Yogic Life

Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery

by Linda Sechrist

K

amini Desai’s Ph.D.-worthy versatile body of teachings combines her lifelong interests in Western psychology and Eastern philosophy.

Trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she develops and leads core programs for Florida’s Amrit Yoga Institute, providing advanced studies dedicated to the science and system of integrated human development. A resident of Salt Springs, Florida, and the Netherlands, she teaches in 10 countries on three continents.

What is a yogic lifestyle?

It means being focused on inner peace.

Through the study of yoga as a complete science of self-mastery, I’m cultivating the realization of my highest self beyond body and mind. This intention is the director of my unfolding life. I like to use the metaphor of a ship. If this higher self as a wise captain isn’t steadily setting the course at the helm, then on any given day, the happy, sad, grieving, enthusiastic or depressed me will likely be steering my life in a contrary direction and I’ll just be going in circles.

In the Integrative Amrit Method of Yoga, along with the integrative method of yoga nidra

that I practice and teach, my focus is on the release of body energy, rather than any physical pose. Energy is healing.

When energy is freed up, it naturally calms the mind and creates a spontaneous, meditative state in which the highest self can be experientially known.

To free energy, I attune to the sensations resulting from the physical alignments in any yoga posture. Each pose focuses attention on sensations occurring along the meridian lines in the body, allowing areas that are blocked and limited to open up and energy to optimally flow. Then, in what Amrit yoga describes as the “second half of the posture,” I close my eyes and feel that released energy becoming magnified through my attention. The stronger the energy becomes, the more the mind organically dissolves into a meditative state where mental, emotional and physical healing can happen spontaneously.

What was it like to grow up as the daughter of Yogi Amrit Desai, a well-known guru?

I feel blessed that I was exposed to my father’s teachings from a young age. His message that I first embraced was that people and things will always change, and if I rely on either of them for happiness

and peace of mind, I’m depending on the undependable. The need is to find internal stability in the midst of every polarity.

My dad, now approaching 82, has always been an example of one whose entire life is about moving towards a changeless state of being and of what it means to remain a nonjudgmental witness to all that happens in life. Still, I had to learn my own lessons.

How have you benefited from yoga?

I began studying with my dad when I was 16. Now, at 46, I more fully value the depth of yoga.

The longer I practice, the more grateful I am that my mind is less fragmented than it otherwise would be. I’m progressively able to deal with situations that would have sent me over the edge before. I more naturally avoid wasting a lot of mental energy in internalized, “If they say this then I’m going to say that,” conversations. With less mental chatter, I have more energy and stamina to focus on what is in front of me. I can be totally absorbed in each present moment for a deeper sense of fulfillment in what I’m doing.

How do you feel about the Westernization of yoga?

Individuals that begin any style of yoga for its physical benefits are off to a good start, but anyone that maintains a regular practice becomes curious about yoga’s other benefits, like relaxation, more peace and a sense of happiness that arises without any apparent cause.

Eventually they ask, “Why is this good thing or greater bliss happening to me?

What else is there besides postures?”

Although everyone eventually learns many life skills, we rarely learn how to live our lives well, manage our emotions and relate to others in ways that create more peace and happiness within. These are the uncaused benefits of yoga that people come to love.

Find more of her words of wisdom in articles posted at KaminiDesai.com.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAbout We.com for the recorded interview.

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inspiration

ally rolling forward along the upper palate and vibrating the throat.

The third syllable, M, is pronounced as a prolonged “mmmm,” with front teeth gently touching. Start to feel the top of the head vibrate.

The last syllable is the deep silence of the infinite. As intelligence rises from the deep silence, merge the chant from the M to the deep silence.

Why do we chant it?

Om Sweet Om

Sounding the Key Note of the Universe

by Sam Saunders

O

“

m” is a Hindu sacred sound considered the greatest of all mantras, traditionally used in prayers, chants and meditation— possessing high spiritual and creative power, it can be recited by anyone. Om is both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth. When pronounced correctly, it is actually “AUM.”

Aum consists of four syllables: A, U, M and the silent syllable.

The first syllable is A, pronounced as a prolonged “awe.” The sound starts at the back of the throat and is stretched out; sense the feeling of the solar plexus and chest vibrating.

The next is U, pronounced as a prolonged “o-o- ,” with the sound gradu-

Everything in the universe is pulsating and vibrating—with nothing standing still. The sound Om, when chanted, vibrates at 432 Hz, the same vibrational frequency found throughout nature. By chanting the keynote sound of the universe, we are symbolically and physically tuning in to and acknowledging our connection to all other living beings, nature and the universe.

The universal vibrations and rhythmic pronunciation also physically affect the body by slowing the nervous system and calming the mind, similar to the effects of meditation. When the mind relaxes, blood pressure decreases and ultimately, heart health improves.

Finally, chanting AUM is wellsuited to mark the beginning or end of a yoga practice or meditation session or as a respite from regular daily activities. It signifies that this is a special time to care for ourselves and practice being mindful.

Sam Saunders lives and teaches yoga in Dubai. Connect at Sam@LoveYoga.ae.

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calendarofevents

markyourcalendar

Magazine calendar events must be received by September 12th (for October 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.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 TLC Networking Breakfast – 8:30-10am. Looking for a community of healthy living professionals? At TLC Center, we understand the power of networking. Relaxed, supportive group of professionals.

Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. TLCcenter.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 TLC Healing Circle Open to ALL – 7-9pm. Fun, experiential evening for the curious, first timers and practitioners of all modalities and levels. Healing circle meditation led by Beth Leas and then everyone will have the opportunity to receive/give mini-sessions. Open to all. $20/donation. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. Beth@ BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

Screening of “Cowspiracy” – 7:30-9:30pm. Feature-length environmental documentary that uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it. Tickets must be purchased at Tugg.com/Go/jdsqzr. Sponsored by Catch A Healthy Habit Cafe. $11. Fairfield Cinema’s Bullard Square, 40 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield. 203-292-8190. CatchAHealthyHabit@ yahoo.com. CatchAHealthyHabit.com/Events.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am-5:15pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (19 years).

Includes latest info. Learn Reiki for self-healing and healing others. 4 powerful energy connections, from short (Japanese /Usa) linage, 2 manuals and certificate. $115+ $10/materials. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (enter office downstairs in back), Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Reiki Share – 9:30-11am. With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher and Advance Practice IET. Must be at least a Level 1 practitioner to join the share. A share is great practice and fun while you increase your skills, knowledge and confidence.

You get and give treatments, so join the share early as size is limited to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy their time. $10. Information: 203-470-0635.

TheLightOfHappiness.com.

1 Day Meditation Retreat – 9:30am-4pm. This silent session is designed to be more intensive than our weekly classes. It allows the mind more time to drop daily thoughts and develop deeper levels of awareness of our body, mind, thoughts and feeling.

Please bring a bag lunch. Must register. Donations accepted. Redding Center for Mindfulness & Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd (1/2 mile off route 7), West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

Spiritual Psychic Fair – 12-5pm. Gifted and caring intuitive readers available for personal readings.

Modalities offered include mediumship, shamanic healing and past life readings, tarot and angel cards, pendulum readings. Features medium Pamela Edmunds. Sessions are approx. 25 mins. Appointments available via email. Walk-ins welcome. $40 and up. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Drum Circle – 7-9pm. Combination drum class and drum circle. Explore traditional W. African rhythms and other drumming methodologies while learning how to play/listen/create together. Then put into practice. No prior experience is required or expected. Beginners learn to ride on two wheels, experienced players can push boundaries. $15.

Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8820. Desretarr@gmail.com.

SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Usui Reiki Level 1 Class – 10am-3:30pm. With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher and Advance Practice IET. Learn in a comfortable, relaxed setting. Small classes provide one-on-one attention to learn hand positions, centering, relaxation techniques to prepare for yourself, family and friends. You will receive manuals, Level 1 attunement and certificate. Class size is limited. Information: 203-470-0635. TheLightOfHappiness.com.

Enhance Your Evidential Mediumship Skills – 1-4pm. With Medium Pamela Marie Edmunds. Interactive class will focus on enhancing your Mediumship skills. Learn the types of evidence necessary to receive an evidential message from a communicator in the spirit world and then participate in practice exercises.

All levels welcome. $40. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Crystal and Tibetan Bowls in the Cave: Crystal Cymbalogy – 5-6:30pm. The music Cynthia and Rick make is a combination of the energies present in the venue, the crystal bowls, and the people who attend. The audience is also an active participant by the energy that they bring with their presence. Music is composed in the moment and not pre-rehearsed. $65. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.

RSVP at 203-969-4327. SaltanaCave.com.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 EFT for Food Cravings – 7-8:30pm. Learn EFT and see your food cravings disappear. Scientific studies have shown that EFT helps in attaining and maintaining ideal weight because it balances the emotions that underlie food cravings and overeating. Bring your chocolate, chips or goody of choice.

Free. Total Life Care Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-247-1318. FriedmanRobin@gmail.com.

EnergyToolsForDailyLiving.

Awaken Wellness Fair …Awaken to Your Best Self…

Sunday, October 5 10am to 5pm Double Tree by Hilton Hotel

2117 NJ Rte. 4, Fort Lee NJ 07024 Speakers, Healers, Vendors and Readers Over 100 exhibitors, 1000 guests!

AwakenFair.com click on “Fort Lee” Exhibitor spots available Full Moon Kirtan – 7:30-9pm. In celebration of the full moon join us for a Kirtan in the yoga room at Sticks and Stones Farm. The Kirtan is led by Cynthia Quintanal from Crystal Cymbology. By donation.

Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8820. DesreTarr@gmail.com.

SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Meet & Greet with Tara Cook-Littman – 6-7pm.

Tara is running for the open seat of House of Representatives in the 134th district (part of Fairfield and Trumbull). Tara was instrumental in getting a labeling of GMOs bill passed into Law. Meet and greet followed by a free screening of “GMO OMG” at 7pm. Free. Catch A Healthy Habit Cafe, 39 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-292-8190. CatchAHealthyHabit@ yahoo.com. CatchAHealthyHabit.com/Events.

Chakra Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Explore your Chakras through Meditation as we recharge, renew and rejuvenate your energy centers. Beth Leas will lead us in a guided meditation designed to help you discover peace, harmony and balance while connecting to the rhythm of the Universe. Generously sponsored by ProMindful.org. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203.856.9566.

Beth@BethLeas.com. Promindful.org.

Screening of “GMO OMG” – 7-9pm. GMO OMG director and concerned father Jeremy Seifert is in search of answers. How do GMOs affect our children, the health of our planet, and our freedom of choice? Is it even possible to reject the food system currently in place? Free. Catch A Healthy Habit Cafe, 39 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield.

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

CatchAHealthyHabit.com/Events.

An Evening with Willaru Huayta, Inca Spiritual Messenger – 7-9:30pm. Willaru will share the esoteric knowledge from the heart that is guaranteed to evolve and transform your spiritual practice and your relationships to self, significant others, community, spirit and the divine evolution toward light and love. $45/advance, $50/at door. Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

203-850-1198. QuietHarborEvents@gmail.com.

QuietHarborEvents.Ning.com.

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Hypnosis Certification Course October 11-18

“The best course I’ve ever attended…

Amazing!” ~Rita G., Waterbury Mind Matters Hypnosis Center, Avon Call to see if you qualify: 860-693-6448 Info: MindMattersHypnosis.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Introduction to Reiki – 7-8:30pm. Place to start if you’re curious about Reiki or interested in learning more about how to heal yourself and others. Beth Leas will share wisdom from her 20 years experience using Reiki in this fun, explorative and interesting evening. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk.

203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Friday – 7-9pm.

What’s in the cards for you? Find out during this playful event designed for everyone from novices to longtime tarot friends. Explore the tarot or develop a deeper relationship with your cards. Everyone will receive a reading from Beth Leas. A great night out which will leave you feeling empowered. $40.

TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

Beth@BethLeas.com. TLCtarot.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Learning the ABC’s of Mediumship – 10am-4pm.

Learn to communicate with the wonderful spirit world. Learn the language of Spirit Communication, develop a deeper understanding of what happens to our loved ones when they cross over and how messages from our spirit, can provide healing, closure and guidance to us that are earthbound. $95.

Personal Wellness Center, 1895 Post Rd, Fairfield.

203-767-6237. Sage@MyPersonalWellness.com.

MyPersonalWellness.com.

Water Colors for the Soul – 2-4pm. Part 1 of 3-part workshop and step-by-step instruction. Learn appreciation for color shading and technique. Gain understanding of outlines, shapes and light sourcing.

Work with texture and depth. Leave with a finished product to cherish or give as a gift. Experienced or beginners welcome. $115/includes materials fee.

Pre-registration is required. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Western CT Fall Permaculture Gathering and Potluck – 5:30-8pm. Share and learn more about permaculture projects and visions in CT. Permaculture is a theory for ecological design of human settlements. All welcome. Meet and greet with permaculture designer Brett Lehner, small group discussions and a potluck. Bring ideas pictures of personal projects. $5/suggested donation. Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8820. Bclehner1@gmail.com.

SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Usui Reiki Level ll Class – 10am-3:30pm. With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher and Advance Practice IET. Must have completed Reiki Level 1 class and be practicing prior to this level.

Learn in a comfortable, small class setting. Review level 1. Learn Level ll Reiki symbols, cell memory techniques and distance Reiki to enhance your practice. Receive booklets, a Level ll attunement and certificates. Class size is limited. Information: 203-470-0635. TheLightOfHappiness.com.

Manifesting Your Heart’s Desires Using Crystals – 10am-4pm. Learn to attract exactly what you desire from your heart not your ego, discover and transcend unconscious blocks that keep you stuck and in fear. Program and use your personal manifestation crystal. Crystals provided that day will be available to purchase. Limited space, pre-register. $85/through 8/31. $100/thereafter. Personal Wellness Center, 1895 Post Rd, Fairfield. 203-767-6237. Sage@ MyPersonalWellness.com. MyPersonalWellness.com.

Health & Well Being Expo – 10:30am-4pm. Join psychic medium Joan Carra at the Health & Well Being Expo. Wainwright House, 260 Stuvesant Ave, Rye, NY. 914-967-6080 Wainwright.org.

Spirit Communication Class – 1-3pm. With Priscilla Keresey. Discover the unique way that you connect to the spirits and learn to dialogue with them using techniques to build confidence. Group will work together to support eachother, creating a safe and friendly space to voice your communications. No psychic or mediumship experience necessary. $40. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Writing to Discover Yourself: The Art of Inquiry – 9:30-11am. Who are you? This provocative and playful process of inquiry will reawaken your sense of wonder about yourself, your relationships and your life. It’s time to crawl up with your journal, giving yourself time and space. If not now, when? $45. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-8569566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Questions & Answers about Reiki – 7-9:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher (19 year). Includes latest information in Western Style Reiki. 7-8:30: Talk about Reiki. Reiki certified practitioners may ask about advanced training. $5. 8:15-9:30pm: Mini-Reiki sessions. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Albertson Church Healing Service – 7:30-8:30pm. Begin with a beautiful guided meditation then have an opportunity to sit in one of our healing chairs to receive ‘hands on shoulders’ healing from a church designated healer.

Or sit in the peace, tranquility and loving energy of our sanctuary to help calm the soul and promote divine connection. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Intro to the Art & Alchemy of Aromatherapy – 7-9pm. With Robin Spiegel. Explore and learn the many blessings of aromatherapy and how therapeutic grade essential oils support balancing your body,

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markyourcalendar

Naturopathic Gathering:

Sowing Seeds, Remaining Rooted Celebrating Naturopathic Medicine!

October 10-12 University of Bridgeport’s John J. Cox Student Center 244 University Ave • Bridgeport A conference for medical students, naturopaths, and interested members of the community.

UB is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this event

NaturopathicGathering.org mind, emotions and spirit through your chakras. $40.

Lotus Wellness Center, 46 Pemberwick Rd, Greenwich. 203-531-4784. Info@LotusWellnessCtr.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Reiki Share – 9:30-11am. With Deborah Arconti, Nurse, Reiki Master/Teacher and Advance Practice IET. Must be at least a Level 1 practitioner to join the share. A share is great practice and fun while you increase your skills, knowledge and confidence. You get and give treatments, so join the share early. $10. Information: 203-470-0635. TheLightOfHappiness.com.

Foraging Wild Plants and Mushrooms – 11am-2:30pm.

Join us for a foraging workshop with Wildman Steve.

He will guide us on a walk through the woods and teach us about wild edible plants growing in our community.

Bring snacks for a lunch break. $45. Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8820.

DesreTarr@gmail.com. SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

Water Colors for the Soul – 2-4pm. Part 1 of 3-part workshop and step-by-step instruction. Learn appreciation for color shading and technique. Gain understanding of outlines, shapes and light sourcing.

Work with texture and depth. Leave with a finished product to cherish or give as a gift. Experienced or beginners welcome. $115/includes materials fee.

Pre-registration is required. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868..

Family Yoga (ages 5+) – 2:30-3:30pm. With Kerri Gawreluk. Calling all mothers, fathers, siblings, and family members... yoga really IS for everybody. Class designed for children ages 5-12 and adults to enjoy and share together. No prior yoga experience is necessary.

Families of more than 3 get 50% off each additional person. $15/one week in advance, $20/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Guided Relaxation with Healing Gong – 3:30-5pm.

With Alex Nason of ProMindful. Mindfulness helps us recognize conditions of happiness already present in our lives. Enter a deep state of meditation where healing on a subatomic level is possible. Beginners as well as advanced yoga practitioners. Dew Yoga. 1177 High Ridge Rd, Ste 111, Stamford. 203-856-5299. DewYoga.net.

Yoga for Happy Healthy Backs – 4-6pm.

With Kathy Jamison. Gentle postures, guided by gentle breath, have been proven to reduce or eliminate common backache. Short, simple practices that you can do every day to relieve muscle tension, build strength, and restore flexibility. Learn the techniques and receive a selection of practices that

you can do at home every day to help your back feel better. $35/by 9/13, $45/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Kirtan in the Cave – 6:30-8pm. Join Sita’s Light on a journey through the sacred mantra sounds of ancient India with call and response group chanting for a unique and unforgettable evening of sound and spirit. Kirtan (chanting) is a meditative practice that opens the heart and brings great joy and peace.

Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. RSVP at 203-969-4327. SaltanaCave.com.

Healing Vibrations: A Journey Inward – 7-8:30pm.

Innovative workshop that offers an experiential journey inward to lift your spirit and ease your soul bringing the peace, healing, and joy you’ve been waiting for.

Participants will experience a combination of Reiki and sound healing to enhance emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and balance. $30. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. HealingVibrationsJourney@gmail.com. ArcSacredCenter.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 How to Discover and Use Your Money Mantra: A Workshop – 12:30-3pm. Prosperity Aerobics author and Money Mantra Meditation founder Cary Bayer will help develop your own personal Money Mantra.

How to use this powerful message at home on a daily basis to more quickly attract such prosperity into your life. $20/suggested love offering. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St 2nd Flr, (above the Ford dealership), Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki 2rd Degree in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master (19 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. 2 manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, (enter office downstairs in back), Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet. net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Feng Shui: Working with Your Energy Centers – 3-6pm. With Beth Grace, Feng Shui practitioner. Learn to locate energy centers using the Feng Shui Bagua Map, an energetic map of 9 centers, each with an associated trigram and element, that relates to areas of your life.

Learn how to apply the Bagua Map and set the stage for personal transformation. $40/by 9/20, $50/thereafter.

Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-2549642. Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Water Colors for the Soul – 2-4pm. Part 1 of 3-part workshop and step-by-step instruction. Learn appreciation for color shading and technique. Gain understanding of outlines, shapes and light sourcing.

Work with texture and depth. Leave with a finished product to cherish or give as a gift. Experienced or beginners welcome. $115/includes materials fee.

Pre-registration is required. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

The Healing Power of Emotions in Motion – 1-3:30pm. With Anne Novak. Workshop uses the ancient science of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation and deeply transformational guided imagery along with cutting edge findings in the field of neuroscience to tap into the wisdom, strength and curative power of emotions in motion. $45/by 9/14, $55/thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Ridgefield’s 2nd Annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off – 10am-3pm. Large pumpkin growers from the region come together for a cash prize competition for the heaviest pumpkin, squash, longest gourd and youth grower. Walk the farm stand and vendor booths, participate in activities for kids, and enjoy musical entertainment and a professional pumpkin carving demonstration. Ballard Park, Ridgefield.

Info@Ridgefieldchamber.org. 203-438-5992.

Fall into the Light: A Conscious Music Festival – 3-8pm. Join us for an afternoon/evening of high vibratory music and fun. Bring picnic food and beverages, lawn chairs and your tribe. Featuring the music of Crystal Cymbalogy an eye toward consciousness raising. $35. Sticks and Stones farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8820.

DesreTarr@gmail.com. SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

Changes! A Half Day Retreat for Women – 1-5pm.

Whether you’re ready for a change or looking to cope through a change, this half-day workshop will shift you to a new place. Beth Leas and Kristen Rzasa will help you explore change in a fun and meaningful way using meditation, movement. energy healing, aromatherapy and tarot. $49. Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-856-9566.

Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Healing Drum Circle – 7-9pm. with DeeAnn Macomson. Autumn Equinox Celebration honoring the balance between day and night, as well as healing for balancing the light and dark within. Drumming, celebration, balancing, healing and rejoicing. Advance registration required. $40. Lotus Wellness Center, 46 Pemberwick Rd, Greenwich. 203-531-4784. Info@LotusWellnessCtr.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Reiki Review and Refresher – 7-9pm. Ready to reconnect to Reiki? This evening is designed to provide support for those still new to Reiki or a jump-start for those who have been away for a while. Everyone will receive a re-attunement and enjoy giving/receiving Reiki healings. No matter how long it has been since your Reiki attunement, this promises to be an enlightening evening. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk.

203-856-9566. Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

SPREAD YOUR LIGHT Help your community become a healthier and happier place to live by advertising in

Natural Awakenings’ October Sustainable Communities Edition

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 Is Sugar Sabotaging Your Diet? – 10:30am-12pm.

With Tracy Pardo, Certified Health Coach. Learn to control sugar cravings, choose healthy sugar alternatives, and learn where sugar could be hiding in your diet. Raffle, 15 Minute Chair Massage with Shannon D. Reynolds, LMT. Registration is required. $10. Shalva Clinic, 260 Riverside Ave, 2nd Flr, Westport. 203-9164600. TracyPardo@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Family Meditation Made FUN – 4-5:30pm. Using the kids as an excuse why you can’t meditate?

Bring them with you! Learn how just 10 minutes a day meditating together can improve your family life. Meditation and relaxation techniques taught by Beth Leas that appeal to kids of all ages – 6 to 96. $45/family. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk.

BethLeas.com

To advertise or participate in our next edition, call

203-885-4674

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ongoingevents sunday

monday

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.

Intuitive Readings By Caroline – 1-4pm. Come play in the psychic realm! Past Lives & Spirit Messages. Find out how your past lives reflect in your current life. Mondays. In Stamford. $35/30 minute reading. Call for location/RSVP: 914-318-4845.

CHANTSFORMATIONS-A Chant & Meditation Experience – 9-9:45am. With Andrea Rudolph, Jewish Interfaith Minister. Gather to contemplate and nurture the spirit within through the practice of chant and meditation. No prior Hebrew knowledge required. All Faiths. Suggested donation: $10.

ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe.

203-257-1009. InTheSpiritofLife@gmail.com.

InTheSpiritofLifecom.

Spiritual Sunday Services – 10-11am. A one-hour service followed by community hour from 11am to noon. The Arc Sacred Center is a non-profit spiritual community center created for the purpose of offering a gathering place for spiritual exploration and teaching, freedom of spiritual expression and healing for the body, mind and soul. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Interfaith Service Gathering – 10-11am. A community to celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. Followed by a community hour from 11am-12pm. My Little Light Children’s Program is available during the service. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

Reiki Volunteers – 10am-12pm. Pledge time to volunteer Sundays at various homes for the elderly and nursing homes in Fairfield and Southbury. Receive credits towards Reiki training. Reiki Overtones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958.

Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports one’s spiritual unfoldment. Great music by award-winning singers. Childcare provided. Fellowship hour after the service. All are welcome. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

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.

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The Power of Meditation – 5:30-6:30pm. Meditation sharpens focus, lowers blood pressure, relieves pain, reduces stress and opens the door to real and accessible happiness. 3-class series offers a practical approach and individualized support as you develop a solid life skill. $120/5 class series or $30/class.

TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

Beth@BethLeas.com. BethLeas.com.

Gentle Flow Yoga Candle Lit – 6:15-7:15pm.

With Aga. Beginner’s welcome. Bring water bottle and Yoga Mat if you have one. First class free for new students! $15/drop-in. $10/class pass. $100/10 classes. More information: 203-559-9656. Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8220. SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

Women’s Meditation Circle – 6:45-8:30pm. Offering three 6-week sessions, with three themes: Acceptance, Essence, and Awareness. At Session 1, we will: cultivate a sacred space for mutual support; practice compassion for self and others; develop mindfulness; rekindle a fuller engagement with life; discover the peace that is our core. $50. Westport.

203-293-7759. Alexandra.Horsky@yahoo.com.

Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: physically, mentally and spiritually. $13/per session or 5/$60, 10/$110, 20/$200. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-414-6790.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

Forgiveness - Thought Exchange Style – 7-9pm.

4-weeks starting 9/8. Explore how to use Thought Exchange principles to move through any obstacles that arise when you move toward forgiveness. At least 10 people needed for the class to take place. $80. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, (above the Ford Dealership), Norwalk. 203-8557922. Dfried6367@aol.com. UnityCenterPS.org.

Transformation and Healing – 7:30-8:15pm. Rev. Ed O’Malley uses a Shamanic Illumination Process which removes heavy energies from luminous energy fields, returning the body and soul to its initial state of wellness. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

natural awakenings

Guided Meditation at Sabita Holistic Center –7:30-8:30pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633.

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. Last Monday. With JoAnn Duncan. 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. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-438-3050 or TurningPointReiki.com.

tuesday TLC Monthly Networking Breakfast – 8:30am.

First Tuesday of the month. Looking for a community of healthy living professionals? At TLC Center we understand the power of networking. Relaxed, supportive group of professionals. Grab a friend, your biz cards and join us for a fun morning of connecting.

Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-8569566. Beth@BethLeas.com. TLCcenter.com.

Pilates – 9:15-10am. Wth Laura Lehrhaupt, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Laura is also a certified Spinning, Kickboxing, Balletone and Pilates Instructor. $13/class. $15/drop-in. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. BeWellLaural@ gmail.com. BeWellLaural.com.

Tots Yoga for Crawler-17months – 10:15-11am.

Partner with your little one for animated yoga poses, games, music and breathing exercises to strengthen coordination and build body awareness. Please preregister for your free trial class. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764.

KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net.

Mommy & Me Yoga for Babies 6 weeks old pre-crawling – 11:15am-12pm. Moms will restore and rejuvenate through stretching and strengthening poses. Babies will enjoy yoga poses to aid in digestion and sleep. Great opportunity to bond with your baby and connect with other moms. Please preregister for free trial at FamilyTreeYoga.net. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford.

203-253-0764. KimberlyMotill@gmail.com.

Lunchtime Yoga in Downtown Stamford – 12-1pm. Take a wellness break during your day.

Release stress, re-energize, find balance with vinyasa flow yoga. $20/drop-in, 4/$68 or 8/$120. Call 914-393-9221. Limitless-Potential.net.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

Albertson Church Healing Service – 7-8pm. 3rd Wednesday. Guided meditation, receive healing energy from church-sanctioned healers and the gift of saging. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

203-637-4615.

BodySmart – 6:15-7:30pm. Semi-private sessions for 2-4 participants. Complete core/body conditioning exercises and stretching utilizing a 9-foot floor to ceiling X-Pole. $45/class-discount with 6+ classes (pre-reg required). BodySmart, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. Call Lisa for details, additional schedule information and to register: 203-209-7359.

Journaling with Spirit – 7-8pm. By Rev. Shawn Moninger. Journaling is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get in touch with the highest voice within ourselves. First-time attendees receive a new journal. Love offering. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, Norwalk. 203-855-7922.

Radical Forgiveness – 7-8:15pm. With Rev Shawn Moninger. Let go of anger & blame and find peace in any situation. Explore the five essential stages of Radical Forgiveness and learn a series of quick, effective and easy-to-use techniques. Six Tuesdays begins April 15th. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org.

Food, Freedom & Fun – 7-8:30pm. 4-week seminar will discuss common nutrition questions and myths. Find out what is safe, real and how you can start immediately to change the way you look and feel. Suggested $80/4 weeks. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922.

Geri@ZatcoffWellness.com. UnityCenterPS.org.

Angelic Healing Group—7-9pm, 1st 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.

Late Summer Yoga Session – 7:30-8:45pm. With Deb Delaney. 6-week session will combine yoga movements, breath work, and some meditation to help you find that sense of wholeness, strength, and peaceful calm. Please dress in layers, bring your mat, towel or blanket, and water if you would like. $15/ class. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe.

Deb@myOMwellness.com. myOMwellness.com.

Reiki Shares – 7:30-10:15pm. 1st and 3rd 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 Candlelit Yoga Flow – 6:30-7:30pm. With Aga. Beginners welcome. Bring water bottle and Yoga Mat if you have one. First class free for new students! $15/drop-in. $10/class pass. $100/10 classes. More information: 203-559-9656. Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-2708220. SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

Radical Self Forgiveness – 7-8:15pm. Explore the five essential stages of Radical Forgiveness and how they help us transcend the victim archetype and embrace the inherent perfection of life. 4-week class. Begins, July 16 with Rev Shawn Moninger.

All classes offered on a Love Offering basis. Unity Center, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-855-7922.

Office@UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

Psychic Development Class – 7-8:30pm. Every other Wednesday, begins March 12 for March series of 6 classes. Please bring journal and pen. Reserve a spot at Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel.

203-570-3868. Soul-focus.me.

Journey Within: Do You Feel Stuck? – 7-9pm. 1st Wednesday. Need support trying to begin something new? Support, intuitive insight, wisdom. Facilitator: Cindy Miller, intuitive. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. Call: 203-4269448. SacredGrounds.bz. TrinityProduction.org.

Psychic Development Circle – 7-9pm. With Verline Eldridge, medium and teacher who helps individuals open up to the world of spirit. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. The class is for beginners and those with some experience in the world of psychic and mediumship development. $20. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. 2nd Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care, 156 East Ave, Norwalk.

Turning Point S.H.A.R.E. Divorce Group – 7:30-9:30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Offering support, healing, advocacy, resources and education for women in the process of, or recently divorced.

Themes and speakers cover the legal, financial and emotional issues encountered during or in the aftermath of divorce. Redding Center for Meditation, $20, $150/10-session card. Registration required.

9 Picketts Ridge Rd, Redding. 203-438-3050 or TurningPointShare.com.

thursday 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.

Yoga Tea Potluck – 6:30-8pm. Do your own practice, no instruction. 8-10pm. Potluck in barn.

Practice together with other yogis. Also open for meditation if this is your main practice. Please prepare food to share. Also bring own plate, cup and utensils. Tea provided. Information: DesreTarr@gmail.com. Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat.

201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-270-8220.

SticksAndStonesFarm.com.

EFT Tapping Circle Meetup – 7-8:30pm. Come join us to learn and practice a powerful self-help tool using tapping on meridian acupressure points.

No experience necessary. $10. Location given with RSVP, near Merritt, Weston. 203-247-1318.

Robin@RobinFriedman.net. EnergyToolsFor DailyLiving.com.

Energy Tools Study Group MeetUp – 7-8:30pm.

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, near Merritt, Weston. 203-2471318. Robin@RobinFriedman.net. Meetup.com/ Energy-Tools-Study-Group.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. 1st Thursday. All welcome. Non Reiki & Reiki Practitioners share and experience Reiki. See details on Unity website.

Hosted by Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/Teacher. $20.

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterPS.org.

Pre-Natal Yoga – 7:30-8:45pm. For all stages of pregnancy. This class will combine yoga postures, breath work and relaxation techniques to help release tension and fatigue and prepare for labor, delivery and the post-partum period. Please pre-register for your free trial class. The United Church of Rowayton, 210 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk. 203-253-0764.

KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net.

Channeled Messages and Meditations – 7:309:30pm, 4th Thursday. Through meditation and channeling receive information, energetic atonements and initiations from Spirit. This group is for those who want to develop and expand their energetic vibration. $20. Ridgefield. Call 203-4384893, space is limited.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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ongoingevents

classifieds

friday

saturday

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am.

Meets bi-weekly in Westport. Facilitator: Henry Grayson, PhD. Free. To reserve seat and for dates/ location: 203-454-1745.

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.

Reiki Share – 9:30-11:30am. First Friday. With JoAnn Duncan. Reiki shares for those interested in practicing Reiki in a small group setting. Share experiences and help others develop in a safe, fun environment while providing a wonderful, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. $20. Registration required. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-438-3050 or TurningPointReiki.com.

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

Mommy & Me Yoga for Babies 6-weeks old-Precrawling – 11:15am-12pm. Mom and baby will practice yoga together! This class is a great opportunity to bond with your baby and to connect with other moms.

Pre-register for free trial class. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford St, Stamford. 203-253-0764.

KimberlyMotill@gmail.com. FamilyTreeYoga.net.

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.

TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Tarot Friday – 7-9pm. Have fun with Beth with this self-help tool for novices to longtime tarot friends to explore the Tarot or develop a deeper relationship with your cards. $40. TLC Center Norwalk, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

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.

Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Friday. Explore topics such as love, trust, permission and forgiveness as tools in navigating through life’s opportunities, losses and changes. Learn how to bring love, life and happiness. Notetaking welcome and encouraged. $40. Bridgeport location given with registration: 203-268-3262. TrinityProduction.org.

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Beach Yoga & Meditation – 8:30-9:45am. Nourish your body, mind and spirit as you practice gentle flow yoga and meditation. Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk. Every Saturday through September, weather pending. $20/drop-in. 4/$68 or 8/$120. Call 914393-9221. Limitless-Potential.net.

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

Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way.

Visit ReddingMeditation.org or call 203-244-3130.

The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am-1pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki Practitioners. Register for a free Reiki session. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport.

Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com.

The Universal Reiki Plan – 1:30-4:30pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki practitioners only. Workshop and Reiki Share. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport.

Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com.

Reiki Session – 5-6pm. Offering free Reiki sessions during classes. Students participate as part of class syllabus. 1st reserved. ReikiOvertones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net.

ReikiOvertones.com.

Kirtan with the Bindu Band – 7-9pm. Come join The Bindu Band on their vibrational journey back to the heart. Bring some snacks and beverages to share.

Love offerings accepted. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. Register: 203-268-1272.

Open Mic Night – 7-9pm. 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany on the piano. Comedians, poets and writers welcomed as well. $10. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above the Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

natural awakenings

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 BEAUTIFUL PEACEFUL RENTAL SPACE available in small established wellness center. Perfect for holistic health practitioner. Weekdays and weekends available. Greenwich. Call 203-531-4784 SPACE AVAILABLE IN SMALL WELLNESS CENTER 2-3 days/week in Bethel location in time slots of 4-hr minimum. Open area perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Offices for Reiki, Massage, Counseling and Readings, etc. 203-570-3868.

FOR SALE WOODED 6 ACRE PRIME BUILDING LOT IN GATED LAKE COMMUNITY. Woods at Duck Harbor in Equinunk, PA, near NY state border and Honesdale, PA. Lot borders protected PA game land, gorgeous mountain views in fall and winter, walk to lake. Low taxes and maintenance fees. If interested, call 914-763-0464.

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.

LICENSED AND INSURED MASSAGE THERAPIST wanted for Sunday-Tuesday in a brand new office in Fairfield center. Interested in both deep tissue and medical massage therapists, preferably 1-2+ years experience. Must be honest and reliable. Please email resume to ItsCarol58@aol.com.

SERVICES WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE A FRESH LOOK TO RENEW an area in your life with exquisite professional coaching? Telephone sessions available. Coaching Coterie. 203-219-7358.

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

ACUPUNCTURE INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad page 15.

JODY EISEMANN, LAc

Offices in Norwalk and Fairfield 203-216-2548 • AcupunctureHealingCT.com High-quality acupuncture at the most affordable prices in Fairfield County. 20+ years experience, specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues.

See ad page 59.

ASTROLOGICAL LIFE COACH JOY YASCONE, MA

3rd generation Intuitive/Astrological Life Coach/MA Holistic Health 914-341-2070 • Joy@JoysPantry.com AstrologicalLifeCoach.com As an astrological life coach and gifted intuitive, I provide accurate guidance with precise timing. I utilize my intuitive, gift and your astrological chart to coach you to success in love, marriage, career, finance & health. These coaching sessions are transformative and priceless. Please call for monthly specials. Sessions available by phone or Skype.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

As the hormone experts, we specialize in women’s health, natural hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention and thermography utilizing the highest definition camera in the area with interpretations from MD specialists in the field.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY X TO RAYS.COM

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 866-XtoRAYS • SuzannePyle@prodigy.net Get peace of mind with safe (no radiation), FDA-approved breast cancer screening. 8 years earlier detection vs. mammography.

Certified DITI thermographer.

Conveniently located throughout Fairfield.

CANCER TREATMENT ADVANCED MEDICINE OF MT. KISCO, PC Neil Raff MD CNS 37 Moore Ave, Mt. Kisco, NY 914-241-7030 • NeilRaffMD.com

The most advanced natural nutritional treatment and support for all stages of cancer – high-dose vitamin C, European herbals, Iscador (mistletoe), ozone, immune boosters. Specializing in removal of cancer causing toxins.

Call for free consultation.

COACHING

COACHING NINA ANTOLINO, RYT, RMT, MBA

Certified Empowerment Life Coach, Reiki Master Certified Interdisciplinary Yoga Instructor Founder & Executive Director, Limitless Potential Norwalk • 914-393-9221 Nantolino@aol.com • Limitless-Potential.net A unique, integrative approach which empowers and guides you to create the life you want. You gain the practical tools, motivation and commitment necessary to achieve your goals. I specialize in women’s empowerment and wellness. I blend my business background, holistic training and empowerment coaching to guide women to reach for more than they ever believed possible.

CHIROPRACTIC BLACK ROCK HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER Kristine DeMarco, DC, MS, FIAMA 825 Kings Hwy East, Fairfield 203-333-6544 • DeMarcoChiropractic.com

Kristine M. DeMarco, Doctorate of Chiropractic and founder of the Black Rock Holistic Health Center, has been successfully specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems for over 12 years. She is certified in “Cox Flexion Distraction Technique,” Graston Technique, Applied Kinesiology and Acupuncture. Specializes in disc problems, LBP, neck pain and musculoskeletal pain.

See ad page 72.

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CtChiropractic.com

ALZBETA PESKOVA

Norwalk 203-326-0405 Info@Yoga2LifeCoaching.com Yoga2LifeCoaching.com I am a life/mentor coach and yoga instructor. My mission is to help people to clarify their dreams, goals, and real potential.

Making meaningful changes in our lives can be tough when we try to do it all by ourselves. The professional support, insight, and accountability of coaching can help you make lasting breakthroughs. See ad page 7.

HEALY COACHING SOLUTIONS

Anna Healy, Certified Columbia University Coach Fairfield & Westchester County 617-852-3027 AHealy@HealyCS.com • HealyCS.com

Dr. Risa Sloves is 1 of 10 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 30.

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com

Anna works with individuals to help ‘get out of their heads’ so they can become aware of the habits, patterns and blocks impacting personal transformation.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

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COLONICS

GREEN LIVING

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

PUT IT TOGETHER, LLC INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

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

Judie Ricciardi, Interior Designer & Owner Middle Quarter Mall, 714 Main St S, Woodbury 203-263-7836 • PutItTogetherLLC@cs.com PutItTogetherLLC.com Create the healthy home of your dreams with beautiful environmentally friendly furniture, fabrics, rugs, interior finishes and paints. Environmental Consulting, “Green” Interior Design and Feng Shui – the perfect balance.

DETOXIFICATION ADVANCED MEDICINE OF MT. KISCO, PC

Neil Raff MD CNS 37 Moore Ave, Mt. Kisco, NY 914-241-7030 • NeilRaffMD.com Westchester’s most experienced office for the detection and treatment of toxic metals (lead, mercury, aluminum, etc), the underlying cause of many inflammatory, immune and digestive conditions.

Years of experience with chelation, IV or oral. Call for free consultation.

HEALING CENTER REV. CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT Psychotherapist, Interfaith Minister ARC Sacred Center, Monroe 203-268-1272 • ARCSacredCenter.org

Chris is a licensed psychotherapist and inter-spiritual teacher offering psycho-spiritual therapy and sacred ceremonies such as baby blessings, weddings, interfaith gatherings and healing workshops. See ad page 18.

EDUCATION

HEALING COACH

HOUSATONIC VALLEY WALDORF SCHOOL

MARY GILBERTSON MS, BSN,CHHC

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity and reverence for nature. See ad page 25.

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

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 11.

Licensed RN,Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach 500 Monroe Tpke, Monroe • 203-521-4733 GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com Prescription4Wellness.com Working 1:1, in groups and corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. You receive tools to optimize your health through nutrition, disease management, exercise, weight loss & stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens & adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events. See ad page 19.

THRIVE RESULTS COACHING

Kristina Hess, CHHC, SNS, FDN, CHT 30 Old Kings Hwy S, Ste 223, Darien 203-984-7989 Kristina@ThriveResultsCoaching.com ThriveResultsCoaching.com Facebook.com/ThriveRC Pinterest.com/KristinaHess Twitter.com/ThriveRC Being mindful about eating helps you break free from routine habits by examining the thoughts, feeling, and internal pressures affecting how and why you overeat (or restrict). Holistic Health Coach & Sports Nutrition Specialist Kristina Hess, teaches that learning to eat mindfully will bring you more self awareness, and help you naturally release unwanted behaviors and lbs. See ad page 59.

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natural awakenings

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

5520 Park Ave, Ste 301, Ffld Town Line Merritt Pkwy, Exit 47 203-371-0300 • WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer.

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

HYPNOSIS MIND BODY TRANSFORMATION HYPNOSIS

Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 • MindBodyTransformation.com Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc. Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy™, Time Line Therapy™, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ad page 28.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH BLISS NUTRITION & WELLNESS, LLC Gail Perrella, MS, CNS 2103 Main St, Stratford 203-710-3925 • Blissnutritionct.com

BioEnergetic Assessment (BEA) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive tool to measure pathways of energy flowing in the body. Natural healing is increasing harmony between one’s body and the natural environment. BEA provides information which makes it possible to achieve greater health and well-being, naturally.

WORDEN WELLNESS CENTER

Thomas Worden, DC 41 Kenosia Ave, Danbury 203-244-8801 DocWorden@WordenWellnessCenter.com WordenWellnessCenter.com At Worden Wellness Center, we use an integrated approach of chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition to incorporate therapeutic lifestyle changes to help you reach your optimum health. Dr. Worden has been practicing in Danbury for 25 years. See ad page 57.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN RIVERSIDE OB/GYN

Russell Turk, MD 1200 East Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-3337 Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology in Greenwich, C T, p a r t o f S t a m f o r d Health Integrated Practices, an affiliate of Stamford Hospital, is a full-service medical practice incorporating traditional and holistic approaches to women’s health. The practice includes one OB/GYN and a naturopathic physician. See ad page 35.

STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Michael E. Doyle, MD Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St, Ste 201, Stamford 203-324-4747 StamfordIntegrativeMedicine.com

Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad page 12.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Drs. Randy Schulman, Steve Carr, Narvan Bakhtiari, Carl Gruning and C. Lee Mellinger Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 139 Main St, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy.

See ad page 22.

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT JOAN CARRA, PSYCHIC MEDIUM 203-531-6387 PsychicJoanCarra.com Facebook.com/PsychicJoan.Carra

Joan is recommended by six books and has 20 years experience. Find solutions, comfort and closure.

Specializing in contacting passed loved ones. Available for private sessions, parties and corporate events.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK iFLOAT

MASSAGE & BODYWORK ZAK WALKER, LMT

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

See ad page 59.

Wellness Institute One Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-443-6679 • ZaxWeb@gmail.com I combine elements of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure and Myofascial Release, according to the goals and preferences of each client. I’m here to help you feel your best!

JOY CARBINO

Licensed Massage Therapist Holistic Nutrition Consultant & Reiki 203-470-1226 • HealingWhiteLight.com Joy combines her intuitive ability and her expertise in massage therapy to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Holistic health & nutrition programs also offered. See ad page 8.

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

LAURA CARLSON, LMT

Redding/Monroe/Easton 203-885-7353 (SELF) Facebook.com/LauraCarlsonMassageLLC Yo u d e s e r v e t o b e nurtured and time to be still, to breathe and to restore balance.

Relaxing and nourishing massage will encourage positive changes in your mind and body. Individual sessions and massage parties available.

ROBERTA RUSSELL

Licensed Massage Therapist Reiki and Polarity Practitioner West Redding • 203-438-2354 Beyond-Touch.com Relieve stress and pain. Improve sleep, energy levels, immune system. Swedish and Integrated Deep Tissue Massage styles incorporated with Energy Healing.

Rebalance energy for body, mind and spirit. Restorative and deeply relaxing! 15 years experience. See ad page 19.

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

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.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN DEBRA GIBSON, ND

100 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-4443

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.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Natural family healthcare using nutrition and biochemistry; herbal, homeopathic and energetic medicine; lifestyle transformation and detoxification, to promote well-being of body, mind and spirit. See ad page 17.

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NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN SHALVA CLINIC, LLC

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Ellen M. Lewis, ND, Director 260 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste #2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, allnatural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad page 31.

DR. MARINA YANOVER, ND, LAC 1300 Post Rd East, 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.

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 16.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN Fairfield/Trumbull town line 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.

NORTHEAST NATURAL MEDICINE, LLC Shawn M. Carney, ND 19 Church Hill Rd, Ste 1, Newtown 800-723-2962 • NortheastNatMed.com

Integrative naturopathic medicine clinic and therapeutic massage center for the whole family.

Services include advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, personalized nutrition and botanicals. Insurance accepted.

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, Bio-Identical Hormones, Homeopathy, Chinese/ Western Herbs, Allergy/Toxin Testing, Oxygen Therapy, Meridian Stress Assessment, Nutrition/ Enzyme Therapies. See ad page 26.

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Fairfield County Edition

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING HEALTHY CHOICE MATTRESS

141 Post Rd East, Westport • 203-557-3900 HCMattress.com Healthy Choice Organic Mattress offers luxury mattresses and bedding made from the highest quality natural materials. With four showrooms, including two in CT, Healthy Choice features locally made mattresses that are chemical and toxin free, biodegradable, comfortable and durable. See ad back cover.

natural awakenings

ORGANIC SLEEP BY SLEEP ETC.

508 Main Ave, Norwalk • 203-846-2233 55 High Ridge Rd, Stamford • 203-323-1509 Founded in 1947, Sleep Etc now offers a new line of socially responsible bedding products, including higher quality, more comfortable and, longer-lasting mattresses. See ad page 35.

THE CLEAN BEDROOM

79 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-292-9275 | 866-380-5892 TheCleanBedroom.com The Clean Bedroom is an organic and all-natural mattress and bedding resource with seven showrooms, including its new location in Greenwich. Through its showrooms and web site, eco-minded shoppers gain insight to create a healthier sleep environment. See ad page 5.

PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY OF SOUTHERN CT

Linda Maude, PT 917 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton 203-926-6997 • PhysicalTherapySoCT.com Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, cranialsacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening & overall rehabilitation.

PSYCHOTHERAPY DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY JUDITH BARR, LPC, CCMHC Brookfield 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr.com PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

At its heart, psychotherapy is soulwork, which helps you reconnect with wounded, buried parts of yourself, finally healing, becoming your true Self – heartful, matured, full. This is not quick-fix, band-aid work. Do yourself justice – mind, body, heart, soul. Journey safely to your Self with Judith. See ad page 14.

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

Past Life Regression, trained by Brian Weiss, MD. Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy, trained by TNI and Michael Newton, PhD. Traditional psychotherapy with a spiritual approach; Reiki. Connect with your soul self and let your inner wisdom guide you.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children.

Specializing in Divorce, Parent/Child Conflict, Grief, Attachment/Bonding, Child Development and Parenting. See ad page 7.

VICTORIA SHAW, PHD

Intuitive Psychotherapist 3 Hollyhock Ln, Wilton • 203-210-5700 VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com VictoriaShawintuitive.com I combine the best of traditional psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in my work with children, teens and adults. My goal is to connect clients with their own inner source of strength, wisdom and healing. See ad page 59.

REIKI

RESULTS COACHING

EMBODY THE SACRED®

JEFF FORTE PEAK RESULTS COACHING

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT 203-994-5045 EmbodyTheSacred.net

2389 Main St, Glastonbury 860-633-8555 • PeakResultsCoaching.com

Turn your deepest pain or trauma into your greatest strength.

Shamanic Reiki, Usui/Karuna® Reiki, Shamanic Healing and Bodywork. Offerings in Ridgefield, Danbury and NY areas.

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

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

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

Want to quickly improve your marriage or personal happiness?

Hope is not a strategy for success.

Call to learn proven strategies to overcome your life challenges. See ad page 16.

SOLAR ENERGY PURE POINT ENERGY

28 Knight St, Norwalk 203-642-4105 • PurePointEnergy.com PurePoint Energy is dedicated to providing quality solar electric projects that make our clients’ lives, our communities and our planet a better place. See ad, page 24.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING

THE LIGHT OF HAPPINESS REIKI AND WELLNESS

Deborah Arconti, LPN, RMT, IARP Reiki Master/Teacher Advance Practice IET™ Danbury • 203-470-0635 TheLightOfHappiness.com Specializing in Reiki and IET™ sessions for mind, body and spirit connections. IET™ “Integrated Energy Therapy” uses angelic connections for soothing results.

Teaching all levels of small Usui Reiki classes, experienced in training healthcare professionals.

BETH PRINS LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com

See ad page 59.

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC

JoAnn Duncan, MS, RMT Reiki Master 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.

VIRGINIA TRINQUE, USUI REIKI MASTER

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels - greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

HEART’S DESIRE METHOD Shiloh@TheHDMethod.com TheHDMethod.com

The Heart’s Desire Method – 7 Steps to making your dreams come true. Bring highdefinition focus on what you want in all areas – work, family, relationships and money. By energizing the healing power of the authentic self, you will lead a happier, more peaceful and fulfilling life.

844-733-1330, Danbury VirginiasHealthyLiving@gmail.com VirginiasHealthyLiving.com

Virginia is a Reiki Master/Teacher with years of experience healing children and adults. Specializing in physical and spiritual pain relief and “body and soul integration” for easier living in this world. Usui Reiki classes offered for Master level, Levels I and II and Teacher Training. Sessions and classes held in a private, serene setting.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

September 2014

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displayadvertiserindex Acupuncture Center/Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

15

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Project Wild Thing

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71

Eliana Grubel

47

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24

Alba Thermal Imaging

61

Hands & Paws Reiki for All

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Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

10

ARC Sacred Center

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Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology

35

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care

30

Audubon Greenwich Hawk Festival & Green Bazaar

4

Judith Barr

14

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Bistro Seven Extra Virgin Olive Oil

53

The Bites Company

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8

Black Rock Holistic Health Center

72

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

2

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2

Kelly Carroll

13

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51

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30

The Clean Bedroom

5

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27

Coaching Excellence Institute

10

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63

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Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

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Live Green Connecticut!

25

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Liver Medic

45

TLC Dog Trainer

63

Mind-Body Transformation

28

Total Life Care Center

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Mind Matters Hypnosis Center

14

Mrs. Greens Natural Markets

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NA Franchise Sales

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31

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market 47 Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

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Final Journey LLC

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29

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8

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60

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31

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11

Westport Farmers’ Market

47

Whole Foods

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63

Worden Wellness Center

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Xlear

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7 45

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Shop online today at NAWebstore.com or call: 888-822-0246 86

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

NOW WITH Hemp & Sea Buckthorn Oils

Join 1700 Like-Minded Vegans Join our 12th annual Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise for 7 nights on the beautiful, new MSC Divina, one of the most elegant & ecologically-friendly cruise liners on the seas. Bask in gracious Italian hospitality & service all while enjoying inspiring lectures & vegan natural foods prepared by our own chefs. Departing from Miami, FL & sailing to lush Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico & sunny Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Learn more about the classes, cuisine & itinerary at holisticholidayatsea.com.

Chosen by National Geographic Traveler as “One of the 100 best worldwide vacations to enrich your life.”

holisticholidayatsea.com

info@holisticholidayatsea.com Toll-Free (US): 1-800-496-0989 Ph: 1-828-749-9537 Or join the conversation: Holistic Holiday at Sea holisticholidayatsea.com/blog

Lorraine Travel

bookings@holisticholidayatsea.com Toll-Free: 1-877-844-7977 Ph: 1-305-443-0542 (option 1 for program information option 2 for travel agent) All reservations for our holistic group must be made through Lorraine Travel

Food options for everyone vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and ship’s menu Swim, snorkel & kayak in the crystal waters of the Caribbean Continuing Education Credits (CMEs & CEUs) will be available Award-winning environmentally-friendly ship Dancing, socials & singles events Vegan pizza & ice cream parties Cancer support group & recovery panel 35 teachers 135 lectures & workshops 9 cooking classes, 4 intensives Daily yoga, meditation, Pilates, Qi Gong, Do-In, running, fitness & body building classes Private consultations & treatments available

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Best-selling author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease; starred in the film Forks Over Knives; featured on CNN special “The Last Heart Attack” Co-author of The China Study and author of Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition; featured in the film Forks Over Knives Chef & author of Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight, inspiring public speaker & cooking instructor Founder of the Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine; author of Food for Life & Power Foods for the Brain; active health advocate Physician, author, & internationally-recognized speaker on nutrition; founded NutritionFacts.org; spoke at Congress, on Dr. Oz, & the Colbert Report Award-winning author of five bestselling books, including The Joy of Vegan Baking & The Vegan Table; speaker, chef, contributor to NPR September 2014

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You Eat Organic Food, You Exercise, But Then You Go Home And Sleep On A Toxic Mattress?

Now Ope nI Summit, n NJ

Detoxify Your Bedroom • All Natural Latex • Certified Organic Cotton • Certified Organic Wool • No Toxic Flame Retardants • No Petro-Chemicals • Made in America

Summit, NJ 361 Springfield Ave (908) 263-7400 Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Ridgewood, NJ 14 Wilsey Square (201) 857-3245

www.HCmattress.com for special offers.

Because Nature Makes The Best Stuff 88

Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900